Monday, September 26, 1864
The men in the 130th fell into a routine, with most of their time being spent in camp. Occasionally they would go out on a scouting march but rarely did they find any Southern forces willing to fight.
Wednesday, September 21, 1864
The Union soldier went back to the Atchafalaya River today, and took pontoon bridges with them. They crossed the river but found the Southern troops retreating upon their approach.
Monday, September 19, 1864
The Illinois troops stayed in camp today and nothing significant occurred.
Sunday, September 18, 1864
They arrived back at their camp around 10 o'clock this morning. The men were very tired after the battle and then the march back to camp. They lost five or six horses killed in the battle, along with about half a dozen men who were wounded. They estimated the Southerners lost fifteen men either killed or wounded.
Saturday, September 17, 1864
Early this morning the 130th marched about 6 miles to the Atchafalaya River. They found the Confederate troops on the other side of the river entrenched behind their fortifications. The Confederates began to fire on the Union troops.
As the country was very swampy and lined with bayous, there seemed to be only one place to approach the river. It was a narrow piece of land with swamps on either side. Just as the 130th regiment entered this narrow strip the Confederates let loose with a great volley of shells and muskets. One man from William Fleming's company was wounded in the initial barrage.
The union troops took cover where they could find it and began to work their way forward, using trees and low pieces of land as cover. When they found the right spot, the Union army set their artillery and began to return the fire. Their was very brisk artillery fire from both sides for several hours, ending around four o'clock.
The 130th stayed near the river until about 6 o'clock in the evening. With no means to cross the river, they began to make their way back to their camp.
As the country was very swampy and lined with bayous, there seemed to be only one place to approach the river. It was a narrow piece of land with swamps on either side. Just as the 130th regiment entered this narrow strip the Confederates let loose with a great volley of shells and muskets. One man from William Fleming's company was wounded in the initial barrage.
The union troops took cover where they could find it and began to work their way forward, using trees and low pieces of land as cover. When they found the right spot, the Union army set their artillery and began to return the fire. Their was very brisk artillery fire from both sides for several hours, ending around four o'clock.
The 130th stayed near the river until about 6 o'clock in the evening. With no means to cross the river, they began to make their way back to their camp.
Friday, September 16, 1864
William Fleming finally caught up with the 130th Illinois Infantry today, and almost immediately went into action. He had not been in camp for more than an hour or two when they received orders to draw rations for two days and go out on a scout. William Fleming wasn't quite ready, as he noted in his diary:
...as I had not reported for duty or had neither gun or equipment they didnt expect me to go, but one of the boys was sick and couldnot go. I just volinteered my servis and took his gun an equipment and joined them,The regiment began marching about sunset, and after marching about 12 miles then went into camp at midnight.
Wednesday, September 14, 1864
William Fleming boarded a boat today headed towards Morganza Bend to rejoin his regiment.
Tuesday, September 13, 1864
The 130th Illinois Infantry returned from their scouting trip at about 4:00 o'clock this afternoon.
William Fleming was apparently still in New Orleans awaiting his orders to join his regiment.
William Fleming was apparently still in New Orleans awaiting his orders to join his regiment.
Monday, September 12, 1864
The men of the 130th Illinois Infantry received orders to load onto boats at 7:00 o'clock this evening to go out on a scouting mission.
Meanwhile, William Fleming reported to the U.S. Baracks Hospital, then returned to New Orleans.
Meanwhile, William Fleming reported to the U.S. Baracks Hospital, then returned to New Orleans.
Wednesday, September 7, 1864
The 130th Illinois Infantry was still waiting on their marching orders. Today the 96th Ohio Volunteers came up from New Orleans. The 130th still believes they will receive their orders soon.
Saturday, September 3, 1864
The 2nd Division of the 19th Army Corps received orders and part of the division embarked today. The men of the 130th assume they will be moving soon.
William Fleming's furlough has come to an end and today he will begin his trip to return to the 130th. In his diary he said:
William Fleming's furlough has come to an end and today he will begin his trip to return to the 130th. In his diary he said:
I remained at home visiting my old neighbors around the Grove untill the 3d day of Sept, my furlough being expired I was under the painful necessity of bidding my family farewell to return to the Army again, on the morning of the 3d I left for Vandalia and took the cars for Cairo, from thence to Orleans
Thursday, September 1, 1864
While William Fleming continues to enjoy his furlough, the men of the 130th received orders today to draw rations for 10 days and be ready to embark on short notice. They assume they will go up to Natchez or Memphis.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)