Camp cripple creek
tennessee
18 january - 24 june 1863
Chilcote's Cow
1 - 11 APRIL
WED. 1 Beautiful, bright day-- very pleasant
21 -- Andrew McCauley (1 KY I)
22 -- James T. Shade (1 KY F)
McKee
Skirmish Drill...Ordered [to] Pack nap [sic] Sack and have Sacks
to be Ready to march at a moment's Warning[.] Started at Eleven
o'clock at night.
Cutter
At 12 o'clock...[midnight on 1 April into the day on 2 April] we
were routed out, with orders to prepare three days' rations, in
knapsacks, for a reconnaissance...
Chilcote
Had company drill in the forenoon, and batallion drill in the
afternoon. In the evening we got orders to pack up and be
ready to move at a moment's notice...
Busbey
...[Base] Ball and Foot Ball in the afternoon. Night one of
beautiful moonlight. 1st KY, 31 IN, 90 OH and Battery
leave at 11 o'clock for Readyville, to join the 19th Brigade
in a move on Woodbury. The 9th IN and 1st KY joining
the rear by a mountain road to the left. The 6th KY and
41st OH follow [?] to the right. The 31st IN, 90th OH and
110th IL with the Battery and cavalry moving direct. March
very rapidly without a rest. Wade streams, through fields,
over fences, climb mountains. [I am sure, to a tired soldier,
the rolling hills of Rutherford and Cannon Counties might
have seemed like mountains, but Pilot Knob was the
highest elevation in the area and it was just over 1300
feet high--hardly a "mountain"!]
**************************************************
THUR. 2 Very pleasant
36 -- Abraham Forter (2 KY G)
McKee
Got to Woodbery [sic] at Sun up Skirmished till 10 o'clock
then turned beck to Camp[.] Come in Camp at Sundown
[--] Sore and tired. Orders to move to morrow morning at
Revale [sic]
Cutter
...[around 2 am] preparations were completed, when a
start was made. All of our guns were taken, with two
train wagons. The forge [forage?] and Battery wagons,
and all equipage, were left in camp. The brigade divided
and took different roads. The object of this movement
was to surprise and capture a force of Rebel cavalry,
who were camped between Woodbury and McMinnville.
A part of the third brigade came out to our camp, on
guard duty, during the absence of our brigade. The
expedition returned at night, having dispersed the enemy,
killing and wounding a number...[Our expedition] also
captured...[the Rebels'] entire camp equipage, several
wagons, a lot of horses and mules, and about twenty
prisoners.
Chilcote
Started about 1 o'clock this morning with two days'
rations in our havesacks, in pursuit of the Rebels,
towards Woodbury. Got there about daylight. The
Rebels heard of our coming and left before we could
head them off. We captured 30 prisoners and all of
their provisions and many mules. We then turned
about and marched back to our old camp, marching
in all, about 30 miles, reaching camp about sundown.
Busbey
About 4 o'clock, exhausted with climbing mountains
discovered picket fires of the enemy. The post soon
captured, some of the cavalry excaping. Move rapidly
keeping [?] to the Pike 6 miles beyond Woodbury.
___________________________________________
having arrived before us and having driven the rebels
from _____ capturing 30 prisoners, 30 wagons with
provisions and many horses. __________ and their
return to Readyville _____ of the regiment. A few
reach Cripple Creek having marched with but one rest
more than 40 miles.
**************************************************
FRI. 3 Very pleasant FULL MOON
24 -- Thomas J. Heidrick (31 IN I)
25 -- Hugh Chambers (1 OH LA)
Good Friday
McKee
Received orders to have 3 days Rations in haver sacks
and be Ready to march at Revalie [sic] the morning of the 4th
Cutter
...The third brigade of our division passed camp. Part
of the 15th Pennsylvania cavalry were with them. They
had no camp equipage, and carried five days' rations.
Were on a reconnaissance, and going towards Woodbury
and McMinnville.
Chilcote
Went on picket, and had a nice day of it. Found a
guinea's nest with five eggs in it.
Busbey
Slept last night in Ready's Barn having a sweet sleep.
Move to camp early. Yesterday's march the hardest
of our life and hundreds still behind. Those in camp
too stiff and sore to move about...The Brigade at
Woodbury commanded by Col South...
**************************************************
SAT. 4 Pleasant
21 -- John T. Bannister (1 KY H)
21 -- Francis B. Waugh (90 OH B)
24 -- William A. Davis (1 KY F)
Passover begins at Sundown
McKee
Started to Woodbery [sic[ at Sun up Got there
about noon [and] took dinner[.]Went on Picket
[--Companies] B and K[.] Several Contrabands
Presented them selves for Protection[.]
Cutter
Part of our brigade went to Readyville, as
guard to General Hazen's camp.
Chilcote
Drew five days' rations and policed our quarters.
Many of the boys amused themselves by pitching
horseshoes. Others did their washing.
Busbey
...Regiment on Picket relieving the 90th Ohio. The
2nd KY and 31st IN joining in another expedition on
Woodbury. The rebels having returned. The 10th
Brigade and Stanley's Cavalry passing last night
for that purpose...
*******************************************************************************************************************************
SUN. 5 Clear and pleasant
22 -- John T. Bannister (1 KY H)
23 -- James H. Fast (1 OH LA)
Easter Sunday
McKee
Rested all day in Camp at Woodbery [sic] all quiet
Cutter
Eleventh week in camp.
Chilcote
Relieved the 31st Indiana on picket, they going out on a
scout. Milked Chilcote's cow again. [Even though the
word "again" is used, this is the first mention of Chilcote's
cow. Keep in mind, the account is a composite of the
diaries from Chilcote and Mauk that were printed in the
Regimental History in 1902. This also explains why
Chilcote is referred to in the third person sometimes.]
Busbey
...Relieved by the 90th Ohio. Charley Myers returned
yesterday evening. Learn Maj Phili Foreman died last
Sunday at _________. Charley Rice very low. Company
inspection at one o'clock...Sign the pay rolls for two months.
______ and Charley Myers in our tent...The 2nd KY
and 31 IN at Woodbury.
**************************************************
MON. 6 Very pleasant
20 -- John Gibbens (31 IN H)
21 -- James W. Wood (90 OH G)
21 -- William Switzer (90 OH G)
30 -- Thomas Maun (31 IN I)
36 -- Stephen D. Renouard (1 OH LA)
McKee
Orders to march at Sun up[.] Went some 8 or 9 miles
on the McMinnville Road[.] Returned to Camp at
Woodbery [sic --] no Rebels to be found all quiet
Chilcote
Remained on picket in place of the 2 Companies out on
Pilot Knob
Busbey
...Again on Picket. Having a pleasant time. George Botkin
returns from Bowling Green in good health...The regiments
at Woodbury _______returns. Night very beautiful but cold.
**************************************************
TUE. 7 Another pleasant day
Birthday
McKee
Left Woodberry [sic] for Camp at Cripple Creek[.]
Got to Camp at noon[.] all quiet[.] Paymaster at
Camp Ready to the Brigade for 4 months. [What
does "Ready" mean in that last sentence? Was
a word left out? Perhaps "Paymaster at Camp
Ready to PAY the Brigade for 4 months?"] beautiful
day
Cutter
Were paid to-day up to 1st of March
Chilcote
Came in off picket, signed the pay-roll, and took down
our tents again.
Busbey
...Relieved by the 90th [OH]...The regiment paid by
Sgt Botkin for 4 months. I received $76.40[.] The
31st IN and the 2nd KY return to camp about noon.
They went 3 miles beyond Woodbury. Report
Reynolds moved infantry and Stanley's brigade of
cavalry as having entered McMinnville. Geo Hunt
reports the arrest of a Spy at Murfreesboro who trying
to excape, was bayonetted by the guard.
**************************************************
WED. 8 Beautiful day--clear and pleasant
23 -- James A. Eichor (90 OH B)
38 -- Capt. Jeremiah Mewhinney (31 IN C)
McKee
Beautiful day all quiet[.] on Picket to day
Chilcote
Did not get paid-off to-day. Drew two days'
rations of beef. In the evening had dress parade.
Busbey
...Sleep interrupted last night by calling for details.
No line of battle in our regiment. Another list of
absentees called for...A new flag received, a present
from the Ladies of Cincinnati. [It would officially be
presented to the regiment on 12 April.] John Hines returns
coming from Nashville. In poor health and looking
very bad. Cavalry passing coming from toward Woodbury.
**************************************************
THUR. 9 Clear and warm
21 -- Elliott Bowen (31 IN C)
McKee
Bright and Pleasant to day[.] hiered [sic] Buzzard to Cook
for mess No 2 for 50 cts. Per month.
Chilcote
Drew four months' pay, which was $52 each, for the privates.
Busbey
...Sent by express _____ $50 for myself, 40 dollars for Meek
and ___ dollars for Schultz. On Picket at 8 o'clock. A pleasant
time...Receive a letter from Maria Jones when shots fired at
[the] horses.
**************************************************
FRI. 10 Warm and pleasant
20 -- William Eagan (90 OH B)
McKee
Payed by Major Griffin for 4 months a mounting to 77 [dollars]
and 95 cts. Received Payment in full of Oliver Leonard for Watch.
Chilcote
Had inspection in order to find the number of able-bodies
men in the regiment. Had dress parade in the evening.
Busbey
...Have quite a time last night keeping the picket line clear.
No drill but camp thoroughly policed. Learn of the death of
2 McDaniel Boys, Baker, Wright, and Wash Harris all Clarke
[sic] County Soldiers.
**************************************************
SAT. 11 Warm and sultry; Night rainy
20 -- Joseph A. Day (1 OH LA)
28 -- Allen W. Oldfield (90 OH G)
Passover ends
McKee
Started 80 dollars home[.] Sent it to Nashville By Billy
Ryan to be Expressed to Spencer in Care of G. E. Allison.
Cutter
At roll call we had orders to draw three days' rations, and
be in readiness to move at daylight next morning.
Chilcote
Went on picket. At night there came a heavy thunder
shower, which lasted nearly all night.
Busbey
Line of battle before Reveille. Good Muster by Inspector
Tooley[Seth Tuley] at 8 o'clock...Hear that rebels captured
the express train between Murfreesboro and Nashville
getting much money. At night receive orders to pack up
--the baggage ready to send to Murfreesboro and to be
ready to move with 3 days['] rations.
Wade streams, Over fences,
Through fields, Climb
"mountains"
Base Ball and Foot Ball
Gen. David Stanley
12 - 25 April
Gen. Lovell Rousseau
Gen. Jefferson C.
Davis
Gen. Thomas L.
Crittenden
SUN. 12 Conflicting reports: Damp and cloudy or Beautiful and bright?
22 -- William H. McDowell (31 IN H)
27 -- Washington Poling (90 OH G)
McKee
On Picket to day[.] Beautiful Bright day[.] all quiet
Cutter
All were ready to move, but no further order was
given in regard to doing so. In the afternoon the
First and Second Kentucky infantry were each
presented with a beautiful flag. The weather
continues fine. This was our twelfth week in
present camp.
Chilcote
Milked the old lady's cow again, this morning...[Chilcote]
was afraid the cow might go dry, if not attended to regularly.
Went to camp and got ready to March, but did not move.
Busbey
Damp and cloudy. Sleep last night with gum blankets and
overcoats leaving the knapsacks packed. [Patrick] Flanagan
discharged March 26. Write to Father and Mother. [John]
Lamme had $500 on the captured train. Flags presented
at 4 o'clock to the 1stKY and the 2nd KY by Genl Cruft. A
grand parade of the whole Brigade. Enyart makes a first-rate
speech.
**************************************************
MON. 13 Very warm and pleasant day; Night rainy
19 -- William Samuels (31 IN A)
23 -- 1 Lt William J. Webb (90 OH H)
24 -- Charles Graham (31 IN H)
31 -- Alexander McIntosh (1 KY F)
McKee
Received Notice of the discharge of Jo Kanayer [from
a hospital in] Louisville KY March 27th - 63
Chilcote
This was a very warm morning. Some of our men
were detailed on picket, some to guard at headquarters.
Busbey
...Yesterday a descent made on gambling institutions.
On Picket this morning going prepared to move. A
pleasant time...Hear in the evening that Charleston has fallen.
**************************************************
TUE. 14 Morning damp and cloudy; Night disagreeably rainy
Birthday
McKee
Raind [sic] all day
ChilcoteTook down our tents again, to "air them",
but about noon it began to rain and we put them up again.
Busbey
...Not relieved till nearly nine o'clock. Receive notice of
discharge on Surgeon's Certificate of William Jones at
Louisville March 2nd by order of Col Monday. Finish my
letter [to Father and Mother]. Prevented from writing
others by the rain. The picket[s] now ordered to take
knapsack[s] with them. Another descent made on
gambling establishments. Night disagreeably rainy....
**************************************************
WED. 15 Damp and drizzling rain all day
21 -- John F. Swingo (31 IN H)
McKee
Still Raining and disagreeable wether [sic]
Chilcote
A drizzly day, and we are on picket again, Rained all day.
Busbey
...Roll call under arms but no line of Battle...
**************************************************
THUR. 16 Morning cloudy; Afternoon clear and warm
23 -- Lt. William J. Webb (90 OH E)
24 -- Michael Kinser (1 KY C)
McKee
On Picket to driziling [sic] Rain[.] Cleared of[f] be fore nite
all quiet.
Chilcote
Cleared off and was a nice day. Had dress parade in the evening.
Busbey
...Our company relieve Co. B of the 31st IN on Picket that they
may attend the funeral of Lieut Pike. _____ only a few hours.
[John] Guthrie at town and [John] Snediker in as well...Guthrie
reports Charley Rice much better...
**************************************************
FRI. 17 Warm and pleasant NEW MOON
20 -- Martin Carroll (2 KY H)
20? -- James M. Sloan (1 OH LA) [Tomb stone 1842, Family 1843, 1900 Census 1844]
31 -- Jesse Hyde (Sgt 1 KY H)
McKee
[Date incorrectly given as Friday, the 12th] Sent 2 dollars to
Nashville for the Nashville Union to be sent home
Chilcote
Everything quiet in camp, and nothing worthy of note occurred.
Busbey
...On Picket having a pleasant time. Last night rebels at Halls
Mills [Halls Hill?] and a squad passes very near our lines capturing
a negro and a horse belonging to camp...
**************************************************
SAT. 18 Forenoon very warm; Afternoon showers
33 -- Isaac E. Hall (90 OH D)
Chilcote
Still quiet in camp. Played off sick to escape duty of fixing up
[the] surgeon's tent.
Busbey
...Relieved early and return to camp, police the quarters, _______
____ and gravel the streets...[Cpl. James] Crouse returns from
[hospital in] Nashville looking remarkable [?] _______________
*******************************************************************************************************************************
SUN. 19 Morning damp and cloudy; Afternoon and evening clear and warm
26 -- Daniel R. Anderson (1 KY H)
Chilcote
This was our picket day again, and was a damp, drizzly day.
Busbey
...Do not hear the bugle an do not make ________ daylight.
No Reveille, no line of battle _____ roll call...Dress Parade in
the evening. Sergt Johns ordered to his company...
**************************************************
MON. 20 Beautiful and warm
19 -- John L. Barnes (1 OH LA)
20 -- Rudolph Miller (1 KY K)
22 -- Eli Bratton (31 IN I)
27 -- John Weidmeyer (1 KY B)
29 -- Sgt. Jacob G. Miller (90 OH B)
McKee
On Picket duty to day[.] Beautiful wether [sic] all quiet
Cutter
General Reynolds' division passed our camp on another
reconnaissance towards Woodbury and McMinnville.
Chilcote
Genl Rousseau's division marched through here today
on its way to the front..
Busbey
...Company all on duty--a part of the regt on a scout.
A large body of troops pass to the front[.] Infantry _____
Brigade from Rossau [sic] one from Reynolds and one
from Wood--Artillery 4 batteries. Cavalry one brigade ride
besides some mounted infantry...
**************************************************
TUE. 21 Pleasant; Rain during the night
19 -- Adam Sprinkle (1 OH LA)
27 -- George W. Walters (90 OH B)
Cutter
The men were this day--as well as several days previous--
engaged in clearing u camp--hauling gravel and evergreens.
The ground had been leveled off, and covered with gravel,
and arbors and summer-houses built of evergreens, stables
made for horses, and our camp otherwise beautified. It now
presented a cheerful appearance. From indications it appeared
that we were to remain here for some time to come. We
were favored with fine weather--but little rain having fallen
during the last month. [I realize this is being written a few
years after the War, but there had been quite a bit of rain
in the few weeks before this. It is in the weeks to come
when there is a scarcity of rain.] Everything in nature
looked beautiful.
Chilcote
Most of the boys were detailed to work in camp. Dress
parade in the evening.
Busbey
...[Capt. John] Lamme starts for home [on furlough]. I send
my Diaries and watch giving him 5 dollars to have it repaired
and purchase some books. On Picket--having a pleasant time...
**************************************************
WED. 22 Day and night both pleasant
24 -- Benjamin V. Rector (31 IN C)
27? -- George W. Johnson (31 IN H)
Cutter
Lieutenant [J. Hale] Sypher was sent to Cleveland on a
recruiting service on the 22nd inst.
Chilcote
Dress parade as usual. Not much going on. Some are
working about camp.
Busbey
...All the boys busy building arbors and beautifying the
camp. [Samuel] Duff and I commence one.
**************************************************
THUR. 23 Warm and pleasant
27 -- Henry E. Wyeth (31 IN C)
Chilcote
Chilcote says he and Bradford Lott worked nearly
all day putting up a "pup" tent. When we went out
[from our training camps], we had large tents
[Sibley tents] which would accommodate a number
of men. These tents were hauled in wagons, and
when the wagon train did not get up [to where the
troops had moved to], we had to sleep on the ground
without any covering. In order that we might save
the mules, and have shelter for ourselves at all times,
these tents were dispensed with, so far as the privates
were concerned, and a square piece of heavy muslin
or duck, about 5 feet square, with buttons on one edge,
and button holes on the other, were issued to the men.
If the men divided off, which they did, two or three
messing together, and each with a piece of "pup" tent,
as they were called, a shelter could soon be made by
buttoning two pieces together and putting up a ridge
pole and staking the edges to the ground, making a shed
ike the comb of a house roof. The third piece was used
to shut up one end, or if a fourth piece, both ends. By this
arrangement, the men carried their own tents, and the
[wagons drawn by mule] teams were used for other purposes.
Busbey
...Again at work at the arbor. [Sgt. Francis] Abbott completes
his--the finest in the Brigade. Genl Cruft and Col Enyart to
look at it. Hundreds come to admire. [Sgt. James] Gregg at
town--Reports Charley Rice worse. Dress parade in the
afternoon. Several shots fired on picket. No alarm in camp.
**************************************************
FRI. 24 Warm and pleasant
22 -- Jeremiah Arndt (1 OH LA)
McKee
On Picket to day fears wear [were] felt that the enamy [sic]
wear [were] Prowling a bout our lines at Night
Chilcote
On picket again. It is a nice warm day, and the people are
planting corn close to us.
Busbey
...An old order to wake the men half an hour before line of
battle issued but not complied with. At work all day, policing
camp and building arbors. Genl Cruft visits our quarters twice
with Col Enyart...[Why?]
**************************************************
SAT. 25 Beautiful and bright
McKee
General Crittenden and Staff with General Cruft inspected quarters
to day[.] all quiet [--] a beautiful bright day.
Cutter
A teamster belonging to the brigade, while intoxicated, fell off his
mule just in front of our camp. The wagon passed over him, injuring
him so severely that he died the same night. Could not learn his
name, nor to what regiment he belonged. [He was Pvt. John Koelch,
the Wagoner for Co. K of the 1 KY.]
Busbey
...Quarters thoroughly policed early before going on picket. Generals
Crittenden, Davis, and Staff visit camp and with Genl Cruft visit our
quarters. Two squads of women came to trade. They gossip about
the report that Breckenridge had shot Bragg at Chattanooga...
26 - 30 April
SUN. 26 Morning warm
Cutter
Fourteen weeks this day since we arrived here. Lieutenant
[Norman] Baldwin started for home, on a short furlough.
The teamster who was killed the day previous was buried this day.
Chilcote
This is Sunday. Had preaching at 4 o'clock today by
Cpl. James J. Holliday of Co. H. Dress Parade after
preaching.
Busbey
...[Robert] Stoker returns to the company...A teamster
accidentally killed yesterday and buried today. Make out the
discharge papers of [Cpl. James] Crouse, [Charles] Myers,
and [John] Hinds. The McMinnville expedition successful. John Morgan's
wife a prisoner within our lines. Provisions and trains captured.
**************************************************
MON. 27 Warm and sultry during the day; Rained all night
17 -- Joseph Collins (90 OH E)
Chilcote
On picket again to-day. Rained all night, and was very
disagreeable.
Busbey
[Sgt. Samuel] Duff receives a box of provisions from home.
Detained so long on the way that the things are nearly all
spoiled. Make out today List of Absences and Monthly
Return. [Sgt. Francis] Abbot returns to camp...Dress Parade
in the evening. Duff's box was first sent to Readyville.
**************************************************
TUE. 28 Mingled sunshine and showers
22 -- Lawson S. Wharton (31 IN H)
46 -- Joseph B. Moore (5 Mid TN Cav)
McKee
On Picket to day all quiet Sprinkled Rain all night
Cutter
Had orders to hold ourselves ready to move at any
moment. Considerable Rebel cavalry were daily
seen hovering around our lines. Nothing very
serious apprehended.
Chilcote
Cleared off and was a very nice day. The regiments had
dress parade in the evening.
Busbey
...Sibleys taken down and shelter tents put up. Ride early
to the Knob with Sam Robb and enjoy the splendid view of
Sublime scenery. Murfreesboro and the smoke from the
rebel camp near Shelbyville visible with the naked eye.
With the glass see Triune 26 miles distant. Two rain storms pass over the mountains in dark sublimity...
**************************************************
WED. 29 April Showers; Rainy during the night
24 -- Hanson W. Bleaks (2 KY D)
29 -- August Wedekind (1 KY K)
McKee
tore down Sibley tents and put up Shelter tents[.] Received tactics
[Rifle and Infantry Tactics by Brig. Gen. W. J. Hardee, I suppose]
from New York Part 1st and 2nd[,] Price 50 cents.
Chilcote
Received orders this morning to pack up, have two days'
rations in our haversacks, and be ready to move any moment,
but did not move.
Busbey
A real April Day. Full of showers. On Picket--having a good
time...The Rebels reported advancing in force--Cornelius Dorin
and Horatio Farrar return to the company from Nashville. Night
rainy.
**************************************************
THUR. 30. Warm day
22-- George A. Ater (90 OH A)
McKee
Prair and Thanksgiving observed Speech by
Reverend [Hiram] Gilmore
Cutter
Regular month's muster for pay. Our tents were also turned
over to the Quarter-Master. We were to have what are termed
"shelter" tents, in place of our old ones [Sibley tents]. The men
call them "dog" tents, and they are rightly named. This was the
day set apart, by President Lincoln, as a day of fasting and prayer,
everything went on as usual in camp. The men said that they had
done enough fasting.
Chilcote
Mustered for next pay. Had brigade drill and dress parade.
Busbey
...Not relieved till after 10 o'clock on account of Muster in
camp. Our co. mustered at 1 o'clock...[William] Cobaugh
in Hospital. Make out Descriptive Rolls for Cobaugh,
[Cpl. James] Crouse, and [Charles] Meyer. Dress Parade
afternoon. Guthrie and Abbot have to await leave of
absence from the War Dept. [They had been scheduled
to go on a recruiting trip, but had to return before they had
even left Murfreesboro.]
