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Name: Chad Butler Henderson

From: Duck Springs, AL
Occupation: Farmer

My name is Chad Butler Henderson and I am a hard working lower-middle class man that lives
off the land. I was born on October 2 in the 1840. I am married to a God fearing woman by the
name of Anna Marie. God has blessed us with two children. My first born was a boy with a given
name George Matthew and the second child goes by the given name of Julia Ann. The following
is part of my Civil War Journal. I volunteered during the year of 1861 with Jefferson Davis as the
President of the Confederacy and General Pierre Beauregard in command of the Confederate
War Efforts. After our victory at Bull Run, my injuries were so severe I returned home for a short
period.1 Then I enlisted for three years with Commander Braxton Bragg with the Confederate
Army of Tennessee. I can still remember the day I struggled to find a way to get my crops out of
the field. That sinking feeling when all hope is lost.
The dark clouds billowed above, as if the weight of the rain pushed them so close to the ground.
I as a father, husband, and citizen, could no longer provide what my family needed. As I gathered
my family in the kitchen, the air was heavy and they could sense that their lives were to be
forever changed. Leaving behind my sweet Anna Marie, George Matthew, and Julia Ann seemed
as if someone had choked the life plum out of me. Slowly I moved away from the homestead to
face threatening demons of the unknown.

The demons I had faced once before, but now more than ever it was about freedom. Freedom
without government interference was what my forefathers had fought for and died for. A mans
ability to work hard and provide for his family, now seemed to be so bleared by lines of freedom.
Who was right? Who was wrong? The ways of one part of the country sought to define how the
ways of others should be. Kin against Kin, neighbors against neighbors, families always fault
one another at times, but eventually come to an agreement. I can only live in the present and pray
for a quick resolve for tomorrow.
1863
Sept. 30 The view from the mountains is glorious. Morning reveille was sounded early and we
were forced to choke down coffee and cornbread for early inspection. Marched today fifteen
miles. The clouds looked like cotton stuck up in the sky.
Oct.01 15 Many things have happened over the last couple of weeks that can affect a mans
thoughts. Rained a lot which left us in tents with nothing to do but share stories. Here in the
mountains you can feel the winter is coming. I am thankful to march and scout. Sitting around
only brings loneliness and bitterness. Whispers in camp of Union regiments close by. I am sure
that a skirmish will happen at any moment.
Oct. 16 23 Reveille at 5. Ordered to cook everything up and fill the canteen. Thats not hard,
cause two day rations was all I had left. Marched and scouted round the mountain. Ran up on
some Yanks in the woods. Got so close I could see his breath against the cold mountain air. Fail
back and reported to Bragg. Ordered to take positions along Lookout Mountain while other units
went east of city to Missionary Ridge. On the 20 marched all night and next day to Tennessee
River. River was secured but something just aint right.2

Oct. 25 Jake, me, and about twenty more were on picket when Sonny and Jeb came running like
the devil himself was after them. Yanks were swarming like bees toward the ferry. Orders to
circle back round and unite with infantry. Col. Bragg with others mapping out what looks like to
be attack. Not sure if its us, or the ferry up the river.
Oct.26 Orders on full alert. This might be my final words. Anna Marie you have been the fire in
my heart. I cant writ the words to speak of my devotion to you. Do what you must. Each
morning and ever night when you look into the sky, I will be looking back, waiting til we are
together again. May God bless and protect.
Oct. 27 - 29 Yanks had the ferry. Tried to attack at Wauhatchie but there was no winning. Col.
Bragg ordered retreat before dawn. 3
Oct. 30 Nov. 05 Sad to see Longstreet corps leave. Them boys are tough as six month old
hardtack. Bragg and Longstreet have darn near shot each other in this skirmish. All the ruckus
caused President Davis to advise a split between the two. Longstreet got him a command now as
East Tennessee. Longstreets a pretty smart feller, he was part of the reason victory happened
back last month at Chickamauga. Orders are to regroup here at Missionary Ridge.4 .
Nov. 06 12 Not much to report, except been busier than a one legged man in a butt kickin
contest. Diggin rifle pits and wrapping fascine for several days.5
Nov. 12 21 Got a few days rest from diggin. Only cause it rained a lot. My hands are
screaming now just trying to writ. More concerned about something warm to eat and wear. Pants
are so thin, and my socks start at the ankles. With a little luck maybe supplies will come soon.
Nov. 22 Got to git off this mountain top.

Nov. 23 Everything here to quiet. Seems that I get this sickening feeling right before a storm.
Orders today to check gun and ammo. Make sure haversack and canteen is full. May need before
dawn.
Nov. 24 28 Damndest thing ever. Yanks came right for us. Flanked on both sides. Boys in pits
got so scared they shot their own when they tried to jump over them falling back to form picket.
Pellets and slugs rickashay off trees killing some. Yanks broke right thru the center. We were out
flanked on all sides. Bragg ordered retreat back away from Chattanooga.6 Yanks stayed hot on us
for bit. I aint never saw so much blood shed before. The streams bleed and the trees whisper an
queer sound kinda like the feelin you git when you know something is out there but you dont
know what it is.
Nov. 29-31 Finally got to stop running. Set up camp close to Georgia, best we could with
tattered tents and rations were slim before, but now, well just being alive is enough. The moans
of injured men fill the air. I managed to stay in one piece but my bones are still trembling and the
cold is unbearable.7
Dec. 01 Word round camp Bragg is asking to be relieved of duty. Thinks we are too beaten to
do much good. There is a lot of fight left in me, guess he just dont see it. Gen. Hardee has taken
command but heard he dont want us either.8
Dec. 02-15 Been on picket seven miles from camp, first night relieved from duty. Not much has
happened, except for the President offered pardon and to give back the land that was already
mine for oath of allegiance.9 Camp is about two miles east of Dalton. Shored up cabins built in
ten by ten, using split logs and red clay to fill the cracks. It feels good to have a dry place. Dare

not build to big of a fire outside so as to tip off Yanks of location. Small fires on the inside. Logs
made good bedpost, filled in with straw, and a quilt on top of that.
Dec. 15 25 Its been snowing, and is very cold. Christmas night and the stars sparkle in the
night sky. Pray that all is well at the homestead. Gen. Hardee sent out courier for request of
supplies. Jake and Sonny have dysentery. Doc Joe doin all he can to help. Last couple of days
been out in snow, gettin some sassafrass bark and clay so as to mix up in a tea and maybe stop
it.10
Dec. 25 30 Several things have happened in camp. Sonny passed on, Jake is better but weak.
Got a new general couple days ago. Gen. Joseph E. Johnston was sent by Davis to take full
command since Hardee refused to do so.11 Gen Johnston is known for tactile manuvers but not
much of a juggernaut. He was successful at First Bull Run, kept Union out of Richmond in
Peninsula Campaign, and stopped McClellan from advancing at Seven Pines. Davis not fond of
him, but maybe he can get us some supplies.12
1864
Jan. -01 08 Not much going on. Supplies with good rations finally arrived. Rationed out a
chunk of beef, had some potatoes, cornmeal, and cane syrup. Henry Miller whooped up some
mean stew in dutch oven. After stew, I soaped corn pone thru that cane syrup. Lord it had been a
while, like steppin in high cotton.
Jan. 09 -17 On picket last couple weeks. Not much to tell. Found a kepi on the line. Sign that
Yanks are scouting us out. Reported back to Gen. Johnston.13
Jan. 17-30 Cold rain has fell for many days, causing drills to be horrid. Outbreak of small pox
has taken several back toward camp hospital.

Feb. 01 -10 Jack and I have been meeting with some of the other boys at night singing. Bonnie
Blue Blood seems to be the camps favorite. We all pile up in the cabin at night and sometime
sing till near morning. Then the reveille sounds and life at war returns. Does feel good to let go
ever once in a while.
Feb. 10 -18 Sent back on picket. Squad came up on looking glass on fourth day. Sent Joe Bob
back to camp to Gen. Johnston. Ordered to prepare to be movin round a bit more in the coming
days.
Feb. 19-28 Been a while since I have been in a skirmish. Been moving since late yester de
morning. Marched to left half mile, head off Union soldiers. Next hour marched to the right,
there they was again. Shootin heavy at times. Said Gen. Thomas in charge of Union. Johnston
managed to stay one brogan ahead of him. Lucky for us he has retreated back a bit. Order to keep
movin tward Atlanta.14
March 01 -10 Marched about five miles, then set up make shift camp. Another division on our
left flank invited some of us over for prayer meetin. Built a fire at the foot of a dead old oak tree,
and several of us was gathered round listenin to the preacher. Suddenly that old tree fell rite over.
Killed several of our comrades. Next day was Sunday, just as the sun was laying low in the sky I
heard the sound of three shots and then taps. It was the most beautiful and saddest thing I had
bored witness too lately.15
March 11 -16 Gen. Johnston ordered us to march about fifteen miles to the south. Make shift
camp set up. Cold nites like these make split wood cabin look like a million dollar mansion.
Rations are running low this nite, hope plans to return to camp come soon. Not much singing
going on anymore since Jake has returned back home.

March 16 23 Glad to be back on Rocky Face. Spent most of this week up on Buzzards
Roost. Gen. Johnston has got us moving huge boulders and fascine along the gap in case of an
attack.16
March 23 30 Another hard week of fortifying the line. This week worked south of Dug Gap to
the north of city.
April 01 -10 Been on picket for last two weeks. Cant rightfully say that theres too much
happening.
April 10 -20 Few skirmishes to report, lost a couple of young recruits. Tonite my heart and
mind is back with sweet Anna Marie. Received your letter today, only the second one since
leavin. I couldnt read fast enough, it was like the words leaping from the page. Dont know how
I can be surrounded by so much and yet feel so alone.
April 20 30 Sent back on picket with some of the younger fresher men. War takes a toll on
everything. Once I musta had a fire in my belly for Yankee blood like these young pups. Now
Im not so sure that it matters to me anymore.
May 01 10 Been playing cat and mouse with Yanks for quite some time now. Them Bluecoats
started up Rocky Face and the command to strike the fuscines with our axes. The boulders
cleared a trail slap down to the gulley. We were far outnumbered but they werent specting to get
shelled with boulders.17
May 10 18 Last two weeks have really been a battle. Gen. Johnston has kept us marching,
moving up more boulders, and dispatching into small units. It has rained on us, and the
lightening looked as if the Devil himself was throwing fire balls at us. Polk has come to help out

on our right flank. The sounds of gunfire were deafening, until around the early morn of the
eleventh day. Gen. Johnston sent out a scout party cause it was too quite. Sure nough Sherman
and three other units had swung around to our reat. Orders were given to retreat, we were
outnumbered ten to one.18
May 19 30 Gen. Johnson has kept us at a safe distance from Sherman, but now we are force
marching to head him off before he reaches the outskirts to Atlanta. How I miss that split log
cabin, Jake, and Sonny. Henry and Joe Bob have tried to cheer me up, but I am weary, tired, sore,
and homesick. What I would give for a hot bath, supper with Anna Marie, and watching my
Matthew and Julia Ann poking at an old frog with a stick under the porch.
June 01 05 Today I witnessed a upsetten site. Gen. Johnston made us stand in formation out in
a field. Bout fifty yards in front stood three young men, deserters they say. We were ordered to
raise our guns and fire. As I raised my head from puking I saw Gen. Johnston kick them over
into holes they say he made them dig last night. Then, orders came to march right by them. The
war that I joined was to hold the Yanks back from the home front, not a war on our own kind.
June 06 12 Sunrise was so beautiful this morning, it almost took the pain out of my weary
body. Orders had come for us to post north and west of Kennesaw Mountain. Most of the unit
has been digging trenches and building fieldworks day and night. It is now our charge to keep
open the railroad in which most of the Confederate Army gets supplies. Looking across
Kennesaw Mountain it looks like wild boars has rooted the ground up. The only good news is
rations are not scarce and I am able to keep my strength up to do assigned duties. Not much joy
in camp, when able too just lying down is heaven on earth.

June 12 20 Been trenching and fortifying places all over this mountain. Cant tell if its to keep
our minds off Sherman, Harker, and Daniels troops that scouts say are moving ever near, or if it
is just Gen. Johnston pulling one of his tactical moves to throw Yanks off and pull them our
direction like he has done in the past.
June 20 -28 Yankees came straight at us. Gen. Johnston urged line to hold their ground, and
sure as a cat has a climbing gear the line held. Yanks suffered big loss. Sittin here watching the
sun go down over the horizon I can see soldiers lying on top of soldiers. When I walked down
thru the field about 20 yards, men had one side of their bodies completely ripped away by slugs.
Others were missing arms, legs, half of their face, stomach spilled out onto the ground, and one
clutched his pocket Bible as if it was his last hope of reaching the promise land. There is a
blanket of blue coats, as thick as any wild violets I have seen on the side of a mountain. I would
guess there around two or three thousand Yanks. We suffered some loss, but not like Sherman.
Joe Bob said that Gen. Harker and Gen. McCook of the Union, also met their maker today on
Kennesaw Mountain. While this was a great loss to Sherman, Gen. Johnston informed the unit
that he was with at least one hundred and ten soldiers in all his units. We would have to move
quick. Bury our comrades quick, and leave the Yanks to rot.19
July 01 09 Hot, tired, and feverish from a flesh wound I tried to keep up with the unit when
everything just went black. I woke up an found myself in an ambulance. The stench of rot hung
on the wood like a new coat of paint. Joe Bob was running beside me telling me ever thing
would be fine in a couple of days. Infection had set up and doc had given me a shot. As I closed
my eyes the clacking of the wooden wheels whispered singing, it was my precious Anna Marie
singing so softly.

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July 15 Late this nite I have taken back to writing. I have been moving around for a couple of
days now. Doc has order light duties only so Henry is letting me help with mess and tending to
some of the soldiers who need water, and haversacks filled. Maybe in a few days I will be back
to helping with the earthworks.
July 17-19 -Gen. Johnston has backed us to out skirts of Atlanta retreating from Sherman. Today
President Davis ran out of patience and replaced our commander with Gen. John B. Hood. I
believe Gen. Johnston has more concern for us than Davis does. Our unit had blocked Sherman
for near bout three months, but as a unit lost ground to the Yanks. Gen. Hood informed us that
our mission was to attack Sherman, not dance with him. Ordered to get food cooked, canteens
filled. Attack would start early dawn.20
July 20 Reveille sounded at four this morning. Ordered came to split our units, some of us
would stay on this side of Peachtree Creek, while the others crossed over the bridge to wait on
Union troops to start the crossing, then burn the bridge. As I took my position, around ten this
morning I caught a glimpse of the sun reflecting off the water. How peaceful it had seemed, with
the rippling of water. Now at dusk looking across the way the sweet sounds of rippling water
was over taken by bodies and so much blood. Missed communications had proved to be costly.
We did not force the Union troops back toward the creek. Hood ordered a halt so as to regroup.21
July 21 A blanket of fog covered the morning hour, not much sleep. Today was spent moving
dead bodies, and changing our positions. Orders came early today to prepare for another front
assault on the Union before dawn tomorrow. Cleaned gun, filled canteen, and tried to find my
friend Henry and doc. It was of no success. I had little to eat, and now I fear the infection has
came back to my old injuries. Taken up position but fearful to shut my eyes. The enemy is like a

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mountain cat. Hes out there watching, could come charging any minute. War is almost like a
disease to some soldiers. Its like a thirst, the more killing and blood shed you do, the more the
mind needs it to feed its strange desire.
July 22 To tired to writ much. Still hanging on, fever is getting worse. Lost insurgent at
Sherman on the creek. Hood sent orders to move and try to break flank straight at the city. It was
of great loss to our unit, but Stephen Lees corps are shoring up our side.22
July 23 Most of our unit is gone. Were scattered like split poke full of okree seeds. Off in the
distance Lee is attacking part of the Union at Ezra Church. Gen. Hood said they were to attack at
flank and try to break thru. Word sent that our supply line had been shut off. Message received
late tonite that our forces tried to go straight thru the middle, but did not succeed. Shermans men
were entrenched behind barricades made of church pews and big logs. Gen. Hood mighty mad
that Lee thought he could break thru the middle of them.23 I think he is more upset about orders
not being followed than about the casualties of our boys. 24 We suffered great losses this day. I
fear that I might not make it out.
July 24 26 Full moon tonite lit up the field. The ground spews out moans of men mangled
from the last couple days. Random gunfire can be herd, sometimes it feels like Im surrounded.
Suffered a bullet graze to the shoulder, and my body is racked with fever. Our supply line is
gone, and what is left in haversack is slim. I have walked to the edge of some trees to look across
field toward the church. Why I have come I cant rightfully say, maybe to find peace for the
hatred that boils inside my bowels. Bodies lie stacked on top of each other, as if Gods hand
placed each one in their final place of rest. Such misery in a place someone once used as a
refuge, a safe haven in their most trouble times. Now is the scene filled with hate for man and

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their purpose. My body aches at the very thought of living, my eyes heavy from tears, sleepiness,
and so much hatred.
July 27 Sept. 01 We are sitting ducks. Been stuck in this trench, alone for days, seems more
like months. Orders came by way of someone I dont rightfully know, but he was one of us. We
as a unit have lost offensive means to stop advancement tward the city. Gen. Hood wants to
move out way before first lite of day. Not a chance of stopping Sherman. Yanks have control of
the city of Atlanta.25
Sept. 02 Split in the early dawn hours with unit tward Lovejoys Station.26 Would like to say I
marched out of that trench I had been hold up in, but it was more like a crawl. Hadnt used legs
in days, fever had sucked all the water from my veins, very little left in canteen. I can remember
looking back toward the city and seeing what looked like risen hell fire from the pits of earth
surrounded it. I guess I felt like Lots wife felt when she looked back at Solomon and Gomorra, I
needed just one more glimpse of a place that I had fought so hard to keep the devil out of. There
I stood frozen in time unable to move forward.
Sept.03 -07 Not much to report. Unit moving south to help repair railroad so that much needed
supplies can get thru.
Sept. 8 -17 Marched over twenty-five miles looks like unit headed to Tennessee. Tomorrow
looks like I will be close to home.
Sept. 18-25 Beautiful day. Nice crisp fall day. Reveille at 5. Orders are to keep moving.
Sept. 26 By the grace of God I am walking down the dirt road toward home. Money in my
pocket from pay. Saved up over at seventy dollars. Matthew was the first to spot me, then every

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thing that had life came a runnin. Anna Marie, Julia Ann, and the dogs Duke, and Spot. It was a
wonderous day today. Just like a slice of heaven on earth. Didnt matter I was war torn, all of it
just melting right away. To be held by her arms was a most healing power.
Sept. 27 Today was my birthday. What a celebration. Ma and Pa traveled over. It was just a day
I have no words for. Evening cam quick. My heart and head are in a full fledge battle with each
other. My heart says stay, but my head still holds that sicknen scene of them young boys being
shot in that open field. I must leave out early morn. Will have to catch back up with unit.
Sept 28-30 Not much to writ about. Traveling alone, trying to catch up with unit. Just enjoyed
the country side. Sometimes its hard to believe that I have been witness to so much blood shed.
Oct. 01-05 Finally catch up with unit. This week ran into a few skirmishes. Nothing to bad.
Many stragglers, and new recruits have joined this unit, but still not as many foot soldiers as we
had when we started this campaign. Calvary cutting cross to meet us.
Oct. 05-07 Mountains up thru here are absolutely stunning. Leaves are changing and there is a
nice cool breeze moving thru the tent tonight. My thoughts are of home, and my heart remains
heavy from wondering what the goings on of my children. Still fresh on my coat is the smells of
home. Feels good to have socks, and clothes to keep the spirit alive.
Oct.08 12 Rain set in last couple of days. Nothing to do but set at camp and talk about what
weve seen. Guess about what were gonna see. Gen. Hood had requested several weeks ago that
our chief quartermaster be replaced due to his love for the spirit waters are stopping him from
carrying out his duties.27 Finally his replacement arrived. Smith seems to be a fairly smart fellar.

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Oct. 13 -19 Not much to report. Spent more time with drills this week since the skirmish at
Lovejoys Station. Several more units involved. Talk is we are being shored up tryin to get
Shermans attention. I hope they are wrong, that one general I never want to go up against in my
life.
Oct. 20 30 -Marched about thirty miles in the last week. Supplies are holding up, but our
spirits are low. I think most of us are wondering if Sherman is lurking close. None of us to
excited bout getting into a big battle with those bluecoat devils.
Nov. 01-05 Today put up camp outside of Nashville, in a place called Franklin. After fixin the
tent had to do breastworks and fortifications.28
Nov. 06-10 Drilled most of the week. What time wasnt in drill, which was usually at five, ten,
and inspection at five in the evening, I doing breastworks. Gen. Hood waiting on two division to
join up, word was they were off schedule by several days. Courier brought in statement from
Davis announcing that Sherman had split up. Some of the divisions was coming our way, but
Sherman was headed tward the east coast.29
Nov. 11 14 Been out on picket last couple of weeks. Nothing interesting. A few small
skirmishes with renegade bluecoats but nothing we couldnt handle.
Nov. 15 17 Gen. Hood pitching a fit. Courier brought word that Gen. Schofield of the Union
had just side stepped us and was settin up defenses with the rest of the Federal army a few miles
ahead of us. The picket had not done its duties, nor had the division that was suppose to block the
Unions forward advance.30 Gen. Hood is madder than a tick in a tar bucket.

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Dec. Didnt get to writ last couple of weeks. Been through one hell of a battle. Around
December 17 at dusk, Gen. Hood give us a speech about our grit and fortitude. Had us believin
that we could move the Appalachian Mountains just on sheer determination. Called a charge
straight into the Union line at Franklin. All division went in full charge. I did my best, but got
tripped up over fallen comrades, and got knocked out. Reckon I was out for some time. When I
got up the line was in front of me fighten like a bull in a pac of wild dogs. When the dust settled
after the Yanks moved in on us we received orders to pull out for Nashville.31 We went in strong
with at least twenty-three thousand, but came out as weak as we were when we left Atlanta.
Smith told me the Confederate had lost most of the regimental leaders exceptin him and seven
more. Many generals had been killed, and soldiers were into the thousands32. As for myself,
guess I will make it. My coat is shredded, my collar bone is broken but managed to come out
alive. I remember at one point marching through the field of death, soldiers were grabbing
brogans, guns, coats, haversacks anything they can use. Gen. Hood will surely leave some
behind to bury the dead. I hope it aint me. I had rather be fightin, than burin. At least my mind
will know I still have a fightin chance.
Well I got my wish. I been figthin for what seems like a eternity. We marched out of Franklin
right into the Lions Den at Nashville.33 Ammunition was running low, depended on bayonet to
get me out of a lot of close calls. Orders came to dig in. Spent better part of three days building
breastworks. I remember being so tired of fightin. What started as a fire in my belly, now turned
to a amber flicker. Im tired, hurt, and hungry. At one point I remembered I actually prayed to be
taken as prisoner. We tried to hold the line, but Bluecoats just spring right up out of the ground,
like someone had planted seeds of um long before the trenches were made. Smith had fell back
and grabbed me up, pushing me as best he could to make a go for the wood line. Dont remember

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much else from them couple of days. Later on I recollected something cool against my lips,
barely able to see I recognized the shadow of a man, it was Lt. Smith. He was just a wisp of a
man compared to the first time I met him. It was him, Lt. Smith who had pulled me out of the
trenches and managed to throw me on a flatbed wagon as the division retreated from Nashville
into the woods.34 Today doc says I should be able to walk a little bit with the others. I have had
to time to mend a little bit. Ive learnt what dont kill you, helps to make you stronger in the
mind, but not so sure my heart wants to follow.

1865
Jan. 01 -10 Hood has resigned and Gen. Johnston has been assigned to regroup what he can.35
The last series of battles had left us just a remnant of what we once were. We had been passed
from many different commanders, many depicted that we were nothing more than cowards.36
Still each morning reveille sounds, and I answer the call. Many comrades have been granted
furloughs, and I spect they will never return. Who could blame them?
Jan. 11-20 What was left of divisions was ordered tward Bentonville, NC. Me and some six
thousand soldiers were to make our way to North Carolina. Some went on patched up trains,
others on steamboats, but most of the Rebels, including myself, marched by foot.37 It looked like
a great migration.
Jan. 11-20 Not much to report. Came up on a farm a couple days ago, and you could see the
fear in the old mans face. The first thing he said is we dont want no trouble, take what you want
and leave us be. Tonight as I think back about his words I wonder why we were not welcomed
with open arms. We dont want no trouble, maybe he dont understand that this is the very reason
I have left family and ever thing I own. I just wanted to be left alone to tend the farm, raise a

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family, and make a honest living. Yet, I am fighting to give him the very thing he treasured the
most.
Jan. 21 25 Snowing, cold, and still making my way to the mountains.
Jan. 25 30 -Unit has decided to make camp. Assigned to picket.
Feb.01 10 The winds are howling, as a blowing snow beats away at my tent. A small fire is
built around some smooth rocks I found down at the creek. As I writ this night I am reminded of
the hearth at home. The glowing fire, the smell of rabbit stew in the dutch oven, Matthew and
Julia Ann playing with sticks, while Duke and Spot sleep at the door. An at the table I imagine
Anna Marie carefully putting the bowls down, and pouring glasses of milk. It all seems like a
dream, but I know its real.
Feb. 11-27 Snow finally lifted last week and the unit is on the move again.
March 01-14 Unit has made it into North Carolina. Two division still not completely set.
March 15 24 Its over. Tonight it is done. There is no more fight left in me. Couple of days
back, Gen. Johnston commanded full charge tward Bentonville, where the Union Army was
waiting. At first I thought we had the upper hand, cause I had been on picket and not once did I
spot or see hide nor hair of Yanks. We managed to push um back a piece, but they counterattack
with great force. We had to of been outnumbered at least three to one. Gen. Johnston
commanded the charge with at least seventeen thousand men I know of, but it was not enough.
The Yankees came at ten to twelve lines thick, when we seen them swing to the right word was
sent to Gen. Johnson and ordered to retreat. If Sherman had made it all the way to the field our
retreat route would leave us cut off. It would be a massacre for the Confederacy.38

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April This is to be my last entry. After Bentonville, I followed the Confederate Army to
Greensboro, North Carolina. It was here that Gen. Johnston insisted to Jefferson Davis that it was
hopeless. As a soldier I was done, and so voiced almost all my comrades. I was itchin to start my
way home, when news came that the President of the Union, Abraham Lincolon had been
assassinated. I decided to wait it out just in case Gen. Johnston had failed to convince Davis. On
April 26, 1865 I was set free from the war. Gen. Johnston had surrendered to Sherman at a small
farm house near Bennetts Place, North Carolina39.
Morning never looked or smelt so good today. I said my partings to my comrades and bidded
them to come by the home place if ever in the country. There were just a few things that I left
camp with on my journey back to Duck Springs. I of course carried my gun, my pocket Bible,
and of course this journal. Many battles we won, more we lost, but in the process the Yankees
know I give um Rebel Hell.
.

Jay Wertz, The Civil War Experience 1861-1865, (London: Sevenoaks, 2010), 12

2 "Sons of the South." 2003, Accessed 11062014, http://www.sonofthesouth.net/American-civil-

war.htm
Musick, Michael, Honorable Reports: Battles, Campaigns, and Skirmishes Civil War Records and
Research, 1995, National Archives, Accessed 11012014,
http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1995/fall/honorable-reports-1.html
3

4Jay Wertz, The Civil War Experience 1861-1865, (London: Sevenoaks, 2010), 27
5 Glossary of Civil War Terms, Civil War Trust, Accessed 10262014,

http://www.civilwar.org/education/history/glossary/glossary.html
A & E Television Networks, LLC, American Civil War History, History, Accessed 11092014,
http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/american-civil-war-history
6

7 James Kennedy, and Walter Kennedy, The South was Right! (Gretna: Pelican Publishing Company,

Inc., 1991), 35
Sean Beavins ,"Civil War Trust," 1987, Accessed 11042014,
http:///www.civilwar.org/education/history/biographies/william-josepht-hardee.html
8

9 Jay Wertz, The Civil War Experience 1861-1865, (London: Sevenoaks, 2010), 41
10 A & E Television Networks, LLC, Civil War Culture, History, Accessed 11032014,

http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/civil-war-culture
11 James Kennedy, and Walter Kennedy, The South was Right! (Gretna: Pelican PublishingCompany,

Inc., 1991), p

Sean Beavins, "Civil War Trust," 1987, Accessed 11042014,

http:///www.civilwar.org/education/history/biographies/william-josepht-hardee.htm
12

13

Ibid.

14 Michael Musick, Honorable Reports: Battles, Campaigns, and Skirmishes Civil War Records and

Research, 1995, National Archives, Accessed 11012014,

http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1995/fall/honorable-reports-1.html

A & E Television Networks, LLC, American Civil War History, History, Accessed 11092014,
http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/american-civil-war-history
15

16 Jay Wertz, The Civil War Experience 1861-1865, (London: Sevenoaks, 2010), 44
17A & E Television Networks, LLC, Civil War Culture, History, Accessed 11032014,

http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/civil-war-culture

18 James Kennedy, and Walter Kennedy, The South was Right! (Gretna: Pelican Publishing Company,

Inc., 1991), p
19 Jay Wertz, The Civil War Experience 1861-1865, (London: Sevenoaks, 2010), 49
20 Jemima Dunne, Smithsonian the Civil War a Visual History (New York: DK Publishing, 2011), 268

A & E Television Networks, LLC, American Civil War History, History, Accessed 11092014,
http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/american-civil-war-history
21

22 Ibid
23 James McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom (New York: Oxford University Press, 1988), 539

James Kennedy, and Walter Kennedy, The South was Right! (Gretna: Pelican Publishing Company,
Inc., 1991), p
24

A & E Television Networks, LLC, Civil War Culture, History, Accessed 11032014,
http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/civil-war-culture
25

Michael Musick, Honorable Reports: Battles, Campaigns, and Skirmishes Civil War Records and
Research, 1995, National Archives, Accessed 11012014,
http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1995/fall/honorable-reports-1.html
26

27 Thomas Brown, John Bell Hood: Extracting the Truth from History, SJSU Scholar Works, 2011,

Accessed 09302014, http://scholarworks.sjsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?

article=5038&context=etd_theses
28 Gerald Swick, History net.com: Live the History, Battle of Franklin: Civil War Sites Carnton,

Carter House, Lotz House, Weider History, 2010, Accessed 11072014,

http://www.historynet.com/battle-of-franklin.htm
29 Ibid

30 James Kennedy, and Walter Kennedy, The South was Right! (Gretna: Pelican Publishing Company,

Inc., 1991), 282

31 James Kennedy, and Walter Kennedy, The South was Right! (Gretna: Pelican Publishing Company,

Inc., 1991), 283

32

Jemima Dunne, Smithsonian the Civil War a Visual History (New York: DK Publishing, 2011), 301

33 Ibd

Michael Musick, Honorable Reports: Battles, Campaigns, and Skirmishes Civil War Records and
Research, 1995, National Archives, Accessed 11012014,
http://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1995/fall/honorable-reports-1.html
34

35 Jemima Dunne, Smithsonian the Civil War a Visual History (New York: DK Publishing, 2011), 306
36 A & E Television Networks, LLC, Joseph E. Johnson, 2014, History, Accessed 11062014,

http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/joseph-e-johnston

A & E Television Networks, LLC, American Civil War History, History, Accessed 11092014,
http://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/american-civil-war-history
37

38 Jay Wertz, The Civil War Experience 1861-1865, (London: Sevenoaks, 2010), 63
39Jemima Dunne,

Smithsonian the Civil War a Visual History (New York: DK Publishing, 2011), 324

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