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.

Friday, February 5, 1864

It was another fine day on the sandy beach.

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.

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.

Sunday, January 31, 1864

It was a beautiful day on the Gulf.  There was company inspection at 9:00 A.M. and a regimental inspection at 2:00 P.M.

Saturday, January 30, 1864

The weather was pleasant today and the regiment participated in brigade drill.  The rumor in camp was that the 4th division would  soon be returning to New Orleans.

Thursday, January 28, 1864

This afternoon Company K of the 130th Illinois Infantry got orders to strike their tents and move camp at 4 P.M.  They moved all of 40 yards southwest and camped alongside the marine regiment that had been put in the 2nd brigade today.

The 77th Illinois regiment transferred into the first brigade, 4th division, 13 A.C.  The 130th Illinois was part of the first brigade of the 4th Division of the 13th Army Corp.

Tuesday, January 26, 1864

Corporal James M. Redfern from Blueville was reported as deserted today.  He was assigned to Company D.

Sunday, January 24, 1864

Many of the soldiers enjoyed their Sunday on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico.  They gathered shells and returned to camp in the early evening tired and hungry.

Saturday, January 23, 1864

It was another nice day, and another day of brigade drill.

Friday, January 22, 1864

Getting mail from home was, by far, the most important event in any soldier’s day.  The writing of letters home, and the anticipation of letters from home, consumed much of their time and thoughts.  This was normal and understandable considering the circumstances.

Thursday, January 21, 1864

Another day of fine weather.  The 130th Illinois Infantry conducted reconnaissance on Matagorda Peninsula today.

Wednesday, January 20, 1864

It was a warm day highlighted by a brigade drill commanded by Lt. Colonel Parker from the 48th Ohio.  The soldiers' rustiness was evident as there were many mistakes made by individuals, companies and regiments.

Tuesday, January 19, 1864

The men of the 48th Ohio regiment had wash day today.  All the men were excused from their duties to wash.  They had no drills or any other duties, except picket detail, which was very heavy.

Sunday, January 17, 1864

The favorable weather continued.  Today was another warm clear day.  The soldiers are enjoying the weather so much, they are afraid there will be a northerner any day again, and they dread it more than another battle.

Saturday, January 16, 1864

It was another nice day that got even better when the men drew their rations.  They received full rations and the spirits were generally high throughout the camp.

Thursday, January 14, 1864

Many of the regiments on the island found out today they will begin to drill in a few days.  Most have not had any drill since arriving in Texas because of the weather.

When not on the move or fighting, drilling was a major part of every soldier’s daily routine.  The men generally hated drill but it kept them busy and disciplined.  There were all kinds of drills:  company drills, regimental drills, brigade drills, etc.  The men thought they were boring, monotonous, drawn out affairs, that were pointless.

Wednesday, January 13, 1864

The weather continued to improve today and the soldiers had plenty to eat.  Now that the storm was over, the men began setting up their camp as a  more permanent installation.