Civil War Memoir: Simeon H. Talbot 23rd New York Independent Battery

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Simeon H. Talbot
Born Brooklyn, New York
23rd New York Independent Battery

…The first battle in which I was engaged was New Berne N.C. Also participated in engagements at Kingston, White Hall, Mt. Olive and Goldsborough …Pollocksville …Trenton and White Oak Run …Fort Anderson …Siege of Washington North Carolina, Blount Creek …Siege and Evacuation of Washington North Carolina.

To me, one of the important events in my service aside from the engagements above write, was an attempt to blow up recruits and getting blown up myself.

Civil War Memoir: Christian Rheinlander, 18th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Christian Rheinlander
Born, Denmark
Company “K”, 18th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was at Rappahannock Station, Va.… Was taken prisoner by Rebel Infantry, October 1st 1864 between Weldon and South side Railroads. Was confined in Salisbury Prison, N.C., April 12, 1865. A few of my most intimate comrades were Capt. Murray, Sergeant (now) Capt. Beck.

The most important event connected with my service was my escape from Rebel Prison. On the 12th of December, 1864, the prisoners in Salisbury Prison made a break for liberty, but failed. Got a good thrashing. Killed and wounded about sixty-five of us, but on April 12, 1865, together with thirty-nine others,

I succeeded in making my escape by jumping form a train of cars on which we were being removed from one Prison to another. Just as it was starting out from Salisbury on account of United States Cavalry making a Raid on the City on their way from West Virginia into North Carolina. Will add that when I was discharged, I received form the U.S. Gov’t, 3 months’ pay as an escaped prisoner. In making our escape, five of us were killed.

Civil War Memoir: Chauncey J. Weatherwax 151st New York Volunteer Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Chauncey J. Weatherwax
Born Niagara, New York
Company “G” and “B”, 151st New York Volunteer Infantry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was Locust Grove Va., Nov. 17, 1862 and afterward, the battle of the Wilderness…Spottsylvania…Hanover…Cold Harbor...Ream’s Station…Monocacy….Snicker’s Gap….Strasburg…Charlestown…Winchester….Fisher’s Hill…Cedar Creek…Petersburg…Rice’s Station….

I was wounded May 11, 1864 at Spottsylvania in chin and left breast and September 19, 1864 at Winchester Va., in right ear… Was never taken prisoner.

The most important event of my military life was General Sheridan’s ride, October 19, 1865.

Civil War Memoir: Isaac E. Conklin 105th New York Volunteers

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Isaac E. Conklin
born Niagara, New York
Company “B”, 105th New York Volunteers

The first battle in which I was engaged was Cedar Mountain—afterward at Rappahannock Station. Thoroughfare Gap, Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, cold Harbor and Petersburg.

Was never wounded, but was taken prisoner, August 19, 1864, at the battle of the Weldon Railroad by Lee’s Army. Was confined in the following named prisons: Libby, Belle Island, Salisbury and Florence. Recaptured February 22, 1865. My intimate comrades were William Harry, John St. Clair, William Mesler, and William Clark.

The most important event in my military life was when I was recaptured by General Terry.

Civil War Memoir: Lyman Chatfield Harwood 129th New York Volunteer Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Lyman Chatfield Harwood
Born Windsor, Vermont
Company “B”, 129th New York Volunteer Infantry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was Spottsylvania Va. Then followed North Anna…Tolopotomy…Cold Harbor…Siege of Petersburg…and final assault and capture of the Rebel Fortifications there; and thence on to Appomattox. I received a gunshot wound in right leg, June 3rd 1864 at Cold Harbor Va….

The surrender of General Robert E. Lee at Appomattox was the most important event in my military experience.

Civil War Memoir: Albert I. Knowles 15th New York Cavalry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Albert I. Knowles
Born Ontario, New York
Company “C”, 15th New York Cavalry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was Upperville Va., Feb. 20th 1864 and was afterward in the battle of Lost River Gap …New Market …Front Royal …Newtown…Mount Jackson …Piedmont …Waynesboro …Lynchburg …Salem…Martinsburg …Snicker’s Gap …Island Ford …Ashley’s Gap …Winchester …Martinsburg …Charlestown …Green Spring Run …Lacy Springs …Waynesboro …Ashland …Dinwiddie Court Hous e…Five Forks …Rappahannock Creek …Namozine Court House …Appomattox Court House.

I deem the great Cavalry Charge of April 1st 1865 led by General G. A. Custer, turning the right flank of Lee’s Army and following up in pursuit of the confederates, and their final surrender, April 9, 1865, as the most important event in my military life. On the p.m. of April 8, 1865, General Custer charged on Lee’s Army, and captured three trains of cars, 33 pieces of artillery, 165 Battle Flags, and a large amount of Confederate Scrip, and many prisoners, including several Generals. Our Lieutenant Colonel Root was killed by the side of Major Bigelow while leading my Regiment in this charge.

Civil War Memoir: Peter J. Rabb 23rd Battery Light Artillery, New York State Volunteers

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Peter J. Rabb
Born Erie, New York
23rd Battery Light Artillery, New York State Volunteers

…I served as Blacksmith for two years, and was discharged as Private at Washington, N.C…. I was in the battle of Beaver Creek, and afterward in the engagements at Kingston, Whitehall, Mount Olive, Goldsboro, Bachelor’s Creek, Washington, Raleigh, Greensboro, New Bern.

I was wounded November 24th 1863, in the capturing of White’s Camp of Guerrillas, receiving a bayonet thrust through the hand and was confined in Hospital at New Berne….

An important event in my military life was at the capturing of White’s Camp, Nov. 24th 1863. I went around behind a Rebel Picket and caught him by the back of the neck, before he knew it, and with the point of a pistol held to his head and demanded his surrender. He laid down his gun and became my prisoner.

In March 1864 in riding a balky horse that we got from the 3rd N.Y. Cavalry, I was bucked off into a cellar way, and across the street and over a picket fence, sustaining a breach which has troubled, more or less, ever since.

Civil War Memoir, William Henry Empson 124th Ohio Volunteers.

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic~Department of New York~Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

William Henry Empson
Born Norfolk, England
Company “A”, 124th Ohio Volunteers

My first experience in battle was at Spring Hill Tennessee and afterward at Triune and Chickamauga (which in Indian language signifies ‘River of Blood’). I was taken prisoner September 20, 1863 at Chickamauga by the Rebel General Longstreet’s men and confined in Scott and Pemberton Prisons. Richmond Va…. Danville Va., and Andersonville, Ga. from September 29, 1863 to April 29, 1865….

My most intimate comrades were John W. Gould, Seymour E. Hill, William D. Stover, and Barnea Collegan, fellow Prisoners.

The most important event in my military life was my release from prison, where I experienced such terrible suffering while a prisoner, from scurvy, feet and legs badly swollen, and cords on left leg contracting, drawing the leg into a kneeling position, and turning [the flesh] black. Hair came out, mouth swelled and teeth very loose. The affection extending over my whole body until I became helpless. Weight when captured — 145 pounds — when released 65 pounds.

Civil War Memoir: J. Byron Lovell 28th New York Volunteer Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

J. Byron Lovell
Born Tompkins, New York
Company “C”, 28th New York Volunteer Infantry

…My first experience in battle was the 1st Winchester engagement, then followed 2nd Winchester, Point of Rocks, Ball’s Bluff, Chantilly, Rappahannock, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Brandy Station, and 2nd Bull Run….

The most important event in my military experience was the battle of Cedar Mountain, Va., where the Regiment was almost annihilated. Colonel Dudley Donnelly and Adjutant Charles P. Sprout were killed, and Lieut. Colonel Brown lost an arm, and Major Warren rec’d 5 wounds and was left upon the field 36 hours, and was finally brought off and eventually recovered.

Civil War Memoir Seth Lovell Company A, 140th New York Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic~Department of New York~Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Seth M. Lovell
Born Tompkins, New York
Company “A”, 140th New York Infantry

…Rappahannock Station was the first battle in which I was engaged. I was afterward at Mine Run, Centerville and the Wilderness. I was wounded at the Battle of the Wilderness…. Was never in hospital, except as a prisoner at Lynchburg…having been captured by the Rebel Army, May 5, 1864.

The day after I was wounded and left on the field in hands of the enemy. Was taken about three miles from battlefield to a place in [the] Woods near Robinson’s Tavern on the Pike, where we lay for one month, thence taken to Orange Court House—Gordonsville, Danville, thence to Macon, August, and Andersonville, Ga., where I remained until November 1864, then taken to Florence S.C. Left Andersonville on account of Sherman’s Army coming near. Was paroled from Florence S.C. with 12,000 sick and convalescents in December 1864, too sick to know date….

Most important events in my experience—Battle of Wilderness and incarceration as a Prisoner of War in the different Earthly hells where we were left to die like sheep with the rot. The most fearful record was that of my prison life in Andersonville, where the average death rate reached 125 per day, through the hot season. The life here of a wounded prisoner begs a description, and no person who participated in the horrors of Andersonville can ever forget, neither can he describe adequately to those not having shared the same fate.

Civil War Memoir: Charles S. Schad 1st New York Light Artillery

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Charles S. Schad
Born Niagara, New York
1st New York Light Artillery

The first battle I took part in was at Winchester. Va., on May 25, 1862. Was engaged at the battle of Chancellorsville…and the following skirmishes, Cedar Creed Va…Edenburg…New Jackson…Strasburg to Winchester…Dumphries, Va…and Ely’s Ford….

I was wounded at Chancellorsville May 1st, 1863. Struck by butt end of 12 lb. Shell just above right knee, and was in hospital at Winchester Va from May 28, 1862 to June 23, 1862….

I was captured at Winchester Va, May 25, 1862 by the Confederate troops under Stonewall Jackson, just after the battle, and was confined at Court House Square and Jail at Winchester, Va from May 26, 1862 to May 28, 1862 and at Union Hotel Hospital until June 4, 1862 when the town was occupied by our troops. Was taken from prison on a stretcher to the Union Hotel Hospital Winchester Va.

It is a matter of pride that I was permitted to contribute my services to preserve our common country in her time of need.

Civil War Memoir: Michael Finnigan 28th New York Volunteers

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Michael Finnigan
Born New York
Company “B”, 28th New York Volunteers

…The first engagement I witnessed was the battle of Fallingwaters, and was afterward in the battles of Point of Rocks, Md., Cedar Mountain, Winchester, South Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville and Second Bull Run.

The most important event in my military service was the Battle of Cedar Mountain, where we lost our colonel Dudley Donnelly. The Lieutenant Colonel was wounded, and Adjutant Charles P. Sprout was killed.

Civil War Memoir: Charles Lureman 28th New York Volunteers & 2nd New York Mounted Rifles

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Charles Lureman
Born Germany
Company “A”, 28th New York Volunteers
Company “A”, 2nd New York Mounted Rifles

…The first battle I was engaged in was Martinsburg Va., July 11, 1861, and afterward at Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862, New Town Va., May 24, 1862, Winchester Va., May 25, 1862, Chancellorsville Va., Wilderness, Petersburg Va. Pegram’s Farm Va., where I was wounded on the 6th day of September 1864…. I was captured at Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862, by the 3rd Virginia Confederates and confided in Libby Prison and Belle Island Prison from the 10th of August 1862 till October 1862. We were exchanged sometime in October 1862, in a half-starved condition and very ragged.

My most intimate comrades of the old 28th New York are now dead. Those of the 2nd Mounted rifles are Eli Kahler and P. Kinlin. Two of the 28th residing at Lockport, N.Y., are J. W. Little and W. H. Langdon.

I was wounded the second time through the calf of my right leg and had my horse killed under me, April 3rd, 1864 while crossing the Appomattox River near Farmville. Was in hospital thereafter at City Point Va., Baltimore Md., and Buffalo NY at the General Hospital from which I was finally discharged August 4, 1865.

Civil War Memoir: John Gilbert Murray 8th Iowa Cavalry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

John Gilbert Murray
Born Niagara, New York
Company “G”, 8th Iowa Cavalry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was Nashville Tenn., opposed to Hood,I think about the middle of December 1864, after which I was in minor engagements during Hood’s retreat and in various skirmishes with Guerrillas and Bushwhacking forces during Winter of 1863 and 1864 in Western Tenn.

Others during Autumn of 1864 on the route between Franklin, Tenn., and Muscle Shoals, Alabama and vicinity of Florence Ala. Some skirmishes and light engagement during Spring of 1865, on a raiding expedition, starting from Waterloo, Ala., about the 1st of April and ending at Macon Ga., about the final close of the hostilities.

The most important events in my military experience were Enlistment and Discharge. ‘Reveille’ and ‘Taps’, “Boots & Saddles’

Civil War Memoir: Warren Ives 151st New York Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Warren Ives
Born Albany, New York
Company “H” & “E”, 151st New York Infantry

…The first battle in which I was engaged was at Locust Grove Va., Nov. 27th, 1863. Was afterward in the battles of Perryville or 2nd Winchester, Fisher’s Hill, Cedar Creek, Opeguan, Bristow Station, Wilderness, Cold Harbor and many skirmishes….

One of the most important events in my military service was being put on detached service at the Front—21 months out of 34 months altogether which among other services, was carrying confidential communications, from Division Headquarters, to various officers at the front, and from the front to Washington, three times—carrying mail from White House Landing to the front—acting as Scout by detail from Division Headquarters in the Shenandoah Valley for about six weeks in the Fall of 1864. Winter service….

Civil War Memoir: John Reando 13th New York Volunteer Infantry

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

John Reando
Born St Lawrence, New York
Company “F”, 13th New York Volunteer Infantry

…My first experience in battle was at Blackburn’s Ford, Va., for about five weeks. After the 1st Bull Run battle, where I was captured by the 5th Virginia Volunteers. Was confined as a prisoner of war in Richmond, Va., from July 21, 1861 ‘til November 25, 1861. Was then transferred to Tuscaloosa, Alabama where I remained a prisoner till March 1, 1862. Was taken thence to Salisbury N.C.

The most important event in my military service was being discharged from prison and getting a square meal and getting grid of grey-backs.

Civil war Memoir: Charles V. Mesler Company K, No. 50

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Charles V. Mesler
Born Barre, New York
Company “K”, No. 50, 3 Months Infantry

…My first engagement was a the 1st Bull Run Battle…. Afterwards at Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare Gap, 2nd Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksville, 1st & 2nd Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and Petersburg.

….Was confined at Libby prison. The most important event was getting through alive and the Battle of Gettysburg, the most important battle in which I was engaged. More credit should be given the enlisted men for their patriotic and heroic services, which finally crowned us with success.

Civil War Memoir: John Swick 23rd Independent New York Battery

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

John Swick
Born Tompkins, New York
23rd Independent New York Battery

…The first battle in which I was engaged was at New Berne, N.C. Afterwards Pollocksville, Trenton, White Oak River. Captured Rebs’ Guerilla Camp pickets. Officers and men, the whole thing, 62 in round numbers near Pollocksville. This was done by a surprise without the firing of a gun….

One of the important events connected with my service was going out one nigh in the winter of 1863-4 and capturing a Picket Post of the enemy without firing a gun. The [Rebel] Post was completely surprised, and while they had a gun in position to fire, they had no time to discharge it…it was captured by our men. This, as well as all the above named events seem of much importance to me as connected with our position and Department of the service

Civil War Memoir: William H. Crampton, 28th New York Infantry Volunteers

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

William H. Crampton
Born Orleans, New York
Company “A”, 28th New York Infantry Volunteers

I Was promoted from the ranks to the Office of Corporal February 28th 1862 and was discharged as Corporal September 24, 1862 at Hospital in Alexandria, Va., by reason of loss of right arm, 3 inches below shoulder joint. Amputated on account of seven gun severe gun shot wound received at the Battle of Cedar Mountain, Virginia, August 9, 1862.

To me the most important event in the service was the Battle in which I was wounded in so severe a manner as to cause the amputation of my right arm, and the operation which was found necessary and performed at the hospital in Alexandria Virginia, called The Mansion Home Hospital.

Civil War Memoir: Lyman A. Dietrick, 140th New York Volunteers

The following is from Grand Army of the Republic ~ Department of New York ~ Personal War Sketches of the Members of Charles P. Sprout Post No. 76, of Lockport

Sprout who was with the New York 28th Infantry was killed in Action at Cedar Mountain, Virginia on August 9, 1862

Lyman A. Dietrick
Born Niagara, New York
Company “A”, 140th New York Volunteers
5th New York Volunteers

The first battle in which I was engaged was Bristow Station, Va., after which I participated in the following engagements…Rappahannock, Culpepper, Bethesda Church, Cedarville, Gettysburg, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Wilderness, Hatchers Run, Mine Run, Warren’s Great Raid, Weldon Rail Road, Petersburg, Laurel Hill Warrenton Junction, Richmond and Appomattox.

The most important events of my service were carrying a secret dispatch from General R. B. Ayres of the 5th Corps to Brigadier General Winthrop who was cut off from us at Weldon Railroad, Va., I had to make a detour of 20 miles to get around the rear of the enemy’s forces. Rode incessantly 23 hours, through rain and sleet, over fields and through woods, delivering the dispatch just in time to save General Winthrop’s brigade from capture. Was halted 3 times by the Rebel outposts, but escaped by having a fleet horse.

Just before the battle of Spottsylvania, I was placed on Vidette post with orders to remain till daylight and return. On returning found 10th N.Y. Cavalry outpost a mile in my rear. During the night our entire Army had retreated and it took me two days to find my Regiment. General R. B. Hayes, afterward, President of the U.S. called me to his tent to report. He expressed great surprise and pleasure that I had been able to escape and join the Army.

WW1 Letter, Holloway Clark to Lila Robinson Kentucky

This 14-page manuscript letter was written by Private William Holloway Clark, on American YMCA stationary. Private William Clark of Louisville, Kentucky, writes an interesting, newsy letter to his sweetheart, Lila Robinson, dated Tuesday, February 25, 1919--only a couple of months after the Armistice Agreement with Germany was signed. Private Clark was with Company “A”, 110th F.S. Battalion, 35th Division—American Expeditionary Force

LETTER EXCERPTS

“On Active Service with the American Expeditionary Force, Tuesday, Feb. 25, 1919, Commercy, France

Dear Lila:

I don’t know whether you’ll ever survive the shock of receiving this letter, but I’ll take a chance anyway. Hang up your Map of France and follow me in my wanderings. I’ve been all over this country from North to South and back again, and the only part of it that is worth a @#$%@___ is Paris. And I only got to spend two days there. Think I’ll get a job as brakeman on a freight train when I get home. I’m so used to riding inside door Pullmans—the kind that accommodate 40 hommes or 8 chevaux. I really think the horses have the best of it. Left New York September 8, landing at Glasgow, Scotland, Sept. 21. No excitement at all coming across, although one of the ships from our convoy did sink a submarine. However, we knew nothing of it until it was all over. I had an elegant bed on the boat, slept on the dining room table all the way over….

Ours was an English ship, and we have all been hating the English ever since. We took train at Glasgow for Winchester, England, arriving at latter place about 3 a.m., Sept. 22….

Landed at Cherbourg morning of Sept. 25 and marched out to rest camp where we spent 4 days. Only reason I could give for calling it a rest camp is that your stomach got much a nice rest, near starved. Being a British camp, more love stored up for the British. Get out your map of France now. Left Cherbourg evening of Sept. 28 in horse cars from Neuvic, France, a small town about 18 miles from Perigueux. 34 men in my car and fine sleeping, not one day and two nights along the way. Arrived at Neuvic station 7 a.m., Sept. 30 and were billeted in a small village about a mile from Neuvic. I slept in a nice airy barn—quite airy. In fact, my battalion remained here until Nov. 3, although the 84th div. was made a replacement div. about Oct. 10, and 12,000 of the infantry were sent away as replacements….

On Nov. 3, we left Neuvic for Cours Cheverny. Had to hike three or four miles to St. Astier where we took train. While we were waiting to entrain, who should look me up but Major Ford. First time I had seen him since leaving Sherman…. When our cars pulled in, we were agreeably surprised to find them to be passenger coaches, not first class ones, but passenger coaches just the same. Spent two days and two nights on the train and the morning of Nov. 5, detrained at Cours Cheverny and took a 10-mile hike to Les Montils, a small town about 8 miles from Blois….

On Nov. 11, the day the Armistice was signed, we heard that the 309th was to be broken up and the men sent to other units in replacements. That night, about 10 o’clock as I was coming back to my billet after celebrating the Armistice, I heard that the battalion had orders to move at 1 a.m. that night. I don’t see yet how that bunch ever walked the 10 miles back to Cours Cheverny. Nearly everybody was half shot after the celebration, and it was a wild mob that left Les Montil at 130 a.m., Nov. 5 on the hike to Cours Cheverny….

We spent five days on the train, detrained…to finish the last lap of our trip on foot. It was in the region…that I had my first view of the battlefield. About 75 of us from the 309th had been ordered to report to the division headquarters of the 28th div. at Hendicourt, about 3 miles from Woinville. We arrived at Hendicourt on the afternoon of Nov. 16. Nov 10, the day before the Armistice was signed, Hendicourt had received a final shelling from the Germans. We remained at Hendicourt from Nov. 16 to 18. There had been a mix up in orders and the 28th didn’t want us, so on Nov. 18, we were ordered to report to the 409th telegraph….

While at Brunieres, ran into Joe Lazarus from Louisville, a Lieut. in the 806th Pioneer Infantry, a Negro outfit. He was the first Louisville man I had run across since landing in France…. Ran up on Dick Jones…He was convalescing from the flu and [from] begin gassed….

….Signed ‘Holloway’ Clark…