DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1863

Transcribe
Translate

1863-02-04

Wed. 4  Took a good view of the island it is about ¾ mile square, its fortifications have been destroyed, and guns (over 80) spiked and caissons dismantled, by the order of Gen. Davies, for fear a half dozen guerrillas would attempt to take the place.  There are now two companies of the 15th Wis. stationed there.  Gen. Asboth examined the forts today and is adopting measures to have things put in proper shape, and to remedy as much as in his power the mistake committed by Gen. Davies.  About 12. M. I received orders to pack up and place my company on board the boat O’Brien, for Cairo.  We had our bagage on board the boat and the men ready to go on, when I was ordered to take my Company bagage off and wait for the next boat.  This caused much grumbling among the men.  Co. B & K went on the boat.  I soon hailed another boat the Grey Fox, which took my Company alone on board.  This boat had to tow the O’Brien to Columbus where we laid by

Saving...

Wed. 4 Took a good view of the island it is about ¾ mile square, its fortifications have been destroyed, and guns (over 80) spiked and caissons dismantled, by the order of Gen. Davies, for fear a half dozen guerrillas would attempt to take the place. There are now two companies of the 15th Wis. stationed there. Gen. Asboth examined the forts today and is adopting measures to have things put in proper shape, and to remedy as much as in his power the mistake committed by Gen. Davies. About 12. M. I received orders to pack up and place my company on board the boat O’Brien, for Cairo. We had our bagage on board the boat and the men ready to go on, when I was ordered to take my Company bagage off and wait for the next boat. This caused much grumbling among the men. Co. B & K went on the boat. I soon hailed another boat the Grey Fox, which took my Company alone on board. This boat had to tow the O’Brien to Columbus where we laid by