Letter´s And Diaries about Jeff Moses
(Confederate troops under the leadership of General French attacked the Union supply depot at Allatoona Pass, Georgia on October 5,1864. They drove Union troops back into an earthen fort. However, they had to withdraw and the attack was unsuccessful. Casualties were very high for both sides. About 33% of the Federal troops and 50% of the Confederate troops that participated in the assault were killed, wounded or captured. This portion of the diary includes the time Jefferson Moses and his regiment camped at Allatoona on August 8 until they left and began the March to the Sea on November 14. The railroad supplying Sherman's Army ran through Allatoona Pass and there would have been a great deal of activity with supply shipments and troop movements during this period.)
August 8, 1864
Today I am with the Company. They are now camped on the Altoona Mountain a very rough place. The worse mountons I ever seen in my life.
August 9, 1864
To day it is rather cool. It rain a little this morning. Nothing new to day. Last evening the train started out and run off at the suich and hurt one man very severe. Broke one leg twice. No hopes of his recovery.
August 10, 1864
Yesterday I was out in the contry for some corn. The rations are prety scarce down here. The Georgian woman brings lots of things in to sell.
August 11, 1864
To day it was quite warme. Last evening there was a Whole train of soldier went home that there time was out. Nothing has been heard from the front to day.
August 12, 1864
To day I am on guard at the depot guarding commesaries. I have a very nies place in a shed. To day at 4 PM they have inspection. This time il miss it once.
August 13, 1864
To day it is quite warm. To day we here that the rebles took the railroad (unidenified words).
August 14, 1864
To day is sunday and is very warm day to. This morning we had company inspection. Nothing new to day so far.
August 15, 1864
To day I am on picket. To day our regiment got ordes to be redy to march at a moments notice for to go up to dalton. The rebles made a dash in there yesterday and took the city. They also made a dash on some catle that our men were bringing through. They captured 600 head but wether they kept them I know not.
August 16, 1864
This morning we were relieved from picket and are now in camp. The regt left here last evening at 4 PM for Dalton or as near as they can get. Nothing has been heard of the where abouts of the enemy at or near Dalton. Hope they will not destroy the railroad mutch till our forces will drive them out.
August 17, 1864
It is very warm again this morning. I am detailed to guard commesaries. I just came off of Picket yesterday and this morning.
August 18, 1864
This morning I am relieved of guard and am now in camp. Again nothin new to day. We heare that the regt is in persuit of the rebles between dalton and Clavland (Cleveland, Tennessee).
August 19, 1864
Last evening the regt came back again. They had been as far as Recako (Resaco, Georgia). Then from there they marched to a place called Spring Hill a distance about 12 miles. Then they stoped a while. Then marched back the same day again. They had prety hard march. To day I am on Picket. There are 9 of us on one Post. Nothing new. (There were reports of raids on the railroad to the north of Allatoona and the regiment spent several days chasing the Confederates, without success.)
August 20, 1864
To day I am in camp again. It rained awful hard last night while I was on Picket and thundred very hard. Nothing new to day so far.
August 21, 1864
To day is a very unplesent day. It has rained all day and is very wet. It looks still more for rain and no doubt will rain to night.
August 22, 1864
This morning it is more plesant then it was yesterday. It rained all day yesterday but to day the sun shines warmly again.
August 23, 1864
I traded some sugar and coffee for some potatoes and tomatoes. We had a very good meal. This evening we were out in line of batle. They expected the rebles. There were two men of the 4 Minsoto captured.
August 24, 1864
To day it is quite warm and is a little cloudy. I think will have rain to day. I wrote 4 letter. That is pretty good for one day. Nothing new from the front to day.
August 25, 1864
To day it is very warm. To day I am on Picket. I am now standing sentonel on a very high hill about 100 yards from the reserve regt in the Brush in the Shade.
August 26, 1864
To day it was very warm and towards Evening it was very smuthering. Now no air a stiring at all. Nothing new to day.
August 27, 1864
Last night was rather a rough night. We had a considerable storm. To day I am on Picket again Off one day and on the next. Nothing new to day.
August 28, 1864
To day it was very warm again. Nothing new to day.
August 29, 1864
To day I am on Post guard. I had (unidentified) two hours and now am in camp for Dinner. Nothing new to day so far. Thomas folgat is with us now. He came down on a visit yesterday and he is going back today. (Thomas Folgate was a member of Company G but apparently was on furlough).
August 30, 1864
Nothing new to day. There is a train just come down.
August 31, 1864
To day I am working on a kind of tunnel that we are (unidentified words).
September 1, 1864
To day one year ago I got home on furlow. I wish I could go home to day. I would like it very well. Last evening the second Lieut got his commision for capt and the orderly for Lieutenant. S M Daughenbaugh is capt and G L Piersol Lieutenant.
September 2, 1864
To day it is very warm again. Nothing new to day. This morning I found five dollars. Now if the owner come after it and tells the nomber he can have it.
September 4, 1864
This morning I am still on duty. Yesterday Henry Denhart went out a foraging and it is reported he is captured. They went out about 7 or 8 miles and the rebles captured 19 of our men. Two got away but they may return yet. I hope they may come back. Last night it rained nearly all night. Denhart got off from the Rebles again. (The regimental history reports that 10 men of a foraging party of 16 were captured by Confederate Cavalry on September 3. Henry Denhart of Company G was not listed as one of the 10 captured).
September 5, 1864
To day I am on Picket again. I am on the East sid of our camp. To day they are beginning to haul these rations out from here to take them to Atlanta. There are about two and a half million rations (unidentified words).
September 6, 1864
This morning I am still on Picket. I am now on from half past 5 till half past six. Last Evening we had quite a rain. It rained considerable.
September 7, 1864
Last Evening there were about 50 of our regt went out 3 miles to see wether they could not catch some rebles. They had collect a (unidentified word) team that a citizen had (unidentified word) one of the 4 minsoto but he did not see any of them. To day I am on Picket agan. I had just com off of picket yesterday morning and next (unidentified words).
September 8, 1864
To day it is cloudy and look very mutch for rain. Nothing new to day so far.
September 9, 1864
To day I am on Picket agan. I am on the same post that I was two days ago. Nothing new to day yet so far. Last evening there were two trains loaded with reble prisiners.
September 10, 1864
This morning I am on the railroad. Will be reviewed this morning. To day we had genrel Inspection. We were Inspected in front of our company quarters. Nothing new to day.
September 11, 1864
To day I am on Picket again. I am on every day off in the morning and next morning on again. Today the first mail com through. Our regt mail went up to Kingston. We had not got non to day.
September 12, 1864
To day I am in camp again. Last night I was on Picket. It was a very nies night to be out but the mosquites prety nigh ate one up. It was prety cold after mid night.
September 13, 1864
To day it is quite warm. This morning I am on Post Commessarry. Nothing new to day so far.
September 14, 1864
To day it is very warm again. Last Evening one of our boys come back. He went home on a furlow from Huntsville. He was home quit a while.
September 15, 1864
To day I am not on duty. I have been a writing nearly all day. I also was outsid of the pickets to trad but did not suceed in that or geting enything.
September 16, 1864
To day it was right plesent but very warm. Nothing new to day.
September 17, 1864
To day I am in camp. I did not get on duty to day. Last night it was very cold the coldest night that we had this fall yet. I guess the cold weather is now coming. It will be prety cold here this winter if we stay here.
September 18, 1864
To day I am on Picket again. It has been raining all fore noon. It will not be very plesent if it keeps on so.
September 19, 1864
This morning it is very dewy. The trees are all whet. It was a prety good night to be out last night but I have seen better night then this.
September 20, 1864
To day I am on Picket. It rained nearly all night.
September 21, 1864
To day we have very whet weather. To day I am sick without (unidentified words).
September 22, 1864
To day I am in bed. I am partially able to be up.
September 23, 1864
To day it is raininy all day and is very unplesent to be out. Nothing new to day so far.
September 24, 1864
This morning there was a large drove of Catle went through here. Then when (unidentified word) hundred went by.
September 25, 1864
To day it is very nies and warm. We did have very whet weather this last week.
September 26, 1864
To day it is quit cool. Last eveng the boys come in again. They had went out to catch (unidentified word) some rebles.
September 27, 1864
To day it is prety cool again. It is very cool after night. Nothing new to day so far.
To day it is kind drizly again and looks very mutch for rain.
September 29, 1864
To day it is right plesent again. It rained a litle but not mutch. Nothing new to day. There are some troops going up here on every train.
September 30, 1864
To day it is plesent again. It rained last night like everything. It is prety warm to day again. Nothing new so far.
October 1, 1864
To day it is quite warm. It rained very hard last night and nearly all night. Nothing new to day.
October 2, 1864
To day it is very warm again and looks very mutch for rain. There is a heavy thunder storm coming up now. I guess we have a hevy rain before morning. There is a long wagon train passing here now on raid for Rome Georgia.
October 3, 1864
To day it is raining again. It is awful whet here now. Last night it rained nearly all night. Nothing new.
October 4, 1864
Today I am Post com guard. Nothing new to day.
October 5, 1864
This morning the enemy attacked our pickets. They planted their artilry so they had good range of us. They drove us out of our rifel pits about 11 A M and we fell back in the fort and then we held them and fought them until nearly 4 P M. The timber is laying full of dead and some wounded. Our brigidier was wounded (General Corse) and the colonel of the 52 Ill was wounded and the post comm of Allatoona was wounded . The wounded of our company Henry Hockman in left leg, J Garman finger shot off, E Kahley shot in back, J Humpfrey in the side, (unidentified words), H C Carl through the breast, J Stewart slight in leg, Danil Dauber slightly in arm. Killed Simon Hulbert.
October 6, 1864
Today they are burying the dead and gathering in the wounded. I have not learnt the nombers of men killed yet but there are good many johneys killed. The timber is just full of the dead and a good many wounded here yet.
October 7, 1864
To day it is quite warm. Last night after dark I was detailed to go on patrol. It was a good while after dark when the detail come up.
October 8, 1864
This morning the 23rd army corps come in. They are camped right in sight of us. They have a prety large corps.
October 9, 1864
This evening genrel Sherman come up. He has his headquarters in a field here. I have not seen the genrel yet.
October 10, 1864
Today the 23rd corp marched out. They go toward Cartersville. They move along prety brisk. Today I seen old genrel Sherman. He looks quite naturel. There are still troops going by here. There are a lot of wagons in town yet. They are still ampatating legs and arms from the rebels. There own doctors are here operating on there own men. They go at it prety rought so they do.
October 11, 1864
This morning the 15 corps passed through here. Last evening the 4 corps passed through. They passed through here all night. This morning there was a detail come up about 4 oclock for to unload some cars. To day I am on Picket. I seen Howard Haines and francis Bare. They belong to the 15 army corps. (Howard Haines and Francis Bear were from Stephenson County and in the 26th Illinois)
October 12, 1864
This morning I got relieved from Picket. I am now in camp. There are some wagons still passing by and will all day I guess. There are lots of wagons going by here. The 17 corps passed through yesterday.
October 13, 1864
To day I am on fatigue. I am choping down trees to day. We hear that the rebles destroyed the Resaca railroad bridge but how true I do not know.
October 14, 1864
To day it is quit warm again. Last night it was very cold again. It is very cold through the night then in daytime it is warm again. Nothing new to day.
October 15, 1864
This morning I am detailed again for to go a foraging. We went out about 7 miles . We got some corn and some sweet potatoes and some peaches (the final word could be peaches, pickels or porkers).
October 16, 1864
To day it is very smokey. I supose the woods is burning someplace above here towards Kingston. This morning there was a prety large drove of catle went back again. I supose they are going to the army. Last evening the report was that old Hood was between Resaca and Dalton and sherman on his rear and thomas on his front. If that is so old hood is gone up. (Confederate General Hood had been trying to cut Union supply lines in Northern Georgia)
October 17, 1864
To day we move our camp. We now insid of the rifle pits. We had to carry everything from the old camp to where we are now about 40 rods. I am trying to get it all over from the old camp.
October 18, 1864
To day I am on picket. This morning I feel very sore. Had to carry so mutch lumber yesterday that my sholder aches like everything.
October 19, 1864
Today I am in camp. I was on picket last night. To day I and Peter Wetzel and Lester Nichlas built a chimey to our tent. It done well. To day Jams Logan was out a foraging. Nothing new to day so far.
October 20, 1864
Last night I took sick again. Had a terible time all night. Nothing new to day.
October 21, 1864
To day I am in my tent. I dont feel very well. I had the Chill fever. I felt very sick for a while. To day we got the first mail again since the 8 of this month I think. I got two letters one from father and one from (unidentified word).
October 22, 1864
To day I am in bed. I am very sick. I have had the chills all fornoon and fever in the afternoon. Our old docter come back again on last friday. He looks well but he dont know more than he did.
October 23, 1864
Henry C Carl died last evening at 10 o clock. He was wounded on the 5 at the batle of Allatoona Ga. He sufered very mutch. He will be buried to day at two P M in a prosesion of 12 men to fire a salut. Henry was mutch thought of in the Company. He was always willing to do his duty when was called upon to do anything but I hope he is now at rest with god where I hope we all may meet him is my wish. (There is only one existing Civil War letter from Jefferson Moses. It was written on October 24 and goes into detail on the death and burial of Henry C. Carl).
October 24, 1864
To day there is another large detail went out a foraging again. Last night we had a very cold night again. Nothing new to day.
October 25, 1864
To day has been a very nies day. It was quit warm. I am still not well yet. I have not drawn no duty for some time. Nothing new.
October 26, 1864
We drawed some clothing but not the kind we wanted. No overcoats. Not but a few socks.
October 27, 1864
To day it is very wet. It rained the greater part of the night and is still raining this morning.
October 28, 1864
This morning I am detailed for to go on Picket the first time that I was on duty for nearly two weeks. I am well again.
October 29, 1864
This morning it is very plesent and warm. This morning there were two Hospital trains went down and one train loaded with soldiers. Just as many as could get on were on.
October 30, 1864
I am on Patrol. I stand guard at the reserve this morning. All of our trains went up to Cartersville. They have a regular genrel Inspection of teams. There are some prospects of us soon going on a march but I hope we will not go yet for awhile yet for we have nice winter quarters up now and I would like if we could stay here awhile now. Yesterday our mail for the 93rd Ill went through to Atlanta. I hope they will send it back to day again. We have not had no mail for some time now and we are all anxious for to hear from our homes.
October 31, 1864
To day it is quit warm and looks very mutch for rain.
November 1, 1864
To day I was out a foraging. We had 140 men on our detail. We were out about 12 miles. It was after night when we come to camp but we got lots of corn. We also got some hogs but they are secure out in the contry.
November 2, 1864
Last night it rained all night and is still raining and is prety cold. To day there was a lot of caverly went by here up towards Cartersville.
November 3, 1864
To day it is still very windy and still rains. Nothing new to day so far.
November 4, 1864
To day it is very cold again. Still there are some rumors afloat that we are again to march before long. To day there was a large drove of catle went through here. (unidentified words) while passing by here. It was very muddy to day for them to march. There were a good many soldiers with them as guards and some caverly. This morning there are some caverly in camp out sid of our pickets.
November 5, 1864
To day I am on Picket. I am on the fort oposite our camp. To day our reg took and voted. The result I dont know yet. I guess by tomorow Il know. This is the first vote I had and now it wasnt good for enything. They only want to see how the regiment stands for presendent.
November 6, 1864
This morning I am relieved of Picket. It was a very cold night to be out but then it was nies and clear all day and night but this morning it comenced to rain again and has rained nearly all day and is prety cold to be out.
November 7, 1864
The returns of the Election were 185 for Lincoln and 72 for the young Napoleon McCleline. (General George McClellan was Lincoln's opponent in the 1864 election. He was known as the "Young Napoleon". The 185-72 count was apparently a straw poll since the actual election was not until the next day.)
November 8, 1864
Today I am on patrol. I am on the out fort today. To day the pay master pays the minesoto regt. To day is election day.
November 9, 1864
To day we got our pay. We got two months pay. 82 dollars. Prety soon we will leave here. To day the train of the 4 army passed through here.
November 10, 1864
Last evening we had to give up our tents. It was dark already when we had to take them down. Then after we had them down it comenced to rain and rained the greater part of the night.
November 11, 1864
To day I am on Picket. They had genrel Inspection in camp. I missed that this time.
November 12, 1864
This morning we march. I was on picket and they fired the canon and we went to camp and at 9 we marched. We are now in camp about 8 miles from Allatoona toward Atlanta.
November 13, 1864
To day we marched through maryetto (Marietta, Georgia) and they had the whole caverly train loaded with horses. Genrel sherman had his headquarters there. Maryetto is a nice town. We marched 12 miles to day and now we are in camp out of a field.
Battle At Dalton
LINE OF BATTLE AT DALTON
(There were reports that the Confederates removed troops from Dalton, Georgia. It was felt that this was an opportunity to capture the city. The 93rd was in the line of battle but not directly involved in the fighting. The resistance was stronger than expected and the Federals had to withdraw. There were a total of 345 Union and 167 Confederate casualties.)
February 24, 1864
Last night we marched till 11 in the night. Then we halted for the remaner of the night. I can tell you they marched us hard yesterday. We marched about 30 miles. We started at 5 in the morning and rested about 3 hours and marched the rest of the time. The boys say that this was the hardest march that they ever marched yet. We are in camp yet this morning. It is about 9 now and we are still laying. We are not far from Dalton. The rebs are over on tunnel Hill. I think we have to fight. We come back now about 5 miles and are laying in a line of batle. There are two lines formed. We are prety near Dalton Station. We lay here all day in line of batle. This evening we moved up in the timber for to camp. We have a prety nice place to sleep on and lots of leaves to lay on. Nothing more.
February 25, 1864
This morning we were roused up at 2 o clock to be redy to march at three o clock. We had to get up prety erly. We are now within 5 miles of Dalton. Today we lay near the rebs. We were up so close that we could see them fight. Our men charged on a reble batery and took it and afterwards they have repulsed the 84 Ohio. They took a runing. Then the others had to run and they fought prety hard yesterday but didnt hold them.
February 26, 1864
This morning we lay on the place that we lay in line of batle the first day yesterday morning. We marched about 8 miles then formed a line of batle and lay there till nine last evening. Then we marched back. We had a prety bad place. The rebs throwed several shot over us but so high that they didnt do (unidentified). It was prety normal up front. We were stationed on a hill so we could see them plain. The rebs throwed a shot over us and they (unidentified) in front of us. It took the top of a tree off and killed one man and wounded (unidentified) passed over us. We seen them carry the wounded right past us. They helped some rebs (unidentified). We marched this morning to the top of the rige. Now we are laying in line of batle and have been all morning. It is about 2 PM now and the caverley have all gone front. They reported that the rebs are only about 3 miles from here. They say old John Morgan ( General John Morgan famous for the Morgan Raids) is on the road to reforce the rebs.
February 27, 1864
Last night we got orders to march as quick as the moon raised. We started just as the moon rose. It was ten o clock in the night. We marched about 5 miles back. We had to retreat. Now we are about two miles from Ringgold. We lay on a high hill this morning. This afternoon about 1 o clock we got order to march. The rebles they shelled our retreat like everything.
February 28, 1864
Today we marched about 12 m. Then we got to our old camp again. We got here to Cleveland (Tennessee) at 3 pm. Now we are in our old tent again. Yesterday after we had left the rebs they come in and shelled our retreat. The caverley they fought them a while but I see there were a few of the reble caverley that come out to see us.
(Jefferson Moses marched into North Carolina on March 8. One of the final battles of the war took place at Bentonville from March 19-21. The 93rd was in the line of battle but not directly engaged in the battle.)
March 8, 1865
To day we marched 12 miles and made codoroy (corduroy road) all day. It rained all day. To night we camp in north Carolina.
March 9, 1865
To day it rained all day. We did not march very far till we got in an awful swamp. We marched all day and are still at it to night. It is now past mid night and part of the horses is still in the mud and water. (The regimental history classified this day as one of the worst of the war. They were stuck in a quicksand swamp and the mules gave up and refused to budge. The wagons had to be pulled out by the men.)
March 10, 1865
To day we crossed the Lumber river a small river. We marched 10 miles. We marched 7 miles before we got to the Division. We got to camp at 4 this morning. We marched nearly all night.
March 11, 1865
This morning we are in the rear of our Corps. When we were redy to start the rebels crossed the swamp and cut two horses loose from the Ambulance and recrossed again but wounded one or two men. They were dressed in our uniform. To day we marched 8 miles in nearly all swamp. We did not get to camp till 11 o clock.
March 12, 1865
To day we marched 12 miles and come within 2 miles of the city of fayetteville. We were rear guard and did not come to camp till 10 o clock. The whole corps is in camp here. The city is now taken by the 14 corps and the caverly.
March 13, 1865
To day we lay in camp.
March 14, 1865
To day we lay in camp till nearly noon. Then we marched through the city of Fayetteville. It is a prety nies town but we did not get to go through the center of the town. This evening we crossed the cape fear river on the pontoon bridge.
March 15, 1865
To day we leave at 1 o clock. To day we marched 10 miles. We did not get to camp till after dark. We waded mud and water (unidentified word) to our bodies. It was dredful so it was.
March 17, 1865
Last night I was on picket. Yesterday it rained nearly all day and part of the night. This morning we were relieved from picket and went to the Division then marched back again. To day we marched 8 miles and got to camp in good time.
March 18, 1865
To day we marched 12 miles and got to camp at 3 pm. To day we come over a very swampy contry. We waded one large swamp.
March 19, 1865
To day we marched 11 miles and camped. The 14 Corps had a heavy fight with the rebels. (The Battle of Bentonville had started)
March 20, 1865
Last night we had to throw up works. We had good works. To day we marched 10 miles and come on to the enemy. They are fortified prety strong. Our men drove them a good piece to day. This afternoon we change camp. We moved about a mile and camped again. It rained very hard.
March 21, 1865
This morning it is nies and clear again. Last night our men charged the enemys works and took one line of there works but they charged 5 or 6 times through the night trying to drive our men back again. The results I have not learned. (Confederate General Joe Johnston had a force of 21,000 men and attacked repeatedly on the left of the union line without success. His outmanned army was forced to retreat on the 21st. The 93rd was in the line of battle on the 20th but were on right side of the union line and were not directly involved in the battle.)
March 22, 1865
It is noon and we are in camp yet this morning. The rebels (unidentified word) there fortifications. Our troops have posession of all there outer works. To day it is very windy and very smokey.
(While Jefferson Moses frequently wrote letters during the war, this is the only one known to exist. He writes with more reflection and emotion than he shows in the diary. He was affected by the death of Henry Carl and writes at length about this in the first portion of the letter. He probably just learned in a letter from home of the pregnancy of his unmarried sister Clarry. In the latter part of the letter he is very provoked at the unnamed man responsible. Clarry gave birth to an out of wedlock daughter on February 25, 1865)
Camp of the 93rd Reg Ill Inft Vol at Allatoona Georgia Oct 24 1864
Dear father & Mother
It is with great care and mutch Kindness that god has shown towards me in giving me this plesent opertunity to adress you with afiew lines to let you know how I am prospering by this time. I am thankful to god that he has kept me safe so far and has blest me with good health until the last week. I have had Considirable Augue (ague was a common illness of soldiers during the war characterized by periods of chills, fever and sweating) but I feel prety good as long as I havent got the Chills but what makes me the sickest is the fever after I am over the Chills but still it dont last onely one day. I have had two chills in 6 day and if it dont come eny oftner then that why I can be very thankful. Some of the boys in our reg have it every day regular at that but I hope I ought to shake again but I dont feel enything yet so far and I hope I may not get it.
Before I go further I will tell you of a sad day we had yesterdy. Sunday we had a very solom day in buring one of our Comrads that was near and dear to us. That was Henry C. Carl. He was a noble young man. Allway willing to do his duty when called upon and he was allway found at his post but god seen fit to call him away and god only Know how long it will be till some of us will hafto folow him.
Henry Carl was wounded here on the 5th at this batle Allatoona Georgia. He was wounded severly. He was shot through the right lung. The ball enterd right under his arm under the right arm and lodged near his back bone but docters took the ball out with out eny trouble and had hops of him recovering but I think he was shot to deep. It could not heal. Oh I did pity him so I did and how I do pity his family and wife that they are mad desolot now are fatherless. It is hard but I hope god will be with them now and forever.
I did not see carl when he was wounded but he was wounded outsid of the fort right after we had retreated back and I think he lay there till the batle was over. Then the first thing I seen som of our boys cary him insid of the fort. Then by that time I supose he had bleed considerable but not to hurt him I think but then you know being shot through the lungs the blood setled on his lungs and of corse could not work off and of corse then it had to mortyfy to get out and after it mortified once then all hope of his recovery were over.
I was down to see him a couple of days after the fight. He looked well then and was full of life at that time but I could well see he had paines but from what I can learn he died very easy. There was a chaplain who come to see him and he thought agoodeal of him and I rather think he died happy. I hope he did. The chaplain was here when we buried him.
We had a regular prosession af 12 men and a corporel. They marched down and martiel mucic by the regmental band. Then the men they marched after the Ambulance till up to his grave. Then they halted and the Chaplain red a couple of verses and said a couple of words then prayed a prayar. Three salutes were fired over his coffin then he was covered. I did not go down. I felt so very dizzy at the time and I did make around very mutch yesterday. Now Henry C. Carl and Simon Hulbert they lay in one row. All of our regt that were killed on the 5th lay in one row on a little hill and every one has a nies head board up. Henry and Simon were boath mess mates and slept together and now they rest together until the Judgement day comes when all shall rise again to apere before god there to give an acount of their steward ship here below. (Corporal Hulbert of Company G was killed on October 5 during the battle of Allatoona Pass. The regimental history lists his name as Lyman Hulbert.)
We have now moved into winter quarters. We moved our tents Insid of the forts and now we have built us Chimneys. We have very plesent at present but how long we will stay is not in my knowledge to know. There is some rumers in camp that we have orders to march but I guess it is only a flying report not uless they should evacuat this rod which I dont think they will yet awhile.
I did not stat eny at first that I had a letter from you on the 21st dated the 3rd and 6th of this month. I was very glad to hear from you. We dont get our mail regular anymor since old hood (Confederate General John Bell Hood) has got in the rear of us. But now the railroad is nearly repaired. They Expect trains through every day know and I hope we may get mail more regular after this. You see the reason that you did not get my letter. Old hood had got in the rear of sherman but when old hood got to the road where he found old sherman. There to they had some fighting. I know not how mutch. I supose you see it in the paper before this all about it.
Oh father I was sorry to hear of the bad luck that Clarry (sister Clara Elizabeth Moses) had. I tell you father after I left home the time I had that furlow after I come down here again I often thought of sutch thing hapening in the family. I have often layed in bead and studied thinking if there should sutch a thing happen to eny of the girls. I would hardly know what to do but it is so we will hafto put up with whatever comes but if he dont take her why I would make him pay wel for it and if I live to get home he can look out and watch him or he might get a stick throwed at him the confounded rascal. I would agoodeal if I were at home now. I dont think he is eny better then she is or what is the reason the old folks dont want him. I guess by the time you get this he will be at home and time will show. I done hardly think of it. I dont know what I would do with sutch a person should I meet him. It would almost temt me to fight him and I rather think if they dont get maried he would better stay away from where I am if I ever get to go home. But I hope that thing may all com off right after all. At least I hope it may all come right.
Well I must close. I could write mutch more but space will not per mit and by the time you get through you will get tired but I hop you will Excuse my poor writing and speling and my misstakes. This leaves me in tolerable good health hoping it will find you all well. My love to you all and I hop god will spare us that we may met again shall ever be my wish till death. I still remain your son till death.
father and Mother Brother and sister Jefferson Moses
(post script) I would like to know how tall Addie Ema (sister Addie Emma Moses, age 3) is by this time. Oh I would give 10 dollars just to see her once and have a chat with her. I guess she would hardly know me now. I think I have changed fetures considerable since I left home.
(On the evening of February 17, Jefferson Moses witnessed a terrible fire in Columbia, South Carolina. With many cotton bales stored in the city and high winds to fan the flames, the city was destroyed. Both sides blamed the other for deliberately setting the fire. These diary entries take us from Columbia through the remainder of the march in South Carolina.)
February 17, 1865
This morning the 2nd Iowa crossed the river and captured quite a number of prisnors. We have ordr now to march. To day we crossed the Broad river and marched through the city of Columbia. It is a very nies town and lots of things in it. This commands new house. I supose it was to be the reble capital but even they dont want it now but I never seen so many negroe as I did here and lots of whit folks here. Our whole corps is campt around the town and part of the 17th corps. We marched 1 mile out of town and campt in a nies place.
February 18, 1865
There was a large fire in town last night. The greater part of the town is burnt I do not doubt. I do pity the woman and poor little children that so many are made homeless and without anything. O what a pity for them.
February 19, 1865
To day I was in town. It is nearly all destroyed.
February 20, 1865
This morning we leave again. To day we marched 20 miles. We had very nies roads but very sandy. There were two divisions on one road the 3 and fourth. The contry through here is very hilly and water is prety scarce.
February 21, 1865
This morning we still lay in camp but think we soon start out. We have no order yet to march. To day we started at noon and marched till mid night. We marched 18 miles and through the timber nearly all the way. We had to march along side of the road to give the teams more and better chance.
February 22, 1865
To day we marched 12 miles. We got to the Wateree river. We got within a quarter of a mile and stoped awhile. Then moved to the river. Then we had to guard some mules that they had taken.
February 23, 1865
To day we marched very hard. We come 18 miles and got to camp at 3 o clock.
February 24, 1865
To day we marched 14 miles and got to camp after dark. It rained nearly all day and was quite mudy. To day our advance met (unidentified word) rebles and captured lots of teams.
February 25, 1865
To day we lay in camp. The rebel caverly made a dash on our foragers and took 5 teams and some prisnors. We fortified all afternoon. To day John Templeton died of the wounds he received at the explosion of shells at Columbia. (John Templeton was the wagoner for Company G and was involved in an accidental explosion while unloading shells at Columbia).
February 26, 1865
This morning we are are redy to march again. We marched at 11 0 clock and came 12 miles. We got to camp before sundown.
February 27, 1865
Last night I was on picket. I was on an out post. It is prety cool this morning. This evening we are relieved. We lay in camp to day.
February 28, 1865
This morning we had order to be redy to march at 6. We were redy to go but lay in camp yet. I guess we stay to day yet.
March 1, 1865
To day our regt went out to make codoroy road. (A corduroy road was formed of logs laid side by side). We got done and come back to camp again. Now we wait for order to march.(The regiment had camped at Wiley Kelly's plantation for three days waiting to cross the swollen Lynches Creek)
March 2, 1865
This evening about dark we crossed Linchs Crick (Lynches Creek). It was awful high. They had to make a long trusel work for a bridge about a half mile. We got to camp after marching 5 miles.
March 3, 1865
To day we marched 27 miles. It was a prety hard march for us. When we come to the camp where the 4th Div lay the rebls made a dash on our pioners capturing one Lieut colonel of the 69 Ill killing two men right in front of our advance.
March 4, 1865
Last night I was on picket. I was prety tired last night. To day we marched 12 miles and got to Cheraw right on the river bank. We got to camp at 10 after night.
March 5, 1865
To day we marched 5 miles and went in camp. We crossed the Pee Dee river on the pontoon. The enemy lost considerable Artillery. They left some stand in the road.
(Jefferson Moses became ill at Vicksburg, was sent to Webster General Hospital in Memphis, and then received a furlough and returned to his home near Freeport, Illinois. His diary begins as he returns to Memphis in October, 1863. His initial diary entries tell of his time in convalescence camps in Memphis and Nashville. He returns to his regiment in January, 1864. This also tells of his journey on riverboats on the Mississippi, Ohio and Cumberland from Memphis to Nashville which took 12 days due to the frequence of getting stuck on sand bars.)
October 15, 1863
I landed at Cairo and got aboard the Liberty No. 2 for Memphis. It cost me $1.25 from Cairo to Memphis for deck passage. It cost me $12.00 to come down from Freeport. It took me the great part of 3 days four nights to come from Freeport to Memphis. The first thing that I do I wrote a letter to father. After I had wrote the letter I layed down and slept a little while. Then I got up and ate my supper which consisted of a piece of toast a cup of tea and a little lump of butter. It is now night and try and take good rest but not knowing what is a head of me but I put my trust in God.
October 16, 1863
I left the Webster hospital and com to Fort Pickering to the convalesant camp. There are still soldiers coming in the convelesant camp and there are some go out ever daily.
October 21, 1863
It is very mudy around our tent and prety cold. We have no fire in our tent and it is very cold and damp. It is very unhealthy at present. The orderly has just been here to get some men to help buery soldiers that died here in the hospital.
October 26, 1863
Today I am on guard again. This is the second time that I have been on since I am in camp. Today I am guard at the old prison about a half mile from the company that I stay in. They have a lot of deserters in that they caught and a lot of men that had furlows and stayed over the time (unidentified words) that their furlow where not out yet but on what purpose I cant tell. They are so hard looking (unidentified) of men that I ever saw. We had to guard them till the rations were dealt out. They got their rations cooked which consists of two crackers and a little piece of meat and a pint of tea or coffee for a meal.
November 10, 1863
Today all that belong to the 15 and 16 army corps are to leave for Nashville. I didn't hardly know what to do so I wait until nearly night. Then I went up and gave my name in for to go to Nashville. So this evening I am on the steamer Mary E Forsyth for Cairo. There are three hundred and some 80 or so on board. Have all of diferent regiments. We all lay in the engine room right on (unidentified). It is prety hard but still it dont mater mutch where a soldier lays.
November 12, 1863
We landed here on the wharf at Cairo about mid night last night. Probably we will haf to lay here all day.We had quite a time of it to day.
November 13, 1863
To day we are on the Ohio river sailing like (unidentified). We have had good luck so far. We passed several steamboats. This morning we had quite a time to get our rations. The old capt he issued to some and to ther he (unidentified) not issue. So they boys they got their donder up. Some swore they would push him in the river. We didnt get no rations until ten o clock.
November 15, 1863
We got off the sand bar last evening and now are on an other. One night at the Cumberland river or at mouth of the Cumberland. They are trying to get off now. We are now geting on a other steamboat and that will carry us to Smithland about two mile. Then the old Bob Ray will (unidentified). We are now on an old steamboat that lies at the port of Smithland.
November 16, 1863
This morning the old Bob Ray (this may have been the steamboat Rob Roy rather than Bob Ray) come up to us and now we are all a traveling for the old boat. We are now in the Cumberland river. It is a prety normal stream. Today we run over some rock. I can tell you it fairly raised the old Bob Ray.
November 19, 1863
We are still here and have been for three days (Bob Ray has been stuck on a sand bar). I can tell you the boys did some (unidentified) foraging since we lay here. Their is a man with a large family. The (unidentified) prety rough with him when we first landed. He had about 30 head of sheep and a lot of hogs and chickens and geese. They cabbaged them all.
November 20, 1863
Well we are on the old steamboat yet and dont know when we will get off. To day we passed the old battlefield Fort Donelson (early Union victory at Fort Donelson February 14-16, 1862). It is a prety hard looking place so it is. It is full of high bluffs. The river is very low at present but the steamboat that we are on is a very light boat. We lay at Clarksville, Tennessee. It is a prety nies little town.
November 21, 1863
Last night we lay a while at a town called Clarksville. We lay till about ten o clock. Then they steamed up the river and run till about two o clock in the night. Then the morning they shoved out again. We had to stop and load on some rails for they were out of fuel. We are on the river yet. It is very hilly and (unidentified)have some very high and steep hills. The boys seem all to be in good humor all the time.
November 22, 1863
We are at our journey end at once or at least off the steamboat.We landed here at Nashville last night at about 9 o clock. Nashville is a right smart town for all can see. This evening we are in the convalesent camp here at Nashville. This is (unidentified) place the ugliest place that I ever saw.
November 25, 1863
This morning I got off of guard last night at 11 o clock. I was relieved then I went to bed and this morning about 9 o clock the corpal come and wanted me to go on guard but I laid still. I did not go on. That is the way we do guard duty here. I stood last night about as long as I thought my time time was up. Then I made tracks for the tent.
November 27, 1863
Their were a lot of men come in to our camp again to day. I read in the pappers that the colonel of my regiment was killed ( Colonel Holden Putnam was killed at Missionary Ridge on November 25. ). I am sorry if it is so. To day their were 6 more men come in our tent. We are crowded prety well.
November 29, 1863
We had our dinner which consisted of a little coffee and a little meat that wasn't fit for a dog to eat but still if a man hasnt nothing he has to do best he can.
December 6, 1863
This morning I went to the doctor and got some medicine for me. It is very lonesome today. I wish the cruel war was over so I do.
December 18, 1863
To day a got a letter from home. So my father had sent me some money by Express. I went down and got it with out any trouble.
December 20, 1863
To day is sunday and a very lonesome day. This morning I herd a small sermon preached over across the road in a battery company N. It was one of these old sanitary christians from Michigan. He done tolerable well. He is around almost every day bringing some kind of book and pappers to us to read. (The Sanitary Commission was composed mostly of women and was responsible for such functions as diet, hygiene, and caring for the sick and wounded in Army camps. There was also a Christian Commission that distributed food and medical supplies in addition to serving their spiritual needs. Moses wasn't differentiating between the two organizations as he refers to the "sanitary christians" both here and in his January 1, 1864 diary entry.)
December 21, 1863
I also weighed myself today. I weigh 172 pounds. That is the most I have weighed inmy life.
December 23, 1863
Yesterday there was one of the boys arested and put in the Penitentiary for not having a pass. He was in there two days. At noon he was released and come up to the tent. I can tell you he hates it. His name is George Baker. He belongs to the 31 Iowa company. He is prety good felow. To day the sergent that is in the tent that I am he got on a detail to guard a house some place in town. I think he will stay their all winter.
December 24, 1863
This morning we had role call and all those that were absent were droped off the role call. To day I had my picture taken over. I had it taken and it didn't suit me. I had my coat off and I told him that I wanted them taken over. I had to pay 10 cents more.
December 25, 1863
To day is Christmas and a very nice day. This day a year ago I was in or near Holly Spring (Mississippi). I was sick at the time so I could not enjoy myself and to day I am at Nashville Tenn and the regiment at Brigeport (Alabama). I wish I was at home to day.
December 26, 1863
I went down to town and come across two of my company. They were wounded at Mission Rige. One was shot through the leg and the other was wounded through the arm or on the shoulder. One was Henry Hockman J P Garman. They took me by surprise. I was sorry for them. They are on their way home. They will leave to day at 8 o clock for Freeport. I am glad to see them go home. The one is my partner. He was at home in september the same time that I was and now he is on his road home again.
January 1, 1864
To day is New Years again. One more year past and gone and a new year come and a very cold morning. To day the lady of the Christian Sanitary Commission gave us a lot of pies. I can tell you they were very good. They were mince pies.
January 2, 1864
We are all packing our nap sack for the front. This afternoon we got orders to fall in to go to the baracks. We went down and it was very cold.
January 3, 1864
This morning we were roused up to get redy for to go on the (unidentified). We had to get up at 2 o clock. It was very cold. We passed through the roughest country that I ever saw. We passed through a tunel that was cut through a rock. It was about a half mile or mor through. We got to Stepenson ( Stevenson, Alabama) at about eight o clock. Then we had to go to head quarter to answer to our moves.
January 6, 1864
To day I left Stephenson for my company. I got on the cars and landed here at Larkensville (Alabama) and found all of the boys that were left. I was glad to see them all.
ON TO GEORGIA
(In June the 93rd left their comfortable quarters in Huntsville and camped in Kingston, Georgia. Later they moved to Allatoona to guard the large Federal storage depot located there. On June 27, there was a head-on train crash that included many men from the 93rd. One was killed and many were wounded. The men were riding on top of an ordnance train carrying percussion shells. Fortunately the shells didn't explode. From his diary entry, it is obvious that Moses was not on the train.)
June 28, 1864
The 5 Iowa and 93 Ill have gone on to Kingston day before yesterday. The train from Kingston run in our train with 99 regiment and wounded 31 of our men. Some were back.
June 29, 1864
We left Chattanooga and run to Graysville. There we layed till about 10. Then we started and got to Kingston after night. We passed a good many wounded that were wounded on the 27 out in front.
July 14, 1864
Yesterday we got some mail but not mutch. I got a letter from my cousin from Vicksburg. (The 46th Illinois had many members from Stephenson County and could have been stationed at Vicksburg at this time.)
July 18, 1864
Today there were a lot of catle drove through here. They were prety fat.
July 19, 1864
This morning the officer of the day arested two men for firing there pieses on picket. They belong to the 8 Iowa caverley. They are the hardest looking set I have seen in the army yet.
July 21, 1864
This morning I arrived at Kingston again. I was to Cartersville (Georgia) with some Dispatches for Division headquarters. I also had com for the 26 Mo. They lay down about a mile from the town of Cartersville.
July 22, 1864
This morning the news came that Sherman entered Atlanta at 8 this morning. I hope it is so. (While there were battles outside of Atlanta at this time, the city did not fall until September 2, 1864.)
July 23, 1864
We have awful sorowful news from the front of genrel Mc pherson being killed (General James McPherson was killed in the battle of Atlanta). He passed up here on the train. I am sorry to hear that he was killed. Respected officer and has Extinguished himself.
July 31, 1864
This morning the pay master comenced to pay off our regt. I got my pay about 11 am. I drawed 32 dollars three months pay. The 10 Iowa Veterans landed at Kingston. They are just from home. They look prety harty.
August 4, 1864
We have good news from the East this morning. This evening I got a Chicago day Tribune the first that I seen for nearly a year. They go like hot cakes.
MARCH TO THE SEA
(The 93rd was part of the First Brigade, Third Division, 15th Army Corps on the right wing of Sherman's March to the Sea. This Army cut a 50 mile wide path through central Georgia, destroying everything in its way. It operated without supply lines or communication. This bold movement was undoubtedly a major factor in the collapse of the Confederacy. The Moses diary entries recounted hard marches but relatively few encounters with the enemy.)
November 14, 1864
This evening we are in camp on the west side of Atlanta. We marched about 15 miles to day. Atlanta is a nice town and some very strong forts in it. To day I seen Howard Hanes (Howard Haines of the 26th Illinois). We are now in our old corps. This evening we will draw some cloathing.
November 15, 1864
Last night we drawed some cloathing. I drawed one over coat, a pair of pants, two pairs of drawers, two pairs of socks. We did not get our cloathing till after nighttime. This morning the 15 corps moved out.
November 16, 1864
Last evening we marched very hard. We left Atlanta at noon and marched till 1 in the night. We got to the division and in the morning we had to get up and march at 6 again. Oh but I am tired. To day we marched about 20 miles. I am very tired this evening. We are in camp at McDonough to night.
November 17, 1864
To day we marched 20 miles. We come through Jackson a prety nice town. To day our regiment was train guard. We marched very hard to day.
November 18, 1864
This morning we marched 5 miles. Then we got to the Ocamulgo (Ocmulgee) river and there we had nothing to cross over but an old fery boat and only 50 could get on at a time. We were the second reg that crossed over. The caverly crossed this morning. We are now in camp about one mile from the river. We got here at 10 A M and now we lay. Still we are prety tyred. A little rest will come good to us.
November 19, 1864
This morning the caverly passed by. They go ahead to day. Last night I was safe guard at a housee. We got our super and breakfast. We marched 12 miles.
November 20, 1864
To day we marched very hard. We marched 10 miles and come to Clinton a small village. We are now within 12 miles of Macon. The caverly have been skirmishing with the rebles through here. We are now in camp a mile from Clinton. This evening the caverly dashed in on the part of Macon that is on the west side of the river. They took the town.
November 21, 1864
To day we marched 12 miles. We got on the rong road and had to march back about two miles. We run into the 17 corps and had to turn back again. This evening we got in camp prety early. It rained all day to day.
November 22, 1864
This morning we march again. To day we got to gordon station. There is a railroad junction here.
November 23, 1864
This morning we lay in camp yet. Last night all of the troops here wont be (unidentified) up the railroad. Last evening we heard heavy canonading in our rear probely at Macon.
November 24, 1864
This morning we still lay in camp at Gordon station but are waiting for order to go. Last evening the 26th Ill of the 2nd Brigade went out to the river. To day we marched out about a mile and formed a line of batle in case the reble caverly should make a dash (unidentified) . We have layed here two days at Gordon.
November 25, 1864
To day we left gordon about 9 P M and got to Irwinton at round dawn. We come 12 miles. To day I rode in the Ambulance. I had the Chills again. The 1st Division is in camp.
November 26, 1864
To day we marched 13 miles. We got to camp about 1 P M. We are now in camp in a field three miles from Oconee river. There lots of troops camp on this side of the river. Our reg was in the lead. We had to furnish 10 pickets to day. Quite a lot for our rgt.
November 27, 1864
Today we crossed the Oconee river and got on the rong road. Then we had to turn back again. We marched 8 miles to day. We are now in camp at Irwin cross roads the whole of the 15 corps.
November 28, 1864
To night we are in camp 15 miles from where we were last night. We marched prety hard. The 2nd Div was next to us. The 17th is on our left. To day our reg was rear guard and did not get to camp till after dark.
November 29, 1864
This morning we started out at 7 and marched very hard. We marched 18 miles to day. We come over a very nice contry. Very nice pine timber but the land is very sandy.
November 30, 1864
We got to camp at sun down. We come over very sandy contry but very nice pine timber. The contry through this part is very thinly settled.
December 1, 1864
To day we marched over very swampy ground and very mudy. We marched 8 miles to day.
December 2, 1864
This morning we leave at 6. We was on guard at the suply train. We still marched through very swampy ground. We are now in camp. We marched 12 miles to day. This evening we draw rations. We draw half rations crakers sugar. We get lots of meet.
December 3, 1864
To day we lay over. I believe the 17 corps is crossing the ogagee (Ogeechee) river. To day we get some swet potatoes that they foraged in the contry.
December 4, 1864
To day we marched prety hard. We marched 15 miles and over very swampy ground and very sandy land. We got to camp at 8 P M.
December 5, 1864
To day I was on a forage detail. We got lots of potatoes and meat. To day we marched 18 miles. To day the advance had a little skirmish with the rebles.
December 7, 1864
This morning we marched at 8 A M for parts unknown to us. To day we marched 12 miles over very swampy ground. We had to wade through a swamp to our knees.
December 8, 1864
To day we lay over again. We are one mile from th Ogega (Ogeechee) river. To day I have the fever again. I feel awful sick.
December 9, 1864
To day we crossed the Ogeega river. We marched 12 miles. To day we heard heavy canonading toward Savanah.
December 10, 1864
To day we marched 10 miles and come on the rebles. Our reg was sent out regunortering (reconnoitering). We went 2 miles and throwed out skirmish and advanced but found nothing. We could see the rebles camp. After we returned the rebles throwed two shells at us but done no harm.
December 11, 1864
To day we lay under fire. We are close to the rebles. There is a large swamp between us so that we can do nothing more then skirmish with them. Last night the left wing went out skirmishing and to day the right wing goes out. We had one man wounded of Co (unidentified) caverly. (The 93rd was involved in heavy skirmishing here about 6 miles from Savannah. According to the regimental history, they had one killed and two wounded).
December 12, 1864
Last night we marched till 10 o clock. We were taken off of the skirmish line and marched 6 miles and camped in a plowed field. It was very cold. Gen howards ( General O. O. Howard in charge of the right wing of the March) headquarters here also. To day we leave again. We are now in camp. We come 5 miles and crossed the railroad.
December 13, 1864
We are still in camp this morning but do not know how long we will stay here. To day we lay still again. To day our men charged fort McAllerta (Fort McAllister) and took the first line of works. They charged about half after 4 the result I do not know.
December 14, 1864
To day we still lay in camp. The report is that our men hold fort McAllester this morning. (The capture of the fort is very important as Sherman's Army has now reached the coast and the Federal Navy can support them.)
December 15, 1864
We are still in camp at Millens station this morning. There was very heavy canonading to the left of us. I supose it was the 2nd Division of the 15th corps. The results I know not.
December 16, 1864
To day our reg or part of it are on skirmish and picket. They are about a mile from camp. To day everything seems to be very quiet. No firing of any acount. Sometimes a canon shot is shot from our gun boats on the Savanah river.
December 17, 1864
To day we still lay in camp. Last evening the boys of our regt were relieved from picket. They come in after dark. We still have nothing to eat but rice. It is very good but still hard tack and sow belly (bacon) would go much better here.
December 18, 1864
To day is sunday. Very warm day here. The Mosqetes and nats bother a man. While I supose up north it is so cold that a person nearly fresces. This evening we drawed the first hard bread that we drawed for six days.
December 19, 1864
To day we got order to be redy to march at a moments notice but it has not come yet.
December 20, 1864
Last evening our regt was detailed for picket. 12 men, two coporel, one sergent out of our company. To day we hear very heavy canonading off our left. To day we had to clean up our camp for Inspection. The corps Inspector is come to inspect us.
December 21, 1864
Last night I was on camp guard and at 11 we got orders to be redy to march. We are now redy. Have tents struck and are waiting for ordrs. We march now for parts unown to us again. We come 12 miles.
December 22, 1864
We marched 12 miles yesterday and to our great surprise right to the city of savanah. The rebles (unidentified) on the night of the 21st and left all of there artillery. They left over 200 pieces of siege guns and some small pieces. We are now in camp one mile from the city. We can see a small portion of the town. ( Confederate General William Hardee withdrew his troops across the river to South Carolina on December 21 without a shot being fired. He felt he was in a hopeless position and that this was the best course for his Army.)
NORTH CAROLINA
(The Regiment continues to march through North Carolina. As the War is coming to a close, they learn of the assassination of President Lincoln, the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox, and the surrender of General Johnston.)
March 23, 1865
To day we marched 12 miles and got to camp in good time. We crossed a prety large creek to day.
March 24, 1865
To day we crossed the noose (Neuse) river. It is a prety nies stream. To day we marched 14 miles and got to Goldsburough (Goldsboro). We marched a round the outer part of the town.
March 26, 1865
To day there is a large detail of our regt gone out foraging. Last night we drawed full rations of hard bread for nearly 5 weeks.
(In camp from March 26 - April 3. Nothing was reported in the diary.)
April 3, 1865
We had general Inspection of all arms and equipment.
April 5, 1865
To day we drawed soft bread again for the first time since we left Savanah.
April 7, 1865
This evening we had the glorious news read to us on dresparade of richmon being in our posesion. There was a continued yell all day yesterday all along our lines and Lee was retreating towards Danville.
April 10, 1865
This morning we leave for parts unown by us. We are now on the march. We marched 18 miles to day. We did not get to camp till midnight. It rained all day.
April 11, 1865
This morning we leave again. To day we marched 18 miles. We marched till mid night before we got to camp. We are now rear guard.
April 12, 1865
To day we marched very hard again. We marched 20 miles and got to camp in good time. To day the 1st Division had quite a skirmish with the enemy. To day we had the good news that genrel grant had captured old gen Lee. Oh what good news. I have it from genrel Sherman. (Lee surrendered at Appomattox on April 9.)
April 13, 1865
To day we crossed the Noose(Neuse) river. We marched 20 miles to day. We come over a very nice contry to day. Some very rich old planters live here.
April 14, 1865
To day we marched 5 miles and went to camp to day. We marched through the capital of N. C. ( Raleigh). It is a prety nies town. The capital is a nies building. We are now camped 1/2 mile from town. We marched in review. Our noble gen sherman and gen John Logan reviewed us.
April 15, 1865
This morning we marched out again. We marched about 2 miles then stoped and went and made a detail to go and get some rations. We were ordered to stay 3 hours but did not stay so long till we were ordered back to our camp again. Some say Johnson surendered.
April 16, 1865
Nothing new to day about Johnson wether he will surender or not but it is believed he will surender. (Negotiations between Generals Sherman and Johnston had begun but the actual surrender did not occur until April 26.) To day our regt went up to genrel howards (O. O. Howard) H Q to hear sermon preached. This was a prety large conregation. Our Chaplin preached.
April 17, 1865
Today we hear of the terrible murder of president Lincoln. He was asasinated in the oppera thetre. In his private room he was shot through the head and the same night secretary stuart (Seward) house was entered and severely stabed and his son mortely wounded. (The assassination occured late on the evening of April 14 in Ford's Theatre. William Henry Seward was Secretary of State. He and his son Frederick survived this attack in their home.)
April 18, 1865
To day we have the official news of the assasination of our president. Oh it is horible. Well we hope for the best.
April 19, 1865
To day I wrote a letter to Brother Lewis. (Younger brother Lewis Moses is in the 46th Illinois)
April 20, 1865
To day we changed camp. We are now on higher ground and have our tents set off of the ground.
April 21, 1865
To day I am on camp guard.
April 22, 1865
To day I was in town. I seen carl sherts and sherman. They reviewed the 20th corp. They made a nies disply. They marched through town. (carl sherts is Major General Carl Schurz, the chief of staff for Major General Henry Slocum.)
April 23, 1865
day one of my old school mates come to see me. He is from (unidentified word). He looks well and harty. To day I wrote a letter to sister mary and (unidentified word) and father.
April 25, 1865
To day ulysus grant rode through our camp. He marched genrel sherman. They both look well and harty and I supose they think that the war is on its last legs. Wish it is so.
April 26, 1865
To day we are yet in camp. Last evening there was a rumer that we would march before long.
April 27, 1865
To day we are transfered to the 1st Div. Gn. smith(John E. Smith) is going to Tennesse to take comand there.
April 29, 1865
Last evening we got ordrs to march. We marched at 6. We crossed the Nuse (Neuse) river on the pontoon brige. We marched 12 miles. I supose our destination is richmond. (Moses reports crossing the Neuse River three times on his march through North Carolina. This is possible based on the flow of the River and the route of the march.)
May 1, 1865
To day we march again. We stop now and made coffee. It is 2 p m. We are to go 7 miles more. To day we marched 22 miles.
May 2, 1865
To day we marched very hard. We marched all day. We stoped 2 hours and had coffee. Then marched till nearly night. We marched 24 miles.
May 3, 1865
To day we marched very hard. We marched 24 miles till 3 oclock. We are now in camp near the roneock (Roanoke) River. The division got ahead of us to day.
NORTHERN ALABAMA
(The 93rd spent most of the first 6 months of 1864 in the region around Huntsville and Decatur, Alabama. While there were a few skirmishes with Confederate Cavalry, most of the time was spent on guard duty, foraging, work details and drill. The regiment was in the line of battle at Dalton, Georgia in February.)
January 7, 1864
Today we have marching orders. We have all the tents down and all on the wagon. Yesterday I come to the regiment and today I haf to march.
January 8, 1864
Last night we marched till about 8 o clock . It was the roughest road that I ever seen. We just camped in the timber no tent or nothing. I slept aside a good fire. I am a writing by the fire. It wasn't daylight yet and I am making some coffee for me and my pardner.
January 10, 1864
Today we are in camp at a (unidentified) Huntsville a very nice town right on the Memphis and Charleston railroad. We marched through it yesterday and it is a very nice town. The streets are all paved of stone so they wont get mudy. The boys are hauling lumber and are making shebangs (a shebang is a hut or shack) to go in.
January 17, 1864
Today is Sunday and a very lonesome day it is. I think if I was at home I could employ myself some better then I can have today. They had a man out of our regiment out of Company E a standing on a barrel for sleeping on guard. He had a board tied on his back. The man that sleep on guard and has his gun stolen from him. That is what one gets for sleeping while on duty. I think it is prety hard for a man if he is punished for sleeping on guard but so it goes while a man serves uncle sam.
January 18, 1864
Today I got a pass to go down to Huntsville to get my boots half soled. I got them soled for a dollar and a half. I got a pie for 25 cents and bread they had at two single loaf for a quarter and cheece for fifty cents per pound.
January 20, 1864
Yesterday I drawed an dress coat two pairs of drawers. That is all I got. I had put in for a lying blanket and some socks but they had none.
January 25, 1864
I am detailed to go a foraging. We went out about 5 miles and loaded five teams. The woman commenced to shout and schold us for taking there corn.
January 26, 1864
Today Capt (unidentified) came from home. He brought a lot of things along for the boys. The Captain seems quite friendly so he does. The ajadent sent a lot of cigars down for the officers to smoke.
January 29, 1864
Today we are in camp. It is a town Brownsville (Alabama). It is no town of any acount only a few houses. Last night the boys went out to get some chickens. They brought in the fatest chickens that I ever saw. This morning it is a raining and we have no tents. Our tents are left at Huntsville. We left our knapsacks. Only took one gum blanket (rubberized blanket) and a wolen one.
January 31, 1864
We marched on the railroad yesterday and had to crall accross a prety large crick. The railroad bridge was burnt and some crossed over on the bridge and others crossed over on logs and so on. It was prety hard marching. We are now in camp. We come in about two o clock. We had quite a trip when we come back. Henry Hockman of our company come back. He has been on a furlow. He was wounded at the batel of Missionary Rige. He was shot in the sholder.
February 6, 1864
This morning it is raining and I am detailed to with the foraging train. We went out about 12 miles and drove right in a field and comenced to pull off the corn. We got a hundred wagons full.
March 12, 1864
This morning there are 15 men detailed to go on picket. We were on picket yesterday. We had quite a time. We had a general inspection. Our company was prety good.
March 14, 1864
We got orders to build shebangs. They hauled some timber to build them. The officers had to move all of there tents. They had quite a time today. Today we had to have some lumber for cook shabangs. Some boards and some cedar.
March 15, 1864
Today the carpenters out of our company are puting up the cooks shabang. It is going to make a nice tent for to cook in. Only they wont have board enough to finish it. Well they have to confisticat some more.
March 20, 1864
I was down in the Episcapal church. I think the nicest church that I ever was in. Lot of young girls but no young men of any acount. But lots of soldiers and sholder straps. They are as plenty as can be. I think if it dont rain I go to church to night if there is any.
March 25, 1864
This morning our regiment is detailed to go on picket. There are 13 out of our company detailed and I am one of the lucky boys. We are away out on the Braumbough Rd a very nice place.
March 27, 1864
Today I was in Huntsville in church. A prety good sermon it was.
April 14, 1864
This morning we were routed out at two o clock and had to fall in on the collor line. There we remained till 5 o clock. Then we went in to get our breakfast and we are here yet. It was reported that old Forest (Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest) was on the Elkhorn raid with 500 caverley. Then I guess old Gen Mathies (Union General Charles Matthies) got excited a bit when he got orders to be redy at a moment notice.
April 15, 1864
I guess we will get new guns today. We are to have inspection today at 10 PM. The 26 Mosurie got there guns yesterday. Today we drawed new springfield rifle muskets.
April 16, 1864
Today our regiment is on pickett again. Yesterday we drawed our new guns the springfield rifle musket. They are a very neat gun. They are not as heavy as the Enfield rifle. They are neatly polished. The Enfields are tarnished and a very rough gun. (The Enfield musket was manufactured in England. The Springfield musket was manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts and became the standard weapon for Union infantry soldiers.)
April 18, 1864
Today we had regimental drill and inspection of tents by genrels Logan and Smith (probably General "Blackjack" John Logan - unclear which General Smith this was). They inspected our tents while out on drill. They thought they would try and catch us dirty.
April 30, 1864
This morning we took up our march for Decature (Decatur, Alabama). We got on the cars at 8 AM and now we lay at the juncion of the Decature railroad. We got to Decature about 2 o clock. We stoped all night near the court house. One old (unidentified) all torn to pieses.
May 5, 1864
I got relieved of guard this morning again and wrote a letter to father and I must go and help to clean out the quarter in front of our baracks.
May 6, 1864
Last night they skirmished prety hevy. This morning there were about 70 recruits that were recruited about 100 miles from here right in the rebles state. They were from the 1 Alabama. Today I march on the fort. (This may have been the 1st Alabama Colored Infantry. Later they were designated the 55th U.S. Colored Troops.)
May 8, 1864
This morning we had quite a time. The rebles drove some of our caverely pickets in there. They fired a canon. Then we had to fall out on the color lines. Then we stoped till about 6 pm. Then we started for the rifle pits. There we lay quite a time.
May 9, 1864
This morning it is very quiet all along the line. There was some firing all along the line but last night it was very quiet. They fire some on the big road but not mutch. They fired a little on the road I was on but the caverly quelled them pretty soon.
May 10, 1864
This morning they fired the canon again for a signal to fall in. We had to fall in and go to the fort. Then we stayed about half an hour. Then commensed to rain. Then we stayed a little while yet. Then we went to our quarters and then was detailed for to work on the fort. We stood in the rain for about one hour then we were dismissed. (The Regiment constructed a fort in Decatur. There were frequent skirmishes with Confederate cavalry during this period.)
May 12, 1864
This morning I was relieved of picket at 6 o clock. I layed down to sleep and slept very good. Then got up at dinner and right after dinner the old gun cracked. Then we had to fall in and go up in the fort but no rebles come in.
May 13, 1864
The caverely all away now. They have gone on a skout. I dont know wether they will come back or not. Today I am on fatigue cuting trees.
May 20, 1864
Yesterday the 9 Ohio come in again. They were out on a skout of four days. They are camped on the other side of the river.
May 24, 1864
Today is my birthday. I am 21 years old today. The time flyes around way fast.
May 25, 1864
This morning our generl left us. Generl Mathis (General Charles Matthies) he resigned and went home. He was a splendid genrel I think but he complant of his health.
May 27, 1864
Today the streets of Decature are very lively. The 17 Corps is crossing over now and makes quite a nois. They are about 12 thousand strong comanded by genrl Blair (General Francis Blair).
May 31, 1864
Today is our ration day. We issued 10 days rations. We also issued our ration of Whiskey. There were two of our men prety tipsy. They drank to mutch. Today it is reported that the reble Forest (Nathan Bedford Forrest) is out here only 10 miles and is (unidentified words) under a flag of truce for to exchange of prisiners. But we have none here. They only want to get some back out of here to get information of our fortification but I guess we are smart enough for them not to let none out.
June 5, 1864
Last night we had to guard the Pay master up in the tavern. A very nice place to guard. He had a lot of (unidentified). There were two pay masters.
June 13, 1864
Last evening the 18 Michigan regiment come in from Nashville. They were no further south then they are now. This regiment is larger then our whol Brigade and the men are all a harty looke set of men.
June 16, 1864
Today we march again. We started at 6 o clock and we got to Huntsville about noon. We marched 12 miles and got to the Beautiful City of the south again.
June 19, 1864
Today I was down in the church. I herd a prety good sermon preached in the Methodist Church.
(The War is over and the regiment marches through Virginia en route to Washington D. C. This Army from the West visited a number of the Eastern battlefields including Petersburg, Richmond and Fredericksburg. They also visited Washington's tomb at Mt. Vernon.)
May 4, 1865
This morning we lay in camp yet. The 2nd Div goes first. It is now 9 oclock. To day we marched 11 miles. We marched awhil after night. We were the rear Brigade. The 17 corps come up to the river after we left. They commenced to cross.
May 5, 1865
This morning we leave again. We march at 5 to day. We passed through Louranceburgh (Lawrenceville, Virginia). There is a prety nies court House in it but a very ugly town. To day we got on the plank road. We stop now for dinner. To day we march 30 miles and got to camp a little before sun down. This was the hardest days march that we have marched.
May 6, 1865
To day we marched hard again. We marched 22 miles and through a very swampy contry. To day we crossed the Notaua (Nottoway) river and the laurel river and the stoney river. We are in camp at the stoney river.
May 7, 1865
To day we march again. We come 18 miles. We come across the battlefield of ream station. (The battle of Ream's Station occurred on August 25, 1864 as part of the Petersburg Campaign. It was a Confederate victory.) We seen several sculls of men a laying around on the field. To day we came in side of the rebels works at petersburgh. They had it prety well fortified but not half like Atlanta. So far the land is very leavel all around the works. It is a little hilly inside of the works but not like I thought it was.
May 8, 1865
This morning we lay in camp yet. We march at 12 o clock for richmond. To day we lay in camp insid of the rebel works. To day I took a walk around some parts of the works. The rebels had it prety well fortified but I supose we hit very heavy.
May 9, 1865
To day we march again. We marched 14 miles and are now in camp. We marched through the city of petersburgh. It is a prety large town but the city is prety well shelled. I seen severl houses that had holes knocked through by our shells. We marched along the turn pike.
May 10, 1865
To day we marched 6 miles and are now in camp. We are now in sight of the rebel capital. Last night we camped on the battlefield where genrl butler had his battle. (This probably is Union General Benjamin Franklin Butler who was involved in battles in this region in June, 1864.) The rebs had it prety well fortified.
May 11, 1865
To day we lay in camp.
May 12, 1865
Last night it rained very hard and thundered very hard. It killed 4 men in the signal corps last night.
May 13, 1865
To day we march again. We march through town in review. To day we marched through the City of richmond. It is a prety large town. I seen Washington (The last word in this diary entry is illegible but he may have seen the famous life size statue of George Washington in the Virginia State Capital.)
May 13, 1865
To day we march through the city of Richmond. I made a mistake on the other page. (Moses had gotten one day ahead in his diary and adjusted it with this entry.) To day we marched 12 miles.
May 14, 1865
To day we march again. We are at the Hanover Court House. We lay in camp. We come here about 9 oclock and still waited for ordr but none came yesterday. We crossed the Brooks Crick and the chickahomeny (Chickahominy) river.
May 15, 1865
To day we marched 16 miles and are now in camp. To day we crossed the Pomonkey (Pamunkey) river and we also crossed the Matapony (Mattoponi). We come by the Hanover courthouse built 1735.
May 16, 1865
To day we march again. Our div is in the lead. To day we marched 22 miles. We marched over a prety hilly contry after we passed through Bolding green (Bowling Green). We are now in camp. We are camped in a nies valley. We can see for about 2 1/2 miles. We are camped near the Massapony (Massaponox) Creek to night.
May 17, 1865
To day we march again. We left camp at 5. We marched 22 miles. It was the hotest day I ever marched. Lots or the boys gave out and some were sun struck. We crossed the Rappahanoc (Rappahannock) river. We passed through the city of Frederickburgh. It is one of the awfulst used up town I ever seen. Most of the houses are all full of holes from canon balls. Two church steeples are shot full of holes. (The Battle of Fredricksburg was on December 13, 1862. This is also near the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 1-4, 1863).
May 18, 1865
To day we march again. We marched 22 miles and got to camp at 3 oclock. We lay over one hour and a half then marched till we got to Aquo (Aquia) creek. We can see over in to maryland across the Potomac river. It is quite a river. We are now camped on top of a high bluff. The first brigad is in now. We were in the front wave of our corps.
May 19, 1865
To day we march again. We cross a big stream this morning. We marched through Mt Vernon up on the tomb of Washington. It is a grand sight. I seen the valt he lay in. It is a very nies place. We are now in camp near Alexandria. We marched 14 miles to day.
May 20, 1865
To day we lay in camp. We had ordr to march to day but did not go. We were all redy.
May 21, 1865
To day we marched to Alexandria. We marched 4 miles and are now in sight of the capital.
May 22, 1865
To day we lay in camp.
(Sherman's Army captured Savannah on December 21, 1864. Jefferson Moses and the 93rd were camped near Savannah and he had several opportunities to visit the city. During January, 1865 the Army made attempts to begin a march into South Carolina but heavy rains and flooded rivers drove them back to Savannah.)
December 24, 1864
To day the genrels all have a grand review of all of the troops around savanah. I am not out. I just got off of picket and did not go out. The 17 Corps moves out to day.
December 25, 1864
To day is Christmas. We are still at savanah. The citizens seem to Enjoy themselves very well since the yankes are here.
December 26, 1864
To day I was down in the city of savanah. It is a very nies town. I was down on the warf. I seen several large steamers and one ship that had Anchored in the river. I seen one torpedo.
December 29, 1864
To day the 14 Corp has a nies review through the City of Savanah. Nothing new to day.
December 30, 1864
To day I am on commesary guard. I have a very sore hand. It is very painful to me. We are now puting up good quarters but how long we will stay in them I do not know.
January 1, 1865
To day we are on picket and on camp guard. To day is newyears. The boys fired lots of shot (unidentified words) and musketz last night.
January 3, 1865
This morning we got orders to be redy to march at 7 but this morning we still lay in camp. We were to report to the chief quartermasters Department.
January 5, 1865
To day we got a chimney in our tent. It does very well so far. To day there is another detail out of our regt on fatigue.
January 7, 1865
To day I am on guard at the warf. It is a very nies day to stand guard.
January 8, 1865
This morning one of our boys come back that was wounded at the batle of Allatoona. He is well and harty. To day I am on fatigue. I helped to unload some boats first some hay and then some oats. We worked till after dark then went to camp.
January 10, 1865
To day I was detailed to go down the river on a boat after some forage. We went down 8 miles and uload some oats of a large ship. We did not get to load till 3 o clock. Then we had to load 700 sacks of oats. We did not get to camp till nearly 11 pm.
January 12, 1865
To day genrel sherman reviews gen killpaterchs caverly. They make a splendid sight. (Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick in command of the 3rd Cavalry Division.)
January 13, 1865
To day we was on fatigue but did not do anything. We just layed around and kept in relive for any moments notice.
January 17, 1865
To day some of the 19 Corps landed here. I supose they will stay here till we take some other place. Then they will probely come there.
January 19, 1865
This morning we got redy to march. We got order last evening to march at 6 Am but did not leave town till 8. Then we marched across the pontoon. We crossed the first and then it comenced to rain and got awful mudy and after we crossed the second pontoon every wagon stuck nearly (unidentified word). Then we had to pull them out. It was awful mudy. We did not get to camp till after dark.
January 20, 1865
To day was an awful day for us. We turned back again for savannah. We could not cross. The water comenced to raise so that we had to leave. There are a greatmany of our Division teams lost I supose. There are a greatmany mules drounded from what I can learn and I supose some of the Teamsters. The 2nd Brigade of our Division got across yesterday but the ferry was cut and we could not follow. Genrel Smith (Brigadier General John E. Smith) got over. We are now in our old quarter again. ( Sherman's Army began the March through the Carolina's on January 19. However after crossing the Savannah River, the Army got "stuck in the mud" only a couple of miles from the city. The 93rd returned to Savannah on January 20.)
January 22, 1865
To day it is still raining and is very unplesent to be out of door. We have ordr to march at daylight to morrow morning.
January 23, 1865
To day we are laying under orders. We packed up this morning and were to be redy to march in a moments notice but now it is nearly 1 oclock. We got aboard a steam ship for parts unown to us this evening.
( The regiment sailed to Beaufort, South Carolina and began their march through South Carolina.)
(The regiment embarked from Savannah on the steamship Mary A. Boardman and sailed to Beaufort, South Carolina to bypass the flooded area. The sea was very stormy and most of the men were seasick according to the regimental history.)
January 24, 1865
Last night we rode on the ship nearly all night. It was very stormy. The ship rolled from one side then the other. It was very cold. We were in the (unidentified word) and had no place to lay down. We did not sleep mutch. This morning found us at Beaufort and we got off at 10 oclock. and marched three quarter of a mile then halted awhile. Then marched outside of the works about 2 miles from beaufort. We are now in camp and is still prety cold. We have not heard nothing of the division in our (unidentified word).
January 26, 1865
This morning it is very cold and our camp is very smoky. This morning we can hear cannonading towards Charleston. I supose our fleet has atacted them.
January 29, 1865
This morning we got orders to be redy to march. We packed up but did not leave till noon. Then we marched 19 miles. We are now under Brg Clark ( Brigadier General William T. Clark). He is a fine looking felow.
January 30, 1865
This morning we got to the river about 9 and layed over till 1. Then we marched about 10 miles and are now in camp in the timber. Very nies place to camp.
January 31, 1865
To day our rgtment went out about 3 miles to suport the pioneer corp so that they could open the road. The rebles had fell a lot of trees across the road and tore up several briges. We are now back in camp again. (The Pioneer Corp was responsible for building bridges, roads, and fortifications.)
February 2, 1865
To day we marched prety erly. We marched 12 miles to day and did not find no rebles yet. The (unidentified word) skirmished with them all the time.
February 3, 1865
To day our Division was in the Advance. The caverly had quite a skirmish with them. To day gen John Logan was with us.
February 4, 1865
To day we marched but not very hard. We marched 8 miles to day. To day gen Sherman passed our colum toward the front. To night I am on Picket about 1 1/2 miles from camp.
February 5, 1865
This morning we march at 7. We march about 3 miles and come to the enemy fortifications which they had avacuated. They had prety good works right in a swamp but we flanked them out and are now in (unidentified words).
February 6, 1865
To day we marched 12 miles and drove the rebles across a large swamp. The 2nd Brigad had quite a brisk skirmish with them. They had all cavelry. We are now in camp and is raining very fast.
February 7, 1865
This morning we march at 10. It rained all night and part of the day. We marched about a mile and got to the railroad. The 1st and 2nd Divisions are tearing the railroad up. We are camped near the railroad now. This evening we have 6 chickens to cook that we foraged.
February 8, 1865
To day we are on the railroad Destroying it. We worked on it nearly all day. We are now in camp at a station called Bamburght (Bamberg, South Carolina).
February 10, 1865
This morning we had to go out and destroy railroad again. We worked till about 6 oclock then we went to camp.
February 11, 1865
This morning we leave again at half past six. It is very plesent this morning. The contry that we have passed over since we left Beaufort is generly very swampy and very sandy. To day we crossed the Edisto river and a swamp of about a mile and a half. We marched 12 miles to day.
February 12, 1865
To day the 2nd Div of our corps had quite a lively skirmish with the rebel. We wanted to cross the north Edisto river and they had fortified on the other side but we flanked them out. To day we marched 7 miles.
February 13, 1865
Last night we did not get to camp till nearly aleven o clock. Then we camped in an open field. It was prety cold. To day we marched 21 miles. We marched very hard. We are now 25 miles from Columbia.
February 14, 1865
To day we march again 10 miles. To day we passed the camps of the 17th Corps. They are right aside of us. This afternoon it rained prety fast. We got prety wet. We marched over very hilly ground but very sandy. We passed some very rich plantation some fine farms but all had deserted and all of there stock driven off or hid in the timber.
February 15, 1865
This morning we were to march at 7 and marched about a half mile then went to our camp again. I supose there is another division going ahead of us.
February 16, 1865
To day we marched 6 miles. We were on picket all night and in the mud nearly to our knees. Then this morning we marched out and come to the corps. We are now in sight of Columbia. We can see the city plainly. It was mid night when we got to camp. We crossed the river and then marched.
THE GRAND REVIEW and HEADED HOME
(Jefferson Moses participated in the Grand Review in Washington D.C. on his 22nd birthday on May 24. He then headed to Louisville via train and steamship to be mustered out on June 23.)
May 23, 1865
To day we move camp again. We marched 4 miles near to Washington. We seen the army of the Potomac marching. They march through the city in review to day. Tomorow we will march in review.
May 24, 1865
This morning we move out for the grand Review. We had a gay time. I never seen so many citizens colect to gather as their were to day. The streets were thronged with women and children and men from the north. They cheered us. It looked nies. To day is my birthday. I am 22 years old.
May 25, 1865
To day we lay in camp.
May 29, 1865
To day I was over to the 14th corp to see two of my cousins but did not get to see them.
May 31, 1865
This morning we go abord the cars for baltimore. We are now in the car bound for Louisville.
June 1, 1865
To day we are on the car yet. We pass over very hilly contry and the largest mountons I ever seen. Last night we passed through Harpers ferry. Then there are some mountons.
June 2, 1865
To day we landed at the ohio river. We are now in parkersburgh (Parkersburg, West Virginia). We got here about 2 oclock. We got on the steamer Ella faber.
June 3, 1865
To day we are still on the steamer boat. There are three boat in sight. To day we pass numerous towns and the citizens seem to be very pleased. They gather along the shore and cheer us and we cheer in return for them.
June 4, 1865
To day we landed at Louisville. We got there at 8 oclock and got off of the steamboat and went through town and camped about a mile from town. We have a very nies place for a camp.
June 7, 1865
To day the 2nd Division got here.
June 9, 1865
This evening we got our pay. I got $163.35 cent.
June 11, 1865
This morning I heard the sorrowful news of the death of my Dear sister. Oh it almost breaks my heart. I got it through other letter. One in my own company Ruben Mayres (Reuben Myers) got it in his letter last evening. Oh I am anxious for a letter from home now. ( 18 year old Clara Elizabeth Moses died on June 1, 1865. She had given birth to an out-of-wedlock daughter on February 25. The cause of death is unknown.)
June 12. 1865
I still have no letter from home. I am anxiously awaiting for one. I hope I will get one to night.
June 13, 1865
Nothing new to day. No letter for me yet.
June 14, 1865
To day I was in the city of Louisville. I seen lots of things in there.
June 20, 1865
To day I was in the City again. This evening I received a letter from home dated the 5th.
June 23, 1865
To day we are mustered out of the United states service. We leave for Chicago. We cross the river to New albany. Then we take the cars and go to chicago.
June 24, 1865
To day we are on the cars.
June 25, 1865
Last night we reached the city of Chicago. We are now in the old baracks. It rained very hard when we got here but we find it prety nies here. To day old Joe reel (Joe Reel was the original Captain of Company G but resigned in 1864) come to see us and old John (unidentified) he comes from home.
(The diary ends)