Jacob Abraham
Saville and the Red River Campaign
April A.D. 1864
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The following is an account by Kevin Saville of the Red River II campaign of 1999. Saville used "Jacob Abraham Saville" as a persona name for Civil War reenacting.
Kevin Saville's great-great-grandfather was Jacob Abraham Saville, born January 17, 1841 in Rockbridge County, Virginia. J.A.S. served in Companies E & G, 63rd Army of Tennessee (C.S.A.) from May 4,1862 until December 2, 1863 when he deserted and went north to Ohio, Illinois, and finally to Ringgold County, Iowa where he lived the rest of his life.
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Pvt. J. A.
Saville
35th Iowa Volunteer Infantry Co. G
Muscatine County, Iowa
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J. A. S.
Born January 17, 1841, in Rockbridge County, Virginia
Immigrated to Muscatine County, Iowa, in 1856
Send personal effects to father and mother:
John A. and Sarah P. Saville,
Muscatine County, Iowa
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Day 1. Saturday.
I got up at 4:30 a.m. Cooked breakfast of oats and grits for pard
Karsten Almskaar and me. Departed for Shreveport railway station
by wagon at 6:45. This was to catch train to Pleasant Hill at
7:00. Train didn't arrive until 11:30. Played cards (poker and
hearts) until the locomotive was in sight. It was very crowded.
Arriving in Pleasant Hill, I debated for the last time whether to
take some articles along on the campaign. Decided to go lighter
and miss them than take them along. We then met some of the boys
and lounged around in the shade of a big tree. Karsten and I had
our image made in front of the other troops. Met more folks. Met
Col. Dom Dal Bello, a very nice gentleman. Also met Steve Florman
and Doug Dobbs who planned to coordinate a church service. Got
the hymnals I brought along stashed in an ammunition box. Have
packed away eight more of Root's latest song books to sell or
give away. Karsten and I worked on new song verses. I went and
saw the Welcher's shebang. Had to hurry back at Karsten's signal
as Co. G was forming up. Loaded up in a wagon and were
transported approximately five miles where we established our
first night's camp.
Got first roll call off and broke up into mess groups. Got camp
made and gathered firewood. Got cartridges delivered to
ammunition boxes. There was high praise for Karsten's and mine.
Met all of my messmates for the campaign, in addition to Karsten
Almskaar:
Cpl. Steven Mahaney, Somerset, New Jersey.
Pvt. Joe Allison, Yreka, California.
Pvt. Bryan Duncan, Edgewood, California.
Got rations after Karsten made fire. They included:
Per man: one large Irish potato, one large carrot, one onion,
three pieces hardtack, one small loaf bread, large handful of
goober peas, one chunk (1/2 to 1 pt.) spiced meat, frozen
Per mess: one sugar cone, one bag (1 pt.) grits, 1 large bag (3
pts.) coffee, 1 chunk (3/4 lb.) bacon, one large bag parched
corn.
In the evening, we fried bacon then sliced and fried spuds and
onions. Cooked most salt beef. Cleaned up and turned in before
most. Beautiful warm evening. We were located along a fence line
with overhanging trees. All blankets were lined up along tree
line. A gent down the line a ways read bedtime stories to us
about a Russian princess. They brought delight to all.
Day 2. Sunday.
I awoke and watched for signs (since it was well before dawn) as
we did not know what time it was. I at last signaled Karsten and
he made fire. I cooked potatoes and onions and meat in frying pan
with water and grits in Karsten's cup. Beans Karsten had brought
had soaked overnight in mucket. With his little hot fire,
everything cooked up well. Hit the trench after breakfast and
cleaned teeth. Pink sunrise...some clouds but mostly clear and
beautiful. About 55-60 degrees was the coldest it got overnight.
Got ready well in advance of most. Had heard night before that
we'd leave shortly after reveille at 6:00. However, there was no
reveille. They decided later to have quiet time until 6:00,
reveille at 6:30, and take off at 8:00. We shall see. We left
with no drill or nothing.
By the time we departed after 9:00, it was getting hot. Oh--we
had a bit of humor before we took off. The officers stood around
at officer's call for a long long while, so us privates formed a
private's call as well. Then we had a monkey gig--a very good ape
impression by Pvt. Ben Noga that had us in stitches. He had to
carry a log around the camp perimeter earlier for some misdeed.
Back on the trail. We took off at a fast pace on a gravel road.
It got the boys into this campaign in a hurry. I think we started
out resting more than the planned 15 minutes per hour as men were
having problems. We marched about 8-9 miles in total over the
next 5-6 hours. Got to our destination late in the afternoon. We
were to settle in the trees so we took off our traps. However, we
found the area full of poison ivy so headed across the road to a
pasture where the cavalry had already settled. After another
move, we got settled for the evening. Karsten and I got well
under the trees (oaks) to stay out of the morning dew. We got our
rations and cooked supper. They included: Per man, an onion and
good sized sweet potato; 1/4 lb. cheese, apple, 3 pieces
hardtack, a small loaf of soft bread, five dried apricots, and
three pieces white chocolate. Per mess, we got a chunk of bacon
and a 1" (very meager) piece of sausage. Their hardtack was
skinny which reduced its volume but made it easier to break.
Karsten liked his tack fried in bacon grease. I thought it was
o.k. that way but also liked to eat it at dinner time with the
cheese. In the frying pan I broke up some hardtack with the
onions and sausage. Fried the bacon, then hardtack. This night I
cooked for the five of us...last night I just cooked for Karsten
and myself.
After we supped, we sang some songs and I sold one book to
messmate Bryan. It was a beautiful evening; warm and clear.
Day 3. Monday.
It was clear and cooler this morn. Slept on my haunches as it
cooled toward dawn, like I'd seen Karsten do to stay warm. After
a while I toppled over on my side and was warm and snug as a
baby. Made trip to sink by candlelight before dawn. Some poor
fellow had left his canteen there, presumably in the night
darkness. I propped it up for all to view. Karsten reported it
still there later in the morning. Cooked grits and cornmeal with
some sugar cone in it for breakfast. Threw sweet potatoes in the
coals. They turned out good.
We were to have started off at 8:00 but it was after 9:00 as the
cavalry were not ready. They had a bit too much to drink last
night...like a hogshead of beer and four gallons of Jimmy Bean
"with more on the way for this night" one reported. So
we finally headed out with frequent derision in the cavalry's
direction. One was nicknamed "Gerber" due to his small
pudgy form and pubescent features. After a while our officers
began to warn us we'd better say nice things about the cavalry.
So nice things they heard. So very flowery nice and mushy it was
disgusting.
We went about four miles with frequent long rest breaks. The day
warmed up and the air got thick enough to slice and serve on a
platter...or nearly so. Company G got to be the skirmishers
and/or advance guard...name as you wish since we were on a narrow
road with thick undergrowth on both sides. They challenged a
couple of horsemen but that was about it. We reached the village
of Pleasant Hill and engaged the Rebel army for the first time.
After a few volleys, they retreated in the woods.
We advanced on the refugee camp and pillaged the community, much
to the dismay of the inhabitants. I spied beeswax candles in Mrs.
Welcher's shebang and helped myself to one after she consented.
She also gave me water from the well which tasted mighty good.
Sasparilla was had from one of the sutlers...it was even better
than the water. Filled up my mucket, right kind folks they were.
Another Yank peeked in a dutch oven and found a good stash of
sweet potatoes all cooked and ready to eat. I was the second to
help myself to one of them. A pot of sweet brown syrup was on the
table; dipped the potato in that for a great treat. Some of the
boys dug up a grave and found someone's silver service. Karsten
thought grave robbing was going too far and tried to break them
up but he was threatened with arrest by their officer. I was
going to support his Christian stance but he managed to run off
when they weren't looking so all was well. Threats were made to
burn the whole village down. However, the boys seemed to loose
some of their spunk and settled down for the evening even though
it was barely midafternoon. I made some images with my camera
pulled from its hiding place. Also visited Mrs. Welcher once
again. Had a right nice conversation with a local lady who told
me all about the Bourbon Street "ladies" in 'Nawlins.
Such is life in Pleasant Hill.
Oh, we had mail call, too. I got a right fine letter from my
sweet Mary Emma. And a nice card from Mrs. Russell and Miss
Sarah. Another one from that disillusioned gent, the German
immigrant Karl Schreiber back home, who wrote about how grand the
price of corn was, among other things. He claimed my wife had run
off with another man and was up on murder charges for killing
that man's wife. I think he's mixed up. Can't see how he can keep
a newspaper in circulation. A school boy also wrote rather
despondently.
I was assigned to assist with rations. Went over when they issued
them to all the companies. Ours got food for 36. The mess
consisted of : Per man, one 8-10 oz. piece of spiced and salted
meat, not sure of origin; one onion, an apple, three pieces of
hardtack, and a small loaf of soft bread. Per mess we were
entitled to about 2-3 lbs. ham, 2 lbs. bacon, one small bag of
split dried peas, a small bag of grits and raisins, large bag of
parched corn, and a head of cabbage. I then divided most of it
between the men and got more from a mess of three since we're a
mess of five. Finally got it all cooked--made salt meat, pea, and
onion soup. Fried bacon and heated ham. Cut cabbage with soup and
ham. Fried hardtack but it wasn't real good as we had a common
fire and it was hard to cook over. Karsten makes much better
small fires.
Ate rations as fast as possible as church service was at 7:00 and
I had no idea how close that time was. I've been without a time
piece this entire campaign and have tired of asking others. I
needed to get to service early as I lead the singing of hymns.
Had to hit the sink first which seemed amusing to some for some
reason. They didn't really know how bad I had to go. Cpl. Steve
Florman of Co. B lead the service with passages from the Bible
and an inspirational sermon. Pvt. Doug Dobbs of Co. G also read
scriptures. I lead in the singing of Old 100, Nearer My God To
Thee, and How Firm a Foundation. These were taken from 100 copies
of a small paper hymnal I had supplied and issued to the
congregation. After church, I cleaned my musket by rinsing out
with hot water and swabbing three times. Karsten preferred to
break the powder residues with his urine and then some hot water.
I assessed my haversack as we were told to pack 100 rounds for
the next 2-3 days. There would be no more wagons or ambulances on
the trail. I pulled out and tossed my aspirin supply, gauze box,
and extra poke bags. Decided I'd cut back on rations to be
carried tomorrow. Turned in to bed at sometime that eve but don't
know. Another important event was Deutch boy Manuel Gosch went to
village to court a girl. He got lots of advice prior to departure
and returned empty handed.
Day 4. Tuesday.
Got up a bit later today. It was daylight and more people were
stirring. Slept pretty well until near dawn when it was a bit
cooler. Slept on haunches then and was warm. A mostly clear morn
greeted us. I thought I may have heard rain but decided it was a
bug knawing away at something under my poncho. So I got up, drank
water, and made a trip to the sink. Heard reveille while there so
assumed it was near 6:30. Got back and put water on for
breakfast. Some others had already got the fire going. Roll call
time. Lost four in Co. G due to sickness overnight. That included
two in our mess: Pvts. Allison and Duncan. One of the others was
a corporal.
Breakfast consisted of corn meal, grits, sugar, raisins, ham, and
a tablespoon of choice honey. Used my mucket and the Cpl.
Mahaney's. Didn't cook much after adding stuff to the hot water
but it turned out o.k. Spooned out some to Steve; Karsten ate the
rest in Steve's mucket. I ate from my mucket and gave Karsten the
rest. Got plenty without our other messmates to assist. Cleaned
teeth and got packed up. We did get moving earlier than in days
past but it was still later than what some of us would have
liked. I should say Karsten and I did manage to seek shelter
under the trees at the end of our company street once again. Our
corporal bunked on the other side of Karsten. There was a deep
ravine right behind us and the village was across a field from
us.
So we took off. Marched at a pretty good clip into the hills on
dirt roads. Found the Confederate army and had to push them up
the road. Fired by company with the front companies laying down
as the rear companies fired. It was heavy for a while but we
managed to drive them back. The day grew very warm. We hit a real
wet spot...lots of mud and warnings of snakes. Passed Confederate
knapsacks that had been hauled by wagon. Some boys reorganized
them to spell various orders. Found a pretty purple towel and
insecticide bottle to accentuate one pack top. I located a shovel
and road apples to pretty up the towel. Col. Dal Bello thought
that was excessive so I shook them off. Hopefully it carried some
fragrance back to its rightful owner.
On down the road, about noon, we hit the water wagon. A young lad
was overheated so quick measures were taken--stripped, watered,
and head lowered while flat on ground. He recovered sufficiently
for a ride back to the village on the wagon. His attendant, a
loud paramedic, seemed to compete with the surgeon for
responsibility over his well-being. A talk with the colonel
improved that situation. I gained much respect for the surgeon
and his trauma nurse background as the event progressed. The
situation put everyone on edge to drink canteens full of water.
We hit some steep hills with full sun after that. Karsten and I
sang some songs in an effort to lift the spirits but it wasn't
much appreciated. We hit another water stop with a big tree which
we sat under. That stop allowed me to get caught up on this here
journal. Dinner at this point consisted of bread crumbs (from my
broken loaf), apple, parched corn, raisins, chocolate (last three
combined), and goobers. Have about eaten all of that stuff up.
Took off after a spell. Had a quiet march to next camp. Turned
onto a road in woods and waited. Co. G was assigned to skirmish.
I was on point with some of the others. We led the way down dirt
trail where we stopped. It was a twisty trail, surrounded by
pines, vines, and bushes. Lots of thorny stuff, ants, etc. Big
beetles around us as well. We finally, after over half an hour of
waiting, got orders to make camp right there. Skirmishers,
consisting of Company G, were at far end. We put our blankets to
one side of the trail with a walkway on one side. I said I didn't
want to obstruct lane excessively so we put blankets parallel to
the length of the trail. A water wagon was stationed at the entry
to this lane.
After a while, rations were issued. Per mess, they consisted of
approx. two pounds bacon, two pounds stew beef, two to three
pounds cheddar cheese, and a bag of cornmeal. Per man, we were
issued three pieces of hardtack, one small loaf soft bread, about
ten dried apricots, ten pieces licorice (which was very good), an
apple, onion, potato, and carrot. I dispositioned food for the
three of us (Cpl. Mahaney, Pvt. Almskaar, and myself). We fried
beef in frying pan and put my mucket and Cpl. Mahaney's on the
fire with spuds and onions. One large potato was retained to bake
in the fire. Bacon was sliced and fried as well. We ate all of
that grub up and kept the rest for the morrow. In order to avoid
cooking then, I put the mucket on with corn meal, leftover
raisins from Karsten and I, and some sugar cone to eat for
breakfast. Our German immigrant boy, Manuel, is now in the color
guard. He came over and joined Karsten, Steve, and I for a smoke
of Steve's tobacco. I abstained without tobacco or pipe or
interest.
Day 5. Wednesday.
Last night, we (our mess group) were assigned picket duty at camp
entrance. Manuel wanted to join us so the four of us went on duty
at midnight and stayed until 2 a.m. Cpl. Mahaney really had to
shake me to wake me. Karsten went back to sleep until a second
wakeup shake from the Cpl. Three horses were picketed at the
entrance. I liked listening to the night sounds and paying
attention to the horses' senses. The time went by quickly as we
watched the candle at our feet flicker and burn ever lower. Three
of us were allowed to sit while one stood. Anyone approaching was
allowed to leave camp but anyone entering was challenged with
"Halt, who goes there?" to ascertain if friend or foe.
Then came "state your business" and "what is the
countersign?" That night it was "dragoon." It
changed every night and sometimes I couldn't remember it very
well. It was, all in all, a quiet night. Turned over guard at 2
a.m. and headed to bed. It clouded up and warmed by morn. I
decided to improve mobility and ventilation for the remainder of
the campaign by removing drawers before retiring.
Slept half heartedly until around 6:00 a.m. Got the shovel and
went for a walk. The woods were full of thickets, to say the
least. Reveille sounded while I was out. Got back and ate corn
mush breakfast with Karsten and Steve. Got packed up and headed
out around 8:30. Marched and marched on dirt roads all morning.
It began to rain and the wind blew. Lightning flashed and thunder
sounded. It was quite the messy day. Very warm and the air thick
as could be. We headed into thickly forested country and through
muddy bogs. It was very muddy but we managed to keep our feet dry
if we hopped from one hole to another quickly. The clay in this
area soaks up the water and doesn't allow it to flow into shoes
unless in a real wet puddle. Went single file for a distance
around the puddles.
They gave us ample breaks. Nary a sign of rebels in the forest.
Sold three song books at one stop to "Weasel" and two
others. They had one line to "The Girl I Left Behind
Me" that I was missing. Weasel made a table of himself with
candelabra for the young Lt. he's been attempting to impress of
late. That Lt. has been a source of much talk for the troops as
well. Such a pretty and cocky lad is he...generally not well
accepted. We're now sitting here waiting to take off. Dark rain
clouds are threatening but wind continues to blow to some extent.
It rained off and on but not real hard. Wore the ponchos for a
while but agreed with our loud paramedic that we get wetter from
the inside if on the march so decided to curtail its use unless
halted.
We arrived at Sabine Crossroads very weary but in mostly
sunshine. There was a moment's pause at the edge of the
battlefield's woods to reflect on the history of the area. We
then continued on and hit two water wagons. Got watered up and
were told we would be heading into battle directly. That went
over rather poorly as we weren't too ambitious. Tempers flared
and most everyone was in low spirits as the battle progressed.
Karsten found a fire ant hill on the field and jumped about for a
while. I was chastised by one private for being unsafe in the
rear rank. An anachronistic wagon pulled up to the center of the
Confederate line. That really raised the troops' dander. After
that we marched off, found out where camp would be, and settled
in. Karsten and I built a fire between our bunks. It was windy
but clear. As in afternoons past, I dried my cotton shirt on some
bushes and donned my red wool undershirt as the evening
progressed. Socks were rotated as well.
After a spell we received word rations would be issued. I was
chomping at the bit to get food so volunteered to go. Glad I did.
Our corporal reported to sick call and returned to the village.
Our five man mess was now down to Karsten and I. We consequently
got put with two other three-man messes and had to go to them to
get food. Rations for the day consisted of: Per mess: 2 lbs.
bacon, 2 lbs. sausage, bag of grits, bag of raisins, bag of white
chocolate, bag of rice. Per man: approx. 1 lb. spiced meat, 1
loaf soft bread, 3 hardtack, one onion, apple, and ear of corn. I
cooked the onion, spiced meat, and some bacon in my mucket. Also
put some rice in. In Karsten's cup we cooked the balance of the
rice. I ate my soft bread with the evening meal. Cleaned gun with
hot water and three swabs. Karsten cleaned his as before with
urine and water. After supper the Oregon boys got a poker game
going. Karsten joined in it as did Manuel. Wild trading ensued
for candy, believe it or not. I found "Weasel" who is a
good singer and we planned a serenade for Col. Dal Bello Friday
night in Pleasant Hill. I wanted to get to bed as it was
announced we'd be taking off early in the morning. I have no idea
what time but around 10 p.m. I think when I turned in.
Day 6. Thursday.
Got up well before dawn to shake the grates. Heard CSA reveille
while in the process. Got back to camp and Karsten asked if fire
was needed. I said yes and he was glad to build as it was a cold
morn. We then cooked grits with raisins in mucket and I fried
bacon (had extra) and sausage. That was the extent of breakfast.
Reveille sounded prior to breakfast. Got packed up as it was said
we had one hour until pulling out of camp. We departed to engage
the Rebs on Sabine Crossroads battlefield. It went pretty well.
Karsten had asked to be part of the rear guard so I did, too. It
ended up a number of Co. G boys volunteered. We were thus in Co.
G during the battle but were split up immediately at the end of
battle operations and sent to woods to block the exit path once
all Federals were out. As I ran back to join the rear guard, an
officer with the Col. asked if I was deserting. Said "no, in
the rear guard." That satisfied him. So we pulled out lots
of tree branches &tc. and blocked the way. We then took off
on the day's march, ending up in the same camp as the night
before last. Stopped about four times on the way for water.
Rested "dry" another three or four times. It was a nice
day--seemed to threaten rain a while but soon cleared up to be a
beautiful day. It was easier going back, though. Most men were
ready for the day. The weak ones have been cut out.
I was pretty disgruntled with the rear guard boys. Ben Noga
indicated I was always creeping up on the troops and they didn't
like the music, particularly John Brown's Body. I informed them
that piece was written for a soldier from Massachusetts. The wind
died down and it was clear in the eve. Word came out the
temperature might drop to around 30 degrees. Spooning was
recommended. Manuel and I were assigned to picket or guard duty
from 2-4 a.m. Karsten volunteered to go in my place because he
said he wouldn't be able to sleep anyway as cold as it was.
We got rations...per mess: about two pounds of bacon, a chunk of
ham, head of cabbage, bag of corn meal, bag of horehound candy,
two potatoes. Per man, an apple, 3-6 pieces of hardtack, an
onion, and about 1/2 pound of cheddar cheese. The rations are
getting skimpier. I cut all of the ham and bacon up for the
company after going to fetch it. Sgt. Wooster kept very close
track of the rations issued. However, when it came to reporting
numbers to the quartermaster, he usually tried to pad our numbers
and get more feed. I cooked ham, onions, and spuds in the
muckets. Karsten slept quite a while and didn't collect wood so
we mooched fire off of the Oregon boys. Manuel and his pard Brian
ate with us as their other messmate reported for sick call and
returned to the village. I went to clean my gun and had a bad
time...one round fired in afternoon didn't clear the wad from in
the morning. So, had to cap off to blow it out and reclean with
hot water and swabs. It was dark by the time I got done. Karsten
and I went to Weasel's camp and sang songs. We then hung around
the fire with Manuel and later with the surgeon after Manuel
retired. The surgeon enlightened us with information about the
battalion and the Confederate forces. He has every confidence in
the Federal forces. He also commented that my feet were some of
the few he hadn't seen. I gave him my roll of moleskin as I had
no use for it. It was after 11:30 when we retired. I had put
poncho under low branch in a depression. I went to the far side
so Karsten could depart at 2 a.m. for guard duty. Slept back to
back to stay warm under our two blankets. It did indeed get cold.
After Karsten left I began to get cold so was by the fire by 4
a.m. when he and Manuel returned from guard duty. We then slept a
few more hours. The sky was clear and stars bright.
Friday. Day 7.
Woke up in semidarkness to a call from nature. Fires were burning
as many were cold. I started to cook bacon when we heard shots
ringing out. Quite soon it was obvious we were under attack. The
mad dash was on to get packed up. I grabbed a handful of cooked
bacon and packed in about five minutes. We were off in short
order and marched to the road where the water wagons were
located. At that point, our commanders comtempated our situation:
our location had been found by the Rebs. Col. Dal Bello indicated
we'd messed up this time.
After about 15-20 minutes, the Union forces moved out, bound for
Pleasant Hill. Although our departure was hasty and without
breakfast, it was the best time of day to march. It was a
beautiful morn and we were on a narrow dirt road through heavily
wooded hills. Everyone's spirits were good except for those who
missed their morning coffee. The woods reminded me much of the
northwest but with the addition of thorny vines growing on
everything and very brown muddy water. We soon reached a rest
stop that was hit on our foray north--a big tree and "mobile
home" with "water spigots." We rested there and I
ate breakfast of hardtack and cheese...much of it while still in
formation. We then took off and soon hit the low swampy area.
Shots had been heard from this area prior to us reaching it. The
cavalry had engaged rebel skirmishers who continued to press us.
However, we had no choice but to press onward as the whole rebel
army was behind us. We crossed a log bridge that was left intact.
Co. G was sent out to skirmish in swamp. However, no Rebs were
now before us. We soon went to work obstructing the road with
trees and brush. It was quite impassable by the time we were
through. We then marched on and on. Had a couple of water wagon
stops. Just outside of Pleasant Hill, we stopped to allow all to
catch up. Some that were in ambulances got out to walk.
With bayonets fixed, we marched into Pleasant Hill singing the
Battle Hymn of the Republic. There was no contact with rebel
forces. After comments were made by Cols. Dal Bello and Dunfee to
respect the villager's property, etc. we established camp in the
same area as previously occupied. The whole battalion also
apologized to a lady refugee whose daughter was exposed to a man
urinating at the sink. It was still quite early in the afternoon
but we were without breakfast and dinner except for crackers and
cheese so I went to work cooking cornmeal and frying bacon. Found
a fire in camp near which Mrs. Welcher was sitting. She and
others welcomed me to cook there so I did so...bacon in fry pan
and two muckets of corn mush. I shared that grub with messmates
Karsten, Manuel, and Brian. We then looked about the village. I
decided to buy a couple of pipes and tobacco and try smoking.
Manuel, Karsten, and Brian all instructed me in the art of
smoking a pipe. I found the routine difficult but finally managed
to do it except for blowing the smoke out of my nose. Manuel was
a patient instructor; Karsten was amazed that I could make it so
difficult. Brian had some excellent tobacco which he shared with
us.
We were issued rations for the last time: bacon, spiced meat of
unknown origin, hardtack, bread, cheese, chocolate, raisins, corn
meal, apple, Irish potatoes. Not quite as extensive as before.
Our corporal, Steve Mahaney, was back with us again. He foraged
at the dogtrot house and brought back corn, cabbage, and more
bacon. So, I cooked supper of potatoes, onions, corn, and sliced
spiced meat (in muckets) and fried spiced meat, onions, etc. in
frying pan. Since I didn't fire a shot and the arms were stacked,
I didn't clean my gun. Sometime in the early evening a group of
us, including Weasel, Manuel, Karsten, and me, made a trip over
to where the Colonel and staff were dining. We at once started in
a rendition of "Just Before the Battle, Mother" which
was well admired by all in attendance. Well after it was dark, we
sang quite a few songs with Weasel's group. Manuel was ecstatic
as Col. Dal Bello promoted him to corporal for having picked up
the colors in the prior day's battle. Manuel was presented
corporal stripes and I pinned them on him. He then sewed them on
himself in short order. We had a good singing crew; selections
from the Bawdy Songster and Root's Bugle Call were enjoyed this
evening as in the past. After that we retired to our bunks. There
was much talk about keeping warm as it remained clear and cold.
Karsten and I were snug on top of my poncho with our blankets
over us and his poncho on top. From my head to my toes, a
stocking hat, two shirts, blouse, wool trowsers, and one outer
pair of wool socks also helped keep the heat in.
Day 8. Saturday.
I slept in a while longer, 'til well after the first morning
light. I don't believe reveille sounded this morn. Got to cooking
breakfast. Gunfire was heard in the distance and we knew the rebs
were on the move. I wanted to get breakfast eaten so fried bacon
and spiced meat in pan over the Oregon boys' fire. Boiled corn
mush in two muckets. Added Karsten's raisins and baking powder to
mush. Steve, Karsten, and I ate most all of it up. Brian and
Manuel had some of their bacon which I cooked as well. I did
dishes at spigot and delivered camera to Mrs. Welcher as I knew
not how soon we would move. I was right...as the firing
intensified, we packed up camp and moved to the far edge of open
field adjacent to the village. There we took off our traps and
feverishly went to work digging a trench and constructing a
breastworks approximately 100 feet long. It was a first rate job
I thought. The clay soil was easy digging and picking and there
were no rocks. I departed and retrieved camera from Mrs. Welcher
and bid farewell and fond wishes to her. They were expecting to
flee at any time.
I returned to the troops at the earthworks with a gunny sack half
full of licorice, raisins, and dried apricots relinquished by the
commissary. The boys thought that was first rate. We lounged most
of the afternoon and the cavalry attacked at around 3 p.m. The
rebel infantry advanced after 4 p.m. but they stopped before
reaching our earthworks. We thus advanced and drove them off the
field in retreat. With that work done, we dumped our extra
ammunition and departed for the railroad station.
The End of Journal
This has been a journal detailing the Red River II Campaign reenactment held between Mansfield and Shreveport, Louisiana, between Saturday, April 10, 1999, and Saturday, April 17, 1999.
Copyright 1999 by Kevin R. Saville. All rights reserved.
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Clothing and Equipment Carried by Kevin Saville Through Red River II.
Clothing
Worn by Day
Black slouch hat, white cotton shirt, J.T. Martin blouse, kersey
trowsers with braces, silk sock liners, period issue wool socks,
natural wool hiking socks, and brogans. Pockets contained small
knife, Root's Bugle Call song book, and cotton earplugs.
Arms and Equipment
1861 Springfield musket with sling, Federal issue cartridge box
with strap, belt with bayonet scabbard and cap box, smooth side
canteen, haversack (detailed below), and bedroll (detailed
below).
Haversack Contents
Cap tins containing baking soda (tooth powder), soap, and pills;
gun cleaning kit containing patches, extractor, extra nipple,
nipple pick, nipple wrench, brush, and combination wrench;
utility kit containing knife, spoon, fork, tooth brush, comb,
spectacle case, and pencil; housewife containing buttons, thread,
needles, and mirror; leather satchel containing pencil, journal,
song books, wallet, paper, envelopes, and stamps; leather pouch
containing moleskin, camera, and other supplies; leather toilet
paper bag; frying pan in leather bag; lid for mucket; wash cloth;
extra poke bags and leather grease bag; extra leather straps and
laces; tobacco and pipe. Dinner (noontime) rations and cartridges
(up to 70 rounds) were also carried in haversack.
Bedroll Contents
Chiefly consisted of Federal issue poncho and wool blanket.
Inside were rolled wool stocking hat, red wool night shirt, linen
towel, two extra pairs silk lining socks, two extra pairs period
issue wool socks, and two extra pairs natural wool hiking socks.
Note: Only two sets (silk liner, inner wool, and outer wool)
socks were utilized; one set remained in reserve and unused.
Bedroll ends were tied off with a heavy leather lace to which
mucket was tied.
Interesting Notes About the Event
There was absolutely no company, brigade, or battalion drill at any time.
Loaded rifles were carried every day through all conditions. A paper wad was packed on top of the charge when raining.
Pretty good maneuvers were performed on the battlefield considering the lack of drill.
Registered participants: 550 total; approximately 290 Confederate, 220 Federal, and 40 Civilian.
I think the Federal forces started with about 150 and dropped to approximately 70 by the 6th day.
Confederates had their knapsacks hauled. Federals carried all gear every day.
Red
River Organization--Federal Forces
as of 3/30/99
Col. D.J. Dal Bello, 35th Iowa, com'd'g
Maj. T. Crowder, com'd'g, Cavalry Squadron
Quartermaster: Maj. Jack Whitlock
Sgt. David Cierpiot
Brig. Surgeon: Maj. Gary Beetley
Courier: Jim Timney
35th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 16th
Army Corps
Cmd. Col. Dom Dal Bello
Field Officer: Col. Steve Dunfee
Adjutant: 1st Lt. Sean Mills
Reg't. Surgeon: Capt. Dirk Armstrong
Sgt. Major: Dana Edwards
Color Guard: Tim Mulvehill, Ward Yarborough, Mike Bilbo, Carl
Clink, &tc.
Company G.
1st. Lieut. Dave McCloskey
2nd Lieut. Mike Jones
1st Sgt. Kevin Wooster
Sgt. Steve Pelikan
Sgt. Ricky Holman
Cpl. Scott Miller
Cpl. James Tedford
Cpl. Steven Mahaney
Cpl. Mark Lewis
Pvts. Joe Allison, Carsten Almskaar, Lawrence Berra, Brian
Chamberlain, James Decker, Steven Dittman, Douglas Dobbs, Bryan
Duncan, Manuel Gosch, Thomas Harper, David Jennings Jr., Gary
Kiefer, Bryan Kramer, Michael McConnell, Gregory Moore, Ben Noga,
Mitchell Rice, Timothy Rounds, Kevin Saville, Robert Simon, Brian
Wallace, and Jeff Webb.
35th Iowa Co. A had a capt., no 1st lt., one less cpl. and pvt.
than Co. G. Co. F. had no 2nd Lt, two less cpls. and three less
pvts than Co. G. Co. B had a capt., no 1st lt., one less cpl. and
one more pvt than Co. G.
Edited Version.
99042903.doc
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All comments and suggestions welcomed at:
Copyright 1999, 2013 Doug Dobbs
Last revised:October 25, 2013