The Civil War Diary of Sgt. F. M. McMillen Transcribed by Carl A. Robin F. M. McMillen Co”* (C:AN0th: Ohio | Vol, Int. 2nd Brig. 3rd Div 6th Corps January 1, 1865 Sunday Warren Station Va This the first day of the Week ',' first day of the month ',' and first > day of the year, has been quite cold but not Severely so. The Johns have made their Brags that they were going to surprise the World on this day but as yet we cannot see where the surprise comes in '.' Hicks and Peirce came over to see me today and went to the Regt with them and spent the remainder of the day and Evening & had an Oyster Supper, January 2, 1865 Monday Warren Station Va The weather has been more moderate to day. and all is Still going on quietly. we are Still busy at our Quarters and will be for several days ere 'before' we get the fixed as we want them January 3, 1865 Tuesday Warren Station Va We are Still tugging doing the best we can but cannot get along very fast on account of not having a Team of our own. we cannot get timber as fast as we want it All is going on quietly except the usual Picket firing and an occasional shot from some Piece of artillery to break the monotony January 4, 1865 Wednesday Warren Station Va About the same Routine of Business is going on from day to day and my Diarry 'sic' and the World at large will have to be content with all quiet in the Potomac Army January 5, 1865 Thursday Warren Station Va About all the change's' that are taking place are the changes in the Weather '.' we had a light fall of snow last night and it has been quite Cold today but not so Cold as it was when we Came through Mary land 'sic' there is Considerable talk in our Ohio Rgts of about going to Chevy Chase, but I think it will be all talk and no go January 6, 1865 Friday Warren Station Va Well we have had another change in the Weather but not for the better, it has Rained nearly all day '.' the Papers do not contain any Startling news but they report Both Sherman & Thomas on the War Path '.' there was one Man Shot in the first Div today for desertion and for being caugt sic’ in the Service of the Confederacy January 7, 1865 Saturday Warren Station Va We can record a change today for the better ',' this has been quite a pleasant day. Eight of the Boys went down to the Army Krell ‘corral’ after more Cattle and brought up 200 head '.' We Drew our Clothing today January 8, 1865 Sunday Warren Station Va This has been quite a pleasant day at least for this season of the year ',' it has been somewhat chilly and clear. Joe McKairs was over to see me to day January 9, 1865 Monday Warren Station Va The weather continues quite pleasant. The Johnys 'sic' mad'e' a Raid after 1 ' ° Haversack’s’ and Overcoats in front of the second Division but we are informed that they lost more than they gained loosing 'sic' 22 in Killed ',' Wounded & Prisoners, January 10, 1865 Tuesday Warren Station Va The Weather continues fair and all appears to be going on quietly January 11, 1865 Wednesday Warren Station Va Another change in the weather. it commenced Raining all Night and has been Raining all this day, making it very disagreeable getting about cn foot January 12, 1865 Thursday Warren Station Va Still another change in the Weather and for the better this time '.' it has been clear and pleasant to day but we have no assurance that it will be so tomorrow '.' I Received a Letter from W. J, Harness to day, all are well. January 13, 1865 Friday Warren Station Va Nothing of interest to record today as all appears to be quiet in this departmemt, also in the Army of 'the' James '.' Papers State that Sherman is moving on Charleston January 14, 1865 Saturday Warren Station Va The Weather Continues fine and the mud is fast drying up there are several rumors going the rounds this Evening one of which is that Grant Notified the Women & Children on Thursday to leave Petersburg on the 12th and that he would open on the assalt 'sic! Morning of that day January 15, 1865 Sunday Warren Station Va All is going on quietly and ss if a Citizen was to arrive here in the Night & was not informed that he was in the Army he would not know that he was in the Army '.' Wag was down to see us today and had Dinner with us. January 16, 1865 Monday Warren Station Va The Weather Continues fine and this day is just such as we have at home in Spring '.' we got a Carr 'sic' load of Hay this afternoon and have got it hauled down January 17, 1865 Tuesday Warren Station Va We have some News today which is good if true and we have no reason t oO doubt it as there was a National Salute first. have not heard any of ) the Particulars '.' the report is that Fort Fisher is ours and that we have lost some 800 Men in Capturing it January 18, 1865 Wednesday Warren Station Va This has been another day of Rest as any in our Army '.' the News of th e fall of Ft. Fisher being Confirmed we have some 2,500 Prisoners, 72 Gunns 'sic' , and all the Works of Federal Point January 19, 1865 Thursday Warren Station Va There has been some talk here today that our Corps (the 6th) is to go to Wilmington but we do not think it is so, Since Fisher is ours January 20, 1865 Friday Warren Station Va All remains quiet here and elsewhere as far as we know & thin'k' it will continue so now until Spring January 21, 1865 Saturday Warren Station Va This has been a very disagreeable day, as it has been Sleeting and Raining 1 ! all day and we had a Carr ‘sic’ load of Hay to haul from the station January 22, 1865 Sunday Warren Station Va I went over to the Regt and Spent the greater part of the day with the Boys, Capt Stephens starts home in the Morning on leave of Abscence 'sic' January 23, 1865 Monday Warren Station Va This has been rather a disagreeable day but not so bad as Saturday was ',' I mad'e' application for 'furlough' to day but dont know whether it will go through or not January 24, 1865 Tuesday Warren Station Va This has been quite a pleasant day over head but very Mudy 'sic' and disagreeable getting about '.' have not heard from my Furlough yet January 25, 1865 Wednesday Warren Station Va Another change in the Weather and for the Better, Making it better getting about '.' the Boys went after another lot of Cattle to day '.' I found out to day that my application for Furlough is still in Capt Schofields office and that he does not intend to do any thing with it for two or three days and I am determined he shall not do anything with it unless it is done tomorrow January 26, 1865 Thursday Warren Station Va Another day has passed and my furlough has not returned yet so I will try to get it through another Channel tomorrow and see what can be done Jnauary 27, 1865 Friday Warren Station Va This has been quite a Cold day, but it is much more Agreeable than to hav e it so mudy ‘sic’ I have Started my Furlough again & through another channel and hope it may go through all right this time. the Papers say Thomas has again Beaten Hood ',' Capturing 8 Pieces of Artillery and 5.00 > Prisoners, and that Sherman is near Charleston January 28, 1865 Saturday Warren Station Va This has 'been' the coldest day we have had this Month if not during the Winter at this place and the day has passed without my Furlough returning for what reason I cant tell. Did not get a Paper to day and dont know whether there is any news of importance or not January 29, 1865 Sunday Warren Station Va This has been a very fine day, and our inspection went off all right. but there was one thing 'that' did not come off Just right, my Furlough came back Disappoved 'sic' with and 'sic' order for me to report to the Regt ' that part I did not care for January 30, 1865 Monday Warren Station Va Well I reported to Col Birskley this afternoon and he assigned me to duty in 'the' Adjutants office and have been asstg this afternoon ',' Am Quartering in Capt Stephens Tent 'Stephens went on furlough a week ago.' January 31, 1865 Tuesday Camp of 110" Warren Station Va Have been writing all day in 'the' Adjutants office making out the Monthly Returns which is a very tedious Job, not being used to sit'ting' so long it makes me quite tired but I expect to get used to it in time, All appears to be going on quietly in this Regt February 1, 1865 Wednesday Camp of 110" Warren Station Have been writing for the Col nearly all day Making out Invoices of Ordnance & C'lothing' Issued to the Cos of the Regt. We had Marching orders last Night at 2 A, M, and the Orders are not yet Countermanded but we hope it will be the case, February 2, 1865 Thursday Hd Qrs 110" Warren Station Va have been writing all day in 'the' Adjutants office and have got about through with the Monthly Returns which is a very tedious Job '.' have not moved yet and now hope will not. No News of importance in Papers February 3, 1865 Friday Camp of 110th Warren Station Va Well we have got our Returns off our hands And are glad of it Will now have a little rest. though we have another larg'e' Job on 'our' hands the Papers bring no news of importance Except that of the Burning of the Smithsonian Institute which was a bad affair February 4, 1865 Saturday Hd Qrs 110th Warren Station Va All has been quiet to day and we have not had but little to do to day as we have got nearly all our Reports made out ',' the only Job of Consequence on hand now is the tri Monthly report. which will not take but two or three hours February 5, 1865 Sunday Hd Qrs 110th Warren Station Well we got orders Early this morning to get ready to move immediately but it is now 5 P. M. and we are not gone yet. the 5'' Corps have gone and we think some other troops. there was some Cannonading a few minutes ago but it has Ceased 9 P, M. the engagement began again about 1/2 past 4 and continued until dark, but have not heard with what result February 6, 1865 Monday Hd Qrs 110th Warren Station Va Well we got about one hours Sleep last night when we were Called up and Marched into the Forks of lst Div where we have been all day & a rough time we have had of it as it has been quite Cold and have had but little Fire. We saw a Train of 15 Wagons and a lot of Prisoners that were Captured but dont know how many Perhaps seven or eight hundred. there have been several rumors in Circulation but we do'n't' no 'sic' that thy 'sic' arre 'sic' correct & will not record them '.' got a letter from Sister Sallie to day February 7, 1865 Tuesday Hd Qrs 110th Warren Station Va Well the Regt is Still out on the lst Div line and will probably remain there until tomorrow Evening '.' there has been some hard fighting going on this P. M, but we have not heard the results though we hope we are victorious ',' the report is that we have Carried two lines & two Forts. it has been a very bad day for fighting as it has been Sleeting and Raining all day February 8, 1865 Wednesday Hd Qrs 110th Warren Station Va this has been a beautiful day over head but very mudy 'sic'. the only word we have from the fight is that the 5" Corps was Successful in Establishing her lines. it was reported that Genl Warren was Killed but as we havenot heard anything about it today we think it is a Mistake We received orders this Evening to hold ourselves in readiness to move to the left of Ft Fisher but we dont know exactly where it is located February 9, 1865 Thursday Hd Qrs 110th Patrick Station Va According to promise we got Teams to haul Timber to day and have got about half enough hauled to put up New quarters. all appears to be going on quietly all along the line '.' it appears by the Papers that the Peace mission has proved a failure though the people do not give it up yet February 11, 1865 Saturday Hd Qrs Co "C" Patrick Station All hands have been very busy to day hauling and building but we have only got a good Start. We have no News of any importance February 12, 1865 Sunday Hd Qrs Co "C" Fort Fisher Va This has been Sabbeth day but it has not Seemed like it. as the work of building has been going on as lively as though it was a Week day we have got our shack so we can quarter in it, There 'were' some 25 Johnys 'sic' 'that' came in through our lines to day February 13, 1865 Monday Hd Qrs Co "C" Fort Fisher well I went to the Woods this Forenoon and got Poles for Bunks and have got the Bunks up and got 'a' door mad'e' but have not got it hung yet ' have not heard any news yet, February 14, 1865 Tuesday Camp of 110th Fort Fisher Va This has been quite a nice day although it was quite Cold this Morning but it Continued Clear and pleasant this Afternoon. got the other gable cased up ',' the Door hung and the cracks plastered, so that we are quite Comfortably fixed for the present Mick Welch got his Furlough this Afternoon and Started off without havin 'sic' it dated, dont know how he will get along with it February 15, 1865 Wednesday Camp of 110" Fort Fisher Va This has been a verry 'sic' disagreeable day as it has been Sleeting and Raining nearly All day, our Boys came in off Picket this Morning having had it tolerably rough this Morning but they have often had it a great deal worse. we have got our Camp nearly built up again and it looks something like living Again. February 16, 1865 Thursday Camp of 110" Ft Fisher Va There is a great Contrast between this day and yesterday as it has been Clear nearly all day, Consequently quite pleasant, but it is Cloudy now and looks like it might Storm again, there are rumors in 'the! Papers of today of the Evacuation of Charleston & Richmond but the latter we do not Credit '.' Sherman has Cut the Cc, R, R. in several places Seyering Communications between that Pt ‘point’ & Richmond and we expect soon to hear better news from Sherman ',' Perhapse 'sic' the fall of Branchvill'e! February 17, 1865 Friday Camp of 110th Fort Fisher Va All has been going on quietly as usuel 'sic! » the work of improvemen't! is nearly all Done, February 18, 1865 Saturday Camp of 110" Fort Fisher Va This has been a very fine day. and we have got our Policing done & Chimney built up & we are now comfortably fixed, there is a report in Camp that Sherman has been badly Whipped but we hope it is not True. we hope to learn that the report is a Canard February 19, 1865 Sunday Camp of 110th Ft Fisher Va This has been a very Good day for enjoyment but as our facilitys "sic' for enjoyment are limited So are our our Enjoyments ',! eo Wwe are hapy 'sic' to state that there is no confirmation of the report of Sherman being whipped. it having no doubt arisen from the report of Kilpatricks being driven back & whipped February 20, 1865 Monday Camp of 110th Ft Fisher Va The weather Continues fine and our Camp has become quite dry and nice, it is now the best looking one I have seen on the line and we hope to keep it so, the News in 'the' Papers is good as far as it goes ',' it is thought Branchvill'e' is in our hands together with Several other places of minor importance February 21, 1865 Tuesday On Picket line near Camp. This is the first time I have been on Picket for about one year and the 2nd time since I have been in the Service '.' our Regt has the good luck to be in the Woods, the best part of the line '.' all has gone quietly onour 'on our' front, have heard Cannonading on the right said to be salutes for victory and the Capture of Charleston S, C, February 22, 1865 Wednesday Camp of 110th Ft Fisher Va We were Fi this A, M. at 10, came into Camp & took a nap before dinner and had a good Sleep since dinner ',' there has been quite a number of Johns 'that' came in to day (some 25) ',' Nine oc 'o'clock' PM we have orders to be packed ready to move at a moments notice. but we dont know exactly what the move is come'ing' '.' think the Johns y are Massing on our left and others that they are evacuating '.' time at ey Absent will tell. the fall of Charleston appearsto be Confirmed aa February 23, 1865 Thursday Camp of 110th Near Petersburg Well all is going quietly as far as I know. there is Still some uneasiness about Moving but there is particular ground for it. I am — Sergt of the Guard (Camp) for the first time in more than two years ',' I hardly know how to Perform February 24, 1865 Friday Camp of 110th Near Petersburg We have nothing of Particular interest to record so it will not take long to write it down '," We have been Anxiously waiting the arrival A , I . of the Paymaster but as yet he has not arrived February 25, 1865 Saturday Camp of 110th Near Petersburg We are having very good news from Sherman & Schofield ',' the latter having Captured Ft Anderson and probably Wilmington ere 'before' this, We have lost Lt Shanl at least for a time, as he has been assigned to the Command of a Co in the 67th Regt of Pa Vols but we hope he will not long be absent, February 26, 1865 Sunday Camp of 110th Near Petersburg this has been quite a busy day with us ',' 'the'’ Paymaster having arrived last Evening and has Paid our Regt. I have been very busy Making out Receipts and Collecting Money to send home by our State Ag't ‘agent’ , we have made up $1827.00 and there will probably be some more to send tomorrow February 27, 1865 Monday Camp of 110th Near Petersburg This has been another Busy day with me Making out Pay Rolls for the Month of January & Feb-y, have got one nearly done '.' will finish 'it/them' in "the' Morning. Was very Agreeably Surprised this Evening on Receiving A letter from friend Laura Peirce, there are many Speculations as to what the Johnys 'sic' are going to do, time will develop their Movements, February 28, 1865 Tuesday Camp of 110th Near Petersburg Va There has not been any thing of interest going on to day that I know of. Quiet is Reigning along our Lines though we are expecting some move to take place March 1, 1865 Wednesday Camp of 110th Near Petersburg Va Well I am on Picket today,for the third time since I joined the Service, the Johns are very quiet as they usually are when our Reg't is on the line. March 2, 1865 Thursday Camp of 110'' Near Petersburg Va Well we were relieved from the Picket line in very good time this Morning, getting into Camp just before it Commenced Raining which it has been doing quite freely. there was 'sic' Six deserters 'that' came in Last Night who have about the same old tales to tell see they say their men are going home as fast if not faster than they are deserting tous '.' "He is refering to Confederate deserters' March 3, 1865 Friday Camp of 110" Near Petersburg Va well I have been Working on our Cook house today and havegot ‘have got! it up to the Square, we want to get Tomy 'later called Tommy' in it tomorrow if possible there is no news in the Papers of interest March 4, 1865 Saturday Camp of 110 Near Petersburg We had quite a hard Rain Early this Morning which had not altogether Subside'd' until noon. the news appears to be quite good in 'the’ Papers it is stated, that the Reb Congressmen are leaving Richmond & that they cannot get enough together to form a quorum ',' Sherman is marching on -- and it is thought Sheridan is Marching on Danvill'e' Rail Road March 5, 1865 Sunday Camp Near Petersburg Well I have put in this day in a svery 'survey?' I dont like but it was 'a' necessity that Caused it & I hope to be forgive'n' if I have done wrong. the News fran Billy Sherman is good. he has Captured & burned Columbia Ga. and is Marching on -- March 6, 1865 Monday Camp Near Petersburg Well we got Tommy moved this Morning and Policed before noon and this Afternoon went to Corps Hd Qrs and got some Pictures taken ',' all is quiet March 7, 1865 Tuesday Camp Near Petersburgh This has been a very fine day and all has been quiet Except in our Brig ‘Brigade’ , which had to turn out on Review It was reviewed by Maj Gen'l Meade, Maj. Genl Right & Brig Seymore. There were also two Citizens (Gentlemen) and quite a number of Ladies March 8, 1865 Wednesday Camp Near Petersburg Va This has been quite a different day from yesterday. it has been Raining nearly all day. All has been quiet today March 9, 1865 Thursday Camp near Petersburg Va Well I am on Camp & trench duty to day and a wet day we are having though we hope it may not Rain to night, Evening. it has Cleared off nicely though it is going to be quite Cold, but that is better than to have Rain, James Kelly of the 67" Pa V's was to have been shot P.M, today but the Execution was postponed until tomorrow on account of ' This paragraph has been crossed out ' March 10, 1865 Friday In Camp Near Petersburg Va All has been going quietly '.' the troops were called out at 11 Am to witness the Execution of J. Kelly of the 67" but dismissed on account of it Raining March 11, 1865 Saturday Camp Near Petersburg Va This has been a beautiful day. and one long to be remembered on account of the first Execution taking place in our Div '.' we did not see it take place but Saw the man, to be executed. he did not appear to be Caring whether he lived any longer or not. March 12, 1865 Sunday Camp Near Petersburg This has been a beautiful day and all quiet except that we had Both and Regimental Inspection ',' some of the Boys think we are going to get some soft Sn ',' I bet I cannot see it, —_—_— March 13, 1865 Monday Camp Near Petersburg Va This has been another Splendid day, I was on Co. Drill this forenoon for the first time in about a year and a half '.' This afternoon T took some Guns to Div Hd Qrs to get Repaired and while there went to see the chappel "sic' created by the Engineer Corps which is a very han'd'some structure indeed ',' There has been a Flag of Truce up to day but have not learned for what purpose March 14, 1865 Tuesday Camp Near Petersburg 9 0. C, ‘'o'clock' P.M, About 6 P.M, we got orders to Pack up and be ready to move which we have done and are now ready with the Exception of Tents to Move. was out to Picket line at dark '‘and' met some 14 Johnys 'sic' that had just come in ',' they do not know of any Reb Move '.' we had good news from Sheridan this A.M, '.' he is coming around Lynchburg and says he expects to join the left of our Amy in a few days, March 15, 1865 Wednesday Camp Near Petersburg Va We have put in the greater part of the day Packing and Sending away Surplus Baggage and are now ready but not altogether willing for the word fall in. there has been Considerable moving of troops on the John's line but we do not know what it will amount to, March 16, 1865 Thursday Still we are in Camp near Petersburg. and do not see any new Signs of moving. though we do not know what moment we may get the order to fall in. let the word come when it may. we will start out with the determination of Killing or Capturing all that attempts to oppose us March 17, 1865 Friday Camp Near Petersburg I am again on Trench duty but will have good Weather & a good officer so will get along very well. Still there is no fresh news of Moving. no News of Particular interest '.' the Rebs Claims 'sic' to have whipped Kilpatrick but we do not credit it March 18, 1865 Saturday Camp Near Petersburg Va A Good weather continues and good news continues Coming in from Both Sherman and Sheridan '.' there does not appear to 'be' So many deserters from the Reb Army now as has been for some time past. they are watched so closely it is very hard for them to get away March 19, 1865 Sunday Camp Near Petersburg Va another Beautiful Sebbath 'sic' has passed and one that appeared more like a home Sabbath than any we have had in a long time. there is not much news in the Papers to day but what there is is good. Sherman appears to be Moving Steadily along without any opposition of consequence Gold is now down to 165. and we expect it to be Still lower soon March 20, 1865 Monday Camp Near Petersburg Va There is a rumor to day that Sherman has again whipped Johnson badly but it needs Confirmation as it is not official. News from Sheridan is good. he has destroyed a great deal of 'the' James River Canal. also 15 ms 'miles' of the Va Central & Fredericksburg R. R. Burned several Bridges of importance & Captured 3-20 1b Parrot Guns, March 21, 1865 Tuesday Camp Near Petersburg We have had another change in the Weather today '.' the forenoon was nice & Bright and this afternoon it has been Raining & at this time it looks like we might have Considerable of Rain, there is nothing new in 'the' papers to day, only Confirmations of the news we had before, March 22, 1865 Wednesday Camp Near Petersburg Va the Weather is a little better to day, but it is quite windy '.' there is nothing of interest going on here neither have we any news of interest March 23, 1865 Thursday Camp Near Petersburg Va this has been one of the most horrible days I have ever seen. it has been Blowing a perfect gale nearly all day keeping nearly a Continual cloud of Sand and Dust, and the whole Camp is Enveloped in a cloud of Sand and Smoke, fires have Broke out or been set out nearly all along the line and it is thought that the Johns have fired the Woods to Cover some move, time will tell. March 24, 1865 Friday Camp Near Petersburg Va the 'wind' Continued to blow nearly all last Night and Still Continued to blow nearly all this day but it is now quite Calm ',' the Papers this Morning Contain the news of the Capture of Goldsborough by Sheridan & without a Struggle '.' also good news from Eoroupe 'sic' stating they think the Rebellion played out. Gold is still going down, also 194 was the last quotation March 25, 1865 Saturday ‘Entry made on June 20, 1911 as noted below! > e ' "No place stated for this entry. we were ordered out to assalt 'sic' and drive the Rebel Picket line but the first assualt in which I was failed for want of numbers, This Book was in my breast pocket and received the Ball which was intended to take my life but thanks to the Book ',' Watch and beltplate I am Still alive June 20" 1,911 the above occured on the 39" aniversary 'sic' of my Birth. I am now an inmate of the Central branch Natl 'National' Military Home APPEND ICES APPENDIX I: HANDWRITING SAMPLE TUESDAY 7, PF : ry, WEDNESDAY 8, 1865 | 4 I, Va dies ae" the, hae nee: Cate | 7 andes A-ha ee Dea a oN | } alhotis Jade ae CG IT o* Seee ZH Kangen ee he APPENDIX ITI: ENTRY AND EXIT HOLES MADE BY THE BALL ere 7 rio oS pee ede Tae 2M ors HB enn « { ¢ Se