Missouri Memories

Civil War Diaries, 1864

Two diaries of an unknown Union soldier serving with the cavalry in Jackson and Cass Counties. The entries describe military life in Kansas City, escort duties, patrols, and encounters with bushwhackers.



[February 7-14, 1864]

Fifteen miles below. a squirrel in camp. boys after him more noise then a little.

Sunday 7th

started for the Dry (sp?) hills at 2 o'clock a.m. 16 miles before daylight 9 oclock fired on 2 rebs. Got one horse reb in the brush. 2 oclock see about 10 or 12 more rebs a few shots fired no damage on either side bushwhackers skedadle. Camp in a lane plenty of fresh hairs to eat.

Monday 8th

Still in the brush 3 oclock stop to feed fresh beef for dinner at night camp in the brush. kill hogs for supper fry it on a stick or take it as raw as you can please.

Tuesday 9th

the kansas boys in killing hogs for breakfast shot the hospital stewart of the 9th K.V. through the thigh. a party got 3 miles after a carriage



[Tuesday 9th continued]

to take him home. I am detailed to take him to pleasant hill. arrive here at 4 p.m. get a square meal after living on meat for three days. weather fine

Wednesday 10th

in camp at pleasant hill at sundown capt. colman returns from the scout my co gone to kansas city by way of Independence.

Thursday 11th

went to K.C. with the team and 9 men arrived about sun down. celebration of the pasage of the pacific rail road bill. Several good speaches no guns fired by the batery.

Friday 12th

corpl Geil reduced to the ranks by centence of G.C.M. Michael B. Graff appointed in his place by order of Lieut Wm. Wise cmdr co. at night temperance meeting an able speach by the hon. Judge Carpenter. Sunday 14th three boats up the river from St. Louis. The first since . . .