|
J. V. Hoakison, 4th Calvary
I enlisted at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, September 5th, 1861 for the term of three years orThe History or Biography of J.V. Hoakison during the War of the Rebellion. during the war of Co. C. 4th Iowa Cavalry, Mr. S.S. Swan recruited this Co. but at the time the regimant was mustered, MR. Swan made Major and Orin Miller captain of Co. C. and A.B Porter Colonel of the regiment At this time I was a resident of Jefferson County, near Salina, Iowa and I was 18 years old. I left my aged parents, one sister and one brother at home younger than myself. When we enlisted we were promised $13.00 per month and $100.00 bounty. 22 October 29 Forage train went out today. The rebels fired at us. We killed one an took several prisoners. October 30 Co C, I, H, B and one Co. of 1st Mo. Calvary and two companies of 5th Kansas out scouting. As we were riding along Co. I in the rear was fird into and considerably confused and broken up, but we soon formed and ready to relieve them, but they run. Only one from the 1st Mo. was wounded in the arm. October 31 All quiet in the camp during the balance of this month. November 1 Out after forage today with 104 wagons. Some bushwackers shot at us and run but no one was hurt. November 2, 3, and 4 Flag of truce consisting of twelve, they had fourty eight prisoners of our men for exchange. The rebels were hard looking specimens of the southern confederacy. November 5, 7, and 8 Was in Helena today. I was to the camp of 30 Iowa and saw some aquiantances lately from home. November 9 Scouting party came in, had a fight, anf killed thirteen and took thirty two prisoners. 9 of our men wounded from the fourth, and six from the other regiment. November 11 Was to town and had my likeness taken to spend to my best girl. November 12 Flag of truce 25 in number, they brought 118 for us to exchange. They were taken from Gen. Scotfields command. November 13 Flag of truce left today. Five pickets of the St Francis road were taken last night. 3 of the rebs deserted from the flag of truce last night, tired of the confederacy. November 14 The 25th Iowa came. There were some of the Iowa boys I knew. November 15, 16, and 17 Went out scouting. We went to Trenton found a bridge burned, then wentto Clarington road, 23 founda bridge burned there, found some rebels on the other side, they fired at us but some were dismounted and got across to the other side and made them git and several shots fired at them. We heard afterwards that we wounded several. November 21 All quiet- 5 of our men went out in the country to dance and were surrounded by rebels and all taken prisoners. November 23 Inspection. November24, 25, 26, and 27 We got orderes to take three days rations and 60 rounds. We started early and went out on a steamboat. 2800 calvary and 6000 infantry and several batteries went down the river 12 miles and landed on the MIssissippi side at a place called Delta. We marched seven miles and camped. November 28 Started early, marched thirty five miles to Coldwater Stream. We found 150 rebs camped on the other side. It was now dark and we got up close to them and fired into their camp, and they ran and left all of thier cam and horses and everything. We then boarded the ferry and took possession. November 29 Put down pontoon for the army to cross on and got it finished by sundown. We then started and marched all night. Surrounded one picket post and took 3 prisoners. We marched through Charleston, stopped to feed them, and on the Hardy Station there were burned 5 rail road bridges and many cars, then to Little Talahachie River and camped. December 1 The rebels came up and fired at our pickets and went out and chased them away. December 2 Started to Panola 24 miles. December 3 Marched to Oakland. the 30 and 28 Iowa infantry went along and one battery. When we came within 1 mile of Oakland the rebels charged at our advance from the timber and captured one Howitzer and one man. Six of our men were wounded. We killed one and wounded 19 and took 128 prisoner. The rebels were 1100 strong and as soon as they had made the charge they ran. 13 of our horses were killed. We then camped in the town and laid in line of battle all night, holding our horses and ready to mount at a moments notice. December 4 Started back towards the Tallahatchie River and camped. December 5 Went to Coldwater and camped. 24 December 6 Marched ten miles and camped. December 7 Arrived at the Mississippi River, crossed the river and marched to Helena by land, 20 miles. We had good times, plenty of sweet potatoes, chickens and geese, and when a soldier has plenty to eat he is always happy. While near Oakland we marched within one mile of a big force of rebels. we heard them beating the long road but they did not come to met us. December 8 All quiet. December 10 to 18 Nothing of importance in camp. December 19 Co C. went on picket during the night. Sergeant S.D Fluke in charge of the post was sitting near the fire and his revolver fell out of the holsier and drpped on a rail and went off and struck him in the side, passed through his bowels, he was carried to camp and lived until the next day. He had a wife in Iowa. Sgt. Fluke was a wholesome, goodhearted fellow and was missed by all. December 20 Sgt. Fluke was buried today with military honors. I was on detail to fire the salute. December 21 Grand review today of several regiments of calvary. This being Sunday, we had preaching in the afternoon and nice weather. December 23 On picket in the day time. We could see the rebels. Sergeant C.A Cassell is quite sick with pneumonia, he was taken to regiment hospital. During the night, the videts were fired at. The 25 Iowa left and went down the river on steamboats. December 24 Quiet today. Sergeant Casell very sick not much prospect to recover. December 25 Christmas today, had a good dinner, best we’ve had for a long time. Had bread, crackers, cheese, butter, beef, coffee, and pie. Who would not be a better soldier if we always lived this way. Got a letter from home. We had to put up shanties of boards and were quite comfortable situated. In afternoon, we had drill. Sgt. Cassell seemed to be alittle better today. December 26 Sgt. Cassell looked better and felt easier until dark, when he soon fell unconscious and recognized no one. It took two men to hold him on the cot an we spread out a blanket on he ground and laid him on, the Co. were all out on picket but Hilgren and notified Capt. Porter about ten o’clock that Cassell would not live longand he came over to see him, and about half 25 past eleven in the night he died, no one but I and a waiter at the hospital being present. Another of the most brave of our men was gone, no mothers hand to help and sympathize and far from comforts and friends although we done all that we knew how and was able under the circumstances. December 27 Sgt. Cassell was buried today with military on high knoll of Beech trees. Co. C came fromthe picket and followed him to the grave. I was on detail to fire the salute. December 28 and 29 Quiet. December 31 last day of the year in 1862. Drilling and dress parade. This closes this years service, it does not seem like we accomplished very much but we have done what others would have had to do. Hope that before another years close this cruel war will be over. 1863 January 1 Went out scouting today, started at four in the morning and crossed on the steamer Sunshine. We marched 25 miles to a town called Austin. The rebels and almost all of the citizens have fled. Found some arms that we destroyed, we got back late at night and had to wait for some time for the steamer. When it came through Helena that had news that Vicksburg was taken but we learned later to our sorro that it was not so. January 4 On picket again. January 5 Arrived in camp from picket. January 6 Drilling twice today and dress parade. January 7 Camp Guard was put down the camp to keep the boys from leaving, several steamers and a gun boat came up the river. January 8 Rainy and disagreeable weather. January 9 More rain. January 10 One of Co. H shot himself by accident, only lived two hours. The 34th and 46th Indiana left and went down the Mississippi River. 26 January 11 Moved down to town today and camped near the Levee. Co. C went on picket. January 12 Returned from picket and made ourselves as comfortable as possible, as we had no tents. January 13 On picket again during the night. 4 of our men came in that had been captured and paroled. The rebs had taken their overcoats and blankets. January 14 More rain. January 15 Arkansas port taken, good news. About six inches of snow fell today and cold. January 16 Sunshine but chilly. January 17 More mud and disagreeable. January 18 Picket and rain all night, the river rising fast. We are camped about twenty feet from the river. January 19 Still raining and blowing and disagreeable. January 20 Some of the shanties that boys had put up caught fire. Nice sunshine. January 21 Major Rector died and was sent home. Several steamboats loaded with soldiers went down the river. Good weather today. January 22 The river is raising and overflowing our camp and moved our old camp in Beech Grove. Found our shanties all torn down and our comfortable quarters gone. the steamers Gladiator and Blue Wing captured and run up White River by the rebels. January 23 More rain, the 34th and 11th Indiana and 29th Wisconsin Infantry and 5th Kansas calvary are here. January 24 Rain and mud. January 25 27 Still rain- when will it stop? January 26 More rain still and many troops are arriving. January 27 All quiet. January 28 On fatigue duty all day. January 30 On picket, nice weather which we are not used to on picket, but glad to have. January 31 S. Dellon was elected second Lieutentant of Co. C. February 1 I am quite unwell, hardly able to be about, rainy weather. February 2 Feeling better today, sun is looking out and everything more cheerful. February 3 All quiet. Last night three shots from the big guns on the fort was fired and we made ready, but got no orders. February 4 Chilly, tried to snow. was out on drill to warm up the horses that had to be out all night and day in this changable weather. February 5 Disagreeable. 30 steamboats went down the river. February 6 I was I town today. February 7 Nice weather. We are three miles from Helena and no one could leave without a pass but the guards did not take up the passes and we used to change the date and go on the passes several times. It was good luck that no of us was caught or we might not fared so well. February 8 On picket again, rain last night. J. Corey got very sick and hd to go to the camp. February 9 Nice weather. Report today that the blockade at Vicksburg had been passed. 28 February 10 More rain. February 11 Drill and dress parade. Report that Little Rock was taken but there seems to be to many reports. Probaly that are a help to keep our spirits this gloomy weather. February 12 J. Corey rather worse today, some picket firing. February 13 Report that the paymaster is in town. Good news, Capt. E. F.Winslow was made major of 2nd batallion and Capt. Parkell major of 1st and chase major of 3 batallion. February 15 Review and inspection of all our requirements. Fair weather. February 16 Sign the pay roll today, some encouragments that we will be paid soon. February 17 Rainy weather. John Corey getting better. February 18 Still raining. February 19 On picket. Report that 6000 rebs are on the side of Big Creek and coming this way. February 20 Better weather today. The regiment went out scouting for forage. February 21 More rain. Scouting party has arrived, brought in cattle, hogs, chickens. One man of Co. L deserted the rebs. February 22 Better weather today. February 23 Regimental drill today. February 24 The 11th and 34th Indiana and the 29th Wisconsin left for the Milkens Band. February 25 More rain. Lt. Col. Swan left and went home and Major Parkell took control of the regiment. 29 February 26 The river is rising and levies in many places are broken. February 27 On picket. the men of Co. D captured some time ago, returned, paroled, nice weather. February 28 Inspection today and mustered for pay. Turned over our Austrian rifles. March 1 Sunday, all quiet. March 2 Scout went out, returned with six prisoners. March 3 450 colts army revolvers came for the regiment. March 4 6 of the 5th Kansas Cav. run 20 rebs a day. March 5 Was today for two months, the big bill of $26. Co.C escorted the paymaster to town. March 6 Scout unit to stay for four days. March 7 All quiet. March 8 Rained. March 9 Scouting party returned with six prisoners and four killed. One of Co. C was killed on vidette on the way to camp. March 10 Rained all day. March 11 I got the sad news that Albert Johnson an old school mate of 30th Iowa had died at Milikens Bend. March 12 Co. C on fatigue duty today, better weather. March 13 30 W. Allen got commission as Capt. S.P. Baker 1st Lieutentant, L. Dillion 2nd Lieutentant Co.C. March 14 River rising and levies broke and Helena is overflowed and have to go on boats through the streets. March 15 Quiet today. March 16 Report that will leave soon. March 17 Wrote letters today. March 18 Good weather. March 21 Started on a scout for 4 days, marched to Big Creek, had to build a bridge. MArched eight miles father and stopped to feed. Some bushwackers attacked us and we killd one. Got plenty of chickens an sweet potatoes. Marched through some open prairie. We marched six miles from cotton plant the rebels left when they heard that we were coming. Today and last night we lost fifty horses that gave out. It was quite warm. March 22 Going back L. Garrison and I was in advance and the column halted and I said I will go into that house near by to get something to eat. There was one woman and a child in the house. She was much excited and I was looking around for something to eat and I noticed a saddle girlth underneath the bed and stooping dwon I saw a Johnny reb under the bed, he had a shot gun and one revolver. i marchedhim out being thankful that he had not given me some of his lead, but he said that if he shot me he would surely be shot as there was no way for him to get out of the house without being seen. March 24 Came back to camp, marched 30 miles. March 27 Scout sent out. In looking over my daylies, I find that there is a blank which I cannot give an account of and I will write as near as I can from memory. April Which after a lapse of five years time has much dimed. We left Helena sometime about the 29th or 30th of March and went on a steamer to Milikens Bend about three hundred miles from Omaha. Were sent out on an expedition up the river and after returning we stayed at Milikens Bend one week. Then, down the river on the Louisiana side, passed through several small towns and along the lake called Horse Shoe Lake. Here we saw several live alligators and some of the finest plantations I have seen in the south. One in particular was beautiful. All of the buildings 31 and out houses and the beach along the lake was lighted with gas. Connading could have been heard everyday in the direction of Vicksburg. We arrived at the Grand Gulf the 2nd of May and our forces had taken place and there were two steamers that had run the blockade at Vicksburg, badly riddled with bullets. April 28 The last batallion started down the river today. April 29 We started at 8 o’clock and marched to Helena. We went aboard the steamer Ohmaha and left at two o’clock in the afternoon, nice weather. April 30 Stopped at Arkansas Port of a few hours. May 1 I arrived at Milikens Bend at three o’clock. Here is camps in all directions. We went out on scout for three days. Marched through very fine country. May 2 Cannonading is heard all the time. May 3 We crossed the Mississippi on the steamer Silver Wave, landed at the grand Gulf. We got back and I saw aquiantances from 30th Iowa. May 4 We left Miliken Bend and marched through Richmond, a small village and camped. May 5 Marched 14 miles and camped. Learned that steamers had run the blockade at Vicksburg. May 6 Left Mt. Gomery plantation and marched seven miles and crossed a big bayou and camped. Met alot of rebel prisoners May 7 Marched seven miles ans stopped and fed our horses on the banks of the Mississippi. Marched seven miles further and camped on Lake Joseph. May 8 Marched seven miles and stopped opposite of the Grand Gulf and crossed the river on the steamer Mederlor and camped on the bluffs. The forts and places were taken by our men on May 3, 1863 May 9 Stayed all dayt in camp and waited for or train. 32 May 10 Marched 30 miles and passed many troops. It seemed that they wanted us in the advance as we were the only calvary that had crossed the river so far. We camped at the town called Cainker here. I saw General Grant for the first time. May 11 Started at the ten in battle array, skirmish line in front marched twelve miles. 4th Iowa calvary in advance. We are now six miles from heavy force with the enemy. May 12 Marched seven miles, had a skirmish with the enemy, 1 rebel killed, 7 wounded, 3 of 4th Iowa wounded and one killed. The rebels laid in an ambush for us. May 13 Marched eight miles to Raymond, here we met the enemy and they made very a very stubborn resistance. We had fourty killed and many wounded, 65 killed and 250 prisoners captured. We camped and took care of wounded and dead and only got half rations. May 14 Rainy weather, and roads bad. We are now ten miles from Jackson, Mississippi and cannonading is heard north of us on other roads that the army is on. It lasted for two hours. Started with the fourth in the advance and when within five miles of Jackson we met the rebels in a strong force and well posted. And the 5th Minnesota, called the Indian Regiment, took the advance and deployed as skirmishers, and the rebs were driven back and for two miles outside of the fortifications. All limbs and trees were cut down and it was almost impossible to pass through the rubbish and and brush, but our boys got there just the same. The roar from the muskets firing sound liked like the wind. Nothing could be heard but the continual roar. There were many brave boys that bit the dust. the fight lasted for about three hours and the enemy were routed and were in possession. The rebels set fire to all of thier commisary and many ofthe buildings were burned. We captured fourty pieces of artillery and many prisoners. Jackson is a beautiful place and all the stores were well supplied with goods of different kinds. Here I embarked on the retail trade. I got about a hundred pounds of chewing tobacco and brought to camp and sold it for 25 cents a plug and they sold like hotcakes as they were worth 125 from the sutler. May 15 Today I walked over the battle field, many rebs laid around still not buried yet. May 16 Marched to the rear of the guard. About eleven o’clock many of the boys had got full of whiskey and had put many into magons. They were to full to walk and many would struggle off from the roads and lay down and they were taken prisoners as the rebels kept following us up and fired at us. May 17 33 We marched in advance today and marched through Bolton, Clinton, and came to the battle field of Champion Hill was fought yesterday and many on both sides killed and wounded. The battle was fought in big timber and the trees from the ground and fifteen feet high were full of holes and harly room to place hand without being over bullet marks. Marched to the Black River and crossed, then through Brownsville. May 18 Had a skirmish with the rebs and found a strong force that they gave way as we advanced on them, with some loss. May 19 Marched 6 miles and camped until 1 o’clock. Marched four miles farther and Co. C stopped in the rear of picket duty. We took one prisoner. Yesterday the first attack on Vicksburg was made, and heavy cannonading is heard in that direction. May 20 Heavy cannonading today. May 21 Co. C is on picket, found plenty to eat today. Been short of rations all of the time since we left Grand Gulf. May 22 Today the general assault made on Vicksburg, but failed. Our loss heavy. May 23 Got orders to report at Haines Bluff on the Yazoo River. We camped two miles from Haines Bluff. This is rough country. May 24 Marched twenty four miles up the Yazoo River. Found some rebels and drove them 2 miles and camped. May 25 Laid still today. Co. C on picket. May 26 Marched toward Big Black, 20 miles, and camped late on roads dusty and disagreeable. May 27 Marched eleven miles and stopped to feed at noon. Here we got a light spring wagon and a good team of mules to haul provisions for the company. Rough and hilly country. May 28 Started early and passed the infantry. Marched tweleve miles. We are now 34 miles from Vicksburg. Marched 1 and a half miles and camped. May 29 34 Marched eight miles. We were the only calvary. Came to Macanicksburg. HAd heavy skirmishing and lost several men, and the enemy lost considerably. May 30 Left Mecanicksburg and down on the bottom to the Yazoo River, through Contireco and camped at Balls Plain, 17 miles. May 31 Co.C and L. went out on a scout and came to Haines Bluff and then to Roaches Plantation. June 1 Co. C on picket today. June 2 Released from picket. Each Co. got 20 Union breach loading carbines. June 3 Left Roaches Plantation and marched toward Sataria, 17 miles. June 4 Skirmish with the rebels. Took several prisoners. June 5 Co. C detailed as Provost guard and our men took 4 of Johnstons body guards prisoner. And they pllaced a battery on a high bluff and commenced to shell our forces on the bottom of the plain. Butthere was two gun boats in the river and they soon silenced the battery. June 6 started down the river towards Vicksburg, 4th Iowa in the rear. Enemy following and skirmish all day. June 7 Arrived at Kothes plantation, stayed one hour. Co C. and K went scouting. Marched to Bear Creek Road, started back to Roaches plantation. June 8 In camp today. June 9 Co. C on picket today. At noon we got orders to march to Vicksburg, our old camping ground. Heavy cannonading all night and day. On picket again. June 10 On picket...the regiment went scouting. June 11 Foraged. June 12 Nice weather. I sent fourty dollars with Ale Birgin to be left with Bukzaber, Mount Pleasant, for father Virgin was going home. June 13 Moved ten miles to Haines Bluff. Nice weather. Co. C and 20 men out for a scout , marched twenty miles to Bear Creek and back til morning. June 14 All quiet. Cannonading all of the time. |