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Civil War diary and CDV of Jesse B. Connelly of the 31st Indiana Infantry, Co. I. CDV shows Connelly in 1861, shortly before he enlisted in the Army, where he rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant with the 31st. With thoughtful, literary commentary throughout, including descriptive details on the Battle of Stone's River and other skirmishes and battles throughout 1863, the year of the diary. Composed in long, journal style entries, the diary immediately starts with coverage of the Battle of Stone's River on 1 January, reading in part, ''The new year was born and yet the discordant sounds of war rang through the land. Instead of the greetings of people happy, prosperous, and at peace, there came the cries of anguish of hearts bereaved by the fortunes of war. Who can tell what the year shall bring? Shall we have peace or war?''
On 2 January, the last day of the battle, Connelly writes, ''Last night we lay in line of battle in front of the enemy at Murfreesboro, shifting frequently from one part of the field to another. For 2 days the battle raged in its fury along the lines a many a freeman had fallen a martyr to the principles of liberty and justice. To day we are lying in support of the 7th Ind Bat on the left. About 3 pm the enemy advanced in force and attacked the left wing of the army a portion of which had crossed Stone River. For a while the enemy gained upon us, but Rosencrans with seeming forethought had amassed his troops and artillery in a favorable position to meet the advance of the enemy. The last ground was soon regained and the enemy driven...''
On 3 January he continues, ''...disorder from the field. Night alone saved them from utter rout and defeat. During the engagement our regt lay under the fire of near 100 of our guns and some 20 of the enemys. It was a trying ordeal but we stood to our post. When the rebels began the retreat we were ordered to drive the enemy from a point of woods they occupied in our front. It was done at the point of the bayonet...Gen Palmer leading the charge, this being accomplished we fell back to our position and lay on arms during the night. The night was spent in gathering and conveying to the hospital the wounded both Union & Rebel.'' Over the next few days, Connelly describes the aftermath of the battle, ''The rain fell in torrents all night...The night wing under McCook has advanced to day meeting with light opposition skirmishing at times along the lines relieved by an occasional spirited artillery duel. At night a division of fresh troops mostly East Tenn moved on to the rebels along the pike. Taking possession of the outerworks of the enemy and capturing many prisoners...the enemy has retreated from Murfreesboro...Bragg retreated during Sat night leaving 3000 of his wounded in our hands. Thus closed the memorable battle of Stone River resulting in the defeat and rout of a superior number of the Rebels under their favorite Gen by the Federals under Rosencrans. Another blow for freedom has been struck and victor perches on the hammer of liberty and union...''
On 6 January, Connelly describes the task of burying the dead, ''...to collect and bury the dead many of which have been on the field since Wednesday Dec 31st '62. It is a horrible sight to wander over the different scenes of action and see the mangled and torn corpse of friend & foe lying in close proximity with lofty patriotism and firm determination depicted on the white upturned face of the former & hate and revenge on the latter as if even in death they would fight and struggle for the mastery...'' He continues the next day, writing, ''...In the evening we moved back from the battle ground and bivouacked for the night.... The loss in the regt was 151 killed and 40 wounded...''
For the rest of the winter months, Connelly writes of camp conditions, using evocative language such as this on 10 January, ''Engaged in the forenoon in cleaning up quarters. Situated in a large grove, the trees of which tower above us like so many guardian angels reaching forth their long branches as if they would shield and protect the soldiers of the Union...'' On 22 January he writes, ''...Of course we had to get into line of battle and be ready to receive the 'chivalry' should they conclude to make us a call. Have been engaged at work on fortification today. We are erecting a line of works from bluff of creek on right of camp around to the left of brig connecting with fort 'Craft' on the point where the bridge crosses Cripple Creek. The fort mounts six guns & manned by Capt Staward & his brass boys, the heroes of Stone River...''
On 2 April, Connelly describes a raid on a Confederate outpost in Woodbury, writing, ''At 12 oc the 31st 3rd 90 Ohio and Bat 'B' 1st Ohio Artillery under command of Col Engort 1st Ky the 31st in the advance, moved out on the McMinville [McMinnville] pike and started for Woodbury distant 12 miles, arriving at Readyville we found that the 2nd Brig had already moved forwards intending by a circuitous route to reach the rear of the enemy station at Woodbury. We attack their out post at daylight and succeed in capturing their outpost. They were quickly driven from their camp & into the mountains where meeting the 29 Brig were thrown into confusion and lost their train and provisions and 4 killed. Our loss one wounded. We returned to camp same day.'' Two days later he continues, ''Marched at sunrise. Lieut Pike being sick, I had command of the company. Reaching Readyville we found that the 3rd Brigade and the Anderson troops Ill 5 Penn Cavaly, had been moved on in advance of us pushing rapidly forward to Woodbury which place we found in possession of our troops. They had a light skirmish with some Rebel cavalry, the latter of which fled almost at the first fire. We remained in town until 3 PM when moved back on the Pike 1 mile and bivouacked for the night. A large livery stable belonging to a rebel citizen was fired and burned by some soldier unknown...''
Throughout April, Connelly writes interesting entries describing action in the Nashville area: ''[7 April] All quiet during the night. Yet at Woodbury. 8 AM received orders to return to camp at Cripple Creek. Which order we were glad to obey. The 3rd Brig and Andersoon troops returned by way of Bradyville. The expedition was unproductive of prisoners, but demonstrated the fact that no heavy bodies of rebels were on our flank. A good many refugees & conscripts who had been hiding in the mountains for weeks from the Rebs came into our lines with us. Reached Cripple Creek about 3 PM...It is reported that Charleston has been taken by the Federals...[9 April] There was fighting on the picket lines last night, nothing serious. Guerillas are frequently scouting round our lines trying to capture pickett posts. [10 April] Got up at Revillie and stood in line of battle until day light. This is a time honored custom in the army, necessary to guard surprise by the enemy as he is more likely to make an attack just at daybreak than at any other time...[13 April] All quiet on pickett line last night. Stood on post from 9 to 10 PM. Imagined I saw John, Morgan, and his long haired fox as rangers with his other 'guerillars' trying to outflank me. Kept my piece of mind sufficient to prevent a stampede...[20 April] Up at Revillie and in two rows of fight until daylight. The day broke fair and clear. The sun rising in matchless grandeur tinging the mountain tops with a golden light and lighting up all nature in richest splendor...Rosencrans is waking up the Rebs and sending compliments...[24 April] burned the large cotton factory near town...''
Some entries in May and June include, ''[17 May] the regt was ordered out on a scout to reinforce troops out in front. Gen. Palmer with about 60 cavalry while making a scout towards Bradyville, came upon 100 Reb Cav who he routed, capturing 30 pris...[19 May] Lt. Clark taken pris at battle at Stone River has returned. Gives a gloomy picture of affairs. South hard time down there...[20 May] Received notice of my commision as 2nd Lieut being issued and ordered to enter on duty. [6 June] the rebels in the attack on Franklin were unsuccessful being driven back with a loss of 200 pris...A rebel spy was hung in town today and reports say another was arrested. [23 June] I witnessed a sad and mournful scene today. Such as I never wish to see again. Pri. John Luckman Co Y 1st K was shot for desertion. He was a young man and from appearances intelligent. He bore past and met his fate with remarkable coolness. He fell pierced by eight balls yet lived for several moments. May this never be the fate of my friends. [24 June] The army of the Cumberland is on the move...The base of Bragg's army entered Bradyville without meeting with any opposition. Encountered them and post cavalry pickets 2 1/2 miles beyond the river. A slight skirmish ensued. Had nine men killed & 1 wounded. They fell back but with what loss is not known. Has heard heavy cannonading this afternoon supposed to be Hiowas at Hooker's Gap. Has been raining all day...[25 June] Heavy cannonading heard in the direction of Beecher's Grove. Thomas took possession of Hoover Gap yesterday and it is supposed is engaged at B.G. [26 June] But little cannonading heard today and it is evident that the rebels are falling back from before our forces. All quiet in our front. Cavalry has been out several miles but saw no signs of the enemy. [30 June] Col. Wilder returned from a raid in the N. & G.R.K. which he struck at Bedard Station and succeed in burning the depot, several bridges, and tearing up the tracks in several places. It was a bold daring hazardous move, but Wilder and his troops understand the 'biz.' By the occupation of Manchester we have turned the right flank of the enemy and scoured a base of operations which will give us the advantage in engagement at Tullahoma and should Bragg meet with defeat. The artillery trains and most of his army are ours. A day or two will decide it.''
On 8 July Connelly celebrates the taking of Vicksburg, ''A national salute was just fired at corps in honor of the capture of Vicksburg by Ge. Grant. The knowledge of the fall of the Rebel stronghold which has so long baffled the skill and energy of Grant and reside the onset of his veteran troops will send a thrill of rapture through the national heart. Such as has not been since the commence of the war...[10 July] Confirmed news received last night of the fall of Vicksburg with 20,000 prisoners also the defeat and rout of Lee's army...''
With other interesting details, such as his entry on 13 July, ''The ways of the army are many and strange. When in the rear we have to stand in line of battle of morning, but when in the front and skirmishing with the enemy, we sleep until ready to get up. Capt went out with a forage train and it has been lonesome in camp. Gen Rosencrans paid us a flying visit today. Boys all anxious to get a sight of the pet of the army.'' He then writes on 28 July, ''News received today of the capture of John Morgan. Let every man rejoice. Blow on wind instruments and sound the 'gong' and build huge bonfires...'' On 15 August the regiment moves east, ''...Rec orders to be ready to move at 8 AM. From what I can learn we are going over the mountains to East Tenn. I should like much to visit that land of noble and devoted patriots and force them from the chains which have so long bound them...[18 August] Are lying half way up the mountain assisting the trains up. Have marched 5 ms through the valley. Tis the most beautiful country I have ever seen...[24 August] Quite a number of citizens have been in camp today & several have volunteered. Hear 100 have volunteered since we came here and the numbers grow larger each day. The men have been more intelligent than in most parts of Tenn we have been in & the ladies are much more intelligent and refined...[26 August] Report also comes that Forts Wagner and Sumpter have fallen & that a part of the city of Charleston has been burnt. That it may be true I earnestly pray as every loyal heart in the US. Let the city, the heart of treason & rebellion be razed to the ground and not one stone left upon another to mark the site...'' Diary is mostly blank after August.
A very enjoyable diary with lovely prose and interesting observations about the wear, nicely paired with a CDV of Connelly. Composed in pen with legible handwriting, diary is in very good plus condition with only light wear. With near full transcription.
1863 Civil War Diary & CDV of a 31st Indiana Infantryman -- ''...the mangled and torn corpse of friend & foe...with lofty patriotism...on the former & hate and revenge on the latter...''
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