Joseph W. Crowther
Co. H. 128^th NY Vols.

"When Johnny Comes Marching Home," courtesy of Civil War Midi Page (link has been broken since 8/2001--this points to Web Archive version)..

April 1^st 1865

We are still in camp at the steam boat depot guarding commissary stores. Also at garrison, it being a base of supplies for Gen. Sherman’s army, also Gen. Schofield’s.

2^nd. We had our Sunday morning inspection as usual. Heard from the front all was quiet along the lines. Large wagon trains is constantly coming and going to the front taking stores from this depot.

A gun boat arrived here today from the James River. Our duty is very light at this place.

3^rd. Got an order to turn in our axes and spades with the supposition of going to the front or to report back to New Bern soon.

4^th. Received a letter from Sarah Jane Crowther No. 19. Received a letter from E. A. Crowther. Capt. H. H. Sincerbox sent to New Bern for Tobacco for his Company as they was all about out of money, and could not get tobacco. I got from him one package of smoking 75 cents. Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther No. 8. Wrote to Eliza A. Crowther.

Myself and E. Lodge went to visit Kinston. It is like all other evacuated Southern towns and cities about used up.

5^th. Our guards was relieved and we again surmise that we are about to move again to the front, as we have just received marching orders.

6^th. Marching orders countermanded and we are still in camp on the Neuse River and expecting hourly to be attacked at this place by rebel cavalry.

We received the news from Grant’s army that after 3 days hard fighting before Petersburg and Richmond. Gen. Grant occupied the 2 rebel strong holds. Also that he had captured 25,000 prisoners and 500 pieces of artillery. Also that the rebel Gen. Lee with his army was in full retreat towards Harrison’s Farms in the direction of Lynchburg.

Received the news that the 17^th Corps had had an engagement with Johnston’s army and that he had captured a large number of prisoners.

It was reported that the guerilla O’Connor was captured also 5 of his gang.

A great many of our wounded soldiers passed down the rail road to day, also 500 rebel prisoners.

7^th. Large quantities of wounded is still coming from the front on every train.

At 7 o’clock p.m. we got orders to put on our equipment and sleep with them on, also to have our guns so that we could put our hands on it at a moment’s notice, as a raid was anticipated by some 400 rebel cavalry that had crossed the Neuse River 10 miles below this place. They also captured and destroyed by fire a steam boat, 1 schooner, and a barge.

8^th. All was quiet through the night. We was turned out under arms as usual in the morning. At 10 o’clock a.m. we fell in line and discharged our guns.

News from Grant that he was in full pursuit after Gen. Lee in the direction of Lynchburg.

At 4 o’clock p.m. I was detailed on guard over commissary stores. At 7 o’clock we got marching orders and we was relieved from duty by the 23^rd Mass. Vols.

Received a letter from Jas. Crowther.

9^th. We was turned out at 4 o’clock in the morning and received orders to break camp and be ready to march at 6 o’clock. At 10 o’clock the orders for marching was countermanded with orders to remain here until further orders.

At 1 o’clock p.m. we got orders to report at the depot at Kinston. We then fell in line and marched to Kinston. We stacked arms at the depot and waited there for further orders.

At 5 o’clock p.m. we got orders to march to the outskirts of the town and go into camp for the night. We 7 o’clock p.m. we are comfortably in camp at Kinston. At 9 o’clock p.m. we got orders to break camp and march to the rail road depot to take the cars for Goldsboro. The right wing of our regiment got on the cars but the cars was so crowded that the left wing of the regiment could not get on board. Therefore we made ourselves comfortable at the Kinston depot the remainder of that night.

10^th. We was turned out at 5 in the morning to be ready to take the first train up.

At 8 o’clock a.m. a train came up. But it was heavy loaded so that we could not go up on that. A part of Gen. Sherman’s army left Goldsboro this morning towards Raleigh.

At 3 o’clock p.m. we are still at the depot waiting for transportation. At 4 o’clock p.m. we got orders to go into camp again on the same ground as the night previous with orders to march the next morning to Goldsboro with a Battery.

11^th. We was turned out at 5 in the morning. Here we drawed 3 days rations. The 175 NY Vols. was also to march to Goldsboro with this Battery. The 175 NY and the Battery commenced to march at 7 o’clock this morning. We stayed to draw our ration. At 9 o’clock a.m. we fell in line and marched after them. We marched about 6 miles when we stopped and stacked arms in the road to eat our dinner. We stopped one hour for dinner then fell in line of march again. That night we went into camp at a place called Mosley Hall. Here we got the news of Lee’s surrendering the Army of Northern Virginia. The 175 NY and the left wing of the 128^th NY and the Battery all was encamped together this night at Mosley Hall. The remainder of Gen. Sherman’s army left Goldsboro this morning.

12^th. We was turned out at 5 o’clock in the morning. At 6 o’clock we fell in line of march. We marched until 11 o’clock a.m. when we halted for dinner. This morning we marched 10 miles. Here we stopped about 2 hours, when we again fell in line of march. We arrived at Goldsboro at 4 o’clock p.m. Here we joined the right wing of our regiment and went into camp for the night. On our arrival at Goldsboro we received an old Savannah mail. Received a letter from S. J. Crowther dated Jan 8^th and no. 11. Also one dated March 12^th no. 18. Also received a letter from Charles E. Knapp.

We had just got our tents pitched when we was ordered to fall in line to hear an order read. This order was that the rebel Gen. Lee had surrendered the entire Army of Northern Virginia to Gen. Grant at Danville, Va.

April 13^th 1865

At 8 o’clock this morning we got orders to move camp. We cleared up a camping ground, then commenced putting up our shanties and as fast as we got them up we moved into them. By 4 o’clock in the afternoon we had a fine camp.

About dusk this evening Capt. McGuire and some 4 or 5 men was outside the picket line in an old camp with a team after boards to build shanties with. They was captured by some guerillas. One or 2 of the men made their escape and brought in the news.

At detail was then made to strengthen the picket line in case they should attempt to capture a portion of the picket line.

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther no. 9. We have been transferred to the 10^th Army Corps. We are now in the 1^st Division 10^th Army Corps.

April 14^th 1865

14^th. Wrote to James Crowther. Reported that some 10 of our pickets had been captured by guerillas at the picket line. Drawed at Goldsboro NC 1 pr of pants, it being the first article I have drawed since the raise of clothing.

April 15^th 1865

We got news this afternoon that Gen. Stoneman had captured Jeff Davis and his Cabinet near Danville Va.

We got orders this morning to be ready to march at 4 o’clock the next morning. Our pickets and all the men on duty was relieved.

At 3 o’clock p.m. this order was countermanded and our pickets put out again.

Wrote to Charles E. Knapp.

This evening the news came to us that the rebel Gen. Johnston had asked permission from Gen. Sherman to cease hostilities until he had an interview with Gen. Lee in regards to surrendering his army. All detached men and officers returned to camp.

April 16^th 1865

We had our Sunday morning as usual.

Wrote to Sarah Jane Crowther.

I was detailed on picket.

Received a letter from Sarah Jane Crowther, No. 19.

Received a letter from Eliza A. Crowther. Wrote to E. A. Crowther.

April 17^th

News came into camp that the rebel Gen. Johnston was about to surrender his army.

We also received the news that President Lincoln & Seward had been assassinated. But this report was not official.

We rebuilt our shanties and shaded the camp with pine trees. We have now a beautiful camp.

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther No. 10. News through the papers that Jeff Davis wanted permission from Gen. Grant to leave the country on his parole that he would never again return to the United States. But this was refused to him.

April 18^th

Captured another guerilla which proved to be the chief or leader of the band that captured and shot Captain McGuire, also a private of the 175^th NY Vols.

We had the news that the rebel Gen. Johnston had surrendered to Gen. Sherman this morning all the rebel army on this side of the Mississippi River.
Received a letter from James Crowther.

April 19^th, 1865

We had an official order read to us to day that hostilities had ceased and that a declaration of peace would be brought about as soon as time would permit.

Wrote to James Crowther.

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther No. 11.

The soldiers in camp are all in good spirits with the hopes of soon been again at their homes.

April 20^th

We are still in camp at Goldsboro, NC. The most of our regiment is now on permanent duty. Our camp is policed every morning and duty is been done as usual.

Prisoners, deserters & stragglers is constantly coming into our lines. The most of them take the oath and are free to go to their homes.

April 21^st 1865

21^st. Today we received the official news of the assassination of President Lincoln and the attempts of Secretary Seward and Son. President Lincoln was shot the evening of the 14^th of April while at the theater and died at 7 o’clock the morning of the 15^th. As soon as the news reached here nearly every house in Goldsboro was dressed in mourning. It seemed to affect everybody. On the receipt of this news the soldiers all seemed to be more anxious for the war to keep on than to have peace, until every traitor in the country was slayed.

A number of guerillas came to our lines today and give themselves up.

Received a letter from S.J. Crowther, no. 20 and dated April 12^th.

Wrote to S. J. Crowther no. 12.

The weather is very warm but we have showers about every day.

Got 16 letter stamps from Francis Marston.

Today we received the news that Mobile was in our hands. Also the capture of 2000 prisoners at that place.

April 22^nd

Guns was fired every half hours at this place for 24 hours for the death of President Lincoln. Today a large detail was made from our regiment to go to New Bern with prisoners and bounty jumpers.

April 23^rd 1865

We had our Sunday morning inspection as usual. Went to church at Goldsboro. No news of importance today.

24^th. Lieut. Gen. Grant and Gen. Meigs the U.S. Quartermaster passed through this place on the first train this morning on their way to the front.

At one p.m. I was detailed on picket on the Raleigh Road. There was not less than 200 persons, men, women and children, passed the my post into Goldsboro to draw rations.

25^th. At 10 a.m. I was relieved from picket. I was taken with a severe attack of dysentery.

April 26^th 1865

I was quite sick.

At 12 at noon we got orders to break camp and march to the depot, which we did at 5 p.m. We embarked on the cars and went within about 3 miles of Smithfield when we got off the cars and took Shanks horses the rest of the distance and stopped at Smithfield Station that night.

27^th. At 7 o’clock this morning Co. H was sent back on the cars a distance of 10 miles to a place called Boon Hill where we relieved a company of Indiana troops.

Lieut. Gen. Grant & Gen. Meigs passed through this place today on their way back from the front.

Our duty at this place is to guard the station.

Today we received the official report that the rebel Gen. Johnston had surrendered the army under his command.

April 28^th 1865

I was some better of the dysentery. But was very weak and thin in flesh.

This afternoon we received orders that we was to report back to Savannah.

April 29^th 1865

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther no. 13. Today is my birth day. I am 32 years of age.

April 30^th

We had Sunday morning inspection and was mustered for pay for the months of March & April. We have now 8 months due us. At 2 p.m. we received marching orders.

Received a letter from S.J.C. no. 21. Also one from E.A. Crowther. Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther No. 14.

Capt. McGuire’s body was brought in to Goldsboro and buried. He had 7 balls in his breast and his throat cut from ear to ear and was badly mangled.

May 1^st 1865

At 7 o’clock a.m. we broke camp at Boon Hill. The regiment was relieved the night previous and passed through here on the cars to Goldsboro through the night.

At one p.m. we took the cars for Goldsboro. We arrived at Goldsboro at 3 p.m. and marched to our old camp ground and went into camp for that night.

2^nd. We was turned out at 2 o’clock in the morning and marched to the depot where we laid until 7 a.m. when we embarked on the cars bound for Morehead City.

While we was running between Kinston & New Bern a car loaded with hay got on fire from the sparks from the locomotive. They stopped and put off the hay. The car was not injured but the hay was all burnt up. We arrived at Morehead City at 7 p.m. and went into camp.

Received 2 dollars from Wm. H. Althouse.

3^rd. Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther No. 15 and sent her 1 dollar. Wrote to E. A. Crowther.

The 2^nd Brigade of our Division went on board of transports to day. At dusk we got orders to be ready to march to the dock at daylight next morning.

4^th. We was turned out at daylight with orders to be ready to march. We broke camp and at 10 a.m. we fell in line and marched to the steam boat depot and embarked on board of the Steam Ship Thetis. At 2 o’clock p.m. we left the dock at Morehead City, NC, and pushed out to sea, accompanied with 4 other transports: the Steamer Constitution, the Star of the South, the Neptune and the Steamer Tonawanda. These 5 vessels had on board the 2^nd and 3^rd Brigades of our Division on board bound for Savannah, Ga. All the regimental horses and a number of mules and wagons was on board.

May 5^th 1865

We are out to sea. We have fine weather but heavy winds. We was in sight of the other vessels the most of the time. I was on duty on board of the vessel to keep the men from smoking below.

6^th. We arrived at the mouth of the Savannah River at 4 o’clock p.m. Here we laid to a short time.

At 5 p.m. we took on a pilot and went up the Savannah River. The tide being down we had to cast anchor in the river about one mile below the city for that night.

7^th. At 6 o’clock in the morning we hoisted anchor and sailed up to the city and disembarked and marched to the rear of the city near the city park. Here we stacked arms, with orders to rest and to be in readiness to march at a moment’s notice. It was a mystery to us why we had to come back to Savannah, and we was all very anxious to find out our whereabouts, or rather our destination. About noon we fell in line and marched a short distance and went into camp.

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther no. 16.

Wrote to James Crowther.

Wrote to Charles E. Knapp.

May 8^th

Myself and Francis Marston packed up a small box to send home. The box was addressed to Mr. Robt. Marston and contained 2 over coats, one woolen blanket, 2 pair of gloves, 3 [illegible], one hymn book, 2 shells, 2 pipes, one needle book, 1 small stick.

May 9^th 1865

Sent a box by Adams Express Company addressed to Robt. Marston, Newburgh, Orange Co., NY.

No news of importance.

May 10^th

A detail was made from the regiment to go out to cut timber to put up quarters for us outside the breastworks.

At 9 o’clock p.m. we got orders to be ready to march at 3 o’clock the next morning.

May 11^th

We was called up by the beat of the drum at 3 o’clock a.m. with orders to be ready to march at 5 a.m. At 6 o’clock. We got orders that we could store our knapsacks if we choosed to do for we was going on a long march. A few stored their knapsacks at Savannah, but the most of them threw away and destroyed all that they did not want to take with them. I stored a woolen blanket with the expectation of never seeing it again, as we have always lost everything that we have stored heretofore.

At 9 o’clock a.m. our regiment and the 24^th Iowa Vols. formed in line of march and joined the 2^nd Brigade and commenced our long march. We marched 13 miles this day. A very heavy thunder shower came up just as we was going into camp, and it rained very hard all that night.

May 12^th 1865

We was turned out at 3 o’clock in the morning. We got our grub and commenced marching at half past 4 o’clock in the morning. It was overcast until 10 a.m. when the sun came out very hot. We halted at 11 o’clock a.m. for dinner after marching 9 miles. At 1 o’clock p.m. we fell in line of march again. This day we marched 16 miles and went into camp for that night.

May 13^th

We was turned out at 3 o’clock in the morning, and at 4 we fell in line of march. At 10 o’clock a.m. we arrived at Sisters Ferry after marching 8 miles. Here we stacked arms, with orders to pitch our tents, also that we was going to stay here until morning. A detail was made from each regiment to unload some commissary stores off the boat, also to load them on the wagon train that was with us here at Sisters Ferry. All sick and sore footed men was put on board of the steam boat and went up the river to Augusta. P.m. My tent mate and myself went out black-berrying. They was very plenty.

May 14^th

Sunday morning we was turned out at 3 in the morning as usual and at 4 fell in line of march. We marched 13 miles and halted at half past nine for dinner. At 12 o’clock we again fell in line of march. We marched 21 miles this day and went into camp at 5 p.m. at a place called Black Creek. This day was a very hot day.

May 15^th

We was turned out at 3 o’clock in the morning. Got our grub and fell in line of march. We marched until 10 o’clock a.m. then halted for dinner after marching 13 miles. At 1 o’clock p.m. we again fell in line of march and marched until half past 4 p.m. then went into camp for that night. This day we marched 22 miles. We had been in camp about half an hour when we received 2 dispatches: one of them was that Jeff Davis had been captured and the other was for 3 Regiments to report to Waynesboro and there take the cars to Augusta.

Jeff Davis and his wife and some of his Cabinet was captured at Abbeville, Wilcox Co., Ga.

May 16^th 1865

We was turned out at 3 o’clock in the morning and fell in line of march at 4 o’clock as usual. We marched 18 miles and halted at 11 a.m. for dinner. At this time the rest of the troops was about 4 or 5 miles in the rear. At 1 o’clock p.m. we again fell in line of march. We marched a short distance when we halted at the wagon train and drawed 1 days ration which detained us nearly an hour. At 2 o’clock we again commenced to march. This afternoon we marched 10 miles making for that days march 28 miles.

We arrived at Waynesboro at 8 o’clock that night. Here we stacked arms and made our coffee & at 10 p.m. the drum beat for us to fall in line again. We fell in line and marched about 1 mile to the depot and embarked on the cars for Augusta.

We arrived at Augusta, Ga., about 1 o’clock the next morning of the 17. The distance from Waynesboro to Augusta is 33 miles. We disembarked as soon as we arrived at Augusta, fell in line and marched to the rear of the depot and turned in for the remainder of that night.

May 17^th

We turned out when we got good and ready, and got our grub and pitched our tents, and then we was home again.

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther, No. 17.

At 7 o’clock p.m. I was detailed on duty on commissary stores down at the river.

May 18^th 1865

While on duty at the river I crossed the river to visit a place called Hamburgh, South Carolina. Between 1 & 3 o’clock p.m. we had a very heavy hail storm at Augusta, Ga.

At 3 o’clock p.m. I was relieved from duty. Today about 100 men was detailed from our Regiment to guard cotton in different parts of the city. No more picket duty to be done only on the main roads. There is more rebel soldiers here than union. The rebel soldiers or the most of them is glad the war is at an end and are anxious to hear of Jeff Davis being hung.

May 19^th 1865

We broke camp and went into cotton warehouse, which we used as barracks.

May 20^th

A detail was made from the Regiment on detached duty at a powder mill just outside the city. In going about the city today I came in contact with 2 rebel soldiers that was at the Battle of Fishers Hill, Va., and had a long talk with them. They gave the regiment that advanced as skirmishers great praise. This Regiment was the 128^th NY Vols.

May 21^st 1865

Sunday. Went to church. It was a very hot day. We had inspection in the evening.

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther.

May 22^nd

Wrote to Charles E. Knapp and sent him a Confederate bill.

Wrote to James Crowther and sent him a Confederate bill.

No news.

May 23^rd

We are still in barracks at the Georgia & Savannah R.R. warehouse. Today I went to the cotton factory. The factory is running every day. I was also to the top of the city tower.

May 24^th

Received a letter from Wm. F. Carrell.

Wrote to Wm. F. Carrell.

No news of importance occurred.

May 25^th 1865

We are still at Augusta, Ga. Today I went out to visit some of the boys at the powder mill outside the city.

May 26^th 1865

I went out to the Augusta race course. No news.

May 27^th

There was a great colored mass meeting at the city park at Augusta, Ga. The meeting was addressed by Rev. Dr. French. He made a very lengthy speech. His discourse was on the freedom of slavery. Also advice to the colored race in regards to their freedom.

May 28^th

We had our Sunday morning inspection. Then went to church.

Received 2 letters from S. J. Crowther.

Wrote to S. J. Crowther no. 18.

May 29^th 1865

The steam boat Governor Troop left this city this morning for Savannah loaded with cotton. Some 12 men was detailed from our Regiment to go down on her as guards. She got about 10 miles down the river when she took fire and was completely destroyed. The guards and all the white persons jumped over board and was saved. But there was quite a number of colored persons on board the most of them was burnt or drowned. The guards lost their guns and equipment and everything except what they had on their backs. It was reported that there was a union officer asleep in the cabin and was burned to death.

Drawed 1 blouse.
                 1 pr. Shoes.

Wrote to James Crowther.

May 30^th 1865

No news of importance.

May 31^st

Went about the city to pass away the time.

This morning the 1^st Brigade of our Division left Augusta, Ga., on foot for Savannah.

June 1^st 1865

Went to church, it being a day of prayer set apart by the President of the U. States.

P.m. a colored mass meeting was held at the city park.

Received from Sarah Jane Crowther a letter dated May 1^st and no. 22.

June 2^nd

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther no. 19.

No news of importance.

The weather is very warm.

June 3^rd

I was detailed on permanent duty at the Post Commissary in the city of Augusta, Ga. At 8 o’clock p.m. a fire broke out. It was a very large brick store house at the Waynesboro & Savannah depot. The building was built to the ground.

June 4^th 1865

A fire broke out this morning near the cotton factory. There is some talk of us leaving this place and return to Savannah.

5^th. The Regiment had a General Inspection today.

A detail was made from the Regiment to go to Savannah to bring up the Regimental baggage.

We received orders to be prepared for a General Inspection.

I saw an order in the paper that all white troops that their time was out prior to October 1^st 1865 was to be mustered out of service as soon as possible.

6^th. We was prepared for an inspection and expecting the General around every minute all day. But the General did not get around, so that we was not inspected.

P.m. General Inspection and review of all the troops in the city of Augusta by Brevet Brig. Gen. Molineux. While the troops was in line an order was read to them stating that all the troops whose time expired previous to the 30^th of Sept. 1865 was to be mustered out of service. Also another order was read that the 22^nd, 24^th, & 28^th Iowa and the 128^th and the 131^st Regt. N. York Vols. was to leave Augusta for Savannah as soon as they could be relieved. Gen. Molineux made a short speech to the troops congratulating them that the time had come at last when they could go to their homes again and see their families and friends once more.

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther no. 20.

June 7^th

The commanders of all the Regiments that was to return home received orders to day to have all their papers made out so to be ready to be mustered out of service at short notice.

June 3^rd 1865

Taken from the papers. That final peace between the North and South was again established.

The first man killed in this war was Daniel Howe of NY at Fort Sumter.

June 8^th 1865

It was reported that we was to stay at Augusta some 10 days longer until other troops got here to relieve us.

I went to the St. Paul’s M.E. Chapel in the evening.

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther no. 21.

News of the surrender of all the forces in the Trans-Mississippi Department under the command of the rebel Gen. Kirby Smith. Also the news of Gen. Kirby Smith being shot by a major in the rebel service. They had some words about some cotton and could not agree.

Also news of a great union mass meeting at Savannah.

9^th. Reported that we was to report at Savannah by the 15^th.

June 9^th 1865

This evening I went up town to visit a citizen.

10^th Drawed 5 days ration. The weather was extremely hot but nearly every afternoon we have a heavy thunder shower. Brevet Major Gen. Grover relieved from duty at Savannah by Brevet Major Gen. Birge.

1300 regulars have arrived at Savannah.

We are expecting to be relieved at Augusta now every day.

An official report that the rebel Gen. Early died of disease at Lynchburg, Va.

11^th. Sunday went to church. Went out to take dinner with a citizen.

June 12^th 1865

We are still at Augusta, Ga., expecting troops here to relieve us every day.

News that troops left Savannah marching up to Augusta on the 9^th inst. to relieve us.

13^th. Sgt. Althouse was detailed to go to Washington to copy a muster roll from the old original muster roll so that we could be mustered out at Savannah.

14^th. We are still at Augusta. The troops coming to relieve is from our Brigade except one colored Regiment. They are said to be about 1 days march from this place.

Some of the officers arrived here this morning by the boat.

The night of the 14^th some of the boys of the Iowa Vols. made a ball. It was in one of the buildings that we was guarding. They danced 1 set then the ball was broken up.

June 15^th

I was relieved from duty at the Post Commissary at Augusta, Ga., and reported to my Regiment.

This morning a colored Regiment arrived here. P.m. the 125^th, 150^th & 176^th NY Vols. arrived at Augusta to relieve us.

June 16^th All our Regiment was relieved from duty in the morning and we got orders to have our knapsacks packed so as to send them down on the boat.

Also orders to be ready to march at 5 o’clock p.m.

June 16^th 1865

At 5 o’clock p.m. we fell in line of March. The 131^st NY Vols. joined us and at 5 o’clock we commenced our line of March from Augusta to Savannah.

We marched 6 miles then went into camp for the night.

June 17^th

Reveille at 3 o’clock in the morning. Fell in line of march at 4. We marched 10 miles when we halted and stacked arms for dinner, with orders to be ready to march again at 4 p.m. This was a very warm day. But a heavy shower came up which made it much cooler and we fell in line of march at 2 o’clock p.m. and marched 10miles making for this day’s march 20 miles and went into camp about 5 miles from Waynesboro that night.

Sunday June 18^th 1865

We was turned out at 3 o’clock in the morning and fell in line of march at 4 and marched until half past 9 o’clock a.m. after marching 11 miles, when we halted for dinner. At 3 o’clock p.m. we again fell in line of march and marched 5 miles and went into camp for the night, making for this days march 16 miles.

June 19^th 1865

We was turned out at 2 o’clock in the morning and fell in line of march at half past 3 and marched until 10 o’clock a.m. when we halted for dinner. This morning we marched 14 miles.

At half past 3 o’clock p.m. we again fell in line of march and marched 7 miles which made for that days march 21 miles. It was a very warm day. We had a very heavy shower in the evening.

June 20^th

We had reveille in the morning at 2 o’clock and fell in line of march at half past 3 in the morning and marched 10 miles then halted for dinner at half past 9 o’clock a.m. with orders that we should lay over at this place until next morning. This night I was detailed on duty at the Commanding Officer’s Head Quarters, which was at a planters house. It was a very wet night, but I had very comfortable quarters in the planters house. I also took tea with the planters family.

June 21^st 1865

At half past 2 o’clock in the morning we turned out and fell in line of march at 4. We marched 14 miles and halted for dinner about 11 o’clock a.m. We had a very heavy shower and lasted until evening, which made it very bad marching. Although it was still raining at 4 o’clock p.m. we fell in line of march and marched 7 miles through the rain and went into camp at 6 o’clock that evening. This day we marched 21 miles.

June 22^nd 1865

We was turned out as usual at half past 2 o’clock in the morning and fell in line of march at 4. This morning we marched 13 miles and went into camp 13 miles from Savannah with orders that we should lay at this place until next morning. The road we traveled over this day was through a swamp and having so much wet weather it was very bad marching. On this days march we passed a great many rebel soldiers on their return home. They have just arrived at Savannah from New York. The most of them had been prisoners over 2 years.

June 23^rd 1865

We was turned out by the bugle at 3 o’clock in the morning. We fell in line of march at 4. It was an overcast morning and rained slightly. This being the last days march we marched very fast. We marched 13 miles and arrived in the city of Savannah at ½ past 8 o’clock that morning. We then rested about half an hour then marched to the south west side of the city and went into camp.

Our knapsacks arrived at Savannah on the 20^th and we got them as soon as we got into camp.

The boat that brought the knapsacks and Regimental baggage from Augusta struck a snag and was sunk at a place called Eagle Point on the Savannah River, and their knapsacks and everything was lost. Also some 4 or 5 lives were lost. On our arrival at Savannah we received a very large mail. Received 2 letters from Sarah J. Crowther, one of them was dated May 23^rd and number 25. The other was dated June 12^th and number 25.

I also received a letter from Charles E. Knapp.

Received a letter from James Crowther.

Received a letter from E. A. Crowther.

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther.

Rained all day hard.

June 24^th 1865

We are in camp at Savannah. No news. Rained hard all day.

June 25^th 1865.

Sunday. We was to have inspection. But it rained hard all day so that we could not have it.

No particular news of our being mustered out of service as yet.

June 26^th 1865

We was ordered to have company drill every evening form 6 to 7 o’clock.

The 22^nd & 24^th Iowa Vols. arrived at Savannah today from Augusta.

Heavy showers in the evening.

June 27^th

We drilled one hour in the morning. Company drill. In the afternoon we had company inspection. Drilled one hour in the evening. Drawed clothes. Savannah. I drawed 1 pr pants, 1pr socks, 1 haversack.

June 28^th

Company drill in the morning. No news of our being mustered out of service. Company drill in the evening.

June 29^th

We got orders in the morning to have our quarters cleaned up for we was to be inspected, both person and quarters. The day was very warm and the inspecting officers did not pay us a visit. The muster rolls was made out and sent to headquarters. But was sent back disapproved on account of some slight mistake.

June 30^th

We had Company drill in the morning.

Wrote to Charles E. Knapp.

Wrote to Sarah J. Crowther.

The names of all the men was taken who wished to carry home their guns and equipment.

[The following charts appear to have been written at this portion of the book at an earlier date; the entries for July begin on the next available right hand page.]

1865

July 1^st. We had no drill. The weather was extremely warm. Heavy showers in the afternoon. We are still in camp at Savannah.

Reported that Gen. Birge had gone to Hilton Head to try to get the 128^th Regt. on board of the Steamer Morning Star. There is a good deal of sickness now in our Regiment.

July 2^nd. We had our Sunday morning inspection as usual.

There is a great deal of sickness caused by the severe hot weather. All the troops that are camped here are taking to the hospital every day which makes the men feel a sort of blue.

July 3^rd. Orders to have a General Review. We had a very afternoon but it was very warm in the evening. All the different camps sent up rockets and fired their guns until about 10 p.m. having heard the news that we was soon to be shipped north.

One of the men belonging to the 128^th Regt., my company, was taken to the hospital the afternoon of the 2^nd and was buried the 3^rd.

July 3^rd. It is reported today that we are to leave Savannah the morning of the 5^th.

We singed the clothing roll today.

July 4^th. We are at Savannah Ga. We had the Declaration read to us in the morning. The day was a very dull one for the 4^th of July. The Fire Companies turned out which made a little excitement, also the colored Fire Company turned up. But the soldiers took the engine away from them and run the machine themselves, the Negroes marching behind.

There was quite a lot of fire works in the city in the evening. I past nearly all day in camp but went to the fire works in the city in the evening. I was rather dull for such a large city.

July 5^th. We are still at Savannah expecting every minute to receive orders to pack up and go on board of transports. The weather is very hot and the soldiers are all very anxious to get north on account of it being very unhealthy at Savannah.

July 6^th. The report today is that we shall not have to wait for our original muster rolls and that we shall leave Savannah in a day or two. This evening a New Hampshire Regiment got orders to go on board of transports. This of course cheers us up, thinking it would be our turn next.

July 7^th. 24 men from the 128^th Regiment was transported to the 54^th Regt. NYV. 4 men from our Company.

July 8^th. We are still at Savannah. The report is today that we shall be mustered out of the US Service on the 10^th, as the papers will be all ready by that time.

This was a very hot day. It was 110 degrees in the shade. Another death in the Regiment from Co. A.

It is reported that we shall be in NY State a week from this date.

July 9^th. We had Sunday morning inspection as usual.

10^th. Those 24 men returned to the Regiment from Hilton Head.

11. There was 7 cases of yellow fever in camp. 5 out of the 7 died. July 14^th. Heavy storm 2 steam ships were struck by lightning also a man killed in his tent by lightning.

15. We are still at Savannah.

July 15^th. The Steam Ship Charles Thomas came in at 1 o’clock p.m. At 2:30 p.m. we had an order read tot he Regiment to be ready to go on board of the Steam Ship Charles Thomas as soon as possible.

We also drawed 4 days rations. I was then detailed with 10 men to guard Regimental baggage and commissary stores.

16^th. At 7 a.m. the Regiment’s horses was put on board and the officers baggage. The Regiment marched to the dock at 12 and marched by Company on board of the Steam Ship Charles Thomas. A 1:15 we left the dock in Savannah with great cheering. At 3 p.m. we was at the mouth of the Savannah River where we stopped and put off the pilot on a light ship. At 4 p.m. we was out of sight of land.

Here we stopped again. They had found a man smuggling himself. Here they stopped and put him off on a pilot boat.

We had fair wind all the way down the Savannah River. About 5 o’clock there was a squall came up which made the sea quite rough.

17^th. We had a rainy night. In the morning we passed Cape Hatteras. We had heavy rain while going around the Cape

July 18. and a very rough sea. We had fair wind all day until 7 p.m. when the wind changed and was dead ahead and had to take down all sails. At 8 p.m. the wind blew very hard again and the sea became very rough.

Here we passed the revolving light house which looked very beautiful.

At 10 p.m. we passed another light house 30 miles north of Cape Hatteras. It was a fine clear morning. The wind was still ahead.

At 10 a.m. the wind died away and it was a dead calm. It was calm all day and the sun sat clear. At 11 p.m. something got wrong about the engine they then put out sails again and at 3 a.m. the morning of the 19^th they got the engine to work again and we had fair wind and made good headway. The breakdown had put us back considerable. About noon we saw land. At 1 p.m. we passed Atlantic City. During the afternoon we saw land all the time. At 4 p.m. we took on board a pilot of a pilot boat off Jersey coast. At this time the sea was rougher than anytime during the voyage and the wind blew very hard. The pilot brought on board a paper with the news of big fire in New York of the Museum being destroyed.

At 8 p.m. we stopped and blew the whistle at the quarantine. About 20 minutes afterwards the reporter came on board, also the quarantine inspecting doctor.

We was all ready to go into New York. But our pilot would not run us in on account of it being so dark. So we cast anchor for the night. It rained hard all night.

20^th we hoisted anchor at 4 in the morning, and sailed to the city. Here we done some tall cheering for we considered we was home again after a 3 years trip.

At 5 o’clock in the morning we laid out in the steam in front of the Battery.

The Regimental officers went on shore for orders. The morning was cool and pleasant. The friends of the soldiers well knew that our Regiment would be in New York at that time and there was a great many of them there to greet us. At 2 p.m. our Commander returned to the ship with orders to go on board of a river steamer. At 3 p.m. our ship moved up to the dock and a detail was made to unload the Regimental goods. We all went on shore and stacked arms on the dock and everything that belonged to the Regiment was taken off while on the dock we had a good reception by the city and friends. Hearing that my sister was in town I went to look for her but did not find her. But I made sure of one square meal as soon as I could get it although we had loads of fruit, melons, apples and lots of good things to eat.

At 6 p.m. we went on board the steam boat Commodore and at 6:30 p.m. we left the Day St. Dock New York City amid the cheers of a glad people, who rejoiced not alone upon the return of the boys but also over a peace established by a complete victory over wrong. We was cheered by every boat we passed.

We passed Newburgh and Fishkill Landing about 10 p.m.

21^st. We reached Albany at 3 a.m. and received breakfast at the hand of the Ladies Relief Association. We soon found ourselves in camp, a word which had become almost as natural to us as home and almost with impatience awaited the necessary papers and pay before our final release. At 8 a.m. we fell in line and marched into the center of the city. From there we went to the barracks, about 2 miles out of town. Here I got tired of waiting.

The End

To read more about the 128th during the war, and Joseph Crowther's service, see the 128th NY Vols.