Edited by Benita K. Moore
Assistant Surgeon James A. Black takes the reader on a seldom traveled journey--a fourteen hundred sixty-one day excursion--as he participates in the American Civil War. During his sojourn the Union soldier openly shares his observations, his joys, his concerns, and his frustrations, as he provides the reader with tremendous insight into the daily lives of soldiers in their camps and on their campaigns some one hundred fifty years ago.
Black and a contingency of Southern Illinois men enlisted in the Union Army October 6, 1861. The 49th Illinois Infantry Regiment was mustered into service December 31, 1861, briefly trained at Camp Butler, near Springfield, Illinois, and was engaged in combat by February, 1862. The regiment remained active in the Western Theatre of action for the duration of the war. Although the diary does not offer revolutionary revelations about the war or its generals, it does present interesting and revealing perceptions about the conflict, especially concerning the impact on soldiers involved in prolonged military engagement. Black’s perspective as a Civil War soldier is unique in many ways. For the first year he wrote with the view of an enlisted infantryman, while the last three years he viewed events from the eyes of a commissioned medical officer. In addition, James Black, a good soldier, was a strong believer in the Union cause, a religious man, and a moralist. In many ways his thoughts reflect the times and yet many thoughts do not necessarily follow conventional Civil War wisdom.
The diary is completely unabridged and void of interpretation or comment by scholars. Simply, the diary is James’ personal story as he lived it.
Benita K. Moore earned her B.S. degree from Southern Illinois University and her M.A. degree from the University of Illinois. She taught History at the high school in Galesburg, Illinois, for 30 years. She is a native of Southern Illinois from which the 49th Infantry came, She transcribed and edited this journal for over three years.
Wednesday March 9” 1864
Vicksburg Mississippi
Rained all day. We were assigned to the Steamer Liberty a small stern wheel boat, with capacity of 500 men. We went aboard and took our rooms. then Cheney, Burrows & I went to town and bought one Doz cans Peaches, 2 cans green corn, Pineapples, Peas, Honey & etc. to carry with us on the expedition as we will not likely get much after we leave here
Thursday March 10” 1864
Vicksburg Mississippi
Lay at the shore and wrote letter. received a mail we received an order from Gen’l Sherman promising furlough to all Veteran Regiments as soon as this expedition is completed. not very cheerfully received. I rec’d letters from J.F.B. & R.M.L. & wrote J.F.B. & Lyde.
Friday March 11” 1864
Natches Louisana [Mississippi]
Past the above place at sun up. Saw some fine Sugar plantations. arrived at the mouth of Red River at 3.P.M. found quite a number of gun boats there. The boys burned a house while guards were all around it alledging that it was rebel property. a poor justification.
Saturday March 12” 1864
Red River Landing Louisiana
Moved at noon past the mouth of Red River and went down the Atchafalaya river about 30. miles and tied up at Simsport the boys went a shore and cooked rations Threatened to burn a building here but was prevented by a strong guard.~
Sunday March 13’ 1864
Simsport Louisiana
Brig. Gen’l A.J. Smith Sent out a brigade to reconoiter they found no enemy; the ballance of the command disembarked and drilled most of the day in an old field on the river bank. after dark we moved out in a Westerly direction six miles, past a little fort built by the rebels but not occupied at present. We camped at 2. oclock in the morning, with orders to be up at 4.A.M.~
Monday March 14” 1864
Camp in Field Louisiana
Marched at 6.A.M.; the rebels destroyed the bridge over bayou De-glaze at Mooresville, fired a few shots at them past a little town Cocoville. The rebels were in front of us until we came to Monsura they turned to the left We past Marksville 2 hours by sun commenced fighting immediately. works were charged at dark by 58. & 119. Ills & 24 Mo. & 89 Ind
Tuesday March 15” 1864
Fort De Russy Louisiana
I went to Fort De Russy and saw the prisoners (175) also the guns captured on the Indianola by the rebels below Vicksburg, and yesterday recaptured and will be taken aboard to day. The charging party were under command of Brig General Joseph A. Mower. the works were destroyed to day we re embarked and started up to Alexandria La
Wednesday March 16” 1864
On board Str Liberty
Moved early. saw some fine sugar plantations. we arrived at Alexandria at 2.P.M. found no enemy they left yesterday. We disembarked with wagons and provisions. our ammunition was left on board the boat, except what is in cartriage boxes. this is very pretty little town.~
Thursday March 17” 1864
Alexandria Louisiana
The Surgeons confiscated a drug store. I appropriated a can of honey and a few articles of medicine. We lay around camp all day Many rumors and speculations extant as to our future movements. Three pieces of Artillery found and brought in to day which the rebels had left in their haste to save themselves yesterday. There was not a gunboat around with us yet.~
Friday March 18” 1864
Alexandria Louisiana
The gun boats are taking on cotton, sending to the country for it. Naval officers taking pictures and other private property from citizens they are acting in rather a disgracefull maner Their facilities for carrying such articles has a demoralizing effect. there is no restraint.
Saturday March 19” 1864
Alexandria Louisiana
The Steamer Lauruel Hill came up and said to be going down soon with a mail. all hands at the tables writing letters to send by her. Many conjectures as to what will be our future movements and when they will take place.
