DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1864

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1864-01-18

Monday 18  We had inspection of the companies here.  The men did not make as good an appearance as they should, yet I thought they did as well as can be expected after such a horrible tramp as we had last night.  Even today it is snowing and the wind is blowing a perfect gale, so that every one looks to his comfort more that he does to his appearance.  Most of the men are comfortably situated in good quarters.  Co. E. made the best appearance and also had their quarters in the best condition of any co. in this command.  This is the Irish co. that cuts up dreadfully when they have whiskey, when they are without it they make good soldiers.  The cars are running frequently during the day carrying materials of war, towards Memphis.  The report is in circulation that this Rail Road will soon be abandoned by our troops, and a grand movement is to be undertaken from Memphis towards the rebel stronghold Mobile.  Some predict that we will remain at this place but a very few days.  General Sherman is reported at Memphis organizing the expedition.  The citizens continue to come here, complaining of the guerrillas, who are very numerous in this part of the country, they rob whatever they can and threaten the people very much.  North of here the citizens were going to hang a few guerrillas but were threatened with retaliation if they did so, and therefore permitted them to escape.  The guerrillas have now levied a tax on the citizens, if not paid, they will kill them.

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Monday 18 We had inspection of the companies here. The men did not make as good an appearance as they should, yet I thought they did as well as can be expected after such a horrible tramp as we had last night. Even today it is snowing and the wind is blowing a perfect gale, so that every one looks to his comfort more that he does to his appearance. Most of the men are comfortably situated in good quarters. Co. E. made the best appearance and also had their quarters in the best condition of any co. in this command. This is the Irish co. that cuts up dreadfully when they have whiskey, when they are without it they make good soldiers. The cars are running frequently during the day carrying materials of war, towards Memphis. The report is in circulation that this Rail Road will soon be abandoned by our troops, and a grand movement is to be undertaken from Memphis towards the rebel stronghold Mobile. Some predict that we will remain at this place but a very few days. General Sherman is reported at Memphis organizing the expedition. The citizens continue to come here, complaining of the guerrillas, who are very numerous in this part of the country, they rob whatever they can and threaten the people very much. North of here the citizens were going to hang a few guerrillas but were threatened with retaliation if they did so, and therefore permitted them to escape. The guerrillas have now levied a tax on the citizens, if not paid, they will kill them.