Chapter II: Part 2

While they were engaging us Gen. Hurlbut was marching with a strong force to get in the rear of the rebels, and they met at the Hatchie river, where a severe engagement ensued, and our men were victorious, drove them back, and we marched to intercept them. As we started in pursuit on the 5th, they were turned back and had to retrace their steps until they came to another crossing that was not occupied by federals. The rout became general, and all along the whole road was strewn guns, tents, &c. Caissons and cannon were captured, wagon loads of ammunition and wagons of every description. Flour was scattered all along the road, and cooking utensils of all kinds in their haste to get away; our men were close upon them all the time. They would turn and give battle, and then retreat, as our men would overtake them as they would get a pretty good start of them again. Almost every house contained either dead or sick soldiers. Stragglers became plenty, and came in by dozens, as the woods were full of them. They were paroled. The 2d brigade followed them to Ripley. The 11th went to within a short distance of Ripley and came to a halt, and stacked arms in a piece of timber, expecting to remain for some time. Some of the 11th were detailed as grand guard, company B being part of the detail, we went out in advance and deployed out the same as skirmishers, between a cornfield and a swamp. We stood on guard about two hours when we received orders to return to camp. On our return we were informed that we would remain here until evening, when we would go out and establish a grand guard line. At length we started through almost impassable roads, sometimes nothing but a path to guide us. Where we established our line was an old wheat field, and it was the intention of our commanders to cover our whole line with a strong guard; and here we supposed we would remain until next day. But no, there was no such good fortune awaiting us, as the order came for us to return to the regiment, as we were to march that night. We returned to camp again, and were informed that we were to march at 2 o'clock that night. We had sweet potatoes and fresh meat in great plenty, and after eating a good meal we lay down, and were roused from our slumbers by hearing the command to fall in. As we were rear guard to the wagon train, we were the last to get started. Such a march as that was; it was enough to wear out any man's patience. We had to stop every five minutes for the train to proceed. Some of the teams would refuse to pull, and this would stop the whole train. We lingered along this way all night; our progress being very slow and tedious; so next day we went ahead of the train, and did not stop much until we arrived at Corinth, where we established a camp about one mile from the town, and here we remained for some time, had our brigade and battalion drills under Colonel Loomis, of the 26th Illinois, who was acting as brigadier at this time. Every regiment was ordered to report with spade and shovel for fatigue duty, and we had to work from day to day until we considered Corinth impregnable, as there were strong earthworks all around the city. Most of the inhabitants had left, and the town was occupied by soldiers. After completing this work we received orders to prepare to march with two day's rations in our haversacks, also knapsacks with blankets. After every thing was got ready, the command was given along the whole line, and off they moved, one regiment after another. At length came a long line of wagons, extending as far as the eye could reach, and a strong guard was left to guard these trains. So we moved on from day to day, sometimes marching all night. We were not disturbed by an enemy, but the advance skirmished almost every day with the rebels, and at length the rebels were driven back to the Tallahatchie river, where they were in strong position, and had thrown up strong earthworks, and here they would have given us a warm reception if Sherman had not marched with a strong force to get in their rear. We could hear the heavy roar of artillery as our men advanced to the attack, as we had just reached the place where the brigade was establishing camp. Being rear guard we did not arrive at camp until 2 o'clock in the morning. Rations were distributed to us, and we lay down on our blankets and were soon fast asleep. We awoke much refreshed after our tedious march of the day before. Next morning we went about a mile from here, and pitched our tents, and remained several days. There was a grist mill near here, and the soldiers used it and ground corn as long as we remained. There was some ammunition captured here. A very good spring of water was near our camp, which was a rare thing to us.

The rebels did not wait long enough to see what Sherman's intentions were, but as soon as they got an intimation that there was a force to get in their rear, they left their stronghold and fled, but Sherman took a good many prisoners, and pursued them for some time. The rebels did not halt until they reached Grenada. After remaining several days here we moved to Cold Water, and remained a short time. There was a small town on the railroad. The next place we went to was Oxford, Mississippi, where we went into camp and remained for some time.

Here the report came into camp that the rebels had made a raid on Holly Springs, and taken all the soldiers stationed there prisoners and paroled them, also the commander of the post. Three weeks' provisions for Grant's whole army and an immense quantity of army clothing, several thousand pairs of cavalry boots were also captured, and an immense amount of cotton was burned, together with a train of cars just ready to start out. The raid was made by Van Dorn and about 7,000 mounted infantry, at the break of day. Report says that Murphy had knowledge of the intended raid on Holly Springs, but of that we have no certain information, but he did not prove himself true to the Government at first, as he was entrusted with removing all the commissary stores along the railroad from Corinth to Tuscumbia, as the rebels were said to be advancing in force. Tuscumbia valley is a very fine country, with an abundance of corn for forage for their cavalry.

Their advance soon arrived at Tuscumbia and took possession. Everything was removed to Corinth, and their cavalry followed the valley right up to Iuka, surrounded the pickets and took them prisoners. The 8th Wisconsin was scattered all over town, and there were few to resist the attack of the rebels. They returned to camp as soon as possible, but a large number were taken prisoners. Everything that could not be removed was ordered to be destroyed, and it was entrusted to an officer in the 7th Illinois cavalry to do the burning, but for some reason it was neglected, and an immense quantity of flour and commissary stores, which came very acceptable to them, fell into their hands. There were several sutler stores there, and the cavalry took almost everything, clothing, tobacco, and some good liquors. You may ask, where was Murphy all this time? He was retreating with his regiment towards Burnville. The rebels pursued them several miles, as there were a great many negroes following the regiment, the rebels would come up and shoot them down without mercy. After traveling several miles the rebels gave up the pursuit. Murphy was put under arrest for this and tried by court martial, but for some reason got clear, and was restored to confidence again, and entrusted with the post at Holly Springs, but abusing the confidence reposed in him, he was arrested, tried again, cashiered, and dishonorably discharged the service without any pay.

That stopped our forward movement, and we were ordered back to Corinth. We returned to Davis' Mills, where part of the 25th Indiana had a desperate engagement with the raiders, as it was their intention to surprise the guard and take them prisoners, but in this they failed in every attempt. A great many of them were killed and wounded. Their intention was to burn the mills and tear up the railroad here, and stop the cars from running, but Col. Morgan with his little band resisted all their attacks, as he was in a strong position near the mill. Earthworks were thrown up and our men were on the inside; some cotton bales were placed around the top as a protection to sharpshooters. Some of the men defended themselves from the mill, several were shot and fell in the water as they were attempting to cross over. After trying in vain to dislodge the federals, they gave it up and left without doing the Indiana boys any damage. But this was not the only place they visited. They went to Bolivar, Tennessee, and there met with as warm a reception as they got at the mills, and they very soon left, leaving some of their number either killed, wounded or prisoners, in the hands of our men. They tried several places along the railroad from Holly Springs, but met with no better success, as the guards were on the alert. They attacked a small force belonging to the 12th Michigan, numbering 115 men, in a small fort, and Van Dorn demanded their surrender, they refused, and informed him if he wanted them he must take them, while we were getting a warm meal they would get a cold bite. Alter receiving this answer to his demand, he made ready for the attack; 500 of the men dismounted and advanced from all sides to surround this little band of brave men; on they came, expecting an easy prize, they approached to within a short distance of the fort when the order was given to fire, and the rebels were met by a shower of bullets, and after trying in vain to get inside of the fort, they left and took their wounded with them, leaving about 30 dead around the fort. There was no artillery used on either side.

Such was the success of Van Dorn's raid along the railroad, they cut a few telegraph poles, and the wire in one or two places, and had to leave suddenly as our cavalry had got on their track and were but a short distance behind them, when they left the 12th Michigan infantry. Only one man of the brave little garrison lost his life, and that was by the accidental discharge of his gun. Our cavalry soon drove them inside of their lines, and here we will leave them for awhile.

You will return with me to camp again and leave the pursuit of the rebels. Our camp is situated on a rise of ground 100 yards from water, either way, and we did not suffer for that article while we remained there, which was several weeks. Grant's army had to subsist on the citizens of the country; army stores were quite scarce, and it became the duty of our Generals to look out for the welfare of their men, and long trains of wagons were sent with orders to take a certain amount of forage, when it arrived in camp it was distributed to each regiment. This forage consisted of fresh pork, newly packed coffee, sugar, molasses, cattle and hogs were also drove into camp, and we fared pretty well, as there were plenty of provisions in the country. We had plenty of everything but bread. One cracker was allowed us a day. Several thousand army overcoats were discovered concealed in a cellar, and the coffee we got belonged to us. It was stolen at the time of the raid, as the citizens participated in it.

They said they had just received it from Memphis, but our men were not to be deceived by such stories, and would take most all of it from them. Some of them had protection papers but this did not save them, as the soldiers had got tired of listening to such professions of Unionism and loyalty as these men made, which was only in vain, as there was but little friendship for the Yankees existing amongst them at this time. We lived on the country for more than two weeks. Everything was taken for miles from camp, and on New-Year's day we were ordered to prepare for marching, taking nothing but two day's rations in our haversacks, and blankets and arms, with forty rounds of ammunition in our cartridge boxes. We ascertained our destination was La Grange. The rebels were expected to make a dash on that place. We arrived in sight of the town about the middle of the afternoon, came to a halt, and remained until nearly evening, when we received orders to return to camp, and were soon treading our way back, as there was no use for us here. We arrived at camp early in the evening, broke ranks and went to our respective tents. As they were made to hold four men each, we lay down and soon were fast asleep. So passed the first day of 1863. But we were not destined to remain here much longer, as we received marching orders to return to Corinth, as a brigade came to take our place from Holly Springs, and they informed us that Oxford was destroyed by fire, also Holly Springs, in retaliation for shooting of our soldiers by the citizens of the town at the time of the raid. It was here that Col. Mowers returned to the regiment, having recovered from the wound which he received before being taken a prisoner by the rebels. He was taken back to their lines, and as he had nothing on him to denote his rank, dressed in a common blouse without any shoulder straps, he was not very closely guarded, and he managed to escape the same day by mounting one of the rebels horses and riding it into camp, or into the lines, as we had no camp at this time. He was cheered by the whole brigade as he rode through the lines without any hat. His wound was quite severe and he had to go to the hospital to receive proper attendance and care, and there he remained until he came here ready to take command of his regiment. General call was sounded and we were ordered to prepare for marching. The tents were soon struck and rolled up and loaded on the wagons, everything being ready we strapped on our knapsacks, fell into line waiting for the command forward, which at last we received, and are again on the tramp.

On our march to Corinth, by the way of Bolivar, we passed through several towns, La Grange and Grand Junction, near where the 11th was a guard for ten days, as they were moving towards Holly Springs. Our rations were scarce here as we drew nothing but flour, and as we had no means of cooking it we might as well have had none. We were well supplied with fresh meat as we found plenty of fat hogs in the country which we killed. We managed to get some of the flour baked by the negroes.

At length the order came for us to move, and we were glad to leave here, and then we went to Oxford from there. Grand Junction was a railroad station where two roads crossed, between Holly Springs and Corinth. We left it to our right and took the road to Bolivar, where we halted for the night, and the next morning was pleasant, and remained so until we arrived at Bolivar, when the rain commenced falling in torrents upon us, and it became very difficult to march. It rained without intermission most all night, and the brigade was urged forward until at length the men refused to proceed any farther, and fell out of ranks and commenced building fires.

There we remained until morning. The roads had become almost impassable. Teams had as much as they wanted to do to haul their loads. The rain ceased towards morning and the sun came out and the roads commenced drying as we proceeded.

After days of wearied marching we arrived at Corinth. That evening rain commenced falling, from rain it turned to snow, and after freezing the ground was covered with a crust of ice. After remaining here a few days when we had received our two months' pay, the regiment was ordered to strike tents and get ready for marching. Everything being packed the regiment was ordered to fall in, the rain was coming quite steady, and we arrived at Corinth wet through.--After waiting a short time the snow and ice was fast disappearing from the ground, it had all left the hills. When part of the 11th Missouri went on board, the iron horse began to puff and blow her steam from her pipes, the cars were soon in motion, and Corinth was soon left far behind. We passed through several small towns on our way, stopped at Jackson, Tennessee, for a short time, and was soon on our way again until we arrived at what was once a small town called Germantown, where we remained all night. Some of the boys found quarters in some old deserted buildings, but I chose to stay on the cars as the night was very dark and muddy. I slept soundly until morning. I arose, got off the cars and made me some coffee, and after eating my breakfast took a stroll through the town. It is not much of a town, about fifteen miles from Memphis, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad.

The brigade remained several weeks here to guard the Memphis and Charleston Railroad. After we established camp the rest of the regiment came, and guards were stationed all around the camp as protection, and there was another line out near a mile. In time of peace this place was a great resort for sporting men from Memphis, but there was nothing but a few old houses now, and most of them deserted. Some people were living there then, but most of the men were in the rebel army, and most all of the corn was taken for forage, and there was very little of anything left for the people to subsist on. Hogs were killed until there were scarcely any left, all the fences were burned for fuel, every board that could be found was used to make bunks. Water was plenty and of good quality. The weather became quite pleasant and the roads soon dried up, and we had our daily battalion drill, and spade and shovel came again into requisition, and men were detailed to go and build a fort, as it was considered necessary. After working from day to day with the assistance of the 8th Wisconsin regiment, there was a fort built and a battery planted on the inside. The battery was manned by the 2d Iowa artillerists. After finishing this fort we were ordered to prepare for marching. It was shortly after moving our camp. We had the tent called the Cybley tent, and we could put fire in them and make them quite comfortable, as there was an aperture for the smoke to go out.--There was room enough for fifteen men in one of these tents. They were placed up about three feet from the ground and banked up with earth all around, and a door was made for an entrance.

At last our brigade was ordered to move, and we had to pull down our tents and leave our comfortable quarters and try the field again. The brigade moved to within two miles of Memphis, and there they encamped for the night, and men were detailed to go and load the boats, and passed one day loading the boats. The brigade marched down to the landing and were soon on board, as most everything was on board. Each regiment loaded their own things and it was done in short order, and the 11th Missouri was soon ready to go down the river. At last the boat got under way and stopped at Helena for a short time. General Prentiss was commander of this post at this time. Several of the boys got off the boat and got a little the worse of liquor and became quite noisy, and General Prentiss ordered his men to arrest them, but they were unable to do so, owing to the resistence made. Revolvers were drawn and missiles were thrown, and the guard was driven from the ground, and they soon returned with reinforcements, and Mowers went on shore to get the men to go on board their boats, and they soon went on board. The guards formed in line in front of the boats and loaded their guns. Chunks of coal were showered upon them and several of the officers and men were hit. General Prentiss came to give some orders to his men when he was struck in the head, and this so enraged him that he sent for a brigade of infantry and a battery of artillery, and they were coming on double-quick when the boats moved out for fear of a general outbreak, as there was one of the 47th Illinois shot through his leg, and when the sergeant shot he ran, pursued by several of the 47th, but I never learned the particulars as the pursuers had not returned when the boat left. We crossed the river and the boat was tied up to the shore and the regiment got off and then commenced the work of preparing our meals. We landed on a small island, there was plenty of wood for fuel and soon numerous fires were kindled and the work of cooking was soon over, and our meal was ready for eating, which was coffee, fried bacon and crackers, that constituted our bill-of-fare, also sugar to sweeten our coffee. After remaining here several hours the bell rang, and we were ordered on board, the boat was loosed from her mooring and we left this place and went down the river about six miles, and stopped and remained all night on the boats, and in the morning the brigade went on shore. Then commenced the work of clearing ground for a camp. The cane stood thick on the ground and all this was cut down and carried into piles to be burned. Here we got new tents, and there was a place soon cleared off to put them up. The tents were made to hold four men, and there was but little room, as the water was all around us; there was nothing but sand after the cane was carried off. The division was all camped here commanded by General Tuttle, and Joseph A. Mowers commanded the brigade. He received his promotion a short time before. The division remained here for nearly a month awaiting a boat to carry us away. At length the boats arrived, and we were glad to see the tall smoke stacks appear in sight, as we knew that we would soon leave this dull place. We were ordered on board the boats, and under a heavy fall of rain we struck our tents and stayed all night and next day until about four o'clock. The wind was blowing a very strong breeze, the rain had ceased and the weather became cool enough for overcoats. At length, after many hours impatient waiting, the boats got under way, and nothing occurred worthy of notice until we arrived at a place called Duckport, and there the division landed, and then commenced the work of unloading the boats. Provisions and army stores were soon carried from the boat on shore, and our camping ground was soon staked out. Tents were soon pitched and the soldiers were soon enjoying themselves. The division encamped near the Vicksburg canal, it had just been commenced and some soldiers and negroes were at work with spades and shovels, and some were using wheel-barrows to remove the earth from the middle of the ditch, as it was forty feet wide. The object was to turn the course of the father of waters into this canal. There were dredge boats at work at the mouth of it. Each regiment had to take their turn working on this great ditch, and some days there were over two thousand men engaged at once, as they came from Young's Point to assist in carrying on this great work. After three week's hard labor the water was let into it, and some barges and one small steamboat went down through to New Carthage, and then the water commenced falling and the dredge boats had to stop digging. There were three of them in operation deepening the canal at this time.

About the middle of April several transports and gunboats ran the blockade, passed all the batteries, and the rebels tried in vain to stop their progress, but still they kept on until they got out of reach of the enemy's guns. There was but few of the boats damaged and they ran the gauntlet several times. Orders came for the division to move camp, and General Mowers' brigade moved their camp about a mile and then commenced the work of leveling off the ground, which was once a cotton field, and a few days after moving camp, orders came to prepare for marching, take nothing but our haversacks and canteens, two days rations, one blanket, forty rounds of cartridges in our boxes and our guns in perfect order.

On the 2d day of May we left the mouth of this canal as it had proved of but little use and all our work was to no purpose, and we gave up the project as no use. The division left their camps, and owing to delays, the roads being bad, they had to stop to repair them, so teams could pass as we had to transport our provisions on wagons. They did not get but a short distance from camp the first day and the next day they marched about fifteen miles. They followed the course of the canal all the next day, and at last we arrived at Richmond, Louisiana, where we encamped for one night, and next morning resumed our march and camped as before, and the division kept marching from day to day until they arrived at Hard Times Landing. The water was getting low in the canal and a number of barges could be seen all along the route. Our forces followed the course of the canal until they came to a lake or bayou, and they followed this thirty miles below Vicksburg. A bridge had to be constructed for our forces to cross, and here we were delayed part of a day, and we remained all night waiting to cross a bayou that ran into Black Bayou. At length we arrived at Grand Gulf, on the opposite side of the river, where we were delayed in crossing for several hours. Several boats were busily engaged in transporting troops across the river, landing them on the shore. Our turn came at last, and the 11th Missouri soon got on board and were landed on the opposite shore, and here they remained over night, the weather being pleasant we enjoyed a good night's sleep, and awoke quite refreshed from our weary marches.

On the march from Duckport through the State of Louisiana, there were several fine plantations passed, and corn was growing finely, and indications of a good crop. Some splendid dwellings and gardens, and every convenience to make a person comfortable. Before this war broke out the owners of these plantations were living in luxurious ease, nothing to do, slaves to do their bidding and obey their commands, and they became so wealthy that they did not know what to do with their gold, they hardly knew the value of money, they had nothing to do but to get rich, and when this rebellion broke out they were ripe for anything that tended to mischief. They had all left their homes and engaged with their hearts and hands carrying on this unjust war, the almighty negro was the cause. Many valuable lives are lost on both sides, and many more will be lost before this unholy rebellion is crushed. All of these splendid dwellings were destroyed with fire by the soldiers. I will fail in describing the splendor of these dwellings and gardens. All were destroyed, costly furniture and pianos shared the same fate of the other things, nothing was left but smouldering ruins. Many thousand dollars worth of valuable property was destroyed, every deserted dwelling of any value was destroyed on this march, but we were not destined to remain at this place long. There was once a town here but there was nothing but the brick chimneys standing to mark the place, as it had been destroyed by a force of our men before the rebels were driven from this stronghold, as it was a very strong natural position, but a force of our men got in the rear of them and they left everything and fled. Tuttle's division did not arrive in time to take any part. A small force of our men were there to hold this position, as it was situated on a very high bluff it did not require a strong force to hold it.

Everything being in readiness for a forward movement the order was given and the division was soon on the move towards Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. We had to march up a very high hill and kept going from one hill up another until we had gone about two miles, and then it became easier marching.

We did not suffer for want of bacon, hams, sugar or molasses. Some of it was found hid away in the brush. This was taken by the soldiers and very little was left for the owners to use after our forces had passed.

Our advance had a short skirmish with the enemy on the march to Raymond, and five men were killed and wounded on our side. They met with no more opposition until they arrived near Raymond, when Greggs' brigade encountered our advance, and after a desperate resistance they were forced to give way and leave us in possession of the ground. The loss was about equal as they occupied a ditch. The 20th Ohio and 20th Illinois charged upon them and drove them from the ditch at the point of the bayonet. They fired a volley into our advance as they were marching past a heavy piece of timber and took our men partly by surprise, but they soon recovered and drove the enemy from the timber. They could not stand cold steel, as our men rushed with impetuosity right forward, and drove the rebels wherever they tried to make any resistance to our advancing columns; they were bayoneted in the ditch without mercy. Our division did not arrive in time to participate in this battle as the rebels had torn up a bridge we had to cross and burned it, and here we were delayed several hours waiting for the bridge to be repaired. At length the division got started again but the battle was over before we could get to our men's assistance. After passing through Raymond there were indications of an enemy being in advance, when the 5th Minnesota regiment was ordered in front to examine the timber. A line of battle was formed and the advance commenced, the 11th Missouri following the skirmishers. They soon gained a heavy growth of timber. It was with difficulty we could proceed. We had advanced but a short distance into this timber when the order was given to halt, and it being evening, the regiment remained here all night. Some rain fell during the early part of the evening, but it did not last long. As most of us had rubber blankets we did not suffer from the rain, and after preparing our coffee we lay down and slept until morning. Next morning very early the brigade was ordered to fall in, and we were soon on the way towards Jackson. We expected the rebels would dispute our possession of a certain spring, but they did not interfere with us here, as there was a force of cavalry here when the brigade passed in the morning. We halted here long enough to fill our canteens with good cool water. The roads were quite good for marching, as the rain had settled the dust. The bugle was sounded for the command to move forward, and every regiment was soon in motion. On to Jackson, was the word, where the rebels were supposed to be in strong force.

May 14th, the morning was cloudy, and had every appearance of a storm--Our forces had proceeded within about six miles of Jackson, when the rain commenced falling in torrents, and the roads soon became almost impassable, but still they moved onward until they arrived within about two miles of Jackson, when the 5th Minnesota regiment was ordered to halt, and the 11th Missouri was put in advance, and company B and F were sent in front to act as skirmishers, and some of the 47th Illinois. Company F, commanded by Captain Clealand, and company B, Lieutenant Weber. They deployed as skirmishers and Clealand ordered them to advance. The rebels had opened from one of their batteries and were getting the range pretty well, when the 2d Iowa battery was ordered forward, and they opened with shot and shell and soon silenced the rebel's guns at this place, and killed the Lieutenant of the battery. They were shooting at our men at a long range and the order was given to advance, and they had to cross an open field, when a volley was fired from the rebel skirmishers and the balls whistled pretty close to us, but did no injury to any of the company. As fast as the skirmishers advanced the rebels fell back until they reached a very deep ditch in front of the rebel's works, and here they had a pretty good position, when the order came to fall back to the reserve, which was steadily advancing. A sharp fire by artillery was kept up on both sides, but their shots passed over our heads, doing but little injury to us. The order was given for the skirmishers to advance again, and they moved forward again and held their position until the 95th Ohio regiment flanked the rebels and found but few men inside the rebel works, and the rebels had fled. There were but few prisoners taken. The citizens of the town engaged in the defense of their capital. There were about one hundred prisoners taken and several pieces of cannon, with all the equipments belonging to them. Our loss on the left was severe, and it was here that the rebels had advantage of position.--Logan's division charged a battery and in spite of the heavy fire from the rebel guns drove them from their guns at the point of the bayonet, and for fear of being surrounded they left everything and fled, leaving nothing but a few artillerists to defend their works. The ground where Logan's men charged across was quite level, and the enemy's batteries was placed to take any part of it, and it was in crossing this that our forces met with the heaviest loss. Mowers' brigade marched to the court house and stacked arms. It rained most of the time and tents were discovered in a warehouse, and they were soon appropriated to our use. Every regiment was supplied. This was a place of great importance to the rebels, the capital of Mississippi, and in time of peace contained nearly five thousand inhabitants, and a great deal of business was done.

There were mills for the manufacture of cotton goods, an arsenal for the making of arms, and everything requisite to carry on this cruel war. Tobacco, whisky, sugar, molasses, and flour were found in great abundance. Confederate scrip would pass for full value with the inhabitants of the town. As soon as the soldiers gained possession of the town commenced the work of plunder, breaking open stores, everything of value was taken, and most every soldier in the brigade was dressed in citizens' clothes. Whisky was plenty, and a good many of the boys got tight. Guards were placed over the town, but they were of no avail, and the soldiers distributed shoes to the citizens, and almost every thing that could be got was given to them, as these things were owned by speculators, and were sold to the people of the town at the highest prices. But the soldiers did not long enjoy their new suits, for the order came to wash and dry their uniforms, as they could not wear citizens' clothes any longer than was necessary. They came very acceptable, as our clothes were wet and muddy, having been in the rain all day.

The brigade remained two nights and one day here, and I was detailed to go as a guard to protect some citizens. One was a preacher, and he treated the guard quite kindly; one was a retired merchant from Massachusetts. He said if he was only able to handle a musket and bear the fatigue of marching, he would be in the rebel army, and four of us were protecting him from insult and his property from being destroyed; The town was being illuminated, and there was a great deal of it on fire, and many public buildings were being destroyed. The soldiers had received marching orders to leave the next day, and the object was to leave no building standing, but they were restrained by the guards. When morning came we returned to our regiment, and the order was given to burn the tents and break every gun not in use.

After everything was prepared the order came to leave the town, as the rebels were advancing in strong force to drive us out. The railroad was all torn up, and burned to the bridge at Black Water, by our forces. We soon left the town with the bands playing Dixie. The Confederate House, which had but recently been built, was burned down. The people were glad to see us leave. A good many of the boys remained behind, and the division had got but a short distance from town when a rebel force of cavalry entered it, and all that had remained behind were made prisoners and paroled or taken to Richmond to be exchanged. A Colonel of the 47th Illinois went back to town on some business connected with his men, when he was ordered to surrender, whereupon he drew his revolver and commenced shooting, when he was shot dead. He was a prisoner once, and said he never would be taken again.

The division marched until evening, when they were allowed a short time to prepare some coffee; had barely time to finish drinking coffee when the bugle sounded. The advance had to fall in, take arms, and the command was soon on the move again. They came to a halt late in the evening, and next morning were on the move again. By some mistake we missed the right road, and after marching two miles the command was halted. The heavy thundering of cannon and small arms could be distinctly heard. The news came that our forces had driven the rebels from the railroad bridge across the Black Water after an obstinate resistence.

After halting here for a short time, the order was given to forward, march, file right, and we had to retrace our steps until we got back to where we stopped over night. There we turned to the left, and marched until the heat of the day, and then halted for dinner. After eating, the march was resumed until we arrived at Black Water, and after staying here one night and part of a day before crossing the stream, a fine horse was purchased by the privates of the 11th Missouri and presented to Gen. Mowers. He had several horses shot while engaged in battle. He made a few remarks--it was unexpected to him, and took him by surprise. After this was over the division crossed the river on a pontoon bridge, and the bridge was taken up as soon as we crossed. Here the division bivouacked for the night. Next morning most of the division moved forward with the exception of part of the 11th Missouri, which was detailed to guard some ammunition and artillery which had been captured from the rebels. Soon after the ammunition and artillery were removed, and we left the river to rejoin the brigade. Several hundred confederate prisoners who had been taken in the late battles, brought up the rear.

We rejoined the brigade, and quite late in the evening arrived in front of the rebel works. Here the army stopped, and the lines extended all around the city of Vicksburg. Here we remained until the evening of the 21st, when an order was read with reference to storming the rebel works on the following day. Meanwhile several batteries were busily engaged throwing shot and shell into the rebel works from morning until night, and it was not safe to go within sight of the rebel works and expose ourselves to their sharpshooters, as several of our soldiers were struck over 800 yards from the fort.

From Black river there is a range of high hills, of deep valleys, and heavy timber, until arriving within half a mile of the rebel works. The timber had all been cut down, and there was no way of approaching the rebel works except by roads, and these were well protected by artillery, and the forts were so built that they commanded every road with stockades.

The morning of the 22d of May, a day long to be remembered by many was, dark and cloudy. Our lines were formed, and the brigade marched a short distance from the enemy's works and ordered to stop; and here they lay until four o'clock in the afternoon, when the order was given to fall in line, and not speak a word, as the brigade was going to make an effort to get inside of the rebel works. The 11th Missouri was in advance. Up they went on double-quick to within 300 yards, when the rebels opened on us with shot and shell, and their sharp-shooters from behind their works were pouring volleys of rifle bullets into our ranks as they advanced. Whole ranks were shot down, either killed or wounded, and only about 30 reached the works. The Colonel of the 11th led the charge, and reached the outer ditch. While there the rebels threw a hand grenade and it tore off the front of his cap, doing him no other injury. The colors were planted on the outer works, and there they had to remain until evening, when, under cover of darkness, the Colonel got away, with the men that had regained the works. At night the brigade returned to our old camping place. It was a terrible day, for the regiment was exposed to a heavy fire, failing back with heavy loss without accomplishing any thing. The loss was over a hundred men in killed and wounded. After remaining a few days after the storming of the enemy's entrenchments, order came, and the 2d brigade had to move again; and early in the evening our lines were formed, the command was given, and every regiment was soon in motion--destination not known. After marching until quite late, halted, and camped for the night near a creek. The night being warm, we had a comfortable sleep with our blankets and the sky above to cover us. We were not disturbed until morning. Next morning after eating breakfast we resumed our march, until we arrived at Snyder's Bluffs, and here we came to a halt, and remained one night and part of a day. This was a strong position, held by the rebels, but on the approach of our forces was vacated, as there was danger of being cut off from the main army at Vicksburg. It was a place of little importance, as there was nothing but hills and valleys and some rebel entrenchments. A very small portion of the land could be cultivated. There were some people living in these hills, and seemed to enjoy themselves. But few men were to be seen at home, as they were gone into the rebel army.

Orders came at last, and the brigade was soon in motion again on the road to Yazoo City. After marching up one hill and down another, the brigade arrived at Mechanicsburg, where our cavalry fell in with a force of rebel cavalry and there was a short skirmish. The infantry went to the cavalry's assistance, when the rebels broke and fled. Our casualties were slight; not much loss on either side. The cavalry did not pursue the enemy far, but returned and camped for the night at Mechanicsburg, where the infantry had kindled fires. You could see where each regiment was halted and were resting from their weary day's march.

At the sound of the bugle in the morning every soldier seemed to spring into life again, and were soon all interested in the work of preparing their meal. This work was soon over, most of the boys being their own cooks, and carried their cooking utensils along with them. Water was not very plenty, and most of it cistern water.

Mechanicsburg was a small town with a few old houses in it, and no business worth mentioning being done there. Everything appeared desolate and forsaken. Next morning we left this place for Haines' Bluff. Our road lay through a heavy timber; it was a road not much traveled at this time. We followed this road until we came to a very large plantation, and here the command halted for a short time. Finding plenty of chickens here, the soldiers took most of them, and when the command moved forward there was not a rooster left to crow on the plantation. There were a great many negroes on this place, their master in the rebel army, and he very wealthy, owning three large plantations. After staying here a short time the command was ordered to move forward, and each regiment was soon in motion again. After emerging from the hills we struck a flat open country along the Yazoo river, where corn was growing finely, and would soon make good forage. The command halted for dinner, after which we moved forward again, and late in the evening came to a halt near a creek of clear water; here the command bivouacked for the night. Next morning the march was resumed again, and then commenced the work of climbing a very high hill, and leaving the Yazoo bottoms. At length the whole army reached the summit of Haines' Bluffs.

The weather had become very warm and it was almost impossible to march, but there was a cool breeze stirring on the hills, and if it were not for this the command would have had to halt, as the heat was almost suffocating.

Haines' Bluffs was on the Yazoo river and had been in possession of the rebels, who, for some cause, had left. After blowing up the magazine they went into Vicksburg, and our forces soon took possession. It was a place of vast importance to us, as we could get our supplies from the river, and provisions could be hauled by teams and wagons to the besieging army very easily, as it was but a short distance to the landing. The army got plenty to eat here, but we were not suffered to remain long.

One morning early the brigade was ordered on board steamboats, which were in waiting to receive us on board. There were several of them in the river, and one was a gunboat which was to accompany us on the expedition. This day was passed on the boat, everything ready and waiting the signal to move. At last we got under way and the boats moved up the river.

The Yazoo river is a long narrow stream, full of short turns; our largest boats could not navigate it. Our destination was unknown to us at that time. At daylight next morning the boats landed us at a place called Setorsia, a small town, containing one church, a few stores and groceries. As soon as the boats stopped the soldiers were soon on shore, the stores plundered of everything they contained, which was not much. Gen. Mower ordered them on board again. Returning to the boats the order came to form in line on land. Signs of an enemy were to be seen, and skirmishers were thrown out to see if the road was clear. The 8th Wisconsin was in advance, and had moved but a short distance from the town, when the advance fell in with some of the enemy's cavalry, and they commenced to fire on the 8th. The skirmishers and brigade halted on the side of a hill, when the rebels fled before them as they advanced, keeping it up all the way to Mechanicsburg. Two of the 8th were severely wounded. Here they resolved we should go no further. They formed their line of battle about one mile and a half from town, and there awaited our approach. A battery was ordered forward, and they opened fire where the rebels were supposed to be; after shelling them a short time, the rebels returned the fire, doing no injury to our men, as they shot too high. A battalion of the 5th Illinois cavalry was ordered to make a charge, which was done in gallant style. They bore down on the rebels with sabres glistening in the sun, rushing at full speed upon the enemy, which was in line of battle to receive them; but what could withstand such a charge? The sabre was the principle weapon used. This was too close work for them, and they broke and fled, taking their artillery with them. The cavalry took 70 prisoners. Their loss in killed not known; a large number were wounded with the sabre. The infantry moved forward to the support of the cavalry, but the rebels were dispersed before the infantry could render any assistance. The rebels were supposed to be about 3,000 strong, mostly mounted infantry. They could not stand but a short time before the impetuous valor of our brave men, fighting for the right. They made several ineffectual attempts at resistance, but they were at last forced to flee and leave us victors.

The cavalry pursued the retreating rebels several miles, cutting them down with their sabres whenever they overtook them. Some of the men were quite old and gray. The infantry went about a half a mile from town and there camped for the night.

Company B, 11th Missouri, and a company of the 47th Illinois, were sent out in front to act as a grand guard; and here we remained for twenty-four hours, when we were relieved by company C, and returned to the regiment. Order was then given to draw two days' rations, as we were to march next morning. At six o'clock next morning we made preparations to march, drawing another day's rations, and began our return to Haines' Bluff. Our knapsacks had arrived but were returned again to the boats.

The 11th Missouri was rear guard and the advance moved quite slow, owing to the extreme heat; it was almost impossible to proceed sometimes; no air stirring, and some of the soldiers died on the way. A great many were sunstruck. We marched back to Sertorsia, which was destroyed, and Mechanicsburg was left burning.

After leaving the timber part of a division fell in with our brigade. On this expedition there were three brigades of infantry, under command of Brig. Gen. Kimble; also several regiments of cavalry, with artillery. The Yazoo bottom road was taken. Corn had been planted by order of Jeff. Davis, and it was growing finely on each side of the road; some of the stalks were higher than our heads as we passed along. It would soon make good forage for our cavalry. This road was dry and dusty. There was plenty of water on the bottom, as there were cisterns every few miles. The first day we marched until late, and came to a halt near a creek of running water, and next day arrived at our old camp early in the evening. After remaining here a short time we went by steamboat to Youngs Point.