In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, I hope to chronicle the daily life of my great-great grandfather, William Fleming. He served with the 130th Illinois Infantry. I also have a great-great grandfather, William Henry Ellis, who served with the North Carolina Cavalry. Unfortunately, I do not have much information about his service, but perhaps I'll mix in some of his story in when time allows.
Friday, November 14, 1862
Not long after leaving St. Louis, a man belonging to the 130th Illinois Infantry Regiment died. The carpenter of the boat made a pine coffin in which the body was placed and taken to Memphis. The death caused quite a commotion among the men of the 130th. Unfortunately, in the not too distant future, death would become all too familiar.