Sergt Jesse McClave's Diary, Aug 63 - Jun 65
August 1863
S Aug 1st Arose before day light to prepare for a march - begun our march early in the morning. The forepart of the day was very hot--it rained towards evening-we marched ten or twelve miles and are on universal hight [University Heights] on top of the mountain--we suffered for water very much--I was from morning till 12 o'clock on without a sip.
Sun Aug 2d It is a beautiful morning-the teams have jest come up-they had a hard time coming up the mountain-took a walk to the brow of the mountain--the beautiful scenery was beyond description--marched about four miles in the forenoon--went into camp--I think we will remain here some time--the afternoon was rainy.
M Aug 3d Was waked up early in the morning with orders to prepare with three daysrations--we started early (our Reg't and 2 co. of 11th O.V.I. with 19 wagons--) a foraging--We went into Sweden Cove about fourteen miles from camp--This is a very fertile little valley--we returned to camp late Tuesday night with considerable
truck, as, corn, potato, apples, etc. We had a very fatiguing time--It was very hot-and it was two miles from the foot of the mountain to the top. It was up-hill business, climbing the mountain.
W Aug 5th Percy and I fixed our tent up. Afternoon rainy (little).
Th Aug 6th W Perkins started for home on a 20 day furlow--expects to get a situation on a gun-boat--1st Lieut Jackson started for Murfreesboro on a furlow.
S Aug 8th An accident happened in the battery--ammunition exploded severaly in morning--7 or 8 a.m.
Su Aug 9 Preaching in the afternoon.
M Aug 10 Was on fatigue. Preaching in the evening Rev. Steven-son of N. Y.
Tu Aug 11 Our company was on picket--had a pleasant time.
W Aug 12 Got to camp by 9 o'clock a.m. Corp Wood with three comission officers and several more started for Ohio for Drafted men to fill the 89 O.V.I.
Th Aug 13th Afternoon rainy--drill in the forenoon.
Su Aug 16th Went in the morning before breakfast in company with comrade (?) a half mile to a beautiful spring that spouted its cold and clear water over a precipice some 15 feet high--It fell on a solid rock making a splendid bathing place--after taking a good bath we returned to camp feeling much better—attended church in forenoon--afternoon rainy--had dress parade in the evening--received orders late in the eve to be ready to move by six o'clock in the morn.
M Aug 17th Begun our march not far from 6 o'clock a.m. Marched some eleven or fourteen miles when we went into camp at Tracy City--There is but few people living there at the present time--considerable many log-cabins vacated. There is bountiful coal mine here but the war has scatered miners so the coal trade will rest untill peace is restored. It is generally thought we will tarry here some time.
Tu Aug 18th (Tracy City) Am on camp guard--Had a splendid little shower in the evening.
W Aug 19th Last night was cloudy but no rain--did not get much sleep--after I was relieved Barber and I spent our time fixing our quarters--took a bath in cool spring waters in the evening. Our Reg't is camped in three different places-five here, four in another, one in another--a locomotive came in from Cowan.
Th Aug 20 Was on fatigue.
F Aug 21st Our Brigade is at Battle Creek, or such is the report.
S Aug 23 Church in the evening.
M Aug 24 Am on picket.
W 26 One year ago today I was mustered into U.S.
Friday Aug 28th Wm. Perkins and five more returned to our company. Received several books and papers.
S Aug 29 I am on Picket--amused myself reading, meditating, etc.
Sun Aug 30 Was not relieved untill near noon.
M Aug 31st Was mustered and had general inspection.
Camp Tracy City Tu Sept 1st, 1863
S 5 Was on fatigue in afternoon.
Su 6 Was on picket.
M Sept 7 Was relieved in the forenoon.
Tu Sept 8th Marching orders.
W Sept 9 Arose at 4 o'clock a.m.--begun the march at 6 a.m.--our co. were train guards--the day hot--the roads dusty--reached the brow of the mountain at about noon--Had a slow march down the mountain, very rough, several wagons broke down. Haulted after dark about fifteen miles from Tracy City.
Th Sept 10 After a simple supper--coffee and cracks--and a good wash-layed down and had a good rest--got a late start having to wait for wagons to be repaired-arrived on the banks of the Tennessee river jest at sundown--the day was hot-very dusty. our farm had coffee and poor cracks.
F Sept 11th Arose early and took a "good old" swim in the Tennessee. Had a dusty and hot march to Bridgeport where we arrived at about noon--after having a good swim and eating dinner we crossed the river where we are now on the river in Alb.
S Sept 12 The day was spent in swimming and resting generally-I wasn't very well.
Sunday Sept 13/63 Was ready for the march according to orders, at day light, with three-days rations and a ruber blanket and twenty rounds of extra ammunition. Mon. at about 5 o'clock a.m. we went on the road. The roads were very dusty. Weather very hot. Left our knapsacks behind. We are with the Reserve Corps and moved with it. The roads were crowded with wagons and troops so we could not move fast. Haulted at sun-set for supper-began our march at 10 o'clock in the evening again. Had a hardy march during the night-the rough roads made it very hard for us during the day.
Sept 14 Our line of march passed on three states Tenn. Alb. Ga. Haulted a few minutes for breakfast at daylight about 8 or 9 miles from Chattanooga, Ga (sic) Began our march again after we had breakfast-march within two miles of Chattanooga. Haulted and got some fresh water. Then march about four or five miles from Chattanooga (south of it)--When we went into camp the "rebs" formerly occupied it. It was 12 o'clock M at this time. Spent the rest of the day washing and sleeping. I was much in need of both--was a very hard march from Bridgeport.
5 miles S.E. of Chattanooga, Tuesday, Sept 15th Awoke in the morning after a good night's sleep and found the woods on every side alive with troops. Took a ramble with two comrades. Found a "Porker"--brought it to camp on a stick or pole.
W Sept 16th Georgia Swept up our camp and rested--do not feel very well--orders came late for us to be ready (Marched at 4 in the a.m.)
Th Sept 17th Began our march at 4 o'clock a.m. not knowing where we were going.. After marching about 10 or 12 miles in the heat and dust we found the rebs so we formed in lines of battle. There was 5 or 6 Reg't on the line--it was a grand sight. We advanced in line about 1 or 1 ˝ mile through the woods and corn field. The country was very uneven. The rebs fell back before our skirmishes as far as Ringgold. When our battery took position on an elevated piece of ground and fired several shots their pieces replyed --without doing any harm--we expected to have a fight, but on the contrary, we retreated. I believe our Gen had orders not to bring on an engagement. We returned to within 6 or 8 miles of camp when we put up for the night. I got ready to take a night's rest when orders came -for our co. was ordered on picket--after marching around sometime to find headq. as is generally the case when men are tired--we were directed to our post, but we had but just got on our post when we were startled by the whiz of a shell and the boom of a cannon. We were soon on our feet with guns in hands but not too soon for the rebs made a dash on our post. We gave them a volley which sent them back. They threw 4 shells at camp without doing any harm--I don't think there was a very large squad followed us back from Ringgold.
Sept 18th F Nothing occured after the first little flurry in the evening untill morning when they made their appearance again. Several shots was fired at about 6 o'clock a.m. We were ordered in and took up our line of march for camp again. Got into camp not far from noon, tired and dirty or dusty--the day is cool. Troops at 4 o'clock p.m. were preparing to leave camp--reported that the "rebs" has dissturbed our pickets.
St Sept 19th Last night was very cool. I had nothing but a ruber-blanket for covering--found it necessary to hunt a fire before morning. Orders came while we were around our fires--thawing out--for to get ready with two day rations. We were soon ready and on the road--the 22d Mn V.I. and our Reg't moved out on road some 3 mi. in a rather N.E. direction where we are now laying., Firing can be plainly heard on the right. In the afternoon moved two or three miles to the right at about 4 o'clock p.m. Had a little engagement with the enemy.
Louisville, Ky, Hospital No. 1. Ward 10. 1 have not been able to write any since Sept 19th so I thought as I feel able I would write as near as I can remember what has transpired with me since that time.
W Sept 30th, 1863 We layed on our arms all night on the night of the 19th. It was very cool. Su morn the 20th we were moved back into a little piece of woods where we drew rations but had hardly time to divide them before we had to fall in. Fighting had been going on for some time both to our right and left. We moved to the right. It was very hot and dusty. We went on the double quick part of the way, rested a short time, after moving on the field of Battle--it was drawing near noon-I shall ever remember this day--the afternoon in particular. The Battle was raging high--we were in the reserve corps, so we had to do a great deal of marching. We marched for miles in line of battle over broken ground sometimes under fire of batteries, sometimes on the double quick. We had a very hard time. At about 3 p.m. we moved up on the brow of a hill where our forces had just drove the enemy from. We had a little fight to hold the hill then all was quiet but such a quietude as only comes before a great storm. Before 4 o'clock p.m. a fearful slaughter had begun on our right. Batteries began to pour forth their Messengers of Death. Then the sharp crack of musketry accompanied by those hideous shouts that tell plain of close work. Our forces began to fall back on the right, when they began to advance up the hill our Reg't was on. Vastly superior numbers came on our Reg't--It stood up under these fearful odds untill near dark, when the Col surrendered with the Reg't. Having been surrounded it was the only thing left for him to do--a great many was killed and wounded. I received a wound in the right shoulder at the first of the engagement. With considerable difficulty I got back to our old camp where six more of our boys had come in wounded, and several more that was not hurt. It is supposed that Lieut. Jackson, Weaver, Jo[seph] Smith, 0. Masaison (?) [David Morrison], F. [Frederick] Foot, T. W. Vaughn was killed in our Co. Ben Pratt was killed Co A. By the kindness of the boys in camp--J. Sherman in particular--I was with the rest of the wounded being comfortable fixed for the night, although I did not sleep much. Our whole army fell back and the next morning one of the grandest military displays was to be seen that could be. Gen. Rosecrans had massed his whole force on the levels four miles from Chattanooga. The wounded were all ordered to Chattanooga so we had to pass through where old Rosy had massed his force. The Gen. was riding among them and they were cheering him at every point. I walked a part of the way to Ch-ga and I rode the rest of the way in an ambulance. On arriving at Ch-ga we were ordered to Bridgeport. I crossed the river and stayed with our teams untill the next morning. Had a good nights rest-the first I had had for three nights. My shoulder was very painful. The prospect of getting to Bridgeport looked very slim. Hundreds of wagons were going but there was so many wounded that one that could hardly help himself had but a very slim chance. But in the course of the forenoon a train of ambulances came along and found room in one that Smith and Barber was in, so on we went to Bridgeport where we arrived late Tuesday evening the 22--we had a very hard trip of it and suffered much. We stayed there untill the evening of the 24th when we were put on cars and sent to Nashville. This was a sore old trip--rode in freight cars and the road was very rough. We arrived in Nashville late in the (?) of the 25th. Dr. Thacker was at the depot-we were sent to Hos. No 7 where I got a good washing and some clean clothes on. So I had a good nights rest. I got my knapsack at Bridgeport. I also received several letters while I was at the river at Ch-ga. I fared well at Nashville where I stayed untill the morning of the 27, Sunday, when we were sent to Louisville--Arrived late in the evening of the same day and went to Hos. No 1. 1 stayed there untill the 7th of October. Had very good care and was not in much pain. While I was at No 1 Father came down & after considerable trouble he got myself, Kenneth McGrew and Brindoff transferred to Camp Dennison. We came to Cincinnati on the steamer. Emma Floyd came to Camp D-n in the evening of the 8th. Have been doing well since I came here. Have saw a good many of my friends.
Su Oct 11, 1863 Camp Dennison Several visitors came in during the day to see me on Oct 12. Received a pass untill the 20th. Came home in the forenoon--the evening rainy.
Tu Oct 13 Home--some rain during the day. Went to Goshen in forenoon and gave Brough a vote.
Nov 2, 1863-Camp Dennison I received a furlow on 13 of last month and was home untill the present date. While I was at home made several visits. My wound done well while I was home. -- I returned by the cars from Loveland in the afternoon and found lodging in ward forty-two.
Saturday eve Nov 7 The week passed very pleasantly. I have improved some during the week. Was home Thursday night. I went home with John Chamberlain and returned Friday eve to camp. Found Father better. The day was warm and pleasant.
S Nov 8 The day cool and long. Spent it lounging around the ward.
Nov 9 Very cool, snowed some little.
Tu Nov 10 The day pleasant-went to Milford. Had a very good time.
W Nov 11 Pleasant & cool.
Th Nov 12 Pleasant.
F Nov 13 Father came to camp--got a pass untill Monday and came home with him.
S Nov 15th P. Barber and father was down
Mon Nov 16 Cloudy and disagreeable.
Tu Nov 17 Loveland, O. 4 o'clock p.m. waiting for the train so as to return to Camp Dennison. Had a pleasant time at home.
W Nov 18 Camp Dennison Chappal. Returned to camp last eve. The day has beenpleasant.
Th Nov 19th Was at church in the evening. Heard a sermon in the afternoon.
F Nov 20 The day is very rainy.
S Nov 21st Cloudy and dreeree.
S Nov 22 Took a French leave and went to Milford-took dinner with Mr. McGowan. Had a good time.
Tu Nov 24 Day was rainy-got a pass in the afternoon--untill Friday-came home by Uncle Steve's. Saw Jerry Hussey & W. Pratt.
W Nov 25th Jerry and I took a buggy around by Barber's (Perry was not at home.) to Goshen, saw Billy Andrews. Had a good time and returned home in the eve. Mr. Stump folks visited us in the evening.
Th Nov 26 Took dinner at the Stumps, and went to Mr. Cox's in the evening. The evening was pleasantly spent with quite a company. So Thanksgiving was agreeably spent.
Camp Dennison, Ohio:
F Nov 27 Returned to camp in the afternoon.
S Nov 28 Very rainy day.
Su Nov 29 The day was cool. at church morn and eve.
M Nov 30 Sent for my disscriptive roll.
T Dec 1st Cool and pleasant.
W Dec 2d Took a french leave in the evening and came to Uncle Steve's to an oyster supper. An agreeable company was present and the evening was very pleasantly spent.
Th Dec 3 Went from Uncle's house in the moring. Took leave of Jerry Hussey who returned to his Reg't--soon returned to camp in the afternoon. Pleasant.
F Dec 4 Old routine.
S Dec 5 Father came down and I went up with him.
Su Dec 6 Attended the funeral sermon of Joe D. Smith--a member of my co. He was a noble boy--saw many friends--visited Mr. L. Emery's a little while in the evening. F. Spence was at Father's a night.
M. Dec 7 I came to camp. Walked most of the way.
Dec 8, & 9, 10 Very cool and the most of the time cloudy. Remained close to the ward, amused myself reading and some few games.
St Dec 12 The day rainy.
Su Dec 13 A very gloomy & rainy day.
M Dec 14 Day very cool.
Tu Dec 15 Cool.
W Dec 16 Snow a part of the day--in the evening turned to raining, some heavy thunder--I thought many times of the poor soldiers in the field that might be on guard.
Th Dec 17 Cool. The invalid Board was arrived(?). Put me back for further treatment.
F Dec 18 Cold.
S Dec 19 Pleasant. Tryed to get a pass to go home but didn't succeed.
S Dec 20 Cold but pleasant. Father and Mother was down to see me today...three months today since I was wounded. Am doin well-cool.
W Dec 23 Cool-was supprised this morning by James Cook and B. Thacker coming in. Was glad to see them. Th Dec 24 Cool-It is Christmas Eve and it bids fair to be a dull one for me.
F Dec 25 It's a mild and pleasant day. I did not enjoy myself very well because I desired to be free but could not get the consent of the commander. Hence I was compelled to spend my time in camp. We had a very good dinner. Steve Chamberlain and family were down to see me.
S. Dec 26 Rainy & disagreeable
S. Dec 27 Cool.
M Dec 28 Disagreeable.
Tu Dec 29 Pleasant. Have been trying to get a paper for the last two weeks. Failed. Failed. Have the blues bad.
W Dec 30 Pleasant.
Th Dec 31 Rainy and disagreeable. It is a New Year's Eve. a very difficult one. The evening is spent the same as any other by the patient of this ward.
The last year has been one of many trials and changes, having spent the time as a common soldier in the U. S. Army. I am well aware what a man must endure if enlisted in the cause of his country. Yet no one can--or at least no one should-regret of the time spent or of the suffering endured in the defence of his country, of his liberty, etc.
F Jan 1st The new year came in very cold--It is said to be the coldest it has been for eight years--There is some snow on the ground--I spent the day sitting by the fire. Had no grand dinner as is usually the case on New Year's Day.
S Jan 2 Cold.
S Jan 3 Cold with snow.
M Jan 4 Cold and snow, sleighing.
Tu Jan 5 Pleasant but cool. good sleighing. Seven inches of snow.
W Jan 6 Would like to be free but cannot get a pass. Sleigh bells make no music for me at present as I am obliged to stay at camp.
Th Jan 7 Cold, some snow fell.
F Jan 8 B. Pratt. He is at home. Father came down & I came home with him-found good sleighing.
S Jan 9 Mother and myself came up to Aunt Susan Chamberlain's in a sleigh. A pleasant time.
S Jan 11 Returned home in the afternoon.
M Jan 11 Went to Milford in the morning with my mother in a sleigh. Took dinner at Frances Allen & visited several friends and returned camp in the eve after spending a pleasant day. Received six months pay--78 dollars. T Jan 12 The day was spent agreeable. mild and pleasant.
Jan 13 Mild, thawing fast.
Jan 14 Thawed so much as to spoil sleighing. Evening rainy-Alf Barnett performed in our church. I attended & enjoyed myself well. Have not laughed so much in a long time.
Jan 15 Pleasant.
Jan 16 Mild--the snow nearly all gone.
S. Jan 17 Attended church in the evening.
M. Jan 18 Rainy.
T 19 One foot snow this morn--spent the day reading a novel.
20 Jan Mild.
Jan 21st Father and Billy Pratt came down early in the morning and I got a 24 hour pass and went up with them--splendid sleighing--I had not saw my friend Pratt for nearly two years. Took dinner at home. In the afternoon in company with Mother and Billy Pratt, I went to Uncle Thomas's--found the folks well.
F Jan 22 Took an early start from my uncle's and came to Loveland-found the sleighing good-came to camp by the train. The day mild.
S Jan 23 Thawing.
S Jan 24th Very pleasant--the snow nearly disappeared--attended church morning & evening.
M J 25 Pleasant.
T Jan 26 Pleasant.
W Jan 27 Warm and pleasant.
Th Jan 28 Warm. Got a fifteen days furlow and went home in the afternoon.
F Jan 29 Came to the city on the early train. After running over the city with my father and buying some clothes, a coat, etc., I went to Cousin- Amos Smith's. Took dinner with Amos, Jr. Had 2 dozen photographs taken. In the evening in company with Lee Smith went to see the Bohemian glass blowers in the MGS Hall. The evening was pleasantly spent.
S Jan 30 Spent the day pleasantly with Lee Smith.
S Jan 31 Cloudy with some rain. Took dinner with Joel Smith and family.
M Feb1st Bid my friends goodbuy early in the morning and wandered over town. Saw Wright Chamberlain, took dinner at the Indiana House and came home on the evening train. Had a very muddy walk home.
2d Feb Wrode up to Uncle Steve's on horse back in the morning-found Jerry Hussey and Mr. McClung of the 34 O.V.I. After dinner took a walk and stopped at Mrs. Singer's for a little while. Came home through a little snow storm. (?) is staying with me tonight.
June 1865 Some important changes has taken place this month. The 1st of the month found me with my Regiment in Camp at Bunker Hill fort 3 miles from Washington City, D.C. Late on the night of the 6th we were mustered out of the U.S. Service after 34 ˝ months of active and often very hard service. On the 7th we started home-ward on the 0 & B RR via Parkersburg, Athens, & Chillicothe. We enjoyed our "trip" very well, not withstanding we were crowded in freight-cars and it was very tiresome riding. We arrived at Camp Dennison Sunday morning the 17th--Many of us went home during the day--the greater part of the boys had been absent almost 3 years. I found the folks all well, and the place the same as when I left it.
Monday, the 12th I returned to camp and in the evening Percy and I visited Frank Gatoke's. Had a very pleasant visit returning to camp Tuesday morning-13th-and in the evening we received our pay and final discharges.. So we were at liberty to follow the dictates of our own minds, hence we were soon scatering for our different homes. I could not avoid feeling sad at biding my comrades Adieu after so long a time so closely connected and bound, as we were together, by the recollection of many a hardship and thriling adventure endured together through 34 months. I cannot refrain from droping a tear for our fallen heroes. They have placed their lives on our countries altar. Martyrs for our countries cause, their fate might be envied by the brave and noble.. My memory will always retain the noble qualities of those brave men. I attended the funeral sermon of Elias Hill (Co. G 89 OVI) on the first Sunday after I come home. Have been to Goshen, Loveland, Chauncieville several times and to Cincinnati besides visiting through the neighborhood. Since my return home have worked some--received & wrote several letters & Wright Chamberlain & Harry Spence have been here. Mr. Libby direct from Illinois called on us yesterday. He reports all well with our friends in Illinois.