Saturday, February 11, 1865
left at daylight. Brigade is in the rear of Division. Had bad
roads, which slowed the wagon train. Made slow progress for the
first mile, then found some good roads and moved rapidly forward,
until we reached Salkehatchie Creek. Found the town burnt, with
the exception of but a few buildings, which it required a strong
guard to protect. Every man appears to fully appreciate what some
have long thought was justice to South Carolina.
At this place, our Division was detailed to take charge of all
the Corps trains and march on the road leading towards Williston,
and camped for the night.
Found a large quantity of sweet potatoes and fresh pork close
by the company ground, which was about three miles from the town
of Barnwell, on good high ground. Head of column reached camp
at sundown.
Rumored reports are that the Army of the Tennessee has captured
Branchville with heavy loss and destroyed the railroad for a long
distance towards the city of Charleston, and are now moving forward
on our right flank towards Columbia. A concentration of the whole
army is expected there and probably will need some small fight
for its occupation. Boasted Carolina will scarcely surrender her
proud Capitol without a strong show of resistance, although perhaps
hopelessly made. Thus far in our recent match, no armed rebels
have anywhere opposed our progress.
Picket: five companies of 86th Illinois
Distance marched: 12 miles.
Order of March
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
Sunday, February 12, 1865
Many humorous incidents occur on this campaign as, for example,
in the small town passed through today at the Williston Station
on the railroad. Lieutenant George M. Scraggs of General Morgan's
staff, a gay and festive young man, entered a fine, deserted residence.
He discovered a nice piano in the parlor, which, just then, had
no other occupant. He sat down and amused himself by playing a
few tunes, when, to his surprise, some vandal, who had entered
the house unbeknownst to Lieutenant Scraggs, set fire in an adjoining
room. Scraggs, of course, quickly became aware of the flames'
crackling, which far exceeded in volume any of the galloping selections
he pounded out on that rebel keyboard. Mazurkas, gavottes and
speeding schottisches took flight from the soundbox of that piano,
thanks to Lieutenant Scraggs, but the flames wouldn't wait. He
completed one last tune and then flew out the door, his tunes
almost yet remaining in the air as the lapping tongues of flame
followed!
Marched at 6:30 a.m. and reached Edisto River, having passed through
Williston. At 11 a.m., found the 1st Regiment Michigan Engineers,
who had destroyed nearly all the houses in the place and also
the railroad for several miles on each side of the town. Passed
over what was, for South Carolina, a pretty good stretch of country,
though evidently settled by a poorer class of people than the
country further south. Improvements are generally very poor. Houses
are small, old and dilapidated. No barns, but a great many Negro
huts, chiefly log cabins. Williston is a village, contains two
hundred and fifty inhabitants, including whites and black, about
an equal number of each.
The country between Williston and the Edisto River is very poorly
improved, only a rather small portion of it having been cleared
or cultivated. The soil is fairly shallow, mostly white sand.
Timber is largely pitch pine - very little evidence of any other
kind - and as in most of the counties already travelled through
in this State, it is dotted with numerous Cypress swamps and ponds.
Picket not recorded. Marched 17 miles.
Order of March
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
Monday, February 13, 1865
Marched at 8"30 a.m. and crossed the South Edisto River and
a large swamp there, then camped one mile from the river. Arranged
headquarters and camp with the understanding that we would remain
during the day. But as soon as that was fairly accomplished, we
received orders to leave at 12:45 p.m. That news created some
little dissatisfaction, as a great deal of unnecessary work had
been done for so short a stay in camp.
Reached Jordan's Mill on Dean Swamp Creek at 3 p.m. Roads are
very good and the bridge is in passable condition.
Passed through a pine forest, but have seen no plantations since
crossing the river. The soil is very poor and the inhabitants,
if possible, are poorer than the soil. Almost no property here
has been burnt by our foragers, which is probably because of the
foragers' sympathy with the poor people who have been so unfortunate
as to live in this most unhappy country. The people, nevertheless,
though poor, remain one and all, bitter rebels. Some still express
a confidence in the achievement of Southern independence, though
I suspect that a majority of them feel whipped and would willingly
abandon the project, if they could end the war at once.
Picket: five companies from the 86th Illinois.
Distance marched: one and a half miles; crossed the river and
then marched to Dean Swamp, seven miles.
Order of March
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
22d Indiana
Tuesday, February 14, 1865
Moved out at six a.m. and found good roads. Reached the Edisto
River - North Edisto - at 11 a.m., having gone ten miles. Found
the bridge burned, but was able to repair it in about two hours.
We then moved ahead, over a good road. It ran along a high barren
pine ridge, very little of which has ever been improved.
Division is in the advance, followed by Carlin's and Baird's Division,
with all the trains of the Corps. Formed a junction with the 20th
Army Corps from Columbia.
Camped on Cedar Creek.
It rained during the late part of the day.
Picket: one company from the 22d Indiana
Marched 21 miles.
Order of March
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
Wednesday, February 15, 1865
Rained most of the night and still raining this morning. We left
at 7:30 a.m. Went back to the cross roads and took the road leading
to Watters' Ferry, and then marched about three miles in the rear
of 1st Division. Next, we took a road to the left of the one taken
by 1st Division, and proceeded about seven miles. There we struck
the Two-Notch Road leading to Bisington and here, then turned
to the right, towards Lexington. We marched three miles further
and camped for the night in a pine woods.
Picket: one company from the 22d Indiana
Marched: sixteen miles today.
Order of March
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
Thursday, February 16, 1865
Marched at 6 a.m. towards Lexington and arrived there at half-past
seven. Went directly through the town and took the road leading
to Columbia, going about nine miles. After that we halted for
dinner. 17th Army Corps and 15th Army Corps are on our front and
nearing the city of Columbia. Heard heavy firing of artillery
about noon, but soon all was silent.
Lexington is a little place containing about five hundred inhabitants.
Town is old and dilapidated and about half of it is on fire. Therefore,
most of it will soon be in ashes. The majority of the residents
have left town and fled to Columbia for safety. They probably
suppose that place is invincible. Had a view of the city from
a hill near the two-mile post on Lexington road.
The column went rapidly forward within two and a half miles of
the city. There we learned that the Army of the Tennessee is on
our front. Halted about two and a half hours and then counter-marched,
going back on the Lexington road to the road leading to a ferry.
Found the First Division preparing to cross the river. After realizing
that we could not cross before morning, we went into camp for
the night.
Picket not recorded.
Distance marched: 17 miles.
Order of March
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
Friday, February 17, 1865
Moved out at 7 a.m. and our Brigade is in the rear of Division.
We were much delayed in crossing the Saluda River on a pontoon
bridge that was very poorly laid. Roads were bad for a mile after
crossing the river. We then marched westward on the Newbury Road
about eleven miles, and turned to the right towards the river.
Marched about four miles and camped at the mouth of Hatem Creek
on the banks of Broad River. Were troubled a great deal with fires
which some careless soldiers had set for the hell of it.
Picket: five companies of the 85th Illinois
Distance marched: 16 miles
Order of March
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
Camped on the Broad River.
Saturday, February 18, 1865
Commenced crossing the river in some old ferry boats at 8 a.m.
The river is about 1,000 feet wide, while the boats are small
and unwieldy. Progress is very slow. Engineers are busily engaged
in laying a pontoon bridge which also progresses unusually slow.
At 3 p.m., the rear of the Third Brigade crossed the river on
the ferry boat. Five companies of pickets were posted. I then
returned to camp, got some supplies and found considerable stir
amongst the troops. A report had been received that a heavy column
of rebel infantry was crossing the river above us. Accordingly,
strong lines of breastworks were built.
Picket: three companies from the 85th Illinois and two companies
from the 22d Indiana.
Order of March
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
Sunday, February 19, 1865
Marched at 7 a.m. in the direction of Monticello. Proceeded four
miles and then halted for dinner. At about one o'clock, we marched
back to our camp of last night. There, we destroyed about one
and a half miles of railroad running along the north bank of Broad
River. The railroad was laid with the old-fashioned flat rail,
very poor and much worn. It has been for a long time unserviceable,
much of it having been destroyed by the recent great freshet in
Broad River. After completing that work, we returned to camp for
the night.
Picket: three companies from 125th Illinois
Distance marched: four miles
Order of March
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
Monday, February 20, 1865
Marched at 6 a.m. on the Monticello road and reached the Monticello
and Winsboro road at 8 a.m. and found the First Division moving
towards Winsboro. Halted and stacked arms in front of a fine church
where we lay until 10 o'clock. Then we moved forward to Little
River and camped at Ebenezer Church while the 1st and 3rd Divisions
repaired the bridge over that river.
Second Division was detailed to guard the Corps Train, which consists
of about 800 wagons and one Battery of Artillery, making a string
about seven miles long and difficult for a small force to guard
in an enemy's country.
Picket not recorded.
Distance marched: five miles.
Camped on Little River at Ebenezer Church.
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
Tuesday, February 21, 1865
Departed at 10:30 a.m. Brigade was detailed to guard the Corps
Train, the rear of which passed over the bridge at 3 in the afternoon.
Country is tolerably well-improved, but very hilly. Roads are
quite good, except for a few places which were soon repaired.
The whole train reached camp at 10 p.m. A great many valuable
houses were burnt along the route today in retaliation for a man
who was murdered by the rebels this morning.
Weather pleasant.
Picket: three companies from the 125th Illinois.
Distance marched: thirteen miles.
Camped about six miles from Winsboro.
Order of March
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
Wednesday, February 22, 1865
Moved out at 6 a.m. towards White Oak Station which place we reached
about 10 o'clock, having been abliged to halt on the road to let
the 1st and 3rd Divisions pass us. At White Oaks, we turned onto
the Camden road. Had a little drizzling rain about nine o'clock,
but afterwards, the skies cleared and the day became quite pleasant.
Column proceeded forward and reached the junction of the road
leading from White Oak and Winsboro to Camden. There, we found
the 20th Army Corps on the road and our division camped for the
night within half a mile of Water's Church.
General Order Number Two was promulgated today. This was another
of mine, to wit:
Regimental Commanders will immediately have the non-commissioned
officers of this command procure and wear the proper insignia
of their rank as is prescribed by the Army Regulations. The General
Commanding is aware of the impossibility of procuring them through
the Quarter Masters Department at this time, but a little ingenuity
connected with a will to accomplish that object and they will
have no difficulty in procuring the necessary materials in the
country, or in the camps at any time, as one pair of Army trousers
will almost afford enough material to supply all the non-commissioned
officers of Regiment with chevrons.
The practice amongst the men of this command of wearing parts
of , and in some cases almost the entire Rebel uniform, or citizens'
clothing, or fancy ribbons, or feathers other than such as are
prescribed in the Army Regulations is unsoldierly, and cannot
be allowed, and men found wearing those articles in violation
of this order, will have them taken from them and will be punished
for disobedience.
Picket: four companies from the 125th Illinois
Distance marched: nine miles.
Camped at Waters' Church.
Order of March
86th Illinois
22nd Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
Thursday, February 23, 1865
Order to march at 6 a.m. was counter-manded and changed to 8 a.m.
Second Division of 20th Army Corps passed on the same road ahead
of our Division about three miles and were there cut off by the
1st and 3rd Division of our Corps. Head of the column much delayed
our progress. Brigade massed on the side of the road and took
dinner waiting for division to pass, then moved forward about
eight miles and reached a point about 1 1/2 miles from the Catawba
River.
Picket: 52d Ohio, but the number of companies not indicated.
Distance marched: eleven miles.
Order of March
22d Indiana
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
Friday, February 24, 1865
Marched at 10:30 a.m. as train guard to Corps Train. The forward
roads north of Catawba River were impassable due to rains of last
night. That, along with very steep hills, made double teaming
imperative. Corduroying was also started, which appears to be
the only practical way of making roads over deep, muddy tracks.
All the day thus spent and but few wagons reached the camp. Those
included the headquarters wagons of regiments, brigades and divisions,
of our Division only.
Bad weather; drizzling rain all day.
General Order Number Three, another of mine, was promulgated today.
To wit:
Hereafter, on each General Inspection of this Command, the men
will appear fully-equipped, with canteens, haversacks, and knapsacks,
with a blanket neatly rolled and strapped on top of the knapsack,
to which end it will be necessary to procure blanket straps, which
articles cannot be drawn from the Quarter-Master's Department,
must be obtained by foraging through the country and picking up
parts of harness, or straps of the kind and leather from which
they can be manufactured.
Picket none recorded.
Distance marched three miles.
Camped near Perry's house east of the Catawba River.
Order of March
125th Illinois
52d Ohio
85th Illinois
86th Illinois
22d Indiana
Saturday, February 25th, 1865
At daylight, the 85th Illinois was detailed for fatigue duty to
work on the road. At 8 o'clock, the balance of the Brigade was
detailed and worked all day building corduroy road. The road is
bad. Never saw the like of it anywhere - so awful that it almost
precludes the possibility of passing the wagon train over it.
About three miles of road have been corduroyed, but much more
is still required. Two days have now been spent in getting the
wagons over the river and have not yet succeeded in crossing more
than two-thirds of the Corps trains.
Rained nearly all day.
General Order Number Four, also one of mine, was promulgated today,
to wit:
The Regimental Commanders of this Brigade will immediately make,
or cause to be made, an Inspection of the cartridge boxes of their
commands, to ascertain the number of cartridges deficient, and
report the result to these Head Quarters. As all the cartridge
boxes were supplied to the full forty rounds, at the commencement
of the campaign, and there having been no authorized expenditure
since, it is therefore ordered that the deficiency be stopped
against the pay of each man thus deficient on the next muster
and pay roll.
No march today and no picket indicated.
Fatigue parties from the 85th Illinois and three companies of
the 52d Ohio detailed to build corduroy road. Total Number of
miles corduroy set down not shown.
Sunday, February 26, 1865
Fatigue parties are busily engaged in fixing the road and helping
wagon trains along. About 9 a.m., the anchors supporting the pontoon
bridge gave way several of the boats were lost.
Most of the day was spent in re-laying the pontoons and up to
now, have not succeeded in laying the bridge. That will surely
take up all of tomorrow. Division train is over the river. The
road beyond the pontoon is in very good condition and wagon trains
will probably move along rapidly.
Today's fatigue parties were from the 22nd Indiana and 52d Ohio.