June 1

Very hot. We lay in camp all day. I went over to the R. R. and secesh camp and saw the destruction of property. They evidently left in a hurry.

June 2 - Rienzi

We were ordered to march at five p.m. with one hundred cartridges. hear various reports in regard to the enemy. Passed breast work, where enemy masked a battery and killed several of our men. Marched fifteen miles and camped near Rienzi, a pretty little town. Saw fine beech timber. I saw corn in a garden waist high. People have commenced cutting wheat. Nearly all are at home.

June 3

Received orders to be in readiness to march at twelve m., but did not get away until four p.m., when it commenced raining heavily. We marched five miles and were forced to build fires and stop on account of the mud and darkness. Ed. Hyden went home.
(Ed.- Ed Hyden could have been Henry H. Hayden who enlisted in Benson's Company H from Crystal Lake. He made Sergeant.)

June 4

Very hot. We remained in camp subject to orders. General Pope passed our camp.

June 5

We heard that Richmond was taken.

June 6 - Boonesville, Mississippi

We decamped at four p.m., marched three or four miles and camped near the Mobile Railroad, two miles from Boonesville, where our cavalry stopped and burned a train of twenty carloads of arms and ammunitions.

June 7

We remained in camp all day. Very hot. We were aroused at night by the firing of the guns. Two companies were sent out, but no enemy were found.

June 8

Hot. Captain Joslyn returned, bringing the first letter we have received in Mississippi. Charles Dike accidentally shot himself. We received orders to cook three days rations.

June 9

Charles Dike received certificates from doctor and started for Corinth. Very hot.

June 10

Colonel Joslyn arrived. I went on picket. The troops continue to move back.

(Ed.- Halleck breaks up his huge army. Buell sent East to Chattanooga; Pope transferred to Virginia; Sherman occupies Memphis. Next day Halleck leaves for Washington, leaving U. S. Grant in charge.)

June 11

I saw General Rosencrantz. We had orders to march back to Rienzi.

June 12 - Rienzl, Mississippi

We marched back at 5 a.m. to Rienzi eight miles and camped near the depot and two churches, which the secesh had fitted to receive the wounded in case of a battle at Corinth. Hot. I went on guard.

June 13

Very hot. We went swimming. Received a letter from Clymena. Had dress parade.

June 14

Had a mess of blackberries. A man in Company D. died very suddenly.

June 15 - Duty at Rienzl, Mississippi until September 6, 1862

We moved about eighty rods to a better position. It is believed the secesh are coming back. Men were detailed to fortify. Our company went on picket.
(Ed.- Eighty rods is quarter of mile, each rod is 16.5 feet long.)

June 16

We were relieved at four o'clock.

June 17

Orren and I were on provost guard. The man where I stood is very sick and one son in the secesh army.
(Ed.- Orren is Wallace's younger brother. Provost guard is keeper of the prison.)

June 18

Came off provost guard at nine A. M. and went on picket at four A. M.

June 19

I went on parade this morning and John Floyd fired the signal and we had quite a time. Relieved at 4:00 p.m.
(Ed.- John Floyd is from Greenwood in Wallace's Company H.

June 20

Pleasant . Went on battalion and dress parade.

June 21

Pleasant. The boys went for blackberries.

June 22

Hot. We worked on fortifications, a fit way to spend the Sabbath. We received orders to cook two days rations and be ready to march.

June 23

Hot. I washed and went berrying. Went t on picket. Great precaution was taken for fear of an attack. Even cotton bales were drawn out and used as breast works.

June 24

Very hot. Was relieved at 5:00 p.m.

June 25

Hot. I went on provost guard at 10:00 a.m. to the one-legged (?) shoemaker, a light rain.

June 26

Very hot. I came off guard.

June 27

Hot as ever. The cars came in. I went on picket. General Hamilton's forces passed.

June 28

Showery. More troops passed. I came off picket guard.

June 29

I wrote home and to Oliver Powers. Prepared for inspection.

June 30

July 1

Hot. Orlando and I were berrying. Rained. Our cavalry had a skirmish near Boonesville.
(Ed.- Orlando W. Nash enlisted in Company H from Algonquin.

July 2

Pleasant. Orren and I were detailed to work on fortifications. Beauford's and Davis's divisions came back.
(Ed.- Orren was the younger brother of Wallace P. Benson.)

July 3

I went berrying. Received a letter from home with a comb in it.

July 4

Hot. A National salute of thirty-seven guns was fired at daylight. The two brigades under Asboth were formed and marched through town. I went on guard. Our brigade was marched out and Colonel Joslyn and others made speeches.

July 5

Hot. I came off guard.

July 6

Hot. Forty cartridges were given out and every preparation made for an attack. Enemy reported advancing by three roads.

July 7

I was on guard. Teams harnessed and everything in readiness for an attack.

July 8

Very hot. I came off guard.

July 9

We heard that McClellan had been driver back. I went out to support the battery.

July 10

Very hot. We found a new tent. Four of us moved into it. Raining. Every precaution is taken against an attack.

July 11

Very hot.

July 12

Hot. I went on guard. Myron Kent came back.
(Ed.- Myron Kent who reached rank of corporal in Company H from Woodstock.)

July 13

Hot. I wrote home.

July 14

Hottest day yet. Orren and I brought water.
(Ed.- Orren was the younger brother of Wallace P. Benson.)

July 15

Very hot. Received a Sentinel.
(Ed.- Sentinel was Woodstock's newspaper.)

July 16

Orren and I were (at work) on the entrenchment.
(Ed.- Orren was the younger brother of Wallace P. Benson.)

July 17

Hot. John Ward died.
(Ed.- John Ward was private in Company H from Woodstock.)

July 18

I was one of the escort to bury John Ward. Sellers, Captain Fish and others have received their resignations.
(Ed.- Alfred H. Sellers was First Lieutenant in Company H from Woodstock.
Captain Fish is unknown person.)

July 19

Very hot. Our cavalry pickets were surrounded and several taken prisoners.

July 20

Orren and I were on picket.
(Ed.- Orren was Wallace's younger brother.)

July 21

We were relieved from guard. George jackson cam back. Captain sent in his resignation.

July 22

Orren and I went on picket. I bought one dozen eggs for twenty-five cents. Orren was sick. Rained very hard.
(Ed.- Orren was Wallace's younger brother.)

July 23

Orren can in sick. Colonel Gruesel came back. Sellers started for home, and C. Thomas , but Charles came back.
(Ed.- Orren was the younger brother of Wallace.
C. Thomas was Private Charles G. Thomas from Woodstock who was in Company H.
Sellers was First Lieutenant Alfred H. Sellers who lived in Woodstock.)

July 24

Orren better. Pleasant.

July 25

Pleasant. Receivied the Sentinel.
(Ed.- Newspaper from Woodstock.)

July 26

Hot. I went on picket. Received the Tribune.
(Ed.- Newspaper from Chicago.)

July 27

Hot. Came off guard and went on battalion drill.

July 28

Had brigade drill before breakfast. Enemy reported in the vicinity. I and Call went over to Company A.

(Ed.- Call was probably Calvin Jones who joined Company H from Nunda, town next to Crystal Lake.)

July 29

I went on guard.

July 30

Very heavy rain. I went out to the boys with some supper.

July 31

Our Company were on guard at the battery. Rained very hard. Received the gray ----. Ben Sedgwich received his discharge.
(Ed.- Benjamin H. Sedgewick was private from Woodstock in Wallace's Company H.)

August 1

Very pleasant. We passed review by Brigadier General Granger, General Asboth sent in his farewell. He leaves on a furlough of thirty days.

August 2

My birthday. Ed. Joslyn and Ben Sedgwick started for home. I was on duty at the General's headquarters.
(Ed.- Ed. Joslyn may have been Captain Merrit L. Joslyn who was Woodstock.
Ben was Private Benjamin H. Sedgewick who was Woodstock.)

August 3

Hot. Received a letter from home.

August 4

General Granger is very severe, punishing the boys for taking apples.

August 5

Orren and I worked on the road. The troops were reviewed by General Rosencrantz.
(Ed.- Orren was younger brother of Wallace P. Benson.)

August 6

Very hot. We messed by ourselves. Our boys went over to be examined. Wrote to Edwin.
(Ed.- Edwin was brother who stayed back in Algonquin.)

August 7

Hot. Orren and I wee on fatigue. Had dress parade.
(Ed.- Orren was younger brother of Wallace P. Benson.)

August 8

Hot. Had an election for corporal and elected W. W. Floyd. Had a general spree. The promotion of officers were read on a dress parade. Hartman and Elmore newly elected. The boys treated.
(Ed.- W. W. Floyd was William W. Floyd from Greenwood.
Hartman was Private David Hartman from Ridgefield in Company H.
Elmore was Day Elmore Mus. from Aurora in Company H.)

August 9

I bought thirty pounds of flour for the mess and took to the bakery. Had battalion drill.

August 10

Charles Thomas received his discharge.
(Ed.- Private Charles H. Thomas was from Woodstock in Company H.)

August 11

Colonel Greusel took command of our brigade. Charles Thomas and H. Hayden started for home at midnight. I was on guard. Our picket post was changed.
(Ed.- H. Hayden was Henry H. Hayden from Crystal Lake who reached rank of Sergeant in Company H.)

August 12

I bought a bushel of potatoes for fifty-one cents. Captain Pierce commands the thirty-sixth.
(Ed.- Captain Pierce is from Company D of the 36th IL Regiment.)

August 13

Our picket stations were changed. A brigade left on a scout.

August 14

One year since we commenced drawing pay of U. S. Orren and I were on picket. Day Elmore was our corporal. Rained.
(Ed.- Orren was younger brother of Wallace P. Benson.
Day Elmore was from Aurora musician for Company H.)

August 15

We were relieved from picket. Wrote to Philetus.
(Ed.- Philetus

August 16

Received a letter from mother. The ninth Illinois volunteers came up. Others are reported on the way. Harrison and I went to town. I got a blanket.

August 17

The Forty-seventh left and the Ninth took their place. Orren and I went on picket.
(Ed.- Orren was younger brother of Wallace P. Benson.)

August 18

John Halderman was detailed in the battery. We heard that Banks had whipped Jackson near Culpepper C. H.
(Ed.- John Halderman was not in any of the rosters of the Companies of 36th IL Regiment.)

August 19

Received the Sentinel of the 13th. Company F relived Co. B. the officers were out on a skirmish drill.
(Ed.- Sentinel was Woodstock's newspaper.)

August 20

Captain Miller took command of the regiment. Had brigade drill.
(Ed.- Captain Silas Miller of Company B of the 36th IL Regiment was from Aurora.)

August 21

Had company drill in the morning. I went on guard at the spring. We signed the pay roll.

August 22

I received $26.00 U. S. Went to town at night and bought a hat of Munroe.

August 23

The boys went to town and had quite a spree. I was detailed to guard boys under arrest. Sentinel No. 1.

August 24

Orders were read that no soldiers would be allowed to go to New Rienzl.

August 25

Pleasant. Had brigade drill.

August 26

Five hundred cavalry dashed into our camp, catching cavalry off their guard. Six or eight secesh were pulled from their horses, there being no other way to defend themselves. They were soon routed and are being pursued. Orren and I were on patrol.
(Ed.- Orren was younger brother of Wallace P. Benson.)

August 27

Orren and I had our pictures taken and sent them home. Hot. We have not heard how our cavalry came out with the secesh. Received a letter from home, in it Pa's picture.
(Ed.- Orren was younger brother of Wallace P. Benson. Father was E. H. Benson.)

August 28

More fighting with secesh cavalry. Ten of our boys were taken prisoners and twelve guards left over them, but our boys took their arms from them and brought them in prisoners.

August 29

Very hot. The secesh are getting bold, but do not succeed in accomplishing much.

August 30

Hot. Secesh were reported in the vicinity. Received a letter from Philetus.

August 31

Rained. Received papers of the 8th, containing Pope's and Siegel's engagement with Jackson on the Rappahannock.

September 1

Went on fatigue for not being out for drill.
(Ed.- Bragg, now at Chattanooga, orders Price to cross the Tennessee River to prevent Federals at Corinth from cooperating with Buell at Nashville.)

September 2

Pleasant. I went on guard. Report came that Pope was fighting with Jackson at Bull Run.

September 3

Some of Davis's pickets had a skirmish with secesh. We were ordered into line to be ready to pitch in at a moment's warning.

September 4

Our company went out as reserve for the cavalry with Lieut. Clark, Company E, as commander.

September 5

We were relieved at nine o'clock by a Company from the Forty-fourth Illinois. Charles Dike and and Theodore Griffin's commission arrived. Dike treated. We had orders to march at four A. M.

Moved to Covington Kentucky and then to Louisville, Kentucky
Attached to the Army of Ohio commanded by D. C. Buell,
11th Division commanded by P. H. Sheridan,
37th Brigade commanded by Col. N. Greusel

September 6 - Corinth, Mississippi

We fell in at five o'clock and in company with the Forty-fourth Illinois and Second Iowa, we marched to Corinth, distant fifteen miles. I traveled over the secesh fortification. Dike received his discharge.

September 7 - Columbus, Ohio

We got on board of box cars and left Corinth at 10:00 a.m. and arrived safely at Columbus at 6:00 p.m. Camped a barrel of beer. Had a gay time.

September 8 - Cairo

We loaded our effects on the Tecumseh and left the wharf at 2:00 P. M. Reached Cairo at 7:00 P. M. Went aboard the cars at 2:00 a.m. I went through the fort at Columbus. Saw the great chain and torpedoes, anchors, etc., which the secesh prepared to blockade the river. Distance to Columbus from Corinth, 143.
(Ed.- Tecumseh is steamship.)

September 9 - Crossing of Ohio, Illinois Central and Mississippi Railroads

We started at four a.m. The people cheered us at every point. We reached the crossing of the Illinois Central and the Mississippi and Ohio Railroad at 6:00 p.m. Distance, 120 miles. Stopped and cooked supper and got aboard the cars for Cincinnati.

September 10 - Cincinnati

This morning found us far on the way toward Cincinnati. The ladies came out at Covington with pies, cakes, etc., much to the delight of the boys. 'Twas quite exciting. Reached Cincinnati at three a.m.

September 11

We marched through some of the principal streets and up to the market where our breakfast was in waiting. We crossed the Ohio on Pontoon bridge and up to a square on Eleventh Street and stacked arms and down to the market for supper. We pitched tents on green up street.

September 12

We went down to market place for breakfast. Came back and fell in to go out to lines, but were ordered back to cook three days rations.

September 13

We marched out of town and pitched tents and at dark had orders to march. Went out to lines and lay on arms. I received a line from A. E. and M. E. Smith asking me to correspond regularly.
(Ed.- Price enters Iuka, twenty miles east of Corinth and eight miles south of the river. Upon arrival, teh Eighth Wisconsin, commanded by Col. Murphy, evacuated the town.)

September 14

I wrote to the Sentinel. Very pleasant. All quiet.
(Ed.- Sentinel is the newspaper from Woodstock.)

September 15

Had an election for first and second Lieutenant. Orren and S. Carver were elected. (Camp Russell.)
(Ed.- Orren was Wallace's younger brother. But records show he left as Private.
S. Carver is Samuel Z. Carver from Alden from Company H.)

September 16

Reported that McClelland had defeated Jackson.

September 17

Reported McClelland had whipped General Lee. The secesh took Harper's Ferry with six thousand prisoners and paroled them. had orders to prepare three days rations.

September 18 - Indianapolis

Marched to Cincinnati, took cars for Indianapolis, from there to Louisville.

September 19 - Louisville

Arrived at Louisville. Camped three miles from town.

September 20

I was on guard. Received a letter form home. McClelland still in pursuit of the enemy. Reported that Price attacked Rosencrantz at Iuka.

September 21

Some of the paroled prisoners taken at Musfordsville arrived here. Reported that Buell attacked Bragg and captured his rear guard and train.

September 22

Various reports from McClellan. Bragg reported marching on to Louisville.

September 23

Heavy details were made for entrenching. Our Company went out at 5:00 p.m. and came in at 3:00 a.m.

September 24

We marched back to town and camped at the west end of Main Street.

September 25

Buell came into town.

September 26

I had a pass and went to town. We received orders to march and marched five miles through Main Street to the east of the city.

September 27

Rained. The regiment went out on picket about three miles. General Buell's forces came in.

September 28

Was relieved form picket. Went swimming. Drew new clothes, uniform, etc.

September 29

Jefferson C. Davis shot General Nelson. I went on guard.

September 30

Had orders to have five days rations ready. Also the order of our brigade was announced. 37th Brigade, 11th Division.