ephraimshay.com

Ephraim Shay Diary 1863

Editor's Note: Amanda Galey has done a wonderful job of transcribing this diary. It is very difficult to read handwriting and punctuation style from the 1860s. This is a web site, so it is therefore a work-in-progress. We will continue to edit and improve this representation of Ephraim's diary, with notes and annotations where appropriate. Please come back and visit again.

You can find the original diary at the Bentley Historical Library at the University Of Michigan. - Ed.

Page 1

Epraim Shay

Addresses of friends
(My Mother)
Mrs. Phebe Shay
Sebecca Po
Ionia Co
Mich

(Uncle)
Mr. Joshua Shay
Hainesville Po
Suesex Co
New Jersey

(Uncle)
Mr. Wakeruan R Slater
Havanna Po
Huron Co
Ohio

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blank page

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blank page

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Thursday, January 1, 1863
At 3 A.M. W. Taylor awoke me saying an important dispatch had arrived from the Gen Steel for Gen Sherman Nor orderly being on the boat (Forest Queen) I saddelled mine and took it out Gen Sherman was at a fire near his tent He sent orderlies to the different divisions with orders to get on the defensive embarked on boats during night

Friday 2
At 4 P.M. left the Yazoo the enemy did not follow up our retreat. we waited a long time for him to do so or over crop the bayou but he did not dare to do so. A heavy rain set in about night. Staid at Millikew Bend

Saturday 3
Remaining at Millikew Bend Gen Sherman and Gen McClelland .....down a Forest Queen to the Black Hawk to confer with Admiral Porter returned about midnight Rain has ceased

Page 5

Sunday, January 4, 1863
Started up the river having in view a pointon Arkansas River where it is reported a battery is under casements in a Bastion Fort
Gen McClelland assumed command

Monday 5
On our way as fast as possible. the Iron clads have to be towed making slow progress

Tuesday 6
On our way I am busy at every moment where the boat runs slow or stops in making out a report of killed and wounded

Wednesday , January 7, 1863
Arrived at White River at 2 P.M. Finished my report
About 300 were killed and 1000 wounded of which 721 were so serious as to require Hospt accomodations the ballance were so slight as to be treated by the Regt Surgeons

Thursday 8
Very busy making necessary preparations for the intended expedition

Friday 9
Left landing at 8 A.M. went up White River to the Cut off then into Arkansas by it and landed at .....landing just below Fort Nelson at Post Arkansas Made a reconoisance for a short distance from landing

Page 6

Saturday, January 10, 1863
Disembarked and advanced taking rifle pits and driving the enemy to the last defences at the fort

Sunday 11
Engagement opened at 12.45 P.M. Fort silenced at 2 by Gen Wats At 4 Fort surrendered I went to Gen McClellands HdQrs for duty in SB Tigress

Monday 12
Arranging boats to receive prisoners. gathering together the Captured property & c

Tuesday, January 13, 1863
Prisoners are on boats Fort is being destroyed Gen Sherman moved to F. Queen at 4 P.M.

Wednesday 14
Rainy disagreeable day I moved all my clothing & c from F. Queen to Tigress Put all our waging & on board

Thursday 15
Ground covered 3 in deep with snow and continues to stormy Z.M is loading mules

Page 7

Friday, January 16, 1863
Finished the reembarkation of troops. Z.M. Property by destroy all articles which could not be put on board
Snow melts some blew up the fort at dark passed the night at .....landing

Saturday 17
Left at sunrise for Napoleon arrived about noon snow melts very little cool day

sunday 18
Laying at Napoleon A fire broke out during day and boats had to move out of its reach

Monday, January 19, 1863
Started down the river A squall of wind made .....for and hour or two

Tuesday 20
On our way down the river stopping each night. About noon found gun obats laying at
Two boats through some misunderstanding passed the fleet and having no protection below were liable to capture Post boy sent after them Gunboats subsequently followed

Wednesday 21
After about 2 hours .....overtook the missing boats anchored awaiting our approach Landed at Tourage Point

Page 8

Thursday, January 22, 1863
disembarked. I went up to Willikers bend by land with a despatch

Friday 23
The work of disembarking and .....the sick & c continues troops are working a ditch

Saturday 24
Troops encamping and some are at work on the Carral
A wedding last night on the Gun Boat the Capr of the Queen of the west married a lady living up the river a fiew miles

Sunday, January 25, 1863
office duties
usual program of camp life

Monday 26
office duties ordinary camp duties occupy the attention of command a detail at work or canal

Tuesday 27
B.B. VanPhul & J. C. .....left for Memphis with sick

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Wednesday, January 28, 1863
I went down to ditch today the watter runs very sluggishly no washing of the banks

Thursday 29
Firing from mouth of ditch at Rebel transports a ferry boat has been captured The Ella River now blockaded below the city

Friday 30
office duties

Saturday, January 31, 1863
office duties

Sunday, February 1
Went on board Tigress with wagons & c of the medical director

Monday 2
Moved down to Gen Shermans HdQrs
Queen of the West now by the batteries of Vicksburg in broad day light without any serious injury

Page 10

Monday, February 9, 1863
Office duties

Tuesday 10
Office duties Serenade to Gen Sherman

Wednesday 11
Rebels trying the range of thier guns on the canal. hit it very well. Surg Laubis a Med. Direct of Dept is here quite unwell. Surg Allen Med Dept is here also

Thursday, February 12, 1863
Office duties

Friday 13
Office duties Recd letter from Kate & Ophelia

Saturday 14
Office duties
Gun boat Indianola ran the blockade with out injury last night

Page 11

Saturday, February 21, 1863
Office duties

Sunday 22
Office duties
Natural salute fired by land and naval forces in honor of Washington birthday

Monday 23
Office duties

Tuesday, February 24, 1863
Office duties Distant and heavy firing heard all day down the river continuing untill after dark. At midnight a Dummy was sent down which drew the fire from all the guns our boys caught it at the mouth of canal

Wednesday 25
Office duties At 10am a despatch arrived that the Queen of the West was in sight with rebel colors. Nothing definite yet with regard to the Indianola but suppose her captured or sunk about 4P.M. the Dummy was let go for the mornings at Canal and floated down the Queen left down the river on its approach at about 8 maybe later and tremendous explosion was heard down the river

Thursday 26
Office duties Nothing definite yet of the Indianola but think the Dummy scared the Secesh and they blew her up for fear she would be captured quite a sell if correct

Page 12

Friday, February 27, 1863
Office duties

Saturday 28
Office duties

Sunday, March 1
Office duties

Monday, March 2, 1863
Office duties

Tuesday 3
Office duties

Wednesday 4
Office duties

Page 13

Thursday, March 5, 1863
Office duties

Friday 6
Office duties
.....Cormer burried

Saturday 7
Office duties

Sunday, March 8, 1863
Office duties

Monday 9
Office duties

Tuesday 10
Office duties

Page 14

Wednesday, March 11, 1863
Office duties

Thursday 12
Office duties

Friday 13
Office duties
Much activity among troops
3rd Ohio Cav 55th Ohio 24th 34th Oh

Saturday, March 14, 1863
Office duties Maj. Taylor and Capt McCoy returned from thier leave of absence Asst Surg Gen Col R.C. Wood is at the landing troops moving up the leeve quite an amount of activity prevails water endangers the camps. Col Wood came up to the office took a ride with Surg McGuillen Recd letter from Priscilla & was dated Dec 28th

Sunday 15
Office duties answered Priscilla and Ma's letter enclosed $1 to Ma to pay Uncle Ben a .....I owed him Rained last nightis cloudy with some rain this morning Cleaned off and fair is afternoon had a four handed game of Chep Jakes Hillard. Sergeant _____ with Col. _____.....staff

Monday 16
Office duties Pleasant day-8th mo and other troops embarked for an expedition-Surg McMillan went to Gen Grants HdQrs taking documentary evidence to show the history of the Med Dept. since command left Memphis Gen Sherman left to accompany expedition about 4 P.M. went up on a tug to the upper distant landing-needs drying up-heavy firing all day-heavy guns at Waneuter on in that direction about sun down

Page 15

Tuesday, March 17, 1863
Official duties-Pleasant day-Rumors that Houinses Bluff was evacuated and ocupied by our troops-Celebrated St. Patrick's Day in the evening

Wednesday 18
Office duties-Pleasant day too warm for comfort-Rumor that two of the Mosquito flat were taken up the Yazoo by enemy also that the 8th mo had a fight resulting in thier being cup up badly-no good foundation for either reports-Removed the guns from the mouths of ditch by way of leeve. Rebs fired shell at the boys but did not harm. fired at the drudge boat also but went no.....

Thursday 19
Office duties Pleasant day-Rebs fired at drudge boat every 15 minutes all last night one piece of shell hit it but did no harm-Heavy firing heard about daylight down the river much speculation concerning its cause Rumor that Commadore Farragut has run by port Hudson. Signals were made from below and now it is certain our boats are below or the enemy have our signals

Friday, March 20, 1863
Rebs fired but little last night-Five of the boats from lower fleet lay below.....one reported destroyed Pleasant day-Office duties-making report for Hpt Surg Gen Lieut Hill went down to communicate with the Admiral (Farragut) Two of the lower fleet are here in safety The Hartford guns.....the Albatross guns

Saturday 21
Office duties Pleasant day-Lieut Hill returned with despatches and a Lieut of 25th Regt N.Y. Lt. Artill. 7 boats started 1 burned and the others could not be seen when these left the Fort 7 miles of batteries current 6 mi no by in 10 mi just before sundown heavy continuing firing was heard near Waneuter lasting over one hour Supposition that commadore Farragut attacked the place nothing definite known

Sunday 22
Office duties Pleasant day Brig Gen Condg Raw fleet arrived at two cumlia land at noon today with fire new.....the Autocrat. Diana. Baltic. Adams and E.H. Fairchild Heavy firing near Waneuter early in the forenoon

Page 16

Monday, March 23, 1863
Office duties-Rainy and muddy. Drudge boats have left the canal.

Tuesday 24
Office duties-Cool north wind not near freezing but cool for this climate did not do much work in office

Wednesday 25
Office duties. Cool but pleasant two rains tried to run the blockade by Vickburg the .....ten had he boiler exploded and was sunk the Switzerland was disabled but was towed ashore by Commadore Farragut Gun boat

Thursday, March 26, 1863
Office duties Pleasant day 55th Ills Returned to camp Recd letter from Kate. all well written March 10th.....sleighing east
Gen Elliots Marine Brigade went away from landing about noon up the river destination not known.....went also

Friday 27
Pleasant day. little cloudy about noon-Office duties. Gun boat Lafayette left her anchorage and went up stream this morning. there is no Gun boats or .....between Lounge Point and Vicksburg now
Answered Kates letter Gen Sherman's Expedition returned proved a failure got to within 6 1/2 mi of sunflower river

Saturday 28
Office duties Spring showers heavy firing in direction of Waneuton Violent wind about midnight. several trees blown down in the yard. a general scattering of tents & c went to bed to sleep 3 A.M. 29th

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Sunday, March 29, 1863
Office duties-cool day-had to have fire in the office

Monday 30
Office duties-weather still cool military operations progress as usual

Tuesday 31
Office duties-cool day

Wednesday, April 1, 1863
Office duties-cool day Gen Steeles Division preparing to go on expedition-Gen Smith commanding Gen Rosses old Division has arrived
Rebels fired & fiew shell about dark

Thursday 2
Office duties-warmer weather need no fire-Gen Steeles command left today-Gen Stuart had a review his last before returning to private life. Congress not confirming his appointment he was early engaged in the war raised two Regiments himself spent $20000 doin it has never been home, and has attended strictly to his duty so much for justice

Friday 3
Office duties-Recd letter from Kate and her photograph-was down to Regt-quite unwell last night feel bad today answered Kates and Ophelias letters windy this evening

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Saturday, April 4, 1863
Office duties-feel better pleasant day
Gen Steele's Division on expedition at Greenville today

Sunday 5
Office duties-pleasant day-went down on point and took view of Vicksburg Canal broke through when the leeve join on all the head of the canal overflowing the old camp P.
Gen Steele's Division on the march in the interior, enemy near guard in close proximity

Monday 6
Office duties-pleasant day water raising in yard, the railroad has been cut and the water drains off and is falling (the boys are.....)
We made a huge wreath of willow and roses with a crop bar and Shiloh in large letter & hung it at the Gen's door this morning
Gen Steele repaired bridge today which stoped his progress last evening being burned ahead of him by the enemy

Tuesday, April 7, 1863
Office duties
Gen Steele on the march towards the interior enemy saw in small numbers, skirmishes secumed at one time with artillery

Wednesday 8
Office duties
Gen Steele on the march, enemy in sight occassionally after camping for the night the enemy's artillery and ours exchanged several shot no casualties, this place is called Thomas' Plantation 45 mi from Greenville here the march ended

Thursday 9
Office duties
Gen Steele on the march back to Greenville.....all negroes houses, ....., and destroying all large quantities of carr & c which could not be brought along

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Friday, April 10, 1863
Office duties-pleasant day
Gen Steele reached the boats to day. 1 was killed 2 wounded

Saturday 11
Office duties-pleasant day quite unwell-shower in evening continued raining slowly all night

Sunday 12
Office duties-damp morning Flag of truce today-a mother and her two daughters came with it-daughters young and handsome-a Refugee and family also came in-all go north I believe.

Monday, April 13, 1863
Office duties-Flag of truce today Gen Grant and Gen Sherman answered it

Tuesday 14
Office duties-fair day water raising
Wrote letter to Uncle usual but it does not bear the date of the 14th

Wednesday 15
Office duties-Gun Boats to have went by Vicksburg did not go-passed evening on Westmoreland-Forest Queen was not ready which caused the delay-going this.....evening without fail

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Thursday, April 16, 1863
Office duties-warm day-about half a dozen shots fired from Batteries in the city apparently at our fort on the point-Brig Gen Thomas. Adjutant Gen came here this afternoon to Gen Sherman's office-Gun Boats all ready will go this evening

Friday 17
Gun Boats went down last night, Beuton Lafayette, Tuscumbia, Corondolet, Louisville, Mound City, Pittsburg, Gen Price a ....., and the Transports Forest Queen, Silver wate, and Henry Clay. Henry Clay took fire approach the city and was burned Forest Queen .....to help her and recieved a shell which injured her steam drum, Tuscumbia went back and brought her through

Saturday 18
Office duties-pleasant day crew of Forest Queen came up to office today.
Passed firing from our guns on the point on the enemy's stronghold

Sunday, April 19, 1863
Office duties-Pleasant day Recd letter from Kate-answered it-all well in sussex except Trip Vanetter-a boat from usual fleet endeavored to go up the river on the opposite side having no flag raised our battery fired blank shot and brought it back then sent an officer to ascertain its business by the S.B. .....all night and it passed up

Monday 20
Office duties-Pleasant day two .....shelling the city apparently to burn house which enemy are preparing to .....if any boats try to run the blockade
Rumor that Gen Rosenkrans had had a battle and whipped the enemy but lost very heavy at present stated 16000, greatly exxagerated I should think. may not be

Tuesday 21
Office duties-No...of a fight of Gen Rosenkrans forces

Page 21

Wednesday, April 29, 1863
Office duties-Pleasant day mud drying up- a .....up Yazoo River ordered 10 Regts under Gen Blair of 2nd Division. left landing about 9 A.M. instead to go only a short way up Yazoo or about 13 miles-firing about 11 or 12 P.M. up Yazoo-caught some fish in a ditch back of HdQrs in afternoon

Thursday, 30
Office duties-rumor from picket the enemy are crossing in boats opposite Vicksburg or little below-sent.....to ascertain-Firing up Yazoo is heard about 10 A.M. very heavy guns-Enemy seen across the river opposite Gen Sherman HdQrs apparently watching our movements windows.....with the report of the.....up Yazoo-firing continues until late in the evening

Friday, May 1, 1863
Office duties-warm day have noticed no firing up the Yazoo-firing in the vicinity of Vicksburg nearly all day-do not know the cause-some shell were thrown could hear them burst-heard it was a party of our men who went across canal to see if anything was being done that they were firing at
quite a stir among the Regts left behind-Col Hogere with 5 Col of the 118th just went by towards the Canal He has been riding up and down the leeve at full speed two or three times this afternoon-Gen Sherman's Expedition returned at dusk-did merely what was intended to make faint of an attack-orders to be ready to move to morrow

Saturday 2
Went by boat to Millikers Bend-disembarked and prepared to leave for .....Carthage to morrow morning do not move tomorrow 1st Division on the way, and 3rd Division also

Sunday 3
Left Millikers Bend about 8 A.M. rode to plantation of where found Gen Steele dismounted for a stay of two hours. Recd letter from Kate this morning-Jim Shay elected.....Chatterbox quite unwell went to Gen grants HdQrs within a couple of milesof new Carthage

(In the center crease of the book, it states, "Learning Bell dead. Jim Youngs died in the army some time ago". )

Page 22

Monday, May 4, 1863
Left early and went to Perkins Plantation where we remained during the afternoon and night-Gen Sherman went by boat to Grand Gulf-returned during night-I saw Mr Perkins movement he was lost at sea on the ship arctic-Mrs Perkins movement is near her husbands-The dwelling house is burned by the owner I learned upon our taking New Orleans
(passed 440 prisoners)

Tuesday 5
Left at 9 and went to Hard Lives landing opposite Grand Gulf-passed many large mansions most of them diserted & the furniture left has been destroyed by soldiers passing many cotton guns & c .....burned last night-do not know by whom-from description by the slaves the same man done all the firing-Staid at plantation of Dr. Hollingsworth

Wednesday 6
Packed up wagons saddled horses expecting to cross the river but did not do so remained all day and camped for the night in same place we staid last night-Gen Steele's & Tuttles divisions arrived-1st & 2nd Brig of Gen Steele's crossed during the night of 6th-Brig Gen Thomas came to our camp in afternoon brought despatch from Gen Grant-he is preceeding admirably

Thursday, May 7, 1863
Cold night last night wind from north-Packed wagons and saddled horses and went to landing early crossed over on Forest Queen some in Gun boat and camped against the hill-took a survey of the defence much work done a lack of heavy guns was plainly visible for so strong is the place by nature that it would be inpregnable if guns were properly placed and defended

Friday 8
Left camp early in morning and marched to the 1st Ford and went into camp Gen Grant is near Rocky Springs I do not know what we are waiting for unless it is for Gen Blain.....Some of the troops here are in motion-sent Kates letter which I wrote at Grand Gulf

Saturday 9th
Remained in camp at 1st Ford

Sunday 10th
I went with Capt Pittsman to make a survey of the road Gen Sherman's HdQrs & Gen Steele's command left at 2 P.M. and marched to big sandy creek by way of Rocky Springs where burriacked for the night
Country is very hilly roads crooked-deep ravines-land poor-presents a striking contrast with the rich plantations across the river-country is better as we go up Big Black

Page 23

Monday, May 11, 1863
Left camp at sunrise-went with Capt Pittman to survey road to Cayuga arrived about 10 A.M.-very pleasant dry weather-heard a fiew canon in a N.W. direction this morning Gen Grant's Qr's are at Cayuga P.O. near the church-went to .....and camped for night

Tuesday 12
Left early in the morning and marched a fiew miles when enemy opened on us with musketry-killed one man-I was with Hibbard making survey of road when I heard the firing I went in front-Skirmishing now at 10 A.M. lasted only a fiew minutes enemy retreated followed by us-the bridge was burned-took until night to repair it and get the two.....across-camped on hill just across creek-6 killed 8 or 10 wounded firing heard on ....night

Wednesday 13
Left camp at 4 A.M.-Gen McPherson had a fight about two miles from Raymond-we reinforce him-he lost about 200 killed and wounded-we arrived about 1/2 past 8-he drove the enemy through the town of Raymond last evening. Command went forward taking the road direct to Jackson-came on the enemy's picket 8 1/2 mi from Raymond
Exchanged a fiew shots when they fell back-we then went into camp-the owner of the plantation is a private in the 3rd Miss. Marshall by name Gen McPherson went into Clinton took possession of the place-recieved despatches from Gen Lee ordering his troops to fall back if not strong enough to stop us or risk an engagement

Thursday 14
Left early in morning for Jackson Skirmished all the way and about 2 mi from town came on a force of infantry and Artillery. At 11 A.m. commanding on our left supposed to be Gen McPherson .....the enemy 11 30am Enemy opened on us with canon 11 50 ......Bat answered but not from a good position. 12 15 infantry fire quite .....12.25PM Enemy give way to our men continued skirmishing .....30 when Capt Pittman reported rifle pits abandoned Gen Steele took possession of Jackson at 3 P.M. camped in suburbs of town-has been rainy all day

Friday 15
Remained in Jackson all day-Busy taking possession of Rebel property and destroying railroad. manufactories & c troop taking posesion of all property food & c which is of any service to the army. destroyed rebel canon, saved the .....loading one-many fires in town

Page 24

Saturday, May 16, 1863
4 P.M. left about 10 A.M. arrived in Clinton about 2 P.M.-Col Hogue brought report that Gen .....had an engagement and lost 1500 prisoners-other reports say 500 were recaptured, no positive information, we are pushing ahead on the strength of the report-7 P.M. at Bolton-despatch from Gen Grant that he has taken 1500 prisoners and three batteries-camped at Bolton orders to leave at 4A.M. 17th

Sunday 17
Gen Tuttle Division was unable to pass the bridge just east of the station on account of the lateness of the night and fatigue of the troops consequently we left later than ordered being sunrise-11 A.M. 4 mi east of Big Black, despatch from Gen Grant, 3000 prisoners & 33 pieces canon taken at Bridge. I went back with medicines for wounded in Gen.....Division about 300 enemy killed and 3000 prisoners.....Army Corps went to Big Black and put down pontoons and commenced crossing river at sundown Gen Blain's Division joined us; we cross 2 mi above railroad

Monday 18
Whole Army Corps crossed during night, wagon train left to cross today marched within 3 mi of Vicksburg where the enemy commenced to skirmish with us, we come on the city from the north east Gen Grant is here canal about 4 P.M. the Division parted (Gen Blains) and advanced by both roads towards the city-as soon as Gen McPherson's Corps arrived Col Smiths Brigade returned and took it's position with 2nd Division Some anxiety for Gen McPhersons arrival on account of fires seen in city and a supposition that the enemy may try to escape by way of ridge road on our right. Gen Steele is charged with guarding the attack expected some skirmishing about 15 wounded

Tuesday, May 19, 1863
forenoon spent in getting position with intervals of sharp skirmishing-orders to assault at 2 P.M. which was done by Gen Shermans Corps and a part of Gen McPhersons. Gen .....failed to obey orders and the consequence was that the .....did all the fighting loss 300 wounded actualy in Hospital. Gen Steele sight rests on the .....-Gun boats opened fire about dark and kept it up at intervals all night

Wednesday 20
Skirmishing commenced at daylight and continued briskly until 2.30 where it increased to a fight for a time cannonading all day
Gun boats and mortars fired at intervals all night

Thursday 21
Cannonading all day, very heavy during forenoon-firing from sharp shooters incessant-I went to the extreme right and saw Youngs Point & surrounding country from the bluffs

Page 25

Friday, May 22, 1863
cannonading commenced early in morning and was very heavy at 10 the assault was made by 15th A.C. I do not know whether the other corps did or not they were ordered to I heard little or no firing on the left the flag was planted on the enemy works and remained there all day. withdrew after dark-our forces were within 50 yds of works all day-very heavy loss four forces acted (barely under the heaviest fire

Saturday 23
very quiet in morning little firing of canon except from mistake about 10 cannonading heavy on left Gun boats opened also from sound
Capt Pittsman Topographical Engine on Gen Sherman Staff wounded by enemy's sharp shooter while taking survey of works (weather during White campaign so far is the best kind for our purpose-roads dry just showers enough to lay dust once in a while) Recd letter from Kate

Sunday 24
cannonading all day slowly skirmishing with sharp shooters our boys building rifle pits I went to landing on Yazoo at head of Chickasaw Bayou passed over battle ground of Dec 27, 28, 29 1861. the enemy had the strongest natural position in the west if not in the whole south, to protect them. I never saw anything near its equal-wounded sent to river to go north yesterday & today

Monday, May 25, 1863
A slow cannonading and fire from sharp shooters kept up & fine dry weather. a flag of truce from 6 to 8 P.M. to recover the dead. I went out to view thier works. it is an excellent one for defence and offence it can be taken by assault if present army before it too but the loss of life must be immense Wrote to Priscilla

Tuesday 26
Firing very slowly, but little to be heard. an unusual calm. I guess a storm approaches-we are very busy making preparations for a more determined and successful attack I think 2000 lb of blasting powder looks like ..... and 1000000 rounds small ammunition looks to work Gen Grant just came in office and ordered that a sharp look out be report as .....saw the enemy are going to cut thier way out on.....night they say it was ordered and the signed given .....evening but for some reason the troops did not respond Gen Blains Division is ordered to Haines Bluff this evening

Wednesday 27
usual skirmishing-very heavy cannonading principally from Gun boats and mortars .....Hammond returned-Slight shower very warm-Recd letter from Jane and one from Grif Brokau also one from Mother & one from Priscilla
Ma's May 18th Priscilla's May 14th Jane's May 7th Grifs Brokaus May 22nd

Page 26

Page 27

Page 28

Wednesday, June 3, 1863
usual firing all day-more heavy guns being wanted- a number of hand grenades of from 1 to five lbs weight being made-another attack will soon be made-Gen Blair has return Gen.....Brigade has arrived-many ladies visit HdQs for provisions-weather dry cloudy at times to day-have had no rain for past month except little sprinkles not enough to lay dust

Thursday 4
usual amount of firing preparations for the capture of the city going on actively

Friday 5
usual firing-dry warm weather

Saturday, June 6, 1863
Firing continues slowly weather dry and extremely warm

Sunday 7
very quiet all along the line but little firing-heard firing early in the morning towards Millikers Bend Despatch Recd that the enemy has attacked and at first drove the negroes camped there for its defense on .....all prisoners. negroes rallied and repulsed them with a loss of 80 dead on field 200 prisoners & reported 5 cannon (negroes stock is raising)

Monday 8
Firing increased to its usual amount-continued till late in evening by canon and musketry muster.....

Page 29

Tuesday, June 9, 1863
Office duties-usual firing

Wednesday 10
Rainy in morning much water fell.....towards noon and continued by showers all day-firing very brisk in the intervals by sharp shooter cannoning as usual-troops arrive

Thursday 11
usual firing-office duties Reinforcements arriving 23000 reported. roads getting good Johnson reported moving forward

Friday, June 12, 1863
Office duties-usual firing A little misunderstanding between myself and .....caused me to apply to be relieved from duty at HdQrs 15th A.C. Request granted

Saturday 13
Order relieving me from duty at HdQrs 15th A.C. and order ordering me to report as clerk at Gen Hospital of loss issued simultaneously though order relieving my duties the 12th
Reported for duty as ordered at .....A.M

Sunday 14
usual duties-quite unwell have been so for months

Page 30

Monday, June 15, 1863
usual duties-heavy firing along the line Enemy opened with canon the first since 23 may on thier near
Gen Sherman went to the rear to command the force opposed to Johnson
News of Port Hudsons capture

Tuesday 16
usual duties-Gen Sherman
quite unwell getting.....

Wednesday 17
usual duties-still quite unwell

Thursday, June 18, 1863
Office duties
unwell

Friday 19
Office duties very laborious
unwell
seige as usual

Saturday 20
Office duties

Page 31

Sunday, June 21, 1863
Office duties
some letter
Letter from Kate & Miss Chatterbox

Monday 22
Office duties
seige as usual

Tuesday 23
Office duties. much writing.....very late
Gen Sherman gone to the rear to meet Gen Johnson. took Gen Tuttles Division the 3rd

Wednesday, June 24, 1863
Office duties. very busy. heavy firing all day skirmishing in the rear mortars throwing shell very regularly at short intervals
weather damp and showery. not much rain.

Thursday 25
Office duties. warm weather same ..... firing all the time
A few sensation stories in camp but only rumors

Friday 26
Office duties.

Page 32

Saturday, June 27, 1863
Office duties
warm weather
quite unwell

Sunday 28
Office duties
warm weather

Monday 29
Office duties

Tuesday, June 30, 1863
Office duties

Wednesday July 1
Office duties

Thursday 2
Office duties preparation being made for an attack or at least a heavy bombardment

Page 33

Friday, July 3, 1863
Office duties
Flag of truce proposing terms of surrender lasted all night

Saturday 4
Office duties
Surrender of Vicksburg about 10 A.M.
Orders for 15th A.C. to join Gen Sherman
Sixty prisoners released from jail confined for union sentiments and nearly rotten from filth

Sunday 5
Office duties
very warm
15th Army Corps move to join Gen Sherman immediately-on the way to day

Monday, July 6, 1863
Office duties
Exceedingly warm today

Tuesday 7
Office duties
very warm

Wednesday 8
Office duties
very warm

Page 34

Thursday, July 9, 1863
Office duties
very warm
went through Vicksburg

Friday 10
Office duties
Surg .....& Varnum placed under arrest by Surg McDonnell, thier orders were issued, but delivered without the signature of Surg McDonnell, Orders were recorded in the order book as signed

Saturday 11
Office duties
Surg..... and Surg Varnum was about to take his seat at the dinner table when Surg McDonnell ordered him to retire and eat at the second table, .....refused to do so and McDonnell ordered the Lieut of the guard to enforce the order, a spirited discussion ensued, finally surg.....complied

Sunday, July 12, 1863
Office duties

Monday 13
Office duties
116 sick sent to Hospital Boat to go north

Tuesday 14
Office duties
Surg.....and Varnum released from arrest

Page 35

Wednesday, July 15, 1863
Office duties
Surg .....and Varnum relieved from duty in 15th A.C. .....by Surg Moore new Direct of Dept

Thursday 16
Office duties

Friday 17
Office duties

Saturday, July 18, 1863
Office duties

Sunday 19
Office duties

Monday 20
Office duties

Page 36

Tuesday, July 21, 1863
Office duties
Commenced moving Hospital to city of Vicksburg 25 loads gun

Wednesday 22
Office duties

Thursday 23
Office duties
106 patients sent north

Friday, July 24, 1863
Office duties

Saturday 25
Office duties
J.L. Taylor received a furlough May Taylor and Capt McCoy arrived from the field

Sunday 26
Office duties
very warm. heavy showers

Page 37

Monday, July 27, 1863
Office duties
Went to boat with Jim Luminary, Fred .....Surg Heckelmann sick

Tuesday 28
Office duties very busy cloudy with showers let Surg Lucas.....Divis have eleven hospital tents complete

Wednesday 29
Office duties
Miss .....left hospital and went to 2nd Division hospital sent Jeffs letter

Thursday, July 30, 1863
Office duties
Quite unwell

Friday 31
Office duties

Saturday, August 1
Office duties

Page 38

Sunday, August 2, 1863
Office duties
Quite unwell
Rx .....
.....
one table spoonful taken one hour after each meal
A Tonic and prophalactec

Monday 3
Office duties

Tuesday 4
Office duties

Wednesday, August 5, 1863
Office duties

Thursday 6
Office duties

Friday 7
Office duties
health the same

Page 39

Saturday, August 8, 1863
Office duties

Sunday 9
Office duties

Monday 10
Office duties
Making a writing desk at leisure moments

Tuesday, August 11, 1863
Office duties

Wednesday 12
Office duties
51 sick sent on board Hosptl Steamer R.C. Wood

Thursday 13
Office duties
Answered Miss Brokaws & Priscilla's Letters
51 sick sent on board Hospital Transport R.C. Wood
39 Recd from 30 mo

Page 40

Friday, August 14, 1863
Office duties
Health improving
Have an idea of applying for Hospital Steward in u s a

Saturday 15
Office duties
made out an application for the position of Hospital Steward in the U.S.A.

Sunday 16
Office duties
Forwarded application strongly recommended by Surg McDowell

Monday, August 17, 1863
Office duties

Tuesday 18
Office duties
Preparing to break up hospital

Wednesday 19
Recd letter from Priscilla Office duties Sent 85 sick on board the R.C. Wood and City of Memphis
The City of Madison....ordinance Boat was blown to peices by the carelessness of a detail of negroes loading it. the Walsh was seriously injured.

Page 41

Thursday, August 20, 1863
Office duties. Rainy morning

500 Jersey
50 Ohio
100 Land
150 due
___
800
500
___
300
60 interest
____
360
160
___
200

Friday 21
Office duties

Saturday 22
Office duties

Sunday, August 23, 1863
Office duties
Sent 27th men on furlough went by Forest Queen

Monday 24
Office duties

Tuesday 25
Office duties
Recd detail from Gen Grant to special duty in Med Dept. to report to Surg Miller in charge Prentiss Hospital

Page 42

Wednesday, August 26, 1863
Office duties
quite unwell
cool weather

Thursday 27
I moved down to Prentiss Hospital

Friday 28
Duties in dispensatory

Saturday, August 29, 1863
usual duties
fitting up the dipensatory

Sunday 30
usual duties

Monday 31
Duties in Dispensatory

Page 43

Tuesday, September 1, 1863
usual duties

Wednesday 2
usual duties

Thursday 3
usual duties

Friday, September 4, 1863
Busy fitting up the dispensatory

Saturday 5
usual duties

Sunday 6
usual duties

Page 44

Monday, September 7, 1863
usual duties

Tuesday 8
usual duties

Wednesday 9
usual duties

Thursday, September 10, 1863
usual duties

Friday 11
usual duties

Saturday 12
usual duties

Page 45

Sunday, September 13, 1863
usual duties in the dispensatory
Recd Letter from Priscilla dated Aug 8th have recieved one since it was written her baby is dead. Mother's health is poor

Monday 14

Tuesday 15

Wednesday, September 16, 1863

Thursday 17

Friday 18
usual duties in forenoon
Went up the river just in the suburb of town to select a site for this hospital. found the one now ocupied by Surg .....suitable

Page 46

Saturday, September 19, 1863
usual duties
Mister Rowell staid with me last night.
Sgt Peasly came in town to day on business connected with raising .....if blacks for the .....of the defenses of Vicksburg

Sunday 20

Monday 21

Tuesday, September 22, 1863

Wednesday 23

Thursday 24
Reinforcements left Vicksburg for Rosenkrants
In afternoon rode all around the suburbs of the city and saw the new fortifications.
Went to the city burying grounds and saw the corpse of Wm A. Lake who was killed in a duel in 1849. he is enclosed in a metallic case and looks perfectly natural A child is also preserved the same way in the vault.

Page 47

Friday, September 25, 1863

Saturday 26

Sunday 27

Monday, September 28, 1863
15th Army Corps moving on boats
Will Tom & Holland took breakfast with me
Got my vouchers signed by Gen Sherman for $42 extra duty pay due me

Tuesday 29
Very unwell

Wednesday 30
very unwell

Page 48

Thursday, October 1, 1863
wrote a letter to Jim Taylor

Friday 2
Applied for sick furlough for sixty days, granted for thirty

Saturday 8
Got permission of Med Direct to go up on .....McDougall
Left Vicksburg at 3.25 P.M. Went up to Wood yard just below ditch and wooded up Str New Ban Accord passed down with three barges in town loaded, with oats I believe, while laying at wood yard 5.55 P.M. Left woodyard at dark

Sunday, October 4, 1863
7:15 A.M. 75 above Vicksburg before Gun Boat at New Cartage.
Laid up at 12 P.M. until 3 A.M. 5th on account of Fog

Monday 5
Went through new cutoff at Napoleon 1/2 mi long saves 9 1/2 miles 7:35 AM passed White River 100 below Helena 175 from Memphis 9:10 AM passed Str Rocket bound down the river with two barges in tow (a stern wheel boat)
10:30 A.M. passed a gun boat of the Mosquito fleet upper deck white, lower dark, a steamboat refitted, going down stream.
2.10 P.M met a stern wheel Str towing, barges one loaded with hay, could not see the other
7:30 PM men on band bar got off about midnight

Tuesday 6
7.08 AM met new .....
Saw wreck of Str Courier 30 mi below Memphis (burned)
3.25
meet the Adams of Elliots Manuver fleet at the mouth of the .....4 PM in sight of Memphis
4.10 PM met the Metropolitan.....furlough soldier.....
Arr in Memphis 4.20. Went to Theatre Saw Col C Smith can get Extra duty pay tomorrow, Saw Gen G.A. Smith and Gen M.L. Smith at Gayoso Expense 90

Page 49

Wednesday, October 7, 1863
Took passage on Str Graham to Cairo fare 1.25 Saw Gen G.A. Smith at Gayoso Recd extra duty pay of Col C Smith $42.00 Saw T.Taylor Boyer and other boys .....Called on Surg Heartshom, can get a situation in Gayoso Hospital Left Memphis 5 PM
Met Clara Belle 5:50 PM Met two boats names not known to dark to see 8:30 PM now on a snag on the.....guard now through the hurricane roof completely demolishing the Barber shop. no damage to hull or engine or wheel 9 P.M. on our way 10 Laid up until morning on account of fog

Thursday 8
Started at daylight. Pleasant morning. .....all day and most of the night.
Meet several boats loaded with commissary and D.M. Stores for the army

Friday 9
All right and under way
Passed Island No. 10 8.45 P.M.
Arrived in Cairo 4.50 P.M.
got my ticket, checks, & for Detroit
Bought cap $1.75 .....$2.00
Supper..... & c 1.50=$5.25

Saturday, October 10, 1863
Left Cairo 3.30 A.M.-delayed by train in our way. only 47 mi out at 730 an hour behind time
At Orianga another delay by a house which was being moved being across the track
Went to Soldiers home

Sunday 11
Called on James Taylor Staid until date in the afternoon-Took train for Detroit at 715

Monday 12
Arrived in Detroit on time left for Muir at 8 A.M arrived 1:30 P.M.
Called at Aunt Marge Stayed all night

Page 50

Tuesday, October 13, 1863
Went to Portland and called on Uncle Eph's found Priscilla there-Rode home with L. Showerman saw Ma a fiew minutes & went up to Uncle Ben's a short time

Wednesday 14
Went out hunting with Theodore Staid with Uncle Ben for supper

Thursday 15
Helped Theodore husk corn called on Rich in afternoon

Friday, October 16, 1863
Fine day, visited at home Priscilla's and at Uncle Bens
Preparing to go west viewing

Saturday 17
Went to Ionia. Saw A Williams atty about Ma's land-had to get a new deed at Atty.....for a Tax certificate-employed him to do it cost.50 Went to Recorders Office left three deeds for recording one Warrantee deed to Ma. Two other deeds, one from Auditor Gen to .....and the other to a Will The deed sent for to the Auditor Gen will be suit to the recorders office paid for the recording if all-total cost $2.75-total expended for Ma 3.25-dinner and fair to Muir .50

Sunday 18
Staid at Muir with Aunt Mary

Page 51

Monday, October 19, 1863
Left muir for Grand Haven at 1.30 P.M. Staid over night at Grand Haven Expenses $2.75

Tuesday 20
Took Stage from Mill Point for Muskegon Arr. 12 A.M.-Started up the river and stopt over night at a small inn at Wolf lake-Uncle John Probasco came in about half an hour after I stopt a very unexpected meeting
Total expenses of the day $2.50

Wednesday 21
Went up to Newago
Expense 1.15

Thursday, October 22, 1863
Went to Uncle John's Expense $.50
looked at 120 acres of his farm with a view of buying 20 acres improved-cost $600

Friday 23
Staid at Uncle Johns Snow two inches deep in the morning-melted during day
Took another look at the land of Uncle's, concluded it is too light for my purposes He offers me 80 acres lot laying 12 mi. East and much better land for $3 per acre, the pine he takes off

Saturday 24
Left Uncles and went to Mr. Kelley Fullers 12 mi East Viewed Uncles lot not well satisfied with it-Went and Viewed 80 acres belonging to Hiram Barton .....with hay, grain oxen & wagon & c $600. Cheap

Page 52

Sunday, October 25, 1863
Came to Greenville 27 mi Kelley Fuller & H Barton came with me

Monday 26
Made a bargain with Mr. Barton and draw contract-came within 8 mi of Ionia 13 1/2 mi

Tuesday 27
went to Ionia bay-by carrs to Muir & by wagon to Portland

Wednesday, October 28, 1863
Went hom

Thursday 29
At home

Friday 30
At home

Page 53

Saturday, October 31, 1863
At home-bargained for two cows of H and spoke for hay to keep them of Rich was at a shooting match

Sunday, November 1
Went to Uncle Eph's in afternoon

Monday 2
Took stage for Muir left 4.15 for G Haven on account of change of time, no boat come did for Milwaukee

Tuesday, November 3, 1863
Remaining in G.Haven
left by boat at 8 P.M.

Wednesday 4
Arr in Milwaukee about 4 A.M. went to Chicago by the 8 A.M. train
cannot get transportation today

Thursday 5
Got transportation and left for Cairo by the 10 P.M. train

Page 54

Friday, Novermber 6, 1863
Arrived in Cairo about 6 P.M. took passage on S.B. M L Ewing Toom 15 fare cabin $6.00

Saturday 7
Went out on a leeve expense $1.25
left at 1.30 P.M.
Capt of Boat and Gen Smith had warm words about landing some passengers at Hills Point
At Columbus, at dusk left Arr below
quite unwell

Sunday 8
under way-going very slow
Quite unwell had the ague

Monday, November 9, 1863
Laid up nearly all night-made At Fort Pellow about 10 A.M.
Ague very hard
Arrived at Memphis at 6 PM
Went to Soldiers Home on Beale St. Very unwell took dover's Powder & had C. Carter

Tuesday 10
Remained at the Home
Took Quinin in morning
Very Sick all day

Wednesday 11
Some better-took cabin passage on Str Emerald for Vicksburg-fare $6.00

Page 55

Thurday, November 12, 1863
Feel better, but very dizzy headed
Boat Left at 2 PM

Friday 13
On our way-Left Helena at 11.AM
Getting Better

Saturday 14
On our way

Sunday, November 15, 1863
Arrived at Vicksburg about 10 AM
Reported at the Prentiss Hospital

Monday 16
At the hospital
Surg churchman wants me to come to his office as a clerk-went up in afternoon a short time

Tuesday 17
On duty at Health Officers Office
Col Thomas left word for me to call at his office I did so about 6 PM had a pleasant interview

Page 56

Wednesday, November 18, 1863
On duty with Surgeon Churchman

Thursday 19
On duty in Surg. Churchman's office

Friday 20
On duty in Office of the Health Officer

Saturday, November 21, 1863
Office duties

Sunday 22
Office duties

Monday 23
Office duties

Page 57

Tuesday, November 24, 1863
Office duties

Wednesday 25
Office duties

Thursday 26
Office duties

Friday, November 27, 1863
Office duties
Went to Col Eaton's Office had an interview with his clerk or assistant-found my name had been forwarded for detail for a position in the 7th Lan

Saturday 28
Office duties
Went up to Col Eaton's office and made known my wishes stated that but two positions could be given one in a Regt of A.D. below major.....Adjutant and Z.M. told them to strike my name off the list for anything else

Sunday 29
Office duties very cold day-froze hard lust ensuing

Page 58

Monday, November 30, 1863
Office duties
Cool day

Tuesday, December 1
Office duties

Wednesday 2
Office duties

Thursday, December 3, 1863
Office duties

Friday 4
Office duties

Saturday 5
Office duties
Much pulling between Surg. Churchman and Doctor where I shall do duty doing duty at both places

Page 59

Sunday, December 6, 1863
Office duties
Col relieved and ordered to report to Surg McCord

Monday 7
Office duties
feel unwell
Surg Buckner left for Memphis with Surg McCord
Col went to Goodniches Landing

Tuesday 8
Office duties in forenoon had a chill in afternoon quite sick Surg Churchman sent for me, could not go. Recd order from Gen McArthur to report to Surg Churchman for duty as "clerk at the Post".
Surg Dodson sent in a .....

Wednesday, December 9, 1863
Reported as per Spec Order No. 84 Dec 8th

Thursday 10
Office duties
feel better wrote a letter to Dr. Buckner accompanying his order from Dr. Buckner relieving him from his dept and ordering him to Report to to Surg McCord Med D.F.M.

Friday 11
Office duties

Page 60

Saturday, December 12, 1863
Office duties
Post Despensary moved today to front room in Office building
warm day

Sunday 13
Office duties
Warm day
Heavy shower

Monday 14
Office duties

Tuesday, December 15, 1863
Office duties

Wednesday 16
Office duties
Order issued relieving me from duty with Surg. Churchman and ordering me to report to Surg Dobson in charge here Hospital .....Vicksburg.
Reported in compliance with it

Thursday 17
Preparing my room and Office

Page 61

Friday, December 18, 1863
Duties of Steward
Weather 21 in morning

Saturday 19
Duties of Steward
Percent of deaths during week 41.2%
Weather 30 in morning

Sunday 20
Usual duties of the day
Took a chill or rather rigors about 2 P.M. succeeded by a high fever, bowels rather loose, took three Commpound .....Pills at 7.30 P.M. fever on yet. operated at 12.30
Eat no supper

Monday, December 21, 1863
feel very weak with a headache raise a good deal of Mucus, took 5 gr of Quinine, eat a good breakfast Beef steak, toast, tea, pickles.
Attending to office duties
took 5 gr Quinine at 11 A.M. Eat our dinner, had.....of panada for supper, took blue.....pill
Thermometer morning 40

Tuesday 22
Office duties though quite unwell. Mr Dodson arrived with sick child. Dr Wright from Memphis arrived also Dr Parker. Recd letter from Priscilla, Jane, and old ones.....Dr. Miller with his Photograph-Quite a misunderstanding between Dr. Wright & Dodson
bedtime took Pill. Hyd. 8 gr. Qui-gr 4
Thermometer 50

Wednesday 23
Duties of Steward, feel better
Had an interview with Mr. W.L. Crockett. son of David Crockett

Page 62

Thursday, December 24, 1863
usual duties. Peaslee called on me, has just got his discharge from Regt
Dance in the dining room
Thermometer 60

Friday 25
Usual duties
A dance at May in Andersons
Thermometer 60

Saturday 26
usual duties. making a box to put my Clothes in
Colored girls gave the Hospital Corps a supper. it was an excellent one in the best of style
They had a dance in evening
Thermometer 62

Sunday, December 27, 1863
Usual duties

Monday 28
Usual duties

Tuesday 29
Usual duties
Dr Miller arrived this morning, or rather last night
No news from Dr B

Page 63

Wednesday, December 30, 1863
usual duties of steward

Thursday 31
usual duties

MEMORANDA
Dates of Secession of Southern States

Page 64

MEMORANDA

April 29th 1863 H.S. Hibbard dr to $2.00 cash
Coal
W.S. 196,000 S. Mi area
B.H.K 7,530 " "
G.B. 5,400 " "
France 984 " "
Prussia 960 " "
Belgium 510 " "
Bohemia 400 " "
Spain 200 " "
Russia 100 " "

England uses 10,000,000 per .....for steam.....to 66,000,000 men
whole use=68,000,000 for all purposes

Chicago-population 150,000 for 1863

MEMORANDA

Must see E Probasco about Ma's Staying in his house-als to get water & c
must see about Ma's deeds
Left at Recorders Office
Clark A. Preston and Wife
to
Albert Williams
Paid
Auditor General
to C A Preston
Paid
H. .....and Wife
Phebe Shay
Paid
Auditor General
to Phebe Shay
Paid

221 in all
41 for deed
___
261

Page 65

MEMORANDA

James L. Taylor
......G.S. Hubbard & Co
Chicago Ills

C.B. Miller M.D.
Dillsborough Indiana

RM Buckner M.D.
Chebanse
Iroquois Co
Ills

Diluru S. Cotton
Pvt Co k
8th Wis

MEMORANDA

Nov 6th Expenses $.90
" 7th " Jane 1.25
" 7th " Provisions & c 1.70

Chicago
Tredgold on the steam engine
Military vest
Surg Andrews-Jim
Fine writing paper
Paper Collars

Cost of transportation from Chicago to Cairo $7.52

A.N. Wood & Co (Manufacturers of portable steam engines)
Eaton
Madison Co.
N.Y.

2 1/2 horse power 1500 lbs. $225.
4 " 2000 lbs. $340.
8 " 4500 lbs. $680.

Stump Machine

[drawing]

Page 66

MEMORANDA

Tredgold on the Steam Engine

Address of Kelley Fuller
Cato Po
Montcalm Co
Mich

Address of Heirau Barton
Cato Po
Montcalm Co
Mich

Jones & Tousley
Gen Land & .....Agents
Greenville
Montcalm Co
Mich

Marriage
Mills lives west of Lower
__ __ __

Carpenter's Point-dure north
A. Smith 1 1/4 due East-A. Smith
drive south of Smith

...... Fund
......
Joseph .....

Page 67

mi

Vicksburg to Lake P- 75

Lake ...... " Napoleon 125

Napoleon " Helena 110

Helena " Memphis 90

Memphis " Cairo 240

Cairo " St. Louis 195

Memphis " Cincinnati 79

From Cairo to Chicago 17 h 15 mi

" " N York 48.20

Chicago Express 3.30 A.M. arr. 8.45 P.M.

Chicago Express 1.40 P.M. arr. 1.45 A.M.

Cairo to Chicago 365 mi

To Zarah's, inquire for the road leading to Edward Merritts (3 mi from town) there the only road

[drawings]

360 North Wells St

54 North Clark

Kelley Fuller
Barton

See9

[drawings]