Sunday, 25th Pleasant, but a little cooler than usual. E.I.R.B. Ezk. from 30th to the close (48) chapt. This morning at 8 A.M. I am to report as Brigade officer of the day. I have never officiated in that capacity before. The pickets are skirmishing very briskly this morning and I shall be apt to have an interesting time. I had hoped that I might not be on duty to day so that I could devote the day to meditation and prayer, and reading the Bible, but the day must now be all confusion. As I sit here and listen to the firing of guns and the commotion of the army, my heart yearns for a quiet retreat to spend the Holy day. Oh that I could go to the sanctuary with the friends of my Master, the people of God. 0, that I could this morning have the invitation and truly my heart would respond. I was glad when they said unto me come let us go into the house of the Lord. War with all its horrors is upon us, and duty has thrown me into its trail, but my bible says, that God never loses sight of his children. Then I will erect a place of worship in the grove and my heart shall praise the Lord, though I hear the confusion of war. I have many recollections of home this morning, and of my dear sainted mother. I should like to embrace my aged father, my dear sisters and brothers this morn and with them traverse the pleasant path that lead to the house of the Lord, but providence has directed differently. I will calmly serve my time in the army contending for righteous liberties and if it please the Lord to bring me safely through then will I sing and be glad and my heart shall praise him forever and my life shall be devoted to the cause of the Lord. I will dwell in his house continually. I took charge of the guards of the brigade at 8 A.M. and put them on post. All was quiet during the day and night. Some slight skirmishing but only one rebel hurt that we knew of and none of our men. Gen. Thomas came along, also Gen. Oglesby.
[Ezekiel 30:1 - 30:5]
The word of the Lord came to me :
"Son of man, prophesy, and say,
Thus says the Lord God :
"Wail, 'Alas for the day!'
For the day is near,
The day of the Lord is near;
It will be a day of clouds,
A time if doom for the nations.
A sword shall come from Egypt,
And anguish shall be in Ethiopia,
When the slain fall in Egypt,
And he wealth is carried away,
And he foundations are torn down.
Ethiopia, and Put, and Lud,
and all Arabia, and Libya,
and the people of the land
that is in league,
shall fall with them
by the sword."
Friday, May 25, 2012
Thursday, May 24, 2012
24 May 1862
May, Saturday, 24th 1862 Pleasant the later part of the day. The morning cloudy and rainy. E.I.R.B. Ezk 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 chapts. Heavy skirmishing took place on the picket line this morning. Gen. Halleck has ordered an observatory put up and we have taken the top off a tree and fixed to splice it so that we can look over the woods into Corinth. The order was given this eve to load our guns and be ready, for the rebels were advancing toward us. We are all ready to receive them if they come, and welcome them to their destruction.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
FROM THE NINTH. Dixieland, Miss., May 23d, 1862
Editor Belleville Advocate,
Several weeks have elapsed since the great battle at Pittsburg Landing, and the evacuation of Yorktown. During this time the two armies have been moving one toward Richmond the other toward Corinth. For several days the people all over the country, both North and South, have been kept in a state of painful suspense, thinking when they perused one Daily and found it not, that the next number certainly would contain a rumor, at least, of a battle. Thinking that, perhaps a few lines from a member of the old 9th might serve to quench their raging thirst for news, I have volunteered my weak services. I shall not be able to impart any very important news, for if I was in possession of it I am not at liberty to reveal every item; but as St. Clair county is more largely represented in our regiment than any other in the service, and believing that we have not disgraced the cause, we think perhaps a few words about the regiment will be interesting to many. The 9th was the third that was formed in the State for the present war. Our Colonel, during the three months service, was E. A. Paine, he also formed the regiment anew for the three year service, and had command about one month, when he was promoted to Brigadier General. The Lieut. Col. Aug. Mersy, of your city, was then permitted to let the eagle rest upon his shoulder, and has since had commend of the regiment. To mention that we have been in battle is not necessary for you all very well know that, but I do not believe that the people of old St. Clair justly appreciate the services of the old 9th, of the honor she has conferred upon their county. Other regiments have been lauded to the skies by the papers; this we do not desire, or, like them we would employ a reporter, and keep him for the purpose; we only ask not to be entirely ignored.
I will give you the figures of our loss in the two great battles, Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing, and then you can judge whether we have not stood up manfully for our country. At Donelson we had only eight companies engaged, one was guarding a battery, and was not engaged, the other was at Paducah, Ky., as Provost Guard; the eight companies numbering about 610 men that went onto action, and the loss was, in killed, 36; wounded, 166, since died from wounds, 5. The number of commissioned officers engaged was 25, killed none; wounded 5. At Pittsburg, about 575 were engaged, 61 were killed, 287 wounded, since died 11; missing 5. Commanding officers engaged, 27, killed 1; missing 1; wounded 18. Total both battles in killed, is 114; wounded 476; missing 6. When you look over the different records, and consider the fact that we never had over 975 men for duty at any one time, you will see that no regiment in the service has suffered such loss in killed and wounded, and so few missing. Many of the regiments that report such heavy loss, are missing, and are in the hands of the enemy. In making our report we report that all that have been injured in battle; numbers of these are soon able for duty again or else my figures would not agree; but the above is as correct as near as I can get it fro the records up to this time. The old regiment looks small now, and not officers enough for one to the company, but notwithstanding this we are now in line with our fellow soldiers ready to do battle again. We are now three miles from Corinth. The past few days has revealed to us more of the plans of our commanding General. We now believe that we are going to besiege the rebels, and in fact have already begun. We built our first parallel of fortifications last Saturday. On Wednesday we advance, forced back three outposts, took possession of an extensive ridge, and in four hours had splendid breastworks completed. To day we have sent out a strong party with axes, also another with, also another with guns to clear the way to the next ridge, where we wish to erect our next parallel. –
Both parties are busy, for we can hear the continual crack of our Enfield and sharpshooters rifles, as they force the rebels to place their picket line a little nearer home. Gen. Halleck passes along the entire line nearly every day, he seems satisfied and confident of victory. We have great confidence in his ability, every move seems to be right and the army is no more a mob but an organized body; everything works like machinery. The people will not long be kept waiting, something will be done before many days elapse, and you may be certain we will not this time, be surprised. We are up at 4 o’clock every morning, in line of battle ready for an attack, so is the entire army here, by order of Gen. Halleck.
Deserters arrive daily, and report a large force at Corinth, but dissatisfaction. All right, I wish all were here that are coming so that we can finish the matter up at a single blow. I will say no more till after the battle.
L. Webb, Cap’t Co. F. 9th Reg’t Ill. Vol.
P. S. Corporal J. A. Fike, wishes to inform his numerous friends in St. Clair county and vicinity, through the columns of your paper, that he has suffered severely for the last five days with the tooth-ache.
Several weeks have elapsed since the great battle at Pittsburg Landing, and the evacuation of Yorktown. During this time the two armies have been moving one toward Richmond the other toward Corinth. For several days the people all over the country, both North and South, have been kept in a state of painful suspense, thinking when they perused one Daily and found it not, that the next number certainly would contain a rumor, at least, of a battle. Thinking that, perhaps a few lines from a member of the old 9th might serve to quench their raging thirst for news, I have volunteered my weak services. I shall not be able to impart any very important news, for if I was in possession of it I am not at liberty to reveal every item; but as St. Clair county is more largely represented in our regiment than any other in the service, and believing that we have not disgraced the cause, we think perhaps a few words about the regiment will be interesting to many. The 9th was the third that was formed in the State for the present war. Our Colonel, during the three months service, was E. A. Paine, he also formed the regiment anew for the three year service, and had command about one month, when he was promoted to Brigadier General. The Lieut. Col. Aug. Mersy, of your city, was then permitted to let the eagle rest upon his shoulder, and has since had commend of the regiment. To mention that we have been in battle is not necessary for you all very well know that, but I do not believe that the people of old St. Clair justly appreciate the services of the old 9th, of the honor she has conferred upon their county. Other regiments have been lauded to the skies by the papers; this we do not desire, or, like them we would employ a reporter, and keep him for the purpose; we only ask not to be entirely ignored.
I will give you the figures of our loss in the two great battles, Fort Donelson and Pittsburg Landing, and then you can judge whether we have not stood up manfully for our country. At Donelson we had only eight companies engaged, one was guarding a battery, and was not engaged, the other was at Paducah, Ky., as Provost Guard; the eight companies numbering about 610 men that went onto action, and the loss was, in killed, 36; wounded, 166, since died from wounds, 5. The number of commissioned officers engaged was 25, killed none; wounded 5. At Pittsburg, about 575 were engaged, 61 were killed, 287 wounded, since died 11; missing 5. Commanding officers engaged, 27, killed 1; missing 1; wounded 18. Total both battles in killed, is 114; wounded 476; missing 6. When you look over the different records, and consider the fact that we never had over 975 men for duty at any one time, you will see that no regiment in the service has suffered such loss in killed and wounded, and so few missing. Many of the regiments that report such heavy loss, are missing, and are in the hands of the enemy. In making our report we report that all that have been injured in battle; numbers of these are soon able for duty again or else my figures would not agree; but the above is as correct as near as I can get it fro the records up to this time. The old regiment looks small now, and not officers enough for one to the company, but notwithstanding this we are now in line with our fellow soldiers ready to do battle again. We are now three miles from Corinth. The past few days has revealed to us more of the plans of our commanding General. We now believe that we are going to besiege the rebels, and in fact have already begun. We built our first parallel of fortifications last Saturday. On Wednesday we advance, forced back three outposts, took possession of an extensive ridge, and in four hours had splendid breastworks completed. To day we have sent out a strong party with axes, also another with, also another with guns to clear the way to the next ridge, where we wish to erect our next parallel. –
Both parties are busy, for we can hear the continual crack of our Enfield and sharpshooters rifles, as they force the rebels to place their picket line a little nearer home. Gen. Halleck passes along the entire line nearly every day, he seems satisfied and confident of victory. We have great confidence in his ability, every move seems to be right and the army is no more a mob but an organized body; everything works like machinery. The people will not long be kept waiting, something will be done before many days elapse, and you may be certain we will not this time, be surprised. We are up at 4 o’clock every morning, in line of battle ready for an attack, so is the entire army here, by order of Gen. Halleck.
Deserters arrive daily, and report a large force at Corinth, but dissatisfaction. All right, I wish all were here that are coming so that we can finish the matter up at a single blow. I will say no more till after the battle.
L. Webb, Cap’t Co. F. 9th Reg’t Ill. Vol.
P. S. Corporal J. A. Fike, wishes to inform his numerous friends in St. Clair county and vicinity, through the columns of your paper, that he has suffered severely for the last five days with the tooth-ache.
23 May 1862
Friday, 23d Pleasant till 11 A.M. then rainy. E.I.R.B. Ezk. 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 chapt. This morning I am officer of the day. A heavy fatigue went out this morn to make roads and clear the next ridge ready for us to fortify. The regt. of sharp shooters were sent out to support them and the rebels came several hundred strong to drive them, but were repulsed by the fire of the S.S. I wrote a communication to the Belleville Advocate to day. James Rodgers of my co. returned to day well from his wounds. Gen. Rosecrans arrived to day.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
22 May 1862
Thursday, 22nd Pleasant. E.I.R.B. Ezk. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 chapt. We finished our fortifications this morning. Gen. Halleck was riding along to day viewing the works. Every thing was quiet to day until near night, then heavy cannonading took place on the left of our line, but so far away that we can't tell what are the results. Not so much picket firing to day. Gen. McArthur arrived to day from Chicago nearly well of his wound.
Monday, May 21, 2012
21 May 1862
Wednesday, 21st Pleasant. E.I.R.B. Lamentations of Jeremiah, also first 10 chapt. of Ezekiel. This morning we were ordered to advance at 7 1/2. We advanced and took possession of a ridge, but had to throw shells into the woods to drive the rebels out. We then fortified. Our picket had a brisk fight with the rebels. 3 were wounded but none were killed. We succeeded in holding the ridge and have got all things ready to receive them.
[Record of Events, Field & Staff and Companies, 9 Reg't Ill Inf]
May 21 In obedience to orders the Regt moved forward about ½ mile today and again threw up intrenchments (sic).
[orders and circulars Loren would, or should, have seen concurrent with his diary entries...]
Hd. Qrs. 2d Brig. May 21, 1862
Commanders of Regiments will form their commands at the trenches at 7 o'clock A.M. May 21st with all entrenching tools, axes, spades, shovels, picks &c in readiness to move forward. The wagons, tents, &c. will remain in their present position and await their orders to move.
By Command of Brig. Gen. Oglesby
Hd. Quarters 2nd Division May 21st, 1862
Special Order No 42 } The tents and camp equipage in case there is no attack upon the Division will be brought up to the Regimental lines at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning all inside of 100 yards inside of the entrenchments. The ammunition trains and teams immediately in rear of that distance. The Drummers, Fifers, and Bands will all be under charge of the Surgeons of the various regiments to carry wounded men to the rear and will be compelled to wear a white badge. No other soldier under the heaviest penalties will be allowed to wear a like badge. Water will be provided in canteens in the morning and no soldier will be permitted during the day to go to the rear for such purpose. Men will go to the front to relieve themselves.
By order Thos. A. Davies, Brig. Genl. Comdg. 2d Div.
[Record of Events, Field & Staff and Companies, 9 Reg't Ill Inf]
May 21 In obedience to orders the Regt moved forward about ½ mile today and again threw up intrenchments (sic).
[orders and circulars Loren would, or should, have seen concurrent with his diary entries...]
Hd. Qrs. 2d Brig. May 21, 1862
Commanders of Regiments will form their commands at the trenches at 7 o'clock A.M. May 21st with all entrenching tools, axes, spades, shovels, picks &c in readiness to move forward. The wagons, tents, &c. will remain in their present position and await their orders to move.
By Command of Brig. Gen. Oglesby
Hd. Quarters 2nd Division May 21st, 1862
Special Order No 42 } The tents and camp equipage in case there is no attack upon the Division will be brought up to the Regimental lines at 9 o'clock tomorrow morning all inside of 100 yards inside of the entrenchments. The ammunition trains and teams immediately in rear of that distance. The Drummers, Fifers, and Bands will all be under charge of the Surgeons of the various regiments to carry wounded men to the rear and will be compelled to wear a white badge. No other soldier under the heaviest penalties will be allowed to wear a like badge. Water will be provided in canteens in the morning and no soldier will be permitted during the day to go to the rear for such purpose. Men will go to the front to relieve themselves.
By order Thos. A. Davies, Brig. Genl. Comdg. 2d Div.
20 May 1862
Tuesday, 20th Rainy in the morning, afterward pleasant. E.I.R.B. Jerm. from 42 to the close, 52. Sharp firing is going on among the pickets. Some heavy cannonading is going on toward the left and some musketry firing. Gens. Grant and Davis are reviewing the lines to day. This evening it rained again. Gen. Oglesby gave us liberty to take our tents up to the color line. I walked in co. with J. W. Cavill up the line of fortifications. They are extensive and well made.
19 May 1862
May, Monday, 19th 1862 Pleasant till night, then it rained very hard. E.I.R.B. Jerm. from 29th to 43d. We had heavy skirmishing on the picket line to day. One man of the sharp shooters was killed. Gen. Halleck came along the line to day. We had orders to march forward, but was afterward countermanded because of the great stir among the rebel forces. We were ordered into line of battle to night and bivouacked by our breast works all night. W. Hawley, 0. Sergt., returned to the co. to day from the Hospital. I am officer of the day to day.
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