The Diary of Martin Roof
Co. A. 114th O.V.I.
January 1863
Thursday, January 1, 1863
Stood on picket guard all day at the Chickasaw Bluffs
near Vicksburg Mississippi
Friday, January 2, 1863
Went on the Steamer Pembina at 3 oclock P.M. Started down theYazoo river
Saturday, January 3, 1863
Moved on up the Mississippi
Sunday, January 4, 1863
The boat laid by most all day
Monday, January 5, 1863
Moved on up the river
Tuesday, January 6, 1863
Moved on up the river
Wednesday, January 7, 1863
The boat laid by most all day
Thursday, January 8, 1863
Stopped along the Mississippi shores
Friday, January 9, 1863
Started up the White River and then into the Arkansas River
Saturday, January 10, 1863
Went on shore near the Arkansas Post. Camped on the widow Smiths Plantation (Ed. Note: Arkansas Post or Fort Hindman, Ark.)
Sunday, January 11, 1863
Marched up to the fort in afternoon. The Fort taken at 4 oclock P.M. Staid on board the boat all day opposite the Fort
(Ed. Note: Benjamin Moffett, Arkansas Post, Ark.)
Tuesday, January 13, 1863
Went over to the Fort in the morning to view the battleground
Wednesday, January 14, 1863
Staid on the boat all day near the Fort
Thursday, January 15, 1863
Staid on the boat all day
Friday, January 16, 1863
Staid on the boat all day
Saturday, January 17, 1863
The boat moved down the Arkansas River. Stoped at Napoleon at 3 oclock P.M.
Sunday, January 18, 1863
Left Napoleon after taking on wood and forage at 10 oclock A.M. moved on down the Mississippi river . Michael Beachdel deserted.
Monday, January 19, 1863
Laid by most all day taking wood on the boat and some more forage. William Coonrod got hurt by a fall on gangplank. James Justice deserted
Tuesday, January 20, 1863
Moved on down the river
Wednesday, January 21, 1863
Landed oposite the Yazoo river at Youngs point, Louisiana
Thursday, January 22, 1863
We staid on the boat all day. I went to see my Brother on board the Steamer City Alton
(Ed. Note: Pvt.William H. Roof, Co E, 108th Illinois Infantry Regiment)
Friday, January 23, 1863
Went on shore to camp at Youngs point Louisiana about one mile back from the river
Saturday, January 24, 1863
Staid about the camp all day rainy
Sunday, January 25, 1863
I went out on Picket guard afternoon Henry Kinsman died
(Ed. Note: Henry B. Kinsman, Youngs Point, La.)
Monday, January 26, 186
Done the cooking for 114th mess No 3
Tuesday, January 27, 1863
Staid about the camp all day nothing doing
Wednesday, January 28, 1863
Staid about the camp all day
Thursday, January 29, 1863
Staid about camp all day. Wrote a letter to my father
(Ed. Note: Rev. Joseph A.Roof).
Friday, January 30, 1863
Staid about the camp all day . Inspection at 1 oclock
Saturday, January 31, 1863
Went down to the River to the Suttlers
(Ed. Note: Sutler was a licensed vendor who set up around Camp and sold notions, cigarettes, paper and other such items at often outrageous prices)
Line Campfire
February 1863
Sunday, February 1, 1863
Staid about the tent all day rainy
Monday, February 2, 1863
Moved our tents on account of high watter
Tuesday, February 3, 1863
Went down to the Suttlers in the afternoon
Wednesday, February 4, 1863
Staid about the tent all day
Thursday, February 5, 1863
Helped the boys get up some wood
Friday, February 6, 1863
Went down to the Suttlers nothing doing in camp
Saturday, February 7, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. I wrote a letter A.R. Schneider in afternoon (Ed. Note Anna Mary Roof Schneider/Snyder)
Sunday, February 8, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Monday, February 9, 1863
Nothing doing in camp Jas P Moffitt died(Ed. Note: James P. Moffett, Young's Point, La., Brother of Benjamin Moffett who died 1-11-63)
Tuesday, February 10, 1863
Moved our tents on account of high water
Wednesday, February 11, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Thursday, February 12, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Friday, February 13, 1863
Inspection in afternoon by General Austerhause
(Ed. Note: Brig. Gen. Peter J. Osterhaus)
Saturday, February 14, 1863
Inspection and drill in afternoon by General Austerhause
Sunday, February 15, 1863
Started down to work on the Canal came back to Camp on account of the rain. wrote a letter
Monday, February 16, 1863
Staid about the camp all day rainy
Tuesday, February 17, 1863
Staid about the camp all day rainy
Wednesday, February 18, 1863
Staid about the camp all day nothing doing in camp
Thursday, February 19, 1863
Went down near Vicksburg to work on the Canal
Friday, February 20, 1863
Went down to the 108th Ill Regiment to see my brother. Staid with him all night.
Saturday, February 21, 1863
Came back to camp in forenoon
Sunday, February 22, 1863
Helped do the cooking for our mess
Monday, February 23, 1863
Helped do the cooking
Tuesday, February 24, 1863
Helped do the cooking for our mess
Wednesday, February 25, 1863
Staid about the tent all day
Thursday, February 26, 1863
Staid about the tent all day rainy
Friday, February 27, 1863
Helped do the cooking for our mess
Saturday, February 28, 1863
Our Regiment was mustered for pay in forenoon James Gordon died
(Ed. Note: James R. Gordon, Young's Point, La)
Wall Tent
March 1863
Sunday, March 1, 1863
Staid about the camp all day. Finished writing a letter to my sister in afternoon Dan Ring discharged
(Ed. Note: Daniel Ring, Young's Point, La)
Monday, March 2, 1863
Went with the reg to work on the canal. Went to see my brother in afternoon
Tuesday. March 3, 1863
Went out on fatigue duty
Wednesday, March 4, 1863
Went with the Reg to work on the canal Wrote a letter to my father in evening
Thursday, March 5, 1863
Staid about the camp all day nothing doing. Wrote letter to
L. Baum (Ed. Note: Lewis Baum)
Friday, March 6, 1863
Staid about the camp all day nothing doing
Saturday, March 7, 1863
Staid about the camp all day nothing doing
Sunday, March 8, 1863
Pulled down our tents and got ready to move. Went on board the SteamerSpread Eagle at 11 oclock A.M. land at Milligans bend 9 oclock P.M. (Ed. Note: Millikens Bend, La.)
Monday, March 9, 1863
Went on shore at 6 oclock A.M. to camp at Milligans Bend 6 miles above Youngs point
Tuesday, March 10, 1863
Helped get up some wood and worked about the camp
Wednesday, March 11, 1863
Worked about the camp all day
Thursday, March 12, 1863
Went to see my brother in afternoon
Friday, March 13, 1863
Went to see my brother in the afternoon. Staid with all night
Saturday, March 14, 1863
Came back to the Regiment in forenoon. Helped clean off drill
ground in afternoon
Sunday, March 15, 1863
Staid about the camp all day. Wrote letter to father
Monday, March 16, 1863
Staid about the camp all day nothing doing
Tuesday, March 17, 1863
Went on Picket guard at 11 oclock A.M.
Wednesday, March 18, 1863
Came off Picket at 1 oclock P.M.
Thursday, March 19, 1863
Company drill in forenoon dress parade in evening
Friday, March 20, 1863
Went out on Brigade drill by General Austerhause . Eurius S. Doll discharged
Saturday, March 21, 1863
114th Regiment was paid off up to Jan 1/63
Sunday, March 22, 1863
Went to the 108th Ill Regt in forenoon nothing doing in camp
Monday, March 23, 1863
Went up to the commissary boat in afternoon to buy some dried fruit for Mess No3
Tuesday, March 24, 1863
Went up to the 108th Reg Ill Volunteer in afternoon nothing doing in camp
Wednesday, March 25, 1863
Battallion drill in forenoon dress parade in evening
Thursday, March 26, 1863
Battallion drill in forenoon dress parade in evening
Friday, March 27, 1863
M.L.Roof corporal of the camp guard
Saturday, March 28, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Sunday, March 29, 1863
Staid about the camp all day nothing doing
Monday, March 30, 1863
Battallion drill in forenoon and afternoon
Tuesday, March 31, 1863
Battallion drill in forenoon and afternoon
Wash Day
April 1863
Wednesday, April 1, 1863
Brigade drill in forenoon by General Austerhause Company
drill in afternoon
Thursday, April 2, 1863
Went out on Picket guard at 12 oclock. Wrote letter to father
Friday, April 3, 1863
Came in off Picket in forenoon nothing doing in camp
Saturday, April 4, 1863
Nothing doing in camp Harvey Poling died
(Ed. Note: Harvey Poling Milliken's Bend, La.)
Sunday, April 5, 1863
Marched with the Regiment from Millikens Bend to Richmond, La
Monday, April 6, 1863
I went over to Richmond to see the town
Tuesday, April 7, 1863
Staid about the camp all day nothing doing in camp
Wednesday, April 8, 1863
Marched with the Regt 8 miles beond Richmond where we
stoped to camp on Willsons Plantation
Thursday, April 9, 1863
Staid about camp all day nothing doing in camp. Wrote a letter
Friday, April 10, 1863
Staid about camp all day nothing doing in camp
Saturday, April 11, 1863
Staid about camp all day. Wrote a letter to my sister E.C. Baum Went out on Picket guard
( Ed. Note: Elizabeth Catherine Roof Baum).
Camp near Richmond Louisiana
April 11/63
Elizabeth C. Baum
My dear Sister
Your letter of March 10 came to hand yesterday being just one month on the road. I was very glad to hear from you once more and especialy to hear of the good health of your self and family. My health has improved a great deal since I last wrote to you. My health is very good at present and I weigh as much now as I ever weighedin my life. This Southern climate seems to agree with me and I like it very well. Our Regiment is cut down to about one half what it was when we started out but what men we have seem to enjoy very good health. We have but very little sickness in camp at this time. We have been moving around since I last wrote to you. On the 8th of March we moved from Youngs Point up the river to Millikens Bend whewre we remained until last Sunday when we pulled up stakes and marched to Richmond a distance of 12 miles it was a very warm day and the dust about shoe mouth deep. Not being used to marching some of the boys got very tired and many of them threw away their overcoats and blankets to lighten the load as for my part I stood it fine and caried all of my load. We had expected a fight at Richmond but the Rebbels had all skedadled before we got there. Richmond is a dirty little town nearly destitute of inhabitance and what few was there have nothing to live on but corn bread and old bacon Some of the citizens informed me that they had seen no flour for nearly two years and that flour is selling at Vicksburg for $100 per barrel callico $250 per yard and now since we have got in here they cannot get to Vicksburg at all and what they are to live on God only knows. On Wednesday morning we again took up our line of march and moved on about 8 miles farther where we again halted on Willsons plantation and a splendid one it is too. Here we found quite a large crop of corn which is now large enough to begin tending to also a large amount of corn in the crib and plenty of hogs sheeep and some few cattle but the bird had flown leaving everything at our disposal.
So we took peaceable possession and struck our tents in the old gentlemans door yard where we have nice sod to lay on and plenty of beautiful shade trees. I am setting in the garden under the shade of a Peach tree which is loadened with peaches now as large as quail eggs. We have plenty to live on here
(Ed. Note: The remainder of this letter has been lost over the years)
Monday, April 13, 1863
Came in off picket in forenoon. Our Regt was paid two months pay
Tuesday, April 14, 1863
114th Regt moved from Willsons Plantation to Holmes Plantation distance 5 miles
Wednesday, April 15, 1863
Staid about Camp all day nothing doing
Thursday, April 16, 1863
114th Regt moved from Holmes Plantation to Smiths Plantation near Carthage (Ed. Note: Carthage, Louisiana.).
Friday, April 17, 1863
Staid about camp all day nothing doing. Wrote a letter in the
morning to father
Saturday, April 18, 1863
114th Regt pulled up stakes in the morning. Crossed the Round-away Bayou oposite Smiths Plantation in afternoon
Sunday, April 19, 1863
114th Regt camped in some Negro quarters on the Roundaway Bayou oposite Smiths plantation
Monday, April 20, 1863
114th Regt marched to New Carthage and from there to Ashwood Landing and camped on Judge Perkins Plantation
(Ed. Note: New Carthage, La.)
Tuesday, April 21, 1863
In the morning I went to see Judge Perkins garden. Nothing doing in camp
Wednesday, April 22, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Thursday, April 23, 1863
114th Regt laid on board an old barge all day at Ashwood Landing ready to move down the river. Order countermanded in the evening
Friday, April 24, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Saturday, April 25, 1863
114th Regt marched from Ashwood Landing to George Douglas Plantation distance 7 miles
Sunday, April 26, 1863
114th Regt marched 6 miles in the morning and had a Skirmish with the Rebbels at Rouths Plantation in forenoon
Monday, April 27, 1863
114th Regt and 48th Ind Built a Pontoon Bridge across the Bayou at Rouths Plantation
Tuesday, April 28, 1863
114th Regt and 48th Ind had a Skirmish with the Rebbels at Bruins Lake 6 miles from Rouths Plantation
(Ed. Note: Bruins Lake, Louisiana.)
Wednesday, April 29, 1863
Marched out to the River in morning moved down the river
6 miles in evening
Thursday, April 30, 1863
Crossed over the river in the morning. Marched in the afternoon and all night towards Port Gibson
(Ed. Note: Port Gibson, Mississippi)
U. S. Fort
May 1863
Friday, May 1, 1863
Battle near Port Gibson Rebbels repulsed with great Slaughter
James Bucwalter wounded slightly
Saturday, May 2, 1863
Marched down to Port Gibson staid all night
Sunday, May 3, 1863
Moved on towards Black River. Halted near Rocky Springs in evening
Monday, May 4, 1863
Rested all day nothing doing
Tuesday, May 5, 1863
Nothing doing until evening. We marched to Rocky Springs distance
6 miles and halted for the night. Wrote a letter in evening
Wednesday, May 6, 1863
Staid at Rocky Springs all day waiting for the provision train
Thursday, May 7, 1863
Wrote a letter to father. Marched about 5 miles in the evening
and halted on Browns plantation near Black River
Friday, May 8, 1863
114th Regiment went out on Review in the afternoon by
Mclernand and Austerhause . Wrote a letter
(Ed. Note: Major General John A.Mclernand)
Saturday, May 9, 1863
Nothing doing I went to see the 108th Ill in the morning
Sunday, May 10, 1863
Moved on about 8 miles toward Jackson ,Mississippi
Monday. May 11, 1863
Nothing doing Shermans army passed by our division
Tuesday, May 12, 1863
114th Regt marched as rear guards to the provision train
Wednesday, May 13, 1863
Marched all day and all night. Arrived at Raymond,
Mississippi at 3 oclock A.M.
Thursday, May 14, 1863
Staid in Raymond all day
Friday, May 15, 1863
Marched out toward the Jackson and Vicksburg Rail road
Saturday, May 16, 1863
Battle of Champion Hills in afternoon Moved on about 5 miles toward the bridge on Big Black River
(Ed. Note: Champion's Hill, Mississippi)
Sunday, May 17, 1863
Battle at the railroad Bridge on Black river in which the Rebbels were drivenfrom ther entrenchment after a fierce engagement. Charles Rosenfeldt deserted
Monday, May 18, 1863
Crossed over Black river in the morning moved on toward Vicksburg halted for the night within 6 miles of Vicksburg
(Ed. Note: Vicksburg, Miss.)
Tuesday, May 19, 1863
Battle of Vicksburg commenced in the morning the Federals
making a charge on the breast works but without success
Wednesday, May 20, 1863
Skirmishing by the Sharp Shooters all day on the left While
company advanced slowly on the right
Thursday, May 21, 1863
Skirmishing by the Sharp Shooters all day
Friday, May 22, 1863
Another charge on the left but without success 114th loss killed and wounded 32
Saturday, May 23, 1863
Skirmishing by the Sharp Shooters all day
Sunday, May 24, 1863
Skirmishing all day by the Sharp Shooters 114th Regt remained idle all day
Monday, May 25, 1863
114th Regt marched to Warrenton, Miss to do Garrison duty
Tuesday, May 26, 1863
Staid about camp all day nothing doing B. Shuff killed by Bushwhacker (Ed. Note: Benjamin F. Shuff, Warrenton, Mississippi.)
Wednesday, May 27, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. Wrote a letter to father. Went out on
Picket in evening
Thursday, May 28, 1863
Got our tents and put them up
Friday, May 29, 1863
Nothing doing in Camp
Saturday, May 30, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Sunday, May 31, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. Preaching in evening by Chap of the
114th
Parrott
June 1863
Monday, June 1, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. I went out on reserve Picket in evening
Tuesday, June 2, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Wednesday, June 3, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Thursday, June 4, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. I helped the boys build a corral
Friday, June 5, 1863
Went out on Picket guard with Frank
Saturday, June 6, 1863
Came in off Picket in the morning Wrote a letter to my Sister
E. C. Baum Nothing doing in camp
Warrenton, Miss June 6th/63
Mrs Elizabeth C. Baum
Dear Sister
Your very kind and welcomed letter of May the 8th came to hand in due time. It found me on the Battle field in the rear of Vicksburg where I had been for six days but the next day after I recived your letter we were ordered to this place to gaurd provisions and Amunition. You can not imagine how much good it does a poor tired Soldier to get a letter from home especially after passing through such a severe campaign as we hadfor nearly two months. Marching a goodeal of the time Some times day and night. In all that time we had no tents to sleep in at night and a good part of the time nothing to eat but three hard crackers a day and a little bacon which we had to eat raw on account of not having any cooking utensils and often after marching hard all day through the hot Sun and dust Shoe mouth deep. We had to lay down on the ground without anything attal to eat. And in the month of May we fought four hard Battles one of which we weron the battle feild seven days four days of which our regiment was engaged in the fight. I leave you to Judge for your Self what my experience as a Soldier has been. My trials and troubles and exposures upon the battle feild have been great. but I feel to thank God that he has heard my prayers and that I am today in the enjoyment of life and reasonable health and strength while many of my comrades and fellow Soldiers wer left upon the bloody feild. Oh how many friends at home are daily called upon to mourn the loss of the poor Soldier who will never more return. We came to this place last Monday a week. There is two pieces of Regiments here beside ours and our Reg't is nothing but a piece. We have about three hundred men in our Regiment now out of one thousand that we had last fall when we left camp Marietta. Such is Soldiering. We ar encamped on the Bank of the Mississippi 10 miles blow Vicksburg. We have our tents to live in now and we have enough to eat Such as it is. The health of the Regiment is tolerable good.
My health has been very good all through our marches Since we left Millikens Bend except the last four days I have not felt very well. When we left Millikens Bend the 5th day of April I was fat and hearty and weighed 164 lbs. Now I only weigh 140 lbs. although I have not been Sick a day in that time I have lost 24 lbs. So you may See that hard marches and Short rations does not fatten very fast. I have not much news to write at this time the fight is still going on at Vicksburg but we are not gaining much ground. We can hear the cannonading here very plain. I feel in hopes that the Rebbels can not hold the citty much longer but God only knows where this and when this wicked and cruel strife will end. I wrote a letter to Sarah the other day and I wish you to let Debie and Ann read this when you have done with it. Tell them that they must excuse me for not writing to them individually as writing materials is Scarse and hard to get. I will write to you all as often as I can. remember me to all the friends and that God may be with you all and that to bless you is my daily prayr of your affectionate brother
Martin L Roof
P.S. do not fail to write soon and give me all the news. Please tell Sister Ann to let Aunty Schneider read this letter and give my love to all the friends
Sunday, June 7, 1863
I went to Preaching at 10 oclock A.M. Went out on Reserve
Picket with the company in evening
Monday, June 8, 1863
Came in off picket guard in morning. Nothing doing in camp
Wrote a letter to C. Hoover and to father
Tuesday, June 9, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. I went out on Reserve Picket in evening
Wednesday, June 10, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. Wrote a letter to my Sister A.M. Schneider
Thursday, June 11, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Friday, June 12, 1863
Nothing in camp
Saturday, June 13, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Sunday, June 14, 1863
Inspection at 9 oclock A.M. Preaching at 10 oclock A.M.
Monday, June 15, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. Co A went out on reserve Picket in
evening Wrote letter J. A. Roof
Tuesday, June 16, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Wednesday, June 17, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Thursday, June 18, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Friday, June 19, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Saturday, June 20, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Sunday, June 21, 1863
Nothing doing in camp Preaching at 10 oclock
Monday, June 22, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Local Correspondence
(Deferred last week)
Palestine
The following reminiscense, although sad, was handed to us by Mrs. Mary E. Kennedy, who wishes its re-publication in the Democrat and Watchman, its first publication appearing in the Circleville Union, twenty-five years ago. The clipping has been treasured by Mrs. Kennedy, the mother of the lamented John E. Taylor, or "Jackie" as he was familiarly known in the community ever since. Now when it is black with age, she still remembers her son with those endearing and everlasting affections which only mothers possess. We reproduce as follows:
From the 114th Ohio
Warrenton, Miss.
June 22, 1863
Editor Union:--Although I have never been a correspondent of your paper, yet I am desirous at present to say a few words in memory of Corporal John E. Taylor, a member of Company A, 114th O.V.I. who fell gallantly discharging his duty, upon the battlefield, on the 22nd of May, 1863. The next day after he fell, Serg't R.H.L. Walker, James Mundell, James Marshall and myself, carried him to a suitable spot and buried him as well as only the circumstances of the case would permit. And although no marble slab is erected there to mark his last resting place, yet we know that the very hairs of his head are numbered, and when the great and notable day shall come, when the pale faced nations of the dead shall be called forth, he to will arise from a soldier's grave and go forth, as I trust to receive the welcome plaudit. `Well done, thou good and faithful servant." He fought bravely on our side in the battle of Thompson's Hill, Champion Hill and Black River Bridge. As a man, he was loved by all who knew him. As a soldier, he was ever at his post, always ready to discharge his duty cheerfully, manfully, and bravely.
He leaves an aged mother, with many warm and sympathizing friends to mourn his loss.
M. L. Roof
(The Democrat and Watchman newspaper was published in Circleville, Ohio. A date handwritten on the article indicates a May1888 publication date. I have donated the article to the Pickaway County Historical and Genealogical Library, Circleville, Ohio. Eugene C. Barker)
Tuesday, June 23, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Wednesday, June 24, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. The 87th Ill left here for Vicksburg
Thursday, June 25, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Friday, June 26, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Saturday June 27, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Sunday, June 28, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. 32nd Ill came here to camp in afternoon
Monday, June 29, 1863
Nothing doing in camp Wrote a letter
Tuesday, June 30, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Writing Home
July 1863
Wednesday, July 1, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Thursday, July 2, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. Went foraging in afternoon to get food for the A company
Friday, July 3, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Saturday, July 4, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. Vicksburg surrendered at 10 oclock
A.M. after a siege of 46 days
Sunday, July 5, 1863
Nothing doing in camp. Preaching at headquarters at 10 oclock
Monday, July 6, 1863
Nothing doing in camp Wrote a letter to father. Having storms
in evening
Tuesday, July 7, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Wednesday, July 8, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Thursday, July 9, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Friday, July 10, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Saturday, July 11, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Sunday, July 12, 1863
Preaching at 10 oclock A.M.
Monday, July 13, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Tuesday, July 14, 1863
114th Regt went on board the Steamer Omaha in the morning for Vicksburg. Landed at Vicksburg at 10 oclock A.M. Went on shore in evening and went into camp close to the city
Wednesday, July 15, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Thursday, July 16, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Friday, July 17, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Saturday, July 18, 1863
We received two months pay
Sunday, July 19, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Monday, July 20, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Tuesday, July 21, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Wednesday, July 22, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Thursday, July 23, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Friday, July 24, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Saturday, July 25, 1863
Our Regiment moved down the river about 2 miles to camp
with our Division
Sunday, July 26, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Monday, July 27, 1863
Nothing in camp except cleaning off camp ground
Tuesday, July 28, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Wednesday, July 29, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Thursday, July 30, 1863
I left camp near Vicksburg at 10 oclock A.M. on furlough.
I went on board the Steamer Ben Franklin at 11 oclock
She started out at 2 oclock
Friday, July 31, 1863
The boat moved along slowly all day being heavy loaded
Battle Cry
August 1863
Saturday, August 1, 1863
The boat moving along slowly
Sunday, August 2, 1863
Landed at Memphis at 11 oclock A.M. Left Memphis at 5 P.M.
on board ths Steamer Comercial
Monday, August 3, 1863
The boat moving slowly all day
Tuesday. August 4, 1863
Landed at Cairo 6 A.M. Started for Cincincinati on the cars at 2 0clock P.M. (Ed. Note: Cincinnati, Ohio)
Wednesday, August 5, 1863
Arrived at Cincinati at 9 oclock A.M. left at 6 oclock P.M.
Staid in Morrow Town all night
Thursday, August 6, 1863
Left Morrow town at 8 oclock A.M. arrived at Circleville at 11A.M. Went to C. Hoovers in evening staid all night (Ed. Note:Circleville, Ohio)
Friday, August 7, 1863
Went up home in the morning
Saturday, August 8, 1863
Went to Henry Noeckers in afternoon
Sunday, August 9, 1863
Went to meeting at St Pauls. Went to L Bannings in afternoon
(ed. Note: St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church)
Monday, August 10, 1863
Went to Jacob Baums and staid all night
Tuesday, August 11, 1863 to Sunday, October 18, 1863
(pages are missing from the diary.)
October 1863
Monday, October 19, 1863
Went to Circleville and to Bloomfield
(Ed. Note: S. Bloomfield, Ohio)
Tuesday, October 20, 1863
Went to Columbus to the Seminary Hospital
Wednesday, October 21, 1863
Went from Columbus to Cincincinati (Ed. Note: Columbus, Ohio)
Thursday, October 22, 1863
Staid in the Barrack at Cincincinati all day
Friday, October 23, 1863
Staid in the Barrack all day
Saturday, October 24, 1863
Went from Cincincinati to Louisville, Ky
Sunday, October 25, 1863
Staid in the Barracks at Louisville all day
Monday, October 26, 1863
Staid in the Barracks until evening and then went to New
Albany and took the cars for Cairo, Ill (Ed. Note: New Albany, Ind.)
Tuesday, October 27, 1863
Arrived at Cairo at 5 oclock P.M.
Wednesday, October 28, 1863
Staid in Cairo all day. Went on board the Mary Forsythe in the eveving
Thursday, October 29, 1863
Left Cairo at 11 oclock A.M. for Memphis, Tenn
Friday, October 30, 1863
Arrived at Memphis at 11 oclock P.M.
Saturday, October 31, 1863
Went to the Soldiers home in the morning. Went to Ft Pickens
in afternoon
November 1863
Sunday, November 1, 1863
Staid in the Fort all day
Monday, November 2, 1863
Staid in the Ft all day
Tuesday, November 3, 1863
Staid in the Fort all day
Wednesday, November 4, 1863
Left the Fort in the afternoon and went on board the Steamer
Arago for Vicksburg
Fort Pickering, Memphis Tenn
Nov the 4th/63
J. A. Roof
Dear Father
I wrote you a letter on last Thursday from Cairo Ill. in which I tried to give you a histroy of my trip from Columbus to that place. Just after I had mailed my letter I met Colonel Cradlebaugh and Maj. Lynch who informed me that they had both resigned and wer on their way home. I told the Maj. how I had been treated by those Scoundrills at Columbus. He said that it would all be right with me when I got to the Regt. I was sorry to hear that the Col and Maj had resigned especialy the Maj who had pledged his word never to leave the boys who would enlist in his Company but such is wara person may enlist under good officers when he first starts out but he does not know who he will be under in Six months. I left Cairo last Thursday in company with quite a number of boys going South. We landed at Memphis on Saturday morning and went to the Soldiers home where we got our breakfast and then we had to come in to the Fort here to report for transportation and have been kept here waiting for our transportation. We expect to leave here this afternoon for Vicksburg where we shall have to stop and repot for transportation to New Orleans where I expect we shall be stoped until our Regiments return from Texas. As I understand that Gen. Banks has issued an order to that effect. As it is not very safe for men to be traveling in Squads from New Orleans to Texas. So you see it is very uncertain when I will get to my Regt. My health is very good at this time excep for a bad cold. We get plenty to eat here in the Fort but we have to lay on the hard ground in tents. The weather is warm and pleasant in the day time but the nights are quite cool and frosty. There is quite a number of men here in the Fort waiting transportation to their respective Regiments. I have met several men here who belong to my Regt and some three or four who belong to Co A but I do not know that any of them will be sent along with me. I believe that I have nothing further of importance to write. Remember me to all the friends.
May God in his kind and overruling providence be with you all and that to bless you is the daily prayer of your affectionate Son
Martin L. Roof
P.S.
Major Lynch informed me that the 114th and 16th Ohio had been consolidated. I should like very much to hear from you but I do not know at present where to have you direct a letter so that I would get it. I will write soon again if nothing hapens.
M. L. Roof
Thursday, November 5, 1863
Left Memphis at 7 oclock A.M.
Friday, November 6, 1863
Arrived at Helena at 10 oclock A.M. (Ed. Note: Helena, Ark.)
Saturday, November 7, 1863
Left Helena at 7 0clock
Sunday, November 8, 1863
Moved on down the river slowly
Monday, November 9, 1863
Moved on down the river slowly
Tuesday, November 10, 1863
Arrived at Vicksburg at 6 oclock P.M.
Wednesday, November 11, 1863
Went to the Soldiers home
Thursday, November 12, 1863
Staid at the Soldiers home all day
Friday, November 13, 1863
Staid at the Soldiers home. Went out to the cemetary in
afternoon
Saturday, November 14, 1863
Staid about the Soldiers home all day
Sunday, November 15, 1863
Went to meeting in the forenoon
Monday, November 16, 1863
Went on board the SteamerEmerald bound for New Orleans
left Vicks at 6 P.M.
Tuesday, November 17, 1863
Landed at Natceze at 4 oclock P.M. (Ed. Note: Natchez, Mississippi)
Wednesday, November 18, 1863
Landed at Batton Rouge at 4
oclock P.M. (Ed. Note: Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Thursday, November 19, 1863
Arrived at New Orleans at 11 oclock A.M. went to the Louisiana Cotton fest in afternoon
Friday, November 20, 1863
Wrote a letter to father in afternoon
Saturday, November 21, 1863
Went out into the city in afternoon
Sunday, November 22, 1863
Went over to Algiers in the morning and got with the Regt
(Ed. Note: Algiers, LA.)
Monday, November 23, 1863
Went out on fatigue duty in the morning. Wrote a letter to my
Father in afternoon
Tuesday, November 24, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Wednesday, November 25, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Thursday, November 26, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Friday, November 27, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Saturday, November 28, 1863
Nothing doing in camp wrote a letter to father in morning
Sunday, November 29, 1863
114th Ohio went on board the Ocean Steamer E. L. Clark for
Texasin the morning. Steamerleft Algiers at 11 oclock P.M.
Monday, November 30, 1863
Struck the Gulf at 7 oclock A.M.
Shovellers
December 1863
Tuesday, December 1, 1863
Steamer moved along briskly all day without interruption
Wednesday, December 2, 1863
Landed at Mattagarda Bay,Texasat 8 oclock P.M. and went ashore
(Ed. Note: Matagorda Bay, TX)
Thursday, December 3, 1863
Put up our tents
Friday, December 4, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Decrows Point, Texas
Dec 4th/63
Mrs. E. C. Baum
Dear Sister
It is not because I have forgoten you that I have failed to write before this. I have writen several letters to father since I left home and I supose that you have heard from me through him. I wrote to him on last Saturday. We were then at Algiers, La. oposite the City of New Orleans. On Sunday morning we went on board the ocean steamer E. L. Clark. We wer three days and two nights crossing the Gulf of Mexico. We got along without any bad luck except that we wer all sea sick for a while. The water was very rough part of the time. As for my part I was very sick for two days while on the ship and I have not got over it yet. We landed here on Wednesday evening about 8 oclock. We are in camp right on the Beach. There is no troops here except our Brigad. It is very uncertain how long we shall stay here. I expect that we shall soon move back into the country where we will have some fighting to do. The country is all open Parrarie as far as the eye can see. The weather is quite warm and pleasant at this time. I wish that I could send you some of the beautiful and curious sea shells which lay along the beach by wagon loads. I have gathered some very prety shells but I expect that I shall have to throw them away again. I am very anxious to hear from home for I have been on the way so long and have writen several letters but have not heard a word from home since I left. I hope that you will not fail to write soon and give me all the news. Remember me to all the friends. May God in his kind and overuling providence be with you all and that to bless you is the daily prayer of your affectionate brother.
Martin L. Roof
P.S.
Please hand this letter to Sister Ann when you have read it and tell her that I will try and write to her soon.
I hope that you will not fail to remember me in your prayers.
Direct you letters to
Co A 114th O.V.I.
3rd Brigade First Division
13th Army Corps
Via New Orleans
to follow the Regt.
Saturday, December 5, 1863
Company and Battallion drill. Wrote a letter
Sunday, December 6, 1863
I went out on Picket guard
Monday, December 7, 1863
Came in off Picket in forenoon. Wrote a letter to Father in afternoon
Tuesday, December 8, 1863
Inspection of quarters in forenoon . Battallion drill and
dress parade in afternoon
Wednesday, December 9, 1863
Company drill in forenoon. Battallion drill and dress
parade in evening
Thursday, December 10, 1863
Company drill in forenoon. Battallion drill and dress
parade in afternoon
Friday, December 11, 1863
No drill
Saturday, December 12, 1863
I was on duty at the Brigade Commissary
Sunday, December 13, 1863
No drill Preaching at 10 oclock A.M.
Monday, December 14, 1863
No drill nothing doing in camp
Tuesday, December 15, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Wednesday, December 16, 1863
Company drill in forenoon
Thursday, December 17, 1863
Battallion drill in afternoon
Friday, December 18, 1863
Company drill in forenoon
Saturday, December 19, 1863
Battallion drill in afternoon
Sunday, December 20, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Monday, December 21, 1863
Company and Battallion drill
Tuesday, December 22, 1863
Company and Battallion drill
Wednesday, December 23, 1863
Company and Battallion drill
Thursday, December 24, 1863
Company and Battallion drill
Friday, December 25, 1863
Company and Battallion drill
Saturday, December 26, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Sunday, December 27, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Monday, December 28, 1863
Company drills in forenoon Battallion drills in afternoon
Tuesday, December 29, 1863
Company and Battallion drill
Wednesday, December 30, 1863
Nothing doing in camp
Thursday, December 31, 1863
Nothing doing in camp very stormy, cold. This morning we
were mustered for pay
Sutlers
