Monday, December 22, 1862

  

1862 Diary Entry

1970s Transcription

2022 Digital Transcription

Mond 22

    Active preparations still going on in the fleet. A formidable expedition requiring formidable preparations. 

    9th Iowa and 5 Co's (sic) of 31st Iowa on some transport, men much crowded. Weather fair and pleasant. 

    4 O clock P.M. The fleet are now leaving the landing, a magnificent spectacle, and what with the puffing of engines and loud comingling of human voices there is formed a babble of sounds that makes a peculiar impression on the mind. Came up with Gen Sherman's division anchored 12 miles below Helena where we also anchor probably to wait for daylight. A ride on the father of waters. In those great palaces the lower Mississippi steamers, how exhilarating, but we also find mingling with our pleasure the thought of the noble, brave hearted men whose bones have been laid under the soil along our wearisome march through the wilds of Missouri and Arkansas, and we think of the living also suffering from wounds and diseases in the hospital. Warm hearted men they are who shed big tears of regret because they could not go with us. A lesson for drunkards. 3 men members of the 131st Ohio in a drunken squabble, fell overboard and were drowned. Whiskey! Demon! Child of Hell! What mode of computation can number thy victim? They victories are constant and unceasing, being so frequent therefore unnoticed. The war demon is humane when compared with thy wide spreading devastation. 

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