Christmas Day 1864 Lieut. Burnham and I partook of a Christmas dinner, consisting of pork and beans, hardtack, coffee and sugar. Good, substantial food and we had all of it we could eat. The Lieutenant and I worked upon our "Shebang" and nearly completed it. I sent to my wife a copy of a Savannah newspaper published by some of our soldiers. It was the first loyal sheet published in that city after the war commenced.

Dec. 26th In the forenoon we had battalion drill. Later we had regimental inspection. The 21st performed well at drill and made a fair appearance on inspection. I made out descriptive lists in the case of Privates Hayward, Leary, Ames, Jamison, Briggs and Waller, all of whom were absent from the company. I made out sergeant warrants for Corporal Sanders and Chandler. Also warrants as corporal for Privates Marshall and Shipley. Sergeant Sanders became orderly on 1st sergeant via Burnham promoted.

Dec. 27th The 14th Corps was reviewed by Gen. Sherman. Everything passed off finely. Many citizens, both men and women, were out to witness the parade. Northern newspapers contained glorious news from Gen. Thomas' army. Our forces had defeated Hood at Nashville, taking 5,000 prisoners, 50 pieces of artillery and the Confederates had been routed and demoralized. Soldiers everywhere were shouting "Bully for Thomas". It was encouraging. We thought that six months more would bring peace.

Dec. 28th I went to headquarters with Capt. Weisbrod who desired to look after his resignation papers. I walked over the city and admired its beauty. It did not appear that people had left their homes upon the arrival of our army. A large mass meeting was held by the citizens at noon for the purpose of deciding what position they should take in relation to the Union. I understood the vote was unanimous in favor of loyalty. It could hardly be supposed that this was in accordance with the honest sentiment of a majority, for I do not believe there were many truly loyal men there. But I suppose the saw the "handwriting on the wall", and the knew our army there could enforce obedience to federal law. Of course they, too, could see that the rebellion was crumbling. Consequently their course was the only logical one. We got orders to prepare for another campaign.

Dec. 29th We had company drill in the forenoon in which my company deployed as skirmishers. The entire regiment deployed as skirmishers in the afternoon. All did well. Lieut. Burnham and the company clerk assisted me, when not on drill, in making out muster-rolls and monthly report of camp and garrison equipage. Health of troops was good.

Dec. 30th I was detailed as regimental officer of the day and had some cleaning done in camp, which added somewhat to its appearance. We had no drilling but the day was devoted to a general cleaning of arms and accoutrements, preparatory for inspection. I received notice of discharge of Privates Randall, Hayward and Barton. Captain Weisbrod received his papers approved. This made him a citizen and left me the ranking captain of the regiment.

Dec. 31st We had regimental review and muster by Lt. Col. Fitch. It passed off finely and the regiment made a creditable appearance. A detail of 140 men was made from the regiment for fatigue duty. Lieut. Burnham was one of the officers in charge of the party. Captain Weisbrod bid farewell to army life and started for Wisconsin. He was a brave, competent officer. I had an ambrotype picture taken of myself for which I paid $1.50. Twenty five years afterwards I had this picture enlarged and framed. I mailed official reports to Washington. Whiskey seemed to be plenty in the city. I saw several drunken officers.

Sunday, January 1st 1865 The new year came in quite pleasantly. It found me in the full enjoyment of health. This was the fourth new years day I had spent in the army. We had company inspection of arms, accoutrements and quarters. Everything in my company was in good order. Lt. Col. Fitch and Major Walker both visited the 32nd Wis., leaving me in command of the regiment during their absence. In the evening we had dress parade. The regiment made a good showing. Lieut. Burnham was taken quite sick. There were in my company present for duty, 40 men including two commissioned officers: as follows, to wit:

Capt. J. M. Randall, 2nd Lt. D. D. Burnham, Sgt. M. A. Sanders, Sgt. S. S. Chandler, Sgt. A. D. Dewey, Corp'l A. Commican, Corp'l W. H. Jaquith, Corp'l H. Marshall, Corp'l B. Shipley, Pvt. G. Aminson, Pvt. A. Brick, Pvt. J. Billings, Pvt. F. Conrad, Pvt. J. Cartwright, Pvt. J. Carville, Pvt. H. P. Christainson, Pvt. L. Deoge, Pvt. G. Dyer, Pvt. M. Dewey, Pvt. G. Foot, Pvt. Wm Hughs, Pvt. L. Hanson, Pvt. J. Harkins, Pvt. G. Harris, Pvt. W. H. Jones, Pvt. R. Lampkins, Pvt. F. Labrash, Pvt. W. J. Miner, Pvt. N. McLeard, Pvt. N. Monstead, Pvt. O. Olsen, Pvt. B. Olsen, Pvt. R. Peterson, Pvt. J. Parker, Pvt. F. Pitman, Pvt. O. A. Rice, Pvt. T. Spencer, Pvt. J. Shaw, Pvt. W. F. Weisenbo, Pvt. C. E. Constance.

All of the foregoing named men marched with the company from Atlanta, except Private Cartwright, who served with the division wagon-train. The general health of the boys was first-rate. We were not getting quite full ration, though we made out quite well and all were in good spirits.

Jan. 2nd I was detailed for picket duty with Captain Edwards and 40 men of our regiment. Our party reported at brigade headquarters at 11:30 A.M.. There was a force of 150 men with 6 officers assembled here from our brigade for picket duty at Lawton's plantation five miles away. Of the five captains present I was found to be the ranking one, consequently I was placed in command of the party. Proceeding to Lawton's plantation we relieved a party like our own consisting of 6 officers and 150 men also of our brigade. Our duty on picket was very light, only five men being required on post at one time. It was not a regular picket line, but rather a vidette post. I engaged in company drill before I went on picket. The boys did splendidly. They were out of practice but they had not forgotten how to drill. Lieutenant Burnham was still poorly. I was feeling first-rate. My weight was 180 pounds. The regiment drew four days rations which were to last five days. It was not quite enough, especially as there was a shortage in variety. Still the boys enjoyed very good health.

Jan. 3rd We had a very quiet time on picket. I doubt if there was a Confederate soldier within twenty miles of us, especially in our front. Our party was relieved at 2 o'clock P.M. by a like detail of 150 men from our brigade. I found Lieut. Burnham not so well. He seemed threatened with a serious sickness. The regiment was on drill and dress parade. The citizens of Savannah began to open up their places of business. The stores contained but little that a soldier would want. The "Savannah Republic", the only newspaper we could get, contained rumors from a Confederate source, of a contemplated attack upon Wilmington, N.C. by the Union fleet. In the paper a copy of a dispatch sent to Washington by Gen. Sherman, as follows:

Savannah, Ga.
Dec. 22nd 1864

To his Excellency President Lincoln,

"I beg you to accept as a Christmas gift the city of Savannah, with 150 heavy guns and plenty of ammunition. Also 25,000 bales of cotton."

W. T. Sherman
Major General

This was short but sweet. The weather was warm and summer-like.

Jan. 4th All was quiet at Savannah. A detail of 180 men and one officer from our regiment went to work on fortifications. I went down to witness a review of Gen. Kilpatrick's cavalry command by Gen. Sherman. But for some reason it was postponed. Being mounted on a good horse I embraced the opportunity to look over the city. First I visited the Pulaski Monument or Statue. It was built by the city in honor of Pulaski who fell in 1779 while fighting for American Independence. Its cost was $27,000. I next visited the City Park, the largest of many in the city. It was very fine and in size was one and a half miles square. It was splendidly shaded by the live oak tree. Its beautiful fountains were not in working order. A regiment was in camp near the center of the park. There seemed to be a considerable business done in the city but it was principally done by government officers. Ocean steamers came up the river daily. loaded with quartermaster and commissary stores. We received a small mail. Some of us were remembered. I received a letter from my wife with one enclosed from brother Frank, written at Nashville Dec. 1st. He was well. Col. Hobart got a letter from Lieut. Watson of my company, who had made his escape from Libby Prison and was then in New York. The weather was really warm. Lieut. Burnham was still poorly.

Savannah, Ga.
Jan. 4th 1865

My Dear Wife,

As you already know, the city of Savannah has been captured by our forces. For ten days our army lay entrenched around the place and underwent the usual fatigue and hardships for a besieging force, expecting daily to be called upon to assault the Confederate lines. But fortunately we have taken the city without loss to us and the prize is a valuable one. One hundred and fifty large cannon and a large amount of ammunition besides 25000 bales of cotton.

Savannah is a pretty southern city and its people belong to the aristocratic class of the south. For a few days after we came here, we saw but few citizens on the streets. But of late they venture out more boldly. A mass meeting of citizens was held Dec. 28th in which they declared their loyalty to the government. Of course they could not do so otherwise because of the presence of our army but I'll bet it was a bitter pill for them to swallow.

No one seems to know how long we shall remain here, but I presume that the first of Feb. will find us again on the move, either in the direction of Charleston or Richmond. It may yet become necessary for this army to capture both of those places. Under Gen. Sherman we think it would be equal to the task.

The health and spirits of the army could not be better. We are hardly getting full rations yet, but the quality of what we get is excellent and gradually the quantity is being increased.

Yours as ever, James M.

Jan. 5th Still in camp. Nothing of importance occurred to break the monotony of camp life. We received no mail, no papers, except the Savannah Republican. The regiment engaged in both company and battalion drill. Col. Fitch was detailed on general court martial of the 1st Division of the 14th Corps. Lieut. Burnham still continued unable for duty. His trouble was intermittent fever. Weather was warm but cloudy.

Jan. 6th We did no drilling on account of rainy weather. In the afternoon we drew clothing, although we got but little over half of the amount we had estimated for. I got for my company as follows:- hats 18, trousers 13, flannel sack coats 19, flannel shirts 17, bootees prs 13, boots prs. 2, stockings prs. 12, inf. overcoats 1, cav. overcoats 1, shelter tents 2, rubber ponchos 10, drawers 7, camp kettle 1, mess pan 1, hatchet 1. We received no mail, no papers from the north. Lieut. Burnham was some better. I wrote a letter to O. F. Chase, Oshkosh, Wis.

Jan. 7th We received quite a large mail which served to raise the spirits of many soldiers. I got a letter from my wife. She had received my letter of Dec. 14th which told her that I had stood the trip from Kingston to this place all right. I received a letter also from P.V. Wright of Oshkosh. All of his family were well. I got some clothing for myself and for Gus amounting to $13.27. Weather very fine. Health was good.

Jan. 8th We still remained in camp at Savannah. A detail of 130 men was called for to work upon fortifications downtown. We had the usual Sunday inspection. Arms and accoutrements in my company were in good condition. I attended the Baptist church in the city. It was my first entrance into a church in "Dixie". There was a respectful audience, though a majority of those present were soldiers. The music was especially fine. The sermon was preached from the text: "It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of a living God". Quite an able discourse followed, though I presume the numbers of the flock looked upon it as more terrible to fall into the hands of "Sherman's invaders". Lieut. Burnham was much better. I wrote and mailed a letter to my wife.

Jan. 9th We had company drill in the forenoon. No drilling in the afternoon on account of rain. The Division Inspector came around and condemned a quantity of ordnance and quartermaster stores that were unfit for use. This enabled company commanders to obtain new stores in their place. Captain Fargo of Company "F" who had tendered his resignation based on a Surgeons Certificate of Disability received his papers approved and he became a citizen. Asst. Surgeon Brett of the 21st also resigned, basing his application. as I understood, on sickness in his family. Lieut. Burnham seemed to be improving. My health continued good.

Jan. 10th There was no mail and no news from the outside world. It was reported that since our occupation of Savannah, there had been received but three mails from the north. This had been sorted and distributed in small lots. Well, perhaps the boys got more satisfaction out of it that ways. We has company drill in the forenoon and battalion drill in the afternoon. I made out ordnance reports for the 4th quarter of 1864 and sent it off. It was rumored that our division would remain in Savannah, but the report was not generally credited. Sergeant Hanson obtained a leave of absence to visit New York for the purpose of purchasing clothing for the officers of our regiment. I spent $20.00 by him for a blouse. Captain Fargo (that was), Lieuts. Midgely and Doran got ghastly drunk and a few enlisted men enjoyed the spree with them. Lieut. Burnham continued to improve slowly. He was troubled with rheumatism.

Jan. 11th The Savannah Republican published a letter written by Gen. Sherman to the people of Georgia. He said that the people of the state had only to lay down their arms, elect members to Congress, together with U.S. Senators, send them to take their seats at Washington D.C. and then the state of Georgia will have resumed her functions in the Union. All differences then could be settled by the courts. I give this as Gen. Shermans opinion at that time. The fact is however that before reconstruction was an accomplished fact, the state of Georgia was obliged to ratify some changes in the constitution in regard to slavery, negro suffrage, Confederate war debt, etc. In our drill in the afternoon the regiment was divided into two battalions for drilling. Captain Edwards and I each had charge of a battalion. We drilled in loading and firing. After this we had dress parade. Gen. Carlin, our division commander, started for home on leave-of-absence. Lieut. Midgely of Co. "H" was placed under arrest for drunkenness. It was right. He should have been kicked out of the service. He was a disgrace to the clothes he wore. Lieut. Burnham was no better. I was well. Weather cloudy and cool.

Jan. 12th Our brigade moved out at 7 o'clock for picket duty. We went 9 miles up the river on the Augusta road. I returned with my company to a point just 6 1/2 miles from the city. The balance of the brigade remained 2 1/2 miles in advance of my post. We remained on picket 48 hours. It was a lonely place for picket duty. Not a house in sight and not a Confederate soldier in that section of the country. A few citizens passed through the lines who were provided with a pass. Quite a number of negroes, who were moving their families from the country, passed by going into Savannah. We learned by a negro who came from town that Gen. Kilpatrick's cavalry was reviewed by Gen. Sherman. According to the excited story of the "Old Uncle", the review was a grand affair. Col. Fitch being on court-martial detail, Major Walker was in command of the regiment.

Jan. 13th We remained on picket where all was quiet. Very different from what we generally experienced when on picket during the Atlanta campaign. Our mails were irregular and and there was a scarcity of news. When we got a New York paper it was seldom less than two weeks old. Of course there were plenty of rumors, but nothing reliable. The nights were rather cool, otherwise the weather was very pleasant. It was not easy to realize that it was mid-winter.

Jan. 14th Our brigade was relieved from picket and got into camp shortly after noon. Col. Hobart was much surprised upon entering his quarters to find awaiting him a Brevet Brig. Generals commission. He was very proud of it, as he well might be, and he received the congratulations of many friends upon his good fortune. The Asst. Sec. of War was at Savannah and the commission was dated and countersigned there. Weather pleasant.

Jan. 15th We had regular Sunday inspection. Arms and accoutrements were found in good condition. I visited the Episcopal church. It seemed to be very aristocratic congregation. At 2 o'clock P.M. our regiment was ordered to report to Brig. Gen. Eaton for guard duty and was assigned to quarters near the dock, relieving a regiment of the 15th Corps. we got established in vacant houses near the river at sundown. The boys were well pleased with the change.

Jan. 16th We passed our first day in our new quarters. About 150 men were required from the regiment for fatigue duty. It was thought, when we moved into the business part of town, that we might remain here for sometime. But we learned that the edict had gone forth that the regiment would move with the brigade on the 18th, the time fixed for the commencement of another campaign. There was a good deal of speculation in camp as to which direction the army would move upon leaving Savannah. Some though we would go by water to Charleston or Richmond. Others that we would go north through the Carolinas. Lieut. Burnham being no better was sent to the hospital. This again left the company with but one officer present.

Jan. 17th Every preparation was being made for an active campaign. It was reported that none of Sherman's army would be left to garrison Savannah. A division of the 19th Corps had been ordered here for that purpose. One regiment belonging to that corps arrived from Baltimore. In our little experience at guard duty in the city we were brought more in contact with the people and learned something of the bitterness entertained by them towards our soldiers. I wish to say however that we found the men, without exception, to be gentlemanly and polite. However bitter they may have felt towards us, they appeared extremely friendly. Of their conduct I feel sure no soldier had reason to complain. But the women, those of the upper class (so called) the aristocracy, they seemed to be actuated by a different spirit. Strange to say they, or many of them, improved every opportunity to insult our soldiers. They seemed to parade the streets for the sole purpose of showing their contempt for those who wore the blue. The ingenious manner by which they manifested their hatred was sometimes a source of amusement to the boys. When they chanced to meet a soldier on the sidewalk they would either step out into the street or stand close against the wall and press their skirts to one side as a safeguard against contamination. Of course their pretty faces would be turned in an opposite direction, so that the poor soldiers never got even a look of recognition from them. It would have been cruel to deprive the poor creatures of the pleasure they took in snubbing our soldiers, even had it been possible to have done so. It did not hurt the boys at all but it was a manifestation of the same bitter spirit that had been heaped upon our soldiers at New Orleans which had been effectually subdued by Gen. B. F. Butler. It would not be strange if some of our friends at Savannah occasionally heard remarks not very complimentary to them, but I think the boys generally passed them by in silence. In our four week stay in or about Savannah, I heard of no instance wherein soldiers mistreated citizens in any particular. They were not allowed to enter private residences except in the capacity as guards.

Jan. 18th We did not march as we had expected to do. The duties required of our regiment were so pressing that every man was called upon for duty of some kind every second day. We learned of the capture of Fort Fisher near Wilmington, N.C. on the 15th. The Union victory was complete though at a loss of 500 men. The Confederate loss was 1780 prisoners, 76 large guns and a large amount of commissary stores. We learned that the Richmond government had appointed Peace Commissioners. Troops of the 19th Corps continued to arrive at Savannah.

Jan. 19th Six right companies of our regiment moved into the camp of the 93rd Ill. which, with the 17th Corps, moved across the Savannah River into South Carolina. In the evening the 21st Wis. was, by order, relieved from fatigue duty and required to hold ourselves in readiness to march with the brigade at a moments notice. A large amount of provisions arrived from New York for free distribution among the citizens of Savannah. Weather was rainy. My health was good.

Jan. 20th In accordance with orders the 21st Wis. moved out of Savannah at 10 o'clock A.M. and joined the brigade one mile from town. The entire 14th Corps moved on the Louisville Pike. The continued rainfall through the day made the roads nearly impassable and we were compelled to move very slow. We went into camp at 4 o'clock P.M. having marched but 7 miles for the day. The ground upon which we camped was spongy and water soaked, yet the rain continued to pour down during the night, which made the prospect look gloomy for the boys. It was reported that Wilmington, N.C. has been captured by our forces.

Jan. 21st The left wing of the army, consisting of the 14th and 20th Corps, was completely mud bound seven miles from Savannah. The right wing, the 15th and 17th Corps, which had crossed the river opposite Savannah, was in the same condition. The roads had become absolutely impassable, still the rain continued to fall copiously and the water was spreading over most of the low, swampy ground. The boys worked faithfully to build their bunks with poles, rails and brush in order that they might sleep above water. They had met with like troubles before and were prepared to endure this with the greatest of fortitude.

Jan. 22nd Rain continued to fall through the night and day. There was no such thing possible as moving our army trains or artillery forward or backward. The mud was deep and constantly getting deeper. Fortunately we were near the Savannah River where rations could be unloaded close by so we were in no danger of starving. It was reported that the ammunition train belonging to the 15th Corps had been mostly destroyed and a number of mules drowned in an island in the Savannah River. It was said that the Confederates had cut a levee above which caused the disastrous overflow. Privates Hanson and Waller of my company came out from the city.

Jan. 23rd We were pretty much surrounded with water and camped upon a quagmire of mud. Wagons could scarcely be moved at all but we not obliged to depend, for rations, upon wagon trains. Col. Fitch and Major Walker went to the city leaving me in command of the regiment. I received an order from Gen. Hobart to move the regiment to a better camping ground. Owing to the lateness of the hour I obtained permission to remain in the old camp until the next morning. Regimental inspection was ordered for the next day.

Jan. 24th In accordance with orders, I moved the regiment to a new camping ground. Going 1/2 mile, we found a fine location. The ground was sandy and comparatively dry. We should have gone into camp here at first. The men worked faithfully to fix up their quarters and by night most of them were comfortably situated. We had regimental inspection, the report of which I sent to brigade headquarters. Notwithstanding rainy, bad weather, arms and accoutrements we found to be in good condition. I made out an estimate for camp and garrison equipage for the regiment. Col. Fitch and Major Walker returned to camp at 5 P.M. Weather was clear and pleasant.

Jan. 25th After enjoying the benefit of our new camp one night, we were again called upon to move. We marched at 7:15 A.M. taking a northwest course. We went 13 miles and camped at 5 o'clock P.M. We left the Louisville Pike at a point 15 miles from Savannah. The country passed through was miserably poor. It was sand-hills and barren plains, interspersed with swamps. The growth of timber in the swamps was soft maple, gum and cypress. We saw many cypress knees (so called) being in the shape of stumps and generally covered with moss. On the sandy upland the growth was exclusively scrub pine. Col. Fitch was placed in command of the left wing of our brigade, leaving Major Walker in command of the regiment. Private Foot of my company was sent back to the hospital, sick. The weather was disagreeable cool.

Jan. 26th We marched 8 miles and went into camp at sundown, one and a half miles from Springfield, the county seat of Effington County, Ga. We found the roads in the worst possible condition and our movement was very slow. Many places were found to be impassable for artillery and wagon trains until they were corduroyed with timber. Large details of men were made to carry rails and poles to bridge over these places. The country was very poor and but sparsely settled. The weather was still cool.

Jan. 27th We marched at 9 A.M., went but a half a mile and at one o'clock P.M., we returned to the old camp. Our march was delayed on account of a bridge crossing a deep stream having been burned. The weather seemed quite cool as it had for three days previously. Yet ice had not formed to exceed the thickness of window glass. I was nearly sick with a cold and I had a bad boil on my forehead.

Jan. 28th We marched at noon. passing through Springfield, we went 10 miles and camped within two miles of "Sisters Ferry" on the Savannah River. This point was about thirty-five miles northeast from Savannah. It was reported that Jeff. Davis had "skedaddled" from Richmond, though but little reliance was placed in the report. Sherman's army was yet too far away to cause Davis to leave home. I felt a little better physically.

Jan. 29th We marched 1 1/2 miles and went into camp at noon near the ferry. We were ordered to put our camp in good condition, as we would probably remain here several days. A gunboat lay in the river nearby, as was also two or three steamers loaded with supplies. I had sent for the surgeon who came and prescribed quinine, as I expected, and I partook of it freely. Weather clear but cool.

Jan. 30th Heavy details of men were called for to build roads through the swamp on the opposite side if the river. The 20th Corps had already crossed here upon a pontoon bridge. Two or three more vessels came up loaded with rations and forage. Privates Lampkins, Hanson and Waller were sent to the division hospital. I made out discharge papers in the case of Waller. The surgeon pronounced my own case, quinine ague. I think he was right. Upon this date I wrote a letter as follows:

Camp, 21st Wisconsin Vol.
Near Sisters Ferry, Ga.
Jan. 30th 1865

My Dear Wife,

As you may have learned from the papers, we left Savannah ten days ago. Since then we have marched but 38 miles having been completely mud-bound the greater portion of the time. We are now encamped on the Savannah River at Sisters Ferry, which is probably 35 miles on a direct line from Savannah. We can look across the river into South Carolina and when we move from here we shall go in that direction. Large details of men are required daily to build roads through the swamp on the opposite side of the river. A United States gunboat is near the ferry, as are also several transports loaded with supplies.

Of course I do not know, but I am inclined to think that we have another long march before us. Possibly Richmond may be the point aimed at. It is though that our move into the interior of South Carolina may cause the Confederates to loosen their hold on Charleston and possibly our advance to the north may cause a like result at Richmond.

Dear wife, I dislike to write you of any ailment of my own because I would not cause you unnecessary alarm, but yesterday I had a very hard ague chill, a regular, old fashioned shake-down. This was followed by a burning fever which lasted most of the night. This has now passed off and I am feeling very much better. The doctor prescribed the use of quinine as I expected he would do and I am taking it freely, so as to prevent, if possible, a recurrence of such a shake.

It has been some time since we received a mail. In fact there has been no regularity in that matter since we arrived at Savannah. Some of the boys say that a railroad with one rail, and Joe Wheeler astride of that, makes a better line of communication than that afforded by steam ships on the Atlantic Ocean. There is no certainty that I shall be able to send this letter out, but I think I shall. When we move from here we shall be cut off from communication for a time. Try to give yourself no uneasiness on account of my slight illness, as I have strong hopes to avoid much more of it.

Very Truly Yours,
James M.

Jan. 31st We remained in camp near Sisters Ferry. I heard of no movement of troops. Men were detailed to work upon the roads across the river. One of the men, in digging, struck a torpedo which exploded, severely wounding two men of the 79th Penn.. The torpedo had been buried there by the Confederates. I felt some better though I was still weak and lame. The weather was warm.

Chapter Seventeen --->