Many men also took the opportunity to write letters home.
Monday, February 29, 1864
The regiment was inspected today and then mustered for pay. They received orders to be prepared to march tomorrow or the next day. In preparations for the march the soldiers turned over all of their surplus property.
Sunday, February 28, 1864
At sun-up the 130th Illinois, still aboard the "Crescent City" made their way to toward Berwick. The steamer covered the nearly 50 miles and arrived about noon. The regiment went into camp on opposite Brashear City.
Saturday, February 27, 1864
The good weather continued. The men of the 130th woke up this morning and found they were still out in the Gulf with no land in sight. They had slep in the open air again last night, with just their overcoats to keep warm.
By the end of the day they anchored for the night in the mouth of Berwick Bay.
Friday, February 26, 1864
The day finally arrived, and it was beautiful weather. The 130th Illinois Infantry boarded the steamer “Crescent City” at 9'oclock, and were soon on their way to New Orleans. They said farewell to De Crows Point, Texas.
After 12 miles they reach the open waters of the Gulf. The sea was quiet and, like the regiments that left days earlier, the men of the 130th enjoyed a beautiful cruise. However, they did not know if they were going to New Orleans or directly to Berwick Bay.
After 12 miles they reach the open waters of the Gulf. The sea was quiet and, like the regiments that left days earlier, the men of the 130th enjoyed a beautiful cruise. However, they did not know if they were going to New Orleans or directly to Berwick Bay.
Thursday, February 25, 1864
At 10 o'clock this morning the 130th Illinois Infantry received orders to strike their tents. The men were very exciting, think this would finally be the day they would get off this sandbar.
However, they did not go anywhere. Because they had taken down their tents and packed them, they were forced to sleep outside with nothing but their overcoat and a rubber blanket for protection from the night chill.
Pvt Charles H. Newby died today in Vicksburg. He was from Old Ripley and assigned to Company E.
Today the 48th Ohio and 77th Illinois proceeded to Brashear City, where they would begin their march along the Bayou Teche towards the disastrous Red River Campaign.
However, they did not go anywhere. Because they had taken down their tents and packed them, they were forced to sleep outside with nothing but their overcoat and a rubber blanket for protection from the night chill.
Pvt Charles H. Newby died today in Vicksburg. He was from Old Ripley and assigned to Company E.
Today the 48th Ohio and 77th Illinois proceeded to Brashear City, where they would begin their march along the Bayou Teche towards the disastrous Red River Campaign.
Wednesday, February 24, 1864
It was another beautiful day on the Texas beach. The men of the 130th Illinois Infantry got orders to cook three days rations and be ready to embark at any moment.
They watched for a ship all day, but none came.
Meanwhile the 77th Illinois, 48th Ohio and others began to arrive in Algiers.
They watched for a ship all day, but none came.
Meanwhile the 77th Illinois, 48th Ohio and others began to arrive in Algiers.
Tuesday, February 23, 1864
Today was as warm as spring. The men took the opportunity to swim in the bay. They did not receive any orders to board a boat, but did see the 23rd Wisconsin leave for New Orleans. Now the men of the 130th are convinced they will be the last regiment to leave.
Monday, February 22, 1864
The 130th was not ordered to get on a boat today. They are all very anxious to get off of this giant sand bar.
However, the 77th Illinois embarked on the steamer "St. Mary," and headed towards the Mississippi River. The 19th Kentucky and a part of the 67th Indiana were also on the same ship. The 48th Ohio also began the return trip to New Orleans today. They were on board the "Albany."
During their trip to De Crow's Point in December the weather was cold and stormy, and virtually every soldier suffered from sea-sickness. No one enjoyed the trip.
However, on this return trip the weather was mild and warm. The sun rose and set during the entire voyage in a cloudless sky, and the beauty of a sunset at sea was enjoyed by all. The soldiers spent the day laying on the deck, enjoying the balmy warmth of the Gulf.
However, the 77th Illinois embarked on the steamer "St. Mary," and headed towards the Mississippi River. The 19th Kentucky and a part of the 67th Indiana were also on the same ship. The 48th Ohio also began the return trip to New Orleans today. They were on board the "Albany."
During their trip to De Crow's Point in December the weather was cold and stormy, and virtually every soldier suffered from sea-sickness. No one enjoyed the trip.
However, on this return trip the weather was mild and warm. The sun rose and set during the entire voyage in a cloudless sky, and the beauty of a sunset at sea was enjoyed by all. The soldiers spent the day laying on the deck, enjoying the balmy warmth of the Gulf.
Sunday, February 21, 1864
Francis M. Collins from Bridgeport died today at Camp Butler. He was not yet assigned to any company.
It was a very beautiful day, and the troops began moving. The 60th Indiana, 77th Illinois, and the 48th Ohio all left for on transports for New Orleans. The men of the 130th Illinois are sure they will leave tomorrow.
It was a very beautiful day, and the troops began moving. The 60th Indiana, 77th Illinois, and the 48th Ohio all left for on transports for New Orleans. The men of the 130th Illinois are sure they will leave tomorrow.
Friday, February 19, 1864
This morning it was clear and the sun was shining, but it was very cold and disagreeable. The clear sky and bright sun gave the hope of moderate weather. They participated in battalion drill today and now expect to leave for New Orleans this week.
Thursday, February 18, 1864
The weather did not improve at all. Leonidas H. Bradley described what the soldiers experienced:
Tent blew down on me last night and the rain poured down on me. The tent tore in pieces. The wind blew a perfect hurricane and as cold as winter. Almost froze. Had to lay in under the wet tent, covered up to keep from freezing. Quite an amusing time. Several of the boys lost their hats.About 15 months ago, on November 27, 1862, William Fleming was detailed in the E G Department. Today he rejoined the regiment.
Wednesday, February 17, 1864
Leonidas H. Bradley from Company K of the 130th Illinois Infantry described today in this way:
Got out of bed reluctantly, the wind roaring and sand flying in clouds. Looking for the tent to blow down every minute. (It is) as cold as winter and uncomfortable. The day was a disagreeable one. Wish we were out of this sandy country.
Tuesday, February 16, 1864
Today the weather turned. It was too windy to be pleasant, and as the day went on it got colder. The soldiers still expect to move to Berwick Bay at any time.
Monday, February 15, 1864
The good weather continued, and the soldiers "enjoyed" drill twice today. They also had time for swimming in the gulf. They are still expecting to go to Berwick Bay as soon as transportation is available.
Sunday, February 14, 1864
On this beautiful day the 130th Illinois Infantry had company inspections at 9:00 o'clock, and their monthly inspection at 2:00 o'clock in the afternoon. General Ransom complimented the regiment, especially on their appearance. Then they got the news they had been expecting: they got orders to go to Berwick Bay.
Friday, February 12, 1864
Leonidas H. Bradley from Company K of the 130th Illinois Infantry described today in this way:
Beautiful day. Nothing new transpired today. Drew cartridges for the company and issued them. Had battalion drill. Took the company out on drill and (the) captain came out and relieved me. Boys went swimming, caught plenty of fish.
Thursday, February 11, 1864
It was another routine day for the soldiers. They enjoyed nice weather, and participated in drill. Rumor persist about their return to New Orleans, but there have been no orders,.
Wednesday, February 10, 1864
Today was another routine day - good weather and drill. However, there was plenty of discussion about the soldier who died last night.
Tuesday, February 9, 1864
Today's battalion drill was cut short because of rain. Recruit Thomas M Abbott died today at DeCrow's Point. He was from Fairview and assigned to Company F.
Monday, February 8, 1864
It was another pleasant day. The soldiers participated in company and battalion drill, and then went on dress parade. General Ord left for New Orleans, which fueled further speculation that the troops would soon be heading that way.
Sunday, February 7, 1864
Today was another beautiful day. The men of the 48th Ohio regiment went to church service tonight. The preacher said the "meetings" had been going on for five weeks and nearly 500 had joined.
Saturday, February 6, 1864
This morning at 10:00 o'clock the regiments had a grand review and they were inspected by Major General E. O. C. Ord. The regiments then participated in battalion drill at 2:00 o'clock this afternoon. Drilling today was very unpleasant because of the sand blown by strong winds.
Thursday, February 4, 1864
On the first of this month orders were issued for brigade drill at 2 o'clock every afternoon, and a grand review twice a week. The military maneuvers in that deep, fine sand, were very fatiguing, and were not
relished by the troops.
The 48th Ohio endured even more discomfort. That regiment had always worn caps, but now they were ordered to appear at drill and grand review with the tall regulation hats.
The weather today was very nice, which made the afternoon drill a little more tolerable.
relished by the troops.
The 48th Ohio endured even more discomfort. That regiment had always worn caps, but now they were ordered to appear at drill and grand review with the tall regulation hats.
The weather today was very nice, which made the afternoon drill a little more tolerable.
Wednesday, February 3, 1864
After a few days of fine weather, the soldiers woke up this morning to cool temperatures and strong winds. They thought they would again have to dig holes in the sand and protect themselves from the storm. But the weather calmed in the evening and everything was fine.
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