|
17th Iowa Infantry
Manuscripts by Linus Freeman Parrish
Linus Parrish manuscript B
[page 1]
A Condensed History of my Army Life
I enlisted at Adel, Dallas Co. Iowa on March 12th, 1862, and in company with 28 others, went to Demoines. There we boarded the Boat, run down to Eddyville, where we took cars for Keokuk. We remained here until we were mustered into the service about the last of March [actually April 2]. Shortly afterwards, we boarded a boat for St. Louis, Mo. where we went into quarters at Benton Barracks. We staid at the barracks until the latter part of April [actually April 10] when we received orders to go to the front. We boarded boat and sailed down the Father of Waters as far as Cairo, Ills. or to the mouth of the Ohio River. We then run up the Ohio and Tenn Rivers and landed at Pittsburg Landing. We were interested in looking over the Battlefield of one of the hardest fought battles [Shiloh] that occurred during the war. It seemed impossible that a man could come off that field alive. The brush and trees were literally cut and scarred from top to bottom, ground tore up in holes and trenches from shot and shell. Well we remained at this place for a few days, when we were marched to the front which was near Corinth, Miss. Here we began to learn and know what war was, and what it was to be soldiers. Our first engagement was on May 28th. Our regt. the 17th Iowa and the 10th Mo. were thrown out as skirmishers. We advanced about 1/4 of a mile when we met the enemy skirmishers, which were driven back to their
[page 2]
main line. We still advanced till we met the main line of battle, when after several rounds were fired, we were ordered to fall back. This movement was designed to find out how the enemy were formed and fortified at that place. The day following there was to be a general attack all along the line. The weakest places were to be assaulted with the greatest force. But to save us the trouble, I suppose, the enemy evacuated the place that night, so all we had to do next day was to go and possess the land formerly occupied by the rebs. We moved forward and went into camp at Clear Springs, Miss., near Corinth, preparatory to future general movements. We remained at this camp until July 4 when we struck tents and went on a forced march of 37 miles in one day. A very hot dry day it was, thermometer up to over 100¡, dust 2 to 6 inches deep. Our blue suits soon was covered so with dust that they looked as grey as the Johnies. This was a very hard march. However we found but few of the enemy as they were concentrated at another place. We again recd orders to go back to the Springs, which we did. Next we made a night march to Boonville, or vacinity, and on down toward Coffeeville, and round by way of Jacinto, then Rienza, Ripley, and other places that have now vanished from my memory. We came back to our base of supplies, to wit Corinth, and here we remained, in camp at the Springs, with the exception of an occasional scout after the rebs, till the enemy had settled down at Iuka, Miss. This was in Sept, and on the 19th our army advanced
[page 3]
and attacked them. Sept 19th, 1862 a general engagement was brought on which proved successfull [for] our arms. Our regiment lost 92 men killed and wounded. Lieut Oliver Smith of my Co. G was killed and Private Ross Richmond, my bunk mate and former schoolmate was killed. This made me feel very lonely as he was the only man I knew of our regt. or Co. previous to entering the service. I then cast about me to find another bunkmate. I found one, Wallace Gregory by name, a noble young man, a fine education, but he was rather wild. We remained bunkmates and as brothers during all the balc* of our army life. Our company soon became by rank the Color Company occupying the center of the Regiment. My friend was chosen Color bearer, to carry the Ensign, and Abraham Redland, one of our mess, carried the Banner. Brave boy was he, lost his life while carrying that banner on the heights of Mission Ridge, of which I shall have more to say, further along, or in its turn. A few days after the Battle of Iuka I was taken sick and sent to the Corps Hospital, remained but a short time there, when I was sent to Columbus, Kentucky where I stayed about 1 week, was then sent up to Cairo and to Mound City Ills., at a large Post Hospital where I was treated, having a severe attack of fever. While I was at this place the second battle of Corinth was fought, my regt. taking an active part and losing 109 men killed and wounded thinning our ranks very perceptably. I remained at Mound City Hos. about 3 weeks, and was transferred from Hospital to Convalescence Hospital a short distance from ....... [one word missing where corner of paper has been eaten by bugs or mice]
* [I presume this is intended to mean Òbalance.Ó Ñ EWW]
[page 4]
Hospital. I only remained here about 8 or 9 days, when I obtained [here the writing changes from pencil to ink] a permit to go to my regt. which I found at Corinth Miss. and greatly reduced in numbers, as they had engaged in another hard battle during my absence from them. The 2nd Battle of Corrinth, Oct 5th and 6th 1862, our regt. lost 109 men in this battle. I remained with the regt. during its stay at this place, which was some 2 months, when we received marching orders. The regt. with the army started down through Miss heading for Vicksburg. The invalids and convalescence* were sent by Rail Road round by way of La Grange and Jackson, Tenn. to Davis Mills, where the army had partly arrived. Having had their supplies cut off at Holly Springs Miss. by Gen. Van Dorn, the army was scattered along the R. R. reaching out from Memphis. Our regt. being in winter quarters at Brays Station, Tenn where we had Rail Pens chinked with straw, and daubed with clay, for our houses. Some of them were quite comfortable, too. But we were not to remain here long, as more active service was needful. However we thought it was active enough, for we had to be on duty every other day patrolling the R. R. and chasing Reb cavalry away from the R. R. as they kept trying to tear it up, and did often. Well we were ordered to be in readiness to march and were soon on our road to Memphis Tenn. where we remained until the Army and all else were ready to make forward movement which was began early in the Spring. The Army was put
* convalescents
[page 5]
aboard of boats, on the great Mississippi, we moved down the river to Helena, Ark., where we disembarked, and went into camp a few miles below on a sand bar. The next move was to embark again on boats and try the Yazoo Pass Expedition, which was somewhat novel and interesting from the fact that the streams that we passed through to get in to the Yazoo River were very narrow, and were arched over with trees. There had to be a detail of soldiers armed with spike poles. Their business was to push the boat off from the trees or banks when it lodged against them. Our fleet was the sorriest looking that could possibly be depicted, I think. I donÕt remember that there was a boat came out of that Pass with her smoke stacks standing or with a pilot house on, or but what had about all the banistry tore off and most of the windows broken. Well we got down as far as Greenwood [Miss.] on the Yazoo at the mouth of the Yellowbush [Yalobusha]. Here the rebs were well fortified. We had to take the back track on account of the water receding so fast that we could not save our fleet of boats. Several were abandoned as it was. On our way down, one day about noon while the boys were all taking their cold snack, the alarm was given that our boat the Lady Pike was sinking, had struck a snag. She was going down pretty fast, but as luck would have it we were near dry land, and the pilot put to shore. She went to the bottom. No one was drowned as all got to shore, but our provisions and ammunition was about all spoiled. She did not go deep because the water was too shallow, but it was deep enough.
[page 6]
The boatmen and soldiers went to work, and by 8 oclock next morning the boat was raised and repaired and we boarded her again, and away we went., following the old gun boat Tecumseh, which was so broad that it was all most impossible for her to squeeze through, as [in] many places her guards reached from bank to bank and frequently she would lodge between stumps or trees, which would have to be saw off. Parties who went on that trip will never forget it unless they loose their mind. Well we came back to Helena, Ark, remained here a short time when we again embarked and down toward Vicksburg we went. Vicksburg seemed to be the place. We knew there were lots of Johnies down there. Our next landing was at Lake Providence. Our stay here was short. We again boarded the boats, and started down the river again. The river was full of boats as there were a great many gun boats, the marine fleet, and hundreds of transports or packets. All went smooth and nice, till one night an alarm was given, which set the whole fleet in a great commotion, and as we did not dare to go further forward after hearing the signal of danger, we had to check up, and turn upstream until further orders. Our boat was the Rose Hamilton. As we were in the lead of the boats carrying our division, we were the first to turn our bow up stream. The Lasalle, carrying the 56th Ills. Inft. of our brigade, came rounding in, it being a very dark night and about 9 oclock. She came right up against our boat with her bow, just in front of the stabboard wheel, and burst a hole in the hull as large as a horse.
[page 7]
Our boat begun to go down. The capt of our boat hailed the capt of the Lasalle, telling him to launch onto our boat or we would sink in five minutes. He did as requested, and we made for land which we found three miles up the river. The boat carpenters went to work repairing and at 4 oclock next morning we were again sliding down the majestic Mississippi. We ran down to Millikens Bend, some distance above Vicksburg, where we again disembarked and went into camp for a few days. Then we took up our line of march, out by way of Richmond Louisiana and down to a little town on the Mississippi River, I think it was Carthage. here we crossed the river on gunboats and transport that had ran the blockade at Vicksburg. The first time we that is my regiment sighted the rebels on this trip was at Raymond, Miss. on May 12th 1863. Here LoganÕs division found the enemy and engaged them and finally drove them back. We were the supporting column. A great many stray shots came over into our ranks, doing some damage. The Rebs next made a stand at Jackson, the capitol of Mississippi, and on May 14th our Brigade, the 2nd of the 3rd Division, 17th Army Corps, being in the advance, we found strong lines of the enemies skirmishers which we forced back until they reached their main line and fortifications. We advanced, that is my regt. 17th Iowa on the Left, 80 Ohio in the Center, 10th Mo. on the Right, those three regiments constituting the attacking column. On receiving orders
[page 8]
to fix Bayonets, next Charge Bayonets, forward double quick march, we started with a yell like Indians. We went over that 3 hundred yards in a great deal less time that it takes me to tell it. We routed the enemy completely, taking more of them prisoners than there were of us. We took cannons from them that they had loaded. We gave them the benefit of their contents by discharging them after their retreating ranks. We took possession of the capitol, this at noon, and amid a very heavy rain and Thunder & Lightning we routed them from their dinners, and used for our own benefit what they had cooked and put on their tables for themselves. So you see, that according to the old saying, there is many a slip betwixt the cup and lip. They did not think they were cooking dinner that day for the 17th Iowa & 10th Mo., but they did it all the same. Well that afternoon, our boys held a mawk* legislature in the State house, and I think we must have passed a law giving every soldier a bale of money, for I saw many of the boys with as much Confederate money as he could conveniently carry, going around paying the boys off. That Legislature done more than that too. They voted us plenty of Tobacco, Cigars, and lots other nick nacks. We expected to remain at this place a few days, but early next morning on hearing the long role on the drums, we knew that our work was not yet done. So at 6 oclock orders were given to fall in, and we started right back the road we came in on, which is the Vicksburg and Jackson road. Marched all day, done picket duty at night, and
* mock
[page 9]
early next morning, May 16th the army was all moving toward Champion Hills where was fought one of the hardest battles during the war, our regiment taking an active hand. On reaching the field after several miles of quick & double quick marching, we were ordered to charge the enemy, who had just charged our advance line the 2 time, and which was about to fall back having exhausted their ammunition. We took their places and charged on the enemy lines and captured one flag (regimental) and a battery of 6 12-pounder cannon. The rebs reformed and came at us again, taking the battery back. We charged them again, and the battery fell into our hands the second time. We held it this time and they could not move us. They then fell back and began retreating toward Big Black River, our forces following up and making it hot for them. My regiment again suffered very severely, losing over a hundred men in the Battle of Champions Hills. We were left on the field to bury the dead and care for the wounded while the Rebs were being pushed with a determined zeal that knew no abating. Grant and his boys were getting warmed up, but I think the Johnies were warmer. They made another stand at Black River Bridge, which also proved another decisive victory for the Boys in Blue. This battle was on the 18th of May. After we had finished our work of burial, we followed up and took our place in line, as we closed in the Army of Pemberton within the fortifications of Vicksburg. Here they were
[page 10]
hemmed in, and were virtually our prisoners, yet they did not surrender till July 4th. A period of 47 days was occupied by a constant rattle of musketry and Artillery or Gun Boats & mortars. Our duty was very laborious all this time, for we had to go on duty every other day, and sometimes every day. Over half our time was spent on duty. We had some fun too as we went along. We would cease firing in our immediate front, and say Reb! or Johnie! Their answer would be what uns all want. We would tell them. We would then meet half way, leaving our arms at the post. I never knew a breach of trust to be perpetrated, either by our men or the Confederates, which showed very conclusively that there was some honor and truthfulness in the rank and file of both armies. I with my regiment took my place in the skirmish line every time it came my turn, which as I have said was every day or every other day at the farthest. At the blowing up of Fort Hill by Gen. Logans division my regt., and the 56 Ills. of our Brigade, was called upon for support. We not only supported them, but we actually went into the gap that was made in the fort by the explosion. I must say that it was the hottest place that I was ever in. The contending forces were close enough together to pull guns and bayonets from each others hands, and at the same time loading and firing as fast as they had power to do so. The rebs would throw their hand grenades over the bank into our midst. We could hold the position, but at too great a cost so it was abandoned. So it run till the surrender July 4th.
[page 11]
It was a great sight to see miles and miles of soldiers march out of their works and stack their arms, take off their equipment and hang [it] on the stacks of arms. 33,000 prisoners, 37,000 stand of small arms, many canon and heavy siege guns, besides a vast amount of other war material. After the surrender, our Brigade done guard duty on the fortifications, till sometime the last of August or first of Sept. 1863 we were ordered to prepare for moving. This we did, boarding boats, our Corps the 17th afterward the 15th Corps. We run up the river to Helena, Ark., expecting to go to Little Rock to relieve Gen. Hunter, but the orders to go there was countermanded. We then proceeded up to Memphis, Tenn., took train, run out to our old stamping ground Corrinth & Iuka Miss. From iuka we started across to Chattanooga to reinforce Gen. Rosecrans, or Old Rosy as we sometimes called him. This was a hard long trip, and through a country that had been almost entirely stript, as both armies had traveled over the road we went. Yet we got along fine, had plenty to eat most of the time. It was a trip that I enjoyed better than any march that I had yet made. We had a detail of 20 men from each regiment whose duty and business it was to procure food such as meal, meat, fresh or salt, dead or alive, potatoes yams turkey wild or tame, chickens and in fact every thing that was eatable, but only so much as was needed each day, especially fresh meat as we could not keep it from spoiling.
[page 12]
I was one of the 20 men of my regiment. We had 2 wagons to each regiment for hauling provisions in. We were sometimes up with the advance guard and sometimes back with the rear guards, or way off to one side or the other. We never failed to have a good supply for the tired and hungry men. We learned how to find hidden articles, such as Hams, pickled meats, corned beef, sweet potatoes and yams &c. &c. Well we accomplished the journey, and as we neared Chattanooga, we found it more difficult to find subsistence. On arriving at Bridgeport Ala., our party of foragers were no longer needed as there was precious little to forage, as some body had been there, not while we was gone, but before we got there. Bridgeport was the base of supplies for the army at Chattanooga. It was the worst piece of road from there to Chattanooga that I ever traveled over. I think one could have walked from Bridgeport to Chattanooga on either side of the road on dead mules and horses. The stench was so strong that it almost raise your hat from head. We cross the Tenn. River below the city and went up on the opposite side of the river to about opposite the mouth of Chickamauga Creek, where we launched pontoon boats, and embarked in them, and floated silently down stream with an occasional stroke with muffled oars, till we reached the other side, where we landed, and with guns swung on our shoulders and pick or spade or ax in hand we went to work, and soon had some breast works thrown up. Then we advanced and threw up more. When the force was deemed sufficient that we had on that side to protect
[page 13]
the pontoon bridge, it was swung across, and the army began marching over, and when all was ready for action the ball opened all along the line, reaching from Lookout Mountain around Chattanooga to Missionary Ridge, where our regt. was engaged from Nov. 23 to 25th. In this battle my regt. lost heavily, 89 men killed and wounded, and some made Prisoners. It was in this battle that I received a severe injury that laid me up for 3 weeks. I fell about 20 feet down a steep cliff, lighting on my left foot and spraining my left ankle and hurting my left hip very badly. The next day the Regt. starts in pursuit of rebels, but receives orders to turn back, comes back to Chattanooga. From there we go to Stevenson and then to Huntsville Ala., where we went into winter quarters, and doing some provost duty, remained here, with the exception of an occasional scout, till the Spring Campaign opens up, when we move to the front. I will here state, that I, with the greater part of the regiment, reenlisted while camped at Huntsville, and expected a furlough home but did not get it. We joined the army under Sherman at Kingston, Ga. but our division was sent back and stationed along the Rail Road to guard it. Our regt. was stationed at Tilton Ga. which is 8 miles from Dalton and 7 miles from Resaca. Here we remained during the summer. Had several sharp engagements with the Johnies under Gen. Wheeler & Rodney, who had from 2,000 to 6,000 men. They would often tare up the Rail Road and burn trains loaded with provisions for the army in front. We had hard work
[page 14]
as any soldier who has performed such service can testify to. Being in front is preferable to doing patrol duty. After the fall of Atlanta, Gen. Hood wheels around and gets in the rear of Sherman thinking thereby to cut off his communication I suppose. But Old Tecump was not alarmed in the least, as he knew that he could not be hurt, and he also knew that old Pap Thomas would take care of Hood if he got up where he was. Hood followed up the Rail Road, tareing it up and burning it, bending the railings into their precious initials, C. S. A. He attacked and captured several posts or garrisons. He finally came to our garrison, which numbered about 320 men for duty. We had no artillery, nothing but a small Block House about 20 feet square and our small arms to defend with. The attack was made Oct. 13th 1864, at about 7 oclock in the morning. We soon formed in line ready for battle. They completely surrounded us, and placing a battery of 6 12# guns in good and easy range they opened on us in good earnest. The firing was kept up hot and brisk till about 9 A.M. when a flag of truce was displayed. The officer bearing it advanced. Capt. Hicks of our Regt. was sent out to meet it and to ascertain what was wanted. It proved to be a demand for the immediate and unconditional surrender of the garrison, with the threat that if the demand was not immediately acceded to, they would storm over our works and take us by force, and show no quarters. Our Colonel through Capt. Hicks informed the officer that he could tell Gen. Stewart if he wanted the
[page 15]
men he would have to come in and take them, that we were put there to hold the place and we proposed to try to do so. To this answer, the Confederate said I admire your pluck, Colonel, but you donÕt show much judgment, for said he, we have force enough to take your works. Our reply was, we will not surrender till you blow us out. This settled that part of the game, and it remained for future developments to settle [the] remaining part. The truce was bore away, and hostilities were resumed with greater force. As the enemy had placed their artillery in a better place as they thought, but to their sorrow, they soon found out, for we opened up a fire on their gunners and they were compelled to abandon 5 of the 6 guns. They then placed 2 32-pounders in good range, and did great damage to our block house. The shell, many of them striking the solid timbers of which it was built, and bounding back falling into the ditch where all the Regt. were except Cos. H & I who were in the house. The boys would pick up these shells, many of them, and toss them out over the little earthen breastwork which was thrown up around the block house, before they would explode. Let me tell you it takes nerve to handle a shell with a lighted fuse, but we had boys that had the nerve. This uneven fight lasted until half past 3 oÕclock P.M. when we were compelled to show the white handkerchief, as we had no flag. Our loss in this fight of 8 hours, and in which 320 men were contending against 15,000, was about 27 while the enemy buried 127, and their wounded numbered over 300. After we surrendered
[page 16]
the citizens came down to bid us good bye, and they were sorry to see us leave. Though many of them were strong in their southern views, yet they had been well treated by our men during our stay at Tilton. It was with us here at breakfast like it was with them at Jackson, for some of our captors were at Jackson when we took it and run them from their dinners. They run us from our breakfast. And at the place where myself and 5 others had our cooking done, there were some 15 or 20 Rebel officers took dinner that day, eating our provisions that we had expected to have cooked up to eat on our road home on veteran furloughs, as our furloughs were then at Division Headquarters. I believe that one of our present United States Senators from the state [of] Mo. was one of them. He was commanding the Brigade or Division that first come in on us after our Surrender, General F. M. Cockrell. In about 2 hours we were ordered to march. We went up to Dalton that evening and night. Our way was lighted by burning Rail Road Ties. From Dalton we went south next day through Snake Creek Gap, and down to Taledega and other towns on the way. At Taledega we took the cars, run down to Montgomery Ala. then down to Selma, where we took boat and and run to Cahaba where we were put into a large Cotton ware house that was already filled to over flowing with prisoners. There were over seven hundred of us put into this already full house. There was not room enough for all to lie down. We that is this last named lot of prisoners were kept here but 3 days, when we were sent back to Selma & Montgomery and boarded the cars again, went by way of Columbus, GA. out
[page 17]
to Millen Stockade, sometimes called Camp Lawton, Ga. It was a cold dreary day when we arrived at this place, and as wood was scarce, it was necessary for one to hover down over a small fire to keep warm. Pine knots were mostly burned, as they burned hotter and were more easily carried than other wood. The smoke from these pine knots made one as black as any Negros in Dixie. We thought as we entered the stockade that the prisoners were all darkies, but we soon discovered what made the black. We were kept here for some time. I found a relative in this prison. He was a cousin, James Burk of 4th Cavalry Ky Volunteers. Not deeming it safe to keep us here longer, the Rebs put us on the cars and run us out through Macon Ga. down to Savannah, but it was not safe to leave us at this place for Sherman is coming, so we are run out to the Blackshear Swamps, where we are kept till Savannah was taken. Then we were run still further south, almost to the Florida line, to a place called Thomasville, Ga. Here the Rebs put about 4000 Negros to work digging a ditch around us. It was 10 feet deep, 14 feet wide at top and 10 feet wide at bottom, the earth all thrown out on one side and forming a solid bank at least 20 feet high almost perpendicular. This though was labor throwed away. We only remained here a very few days, when we were marched across the swamps to Albany,
[page 18]
Ga., where we were again put aboard the cars. There were about 100 hundred or over to the car, a common box car. We were crowded so that we could not sit down. It was on Dec. 31st, and a very cold night for that country, ice froze 1/2 inch thick that night. We lay in these cars all night. At daylight next morning, it being New Years Day, we were in sight of Andersonville, having run up during the night. Queer feelings came over me, and doubtless the rest of the boys too. We had heard so much of Andersonville and the inhuman treatment its inmates received, but we were to soon try the reality of that Hell Hole presided over by one of the DevilÕs emissaries, Capt Wirz, the fiend in not very good human shape. I should rather called him the missing link, if the link had been missing, but I never believed in that theory. Then again, the head of the so called Southern Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, was acting as the DevilÕs prime minister, only I think him and Wirz were both doing a great deal more than the old boy would have sanctioned, if he had known it. We had heard as I said a great deal about Andersonville prison, but we had never heard the tenth part. Neither can it be told by man, but it will be revealed at the bar of justice, when all men shall be brought to answer before God for what they have done on earth. In this loathsome place we eked out a most miserable existence, I can hardly call it living, till about the 20th of March 1865, when they began to take out 500 at a time for exchange or parole.
[page 19]
The manner in which this was done was like this. Commence at the first division, 500 men composed a division, and take 50 men. Then go to the second division and take 50 men, and so on until 500 were thus taken. This was done in order to get any money or valuable item that might be in the possession of the prisoners, for it was announced by the Confederate Seargent that came into the Stockade to make up the 500, that if any man in the Prison would pay 100 dollars he could have his name put on the list of the first to go out. As few were in possession of the 100 dollars, they lowered the price to $75 & then to $50, 25, 20 & on down, till 3 dollars was the price. Two of my Company, John Lushbaugh and Richard Anthony, began to count over the money that they had hid, and they found that they could buy the chance of 33 men. So the contract was made at three dollars per head. My company, which then numbered 28 men, and five others, our principal musician being one of the 5, was permitted to march out of that Horible place. But before our 500 was made up, the three dollar men were all played out. Even 2 or 1 dollar men were scarce, so the price fell to 2 doz. brass coat buttons, which article was about as scarce as money, for they were about as current as money any time, and a new comer into that stockade did not wear his buttons long. He would soon have a chance to sell his buttons for a good price, and he he had no money he would part with his buttons, but if he had money he would wear his buttons. So when we saw a man with buttons
[page 20]
on his coat, it was evident that he had some money yet, but let me say there were not many wore buttons, and if you did it was harder to keep them on your coat than it was to keep your money, for there were men that could and would cut your buttons off while he was talking to you. From 2 doz. brass buttons the price fell to 1 doz., 1/2 doz. and finally, before our 500 was filled in, a man that could find 1 button with a Hen on it, as the Rebs call the Eagle, could have the preference over any other man. An old piece of a silk handkerchief, or any little relic, would be considered paying for your chance. Well when the 500 were thus marched out, we went to the R. R. station, boarded the cars. We did not know where we were going then, but we was willing to go any place rather than stay there. If we lost our money, we would be gainers otherwise, so we were anxious to have the cars move lest Capt Wirz take a notion to send us back to the stockade again. Finally the train began to move north. We ran up to Macon Ga. and out through Columbus, then to Montgomery & Selma passing through some fine country in Ala. & Miss., farmers all along the route busy, fields full of hands, all colored. Our route led us through Galiopolis and Meridian, Miss. and to Jackson. Here we left the cars, and accompanied by 4 guards were conducted from Jackson Miss. to Black River Bridge, where our forces were stationed. This was a hard trip on us, as we were tired and a little hungry, and no chance to get any eatables till we reached our lines, which took us 3 days. As we neared our lines we became more lively
[page 21]
and jubilant, and when we came within sight of the old Stars & Stripes, such a shout as went up from that little band of 500 tired, sore, emaciated, almost starved men and boys never could have been outdone. Methinks there was more real genuine enthusiasm manifested by each comrade than there were at any National Convention of any party from that time to the present. We began to cheer the old flag as soon as we saw its beautiful folds waving in the breeze. We did not cease our cheering until we were under its sheltering folds, and surrounded by brave boys in Blue, who were busy distributing Hard Tack and Hot Coffee to us. As we drew near to the Pontoon Bridge that stretched across Big Black River, we could see our Boys trotting over the bridge to meet us. They were carrying something on their shoulders, which proved to be hard tack. We were only allowed one cracker to the man, at first. Then in about two hours we were marched across the river, and another cracker, together with a pint of coffee was given each man. This was devoured greedily as you may suppose. This was the only coffee that any of us had drank since we were taken prisoners, which was over six months previous, and with some over a year. During my imprisonment I never had enough to eat to satisfy my appetite, could always eat what was allowed for a day at one meal and then go hungry. We arived at Black River on April 1st 1865, and were turned over to the care of our U. S. Government, but were not paroled until April 17th, three days after the assassination of President Lincoln.
[page 22]
We remained here a few days and then were sent in to Vicksburg, where we stayed till the latter part of the month, when we were sent up to St. Louis, Mo. On the way up the river our boat sprang a leak, and we had to land in order to make repairs. Our landing was just below Fort Pillow, Tenn. The boys by some means found out that there were stored away in a large River Ware house near by, perhaps 1/2 mile up the river, a quantity of Whiskey, and as the boys had went dry for a long time they made use of this opportunity to quench their thirst. Knowing too that there were yet plenty of rebs in the vicinity, and perhaps some who participated in the Horible Massacre that had been perpetrated at that place under the command of Rebel Gen Forrest, but even the knowledge and thoughts of this could not overcome the strong appetite of the drinker. So away the boys went. The keeper of the ware house run to the woods and hid, but the boys with sticks of cord wood hammered the doors down and in they went. Then tapping the barrels was next in order. This was done as rudely and unceremoniously as the doors were opened. There was some tinware, woodware, pots & kettles which were use as drinking vessels, while others used their hats or hands in dipping up the hellish stuff. Luckily there were no rebs who came to bother them, but the whiskey made them wild, and it was with great difficulty that the officers and men in charge could get the rioters on board. They were so wild that they thought they could clean out the Confederacy in no time. Finally they were got aboard the boat, but they got to fighting among themselves, injuring each other. The boat I believe did not land again till we reached St. Louis. Just think what an appetite
[page 23]
for strong drink will lead to. Let us beware of the evil. On landing at St. Louis, we went to Benton Barracks where we remained till May 6th when we were given a 30 days furlough. Oh what joy that brought forth. We boarded train or boat as our course marked out, and started for home to see loved ones we hadent seen for years. My route was on the North Mo. R. R. to Macon City, then the Hannibal & St. Joe to Chillicothe, from there by hack to Princeton. Staid over night in Chillicothe. After paying nights lodging I had but $2.75 in money, not enough to pay fare on hack, as it took $5.00. Making known my standing and circumstances to several gentlemen, I noticed a gentleman standing some 40 feet distance from me, apparently listening to our conversation, and when I remarked that I was a paroled prisoner, a soldier, and out of money, he came up to me and had me to repeat it over again, at the conclusion of which he took out his pocket book and got a five dollar bill and handed it to me, also giving me his card, saying that he knew what it was to be out of money and away from home and friends. That man was Capt. Wm. N.* Norvill of Chillicothe, a man that served his country and aided the needy. I shall ever hold him in high esteem for he is worthy. On reaching Princeton, I found a few men that I had known before I left home in 1861. Dr. F. M. Fullerton, Dr. Pennyman, Mr. Richard Ballew. I began to make inquiries about getting conveyance out home, which was near Mt. Moriah, Harrison Co., when it happened as it did at Chillicothe, except there was no money
* Capt. NorvillÕs initials are scribbled over in the ms., and I canÕt be sure sure IÕve read them correctly.
[page 24]
needed this time, only a way of getting home without having to walk. A gentleman was standing a few paces away from where I was standing talking to parties. He came up to me and said he, I guess I can let you have a horse, then taking me down to his store, sent for his horse. While the horse was being brought around, this gentleman showed me a Photograph of my sister. My first words were, is she in town? To which he replied No. Then followed some explanations, he telling me that he was paying his respects to her. This mans name is James Burrows. Neither of these Gentlemen, Capt. Norvill or Mr. Burrows, had ever seen me previous to this time. On reaching home, all the folks thought it was Burrows coming, but I fooled them somewhat, as I was the one that was lost but was found, was dead as they thought, yet alive barely. I learned that Mr. james Burrows and my sister Jennie were engaged to be married on June 20, it being her birth day, and as my furlough only extended to June 6th, I obtained consent of all parties to the match to change the date to June 5th so I could be present. June 5th arrived. The wedding ceremony over, a splendid dinner partaken of, and then, a separation, not of the wedded parties, but Sister and husband starts for Keokuk Iowa. I start to regain my regiment at St. Louis, Mo. not knowing when I should return,m if ever. I go from home to Princeton, stay till next day, take hack for Chilicothe. Call on Capt. Norvill and refund the $5.00. [I] am introduced to some 15 or 20 gentlemen in his office as his Little Soldier Boy, he then telling the circumstances of the case. Next morning took
[page 25]
...train for St. Louis... ...Hannibal & St. Joes to Macon. Th...
...orth Mo. to St. Lo... ...n arriving at the latter place...
found but few of my regiment, as most of them had reported, in accordance with orders from war department, to Davenport, Iowa, to be mustered out of service. In a few days after reaching St. Louis, all the Iowa soldiers were ordered to report to Davenport Iowa. I then took a Mississippi Packet and steamed up the Father of Waters to Keokuk, Iowa. Here we landed, and I found my new Bro. and sister Jennie here in this city. Owing to low water, the boat could not run over the rapids, so we had to take cars, and run to Ft. Madison. Here I met our chief musician Mr. Jacob Votaw, staid over night with him, next morning boarded boat for Davenport, found but few of the Regt. here, as most all had been discharged. Remained here a few days, or till 17th of June when my discharge was handed me, together with my pay that was then due me, $587.00, which was counted out to me by a young lady of about sweet sixteen, I judge. This was on Saturday. I stayed here until Monday, when I took boat, and run down to Quincy Ills. then cars to Chilicothe [Mo.], hack to Princeton, horse back to Home. While home on Furlough, I was introduced to Miss Watie E. Reynolds, and after my discharge I became acquainted with her, paying my respects to her, until Oct. 22, 1865 we were joined in marriage, Rev. Elisha Wright officiating.
Respectfully dedicated to my wife and children, this 22nd day of June 1884
[signed] L. F. Parrish
late of Co. G, 17th Regt. Iowa Vet. Vols. Infantry
2nd Brigade, 3rd Division, 17th Army Corps, afterwards
the 15th Army Corps, Army of the Miss. & Tenn.
Contributed by:
Manuscripts by Linus Freeman Parrish
17th Iowa Infantry Home Page
|
Iowa In the Civil War
