More Real American Stories

The Civil War, that terrible war between the states that was fought 140 years ago, still fascinates people from all over the world.  Many people were interested in the articles I wrote, which were from the diary of Will McKinney, my grandfathers brother, so I went back to the Wabash College Library and got more information.  While I was there and handling his diary I couldn’t help but think, this diary was actually there.  Will McKinney carried it with him for three years.  It followed him through the hot summer days, through the rain, mud and snow of winter.  It was with him at Shiloh and Cheat Mountain and those endless boring days waiting to attack the enemy and also wondering when they would be attacked. 

The following are exact words that Will McKinney wrote in September and October of 1861. 

Sept. 16 – In camp all day today, did nothing.  Received a box of goods from father.  Uniform over-coats for the regiment came today, good coat, all pleased with them.  Received a letter from cousin Mattie this evening.  I learned the enemy are in strong force before Col. Kimball at cheat Mountain summit this evening, will doubtless attack in the morning.  If we do not get some aid soon they will come down on us and drive us out of this place, though we could give them a good fight.  Will hope for the best if they come we can only fight them as long as able to stand.  Wrote four letters tonight, am now square with my correspondents.  Have just been detailed to command 30 men with axes tomorrow to cut away timber.

Sept. 17.  Orders for cutting timber cancelled.  Company ordered out to relieve a company holding the works at Elk Fork.  Rained all day, no enemy in sight.

Sept. 18.  Rained all night, company relieved by Company E at 10 o’clock, returned to quarters.

Sept. 19.  The right wing ordered out at 8 o’clock as a guard for Gen. Reyonald’s and staff, to go to Point Mountain, distance of 12 miles. The road very muddy.  Arrived at Point Mountain 12 noon.  Explored the country around, no enemy around, could see the Rebel camp on a mountain 4 miles distant.  They had occupied the mountains for 3 days before.  Returned to camp by a different route, a better road, but longer.  Reached camp at 8 p.m., having marched during the day 25 miles besides scouting over the mountains while at Point Mountain.  All very tired, the hardest days march made by us in the service, the roads being the worst.

Sept. 20 – In Camp all day, nothing doing at all, the day fine, nothing to do, no place to go, time hangs heavily on ones hands.  Captain Patterson and myself visited the 9^th Ind. Regt. Col. Milroy which came in the day before and encamped two miles below us.  It had been a three month Regt. Went home, was discharged, then recruited and entered the three year service.  The valley is now getting well nigh filled up with troops.  There is now 6 regiments of Infantry, two companies of Cavalry and three companies of Artillery, 22 pieces. 

Sept. 21.  Rained all day today, in camp and nothing to do, time passes slowly away.  The 7^th Indiana Regiment came in today, making now seven Regiments in the valley, more on the way.

Sept. 22 – Sunday cold and still raining, very dull in camp, no news at all and worst of all received not a letter.  Information brought into camp that the Rebels were cutting their way over the mountains trying to get away.  I have hired a Negro boy today, confident that he will make a good servant.