Sept. 9th Upon being informed that we would probably remain at Atlanta for a time, we went to work and put up our camp in good shape. Lieut. Stuart and I spent some time in looking over the city. Atlanta had been a place of some beauty and of a considerable business importance. It was valuable to the Confederacy on account of its location on important railroads and because of its shops for the manufacture of war material. The prolonged efforts of Gen. Hood to defend it, had resulted in much damage to the city, and when at last he was compelled to surrender it he destroyed, with explosives, much of what was left. The marks of our shell could be seen upon every hand, and certainly the town presented a desolate appearance. But few able-bodied men were to be seen, while of women and children there were plenty. In many places we saw that pits had been dug in which people could shield themselves from our shell. The 21st Wis. went on picket at night.

Sept. 10th The regiment was relieved form picket duty in the morning. Our post was three miles from camp. It required one regiment each day from our division for picket duty. Company officers worked busily upon muster-rolls in order to have them ready whenever the pay-master made his appearance. Lieutenants Lake and Goodwin of the 14th Wis. visited me for a while. Like myself, each had at one time held the honorable position of Orderly Sergeant in the 14th Wis. regiment.

Sept. 11th In the morning we had Sunday inspection. Every soldier did his best to make a fine appearance. But owing to our long campaign of hard service, clothing and all kinds of equipments were decidedly the worse for wear. I received a letter form Lieut. Harding. He was no better and thought he would resign.

Sept. 12th I finished up some monthly reports and sent them to Washington. A regiment of our brigade went out on picket. In the evening we received orders to be ready to march in the morning with two days cooked rations in our haversacks. Our camp was to be left guarded.

Sept. 13th During the night the orders to march was countermanded, and we remained in camp. We had what was termed a tri-monthly inspection of arms, accoutrements, quarters books, papers and in fact everything belonging to the company or regiment. This was done by the brigade inspector who had neglected to attend to that duty during the active campaign. Lieut. Stuart received a commission as Captain of Co. "G". Sergeant Vredenburg received a 1st Lieut. commission in the same company. By order of General Sherman, all citizens of Atlanta were required to leave the place. They could go either north or south as they might choose. I made out my report of Camp and Garrison Equipage for June and July.

Sept. 14th The 1st Wis. Regt. having served out their time of three years were about to start for home. We learned that the recruit and drafted men belonging to that regiment, would be transferred to the 21st Wis. to serve out their term. I sent a descriptive roll to Sergeant Ross and to Private J.H. Woodnorth.

Sept. 15th In company with Captain Wiesbrod I walked about the city and saw some of the fortifications surrounding the place. I never saw stronger earthworks. They seemed impregnable. Many people still remained in town, though most of them were making preparations to leave. We took dinner at the Trout Hotel, the only open public house in town, and this was being run by a Mr. Wood a former sutler of the 21st Wis.. Weather was very pleasant.

Sept. 16th Gen. Thomas issued a circular congratulating the Army of the Cumberland, consisting of the 4th, 14th and 20th Corps, upon making a successful campaign into Georgia which resulted in the capture of Atlanta. Company officers were kept busy in making out official reports. Private Stow was detailed as teamster at Corps Headquarters. I sent descriptive rolls to Private Cole and Cartwright.

Sept 17th I was detailed as Officer of the Day. We changed the location of our camp slightly and resumed our organization into the original ten companies. I learned that thirty men of the 1st Wis. would be assigned to my company. I received a Certificate of Disability in the case of Private Hayward. I sent to Kingston, Ga. the Descriptive Roll of Private Amis.

Sept. 18th Heavy rain during the night, and showery through the day. It was Sunday but this did not prevent my tent-mate - Lieut. Joe La Count - and I from working on our tent. We made our quarters much more comfortable than before. I forwarded some reports to Washington D.C. Private Waller was sent to the hospital.

Sept. 19th Quiet in camp. Privates Quinby and Trice came up to the company from the hospital. I made out a discharge for Quinby based on Certificate Of Disability. Trice should have been discharged also. I worked on muster-rolls.

Sept. 20th This was a busy day with the company officers of our regiment. The recruits and drafted men were transferred from the 1st Wis. Invoice and receipts had to be made out covering all arms, accoutrements and stores. The name, description and full military history of each man had to be entered upon our records. Thirty men were assigned to Company "G" of which number 17 were present for duty. This brought the aggregate strength of my company up to 92 including officers. Forty two of these were present. Of the remainder some were on detached duty, some were sick or wounded in the hospital, while others were in southern prisons. I sent descriptive roles to Corporal Cormican and Private Calkins.

Sept. 23rd Gen. Sherman issued a circular containing a dispatch from Sec. of War Stanton giving an account of Sheridan's brilliant victory over Early, in which 5000 prisoners and as many stands of arms were captured. I made out a final statement in the cases of Privates Bates, killed at Kenesaw Mountains, and Watson and Noyes who died in the hospital. We had heavy rains.

Sept. 24th We had Brigade Inspection. While in line a dispatch was read to us announcing another victory for Gen. Sheriden over Early on the 22nd. I received a Certificate of Disability in the case of Lieut. Harding dates the 17th. I selected Private Olsen for Company Clerk. We had Dress Parade at 5 o'clock P.M.

Sept. 25th We had Sunday morning inspection. Some of the clothing and equipments were found to be pretty well worn. We were promised something better in the near future. It was reported in camp that the confederates had burned two R.R. trains loaded with supplies at Big Shanty twenty miles north. A portion of the 4th Corps was sent off in that direction. I sent Private Randall his Descriptive roll. We continued to have Dress Parade daily.

Sept. 26th The 3rd Brigade of our 1st Division received two months pay. We were all ready to meet the paymaster at any time. Corporal Cormican came up to the regiment from the hospital. I was again troubled with a lame back. Rheumatism I supposed.

Sept. 27th In the morning the 21st Wis. went out on picket. I was excused form this duty on account of lameness. The Company Clerk and I made out final statements in the case of Privates Vandouzen, killed near Kenesaw Mt. and Boyden, who died in the hospital. Also for Sergeant Hayward to be discharged in order that he might accept a Lieutenants commission in a new regiment. There was plenty of rumor in camp but much uncertainty regarding their truthfulness. It was reported that C.L. Valandingham of Ohio had been shot while making a Copperhead speech. This was thought to be much too good to be true. It was rumored that General Sheridan had again beaten the confederates in his front and captured all of their artillery. This was regarded as quite probable.

Sept. 28th The regiment came in form picket and reported having had a pleasant time. The regular 3rd Brigade of our 1st Division started back toward Chattanooga. It was said that other troops would follow. I was still troubled with a lame back, and was obliged to reports myself unfit for duty.

Sept. 29th During the night the 2nd Division of the 14th Corps took the cars and started north. Another train load of soldiers followed during the day. It began to look as though a large force of confederates were getting into our rear. Some thought Hood's entire army was there. I had some worthless stores condemned by the Division Inspector. I was too lame to move about much.

Sept 30th Our first Regimental Drill was had since our arrival in the city. Some of the boys thought this indicated an early move. A detail of ten men from our regiment, with a like number from other regiments, was called for to be sent to Nashville after horses and mules. I got by mail a number of acknowledgements for reports that I had sent to Washington.

Oct. 1st We remained quietly in camp. I received and distributed a quantity of ordnance stores among the men of the company to replace those condemned. I was obliged to ask the Regimental Command to reduce Sergeant Wiesenborn of my company to the ranks. It was an unpleasant duty for me, but it seemed to be necessary on account of misconduct. Corporal Sanders was appointed Sergeant in his stead. It was rumored in camp that Gen. Grant had taken Richmond. But like reports were common, and had to be taken with a good deal of allowance. I made out Sergeant Haywards discharge to date from September 7th.

Oct. 2nd We had Sunday inspection after which the men drew clothing. camp and garrison equipage. My company received as follows:- 13 shelter tents, 16 knapsacks, 1 camp kettle, 15 canteens, 3 mess pans, 1 hatchet, 2 dress coats, 2 hats, 20 shirts, 6 blouses, 8 pr. trousers, 19 pr. drawers, 15 pr. stockings, 8 pr. bootees and 6 woolen blankets. All of these articles had to be charged to the account of those who had previously ordered them, except the mess pans, kettle and hatchet which were company property. The Descriptive List of Private J.H. Woodnorth was returned to me from Nashville.

Oct. 3rd In accordance with orders received during the night, we marched at 10 O'clock A.M. Moving north we crossed the Chattahoochie River at Vining Station and went into camp one and a half miles of that place, making a march of 12 miles. My company numbered 43 men present. 39 of whom carried guns in the ranks. It was now generally believed that Hood's entire army was in our rear and striking at our only source of supplies, expecting of course to compel us to abandon Atlanta. The prospect for either a fight or a footrace seemed fair.

Oct. 4th At 7 o'clock A.M. our division moved forward, (toward the rear). We marched 9 miles, passing over the ground occupied by our regiment on the 5th of July. Being too lame to walk I rode in an ambulance.

Oct. 5th Moved again at 2 O'clock P.M. Our course was about due north. We marched 8 miles, passed the 15th Corps near Marietta and went into camp about mid way between that town and Kenesaw Mt. I was again obliged to ride in an ambulance on account of lameness. This day made three years of continuous service for me in the army.

Oct. 6th We moved at six o'clock A.M. passing close to Kenesaw Mt., near a line of earthworks built by our regiment on the 21st of June where Private Bates was killed. After a march of 6 1/2 miles we went into camp upon a large hill, near where our brigade lay from the 22nd to the 28th of June. There was plenty of rumors in regard to the movement of Hood's army, but we knew that not much reliance could be placed in camps yarns.

Oct. 7th We remained in camp and built a slight line of earthworks. I was placed in command of the left wing of the regiment. It was near here that the 2nd Division of our corps made a charge on the 27th of June, in which our loss was heavy including Gen. Harker killed and Col. Dan McCook wounded. There was some artillery firing to the north of us. We had a very windy day.

Oct. 8th We remained in camp until 4 o'clock P.M. when we fell in and marched 12 miles and went into camp at a late hour, near Ackworth. We marched in the rear of other troops and a large wagon train and our movement was quite slow. Gen. Sherman announced to the army the brilliant victory won by Gen. Corse at Altoona Station on the 5th. I had sufficiently recovered from my lameness as to be able to march with the regiment. Another day of high winds.

Oct. 9th The 14th Corps remained in camp two miles from Ackworth. It was now well known that Hood's army was between us and Chattanooga. The position of four of our corps at this time was as follows:- The 4th between Ackworth and Altoona Mt. The 14th neat Ackworth. The 15th between Ackworth and Kenesaw Mt. Most of the 20th Corps had remained at Atlanta. Captain Weisbrod, Lieut. La Count and I went hunting for chestnuts. We met with poor success. Plenty of trees but not many nuts.

Oct. 10th We remained in camp until 5 o'clock P.M. when we marched in a northerly direction. The indications appeared good for an all night march. I was feeling well.

Oct. 11th At 3 o'clock A.M. after a march of 13 miles, we went into camp at Etawa Station. About midnight we passed through Altoona Station where on the 5th Gen. Corse with a small force of men, defeated a Confederate division under Gen. French. There was a million of government rations stored here and the confederates fought desperately to obtain them, but they failed. Our loss in killed, wounded and missing was 700, while that of the enemy was said to have been 1800. we saw many of the wounded as we passed through Altoona. Two companies of the 18th Wis. was captured at a blockhouse near here. After a rest of four hours at Etawa Station we again moved forward along the railroad passing through Cartersville where we found the 1st Wis. Cavalry in camp. We passed through Kingston at dark and went into camp four miles northwest of that place, taking our position in line of battle. We had made a march of 20 miles for the day, and 33 miles in a little over 24 hours and all of the boys were tired. Some had fallen out to rest.

Oct. 12th We moved on again at 8 o'clock A.M. taking a northwest course. My company acted as rear guard of the brigade. We marched 20 miles and went into camp two and a half miles northeast of Rome Ga. We heard some cannonading to the west of Rome in the afternoon. The weather was warm, the roads were not in good condition and we were all pretty tired at night. Before we started in the morning, ten days mail was distributed to the 14th Corps. Many of us received letters from home or friends.

Oct. 13th We remained in camp until 7 o'clock P.M. when we moved off in the direction of Resaca, toward which place the Confederates were said to be moving in full force. Marching 7 miles we went into camp at midnight. I learned that an order had been issued by the War Department authorizing the muster out of all officers who desired, that had been in the service three years. I had been in the army longer than that, but not all of the time as a commissioned officer. We were having warm days but the nights were decidedly cool. I was feeling first rate and the boys were generally well.

Oct. 14th We marched at 7 o'clock A.M., went 20 miles, passing through Calhoun and went into camp at sundown in the south bank of the Coosa River near Resaca. The Confederates had been unable to take the town, but they had successfully destroyed the railroad track up to within half a mile of the depot in the south, and striking the road north of town, destroyed the track for a long distance. It was reported that the Confederates had retired from the railroad and passed through Snake River Gap. Many of the boys were suffering with blistered feet, myself among the number, otherwise I was feeling first rate.

Oct. 15th We moved again at 7 o'clock A.M. Passed the Coosa River on a pontoon bridge, passed through the stricken town of Resaca and marched four miles along the railroad to the north. Here we left the R.R. and moved to the west through a gap in the mountain three miles north of the Snake Creek Gap. Following this route four miles we went into camp at 10 O'clock P.M. We marched but 8 miles, but we found it a tiresome tramp. The confederates had not only destroyed the railroad wherever they could, but had done everything possible to obstruct the wagon-roads as well. Trees had been felled across the road, large rocks had been rolled into them and the culverts and bridges had been destroyed. It required much labor to make them passable for trains.

Oct. 16th Moved forward again at 6-30 A.M. Marched over Swamp Mt. (queer name) and struck into Snake Creek Gap near its northern end, and marched eight miles in a northwestern direction, making a total march of 12 miles for the day. The 15th and 17th Corps marched in front of us. We camped in a fertile valley where corn, sweet potatoes and fresh meat was plentiful. The entire Confederate army under Hood was north of us.

Oct. 17th Remained in camp all day. We received orders to reduce our baggage as much as possible. Consequently everything that could be spared was sent to Chattanooga, twenty five miles distant. Things seemed to indicate that we were on the eve of a long march. Of course we had no means of knowing in which direction we would move, but it was generally thought that we would follow Hood as we had been doing for two weeks. I drew eight pairs of shoes for the men.

Oct. 18th We marched at 6 o'clock A.M. Moving southwest we passed over Taylor's Ridge, thence south along its base. We went into camp at 8 o'clock P.M. after a march of 18 miles. Most of the country through which we passed was beautiful and productive. Lieut. La Count was in charge of a foraging party from our regiment, who succeeded in finding an abundance of supplies. The 15th and the 17th Corps marched in front of the 14th Corps.

Oct. 19th We marched at 6 o'clock A.M. Moving in a southwest course, we crossed the Chatooga River and after a arch of 11 miles we went into camp half a mile north of Somersville, Ga. We were now 21 miles from Rome, Ga., 45 miles from Chattanooga and 12 miles east from the Alabama state line. Lieut. Jaeger had charge of our foraging party. They were not very successful. Weather was very fine, but the roads were dusty.

Oct. 20th The 21st Wis. moved into Somersville at 7 o'clock A.M. under orders to station a guard at each house that was occupied while the 14th Corps and the wagon train passed through the town, after which we moved as rear guard. It was noon when the regiment left Somersville. We marched but 5 miles and camped in rear of the train. Captain Walker being sick, Captain Wiesbrod was temporarily in command of the regiment. Both Col. Hobart and Major Fitch were absent at the time. Very stringent orders were issued for the guidance of foraging parties. Captain Edwards was detailed in charge of foragers.

Oct. 21st We moved forward at 7 o'clock A.M. Our regiment still occupied the position of rear guard. We marched 12 miles and went into camp at 2 o'clock P.M. Government rations were getting decidedly short, we were notified that three days rations must be made to last five days. Captain Edwards party came into camp bringing a few sweet potatoes. The few vegetables we were able to obtain from the country contributed very much to the healthfulness of the troops. I got four pair of shoes from the Q.M. for the boys. Weather was pleasant though the nights were cool.

Oct. 22nd The regiment remained in camp. I was detailed in charge of our foraging party. We crossed the Chatooga River near our camp, and went six miles into the country where we obtained a pretty good supply, to wit:- 500 pounds of beef, two hogs, one sheep, several bushels of sweet potatoes and some corn. The boys of the regiment pronounced our trip a success. Our camp was three miles east of Gaylesville, Ala.

Oct. 23rd Remained in camp. Our foragers were in charge of Lieut. Bradish of Co. "I". Sergeant Cole of Co. "H" detailed as one of the foragers, straggled from the party for which offense he was reduced to the ranks. I have no doubt but that the example proved beneficial to the regiment. I received notice of Lieut. Hardings discharge from the service on account of wounds to date Sept. 28th. Thus the army lost a brave soldier and a competent officer.

Oct. 24th Though we had been in camp but two days, yet many of the boys were getting anxious to move on, and in fact I felt a good deal that way myself. Captain Walker commanding our regiment ordered that company roll be called every two hours. It was a very good idea as some of the boys were inclined to wander away from camp. Captain Walker made a very good speech to the boys in regard to the evils of straggling about. I recommended Sergeant Burnham for 2nd Lieut. of Co. "G" via Lieut. Harding discharged. Captain Walker approved it and sent to Madison, Wis. for a commission. Pvt. Billings was relieved from duty at Brigade Headquarters and reported to the company for duty.

Oct. 25th Government rations were getting short and except for the supplies we were able to obtain by foraging, the boys would have seen some hungry times. As it was we got plenty to sustain life, and perhaps the general health of the men was better than if confined to dry army rations alone. I went to Division H.Q. to consult with the mustering officer about order No.75 in relation to mustering out officers who had served in the army three years. I did not see the officer, but from the reading of the order referred to, I did not think it would apply to cases like mine, as I had not served, as an officer, three years. Captain Stuart and Lieut. Bradish had a spirited controversy over the possession of an axe. Lieut. Bradish was the successful party.

Oct. 26th We still remained in camp three miles from Gaylesville. There was plenty of rumors in camp in regards to the movement of our army. All felt certain that we had a long march before us, but there was a diversity of opinion as to what direction we would move. Some thought we would go southeast, others thought southwest and some though we would follow Hood to the northward. No one knew unless it was Gen. Sherman and he did not tell. Our foragers under Captain Edwards did not return to camp at night.

Oct. 27th Rations were getting short, very short. Our foraging party came into camp with a small ration of beef. No vegetables could be found. The 4th Corps started for Chattanooga.

Oct. 28th We marched at 3 o'clock P.M. going 3 miles west to Gaylesville, where we crossed the Chatooga River, thence moved south three miles and went into camp at 7 o'clock P.M. The 23rd Corps marched in the direction of Chattanooga. The country for miles about Gaylesville, Ala. looked desolate when we left it. We had been compelled to use all that was eatable in order to lengthen out our rations. The people about there were intensely disloyal and perhaps the boys were less lenient to them on this account.

Oct. 29th We moved at 6 o'clock A.M. taking the most direct road to Rome, Ga. We marched rapidly and went into camp within half a mile of that place at 5 o'clock P.M. making a march of 22 miles in eleven hours. Maj. Gen. Ransom, commander of the 17th Corps, died at a private house just as our corps was moving past it. He was a splendid officer and his death was a loss to the army. His remains were taken in an ambulance to Rome, and from there sent to Chicago, Ill. his late home.

Oct. 31st I took my payrolls to the paymaster in town and spent some time in looking over the place. Rome, the chief city of Floyd county, was considerable of a rail road center. Its population I thought was about the same as Chattanooga (about 3000). It was quite a pretty place, though it presented some indications of war. Two regiments had been stationed there for some months and a numbers of sick and wounded soldiers had been sent there. But these were being hurriedly sent north and the place was soon after abandoned by our forces. Days were quite warm, nights were cool.

Nov. 1st Companies "B", "E" and "G" being in readiness, were paid up to Aug. 31st. My own salary for four months amounted to $505.70. I had a talk with Captain Walker about tendering my resignation. He said that if I wished to do so, he would approve my papers and, as commander of the regiment, do all he could to assist me.

Nov. 2nd We marched to Kingston, 14 1/2 miles east, at which place we arrived at 4 o'clock P.M. Most of the distance we marched in a downpour of rain and of course it was hard marching. The roads became very slippery. My health was first-rate.

Nov. 2nd We remained in camp at Kingston, Ga.. Lieut. La Count returned from Atlanta bringing nothing with him but payroll blanks. He had been informed that the 14th Corps would soon be in Atlanta. Every preparation was being made for a long march in some direction. We felt pretty sure that if we went to Atlanta, we would move further to the southward. Captain Wiesbrod, Lieut. La Count and I went to see the Division Mustering Officer about being mustered out of service under order No. 75. The case with each of us was similar. The mustering officer informed us that we were entitled to muster out under said order. We had each of us been in the army over three years, though neither had served that length of time as an officer.

I insert the following extract from a letter.

Kingston, Ga.
Nov. 3rd 1864

Dear Wife,

After marching 250 miles since we left Atlanta in the 3rd of October, we have doubled back on our tracks at Kingston. We have done some hard marching, but not much fighting. Our efforts to overtake Hood's army have failed and apparently we are turning from him in disgust. Every one seems to think that we are about to start upon a campaign which will make any similar move in the past appear insignificant. All surplus stores are being sent back to Chattanooga, while everything needed for the comfort and efficiency of our soldiers is being pushed forward to Atlanta. In what direction this army will march, or when the movement will commence, I have no means of knowing. But undoubtedly our course will be to the southward, and I think we will move soon. As to the length of the campaign, of course no one can tell, not even Gen. Sherman himself. We will march with 50 days rations in our wagons, but these can be made to last 100 days in an emergency, with what we can gather from the county through which we pass. For a time we will be beyond the reach of communication and without a base of supplies. If we fail, the failure will be disastrous. If we succeed, as we certainly shall do, we will have contributes very largely to the overthrow of the rebellion.

Dear wife I need not tell you that I should prefer to march toward my Wisconsin home, rather than to move farther south. I have seen quite enough of war. I have been exposed to its dangers and hardships plenty long enough to satisfy all my longings for adventure. I have been in the army over three years, have generally enjoyed good health, and participated with my regiment in all of its marches and battles, and they were not a few. But through it all I have been blessed beyond measure. God's protecting hand has seemed to shield me from harm, and I believe will continue to do so in the future. I have the utmost confidence in the righteousness of our cause, and feel that before long peace will be restored to our land. If it takes another year, and I am needed until the end, I shall always fell a just pride, because of the fact that I was able to contribute so much.

Truly Yours,
J. M. Randall

Chapter Fifteen --->