Voices of Gettysburg

The owner of this Diary was killed by a shell about sunset July 2d 1863—his face was toward the enemy. He is buried 350 paces W. of the road which passes N. & South by the houses of Jacob Hummelbaugh & John FIsher (colored) & about equal distance from each & a mile South of Gettysburg, Penn. The following is inscribed on a board at his head:

I. L. TAYLOR

1st Minn. Vols.

Buried at 10 o’clock A.M. of July 3d 1863

By his brother

SERG P. H. TAYLOR

Co. “E” 1st Min. Vols.

Arroused at 3 A.M. & ordered to pack up & at 4 A.M. move twards the battle field where we arrive at 5-40 A.M. Order from Gen. Gibbon read to us in which he says this is to be the great battle of the war & that any soldier leaving the ranks without leave will be instantly put to death.

Skirmishing commences about 8 A.M. At 9-30 H. and I take a cup of coffe. At 3-15 P.M. our artillery opens on the left   3-40 our infantry advance across plain. Rebel battery opens at 4 P.M.

The news that Gen. Meade has superceded Gen. Hooker is confirmed. I shall hope for the best but I don’t like the idea of changing commanders on the eve of a battle. Fowler says that “Hooker’s kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes & Persians”

Leave camp at 7-35 A.M.

Pass through Smithville (on Big Pipe Creek) at 9-20 A.M. & at 11-15 A.M. halt near Taney Town. This is a small town named after Chief Justice Taney of the U.S. Supreme Court. Resume march at 3 P.M., pass through Taneytown & Harneytown & at 5-30 P.M. just after passing through the latter place, a citizen tells us we are in Pa. At Taneytown we hear there has been fighting at Gettysburg to day. At 8-45 P.M. we halt within a few miles of Gettysburg and biviouac for the night.

Light showers & sunshine alternate. Mustered for pay in A.M. In P.M. I go “out arround” to farm houses & get bread, butter, milk, eggs &c. A good Union lady gives me a quart of apple butter. We live on the top shelf to day. The boys are enthusiastic in their admiration of Maryland generally & the nice bread and nice girls in particular.

Gen. Hancock issues an order complimenting us for our “vigorous exertions in marching “full thirty miles” yesterday” saying that such a march was required “by the Maj. Gen. Com’g” on account of “urgent nececity.” Brig. Gen. Harrow issues an order reprimanding chaplains, field officers & surgeons for stragling.

We have marched thirty miles to day & find ourselves weary & foot-sore tonight. Col. Colville is put under arrest for allowing his men to cross a creek on a log instead of fording.

The Union sentiment of “My Maryland” shines forth all along the road & shows itself in the shape of bread, butter, milk, pies cherries & smiles.

Reach Urbana at 2-15 P.M. & at 4 P.M. encamp on the left bank of the Monocacy in view of the city of Frederick. This beautiful valley filled with troops, wagon trains & campfires presents a scene that may certainly be called “picturesque.”

The intelligence that “Fighting Joe” is superceded by Gen. Meade falls on us “like a wet blanket”

Just as we get fairly asleep we are roused up to go on picket. The mild expressions that fall from the lips of the weary soldiers of the “veteran 1st” show that they are in no very amiable mood.

Between 11 & 12 o’clock we come in sight of the “old, familiar hills” of “My Maryland” & soon after halt on the brow of a hill overlooking Edward’s Ferry & wait for troops & trains to cross….Gen. Lee’s main force is reported to be in Md. & Pa. We shall probably pay our respects to him one of these days.

Some skirmishing between our cavalry pickets & Secesh cavalry this morning…..At 12 M. as we approach Haymarket some cavalry appear on a bluff south of us & while the boys are earnestly arguing the question “Are they our men”?, a white puff of smoke and the unearthly screech of a shell closes the debate & an unanimous decision is rendered in the Neg. Shells fly about our ears pretty lively for a short time but our batterys soon get into position & succeed in quelling the disturbance.

….Our march today has been through a beautiful plain with gently undulating surface. It seems to be better cultivated & better supplied with apple and peach orchards than most parts of Va. through which we have passed. The prevailing timber is oak. Cloudy all day and considerable rain in P.M.

Fair day. Relieved about noon. this P.M. I “reconnoitre” about Thorofare Gap & find two old grist mills, a few dwelling houses, Broad Run, highly inclined strata, tortuous lamina, joints, cleavage planes, igneous rocks, bold “crags & peaks” & much magnificent scenery.

If I were a free man I should enjoy a whole day’s ramble in this vicinity, but in these “exciting times” a soldier does not venture very far from camp for fear that something may turn up that requires his presence.

Leave Gainesville at 7 A.M., pass through Haymarket & at 9-15 A.M. arrive at Thorofare Gap in the Bull Run Mountains. Haymarket was once a small town but is now almost a “pile without inhabitants.” It was burned by our forces in Nov. last.

Four ladies visit our camp to see the “sogers” cook supper.

Very warm. Thunder shower towards night. I send my Geology & Botany to C.C. Coggswell Washington, D.C.

Rebels are reported to be at Carlisle Pa. advancing on Harrisburg. Our destination is said to be Harper’s Ferry. I hope Gen. Hooker will be able to make the rebels feel the united strength of the army of the Potomac. We draw fresh beef to night. Very warm day.

Resume our march at 3 A.M. Ambulances crowded with the fruits of yesterday’s march. Arrive at Drumfries at 7 A.M. where we take breakfast and remain about three hours. The following is part of the inscription upon an old broken tombstone at this place erected to the memory of _________ Blackburn who was born in 1731 and died 1752.

“This Sad Catastrophe His Death was attended by Many others who were whirled out of a Pleasure Boat into Potowmack River near the mouth of Quantico Creek and perished in the merciless waves.”

As soon as it was dark last night we formed in line & marched N. Easterly on the “old telegraph road” leading to Alexandria. After marching a few miles we about face march back to the river and reestablish the picket line as formerly. Just before daylight we set out again on the “old telegraph road.” At daylight we meet the 8 Pa. Cavalry. About 9 A.M. we arrive at the Stafford Court House. After resting & taking a lunch we resume our march & at 2 P.M. cross Aquia Creek and encamp about a mile or two beyond. It has been very warm & many cases of “sun-stroke” occur. I don’t recollect of ever seeing so many “sun-struck” and “fagged out” on a march. I stand the march “first rate.” Among those “fagged out” are many officers.

Relieved at 9 A.M. and return to camp where I find everything packed up ready for a move. Heavy guns (32s) & Gov. stores all gone. I get (James O.) Richardson of Co. K 1st Minn. to transport my Botany & Geology in a baggage wagon so as to lighten my knapsack.

quite pleasant—some clouds—thunder shower at sunset. I am on reserve in day time, studying botany. The general packing up that is going on indicates that we shall not stay here a great while.

Relieved at 9 A.M. Warm day. Co. L. of our Regt. went across the river yesterday to pay their respects to the Rebel sharp-shooters who annoy Sedgwick’s pickets. Two of them were wounded but they succeeded in “drying  up” the picket firing except between the sharp-shooters.

This evening we get orders to be ready to march at a moments notice.

Fine day. On picket. Finish reading Pollok’s “Course of Time.”

Fair day. 1st Minn. forms in line this morning and presents arms & three cheers to the 34th as they march past on their way to the depot. We then “break ranks,” go down to the depot & give them some “lusty” parting cheers. The 34th N.Y.V. joined our brigade at Camp Stone Md. in the autumn of 1861. They are fighting men & go home with the reputation of good soldiers.

Fine day. I send Miss E.E. L. a “flower from the banks of the Rappahannock.” Wilbert F. Tomlinson, Co. 1, 34th N.Y.V. takes supper with us. Our “repast” consists of trip, soda crackers, mince pie, coffee, and English walnuts. This evening the officers of 2d N.Y.S(tate) M(ilitia) (82d Vols) entertain the officers of the 34th with “good things” to eat and drink. On my return from meeting this evening I hear them advocating “short speeches and big drinks.”

At 3 P.M. I attend Sunday School at Lacy House. Each one read a verse of the 14th Chap. of John & then Mrs. Harris proposed questions which were discussed. There were three ladies & one small girl present. I attend meeting at “Lacy House” this evening & witness the administration of the “Lord’s Supper.” All who (“) love the Lord” whether connected with any church or not, are invited. A Lieut. assists in passing the bread & wine.

At 5 P.M. cannonading commences a short distance down river & continues an hour or more….We have dress parade during the cannonade. I am sent out of the ranks for not having my cap on(,) it being packed in my knapsack ready for a march. We are ordered to be ready to march with three day’s rations….

The 2d Louisiana Regt. (colored) are reported to have behaved with great gallantry in the attack on Port Hudson on the 27th. ult., losing one half their number in killed & wounded.

Fine day. Co. & Bat’ion drill as usual. Gen. David Hunter’s letter to Jeff Davis threatening retaliation in case Negro soldiers of “Department of the South ar(e) executed is quite a spicy affair.

Clear warm, dusty day. Div. drill in P.M. I send ten dollars, by mail, to J.H. Taylor Prairie City Ill.

Pleasant day—light clouds. Our brigade turned out under arms this morning. Unusual noises heard in Fredericksburg last night. Both Div. & Corps officer of the day, unusually drunk. Orders giving to the pickets to not allow the enemy to fish in the river with the seine. Reading Pollok & attending church. Three women at meeting at Lacy house this evening. Blessed relics of civilization!

Fair, warm day. On picket at Lacy House. Reading (Robert) Pollok’s “Course of Time.” This evening we hear sacred songs assending from prayer meetings on both sides of the Rappahannock. We hear that the Rebs are making some demonstrations up river.

Warm, clear day. I receive Wood’s Botany by mail. Vicksburg not ours at latest account.

Cloudy & cool. Vicksburg is reported in our possession. The army of the Potomac ought to have sent to the gallant Western boys, notes of victory from the Rappahannock.

Clear in A.M. Cloudy in P.M. Cool night. On camp guard. We get the news that Gen. Grant’s army has defeated the rebels in several engatements taking large numbers of cannon & prisoners & that Vicksburg is now closely invested by our troops.

Clear & warm….Henry and I make a geological exploration & find fine examples of clayey “concretions” in sandstone….Doble is ordered to black his shoes before going out to bury dead mules. Fatigue parties are strictly forbidden to wear “white hats” on such solemn oc(c)asions. I suppose that our Col. in issuing this order is actuated by respect for the dead & we receive it as evidence of a genuine regard for his fellows.

We await news from Grant’s army in the rear of Vicksburg with much anxiety. We hope that Col (Benjamin H.) Grierson’s late raid will prevent to(o) great a concentration of Secesh forces.

Clear & pleasant. Skirmish drill in A.M. Div. drill by Gen. Owens in P.M. Ordered to draw fatigue caps so as to look “putty” on parade. The officers of this army appear to think that show is the grand object while fighting is merely incidental. I think we have played boy long enough & if we can’t act like men we might as well go home & see “ma.”

Pleasant day. Gen’l inspection in A.M. I read the history of the “S(i)oux War” as detailed in report of A(djutant) Gen’l (Oscar Malmros) of the State of Minn. Vols. called for to fill up the batteries of 2d Corps; those thus volunteering are merely “detached(“) They get none of Co. E (Isaac and Henry’s company).

Cool, clear & pleasant. Grand foot race this P.M. for a purse of $17.00. One man from each company enters the “lists.” F, G, & D win the three prizes.

Attend prayer meeting this evening at Lacy House.

This evening Sergts. Wm. L. Wakefield & P.H. Taylor (Isaac's brother) are arrested & taken to the guard house for burning lights after “taps.” Doble, Fowler, & myself crawl out the back side of the tent & escape. We do not like the idea of being arrested for such light offenses.

Clear & warm in AM. Clouds up & sprinkles a little in P.M. I finish reading Hitchcock’s Geology. We hear that “Stonewall” Jackson died at 3-30 P.M. of the 10th inst., from wounds recd. in the late battle. He had his left arm amputated. I send to Philp & Solomons “Metripolitan Book Store” 332 Pa. Avenue, Washington D.C. for Wood’s Botany.

Clear, warm day. Poker playing is active….At dress parade Fighting Joe’s “General Orders No 49 was read to us. He “congratulates” the army on its “achievements of the last seven days” & adds “If it has not accomplished all that was expected, the reasons are well known to the army…” He also says we captured five thousand prisoners, 7 pieces of artillery 15 colors & and placed “hors du combat” eighteen thousand Rebels. We draw soft bread again.

Clear and very warm. Gen. Sully is ordered to Minnesota to prosecute the war against the Indians. In his farewell address to the “1st Brig,” Gen. Sully says, “I have the satisfaction of knowing that in all the battles I have fought with you, you have done your duty & never yielded an inch of ground to the enemy. You are a body of men which I have always been proud to command.”

Clear warm day. We got the Washington Chronicle, the first newslpaper we have seen since the army commenced to move. Flags of truce cross & recross the river. Our men ferry ambulances across the river on a pontoon raft & bring in a portion of Sedgwick’s wounded. About 200 of them still lie on the field of Monday’s fight. Studying geology.

Cloudy & some rain. Relieved at 9 A.M. Flag of truce crosses the river. I send a piece of petrified wood to Prof. D(avid) Branch of Prairie City Academy.

Go on picket in front of the city at 8 A.M. Cloudy with some rain. Report says Pres. Lincoln, Sec’y Stanton & General Halleck have arrived. Secesh appear to be quite jubilant.

Stormy last night & considerable rain to day. At 2 P.M. we move our camp up & back from the river. This P.M. we see large columns of troops coming down river. It is reported that Hooker’s army has all recrossed the river.

It seems we have not exactly  whipped the Secesh this time. The 11th Army Corps is said to have behaved  badly. I suppose we will have to recruit up a little & “try again.”

Early this morning the Secesh attack the highths in rear of Sedgewicks & occupy them without much resistance. Cos. B & E[l7] of 1st Minn. ordered to the lower bridge to arrest the tide of stragglers that begins to flow pretty freely across the river. Wagon train, wounded are all taken across to the left bank of the river. A little skirmishing just back of the city during the day.

At 2-15 A.M. our pickets are entirely withdrawn & we are ordered back to camp where we arrive just at day-break & find our Regt. gone. At daylight heavy firing commences in the vicinity of Fredericksburg. At six A.M. our picket squad leave camp, march down to the Lacy House, cross the Rappahannock on a pontoon bridge at the precise point where we crossed on the 11th of Dec. last, & join our Regt. in the city. We then move up river across a level open field & halt just above Falmouth. During this movement seven of our Regt are wounded by shell from the enemy’s batteries on the heighths….We are all in good spirits to fight.

Drizzling rain last night & this A.M. Partially clear in P.M. This afternoon & evening we see the flash of artillery just below Fredericksburg; the report is scarcely audible. We have orders to march tomorrow morning with eight day’s rations. “Fighting Joe” says that the enemy is in such a position that he will be compelled to make a hasty retreat or come out & fight us on our own ground. “Joe,” we’ll do the best we can for you.

Cloudy—some rain in P.M. We hear occasional cannonading down river. It is reported that Sedgwick’s corps (6th) has crossed below. I send a “specimen” to the Geological Society of Prairie City Academy. On camp guard.

Cloudy & drizzly. Troops moving….Everything indicates a big row before many days. General inspection at 4 P.M. I recd. this book to day. Send twenty dollars by mail to J.H. Taylor, Prairie City, Ill.

Warm and pleasant though a little hazy in P.M….Troops moving. Extra picket of 55 men detailed from our Regt. after dark. I send three dollars to C.C. Cogswell, Washington, for postage stamps. Send my likeness to Sarah.

Very rainy. Studying geology as usual. Doble takes a lump of rock salt down to the Chaplin’s tent to get him to tell what kind of rock it is. The preacher not being at home our investment yields a less per cent of fun than we anticipated.

Warm pleasant day though somewhat cloudy. Raining at 9 P.M. The Rebels have abandoned the siege of Washington, N.C. Col. Morgan leaves on sick furlough.

Lowery & drizzly. On picket. Peach trees along the river are in full bloom.

Clear, warm day. Chaplin Canwell delivers a sermon in A.M. & lecture on “Time” in P.M.

High clouds—quite pleasant. Matt Standish, Q.M. Com’y Sergt., gets “tightly slight,” damns Q.M. (Francis) Bassen & is put under arrest

Commenced raining about twelve o’clock last night & continues to storm violently till late in P.M. when the storm abates for a time. Raining this evening. This storm will probably delay “Joe’s” contemplated movement. This reminds us of the storm that ended Burnside’s career. Providence never fails to weep over a movement of the Army of the Potomac & the soldier never fails to be ungrateful for such sympathy. I send my diary, up to this date, to cousin Dency E. Keyes, Prairie City.

Cloudy & drizzly. Troops moving….Everything indicates a big row before many days. General inspection at 4 P.M. I recd. this book to day. Send twenty dollars by mail to J.H. Taylor, Prairie City, Ill.

Warm, pleasant day—cloudy this evening. We are ordered to be ready to march tomorrow morning with eight day’s rations & sixty rounds of ammunition. Report says our cavalry are already across the river above here. The “repulse” of our iron-clads at Charleston, S.C. is confirmed. I hope we may be successful in the coming struggle; we cant afford to be repulsed again.

Quite cloudy. General inspection at 4 P.M. The sick are being sent off to general hospitals. This would seem to indicate an early movement of this army. We ought to defeat the Rebels in the next battle. This morning just before we are relieved a Lieut. of 15^th Mass. throws a note across the river to the girls & they in return throw back the “Southern Illustrated News.”

On picket opposite Montgomery’s island. The Misses Montgomery come down to the river bank & I “present arms.” They acknowledge the salute by waving their handkerchiefs. Lowery with light showers. Raining this evening.

Fine spring weather—too warm for comfort. Get news from Secesh sources that our iron-clads attacked fort Sumpter last Tues. & were repulsed. I take a dose of Geology with chess for seasoning.

Fine, warm day. I read the report of the Congressional committee on the “Conduct of the war”

Relieved from picket about 10 A.M. A large number of troops are reviewed by Pres. Lincoln. Our boys say that “Uncle Abe” looks thin & care-worn. Cloudy day—clear this evening. I receive “Hitckock’s (sic) Elementary Geology” and “Websters Army & Navy Pocket Dictionary.

Stormed all last night & until late this morning. 3 or 4 inches of snow. Thaws considerably—quite moderate weather this evening.

The storm has past, ethereal blue
Presents itself again to view
And kindly glance of myriad stars
Darts hope unto the son of Mars
And tells him that beyond the storm
He’ll find the peerless, peaceful form
Of Liberty and Law.

Warm, fair day. In P.M. our Division is reviewed by Gen. Gibbons who is now in command…after which Gov. Ramsey presents us a banner “in behalf of the citizens of St. Paul.” It is a beautiful silk flag & bears the names of ten battles. The Governor’s speech daubes us all over with glory.

About 4 A.M. we are arroused & ordered to “pack up” & be ready to march at a moment’s notice. Rumors are various. Our pickets that were relieved this morning heard cannonading up river. Clear & pleasant. George Stewart calls this evening and we take a game of euchre.

Leave the camp…early this morning & reach our own camp about noon in rather a humid condition. Rain & snow. Clears off in P.M. Roads very muddy between Falmouth & Belle-Plain.

Warm & pleasant. I finish reading the Hist. of U.S. “Baptist Joe” calls on us this evening & relates his religious experience & gives his views of the “Negro enlistment” programme. Joe thinks that the “colored population” will fight.

Pleasant day—light flying clouds. A shower this evening. Drizzling rain nearly all last night. Relieved from picket 1 A.M.

Cloudy—quite moderate. Playing ball is quite common sport in our Regt. now-a-days.

Cloudy in A.M.—partially clear in P.M. Papers state that the “colored brigade” is making fine progress in Floriday. Sermon by Chaplain Canwell, in Hosp’l in A.M.

About 2 inches of snow falls. Reading Hist. of U.S. Hiram Drake of Co. E who was sent to the hospital from York Town last May, returns.

A fine pleasant day. A large concourse of soldiers assemble near the camp of Meagher’s Irish Brigade to celebrate “Saint Patrick’s Day.” The race-course, I should judge, is about a mile long with alternate ditches & poles for the horses & mules to jump. All ranks, from Maj. Generals to High Privates are represented in this gathering. Field officers are thrown sprawling into the mud to the great delight of the “audience.” Some of the equestrians are killed or dangerously hurt, while a great many more of them are dangerously drunk….Around 3 P.M. cannonading commences on the right & we return to our camp. I suppose the Rebs are making another raid.