Civil War Signal Corps Kit

 

Various elements of a typical Regulation Civil War Signal Corps Kit, from top to bottom: two signal flags, two torches, one a Foot Torch, the other a Flying Torch. The Flying Torch has attachments for use with a long pole and could thus be used by mounted personnel. The artifact on the bottom is an extremely rare, unfired Civil War Army and Navy Signal Rocket. These artifacts are in the collection of the United States Army Historical Collection.
 

Also included in the CMH Museums Collection is a memoir written by a Signal Corps soldier during the Civil War. Roderick Gainer and Alison Bukowski working at the U.S. Army Center of Military History, Museum Division-Collections Branch, identified and transcribed this document. The memoir, authored by Sgt. James Maitland Stewart, is a very detailed account of his service in the 1864 Shenandoah Valley and Appomattox campaigns during the Civil War. Stewart was from Pennsylvania and served in the Signal Corps. Sgt. Stewart was actor Jimmy Stewart's grandfather. Click on the link below to access the transcribed version of the memoir.

Memoir of James Maitland Stewart, as transcribed:

A list of my duties (missing)

Itemized Expenses

A list of the money that I have received since the fist of January AD 1864
Feb 12th AD 1864
Received local bounty
(followed by list)

April

Gen Custer (it was then about 91/2 AM) there was an off roade along the line & ordered all the firing to cease & there was pickets put out on both sides. All firing was to cease till 4 PM & if Genl Lees' flag was not down then we were to fire on them. Gens Grant Sheridan & Lee met (&) held a council & Lee concluded to surrender about 4 PM. The pickets were taken off & that evening 2 went over to the Johnnies camp & talked with them. We encamped for the night near Appomatox Court House were we were when old Lee surrendered/ The next morning Mon. 10th got up about day-light, got rigged up ready for a move, lay there till the 12th , drive (?) passed them. Lit out, marched about 18 miles & encamped for the night near Prospect Station. Tues 11th got up at 4 o'clock, got rigged up, got breakfast & lit out, passed Hampton City College & Prince Edwards Courthouse. Marched about 15 miles then went into camp for the night.

Wedns 12 got up at 4 AM got breakfast, rigged up, & marched to Burkesville Station. Went into camp about a mile from the station.

Thurs 13th got up at 4 AM, got a Negro wench to get breakfast-we ate-then rigged up & started for Volaney Court House 13 miles distance where we arrived about 12 - o'clock. Went onto camp within half a mile of the Court house where we remained all morning on the 17th when we again took up the line of march in the direction of Petersburg. Marched 20 miles & camped for the night. Tues 18th got up at 5 AM got breakfast rigged up & started. Marched 22 miles and went into camp within 2 miles of Petersburg, layed there until the next evening until we moved HD. GRS. Headquarters in the city of Petersburg. Fri 21st me, Shaw & 2 rode through the city of Petersburg. Sat. 22nd Romine, Shaw, & 2 rode out & reviewed the fortifications. Sab. 23rd Later Aldter & went to church to Petersburg.

Mon. 24th We again took up the line of march in the directions of Dansville. Passed Dinwiddy Court House, marched 25 miles then went into camp for the night. Tuesday 25th Got up at 4 AM and as soon as we got rigged up the darky had breakfast ready we then ate it but only march 25 miles and went into camp near Heron River. Wedns. 26th Got up at 4 AM and rigged up ready to move. The dark then had breakfast & we ate, then moved our struck off to the right on a by road & crossed the river and crossed the Heron River up 5 miles at a mill marched 25 miles and camped for the night at Boydstown. Thurs. 27th Got up at 4 AM and prepared to march moved out about 6. Crossed the Stanton River, marched 25 miles then encamped for the night.

Friday 28th got up at 5 AM as soon as the 1st and 2nd Divs. Passed we moved out, crossed the rail road at Scottsville Station & we got about a mile passed Halifax Court House, we heard Johnson (sic) has surrendered, we then turned back and went into camp near Halifax CH.

Saturday 29th Gou up at 5 AM and about 7 we started back towards Birksville marched about 20 miles then went into camp for the night, that evening a party of us went out foraging and got as wet as a drowning rat. Sab. 30th Got up at 4 AM and had orders to be ready to move out at 7 AM and did not move out until 11. Marched 20 miles & camped for the night near Pleasant Grove. Mon 1st Got up at 4 AM moved out about 7 crossed the Heron River marched 22 miles and encamped for the night near Black & White Station.

Tues. 2nd got up at 4 and crossed out about 6 marched 20 miles and camped for the night. Wedns. 3rd got up at 4 AM moved out at 6 arrived at Petersburg at one where we went into camp, where we remained until Wedns. The 10th when we again took up the line of march for Washington. Soon after we started 2 lit out ahead went on to Richmond to see my Bro. arrived at the city. That evening ran through the city with my Bro. & Sam my old acquaintance stayed with Will that night. Thurs. 11th got up at 4 AM fed my horse and as soon as it was done eating rigged up and lit out into the 55th Regt and saw the boys that started for then started for my command. We marched 40 miles then encamped within 15 miles of Leomisa (?) Court House

Friday 12th got up at 5 AM got breakfast and then rigged up and moved out marched 27 miles cross the Pommuka (sic) River and encamped near by. Sat. 13th got up at 5 AM lay till the 12th. Then moved out then we pulled out marches 27 miles crossed the Rapidan at Rackoon Ford (sic) & encamped for the night on the banks of the river. Sab. 14th got up at 5 AM moved out and crossed the Rapphanick (sic) at Kelly's Ford marched 25 miles and encamped for the night at Catlit Station (sic). Mon. 15th got up at 5 AM moved out at 7 past the Bull Run battle ground marched 22 miles and encamped for the night at Fair-Fax Court House. Tues. 16th got up at 5 AM moved out & went into camp that evening near Alexandria where we remained till Sab. The 20th when we moved across the river and down past Bladensburg and encamped 2 miles east of the town and lay there till the 28th when we again moved back across the river and went into camp 6 miles west of Alexandria.

The first battle I was in was at New Market fought the 16th of May. 2nd the Battle of Pede Mont (or Mount Meridian as some call it) fought the 5th of June. We had a sharp skirmish at Lexington on the 11th of June. And one skirmished all day on Friday 12th and had a sharp fight in the evening near New London (?) Sat. the 18th had a hard battle at Lynchburg and on the 21st the Rebs attacked us as we were passing through the gap near Salem and we had quite a brisk skirmish we lost 5 pieces of art in the fracass (sic) and there to remain no more fighting till after Gen. Sheridan took command.

Sept. 3rd we had a brief little fight near Berry Ville. Sept 19th we had a heavy battle at Winchester. Again on the 21st and 22nd on Fisher's Hill and skirmished with them every day till we got to Harrison Burg (sic) where Gen. Sheridan made his Hd. Qrs.

Again on the 8th & 9th of Oct we had a sharp fight near Lookout Mtn. and from there to Woodstock.

And on the 13th Oct near Strawsburg (sic) and a hard battle was fought at Cedar Creek on the 19th of Oct

(Hand written in pencil beneath the last entry. This section appears to be out of order)
March 2nd 1865 we had a fight wed (?) at Waynesborough

Where we lay till the 25th of June where we took up the line of march for Winchester where we arrived the evening of the 27th

Signal Camp Feb. 18th came to camp on the 18th of February AM still in camp. April 4th was examined to be sent off duty and passed. April 20th left camp today stayed at the soldiers rest till the next morning left at 6 AM Nov 21th est to the relay over 8 till 9 - AM arrived at Cumberland at 8 AM on the 22nd. Lay there a week & then we took up our line of march for Martinsburg where we arrived May the 2nd. Stayed overnight & started again at 2PM for Winchester (22 miles) where we arrived at dark on the 3rd and encamped for the night. Went out on a scout on the 5th went out on a scout again on the 8th took up our line of march again on the 9th traveled about 15 miles and then halted struck up our tents and remained there till the 17th when we again took up our line of march went 15 miles then encamped near Woodstock.

After I got my horse attended to Marobald (?) & I went out and killed a hog and had a supper of fresh pork had as much or done the whole mess several days. I went out on station on the 13th where I remained till the morning of the 15th about 5 o'clock when we took to the line of march for the battlefield arrived at the battlefield near New Market (16 miles distance) about one o'clock. The ball was opened immediately and a brisk fire kept up on both sides for about an hour and a half when they over powered us and we fell back about a mile and a half but kept up a brisk fire all the time on the retreat and would fall back till we would get a good position and then take a stand. The battle lasted about three hours. After the battle was over we retreated to Mount Jackson and there got our supplies after supper after supper was over we mounted our horses traveled about 7 miles then halted and sat on our horses till about 2 o'clock then started on our journey. Arrived at Woodstock about 41/2 AM (of the 16th) passed through it and then halted for breakfast and left our horses we lay there till about 11 o'clock then saddled up and started in the direction of Winchester where we encamped on the Cooley Farm at Hd Qrs where we left in the 11enth near Middletown 5 miles from Strawsburg

Wednesday 18th went out on station at the Stickey Farm yesterday evening came into camp last night with orders to the captain where I am present went out on station again on the 21st. Came in off station on the 23rd. We packed up ready for a march. I fell out in line. We then got orders to go back to camp where we remained till Thursday morning of the 26th when we again took up our line of march. Marched about 15 miles, and encamped near Woodstock. That night went out on station at Gen. Sullivans Hd Qrs. Came in off station the next morning & went out on a forageing (sic) party in the afternoon.

The next day went out as a Capts. escort.

Also done some forageing (sic) brought in a lot of wheat and flower (sic) bolted & unbolted. Chickens, sheep, 11 hogs, 25 hd. of cattle. The next day Sabbath 29th took up our line of marched, marched about 20 miles and encamped near New Market on the edge of the Battle field. I unsaddled then went for a chicken, cleaned it, & cooked it & had it for supper. The next day went up to New Market with the Capt. Lay in camp till Thursday.

June the 2nd When we again took up our line of march, marched about 23 miles then encamped near Harrisonburg & drove the Rebs about 8 miles lay there till Saturday morning the 4th when we again took up the line of march arrived at Port Republick about 1 - o'clock lay there till our fellows laid the pontoons across the Shanendowa (sic) crossed & encamped near the Town got up at one o'clock the next morning & got ready to march started our march about 4 1/2 AM we had went but a short distance till we came in contact with the Johnnies, a brisk skirmish ensued & resulted in completely routing the enemy & capturing Capn Phillips & several others. The Rebs fell back till Pede mont (sic) where they had breastworks there they made a stand. The ball opened about 8 AM & lasted till 3 PM when our fellows made a charge and captured near 1000 prisoners & made the Rebs skadadle (sic) on doublequick (sic). Gen. Jones was shot in the corner of the eye & fell dead on the field.

We encamped in the Town for the night. The next morning got up at 3 o'clock & got ready to march left Pede-Mont (sic) about daylight for Stauton. Arrived at Stauton about 1 - o'clock without the firing of a gun. Went out on station that evening on the mountain called Betsy Knobbe came in off station the next morning and found the whole army on the move in the direction of Bouffalow (sic) Gap. Went out about 4 miles & halted for about an hour then all turn around and came back to Stauton and camped where we remained till Friday (the 10th). About 6 - AM when again took up the line of march in the direction of Lexington. Passed through Greenville and encamped at Midway for the night (18 miles from Stauton). Got up the next morning at 2 o'clock and started on our journey about 5 o'clock arrived at the banks of the North Anna(?) near Lexington about noon and found that the Rebs had crossed the river & burnt the bridge our fellows brought up a battery of artillery & started it and soon shelled the Rebs away from the banks of the river & out of the town then marched across (???). Forded it then across the river & took possession of the town. The Signal Major rode down to the Military Institute & took everything they wanted. That night encamped in and about the Institute. The next morning (Sabbath) moved over on the side of the hill a short distance till they would burn the buildings lay there till Tuesday the 12th when we once again took up the line of march for Buchanan (24 miles distance) where we arrived about dark, crossed the James River & encamped for the night. The next morning started in the direction of Lynchburg marched about 18 miles and encamped for the night.

The next morning we again took up our line of march. Marched till about 4 o'clock then encamped for the night. The next morning (Friday the 17th) we again renewed our journey, passed through New London driving the enemy before us all day. Encamped for the night within 4 miles of Linchburg (sic).

The next morning the ball opened about daylight and a heavy fire was kept up for some time at length the Rebs fell back a piece. The battle lasted till about nine o'clock PM we held our position all the day but the Rebs was reinforced with 30,000 men on Saturday evening. Saturday night we fell back, marched all night & about daylight Sabbath morning we halted, unsaddled out horses and lay down slept till about 9 o'clock when we saddled up and started out in the direction of Salem. Traveled all day Sabbath and that night and halted about 6 o'clock. A.C. Moore (Alexander C. Moore) and I went out forageing (sic) was out all day pretty nearly. About 5 o'clock we started on again in the direction of Salem. (One had not seen anything of the rest of the corps nor did I till the next day) We traveled about 4 miles that night then lay down and slept awhile we got too cold and got up & started again went of till we came till a little town then fed our horses in a stable. Lay down and slept till daybreak when we got up and started. Caught up with the rest of the party just as they were going into Salem where we halted. Got our breakfast. The Rebs commenced skirmishing at our rear. We then started in the direction of Gamley Bridge where we were going through the mountains. Some Reb cavelry (sic) dashed down the hill and shot down several of our artillery horses, upset a caseon (sic) and played smash generally. Our cavalry made then skadadle and took several of them prisoner. We took 5 prisoners, one captain and one lieutentant. The Rebs tried to disable our artillery by chopping out the spokes in the wheels. They had possession of 16 pieces but did not hold them 10 minutes. The pass in these mountains is very narrow and but one wagon go at a time in places. There was not even room for the guards along side of the wagon & artillery & here was the place the Rebs made a dash on our artillery. They were concealed in the mountain behind rocks 200 strong. What they done was done by a dash. They shot one of the artillery men twiced (sic) after he was wounded but he is not dead. He is getting better. Our train was at least 6 miles long and going through the gapp (sic) and we had to clear the road trees and rocks which were placed there by the Rebs.

We started on till about 6 o'clock and halted for the night. Then next morning A.C. Moore and I went back about a mile to get some bread baked and when we got back the whole army had moved. We persued (sic) after them up the Rhoenoak (sic) Valley and soon overtook them. We arrived at New Castle about sun set where we encamped for the night. I was detailed to report to Capt. Town (Franklin E. Town) to act as orderly for him for 24 hours. The next morning (Thursday the 23rd) we got up at three o'clock and were soon again on the march. We marched all day and encamped all night in a little town called Sweet Sulfur Springs. Lay there till about three o'clock the next day then we again started on our march. Arrived at White Sulfur Spring (17 miles distance) about 2 o'clock at night. Got up at daylight the next morning and were soon again on the march. We marched till 11 o'clock at night then halted. Got a few bites to eat lay down & slpet till daylight. Got up and started without our breakfast. Marched on till dark & and halted attended to our horses then lay down and slept till about 3 o'clock (this was Monday morning the 27th). We got our breakfast and were soon again on our march. Marched about 34 miles and then encamped on the banks of Droopcreek (sic) where we remained till the 30th when we again took up the line of march to Charlestown when we arrived about noon the next day. Lay at Charlestown till Sabbath morning the 3rd of July when we again took up the line of march to Parkersburg.

Marched about 16 miles and encamped for the night near Rissonville (sic) That night went out on picket. The next morning the 4th got up before daylight and were soon again on the road. Traveled 25 miles and encamped for the night on the edge of a little town called Ripley. The next morning got up at 4 o'clock and were soon again on the march. Traveled about 30 miles and encamped near Mineral Well. The next morning (the 6th) got up around 4 o'clock fed our horses got our breakfast and took the road for Parkersburg where we arrived about 10 o'clock & we went out on station that evening at McFarland's landing where we remained till Saturday evening (the 9th) when we had orders to report to camp.

The next day (Sabbath 10th) we shipped our horses & at 5 PM we took the cars at Parkersburg for Cumberland arrived at Grafton about daylight where we halted for about 40 minutes and then renewed our journey. Arrived at Cumberland about sunset where we remained till after dark when we started for Martinsburg. We run up within about 14 miles of Martinsburg on the cars. It was about six o'clock. We then got our horses off the cars watered and fed them and lay there till about 4 o'clock when we saddled up and started to Martinsburg where we arrived about about (sic) 8 o'clock. Lay there till Thursday (14th) 3 AM when we started for Harpersferry (sic) where we arrived about 9. Lay there till about 4 the next evening when we got orders to get to Poolsville 25 miles distance. Arrived there about midnight. The next day (Saturday 16th) came back to Harpersferry (sic) lay there till Tuesday the 19th left Harpersferry at 3 PM rode down to Point of Rocks (12 miles distance), fed our horses, got supper, then renewed our journey. Rode about 9 miles then halted, unsaddled, lay down and slept till morning.

The next morning rode down to Koonrads (sic) Ferry from there to Poolesville. Established a station and remained there till the next day (Thursday 27th). When we retired to Harpersferry and on Monday the 25th we crossed the river and went up on Maryland Heights where we remained till Saturday evening (30th). Left the ferry about dark. Traveled on till about midnight halted, lay down and slept till morning. The next morning Sabbath 31st got up about 4 o'clock got our breakfast for our horses and was soon again on the road. Arrived at Frederick City about 10 o'clock and encamped on the edge of the city.

The next morning I was detailed to act as orderly for the captain for 24 hours.

August

Tuesday 2nd, we left Frederick City and marched down to Monacacy and encamped on the battlefield. The next day (3rd) I went out on station on the top of Sugar Loaf Mountain. Thursday 4th left Sugar Loaf in the evening went to Poolesville and from there went to Koonrad Ferry (sic) and encamped for the night within 2 miles of the ferry. Next morning went down to the Ferry and looked out what we thought was the best position and encamped on Mr. White's farm. On Monday 8th I went up to Barnesville after rations. We left Conrad's Ferry Tuesday night about 9 PM of the 9th for Point of Rocks. We were stopped by the pickets within 3 - miles of the Point of Rocks and compelled to stay there till morning. The next morning saddled up early and rode down to the Point of Rocks. We left Point of Rocks about noon for Hagerstown (34 miles distance) where we arrived about midnight, lay down and slept to 4 AM. We then got up, fed our horses, and got a few bites of breakfast and were soon on the road again. Went to Hancock (28 miles distance) where we remained till the next morning.

We then shipped our horses and came on through on the cars to Cumberland when we went into camp and remained till Saturday the 26th of August. When we again took up the line of march. We left Cumberland about noon in the direction of Harper's Ferry, marched about 26 miles and then camped for the night. The next morning (Sabbath 28th) got up at 4 o'clock, fed our horses, got breakfast and were soon on the road. Arrived at Hancock on the 10th at 10 - where we took dinner. After dinner we started and arrived at Hagerstown about 9 o'clock 41 miles from where we started in the morning. The next morning Tuesday 30th we got up at 2 o'clock and one had a good luck of business & rationed up. We left Harper's Ferry that night about sun rise in the direction of Hall Town (sic).

Arrived at Charleston about 10 AM where we encamped and remained there till Saturday the 3rd of September when we again took up the line of march in the direction of Winchester.

Marched out to Berryville (11 miles distance) and halted, got dinner, and lay down and took a nap and about 4 o'clock the whole army appeared to be getting to the rear. We fell back about - of a mile and commenced to get supper, and in a few minutes cannonading and musketry commenced within 2 or 300 hundred yards of where we had been sleeping and a heavy fore was kept up till after dark. We got orders to fall back to Gen. Sheraden's (sic) Hd. Qrs. (about 2 - miles distance) which we did, we dismounted, tied up our horses, put on our ponchos (for it was raining like thunder), sit down at the roots of the tree, and sat till morning. Kept the horses saddled all night. We lay there for three days without putting up any tent, it rained almost all the time.

We then put up tents Wednesday 14th, went out foraging. Brought in about 3 bushes of apples and fat mutton. Then went down to Charleston on station and came back to our old camp the next day where we remained till Monday the 19th. We got up at 1 AM, fed our horses, and got breakfast and prepared for a general march. We left cam around 4 o'clock, marched down the pike to Berryville and then we took Winchester Pike.

The cannonading commenced about sunrise and kept up a continual roar till about 4 o'clock PM when the Johnnies skadadled on doublequick (sic) leaving their dead and wounded on the field. We encamped for the night in a large garden in Winchester. I enjoyed myself highly on the luxuries especially the wine grapes. We got up about 4 o'clock the next morning and we were soon ready for the road again. We passed on after the Johnnies come. The first place we got sight of them was on Fisher's Hill near Strawsburg (sic), but little fighting done that day. The next day Wednesday the 21st there was considerable of cannonading and about (?) heavy musketry which was kept up till after dark & after dusk heavy cannonading was heard in the direction of Manassas Gap.

The 22nd the infantry was roused up this morning about 3 o'clock.

Up till 8 this morning but little musketry firing but considerable cannonading, about the middle of the afternoon our infantry advanced and drove them back a piece then our fellows put up breastworks and about an hour before sun down musketry firing got quite interesting and about sun set the Johnnies broke and skadadled on doublequick (sic). They were completely panic stricken and demoralized. Our fellows captured nearly all their artillery and a big lot of prisoners. We encamped for the night on the battlefield.

The next morning Friday the 23rd we got up about daylight, got our breakfast and fed the horses and about 7 o'clock we started in the direction of Woodstock. Went on station on the top of Lookout Mountain and opened communication & sent a message, then came on till Woodstock where we halted till we drew our rations and three days feed for our horses, fed them, then rigged up and started on.

We encamped for the night in Edensburg the next morning Sept. 24th got up at 5 o'clock, got break(fast) & fed & were soon on the march. We skirmished with the Johnnies all day Saturday and camped for the night in New Market. The next morning Sab. The 25th we got up about daylight and were soon again on the road in the direction of Harrisonburg where we arrived about 4 o'clock PM. That night went out on station.

October

The next morning Monday the 26th we moved our station over near Gen. Sheridan Hd. Qrs. where we remained till Thursday the 6th of October. We left Harrisonburg around sunrise in the direction of Winchester and came on through New Market and established a station and opened communication with Lt. Caswell (Charles W. Caswell?) across the river. We remained there until after midnight, then moved our station down near Genl. Sheridan's Hd. Grs. And again opened communications with Lt. Caswell. The next morning (Friday the 7th) we called Caswell & when he was on his way coming in he was attacked by a small party of Johnnies, & shot Sergt. Strong-he fell into their hands.

We then came on & encamped for the night on Brown's Farm near Woodstock.

The next morning (Sat. the 8th) we left about day light for Lookout Mt. We had been there but a short time till the Johnnies made their appearance on the north side of us, we had a right brisk fight in the evening and drove the enemy back a short distance. We remained on the mt. all night and nearly froze.

The next morning (Sabb. the 9th), cannonading commenced about 7 o'clock & continued till about noon, when the enemy broke and skedaddled in great confusion, we captured 5 pieces of artillery and a number of prisoners there & our fellows followed them on & captured 3 more pieces of artillery and a lot more prisoners.

We captured in all that day 11 pieces of artillery , 300 prisoners & about 20 wagons.

We came in off station on the 17th to Hd. Grs. & made an effort to go out on station on Blue Ridge Mt. on the 13th, but one ran against the Rebs advance. We drove them back to their reserves where they rallied & drove us back. We then got a brigade to support us but they had not got out side our pickets till the evening. (They) opened 4 pieces of artillery on us & they had 6 (?????). Get back so we had to get back to Hd. Qrs. station.

We then went out on Station on the banks of Cedar Creek were we remained until Oct. the 19th, when the Johnnies charged out works about an - hour before daylight. They carried the works on our left & came in on our left flank & in less then an hour they had the 8th and 19th Corps' on a skedaddle. The 6th Corps was then drawn up in like of battle & held them there till they were ordered to fall back. They fell back in good order till they got a good position then drew up in line of battle & held their position. A heavy fire was kept up all day till about 4 o'clock PM when the 6th were ordered to charge.

The Johnnies broke and skedaddled like (a) flock of sheep without a Sheppard. We encamped for the night near our old camping ground on the Cooly Farm.

We took about 4000 prisoners, 50 pieces of art., & about 60 ambulances. Our loss in killed & wounded was pretty heavy. The next morning Thurs. the 20th I road all out over the battle field, saw some hard sights. That evening went out on station at the breast works. Came off station to reserve camp the next morning.

Tues. the 25th went out foraging. Brought in a pig & apples & a lot of potatoes. Wedns. the 26th went out & brought in a load of corn. Thurs. the 27 went out & brought in 2 wagon loads of corn. Friday 28 I was ordered to report to Lieut Halstead for duty. That day we came to Winchester and encamped in it for the night. The next morning Sat. 29th I was ordered to report to Lit. Paley(?) for duty. Went out on Round Top Mountain that day & came in that evening. That night went out on the fortifications west of Winchester and tried to open com. with Powel's Peak. We fired 4 or 5 rockets & 8 or 11 Roman candles, but could not get their attention, we had to come back to camp. The next morning Sab. 30th we again came out on Round Top Mountain and established a station. Mon. 31st 4 of us went to foraging & brought in a mutton, a pig, 3 canteens of cider, & some turnips & I had done us for fresh meat till Thursday the 3rd of November, when we went out and killed a couple more pigs. We remained on the hill till the night of the 7th when we got orders to all come inside of the pickets as the Rebs were reported advancing on us with 5,000 cavalry.

We left the mtn. about 11 o'clock that night and moved inside of the pickets and encamped for the night.

The next morning Tuesday the 8th we again marched out to the old mountain. Sab. 13th Handled a wagon load of corn and helped to husk it. The 14th, 15th, and 16th Built a chimney.

Sab. 20th Two went over to Hd. Qrs. in the evening to get some marches changed and on my way back got lost on account of it being so dark and foggy. I wandered round and about an hour after dark then went back to reserve camp, remained there till the next morning.

December

December 1st We got our pay today. Friday 2nd Went to Winchester and while I was away they sent Hunter (Joshua B. Hunter) and Speelman (Lawson W. Speilman) into Hd. Qrs. under guard.

Sabbath 4th I took Slaten (Rolin Slaten) down to the railroad station on his way home on a furlough.

Tuesday 6th Went down to Winchester with a wagon to meet Nick at Halobad Station and get rations but he did not come and so we stayed there till 8 that night then came back to the hill. Friday the night of the 8th about 10 inches of snow fell. Wednesday 14th I was detailed to build Grs quarters for the officers and to build a wach (sic) house and I was excused from sta. duty till I got through. Thursday 20th I went to Winchester.

Nothing more of importance transpired in 1864.

January

I handed in an application for a furlough to Leit. Mayell (Henry Mayell) on the 11th. He approved it on the 21st and I took it in to Capt. Howard (Ocran Harry Howard) that day. Sabbath 22nd I went down to the Alms' House to preaching. We remained a while after services were over and had quite a singing.

The 8th day I was at home. Brother H.B. & I went to the McFarlands. Had a party at McFarlands that night. Went home with a pal. I had a good time. Saturday I went home, stopped in Atomer (?) took part and took Miss H.R. Elliot with us (?) Sabbath, went out West Center Church. Monday broke a colt. That night we up to Tom Simpson's on a visit. Tuesday went to Indiana, that night took a pal to a singing down to the Brick Schoolhouse. Wednesday Went up to uncle James McFarland's, also to Jim Alison's school and that night went out to a party to McDannel's, stayed out there all night. Next day took Maggie down to Andy Simpson's and that night went down to a dance at old Sammy Stewart's. The next day (Friday) invited Hans to a party. Had a good party that night. Saturday started back to the army, arrived in Winchester the 20th. I reported to the Capt. who told to report to Lit. Mayell at Gen. Custer's Hd. Qrs.

Wednesday 27th we had a dance at Gen. Custer's Hd. Qrs.

Monday February 27th we left camp near Winchester and started up the valley. That night encamped on the widow Brown's farm near Woodstock.

Got up about 3 o'clock the next morning and was on the road about 5 o'clock. Marched 29 miles and encamped within 9 miles of Harrisonburg.

March

Wednesday 1st We got up around 4 o'clock and as soon as it was daylight we were again on the road. Thursday the 2nd went into Stauton, plundered it's punlic buildings then started for Waynesborough where we had a fight with the Johnnies and defeated the & captured near 1,500 prisoner, 5 pieces of artillery, 130 wagons and ambulances and 4 forges. That night encamped 6 miles south of Waynesborough. Friday the 3rd we got up about 4 o'clock and started about daylight for Charlottesville where we arrived about dark and camped for the night on the north end of the town. Saturday the 4th lay till after daylight and when we got up it was raining like Sam Hill. We lay there still all that day. Sab. 5th we still lay quite on Charlottesville and Capt. Ferris' plantation. That evening they brought Capt. Ferris in a prisoner.

Monday 6th, we again took up the line of march in the direction of Lynchburg, marched about 25 miles then encamped for the night. Tuesday the 7th got up about daylight and were soon again on the road. Marched till Arlington's Station 20 miles distance, then halted for the night & went to tearing up the railroad. Wedns. 8th got up at 4 o'clock and got breakfast and was ready for the road again by daylight. Marched to New Market (7 miles distance) then went into camp where we remained till the next morning.

Thurs. 9th Got up, got breakfast, and got our horses rigged up and ready for the road by daylight. Passed through Howardsville, marched 26 miles and encamped near Scotsville. Friday 10th got up at 4 o'clock got breakfast and was again on the road by daylight, marched 20 miles and encamped near Columbia. Lay there all day Saturday. Sabbath the 12th we got up about 4 o'clock, saddled up our horses and started without our breakfast-marched to Frederick Hall 36 miles distance then went into camp. Monday 13th we had a general inspection. Tuesday 14th, got up at 4 o'clock and made preparations for the road and started before daylight in the direction of Richmond. Marched 28 miles then buovaked (sic) for the night.

Wednesday 15th got up at one o'clock, fed our horses, rigged up and got breakfast and was soon on the road. Marched about 3 miles then turned round and was back to where we started before daylight. Lay there till daylight, then started for Ashland. Arrived there about 9 o'clock and drove the Johnnies out and lay there till about 3 PM when we all fell back they (sic) except one brigade. The enemy advanced on it with a superior force of infantry but we held the bridge till the wagons and pack trains and everything got across. We then fell back in good order. We marched about 12 miles that night then halted for the night. It was then about 11 o'clock. Thursday 16th Got up at 4 o'clock and was ready for the road by daylight. Marched about 20 miles that day then encamped for the night near Elliottsville (sic).

Friday the 11th got up at 5 AM got breakfast & was soon again on the road marched till noon, then a party of us went out foraging with Lit. Mayell. I got a nice pack of flour and a sack o corn. We marched about 20 miles then encamped for the night near King William Court House. Saturday the 18th got up about 5 AM, fed our horses then ate breakfast (our darkie had it ready for us) and we were soon again on the road for White House Landing. Arrived about noon and lay there till the next day. Sab. 19th we then crossed the river and went into camp where we remained till Saturday 25th when we again took up the line of march in the direction of City Point. Arrived at Harrison's Landing (or near there) at 2 o'clock where we went into camp for the night. We then opened com. with the Army of the James. The next day Sab. The 26th got up at 4 AM and made ready for the road, lay still all the 7th (sic 27th) day passed. We then started for Deep Bottom where we crossed the James River and camped for the night 3 miles south of where we crossed. Monday 27th got up at 4 - & was soon ready to move, moved on the left of the Army of the Potomac crossed the Appomatacks (sic) & encamped about 2 miles from Petersburg on the left. Lay there till Wedns., 29th when we again took up the line of march, moved along the Jerusalem Plank Road passed Reams Station marched till dark, we then got orders to get supper, as we would start on as soon as the train came up, the train didn't get up, so we lay there saddled up till after the middle of the day. Thrus. 30th and the rain was coming down in torrents. About 2 PM we lit out, went a couple of miles and stopped for the night.

Friday the 31st got up 1 AM got breakfast and saddled up and lay down and slept till daylight. At 7 AM we got to unsaddled and make ourselves as comfortable as possible. The rain was still pouring down. At 1 PM we got orders to saddle up and we lit out, marched 6 or 8 miles and ran into the Johnnies and had it mighty hot till about dark. They drove the second DIB and the third came up, formed a line, and held them. We bivouaced (sic) within about 40 rods of our skirmish line. Saturs. Aprile (sic) 1st got up at 4 AM, made a cup of coffee and warmed ourselves and lit out for the front. We soon ran into the Johnnies and the ball soon opened. We soon made them get back and kept driving then till they fell back about 4 miles where they had strong breastworks. There they made a grand stand and we fought them there for about 5 hours. At about 4 PM the 5th Corp and the Cavalry Corp made a charge and drove the enemy and captured a large number of prisoners, 6 pieces of artillery, and 7 battle flags. We encamped for the night on the battlefield within about 3 miles of the Southside rail-road (sic).

April

April 2nd Got up at 5 AM made a cup of coffee, rigged up and soon lit out for the front but had not gone far till we came in contact with the Johnnies. We opened on them and drove them. Followed them up and took the railroad. Cut it and moved across it and advanced on (sic and) drove the Johnnies 6 or 8 miles then encamped for the night. Monday the 3rd Got up at daylight, made a cup of coffee and some callsoodle (sic ?) rigged up and lit out for the front soon commenced skirmishing with the Johnnies drove them and captured 5 or 6 casons (sic), one piece of art, and a number of prisoners. We kept close at their heels all day Genl. Custer captured a flag. We drove them about 25 miles that day then went into camp for the night.

Tues. Aprl. 4th Got up at 5 AM and prepared to move out lay there till the 1st Div passed, then moved on. Marched about 18 miles then went into camp we expected for the night. 6 of us killed 6 chickens, brorled (sic boiled) them and had a good supper. Went to bed and had just got in a good sleep when they blew saddle up. We got up then saddled up and moved out. Marched all night and halted about daylight, fed and got breakfast. Lay there till noon then moved away to the left of the line then back to the right where we encamped for the night. Thursday the 6th Got up at 5 AM rigged up, got breakfast and lit out for the front. Soon came in contact with the Johnnies. Fought them all day. Drove the Johnnies like Sam Hill, our DIB captured about 5000 prisoners, 11 pieces of artillery and 28 battle flags and a big lot of wagons and mules. That night encamped on the battlefield. Friday the 7th Got up at 5 AM got breakfast and got my horse rigged up then lit out and rode over the battlefield. I went round and viewed the prisoners then started on one journey passed through the Prince Edward's Court House, marched about 25 miles then encamped for the night near Fredways Mills 5 miles from Prospect Station. Saturday 8th Got up at 5 AM, got breakfast, saddled up and lit out and got feed for my horse hen went on to the station and stopped by there while the 2nd Div. passed. They took the left hand road and we took the right. Marched about 20 miles further when we again went at the rail-road at blank Station where we captured 5 trains of cars. The Johnnies opened up 6 pieces of artillery with grape and canister but they never checked Custer. He went in on a charge and captured 23 pieces of artillery and about 1,000 prisoners and a big lot of their wagon train. We camped for the night near the station. Sabbath the 9th Got up at 5 AM got breakfast and rigged up ready to move. Lay there till the 1st &2nd Divs went in and got drove back perfectly demoralized then Custer went in with his Div on a charge and drove them about 1 - miles when he got right of their wagon train and was just going for it on a clean streak when they sent in a flag of truce.