July 14th, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/14/2011
Heavily engaged in the siege of Vicksburg and ensuing campaigns in Mississippi, the 93rd Indiana remained in Tennessee and in the South for the balance of the war, performing valuable service in guarding supply lines, combating guerrillas and recalcitrant secessionists. War-date Union soldier's diary kept by Sgt, Major Selar Mead, 93rd Indiana Vols., 3" x 5" standard pocket version, includes entries from July 29, 1864-Jan. 21, 1865. He begins his diary as the regiment set out on Smith's expedition through northern Mississippi and continues as they pursued Sterling Price through Missouri in September and October before sailing to aid in the defense of Nashville, Tenn. that was threatened by Gen. Hood's advance. In part: "…[July 29]…start on a expedition from Memphis, Tenn by rail to La Grange…[July 31]…visited the scene of the battle in Dec. 1862 between Van Dorn and 25th Indiana…small earthworks on an Indian mound…[Aug. 8]…under a staggering fire of the enemy. Skirmish with him…[Aug. 9]…enemy did not bother us much…8 a. m. heavy skirmishing in front…drive Mr. Reb and find his position a good one. Very few casualties on our side (four wounded)…bivouac on Reb line[Aug. 10]…cavalry reported to have pursued the enemy beyond Oxford, Miss…[Aug. 12]…Rebels still linger in our front…cavalry have a little skirmishing with them…[Aug. 14]…Mr. Reb seems to have got enough of Yankee lead in yesterday's engagement. Have not learned the Rebel loss,,,[Aug. 17]…still concentrating at this point. One Brigade of 'Niggs' came up with supply train…[Aug. 22]…received news that Forrest had visited Memphis…immediately right about faced and started for Memphis…[Aug. 23]…Rebs try us a little and found we are too much for them. Rebs loss 34 killed. We lost none killed…[Sept. 15]…all rejoice over the fall of Atlanta…[Oct. 8]…got aground…20 miles from Cape Girandeau…disembark the cavalry (4th Iowa) to get over bar. At Chester saw colors for Mc[Clellan] & Pendleton…for the first time…[Oct. 21]…we bivouac in suburbs of Lexington. All Rb [Sterling] Price out & gone…[Oct. 23]…country all desolated. Caused by the border war of 58 & 59 (Jackson Co., Mo.) Bivouacked 5 miles east of Independence…[Oct. 24]…march 10 miles south of Independence…found Price out and gone. Visited battlefield. Our forces seemed to have suffered worst…[Oct. 25]…march to Sioux Creek…evidence of a stampede among the Rebs. Guns broken, wagons abandoned…[Nov. 6]…mud no bottom men and horses jaded half to death…[Dec. 1]…morning finds us at the Landing at Nashville. Rebs reported to be some 14 miles from the city. Heavy fighting is reported to have taken place. Rebs reported to have suffered terribly…[Dec. 2]…Hood reported to be advancing…[Dec. 3]…all up and ready for Mr. Hood…I am sick of this muddy hole…[Dec. 4]…morning finds us in line at 4 a. m. skirmishing along the line…the Jonnie seem determined to fight us…our boys gobble a few…[Dec. 5]…a few shells were thrown among them much to their discontent…[Dec. 7]…all are awakened at same hour. Gun Boat woke up a Reb battery on the river & drove it off. 72nd Ohio sent on a reconnaissance had one man killed and 5 or 6 wounded…[Dec. 9]…the Johnnies still hold their vigils over the Yanks…all is ice…[Dec. 13]…rumors are afloat as to the movements of the Rebels…[Dec. 14]…all is astir…Dec. 15]…left camp this morning at 7 o'clock a.m. Found the enemy about 2 1/2 miles from works. Open on us two guns. On side of Hill. Tis now 2 o'clock and the fighting still goes on. Night finds us victorious…[Dec. 16]…6 o'clock a.m. Fight opens with artillery. Rebels seem to have concentrated his force. 3 P.M. our cavalry are fighting in the Rebels rear. 4 Army Corps instead. Night finds us victorious, Rebels routed and running. 1st Brig. have the honors…[Dec. 17]…Rebs go up in a perfect panic. Our cavalry chased them late…[Dec. 18]…Rebs reported broken…march 8 miles bivouacked near Franklin, Tenn…[Dec. 19]…cannonading in front…bivouac near Spring Hill. Our boys had a smart fight at this place……[Dec. 21]…news from Sherman favorable. Rebels in our front still retreating and our cavalry pursuing…[Dec. 23]…Gen. Granger was to be on the Tenn. R. to oppose Hood's crossing…[Jan. 4, 65]…ordered to be ready…at a moment’s notice to the transport. The 93rd embarked on gunboat No. 37…[Jan. 21]…on cars on way to Ante all day we go rolling a. m. I am 22 finds us in Atne…". Cover detached with some looseness, else VG.
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