Saturday, July 30, 1864
Two soldiers from the 130th were reported as deserters today: Private William Cummins, Company B., from Sangamon County, and Private John T. Cashon, Company E, from Dudleyville.
Thursday, July 28, 1864
The men of the 130th arrived at Morganza at 2 o'clock this morning. They stayed on board until 8 o'clock and then went into camp on the riverbank.
Private Albert Ferguson, Company C, from Cairo was presumed drowned today. His body will be found in the river tomorrow.
Private Albert Ferguson, Company C, from Cairo was presumed drowned today. His body will be found in the river tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 27, 1864
The steam Vivian stopped near Baton Rouge to repair the boat wheel. Some of the soldiers went on shore and walked around the city.
Tuesday, July 26, 1864
While William Fleming was visiting family and friends in central Illinois, his fellow soldiers of the 130th Illinois received orders and boarded the steam Alice Vivian at 2 o'clock this morning. However, they did not get underway until 5 o'clock in the afternoon. The 83rd Ohio Volunteers were on the Alice Vivian with them.
The 77th Illinois also boarded the Alice Vivian, and assumed they, too, were on their way. However, they were ordered off the boat and returned to their camp. When they returned to camp they found that others had already scavenged everything. Their bedding, boards, and everything else was gone!
The 77th Illinois also boarded the Alice Vivian, and assumed they, too, were on their way. However, they were ordered off the boat and returned to their camp. When they returned to camp they found that others had already scavenged everything. Their bedding, boards, and everything else was gone!
Saturday, July 23, 1864
After staying home in Mulberry Grove for about a week, William Fleming, his wife Nancy, and two sons went to Christian and Moultrie Counties in Illinois, staying about two weeks before returning home.
Christian County is about 45 miles straight north of Mulberry Grove, and Moultrie County is just east of there. They likely visited both of their parents, siblings and their families. Many of the Fleming's were living in those two counties before, during and after the Civil War.
William and Nancy previously lived in DeWitt County, just a little further to the north. Their oldest son James was born there in 1858, and the 1860 census showed them living in Waynesville in DeWitt County.
Additionally, Nancy Ann Leigh's parents and some of her siblings were also in DeWitt County, according to the 1860 census.
So, William and Nancy probably had many family and friends to visit in central Illinois during those two weeks.
Christian County is about 45 miles straight north of Mulberry Grove, and Moultrie County is just east of there. They likely visited both of their parents, siblings and their families. Many of the Fleming's were living in those two counties before, during and after the Civil War.
William and Nancy previously lived in DeWitt County, just a little further to the north. Their oldest son James was born there in 1858, and the 1860 census showed them living in Waynesville in DeWitt County.
Additionally, Nancy Ann Leigh's parents and some of her siblings were also in DeWitt County, according to the 1860 census.
So, William and Nancy probably had many family and friends to visit in central Illinois during those two weeks.
Thursday, July 21, 1864
The men of the 130th arrived at Algiers this morning at about 10 o'clock. They went into camper here, opposite of New Orleans.
They were under the impression they would soon be going to Baltimore as part of the reorganized 19th Army Corps, and join the Army of the Potomac. The 4th Division had, in fact, been incorporated into the 19th Army Corps. But later on only a part of 19th Army Coprs embarks on transports for the east. The men of the 130th will stay in Algiers.
They were under the impression they would soon be going to Baltimore as part of the reorganized 19th Army Corps, and join the Army of the Potomac. The 4th Division had, in fact, been incorporated into the 19th Army Corps. But later on only a part of 19th Army Coprs embarks on transports for the east. The men of the 130th will stay in Algiers.
Wednesday, July 20, 1864
Back in Louisiana, the men of the 130th received orders today to board the steam Starlight. The boarded at 3 o'clock in the afternoon and left for Algiers at sundown. The moved on the river all night, enjoying a clear, bright beautiful sky.
The 77th Illinois also embarked for their old headquarters near New Orleans today. The were on the steamer Tamaulipas. It was obvious to the soldiers that something big was in the works, based on the large massing of troops.
The 77th Illinois also embarked for their old headquarters near New Orleans today. The were on the steamer Tamaulipas. It was obvious to the soldiers that something big was in the works, based on the large massing of troops.
Monday, July 18, 1864
Back in the Louisiana, the 130th Illinois Infantry Regiment was inspected by Captain Wilkin. They then received orders to be ready to go to Algiers at a moments warning. The men had grown accustomed to camp life and did not like the idea of a move.
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
Tuesday, July 12, 1864
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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