Camp cripple creek
tennessee
18 january - 24 june 1863
The 5th Middle TN Cavalry
(Co. C & Co. F) join the troops
at Camp Cripple Creek
Drilling, drilling, and more drilling
1 - 16 may
FRI. 1 Very pleasant
19 -- Charles Hayden (1 OH LA)
27 -- William C. Howe (1 OH LA)
29 -- Floyd Beaty (31 IN H)
34 -- James Dobbins (90 OH G)
[35 -- William W. Koonce (5 TN F)]
Battle of Chancellorsville (VA) begins
McKee
Went to Murfreesboro to Express Box Home with Coat and
Locket[.] Paid two dollars for Expressage[.] Rumors of an
advance movement of the hole [sic] army
Cutter
All the sick were this day sent to the hospital [Was there
one general hospital in Murfreesboro at this time or still
dozens of small hospitals in vacant homes, churches,
stores, etc.?]
Chilcote
Chilcote says he is on picket again, but moved from his
old post, down to the woods. Does not say whether he
took the cow along--or not
Busbey
...Pay 2 dollars for a lithograph of The Field of Stone River,
to be sent home from Cincinnati[,] Sketched by [Alfred E.]
Mathews of the 31st OH. Sick sent to Murfreesboro to-day.
[William] Cobaugh and [Charles] Meyer[s] from our company.
Brigade Drill at 3 o'clock. Quarters thoroughly policed.
Lieutenants Berry and Jones Signal Officers on the Knob.
Lieutenant Fitch Signal Officer here. More Shelter Tents
furnished. Unbleached linen.
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SAT. 2 Warm and sultry; Night showery
33 -- 2 Lt Jacob Bush (90 OH C)
Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was mortally wounded (would die on 10 May)
McKee
On Picket to day [--] all quiet
Chilcote
Come in off picket, washed up, and cleaned up our
quarters. Battalion drill and dress parade in the afternoon.
Busbey
...Sockwell relieved from the Commissary, the QM of the
90th [OH] taking his place. Brigade Dress Parade in the
evening. A reading room and bulletin board erected at
Hd Qrs. At night Pickets disturbed.
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SUN. 3 Very warm FULL MOON
23 -- James W. Davis (5 TN C)
25 -- William M. Camp (1 OH LA)
Second Battle of Chancellorsville (VA) begins
McKee
One or two Companeys [sic] of Stokes['] Cavelry [sic] encamped
[at] Cripple Creek[.] Brigade Review B[y] Genral C. Cruft[.] Very
nice Review
Cutter
Fifteen weeks this day at Cripple Creek. We were joined by two
companies of the First Tennessee Cavalry [later referred to as
the 5th Middle Tennessee Cavalry]. They went into camp on the
flats across the creek. Regular brigade review.
Chilcote
We had inspection in the forenoon, and general review in the
afternoon
Busbey
...On Picket having a pleasant time...
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MON. 4 Very warm; Rainy afternoon with Severe thunderstorms during night
22 -- Martin Fields (31 IN H)
23 -- George Francis Harning (1 KY K)
McKee
Officers and non Commissioned off[ic]ers drill in forenoon[.]
Bat[t]alion drill after noon[.] Great and Cheering news from
the Raphanock [sic] General Hooker advancing on fredericksburg
Cutter
The One Hundred and Twentieth Illinois Infantry passed our camp,
going towards Murfreesboro. The regiment had been for some time
in the Second Brigade of General Palmer's division, but had been
reduced by sickness and desertion, so that it did not then contain
over one hundred and fifty effective men...
Chilcote
Regimental drill and dress parade today.
Busbey
...3 companies [it should read "2 companies"] of Stokes Tenn Cavalry
camp near us yesterday. The Brigade reviewed by Genl Cruft
yesterday afternoon...Rumored today that we are to go to Lebanon.
Severe Thunder Showers at night.
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TUE. 5 Warm, but air pure [low humidity?]; cloudy still some rain; Beautiful
19 -- Benjamin P. Ansel (90 OH B)
21 -- Tallison Gomer Williams (1 KY C)
24 -- Alonzo Vincent (90 OH B)
McKee
Officers drill in forenoon[,] Brigade drill in the after noon[.]
...Received information [alas, incorrect information!] that
General Hooker has taken fredericksburg with several
Prisoners and Peaces [sic] of artil[l]ery
Cutter
The Twenty-Third Kentucky Infantry passed our camp, on
their way to take the place of the One Hundred and Tenth Illinois...
Chilcote
Very quiet in camp. Some of the boys are out on picket.
Busbey
...Brigade Drill from 3 till 5. A very good time. In the morning
the 23rd KY move out of our lines going to Readyville to relieve
the 110th IL. Stop for a rest near our camp and the officers
escorted by Col Enyart to visit the most attractive portions.
Rumors reach us [incorrect rumors] of Hooker's success in the east.
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WED. 6 Cold, wet, and disagreeable--rained all day and into the night
24 -- ???Francis M. Gates (31 IN I)
McKee
on Picket to day...
Chilcote
Got mail today...
Busbey
...Write out a furlough for [Cpl James] Crouse
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THUR. 7 Dreary, cold, rainy, and gloomy (again!)
19 [?] -- George Heilemann (2 KY C)
20 -- Frederick Owen (90 OH A)
31 -- Lorenzo B. Adams (1 OH LA)
McKee
Still continues to Rain[.] Got Circular of American Watch
from Indianapolis...
Chilcote
A damp, drizzly day. We drew rations today.
Busbey
...Picket early...[John] Lamme returns to camp...My Diaries
safe at home
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FRI. 8 Cold and disagreeable in the forenoon, but clear and pleasant in the afternoon
25 -- Sylvester Wyckoff (90 OH B)
27 -- Harrison Taylor (31 IN A)
McKee
Served as officer of the Gard [Officer of the Day?]...
Conflicting Rumors in Regard to Hookers fite [sic] on
the Raphanock [sic]
Cutter
Lieutenant [Norman] Baldwin returned from home,
bringing numerous packages for the men, sent by friends
Chilcote
Company drill in the forenoon, and brigade drill in the afternoon.
Busbey
...Relieved at the usual time. [John] Lamme returns my
watch in running order. While talking with him discover an
old friend near him for so long a time and no acquaintance.
Tis one of the strangest freaks of fortune...Brigade Drill--
double quick to day.
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SAT. 9 Warm, pleasant, beautiful
Birthday
McKee
Co B Gards train of Wagons to Murfreesboro[.]
Col [John] Osborn[e] Start home to day
Chilcote
The camp quiet, as usual
Busbey
...Complete the arrangement of my new roll book...
Dress Parade in the evening. Quarters policed. Camp excited over rumors from the east.
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SUN. 10 Beautiful weather
21 -- James Strait (90 OH H)
21 -- Michael Kummer (1 KY I)
23 -- James Morgan (31 IN A)
26 -- Jamess M. Woodbury (31 IN B)
Thomas (Stonewall) Jackson dies
McKee
On Picket to day...Flag presented to our Battery to day[.]
Nothing on [sic] any importance going on to day
Cutter
J. P. Beers died at noon. His disease was Typhoid fever. He hailed from Collamer, a few miles East of Cleveland, Ohio.
At 3 o'clock a grand review of the entire brigade took place, after which the troops were formed in a hollow square, when Captain Standart was called out and presented, by Generall Cruft, on behalf of the officers of the brigade, with a beautiful flag for our Battery. But great was the Captain's surprise, when the General presented him with a splendid sword, as a mark of respect and high estimation in which the officers of the brigade held him. General Cruft then made a neat little speech, which was happily resonded to by Captain Standart. Colonel Barnett being present, also offered a few remarks, in which he alluded, in a happy manner, to the good discipline and soldierly bearing of the men, and congratulated us for the fair name and reputation which we had gained.
Colonel Enyart, of the First Kentucky Infantry, was also presented with an elegantly wrought sword, by the officers and soldiers of his command. Immediately after the above ceremony, loud, long, and heary cheers were given for General Cruft, Colonel Barnett, Captain Standart, Colonel Enyart, and the officers of the First Brigade. And now all quietly marched back to their respective quarters.
Sunday, May 10, 1863, will long live in the remembrance of those who composed Standart's Battery...
Chilcote
General review this evening. Lieut Geo. Richey returned to the regiment today from a furlough home.
[For the next couple of weeks, there are no entries from Sgt. Busbey--pages lost?]
**************************************************
MON. 11 Rained
20 -- Milton Beaty (31 IN H)
26 -- George W. Saxton (31 IN A)
36 -- Harry J. Koch (2 KY K)
McKee
General Palmer has moved out the 3rd Brigade to day and Camped
near our Brigade[.] Rumors of an atact [sic]
Cutter
...the body of J.P. Beers was sent home. The detachment to which
he belonged escorted his remains outside the lines.
Chilcote
A very warm day, and everything quiet.
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TUE. 12 Rain at daylight but clearing later
19 -- Jacob Bluim (1 OH LA)
28 -- Sgt Edward A. Elliott (90 OH K)
36 -- Jacob C. Ater (90 OH A)
McKee
General Palmer moved his headquarters from Murphysfeesboro
[sic] to camp on Criple [sic] Creek[.] all quiet today
Cutter
The Third brigade of our division arrived, and camped near us.
Chilcote
The regiment had battalion drill today. Gen. Palmer moved his
quarters to this place, today. He is our division commander.
[Also, the 6th OH and 4 companies of Grose's [Third] Brigade arrive at Camp Cripple Creek today. (They came as the escort ot the 110th IL.) The 84th IL were already at Camp Cripple Creek.]
**************************************************
WED. 13 Rainy
Birthday
Chilcote
Nothing unusual to-day. It rained, but that is no unusual occurrence.
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THUR. 14 Raining at daylight
23 -- Levi Septer (90 OH A)
36 -- Samuel S. Timerlake (90 OH G)
Battle of Jackson, Mississippi
McKee
...Order of Picketing changed to day [-- from now on, instead of
a whole company being assigned to Picket Duty, each company
would send 5 men.]...
Chilcote
Had brigade drill. Everything very quiet in camp.
**************************************************
FRI. 15 ----- [This is the first day at Camp Cripple Creek that I have NO weather report!]
19 -- Moses B. Andrews (90 OH B)
McKee
A soldier sentenced to be Shot to death at or near Murfreesboro for desertion. [This could be William Minix of the 9th KY who was executed in Murfreesboro on 16 Jun 1863, or David Blazer of the 4th IN Artillery who was executed in Murfreesboro on 20 June 1863. Chanaces are, he is speaking of John Schockman of the 1st KY who was executed at Camp Cripple Creek on 23 June 1863.]
Cutter
A little excitement in camp, caused by a horse-race for
one hundred dollars a side. [What does this mean?]
Our Whilom mule-driver says that his steed can run the
"har" clean off them dandified looking "critters." But says
he don't "keer" about betting, as cabbages ain't very plenty
just now. ["cabbages" = "money"?]
Chilcote
We began doing picket duty to-day, by detail, that is so
many from each company each day.
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SAT. 16 -----
Birthday
McKee
Company Cook House put up to day, detail of Companey [sic]
Cooking to Commence next week
Chilcote
This is Saturday, and wash-day. We had dress parade in the evening.
"The Field of Stone River" by
Alfred E. Mathews
Union University--one of many buildings used as a hospital in Murfreesboro
Chancellorsville
Chilcote is taken out of
"the dairy business"
Col. William B. Stokes
Gen. Hooker would meet with defeat at Fredericksburg
Gen. T. J. "Stonewall" Jackson
Gen. John M. Palmer
The Battle of Jackson, Miss.
Title. Double click me.
17 - 31 may
SUN. 17 ----- NEW MOON
1 -- Jacob H. McDaniel (90 OH D)
McKee
Review to day of the 1st Brigade 2nd Division by Generals
Palmer and Cruft...General Palmer and Staff, with 60 of the
1st Tenn Cavalery [sic] [the 5th Middle Tenn Cavalry]
Captured 18 Rebels Prowling Round our Lines
Cutter
On this morning, as General Palmer and Staff were out, with some of the First Tennessee Cavalry [5th Middle TN], on a reconnaissance, when about five miles from camp they were suddenly confronted by a large body of Rebel cavalry, who at once opened fire on them. General Palmer gave the command for his cavalry to charge, at which order the brave Tennesseans were not slow in obeying. With drawn sabres they rushed on the Rebels, which caused them to give way, when they broke and fled in confusion. The result was the capture of about twenty prisoners, the same number of horses, and a few muskets. Two captains were among the prisoners. One or two of the enemy were killed, and several wounded. Two or three slightly wounded on our side. The prisoners were soon after brought into camp. Brigade inspection in the afternoon. Seventeen weeks in camp at Cripple Creek.
Chilcote
This is Sunday. Had insection this morning and review
in the evening. A Kentucky chaplain preached to our
regiment at 10 o'clock.
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MON. 18 -----
22 -- Robert Mattox (90 OH G)
The Siege of Vicksburg begins [It would finally end on 4 July]
McKee
Brigade Drill Conducted by General C. Cruft.
Chilcote
The men are putting in the time drilling, except those on picket.
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TUE. 19 -----
Birthday
McKee
Company Cooking Commenced to day [with] William Artibus and
A. J. Poole [as] Cooks
Chilcote
Brigade drill today. Squad and company drill were going on
almost every day, in addition to battalion and brigade drills.
**************************************************
WED. 20 -----
18 -- John Brown (31 IN B)
20 -- Lafayette Gaston (90 OH B)
21 -- Michael Kummer (1 KY I)
24 -- Vinal Aye (31 IN A)
Chilcote
Started on a scout at daylight. Went about 4 miles, and as we
found no enemy, we came back to camp and drilled in the evening.
**************************************************
THUR. 21 A nice, warm day
21 -- Henry Spindle (1 KY B)
24 -- John R. Cage (90 OH E)
25 -- Royal Edwin Allen Pease (1 OH LA)
Chilcote
All quiet, except drill...
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FRI. 22 -----
26 -- James K. Wells (31 IN B)
McKee
21 Months to day since Co. B went in to camp at Camp Vigo
Terre Haute, Ind.
Chilcote
The mail was distributed to day. Had brigade drill.
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SAT. 23 Very warm--the warmest so far this year
Birthday
McKee
Very Warm to day[,] the Warmest Weather we have had
this Spring[.] news of Grant and Pemberton [reached us
today] fite [sic] on Miss[issippi River.] all quiet in the
Cumberland Army
Chilcote
Did not drill today, but did our washing, policed our quarters, and had dress parade in the evening.
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SUN. 24 Beautiful, but very warm
Birthday
McKee
...news of Grant fiting [sic] with Great Sucksess [sic] Confirmed[.]
Brigade Review by Brigadier General C. Cruft[.] 31st [IN] done
Load marching [Is this a maneuver that could be part of a Review?]
Chilcote
General inspection and grand review.
**************************************************
MON. 25 -----
23 -- Adam Strosnider (31 IN H)
26 -- William Leive (2 KY C)
McKee
Received a Letter from father and mother [and] answered it to day
Chilcote
Nothing unusual. Details made for picket, guard duty, etc.
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TUE. 26 Very hot
24 -- John Wesley Jackson (31 IN I)
26 -- Abednego Bower (90 OH E)
29 -- George S. Reading (1 OH LA)
Chilcote
...We had battalion drill in the evening.
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WED. 27 Very warm and sweltering
Birthday
McKee
...Brigade drill [--] all quiet
Chilcote
We got mail again to-day. A detail worked on a well.
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THUR. 28 Pleasant (?)
Birthday
The 54th Massachusetts leaves Boston for its first fight
McKee
Pleasant [pheasant?] are sturing [sic] this afternoon [--] all quiet
Chilcote
Company and battalion drill.
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FRI. 29 Drizzling all morning
22 -- Brazilla Worthman (90 OH E)
24 -- Patrick Coyle (1 KY C)
McKee
Ordered to be Ready to Start on a Scout at 6 1/2 o'clock [6:30] [.]
Drizaling [sic] Rain[,] Started at 6 1/2 o'clock[.] Went some 3 or 4 miles
no Rebels to be Seen[.] Still Drizaling Rain at 11 o'clock [AM or PM?]
Chilcote
A fine banner was brought to our regiment today. A detail went to Murfreesboro.
**************************************************
SAT. 30 Raining
22 -- Silas D. Foulke (31 IN D)
McKee
Still Raining to day received a letter from home And answered it today
Chilcote
Inspection at 1 o'clock. No drill on account of rain.
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SUN. 31 Drizzling rain, but still "very pleasant" (according to Cpl. McKee)
[26 -- Ernest Niederman (1 KY H)]
30 -- Jacob B. Williams (31 IN B)
34 -- Florenz Mauritz (1 KY I)
McKee
Brigade inspection by Brigade inspector, Tooley
[Tuley]...all quiet.
Chilcote
General review today. The fine banner was presented to the regiment to-day, while on review. [This banner is one of the two tattered remnants seen at the annual reunions of the regiment. I am not sure whether the banner referred to here is the Regimental Flag or the Battle Flag.]
Gen. Robert Gould Shaw
of the 54th Mass
In addition to drilling on the Parade
Ground, the dwindling water in
Cripple Creek necessitated that the men do some drilling of a different
kind on the creek bank!