OCTOBER 22d.—Back at the department at work, but not much to do yet. The mails are not heavy. We have Bragg’s report of the battle of Perryville. He beat the enemy from his positions, driving him back two miles, when night set in. But finding overwhelming masses accumulating around him, he withdrew in good order [...]

Tuesday, 21st–Some very fine weather. We have received orders to have company drill twice a day now, and dress parade every day at 5 p. m. We are getting over the effects of our hard service of the past two months.

Tuesday, 21st. Spurgeon went out with forage detail. Bill Smith lost $15. Circumstances as follows: Capt. had given him some money to pay the boys. We lay on the blankets conversing when Sheldon came up, and Bill pulled out his money and paid him. He had showed me the money a little while before. All [...]

Tuesday, 21st.—Went over river in canoe and got some corn and gritted it for dinner. 3 P.M., ordered forward; crossed Cumberland Ford at 5 P.M. Our Brigadier-General Reynolds says we are going to McMillans Station to take up camp. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

OCTOBER 21st.—Still nothing definite from Kentucky, more than the retreat of Bragg. Gen. Loring is here—he would not act upon the suggestions of Lee, and so he is recalled. The government is uneasy about Richmond. They want a portion of Lee’s army sent hither. But Lee responds, that although he is not advised of the [...]

October 21, 1862, Peoria Morning Mail (Illinois) From the Chicago Post. Our readers will remember some mention made in these columns of Mr. Montgomery, a gentleman connected with the Vicksburg Whig, who endeavored to escape from that place on board a federal boat carrying a flag of truce, but was given up by the officer [...]

Monday, 20th–No news of importance. We are again drawing regular army rations, having a railroad to our base of supplies. There is little to be secured by foraging around Corinth, as the rebels’ attempt to retake the place has resulted in keeping a large force of our men here and food and feed has been [...]

Monday, 20th. In the morning watered my horse and cleaned up his feet. Capt. N. told me something very acceptable from Col. Ratliffe. Read the Lorain News and Cleveland Herald. In the P. M. wrote to Fannie.

Monday, 20th.—Wagons met us this morning at 6 o’clock, with two days’ rations, ready cooked; drew one pound of bread to the man. When we arrived within four and one-half miles of Cumberland Gap, halted and waited further orders. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

A Trip to Plymouth, N. C. On the 15th of this month, the 25th, Major Pickett in command, with the 17th Massachusetts and the 10th Connecticut regiments, the whole under command of Col. Upton, embarked on steamers bound for Plymouth, on the Roanoke river which empties into the Albemarle sound at its extreme western end. [...]

OCTOBER 20th.—The news from Kentucky is very vague. It seems there has been a battle, which resulted favorably for us, so far as the casualties are concerned. But then Bragg has fallen back forty miles, and is probably retiring toward Cumberland Gap, that he may not be taken in the rear by the enemy’s forces [...]

Ashland, October 19.—We are now snugly fixed in Ashland. Our mess consists of Bishop J.and family, Major J and wife, Lieutenant J. J. and wife (our daughter,) Mrs. S. and daughter, of Chantilly, Mr.––, myself, and our two young daughters—a goodly number for a cottage with eight small rooms; but we are very comfortable. All [...]

Clinton, October 19th, Sunday. What an unexpected change! I am surprised myself! Yesterday as the Baton Rouge party were about leaving, Miriam thought Lilly would be lonesome alone here with her sick baby, and decided that we should leave by the cars, and stay with her until mother returned. There was no time to lose; [...]

Sunday, 19th–Nothing of importance. This is our first Sunday in a quiet camp for more than two months. We had company inspection this morning and dress parade at 5 o’clock in the evening.

Sunday, 19th. Fed when out two or three miles. Got some apples. When we reached Heron’s division, I called at his quarters and inquired if he could give the Capt. any information. Very pleasant. Stylish. A fur coverlet, neat stove and desk, cigars and very fine dress. Said that the rebel pickets were within a [...]

Martinsburg, October 19, 1862. I have spent a busy Sunday, superintending the destruction of the railroad here, and will spend what little remains of the day in writing you a short note. It is a bad chance for a letter, as I write on my pocket-book resting on my knee. I received your letter of [...]

October 18th, Saturday. Last night mother arrived from Clinton with Gibbes and Lydia, who had gone there the day before to get her to go to Baton Rouge.

Saturday, 18th–It is reported that General Bragg is marching on this place.[1] Colonel Hare has not been with us for some time and will not be with us again. We have just learned that he resigned his commission on August 31st, on account of the wound which he received at the battle of Shiloh. He [...]

Saturday, 18th. Lay about two or three hours, then went into camp on the rise near the spring. Marks of a large rebel camp. At noon orders came for the Capt. to go with 50 men to Bentonville, to learn locality and number of the enemy. I went. Started about dusk. Called at a house [...]

Saturday, 18th.—Ordered into line this morning and roll called. Ordered by Colonel McConnel to remain standing in line one hour for not being prompt to get into line. Boys pretty mad. Orders to remain here all day. 12 o’clock, ordered to move forward; passed Loudon at sundown; camped at old camping-ground at Laurel Bridge. (Note: [...]

OCTOBER 18th.—Major-Gen. Jones telegraphs from Knoxville, Tenn., that a wounded officer arrived from Kentucky, reports a victory for Bragg, and that he has taken over 10,000 prisoners. We shall soon have positive news. A letter from Admiral Buchanan states that he has inspected the defenses of Mobile, and finds them satisfactory. I traversed the markets [...]

Friday, 17th–Everybody is now busy in the routine duties of camp life. The Government is having some deep wells drilled here in our camp; one of them is now completed and we are enjoying plenty of good water, although it is quite a job to draw it. We draw the water by means of a [...]

Friday, 17th. Aroused at 3 A. M. Killed a calf for breakfast. Quite a time trying to kill a pig. Marched at sunrise. Whole command gone from old camp. Rear guard. At noon arrived at Kritsville. Stayed till 10 P. M. Marched again at 10 and moved till near morning. Lay down a few minutes [...]

Friday, 17th.—Woke up this morning; a hog had taken my haversack from under J. A. Park’s head and had eaten up all my bread. Regiment passed during the night; overtook at Rock Castle River; camped two miles farther on. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)