William Fleming, 150 Years Ago Today

Saturday, July 16, 1864

At 3 o’clock this morning, William Fleming boarded a train for Vandalia. He made good time and arrived at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. Fleming wrote in his diary what happened next...

I lost no time in getting a conveyance home I arrived at home at 5 O C found all well and had a season of rejoicing together. I remained at home for about a week.

Friday, July 15, 1864

After 5 days on the Mississippi, William Fleming arrived today in Cairo, Illinois

Private Samuel O. Shoemaker died today. He was shot by a guard in the prison camp in Tyler Texas. This is where the men captured at the battle of Mansfield were sent. Shoemaker was assigned to Company H, and from Richland County.

Sunday, July 10, 1864

William Fleming's diary started today with this entry:

About ten o'clock the morning of July the 10th 64 there was an orderly come in my ward and inquired for me and found me and told me to pack up and report to Headquarters. I complyed with his request and when I reported I found the paymaster and he paid me 8 months pay and I was ordered on a boat and a furlough in my possession for sixty days and in a few minutes I was sailing up the R for home.

Why was William Fleming in the hospital? He was never injured in battle, so he was likely suffering from some disease or illness. He may have been there for some time, even missing the Red River Campaign.

Regardless of the situation, William Fleming was on his way home to see his family twenty-three months after his enlistment..

Saturday, July 9, 1864

Private Samuel Ingels died today at New Orleans. He was from Old Ripley and assigned to Company E.

Monday, July 4, 1864

While July 4th was a holiday to celebrate, it wasn't a big celebration in camp. According to Leonidas Bradley,

There was a one-horse celebration nearby here. I did not attend. It did not amount to much. Day passed sluggishly.

Apparently camp life could be pretty monotonous, even on a holiday.

Tuesday, June 28, 1864

For some reason, the soldiers expected an attack last night, but the Confederate Army chose not to come.

Sunday, June 26, 1864

Today the regiment received news that the 13th Army Corps, and their division had been broken up. This was common when a corp or division suffered a large number of casualties.

The 130th Illinois Infantry Regiment was now assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 19th Army Corps, and Department of the Gulf.

Friday, June 24, 1864

Again today, Leonidas Bradley told of his encounters with the ladies of the evening.

Took ride in the evening with Lt. Martin and Captain Wilkin through the city on horseback. Saw many pretty women, but spoke to none.

Thursday, June 23, 1864

The world's oldest profession saw quite a boost during the Civil War. Leonidas Bradley described the ladies like this:

Took ride in the evening with Lieutenant Martin down through the city. Saw some pretty girls, but doubted their amiable quarters.

Wednesday, June 22, 1864

Again, it was nice in the morning, but rained in the afternoon.

Tuesday, June 21, 1864

The day started off fine, but there was a violent thunderstorm in the afternoon.

Monday, June 20, 1864

It was warm and muggy again today. Major Reid and the other paroled prisoners left for New Orleans last night.

Sunday, June 19, 1864

The weather turned warm and muggy. Major Reid and Lieutenant Phillips were still in camp with them. Many of the men went to church today in town.

Saturday, June 18, 1864

There was some excitement today, as Major Reid, Lieutenant Phillips, and others stopped in camp on their way to New Orleans as paroled prisoners. It was a common practice during the war to exchange prisoners.

Thursday, June 16, 1864

Regular events in camp included inspections and reviews by various generals. While the soldiers may have seemed bored, the appreciated the rest after the Red River campaign

Wednesday, June 15, 1864

It was another nice day with no rain. Many of the men were allowed frequent trips to town for sightseeing.

Tuesday, June 14, 1864

It did not rain today and the weather was cool and pleasant.

Monday, June 13, 1864

The rain let up through part of the day. Leonidas Bradley tried to deal with the heavy rain as best he could:

Laid brick floor in tent, looked nice.

Sunday, June 12, 1864

It rained all last night, all day, and into the evening. Leonidas Bradley noted:

Had great time with water in the tents to day, almost flooded us out.

Saturday, June 11, 1864

It was a fine day until later in the afternoon, and then there was a rain shower. Some of the men went out riding and returned with blackberries.

Friday, June 10, 1864

It was a fine morning, but the rain started at noon. Fortunately, the skies cleared about 2 o'clock.

When the army wasn't on the move, life in camp quickly became boring and tedious. The men came up with all sorts of diversions to combat the boredom, including playing cards and having head-lice races!

Thursday, June 9, 1864

It was a beautiful morning and many of the men felt better today as mail came to the camp.

Wednesday, June 8, 1864

It began to rain early in the day and rained most of the day. About 3/4ths of the regiment is sick, likely due to the damp, rainy weather.

Tuesday, June 7, 1864

It continued to rain most of the day, today.

Monday, June 6, 1864

About noon today the soldiers were ordered to move their camp about 200 yards to the left. After setting up their tents it began to rain. The rain continued all after noon and into the evening. The water was about two inches deep in the newly erected tents.