March 1

We decamped at eight o'clock and marched nearly west about seven miles and camped near good water. Extremely cold snowing lightly all day. I went to a deserted house and got some books.

March 4

Snowed hard in the morning. Cleared off cool at night. Orren and I stood picket.
(Ed.- Orren is the younger brother of Wallace P. Benson.)

March 5

Cold. We had barely enough provisions to live upon. We had orders at eleven o'clock to be ready at two A. M. to march.

March 6 - Sugar Creek near Pea Ridge, Arkansas

We were called up at twelve o'clock and started out but the order was countermanded and we went back to camp and waited until daylight, when we fell in and started on the retreat. Everything passed on quietly until we got near Sugar Creek. 3 o'clock p.m. when an enemy made it s appearance. Co. B. E. 6th were overtaken by a swarm of secesh and forced to lay down their arms when the 2nd Missouri went back and charged on them and the boys scattered. Quite a number of the second Missouri were killed, among them one captain. We were fired upon but the fire was returned. Our regiment did not get chance to fire. We took a good position on Sugar Creek and spent the night with but little to eat, making all necessary arrangements for an attack.

March 7 - Leetown, Arkansas - Battle of Pea Ridge

We struck tents early, expecting an attack we were drown up in order of battle at the rear of our camping ground and stacked arms. But new orders came soon and we were ordered out to the state road. We had not gone far before heavy cannonading commenced in advance of us and we were ordered back. We went to the rear of our camp passing through Leetown into an open field about one quarter of a mile from town and one and one half miles from camp. When we came into the field our cavalry were driven back, having charged the enemy and retaken tow pieces of artillery which the enemy had taken before we came on to the field. Nothing could be more exciting. Horses little used to warfare tuned before the charge of the enemy and ran with terrible speed back to the open filled where we arrived just in time to support them. There was some anxiety lest our regiment would break under such an excitement but they stood firm as a rock. Our artillery opened upon them (the enemy). As they came out in squads our artillery would drive them back. They soon got tired of such work and tried to out flank us on the right, but were met with terrible slaughter. What remained of Co. B some of Co. E. were sent forward as skirmishers and Pete Pelican Co. B shot Ben McCullock and took from him a fine gold watch which Col. Greusel bought at quite a cost. They were finally routed just at night. We passed over the field on a back road to the other field of engagement. We passed many dead and dying which was enough to move the strongest heart. We moved around near their right wing and lay down by the fence in silence. Not being allowed a fire we suffered with the cold. It was past midnight that a messenger came for us to come into camp. We were glad to get by a fire once more and altho we had no blankets or anything to eat we slept and rested. We arose in the morning and go a few mouhsfull of meal when the messengers of death came hissing over our heads. We were advancing on the right wing of the enemy when a severe cannonade commenced on both sides. We were marched past our batteries to support them on the left. The shell and ball hummed through the air but no one was hurt. We took our position and lay down. The balls whizzed over our heads but one man in our whole regiment was killed. The cannonade was most awful, lasting about tow hours, when the 16th Missouri advanced on the right. Two of our companies were sent out as skirmishers. The enemy retreated on to a high cliff and kept up the fire. Our company was ordered forward to support Co. K. and while passing in front O. Picket, Kimplin, (Jackson) Conroe, Oles Bunker were wounded. The enemy were driven from the bluff. Our regiment rejoined us and we scoured the woods in vain to find a love secesh. There was cheering and shouting when we found they were whipped. They scattered in every direction, leaving any quantity of small arms and I understand we have taken twenty seven pieces of artillery.

Our division followed them on the Springfield Road and we found the houses filled with wounded secesh. We traveled about twelve miles after the fight was over, which had ended about noon. Our team came up but did not bring over 100 blankets and we were left without tent or blankets and but little to eat.
(Ed.- Secesh is term for rebels. Pete Pelican was from Aurora. Jackson Conroe who was wounded enlisted in Co. H of the 36th Illinois Regiment. He was a resident of the Algonquin area. O. Picket was Orrin Picket from from Grafton who enlisted in 36th IL, Company H. Oles Bunker was third man wounded was probably Alvin s. Bunker from Woodstock. There was no Oles Bunker in the 36th IL Regiment.)

Battle -
US Army of the Southwest engaged Army of the West [CS]
Maj. Gen. Samuel Curtis engaged Maj. Gen. Earl Van Dorn

Union - 203 killed, 972 wounded, 174 missing
Confederate- 1,100 killed, 2,500 wounded, 1,600 missing

March 9 - Keitsville, Missouri

We started forward but stopped at Keyesville and waited some time, when we turned about and marched back where we camped and stopped on account of a rain storm. After this we came forward and camped on the field of battle. A young man came over to tell us that Junius was wounded.
(Ed.- Keyesville is probably Keitsville, Missouri)

March 10

The camp was aroused by the secesh, which came in to bury their dead, riding on to some of our cavalry without having up the flag. We were out and into line in a hurry, but the news soon came to go back to our quarters. Were on picket. (Secesh is term used for the rebels.)

March 11

I went over where the right wing were engaged and to see Junius. Found that he had gone. The dead were nearly all picked up but the ground showed signs of desperate fighting.

March 12

Very hot. We remained in camp all day for there was a rumor that we were going to march.

March 13 - Sugar Creek by Pea Ridge, Arkansas

We were ordered to march at seven, we knew not where. We camped on Sugar Creek about three miles from the battle ground. Rained very hard at night.

March 14

We remained in camp all day. Considerable difficulty exists between Generals Sigel and Curtis about going ahead.

March 15

General Sigel still opposes the advance and reported his division unfit for service. Considerable trouble exists in camp, some of the officers resigning. Col. Joslyn and Major Barry offered their resignations.
(Ed.- Col. Joslyn was from 36th IL Regiment, Company H from Woodstock.
General Sigel was forced to flee Prussia after being on losing side of a 1848 revolution. He offered his services at the outbreak of the Civil War. He was made Colonel of the 3rd Missouri. His only success was when he routed the Revbel forces at the Battle of Pea Ridge. He had several disasters at 2nd Bull Run, Shenandoah Valley, and Battle of New Market which resulted in being relieved of field command and later resigned his commission on May 4, 1865.

March 16

Everything remains quiet since the battle. There is but little to eat.

March 17

Very warm. Orren and I went over to see Junius. He is doing well.
(Ed.- Orren was Wallace's younger brother.
Junius is unknown person.)

March 18

Received orders to march in the night.

March 19 - Keatsville, Missouri

The drum beat at three o'clock, and the boys fell out with reluctance. We were on the march at sunrise, not knowing which way we were bound. When we found that we were going back general dissatisfaction was expressed, but we were all willing to follow General Sigel. We encamped a little after noon four miles from Keatsville. The most of the boys were of the opinion that Price was advancing on us again.

March 20

Orren and I stood picket. We were cautioned that we might be fired into.
(Ed.- Orren was the younger brother of Wallace P. Benson.)

March 21

Continues to snow, as much snow having fallen as at any time during the winter. We were relieved from picket about 1 o'clock.

March 22

Very cold. We received a letter from Clymena. Bought a piece of cheese of the suttler about the size of my hand for fifty cents.
(Ed.- Suttler is a follower of the army camp who peddles provisions to the soldiers.)

March 29

Orren and I stood picket. We were cautioned that we might be fired into.

March 30

We were relieved from picket duty. I was quite unwell. Two hundred and forty three of our men came back from Va Buren being all the prisoners they had taken since we left Rolla. Every precautionary measure against an attack being made. Our men that were prisoners confirm the death of Ben McCullock, McIntosh, Slack, Stone, all generals. They report Price wounded but in full command. Van Dorn having left for parts unknown. They report great dissatisfaction in the secesh army and many are going home. Peach trees begin to blossom.
(Ed.- Secesh is a term for used for rebel soldiers.)

March 31

April 1

Heavy rain. Trees are in bloom.

April 2

We received twenty six dollars from U. S.

April 3

Pleasant. I am troubled with a severe dysentery.

(Ed.- Dysentery is

April 4 - 2nd Brigade marched to Batesville, Arkansas (April 5th to May 3rd)

Warm. I sent twenty dollars home by Elder Lyon. General Sigel starts for St. Louis on thirty day furlough. I am a little better today.

April 5

We were ordered to pull up tents in double quick and were on the march at six o'clock , passing through Keatsville and Cassville taking the road from Cassville towards the White River. Orren and I went with the trains on account of being unwell. We traveled twenty seven miles and camped about four o'clock in the most desolate country I ever saw.

(Ed.- Orren is the younger brother of Wallace P. Benson.)

April 6 - Flat Creek at James River, Missouri

We were on the march at daylight, crossed Flat Creek five times and traveled over the roughest, strangest country I ever saw . We came in sight of scrub pines today. It was with difficulty that Orren got through, the trains being loaded so he could not ride. We traveled twenty three miles and camped on Flat Creek near its junction with the James River. This was the hardest march we have had since we have been in the service, many falling out and lying out all night came in wet and worn out and almost starved in the morning.

April 7

We remained in camp today. This is quite a picturesque place. There is an old decayed mill with quite a number of dilapidated buildings with a few families. They say the river rose some years ago and washed the town away.

April 8 - Galena, Missouri

Cool. We were hurried away about nine o'clock, the late rain raising the James River so that it was impassable at the point. Crossing Flat Creek was terrible for the teams. We reached Galena about three o'clock, distant twelve miles, and at once commenced making a bridge of wagons. We cooked luncheon about dark. We commenced crossing. The bridge was composed of twenty five wagons. the current was to the box and still rising. It was almost impossible for the teams to cross. After much difficulty we were over and without tents, we lay down trying to get a little rest. A light rain fell during the night, interspersed with a little snow and made it a little disagreeable.

April 9 - Bull Creek, Missouri

After much trouble, our teams crossed the river and we cooked something to eat and about eleven o'clock we were on the march again. We traveled through a very rough country, climbing over high rocky cliffs. We camped on a branch of Bull Creek. As is characteristic of this portion of the state it is very fine water and the country barren. Orren quite unwell. We marched thirteen miles.

April 10 - Forsythe, Missouri

Decamped about eight o'clock. Marched through the same barren bluffy county. The scenery was the greatest we have ever seen. I saw a few blue beeches. The timber is nearly the same with now and then maple interspersed. We arrived at Forsythe at three thirty the county seat of Taney County, and pitched our tents in a pleasant wood near by. I went on picket guard.

April 11

Rainy. Our knapsacks came. My Latin Grammar and the quilt Edwin and Elvira gave me were taken out.
(Ed.- Edwin Benton, age 29, brother of Orren and Wallace married Elvira who was the daughter of Jesse Miller. Wallace worked as laborer on Jesse Miller's farm before enlisting.)

April 13

Warm. Our suttler came in. Dan Clark received his orders from Dr. Young for discharge.
(Ed.- Dan Clark is private in same Company H who enlisted from city of Woodstock.)

April 14

Our suttler commenced selling. I bought one dollar in provisions. I gave Clark my haversack and he took the Constitution of the U. S. which I got of McKussac. Benton County, Arkansas home. There was considerable excitement because of the suttler. Warm again. Col. Greusel took command.
(Ed.- Haversack is bag worn over the shoulder to carry supplies.
Suttler is peddler who follows an army and sells provisions to the solders.)

April 15

Hot with a strong wind blowing from the south. Dan Clark started this morning for home, but was obliged to come back on account of there not being room. We had orders to be ready to march in the morning.

April 16 - Beaver Creek, Missouri

Pleasant and very hot. We struck tents about eight o'clock marching about five miles down the river to guard a mile on Beaver Creek. I saw one field of corn planted. Apple trees are in bloom.

April 21

Cleared off. the end of a rain storm that lasted for days. I am quite unwell.

April 23

Reveille beat at three o'clock and we were routed out to make preparation for a march.-we knew not where. Our camp was broken up and just at sunrise we marched off, passing on to the Springfield at Tany City. From thence we went toward Springfield and all though we were sure to land there but we filed left and camped near a beautiful stream. Weather warm. Timber mostly oak with other varieties to this section in the vales. Traveled twenty miles.

April 24

We were out again at three o'clock and hurried off with many predictions where our destination would be. Our route was through a valley most of the day, the roads being quite good. Traveled twenty miles and camped on the forks of the roads that lead to Vera Cruz and Jackson, Pa. Quite cool and misty.

April 25

We were routed out at three o'clock and marched through a valley, shunning the hills. The bluffs were bordered with pines. Camped on -----. There are quite fine mills here-saw and flowing mills-both being under one roof. There is every appearance of a good business being done here quite recently, there being a large stock of lumber and some flour. Charles Dike, Fitch Murray and Sedgwick regained us from Lebanon. They came in with a team of provisions.
(Ed.- Charles Dike was Charles Dyke enlisted in Company H of 36th IL Regiment from Crystal Lake.
Fitch Murray was Henry O. Murray who enlisted in the company from Woodstock. Sedgwick was probablyBenjamin Sedgewick from Woodstock who enlisted in Wallace's Company H.)

April 26 - Big Norway (north Fork of White River)

The drum beat at three o'clock and we were on the march again at four thirty. We passed through considerable very good pine, passing over hills and down ravines, traveling to nearly every point of the compass. We marched thirty miles and camped on the Big Norway a north Fork of the White River. The road was lined with boys who were unable to keep up. Some of our tents were burned. The teams suffered terribly, Many dying. We laid out without tents.

April 27

Quite warm. Quite a number of our boys remaining behind from yesterdays march. We fell in about eight o'clock and marched about six miles and camped at the foot of a hill thickly covered with pines. The most of the boys come in, some were badly used up.

April 28 - Spring Creek, Missouri (7miles from Arkansas)

Pleasant. We were ordered out at five o'clock passing through a more level country, traveling south east in Howell County on the direct road to Pocahontas and Jacksonport. We traveled twenty miles one of Company J, (36 Regiment) men died today. He was taken off from one of the baggage wagons, where he had been jolted to death, and laid upon the damp earth with on person but a detail of five men who leaned upon their spades impatiently waiting for him to breathe his last that they might pay their tribute of respect. Who ever heard of such respect? Camped on Spring Creek, Howell County, seven miles from the Arkansas line.

April 29

We were on the march as usual at daylight, passing through a better country, crossing Spring Creek five times. We had to wade. We reached Salem, Fulton County, Arkansas, about three o'clock. There are but few people at home. This is a one horse town.

April 30 - Salem, Arkansas

Harrison Jones and I went out about two and a half miles and got three canteens of milk. Made a corn cake and had quite a treat. We remained in camp to recruit and were mustered for pay. Received a letter from mother and Clymena. They wrote that Elmira had a son.
(Ed.- Harrison Jones was from Nuna which is located north of Crystal Lake, he joined Company H.)

May 1 - Salem, Arkansas

We were making preparations when the order came that we must hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moment's notice. We met with a chance to send our overcoats home by way of a teamster. We left Salem at three o'clock on the Jacksonport Road and marched fifteen miles. Laid down on our arms, the tents not being up, about nine o'clock. the road is a little bit more uneven. The timber was nearly in full leaf and presented a lovely scene as the moon cast its rays through the tree tops.

May 2

Our teams arrived and we made a cup of coffee and had dealt out to us the first cracker since we left Lebanon. The news came along the line that we were going to surprise a bond of secesh at Batesville and must march thirty-five miles before tomorrow. We traveled twenty miles and layed over for rest. Here the cavalry went six miles ahead and captured three loads of bacon with which, a secesh had sent his niggers to Little Rock.

May 3 - White River, Batesville, Arkansas

We were on the march at two a.m. and strolled along through the mud. While crossing a stream we were separated and took different roads. We traveled about ten miles and came out in advance of the regiment. We reached Batesville about---- and exchanged shots with some of Coleman's men who had crossed the White river. Orren and I were on provost guard, I got my supper and sold two hundred dollars worth of coffee. Rainy.

May 4

There was considerable trouble in town, the twelfth and seventeenth being marched into town to stop the row. Ed. Hayen came up with us. Continues very rainy.

(Ed.- There was no Ed Hayen, probably Henry H. Hayden who enlisted from Crystal Lake joining Company H.)

May 5

Very pleasant. The officers went up to congratulate Curtis on being appointed Major General.

May 6

Very pleasant. I went over to town and stood guard for Cal. Bought 2 ounces muriatic and palm leaf hat for 35 cents. We went over to town on battalion drill. The people came out in every direction. Curtis received his dispatch that Van Dorn and Price were taken prisoners at Corinth. I learned no particulars of the battle, only that our side whipped.

(Ed.- Muriatic is diluted hydrochloric acid )

May 7

We received orders to march and at nine o'clock were marching through town down to the ferry and soon were being passed over by three small flat boats. The band struck up as the first boat left the shore and the boys gave three cheers as she floated out upon the stream. We camped on the opposite shore and soon the boys came in the fishing rods, the first indication of our being "down in the cane brake."

May 8

We broke up camp about nine o'clock and marched five miles and camped. Wheat is fully in the head, peaches the size of hickory nuts. Timber nearly the same but very heavy with now then a pine.

May 9 - White River, Arkansas

We moved on seven miles and camped at eight a.m. and were passing off time when the order came that we were to leave Arkansas and go into action in another field. General Osterhause's farewell order was very appropriate to the 8th, 25th, l4th and 36th.

After three cheers had been given for the General and others he came forward and said, "I part with you with regret. If you ever have another opportunity to meet the enemy you will distinguish yourselves as all Illinois' men I have known, etc. "Cheer after cheer followed and amidst the excitement we were hurried away at one-thirty p.m. We reached the river again at sunset, distance twelve miles, and camped for the night.

May 10 - Batesville, Arkansas

We were ordered out early and were soon recrossing the White river. General Asboth came up as we reached the shore and we learned that he was to command the troops that were to march back to the Mississippi. We passed through Batesville and camped near town. I bout a pair boots for seven dollars.

May 11 - Pocahontas, Arkansas

We were routed out at four o'clock and were on the march for Pocahontas and the Mississippi. Joined Asboth, distance twelve miles, and went into camp.

May 12

Hot. We remained in camp.

May 13 - Smithville, Arkansas

Reveille at midnight and marched at two o'clock. the country was quite level, weather very hot. Marched eighteen miles and camped three miles from Smithville. The boys are badly used up.

May 14 - Spring Creek, North of Smithville

The reveille was beaten last night at ten o'clock and we marched at twelve. The boys were unable to stand it longer, not getting any sleep last night and fell out in every direction. Forded Spring Creek. Traveled twenty-five miles, were forded across --- Point and camped on the opposite bank, and enjoyed the first nights sleep in three days.

May 15 - Current River (Pitman's Ferry), Missouri

We marched at five o'clock and traveled moderately. The country was level but very barren as usual. Wheat looks as through it would hardly pay for cutting. The boys failed to keep up. We traveled twenty-eight miles and camped on Current River. a portion of General Street's division have just passed over the river. The report is that patients are here sick with small-pox. Mail came in with it the news that Memphis was taken. We passed men constructing telegraph. We learned this place (Pitman's Ferry) was occupied by about four thousand of Hardees forces and this was his headquarters. There is abundant evidence for many a board, some of them hastily marked, strands at the head of a grave that was caused by this accursed rebellion.

A portion of our boys crossed before the regiments came up and on returning the boats sprung a leak and boys were frightened and rushed for one end of the boat and sank it. I saw five that were taken out dead from the 15th Missouri and the report was that twelve were drowned, but I did not learn the facts.

May 16

We remained in camp until one o'clock before the boat could be repaired. We then crossed,the river, we passed the state line, which is about eighty rods from the river, marched ten miles and camped near a good stream.

May 1 7 - Little Black River, Missouri

We started at five o'clock, marched twenty miles, crossed the Little Black, and camped six miles this side. The country was tolerably level from Missouri, timber nearly the same. I stood guard at General Asboth's headquarters.

May 18 - Big Black, Missouri (probably near Popular Creek)

We marched at five o'clock , reached the Big Black at ten-thirty o'clock, crossed on a flat boat and camped. The thirteenth Illinois Cavalry are here guarding telegraph and ferry. We traveled ten miles.

May 19 - St. Francis River, Missouri near Greenville

The reveille beat at midnight and we ate our lunch and fell in at two a.m., marched fifteen miles and crossed the St. Francis River. We traveled eight miles. Eight miles farther we camped in a valley. We passed through considerable pine, the best we have seen.

May 20 - Hog Eye and Buck Eye

We marched at five o'clock, marched eighteen miles. It rained all day so we went into camp at two o'clock. We passed through the little villages of Hog Eye and Buck Eye. Crossed Bear Creek three times. Hear to night that the fight has commenced at Corinth.

May 21 - Dallas, Missouri (20 miles west of Cape Giradeau)

We marched at five o'clock. The storm was over and it was better going than yesterday. We reached Dallas at ten o'clock , distance ten miles from camp. The town is very pleasantly situated at the end of a very fine turnpike that runs to Cape Guardian, distant thirty miles. The citizens are mostly at home. Cal. Jones and I went out and bought our dinner. We marched twenty miles and camped on White Water Creek reaching camp at three p.m. The wreck of a fine grist mill stands on this creek. It was burned by our force last summer to oust secesh that has secreted themselves in the mill.

May 22 - Jackson, Cape Girardeau, Missouri

We started by daylight, crossed the creek by wagon bridge. here stands the eighteenth and last mile stone. There is consideralbe e maple timber. Grains of all kinds look better. People are all at home and come out and bid us God-speed. We passed through Jackson, the county seat of Cape Girardeau County. It is a very pretty place and the people are all at home. We reached town at ten o'clock and camped nearby. A salute was fired from the fort. Cape Girardeau is a very pleasant town. There are three forts or fortifications at or near the town, two commanding the river. The are but few troops in town except those being shipped to Corinth.

May 23 - Alton (Cairo?)- Regiment was moved to Hamburg Landing

We were ordered to be in readiness to march at any time. We signed the pay roll and drew new clothes. I drew one shirt and two pair of socks. We went aboard the Warsau at five o'clock and started down the Mississippi River. Reached Alton (Cairo?) at nine o'clock and started up the Ohio River. Rainy.

May 24 - Paducah, Kentucky and Fort Henry, Tennessee

Pleasant this morning. We had quite a race with the City Belle and reached Paducah at eight o'clock a.m. and started up the Tennessee River about a mile and took on coal and started for Pittsburgh at two p.m. Reached Fort Henry near the line of Kentucky and Tennessee at at eleven at night and lay over for the night.

May 25 - Pittsburg Landing, Tennessee (near Shiloh)

I woke up just in; time to get on to the edge of the fortifications but did not have time to see much before the boat left. Passed the remains of a R. R. bridge on the Memphis and Ohio R. R. Reached Pittsburgh Landing at eleven p.m. and lay until morning. The river was covered with boats.

May 26 - Hanburg, Tennessee (7 miles from Pittsburg Landing)

We ran up to Hamburg and left the boat and camped in the timber nearby. Took thirty rounds of cartridges.

May 27

Very hot. We remained in camp under orders to march at any time. Drew ten days rations.

May 28 - Near Corinth

We were hurried off at three p.m. marching thirteen miles and camping about ten p.m. near the great U. S. A.

May 29 - Corinth, Mississippi

We took car rations at leisure. Marched to Pop's headquarters and were out into an open field in advance of the camps. Or forces advanced a mile last night and fought considerable. The cannons fired quite often . We can hear the rebel drums beat and cars whistle at Corinth. Wheat ripe, oats in the head, blackberries full grown. Cannonading all night.

(Ed.- Beauregard evacuates Corinth, retreats to Tupelo. Union forces occupy Corinth the next day.)

May 30 - Occupation of Corinth, Mississippi

We lay on the field all night. Pope's forces went into town and found it deserted. We marched at dark to our advance works. Saw sixty four-pound guns. Marched two miles on to secesh ground and lay down for the night.

May 31 - Mobile R R. (Rebel Fort), Mississippi

We passed the rebel entrenchments and stacked arms in a grove and waited for further orders. We went over to a rebel fort on the Mobile R. R. and found a large amount of commissary stores. Al large amount of arms were burned. The cannon commenced roaring in advance and we were ordered to a favorable position to be ready to fall in at a moment's notice. There are various rumors in regard to the enemy. Boys came from the 52nd , I picked some ripe back berries. We heard that Richmond was taken.