The Civil War Diary of
Leonidas H. Bradley
Volume I-1864
Transcribed and compiled by Brad Farrar
December 1990
Re-Typed by Cindy McCachern
July 2004
Before you begin reading this transcription of Leonidas H. Bradley’s Civil War diary, please take a minute to read the following information. You should find it helpful in setting the stage fore the beginning of the diary.
Leonidas Hamilton Bradley, (one of six children born to Louis and Nancy Bradley), was born in 1841, in the small town of Patriot, Ohio. Sometime between then and 1860, he and his family moved to eastern Illinois, where they settled in the town of Marshall.
In 1861, the Civil War began, and within a year’s time, Leonidas had volunteered for service in the Union Army. Leonidas was officially mustered into the army on August 15, 1862, at Camp Butler, Illinois, located near Springfield. He was assigned to company “K” of the 130th Illinois Volunteers, and he began his three-year term of service as a private.
Soon after enlisting, in December of 1862, Leonidas was temporarily detached from the 130th Illinois t o serve as a clerk for the Convalescent Department at Fort Pickering, Tennessee. In June of 1863, while still serving as a clerk a Fort Pickering, Leonidas was promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
Four months late, in October of 1863, Leonidas was ordered to rejoin the 130th Illinois, which was then serving in Louisiana with the Department of the Gulf forces. Soon after rejoining his unit, Leonidas found himself out in the Gulf of Mexico, preparing for a planned sea assault on the state of Texas. As part of the plan, the 130th Illinois was assigned to a detachment of forces that stormed and took control of the Matagorda Bay area of Texas in December of 1863, (see map on p. 2, Appendix M). This is where we find Leonidas as the new year, and the diary begins…But, don’t start reading just yet. There is a little more you should know.
Thought the sea assault on Texas had basically been a success, the Union had really only managed to secure a few, mostly non-strategic beachfronts. By the end of February 1864, the whole strategy for taking Texas would be changed. The new plan would be to first take Shreveport, Louisiana, and then invade Texas overland from this point.
With this new plan approved by Lincoln and Grant, all of the Gulf forces were quickly recalled to southern Louisiana to begin preparations for the overland assault on Shreveport. By March 7th, 1864, this new offensive, (later called “The Red River Campaign”), had begun. I won’t spoil the outcome of the campaign here, but I will say that it proved to be an interesting 73 days, (involving at least three major battles, and one massive engineering feat).
I have copied much of the documentation that I could find on the Red River expedition and have included it in the appendix. This appendix, (divided into sections), also includes a copy of the original diary, maps showing Leonidas’ movements throughout the year, copies of Leonidas’ military records, personal information on Leonidas and his family, and other relevant information on the Civil War. To make the appendix more useful, I have added cross-referenced notes within the transcribed diary. It is my hope that all of this will add to your understanding and enjoyment of the diary.
Friday, January 1, 1864—Very cold, almost frozen and wind blowing a hurricane. No chance to cook or make a fire for the wind. No turkey or chicken or anything strange for New Year’s dinner, but glad to get hard bread and cold rice. No prospect of a change by tomorrow.
*Hard bread and rice were two staples of military cuisine during the Civil War. Hard bread was commonly referred to as “hardtack” and was quite frequently moldy or infested with bugs.
Saturday, January 2, 1864—Still cold and windy, but gradually moderating and a prospect of better day tomorrow. Still suffering with cold, and all we can do to keep our tents from blowing down. All standing about and lying in bed to keep from freezing.
Sunday, January 3, 1864—Still moderating and tents still standing. Doing but little else than try to keep warm. Had a chill and nearly froze to death getting over it at 6 P.M. Will be all right tomorrow.
*This is just the beginning of countless references to being sick or ill, and I stop here in defense of Leonidas. Being ill was the rule, not the exception during the Civil War. Ninety percent of all soldiers were affected by chronic diarrhea, and there were countless other afflictions that spread like wildfire through the filthy camps. Statistics show that over tice as many men died from disease as did in battle.
Monday, January 4, 1864—Tried to get clothing for the company but the Major thinks it cannot be drawn until the R.Q.M. comes back. The men suffering for want of them.
*Fairly certain this refers to the Regimental Quartermaster. There were many levels of officers working withing the Quartermaster Department of each Army Corp. Leonidas’ records indicate that he was not yet officially working in this department, though he may have been, unofficially. Later, we’ll see some developments in this area involving Leonidas’ promotion to Quartermaster Sergeant.
Tuesday, January 5, 1864—Still cold and no clothing drawn yet. Wood very scarce and too cold to carry it from the Gulf shore. Still hoping for a warmer day. Had a chill. Made an effort to get clothing, got none.
Wednesday, January 6, 1864—Feel better, 7 A.M., will try to get clothing indepentent of the major as he says he cannot get it. 7 P.M., succeeded and got all the clothing we wanted that was to be drawn. The men, made comfortable and warm, expect good nights rest.
Thursday, January 7, 1864—Had a good nights rest and felt better after getting clothing for the men. Weather moderating. Bread getting scarce and no prospect of a supply, as the waves are so high the ships cannot land with it.
Friday, January 8, 1864—Out of bread and none on the peninsula to draw…the wind still high, don’t know what we will do for bread. Still cold and the men getting hungry. Crackers only issued to the men on picket guard. Six round soda crackers per day to the man.
*Picket guard of picket duty refers to the men charged with guarding the perimeter of the camp. These men obviously needed to be alert and ready for an enemy attack, thus, when food was in short supply, they received the most complete rations.
Saturday, January 9, 1864—No bread yet, nothing but meat and rice….Getting ravenous for bread. None on the island yet to be had. Hoping for the better, but see no prospect of bread.
Sunday, January 10, 1864—Got bread for breakfast this morning and two days rations issued us of bread…No more on had to issue. Looking for a ship load of provisions. Weather getting mild and wind calm. Greatly rejoiced over the bread.
Monday, January 11, 1864—Plenty of bread and meat, no coffee or sugar or candles, but pretty well satisfied to get bread and meat. Getting warmer and more pleasant. Can keep from freezing without lying in bed all the time.
Tuesday, January 12, 1864—The bright day has dawned on us and we do not expect to starve to death as much as we did. All in fine spirits over the fresh supply of provisions.
Wednesday, January 13, 1864—Getting warm. Have plenty to eat and prospect of continuing so. Have left the holes in the sand and got back into our tents. Consider that we have seen some hard times during the past two weeks.
Thursday, January 14, 1864—Nice day and we will have to commence drill(s) in a few days. Have not had any drill since the first of January on account of the wind. But glad to keep from freezing without it.
*When not on the move or fighting, “drilling” was a major part of every soldier’s daily routine. The men hated drills, but they were deemed necessary to keep the men busy and disciplined. There were all kinds of drills: Company drills, Brigade Drills, etc, but all were generally monotonous, drawn out affairs, that most of the men felt were pointless.
Friday, January 15, 1864—Pleasant day. Nothing strange took place. Will draw rations tomorrow morning and expect to get full rations for the first time in two weeks.
Saturday, January 16, 1864—Nice day. Drew rations…got full rations. Boys full of glee over it, thinking how much better it is than laying in the holes in the sand almost starved and frozen.
Sunday, January 17, 1864—Very pleasant day, warm and clear. So much so, that we are all afraid there will be a northerner any day again, and we dread it more than a battle.
Monday, January 18, 1864—Pleasant. Had company drill. No northerner yet, but we are still in constant dread of them. Nothing strange took place.
Tuesday, January 19, 1864—Wash day. All the men excused to wash. No drills or anything of the kind. Picket detail very heavy.
Wednesday, January 20, 1864—Warm day. Brigade drill. Lt. Col. Parker, 48th Ohio, commanding the brigade. Had troop drill, made great many mistakes, both (the) company and regiment.
Thursday, January 21, 1864—Fine weather. Company drill, nothing of importance took place. Look anxiously for letter from home.
*This is the first of countless references to mail from home. Getting mail from home was, by far, the most important event in any soldier’s day. As you will soon see, the writing of letters home, and the anticipation of letters from home, seems to consume much of Leonidas’ time and thoughts. This was very normal though, and understandable, considering the circumstances.
Friday, January 22, 1864—Got two letters from home. One from brothers Isaac and Robert. Great excitement over the mail. Nothing else of importance.
Saturday, January 23, 1864—Nice day. Nothing strange took place. Very busy all day. Will be glad when Sunday comes to get some rest. Had brigade drill. Major Hotchkiss commanding brigade.
Sunday, January 24, 1864—Lt. Pool and myself spent the day on the Gulf of Mexico gathering shells. Started at 10:00 A.M., got back to camp at 5:30 P.M., tired and hungry. Got quite a lot of good shells and had a nice time. The first brigade came in from a march up the Gulf.
Monday, January 25, 1864—Warm pleasant day. Stayed in camp all day. Tood the company out on battalion drill for the first time. Got along tolerable well. Boys paid the best of attention.
Tuesday, January 26, 1864—Still at Decroys Point, Texas. Pleasant weather. Nothing of importance took place today. Took the company out on drill parade. Lt. Pool started to Indianola this P.M. on detail for fatigue, took Kirby and Metcalf with him.
*Fatigue duty is an all-encompassing term referring to duties other than strict military duty. From this reference it is impossible to tell what the purpose of this detail was, but they may have been sent for supplies, etc…
Wednesday, January 27, 1864—Warm and pleasant, Lts. Pool and Martin absent on duty. Took the company on brigade drill for the first time. Major Hotchkiss, commanding brigade. Nothing new took place. No orders. Tomorrow expect to draw blouses for the company.
*In this case, blouse refers to a jacket worn as part of the soldier’s standard uniform.
Thursday, January 28, 1864—Had the company sign the clothing receipt roll in the forenoon. Afternoon got orders to strike tents and move camp at 4 P.M. Moved 40 yards southwest and camped alongside the marine regiment that had been put in the 2nd brigade today. (The) 77th Illinois regiment transferred to the first brigade, 4th division 13 A.C.
*Leonidas’ division (130th Illinois) was also a part of the First Brigade of the 4th Division of the 13th Army Corp. This fact becomes more useful later, when we begin sorting out battle information.
Friday, January 29, 1864—Weather gloomy and rainy. Had battalion drill. Drew clothing and issued to the company. Got mail and letter from George Balsley. Wrote a letter to sister Mollie. At 7 P.M., still misting and foggy.
Saturday, January 30, 1864—Pleasant weather. Had brigade drill. Rumor in camp of 4th division going to New Orleans, uncertain. Took walk at 7 P.M. along the Bay Shore with Lt. Pool. Been working on monthly returns all day.
*This is just the first of many references to working on various types of returns. The Army required records to be kept on just about everything, and the term returns refers to these various records.
Sunday, January 31, 1864—Beautiful day. Had company inspection (at) 9:00 A.M., regiment inspection (at) 2:00 P.M. Wrote letter to George W. Balsley. Took a walk with Lt. Pool down on the gulf shore. Nothing strange took place. Having a great revival among the men. Forty joined this evening. Great stir among the men.
Monday, February 1, 1864—Fine day. Had battalion drill. Got mail, not letters, two circulars. Had the company sign the clothing rolls for Oct., Nov., and December. Andy Hickman sick. (Gen.) Ord offices moved to Indianola, Texas. Probability of us moving there soon. Captain Watts, Ord officer. Wrote letter for H. Jeffers to his wife.
*It was very common for those who could rite to find their skills in high demand by those who couldn’t. As we will see, Leonidas writes letter for quite a few people, but most often for H. Jeffers.
Tuesday, February 2, 1864—Fine day. Went on grand review, Lt. W. C. Pool commanding company. General Ransom present at inspection. Col. Of the 13th marine commanding brigade. Had good revie. Company did finely. No orders about leaving. Gen. Ord expected daily.
*Getting all the Generals and commanding officers straight gets pretty confusing. As near as I can tell from my research, General Ord was originally in charge of the entire 13th Army Corp, but he evidently left the Gulf on “sick leave” late in 1863. Therefore, it is interesting that they were expecting him to return any day. (And, in fact, he did return briefly, contrary to published records.)
Gen. Ransom was evidently in charge of a major detachment of the 13th Army Corp that included Leonidas’ division. This is the detachment that took the Matagorda Bay are, including Decrows Point.
Wednesday, February 3, 1864—Windy in the morning and cool. Begin to think of digging holes in the sand to get into. Got calm by evening. Went on battalion drill and was out about two hours. Nothing strange transpiring. Got orders to draw arms for the men.
Thursday, February 4, 1864—Beautiful day. Boys signed the clothing receipt roll of January ’64. Drew chevrons for the company officers, non commissioned. Went on battalion drill. Boys got greatly vexed at Lt. Pool for talking to and treating them like dogs. Don’t know what it will end in, if he continues to do so.
Friday, February 5, 1864—Fine day. Completed the returns for January ’64. Had brigade drill. I did not go out. Lt. Martin and myself took a walk up to the sutler’s shop of the 77th Illinois volunteers. Caigin just returned from New Orleans.
*Sutlers were government approved vendors that operated “mini general stores” where the men could purchase all kinds of goods. Only one sutler was licensed for each regiment though, and this being the case, they were free to charge exorbitant prices for their wares.
Saturday, February 6, 1864—Fine day. Had grand review and inspection by major General E. O. C. Ord in person (at) 10:00 A.M. Had battalion drill at 2:00 p.m. Did not make a single mistake. Boys did finely. Very unpleasant drilling on account of the sand flying in such clouds. Lt. Martin got leave of ab sence for 20 days, expects to start home tomorrow.
Sunday, February 7, 1864—Beautiful day. Lt. A. S. Martin got on board of ship to start home. Took a lot of shells for me. Expects to be gone 60 days at least. Went to church at night. Had a splendid meeting. Preacher said the meeting had een in progress for five weeks and near 500 had joined. Got letter from Miss Add. Barber.
Monday, February 8, 1864—Pleasant day. Had company and battalion drill. Did very well on both. Went on dress parade. Captain in charge of the company. Had oysters for supper. General Ord left for New Orleans. Talk of us all going soon, no orders to that effect yet. Wrote letter to Miss Add. Barber, Marshall, Illinois.
Tuesday, February 9, 1864—Rained. Had short battalion drill, dismissed on account of rain. Drew arms and accoutrements for the company. Got mail, no letters for myself. Nothing strange took place. Got orders to draw knapsacks, etc. Will make distribution tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 10, 1864—Fine day. Turned in old knapsacks, etc. Drew cartridge box(es), straps, and halters. Made out requisition for tents. Had four knapsacks condemned. Had battalion drill. One man died last night. Nothing strange transpiring.
Thursday, February 11, 1864—Fine day. Had drills. Turned in old canteens. Sent two valentines, one to A. Manly and A. Barber. Nothing new taking place. No marching orders.
*This is the first reference to Leonidas’ future wife, Abbie Manly. Don’t know who A. Barber was, but this is the last we hear about her.
Friday, February 12, 1864—Beatiful day. Nothing new transpired today. Drew cartridges for the company and issued them. Had battalion drill. Tood the company out on drill and (the) captain came out and relieved me. Boys went swimming, caught plenty of fish.
Saturday, February 13, 1864—Fair day. Drew knapsacks, haversacks, and canteens and issued them to the men. Excused from all drills. Several men from convalescent camp at Carollton came today, more expected next steamer. Looking for mail tonight.
*Soldiers carried their rations in haversacks.
Sunday, February 14, 1864—Beautiful day. Had company inspection at 9:00 A.M., and monthly inspection at 2:00 P.M. General ransom complimented (the) company and regiment, especially on appearance. Got two letters, on from Abby Manly and one from sister Mollie. Good news from home. Got orders to go to Berwick Bay.
*This is the first indication we get that General Ransom’s detachment of the 13th Army Corp is soon to join General Bank’s overland assault on Shreveport, Louisiana.
Monday, February 15, 1864—Fine day. Had two drills. Drew some things for the men. Camptain Wilkin, Lt. Paulen, and myself went out bathing in the Gulf. Had a fun time. Still expecting to go to Berwick Bay (at) first transportation.
Tuesday, February 16, 1864—Fine day. Rather windy to be pleasant. At dark, getting more windy and colder. Expect to move soon to Berwick Bay. Nothing new took place today.
Wednesday, February 17, 1864—Got out of bed reluctantly, the wind roaring and sand flying in clouds. Looking for the tent to blow down every minute. (It is) as cold as winter and uncomfortable. The day was a disagreeable one. Drew some shelter tents. Wish we were out of this sandy country.
*Each soldier carried, in his own pack, one half of a two-man shelter tent.
Thursday, February 18, 1864—Tent blew down on me last night and the rain poured down on me. The tent tore in pieces. The wind blew a perfect hurricane and as cold as winter. Almost froze. Had to lay in under the wet tent, covered up to keep from freezing. Quite an amusing time. Several of the boys lost their hats. Have to sleep under the old tent tonight.
Friday, February 19, 1864—Very cold morning and disagreeable, but clear and sun shining. Prospect of moderate weather. Had battalion drill. Got two letters from home, Expect to leave for New Orleans this week.
Saturday, February 20, 1864—Rather a pleasant day. Wrote two letters for myself—one to sister Mollie and one to Miss Abby Manly. Expect to leave this point tomorrow at least. Wrote a letter for William Elain (and) one for H. Jeffers.
Sunday, February 21, 1864—A very beautiful day. Troops moving all day—60th Indiana, 77th Illinois, 48th O. V. L. (Ohio Volunteers), all left for New Orleans. We go tomorrow. Wrote letter to brother Isaac and one for J. Ross. Lt. Pool, Lt. Leech, and I went to Matagorda Bay bathing, had a nice bath. We will leave tomorrow sure.
Monday, February 22, 1864—Fine weather. No orders to go on the boat yet. Waiting anxiously to get away. Lt. Captain Wilkin has my valise. Finished up all the company accounts for this month, got them all straight. Expect to get away tomorrow sure.
*A valise is a small piece of hand luggage.
Tuesday, February 23, 1864—Fine day. Warm as Spring. Great sport bathing in the bay. No orders to move yet on board boat. 23rd Wisconsin Volunteers left port for New Orleans. We will nto go until the whole division goes from here.
Wednesday, February 24, 1864—Beautiful day. Got orders to cook three days rations and be ready to embark at any moment. Did not get away. Still looking for a ship. No mail.
Thursday, February 25, 1864—Fine day. Got orders to strike tents at 10:00 A.M. Did not get away from the old camp. Sept out of my tent, nothing but an overcoat and rubber blanket over me. Waiting anxiously to get off, but will not before morning. Slept in my old bed where my tent was.
Friday, February 26, 1864—Beautiful day. Got on board steamer “Crescent City” for New Orleans at 9:00 A.M. and bid farewell to old Decrows Point, Texas. 12 miles, reached the Gulf water. Sea quiet and fine riding. Do not know whether we will got to New Orleans or direct to Berwick Bay. Will reach there by daylight tomorrow.
Saturday, February 27, 1864—Beautiful day. Still out in the Gulf. Slept in the open air last night with overcoat on me. No signs of land this morning. Climbed up on the sailor ropes to the lookout on the mast and sat up on it. And a beautiful sight it was, out of sight of land, nothing but water. (We) anchored in the mouth of Berwick Bay for the night.
Sunday, February 28, 1864—At sun up we made for Berwick City and reached the city at a little after noon, a distance of near 50 miles. Here we met Y. Whittock and B. Martin and went into camp on the side of the bay opposite Brashear City. All the company well. Got letter from sister Mary and brother Robert.
Monday, February 29, 1864—Fine day. Had inspection and mustered, (assembled), for pay. Got marching orders to be ready to march tomorrow or next day and turn over all surplus property. Wrote letter to brother Robert and one for Hickman. Am in good health.
Tuesday, March 1, 1864—Fine day, after noon, rained in the morning. Made out muster rolls. Barry Whittock and I carried weeds for bed. Expect good nights rest. No orders to march yet. Will leave in a few days, at farthest, will probably go to Alexandria, (Louisiana). *The men made bedding material of whatever they could find.
*It is interesting to note here how little the men really knew about what they were doing or how far they were really going. This was typical though. Only the generals and other high ranking officers ever really knew much in advance, and even then, plans often changed on a daily, even hourly, basis. We know from General Bank’s records that the plan was to take Shreveport, the men were apparently not yet aware of this fact.
Wednesday, March 2, 1864—Nice day, like spring. Had cold night last night, now getting warmer. No orders to march yet. Wrote letter to Miss A. Manly and several for the boys. Had dress parade, made out to get half the company on parade.
Thurday, March 3, 1864—Lovely morning, bright and cheering. No orders to march yet. Made out the monthly returns for February. All correct. Boys went into the country after molasses and sugar. Got plenty of molasses. Bought some flour with the company fund and had cakes and ’lasses.
*Going out into the country after molasses and sugar is a reference to what was known as foraging. We will see more reference to this in the future. Foraging was basically nothing more than stealing from the locals, though it was most often referred to as “living off the land.” Many thought it was wrong, (especially early in the war), but many others felt it was necessary, and it became quite common as the war dragged on.
*The company fund was an account that company commanders could set up. The funds included in the company fund were cash allowances made to the rank and file men for rations they didn’t get while marching. Company commanders were the only ones who could get these allowances, and they were expected to distribute the funds to the men. Most of the time this never happened.
Friday, March 4, 1864—Beautiful day, like spring. Had company drill. Wrote letter to Edition Littlefield. Got mail and letter from Isaac, answered it today. Wrote letter for Bill Elam. No marching orders yet. (Will) probably stay sometime.
Saturday, March 5, 1864—Beautiful day, pleasant and springlike. John A. Baker got back to the company. Pioneer corps to be broken up soon. Sick in the afternoon. Expect to stay here sometime yet.
Sunday, March 6, 1864—Got orders (in) P.M. to be ready to march at 6:00 A.M. tomorrow. Do not know where we will go, perhaps to Franklin. Turned over company property for storage. Ordered to take two days rations and be ready at 6:00 A.M. tomorrow.
Monday, March 7, 1864—Got up at 5:00 A.M., marched at 7:00 A.M. Strapped my knapsack on my back and took my gun on my shoulder. Marched about ten miles and took dinner a little beyond Pattersonville, toward Franklin. Camped about 16 miles from Berwick on Bayou Teche. Give out and tired almost to death.
*Many of the rivers in Louisiana are referred to as bayous. The march up the Bayou Teche was organized and directed by General Banks, and March 7 is the date that the first cavalry division began moving up along the Teche. The 13th and 19th Corps apparently moved out around this time also, but were delayed by rained-out roads once they reached Franklin, Louisiana. Leonidas mentions this rain in his March 9th entry, and you will see that it was some time before they actually left Franklin.
Tuesday, March 8, 1864—Arose at 4:00 A.M. and marched at 6:00 A.M. Felt much beter in the morning. Got my knapsack hauled and started out on foot feeling finely. At noon, stopped just beyond Franklin almost fatigued out. Got a chance to ride on wagon and rode about three miles, when the regiment camped on a large plantation. Expect to start on soon towards Alexandria.
*Getting to ride on a wagon is significant only because it was a rare occurrence. By general order, men were not allowed to ride in wagons at any time, unless by special instruction. They also had to have a recommendation of the surgeon in order to have their knapsack hauled by wagon.
Wednesday, March 9, 1864—Rained last night and a prospect of more today at 7:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. commenced raining and rained all day. Had a talk with Major Reid about Q. M. Sergeant, and he says it is his wish and intention to post me (to) Q.M.S. immediately. (I) will accept, of course. Captain Wilkin promises to keep the vacancy for me (for) three months in the company.
*This is just the beginning of Leonidas’ path towards promotion. It appears, at first, to be a fairly simple matter. Later though, we will see the process become more complicated. Major Reid was the commanding officer of the 130th Illinois regiment, and I think we can gather here that Captain Wilkin was the commanding officer of Leonidas’ company within the regiment, (Company “K”).
Thursday, March 10, 1864—Gloomy morning, rained part of the day. Got mail, but no letters for me. Was detailed as a Q. M. Sergeant by order of Major Reid and to be confirmed as such if the Q. M. S. does not return immediately and to rank as such from this day. Will enter on its duties tomorrow, no preventing providence.
Friday, March 11, 1864—Beautiful day, pleasant and warm. Feel very sick, took a pill of blue mass. Arthur McCabe and A. Griffin paid us a visit and stayed al day. Reported to the Q. M. this morning for duty, but too sick to do anything. Will commence as soon as get well enough again.
Saturday, March 12, 1864—Fair day. Got orders to turn over the extra wall tents in to the Sergeant. Had dress parade. Had stringent orders about straggling. Took my things over to Q. M. tent today. Will sleep there tonight. Got a dog collar from Arthur McCabe. Am getting better. Got mail, no letter for me.
Sunday, March 13, 1864—Beautiful day. Commenced active business, worked on the monthly returns. Wrote letter home to sister Mary. Wrote letter for J. Ross. Had monthly inspection. Rumors in camp of move tomorrow at 5:00 A.M. Are ready anytime. Getting better, think will be well soon.
Monday, March 14, 1864—Fine day. Troops passing all day to the front. Got mail. Two letters, one from A. Manly and one from brother R. H. Bradley. Been busy all day issuing clothing, etc. Feel better still tonight, after the good news from home. No marching orders yet.
Tuesday, March 15, 1864—Beautiful day. Troops passing most of the day. 19th corps passed. We have orders to go at 6:00 A.M. tomorrow. Getting ready to go tonight, expect fine march to Iberia.
Wednesday, March 16, 1864—Marched at 6:00 A.M. Fine, cool day. Marched till noon and camped near Olivia Landing. But before we got to it, stopped here for the night. Will go to Camp Pratt tomorrow. (Will) start at 7:00 A.M. tomorrow.
Thursday, March 17, 1864—Fine day. Arose at 5:00 A.M. Marched at 7:00 A.M. Got to Iberia at 11:00 A.M. Went up and saw Mrs. Gill. Mrs. Muss had moved to Vermillionville. Marched on until about 2:00 P.M., when we camped on Clear Lake, 4 or 5 miles from Iberia. Will probably leave tomorrow again.
*As near as I can tell from my research of the time period before 1864, the 13th Army Corp had already been along this same route once before, late in 1863. This fact would seem to help explain Leonidas’ references to Mrs. Gill and Mrs. Muss, as well as his apparent familiarity with the area.
Friday, March 18, 1864—Fine day. Marched at 6:00 A.M., 2nd Brigade in advance. Did not stop for dinner until we got into camp on Vermillion Bayou, a distance of 18 miles. The bridge gave way and delayed the train so that it did not get to camp until about 4:00 P.M. Will march tomorrow again.
*Train here refers to the wagon train. The wagon train generally moved at the rear of an advancing column, and at the front of a retreating column of troops. The wagon train carried all the food, ammunition, supplies, etc., needed to support the marching troops.
Saturday, March 19, 1864—Fine day. Marched at 7:00 A.M. Passed Vermillionville and marched to the battleground at Carencro Paradise and camped for night. Will march tomorrow again. Had good days march and men stood it well. Camp (ed) just before we got to the bridge on the right hand side of road.
Sunday, March 20, 1864—Marched at 6:00 A.M. Passed Opelousas about 12:00 P.M. Saw great crowds of citizens on the streets. Poor looking town, laundry women, mixed colors. Passed Washington about 2:00 P.M. Crossed Bayou Cantanbleau, and camped on the banks near Washington. Will rest tomorrow. Drew beef for regiment. Did not appear much like Sunday.
Monday, March 21, 1864—Camped for the day. Got orders to be ready to march at 2:00 P.M. Regiment left at 2:00 P.M. Q. M. department stayed behind, waiting for the wagons to come for foraging. Will stay here until morning. Nice place to camp, fine water. Boys got plenty of sugar. All supplied. Drew rations for regiment for three days.
*Due to his recent detail, Leonidas now officially moved with the quartermaster department. Before this point, Leonidas always seemed to move with the rest of his regiment and company (130th Illinois, Company “K”). This fact become especially significant later, when the fighting begins.
Tuesday, March 22, 1864—Foragers came in and we all marched at 7:00 A.M. Wagons stuck, but made out to get to the regiment about 9:30 A.M. Then went in rear of train. Left Bayou Cantanbleau and went on to Bayou Boeuf. Went into camp on Bayou Boeuf, about 12 miles march. Roads bad.
Wednesday, March 23, 1864—Marched at 5:00 A.M. our regiment in front. Passed Homesville about noon, distance of eight miles. Marched on until near night, making in all, near twenty miles today. Camped on Bayou Boeuf. Drew two days rations and beef for regiment. Camped thirty-five miles from Alexandria. Will make it in two days. Saw woman 102 years old. Will start at 7:00 A.M. tomorrow.
Thursday, March 24, 1864—Marched at 7:00 A.M. Company “K” detailed as train guard. Third division in the advance. Will march 17 ½ miles today. Am in good health and fine spirits. Began to rain about 1:00 P.M. Rained till near night. Passed Cheneyville at 12:00 P.M. Camped on Bayou Boeuf, 18 miles from Alexandria.
*As we already know, Company “K” was Leonidas’ company within the 130th Illinois Regiment. Being detailed as train guard meant that they would stay back with the wagon train to protect it from possible enemy attacks. This detail didn’t really change things for Leonidas though, as he was already traveling with the wagon train.
Friday, March 25, 1864—Marched at 7:00 A.M. Roads heavy. Will tray and make Alexandria. Crossed Bayou Mora at 10:00 A.M. Crossed Bayou Roberts at 1:00 P.M., ten miles from camp, five miles from Alexandria, at 3:00 P.M. Drew rations for regiment (for) two days and whiskey one. Go to Alexandria tomorrow.
* The whiskey ration was a very infrequent “treat” for the men. When it was given out, it was usually after a long march or a major engagement with the enemy.
Saturday, March 26, 1864—Marched at 7:30 A.M. Reached Alexandria at 12:00 P.M. Plenty of soliders to be seen. Camped just above the city on Bayou Rapides. Will stay here until Monday morning, when we will start for Shreveport, Louisiana. Got mail, not letters for me. Am in good health. Wrote to brother Isaac.
*This is an interesting understatement by Leonidas. Alexandria had been the planned meeting place for all of the troops that were to participate in the Red River Campaign, and it was apparently quite a sight to behold. General A. J. Smith had come in from the East with three infantry divisions, borrowed from Sherman’s army, as well as one marine brigade. A fleet of sixty vessels under the command of Admiral Porter was also there, and, with all of Banks’ forces, the total number of troops in Alexandria on this date came to about 30,000!
*This is the first reference that indicates that the men were now aware of their final objective.
Sunday, March 27, 1864—Stayed in camp on Bayou Radpides. Drew two days rations and worked on monthly return. Paymaster paid the regiment. Wrote a letter for John Ross. Sick in the afternoon. Got pay for my watch. Will be paid for four months. Will probably start on tomorrow.
*There is reference in the memoranda section of Leonidas’ diary, in which he records the sale of his watch to another man in his regiment. He made the transaction of January 29th, but at that point, he only received a not promising payment on the next payday.
Monday, March 28, 1864—Paid our company off at 12:00 A.M. last night. Began to rain at daybreak today and marched at 6:00 A.M. in the rain. Continued to rain until about 9:00. Got $74.00 pay. No chance to send any home yet.
Tuesday, March 29, 1864—Marched at 8:00 A.M. Came to the Pine Woods about 9:00 A.M. Took chill at 10:00 A.M. Lasted till 5:00 P.M. Marched until near sundown and camped on the banks of Cane River, on the same ground our advances had a fight with the Rebs today. Chased a gang of Rebs across the river, said to be 5000 over there.
*Finally, he first reference to the “enemy.” The Rebel troops in this area were under the command of Generals Dick Taylor and Kirby Smith, and they were currently retreating in front of the column of federal troops. Taylor would skirmish with small groups here and there, but he was generally being cautious until promised reinforcements could arrive.
Wednesday, March 30, 1864—Bridge down, had to make new one. Stayed in camp all day. 19th Corps passed, expect to go tomorrow. Rebel deserters came in today and report the Rebel forces (are) ten miles in our advance and retreating. Had headache most all day.
Thursday, March 31, 1864—Marched at 6:00 A.M. Fine day. Took chill at 10:00 A.M. Rode in wagon the rest of the day. Had high fever and felt badly. Crossed Cane River again and camped on the opposite bank in a cornfield. Will move tomorrow again. Came about twenty miles.
Friday, April 1, 1864—Marched at 8:00 A.M. Saw nothing strange. Marched about fifteen miles and camped on Cane River, five miles from Natchitoches. Took three Rebel prisoners today. Expect fight at Natchitoches.
*As they drew nearer to Shreveport, the men knew a battle was immanent. They just weren’t sure when the enemy would make a stand. The Rebs didn’t, in fact, make their stand at Natchitoches, but things were to change soon, as on April 3rd, a fateful decision would be made.
Saturday, April 2, 1864—Marched at 6:00 A.M. Got to Natchitoches at 9:00 A.M. Rebels caught three of our men; killed one, beat another over the head with a gun and took one prisoner. 19th Corps passed. Camped about 3/4ths mile from town and stayed in camp here for the day. Probably stay until Monday. Drew rations. Wrote a letter to Abby Manly.
Sunday, April 3, 1864—Still camped all day near the city Natchitoches. Wrote letter to brother Robert. Made one copy of the requisitions for C. C. and G. E. for March. Tood ride to commissary. Feel well today. Gen. Smith’s troops on transports passed by at 2:00 P. M. We will probably go soon. Perhaps tomorrow. Some person stole my bridle.
*Am not sure why, but General A. J. Smith’s troops had the pleasure of getting a ride to Natchitoches from just outside of Alexandria. At this point, they were apparently moving on up to Grand Ecore, just a little further up the Red River.
General Banks was already in Grand Ecore on this date, and this is where he would soon make his fateful decision. After conferring with his chief of staff, Banks decided to continue on to Shreveport using a road leading west, away from the safety of the Red River and Admiral Porter’s fleet. There was actually a road that continued to follow the Red River, but Banks was evidently unaware of this fact, and this oversight would seal the fate of his Federal troops.
Monday, April 4, 1864—Still camped near Natchitoches. Fine day. Worked on receipts and clothing. Got mail. Got two letters from home. One from sister Mary, one from George Balsley. Drew rations.
Tuesday, April 5, 1864—Still camped, same place. Worked on clothing receipts all day. Made our clothing receipt rolls book and got them signed. Got orders to be ready to march tomorrow with two day’s rations. Drew one more than we had on hand.
*Banks was now ready to move his troops on to Shreveport, taking the road leading west. He wasn’t really that concerned about leaving the safety to the river because he was confident that the enemy would simply continue to retreat, just as they had been doing since the beginning of he campaign. Little did he know…
Wednesday, April 6, 1864—Marched at 7:00 A.M. for Shreveport with two day’s rations. Came to the camp of 16th Indiana Mounted Infantry, about seven miles from town. Nothing but pine woods to be seen on either side of the road. Took three Rebel prisoners. Roads good and fine day. Camped in the pine woods, eighteen miles from Natchitoches. Had a cavalryman shot by Rebs in evening.
Thursday, April 7, 1864—Marched at 8:00 A.M. 19th A. C. (Army Corp), came up and sent in advance of our train. Had fight at Pleasant Hill—Lee’s cavalry and the rebs, 6000 strong. Killed and wounded 80 of our men, be we drove them back and camped in the town. Went into camp about 2:00 P.M. The wounded were brought into town and broken limbs amputated. Rebels took us in ambush.
*This was the first real battle of the Red River Campaign and it was just a small taste of things to come. Judging from Leonidas’ reference to “our train,” he obviously still traveling with the wagons, and, as I indicated earlier, this is significant.
Friday, April 8, 1864—Orders to march at 5:00 A.M. Began to skirmish about noon. One regiment of the first Brigade, fourth Division, and one of the third division tood the advance. About 2:00 P.M. the engagement became general and our entire fourth Division was ordered into it. About an hour after, the remainder of the 3rd Division went into it. We fought them three hours and began to fall back. The 19th A. C. came up and checked to Rebs. No particulars. None of our company in camp, but H. Jeffers.
*Leonidas was obviously aware of troop movements, orders, etc… But since he evidently stayed in camp with the wagons of the quartermaster department, he was apparently unaware of how disastrous the fighting had been on this day. His regiment, (the 130th Illinois), had been virtually wiped out, most being killed or wounded. The rest were taken prisoner. I can only speculate here, but if Leonidas had not been serving as a Quartermaster Sergeant, he probably would have been out on the battlefield with the rest of his regiment, rather than in camp with the wagon train. Serving as quartermaster may have saved his life. This battle in known as the Battle of Mansfield.
Saturday, April 9, 1864—Yesterday, about midnight, began to move the train back to Pleasant hill, about eight miles. Got there at 4:00 A.M. All in confusion. A few of the boys coming in. Skirmishing began at daylight, reinforces by the 24th Missouri, and the 32nd, 27th, and 14th Iowa Regiments, under General A. J. Smith. Began fighting at 10:00 A.M. and continued during the day. We captured 600 men and 7 cannon, and whipped them. Train moved toward Natchitoches. All of Company taken prisoner and killed but for Corporal Jeffers.
*This was somewhat of an optimistic view of what really happened during this battle, (known as the battle of Pleasant Hill), but Leonidas was accurate in that the enemy had eventually been repulsed. General Smith was encouraged by this fact and wanted to take to the offensive immediately. But, much to his surprise, General Banks ordered a retreat, and that was that…. The campaign was lost. The “gun” was just beginning though. The Rebs would harass the Feds all throughout their retreat and as if that wasn’t enough, the falling level of the Red River was soon to cause a severe problem for the retreating flotilla of Federal ships.
Sunday, April 10, 1864—Stopped train at 3:00 A.M. this morning and did not start until 8:00 A.M. Drove on to camp eighteen miles from the river. Nothing further heard of our boys. Got news that we had captured 1200 Rebels and 14 pieces of artillery. Rebels badly whipped. Captain DeCamp in command of regiment. Regiment at ___ 99 enlisted men present, rest all captured. Saw H. Armstrong of the 16th Corp. camped near us.
*This is another very optimistic report. Actual records show that it was more like 426 Rebels captured and 3 pieces of artillery.
*This is an indication of how badly the 130th Illinois Regiment had been hit. I’m not sure exactly how many men the regiment had started this campaign with, but it was probably at least 400. Captain DeCamp was now in charge of the regiment because Major Reid was among the missing. We find out later that Major Reid had actually been captured by the Rebs.
Monday, April 11, 1864—Moved at 3:00 A.M. for the river. Reached there at 5:00 P.M.. All our forces came in. No more fighting during the day. Nothing further heard from our boys. Went into camp on the river, for ho long, do not know.
Tuesday, April 12, 1864—In camp on the river still. Made out monthly return for March, for Company “K.” Drew rations for two days commencing the 13th. Reinforcements came in today by transports, 10,000 strong. Don’t know anything of our destination. Nothing further heard from the boys. Very anxious to hear.
*General Banks had sent for reinforcements only to protect the army he had left. He had no plans at this point to go back on the offensive. The actual number of reinforcements that came up from Alexandria by transports though, was something less than 3500 men.
Wednesday, April 13, 1864—Regiment out on picket. Ordered to form battle line at 11:00 A.M. Kept teams in same place. Are building fortifications and expect an attack today or tomarrow morning. Got reinforcements last night. Got provisions return for 16th and 17th. All quiet yet.
*General Banks, and many of the men, still expected an attack, and they are building fortifications to protect against such an attack while they waited at Grand Ecore. General Banks had stopped here to consider his next move. It seems he may have actually considered going back on the offensive, provided he could get sufficient reinforcements, but this thought was short-lived. By now, Banks had received word that Sherman was recalling the detachments of the 16th and 17th Corps that he had “lent” to Banks, and this realization quickly killed any ideas of further advancement.
Thursday, April 14, 1864—Still at this place. Regiment out in line of battle since yesterday morning. No Rebels yet. One gun-boat and transports ran the rebel blockade above here yesterday. Rebs fired at them. Sent three letters by H. Jeffers, one to sister Mollie, Father and brother Robert. $2.00 in each of them. All quiet.
Friday, April 15m 1864—Regiment still in line of battle, and we are in same place as yesterday. All quiet. No enemy in sight. Wrote two letters home, one go G. Balsey and one to A. Manly. Sent them by a discharged soldier. All in good health and enjoying it well.
Saturday, April 16, 1864—Still in same camp. Drew forage for three days from today. Nothing strange taking place. No orders to move, but orders to draw as much forage as we can haul, which was done. Wrote letter to Isaac. Got mail, letter from Isaac. All quiet yet.
*Forage in these instances, refers to feed for the mule teams and the horses.
Sunday, April 17, 1864—Still in camp in same place, with no prospects of moving. Chaplain came to regiment. Drew rations for 18th of April. Expect to go soon. Probably to Natchez or the Army of the Potomac, nothing certain. Rebel Dick Taylor reported to be at Natchitoches with 5000 men, three miles off.
*This is one of the few accurate assessments of enemy strength to be reported in Leonidas’ diary. It is interesting to note here that the Federal Army, at this point, numbered about 25,000 men. With the Rebel forces at barely 5,000 men, the current situation did seem pretty ridiculous; Here we have this massive Union army of 25,000 men, hemmed in by a force of barely 5,000! General Banks was a notoriously cautious man though, and his decision to retreat had been made. The Red River was falling, so he wouldn’t have naval suppor or water transportation, and he would soon be losing General Smith’s 8000 men. There was really no other decision he could make. His problem now was to get all the troops and ships back to the Mississippi River safely. And this, as we shall see, was no small undertaking.
Monday, April 18, 1864—Still in same camp. No orders to march. Made out ord returns for 1st quarter, 1864. Lt. Wood came over to see me from 117th Illinois. Drew rations for the 19th and 20th of April. Sent letters to brother Isaac by Sutler, Whitehead. Am in good health. Captain Wilkin paid me $10.00. Am in good health and enjoying the army as well as could be expected.
*Am fairly certain these were some kind of returns require by General Ord. Leonidas refers to them quite often.
Tuesday, April 19, 1864—Still in camp at Grand Ecore, Louisiana. Got orders to be ready to march against the enemy at any moment and draw two days rations. Drew rations for 19th, 20th, 21st, and 22nd. Tried to send off office’s baggage, but failed and brought it back to camp. Expect to go soon. Lt. Martin came to us today and brought several things with him.
*Lt. Martin, as you may remember, had been home on leave since early February.
Wednesday, April 20, 1864—Still in camp at Grand Ecore, Louisiana. Orders to be ready to march at any moment. Gen. Smith’s forces moved today against the enemy as reported. We go tomorrow, no doubt, and are ready for it now. Got mail last night and letter from Robert, and answered it last night. Sent by George Glick.
*General Banks’ first problem in retreating was to get his army past Natchitoches, and to this end he had sent General Smith and his forces ahead to Natchitoches to engage the enemy and thereby provide cover for the rest of the retreating army.
Thursday, April 21, 1864—Got orders and marched at 5:00 P.M. for Alexandria. Took until night to get the train straightened. Traveled all night. Saw great numbers of colored people with carts, etc., to go with us. They said, “We all’s are going with you alls.”
Friday, April 22, 1864—Teams corralled about 7:00 A.M., and we took breakfast. Moved again at 1:00 P.M., and traveled until 8:00 P.M., and then camped again. Had violent chill and fever and rode all afternoon in wagon.
*If it appears that there was some urgency in this retreat, there was a reason for this. The Rebel forces were now also moving south, with the intention of cutting off the Federal retreat before they could cross the Cane River at Monnett’s Ferry. The whole affair had now turned into a “footrace,” with the Federal troops racing to beat the Rebels to the Cane River crossing.
Saturday, April 23, 1864—Our troops commenced skirmishing with Rebs about 8:00 A.M. Our battery is in sight of us as it fired. Attacked in front and rear. General Smith, with 7,000 men, whipped them in the rear and took 100 prisoners. (The) 19th A. C., in the (front), did the same, but no prisoners. Enemy whipped on all sides. Train moved at 12:00 A.M. midnight. Got rations fro 22nd-26th.
*This battle occurred near Monett’s Ferry. The Confederates were intent on holding Monett’s and preventing the Union forces from crossing the Cane River. They had a bold plan to surround the Federal troops here, (even though they were horribly outnumbered), and give the enemy all that it could handle. The plan did succeed in some respects, but they were simply too outnumbered. One Rebel front eventually gave way, and the Union forces managed to escape across the Cane. There weren’t really that many causalities on either side in this battle, and the enemy was hardly “whipped” as Leonidas put it. In fact, the Union forces actually lost twice as many men as the Rebels lost.
Sunday, April 24, 1864—Train stopped about six miles out in the pine woods, about daylight. Stayed about three house. Moved again and stopped on the bank of the Red River to water. Then moved on and struck the Bayou Rapides and camped where we did going up, eighteen had chill and fever, and sick over it.
Monday, April 25, 1864—March at 8:00 A.M. for Alexandria. Marched until near sundown and camped near Alexandria, Louisiana. Had pleasant days march with no accidents. Boys in good condition and fine spirits. Camped in same old place we did going up. Had no fighting today. No chill today, felt well.
Tuesday, April 26, 1864—Arouse about 6:00 A.M. Looked like rain. Stayed in camp here. Drew rations for this month out. Wrote to J. Littlefield. Sent letter to Father and Mother. General Smith’s forces passed today coming in. Camped near town. Had chill today and feel finely now. Wrote letter to “Flag.”
*General Smith and his forces had made up the rear guard during the retreat, and they received cheers and ovations as they entered Alexandria.
Wednesday, April 27, 1864—Still in camp. Drew clothing and stores, Q. M. Fixed bed, in tent of willows. Nothing new transpiring of interest. Skirmishing still going on. Expect general engagement soon. Wrote letter to sister Mollie.
Thursday, April 28, 1864—Fine day. Still in camp. Fixing up new desk. Got orders to hitch up team at 4:00 P.M. and get out of field to give the infantry a chance to form. Rebs skirmishing with us, lively; expect fight. Camped wagons in town in vacant lot.
*Rebel General Taylor had, by now, moved his 6000 forces around Alexandria, and he was intent on causing as much trouble for the Union forces as he could possible manage.
The Union forces had stalled in Alexandria for a very interesting reason. The entire “backbone” of the Navy’s Mississippi squadron of ships was trapped above the falls. The water level of the Red River had fallen so low that many of Admiral Porter’s ships could not continue. On the surface, there seemed but two answers: One- leave an entire detachment of troops with the ships until the water level rose again, (probably next Spring), or two—destroy all the ships and continue on without further delay. Neither choice was at all desirable, and so when Lt. Colonel Bailey, (Chief Engineer of the 19th Corp), suggested that they build a dam to raise the level of the river so that the ships could pass, his idea was accepted. The necessary orders were given to begin construction of the dam and, even tough there was much skepticism as to whether it would do any good, construction began on April 30th.
Friday, April 29, 1864—Fine morning. Moved out to the regiment about 1:00 P.M. and put in tents, and went into camp for the night. Drew extra rations for the regiment. Wrote letter to brother Isaac. Am in fine state of health and enjoying the time.
Saturday, April 30, 1864—Fine day. Still in camp at Alexandria behind works. Got five day’s rations commencing May 1, 1864. Got jacket fixed, charged $1.50. Made good job of it. Nothing strange transpiring, and no new orders about moving yet.
Sunday, May 1, 1864—Fine morning, cloudy and cool. Drew beef for the regiment and took it over the river to the boys. They are in nice camp and will be there until the dam finished across the river, which will require three weeks to complete. Sent letter to Isaac, by Charlie Smith.
Monday, May 2, 1864—Fine day. Drew and issued clothing in the forenoon. Built shade in front of tent. John Hargrove came to regiment today. Sent rations over to the boys. All the troops ordered out to dislodge the enemy twelve miles from here, have not returned yet. Health good, and having good times.
*It is of interest to note here that, though Leonidas was giving “good times,” things were generally not going well for the Union in Louisiana. Alexandria and New Orleans were virtually the only two areas in the whole state left under Union control. Getting out of Alexandria and back to the safety of the Mississipi River, was not going to be an easy task. Work on the dam had already bugun, but until it could be finished, Banks’ troops and Porter’s ships had to sit tight and defend themselves from the ever-persistent Rebel forces.
Tuesday, May 3, 1864—Fine day. Nothing strange doing in camp. Made out Muster Rolls of Company “E.” Teams went out foraging with one day’s rations.
Wednesday, May 4, 1864—Beautiful day. Drew beef for regiment. Troops had skirmish out where they went foraging. Drove the Rebels off. Nothing strange transpiring. Still in camp, same place. No mail yet.
Thursday, May 5, 1864—Very dusty and disagreeable. Rebels burned and captured two gunboats for use and one transport, (the) “John Warner.” Have blockaded the river entirely, don’t know what we will do for rations if boats don’t come up soon.
*The “John Warner” was a Union transport ship that had started on its way up the Red River on May 4th, (not all the Union ships had been trapped above the rapids). The “John Warner” was on its way to the Mississippi River, carrying an entire regiment of mne going home on furlough. The loss of the “Warner,” and the two gunboats accompanying it, was really quite a bow to the Federal forces, especially since their shipping line had been cut off.
Friday, May 6, 1864—Very dusty and unpleasant. Drew beef for regiment. Remainder of troops in camp here left, except sick and quartermasters, and went out to the front. We’(re) still in same old place and prospect of staying here. No mail. Almost sick for mail. Rations likely to be short if transports don’t come soon. Are in rather bad fix.
Saturday, May 7, 1864—Dusty and unpleasant. Worked on Feb. returns. Q. M (quartermaster) agreed to buy me a find Deplix silver watch or give me $25.00 to make them out so as to pass all right. Got partly through. No mail yet. Captain Wilkin (came) down to see me. All the remainder of our 4th division ordered to the front. Today (we) will probably go.
Sunday, May 8, 1864—Still dry and dusty. Division train ordered to be ready to move Monday at 2:00 P.M. Gunboats came over the rapids. Will call come down tomorrow. Lt. Neil, Doctor Autis, Sutler kirtridge and Hunt and myself took a bath in the river. Rode up and saw the dam. Drew rations for 9th and 10th.
*The dam had been completed by now, and some of the trapped boats had actually been freed. For the time being, tings were looking pretty good….
Monday, May 9, 1864—Fine day, but dusty. Got orders to turn over teams (four mule teams). Turned over one. Hauled things down to boat to be transported to the Mississippi River. Sent Sergeant Bachelor and Henry Bass with it. Drew rations for the 11th-15th inclusive, (2/3rds rations). Dam in Red river partly broke loose. Commenced new one, farther up river. Will take 2 or 3 days more.
*Another setback…There seems to be evidence that more of Porter’s ships could have made it over the rapids on May 8th. Why they didn’t attempt to do so is not certain. In any event, pressure on the dam had continued to build all night, and at 5:00 A.M., May 9th, the center of the dam gave way. As the water level was rapidly falling, Porter immediately ordered the gunboat “Lexington” to make a run for it. The Lexington” did manage to get through safely, as did three other ships, but there still wasn’t enough water depth to get ther rest of Porter’s fleet over the rapids. Bailey decided then to build some smaller wing dams further up the river, closer to the rapids. Work on these dams proceeded quickly, and by May 13th, all of Porter’s vessels were safely past the rapids.
Tuesday, May 10th, 1864—Had fine rain last night, settled the dust. No prospect of getting off today, and probably not tomorrow. The new dam will be far enough completed to let the boats come down today or (to)night. No mail. Went bathing with Q.M. Neill, Doctor Autis, and Hunt in the Red River. Had fine time.
Wednesday, May 11, 1864---Fine day. Still waiting for the gun boats to come over the falls. Will leave as soon as they get over. No mail. Drew rations for the 16th and 17th, issued two days. Getting warmer. Anxious to get away from here.
Thursday, May 12, 1864—Fine day. Drew rations for 18th and 19th. Went and saw three gun boats go down over the falls. Great excitement and hundreds out to see them. General Banks with the rest. Three more and a gun boat are above the dam and will go over tomorrow morning.
Friday, May 13, 1864—Trains moved at 7:00 a.m., and we saw the gun boat “Louisville” come over the dam. Just before the train got to town, some heartless wretch had fired a block joining the court-house on Front Street and, by 12:00 P.M., ½ of it, (the city) was burned. The cries of the homeless and distressed mothers and little children were heartrending. Ladies sat on the river banks without a home, who, three hours before, were living in splendor and wealth. Camped at 7:00 P.M.
*All along the retreat, the Federals, (primarily Smith’s men), had been burning everything in their path. Unfortunately, Alexandria was not spared this fate. General Banks had attempted to prevent the primary instigators of the fires here, and General Smith himself appears to have been involved.
*The homeless had gone to the river banks to escape the oppressive heat and smoke of the fires. Some had also come to ask for safe passage to New Orleans. They were all refused.
Saturday, May 14, 1864—Trains moved about 10:00 A.M. A squad of Rebs fired into our transports about eight miles below Alexandria, Louisiana. The advance had some skirmishing and drove the Rebels. Train and troops marched until 3:30 A.M. and stopped and fed. Served fresh beef for regiment. Laid out on the levee on (the) Red River with nothing over or under me. Slept finely.
Sunday, May 15, 1864—Moved at 8:00 A.M., and train corralled about three miles from where we camped the night before. Had skirmish in the afternoon. Lost few men. Train moved on again about 6:00 P.M. and camped 1 ½ miles below Fort De Russy. Began fighting in advance at day break, (May 16th), had heavy cannonading and drove the Rebs from the field.
Monday, May 16, 1864—Followed he Rebs out onto prairie and fought them from day break until noon, when they ran. We followed them all night and camped about 7:00 A.M., eight miles from Atchafalaya. Moved at 9:00 A.M. (17th May 1864). Had no fighting (in) afternoon.
*This prairie battle was evidently quite a beautiful sight.
Tuesday, May 17, 1864—Moved at 9:00 A.M. Skirmishing on all sides of us. Took one of our wagons. Followed us all day. Reached the fort on Atchafalaya Bayou. Crossed Bayou DeGlaise and camped. Train all safe.
*Two Rebel regiments on horseback specifically attacked the wagon train on this day. As Leonidas reports (and the record concurs), they were largely unsuccessful.
Wednesday, May 18, 1864—Camped in same place, near Atchafalaya (River). Rebels began fighting about 8 A.M., and in the afternoon the fight became general and Smith’s forces went into it in force. I was present on the battlefield and in the midst of flying shells and shot. We finally drove the enemy from the field and captured 200 or 300 men. Rode back to camp and rested.
*This was the final battle of the Red River Campaign, and one of the few battles that Leonidas was ever involved in directly. During and after this battle, the Union forces began crossing the Atchafalaya on a makeshift bridge designed by Col. Bailey. Once across, they would be safe from further pursuit by Taylor’s Rebel forces.
Thursday, May 19, 1864—Fine morning. Forces all sent out to draw out the Rebel forces. Train moved down, ready to cross the Atchafalaya at 2:00 P.M., and crossed in the night. Brought the Rebel prisoners (250) down to the boat. They reported the Rebels whipped other day but think they can whip us today. No firing today.
Friday, May 20, 1864—Beautiful morning. Train all over the river. Got letter from Lt. Pool. (He) is a prisoner (in) Tyler, Texas. Advanced at 8:00 A.M. Marched four miles and camped until dark. Hitched up and moved at midnight. Reached Mississippi River at daylight. One of the boys lost my horse. Found him again. No mail yet. Health good.
*With the last of the train over the river, the campaign was finally over. In all, the Union had lost over 8000 men, 9 ships, and 57 guns while the Confederacy had only lost about 4000 men. These numbers speak for themselves, but, to make things worse, the Union had gained absolutely nothing. The entire Red River area was now back in Confederate hands, and it would remain that way for the rest of the war.
Saturday, May 21, 1864—Moved at daylight. Transports all lying on river by mouth of Red River. Marched for New Orleans, stopped about 10:00 A.M. on the river. Slept outdoors, no covering. Got large mails. Letters from sister Mary, Mother, A. Manly, Isaac, and Robert and Jeffers and J. H. Hanley of my company and regiment. Got plenty of good news and feel finely tonight.
*Can only assume that it was common to use the term “mails” when referring to more than one shipment of mail. Leonidas refers to it both ways throughout his diary.
Sunday, May 22, 1864—Train moved at 8:00 A.M. down the river, going to New Orleans, Louisiana. Camped about noon on the river at Morganzas Bend. Got baggage from off steamer Arizona. Put up tents and expect to stay sometime. Wrote a letter to sister Mollie. Captain Lincoln arrived today. Eighteen men came.
*Mollie must have been either an older sister who was no longer living at home, or a younger sister who hadn’t been born by 1860, as the census data from that year doesn’t include her in the Bradley household.
Monday, May 23, 1864—Fine morning, still in camp at Morganz. Drew beef. Wrote letters to Mary and Abby Manly, and J. Littlefield. Expect to go to New Orleans soon. No news. Don’t know where we are finally to go. To New Orleans from her, at any rate. Health good.
*As Leonidas had already mentioned once before in April, he wasn’t sure where his division was going to end up now that the current campaign was over. He thought maybe to the Army of the Potomack, and as it turned out, much of the 4th Division, 13th A.C., did eventually get sent east o join that army. For some reason though, perhaps just by chance, Leonidas stayed in Louisiana with the West Mississippi forces. In hindsight, this was probably a stroke of luck, as the reassigned 4th Division arrived in the East just in time to participate in a battle for the defense of Washington, D. C.
Tuesday, May 24, 1864—Beautiful morning. Felt cheerful at so bright a day. Drew three days rations for 26th-28th. Order to go on boats for New Orleans. Our regiment is left behind for the present, will likely go tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 25, 1864—Fine morning. Loaded wagons on steamer “Colonel Cowles.” She started for Baton Rouge in night, will be back soon. No news of importance. Fourth Division will all go to Baton Rouge. We will go soon, we think. Health good.
Thursday, May 26, 1864—Fair morning. No orders to go yet on board boat. “Colonel Cowles” (the boat) got back today from Baton Rouge. All off duty.