JESSE SWITZER OGDEN’S CIVIL WAR DIARY

 [Diary copied by his Great Grandson, Robert F. Ogden]

INTRODUCTION:

This is a copy of Jesse S. Ogden’s diary which he kept during his Civil War service. Most of it was written in pencil and some words were difficult to interpret. When a word or phrase could not be reasonably interpreted, it was left blank. The inside page is inscribed “J.S. Ogden Book of the 7th Indiana Regiment, Company H”. Across the same page is inscribed “John J. Ogden, Danville, Ind., Hendricks County”. John Jackson Ogden was Jesse's father and the John Ogden family was living in Danville at the time of Jesse’s enlistment. the diary may have been owned by John and given to Jesse. It is a small leather-bound notebook measuring 3 3/4” by 6”. His recounting of his service experience takes up about 46 pages, 44 are blank and the remainder, some 46 pages, appear to be miscellaneous references to notes about sermons, quotations and classes he may have taken later.

 BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL COMMENTS:

Jesse S. Ogden’s record of military service was recorded on page 70 of the Hendricks County, Indiana, Soldier’s Discharge Records, on September 24th, 1866 at 11:00 am. We know that according to Ancestral Research records he was born in the State of Virginia on August 23, 1839. This record (V41 1-GS) indicates he was born in Winchester, Taylor County, Va. However, Winchester is in Frederick County, Va. and in his diary there is no reference to ties to Winchester except in relation to his military service. Taylor County is now in the State of West Virginia and Grafton is the County Seat. There is some reference in his diary to friends in that area as well as adjacent Barbour County and the County Seat, Philippi. it is not my intent to filly detail all aspects of lineage or decadency here. 

According to his discharge record, he was enrolled in Company H, 7th Indiana Regiment, on September 12th, 1861, to serve three years. The record also shows that he was discharged as a corporal and paid $100 on July 25th, 1862 at Indianapolis. The reason for his discharge was a gun shot wound of the right hand, causing partial paralysis of the hand--”disability one half’. The discharge record further states that “said Jesse S. Ogden is 22 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high, fair complexion, gray eyes, black hair and said occupation, when enrolled, a student”. Further biographical information will be described in an additional paper. Also as an attachment to his diary there is a summary of the Seventh Indiana Regiment’s military history from its mustering in date, September 13th, 1861 to the mustering out date, July 12th, 1865. From this brief history, I have concluded that Jesse may have been fortunate to have survived his roughly nine months of service because it sounds like his Regiment suffered heavy casualties and was consolidated with other Indiana regiments several times. 

As an added note, much of the diary refers to locations in northern counties of Virginia along the B&O Railroad. Some of these counties were included in the State of West Virginia when it broke away from Virginia. West Virginia was admitted to the Union in 1863. 

JESSE’S DESCRIPTION OF HIS DIARY: (From this point until the diary is completed, all words are direct or as close as possible direct quotations and the quotation marks have been deleted.) 

Diary-containing a brief and authentic autobiography of a soldier in the 7th Ind. Regiment-Vols during the great rebellion of the South A.D. 1861--a war upon one side for a slave oligarchy and on the other for the preservation of National Liberty. 

DAILY ENTRIES--1861 

Wednesday November 27th 

Thursday November 28th

Friday November 29th—Preparations still made to evacuate our camp at Elks. 

Saturday November 30th—Col. Gavin in few appropriate remarks takes command of the 7th and in a drifting snow storm, leaving our long occupied camp at Elk Water arrive in safety after a hard days march at Beverly. 

Sunday Dec. 1st--In company with Marsh Hess leave the regiment and reach Geo Wards where we stay all night.

Monday December 2nd--Eat breakfast at Ferris’s and cross Laurel Hill; reach Spencer Glasscock’s and rest

for the night after walking in the mud much of the way. 

Tuesday Dec. 3rd--Reach Philippi where I stop with my old friend, Noah Warden. 

Wednesday, Dec. 4--Still at Philippi where I passed the time pleasantly with old friends. Receive marching orders in the evening. 

Thursday, Dec. 5th--Leave in the morning for Webster--saw some of my relatives on the road--converse

with Perry Thompson for some time who had been in the rebel army. Arrive at Webster, eating supper at

Kembles. Starting by 9 o’clock on the train, dash forward through Grafton and over the B&O RR.

Morning found us at Piedmont. 

Friday, Dec. 6th--Pass on for places of destinations through Cumberland and other towns until Green Spring depot was reached. Camp in the fields for the night--five companies ordered further on the road anticipating an attack from the rebels. 

Saturday, Dec. 7—Boys return in the morning but “nary” fighting. Still remain at Green Spring station. 

Sunday, Dec. 8th--Receive marching orders--baggage unloaded and started to Springfield. Orders countermanded--our new tents pitched on the plain. 

Monday, Dec. 9th—All day in camp. 

Tuesday, Dec. 10th--Go over into Maryland with Robins and spent most of the day in dilapidated “old town”--back to camp at night. 

Wednesday, Dec. 11th—Nine companies of our regiment ordered to open the RR to “Great Cacapon”--roll down the banks of the noted Potomac through some of the finest scenery on the American continent. Arrive at nightfall at “Big Capon”.(?) 

Thursday, Dec. 12th--In co. with Faulkner, Carter and Bryant, took a scout up Cacapon--captured a giant flying pan and recovered many items of the natives. Swift mountain stream once pure as untarnished virtue, thou art my birth stream! Treason, dark damning treason has polluted thy crystal waters! May the friends of National liberty drive the votaries of rebellion from the moss fringed banks that I may without shame own thee as my birth place. 

Friday, Dec. I3tb--Our company ordered out in the evening. 

Saturday, Dec. 14th—In company with Steve Lawe or “Moury” took a scout capturing a “Secesh” hog--­relieved from picket in the evening. 

Sunday, Dec. l5th--Wrote a letter to J. S. Little at Pacucah--fine day--work prosecuted on the burnt bridge. 

Monday, Dec. l6th--Bridge completed and its strength tried by an engineer crossing. Out on picket again in the evening.

Tuesday, Dec. 17th--Called in off picket in the morning with marching orders to Green Spring. Board the cars and at nightfall reached Green Spring. 

Wednesday, Dec. l8th--March to Springfield distant 8 miles and camp. 

Thursday, Dec. l9th--All day in camp drilling and camp guarding continued. 

Friday. Dec. 20th--Camp continued. 

Saturday, Dec. 21st—The shattered remnants of the 14th pass to Romney. 

Sunday, Dec. 22—Preaching by Kiger in the ME Church (South), a rash intrusion on this realm of the

southern ministry. 

Monday, Dec. 23—Cold, slushy rain and snow at night. 

Tuesday, Dec. 24th--Considerable preparations made for Christmas in way of turkeys, chickens, oysters, etc., by messes. 

Wednesday, Dec. 25th--Flag raising by the 7th in Springfield and speech by Gavin; considerable fun among the Negroes. 

Thursday, Dec. 26th--Cold as “Blixen” in the morning. 

Friday, Dec. 27th--Scout Faulkner and Pierson capture some guns and “secesh”. 

Saturday, Dec. 28th—Donations from arrive; great hospitality and liberality of the good citizens of Hendricks. 

Sunday, Dec. 29th—Preaching again by Rev. Kiger and clothes distribution by Robbins. 

Monday, Dec. 30th-- 

Tuesday, Dec. 3lst--The closing year--how quickly passeth a year and what strange ministrations it brings. 

January 1st, 1862--The New Year introduced a new child in the cradle of time--what, oh what shall its fruits be? Heard many that now wear the bloom of youth upon the cheek and feel the life current fresh and pure-from the heart warming their bodies-stimulating them to deeds of honor and daring for liberty and free institutions shall behold another year spring from the womb of time. 

Thursday, Jan. 2nd-- 

Friday, Jan. 3rd—Nothing occurred that I remember of interest. 

Saturday, Jan. 4th--A day full of events. Capt. Gaul’s cavalry dispersed by the rebels and our march to Green Springs to intercept the rebels or attack them at Capon. 

Sunday, Jan. 5th--Startling news from Capon and our regiment returns to Springfield. Scout in the evening with Dock Kebler. 

Monday, Jan. 6th—On picket at Blues with 23 men. 

Tuesday, Jan. 7th--Relieved by other guards and return to camp. Successful moves from Romney and here. Bloomery Furnace of North River ______destroyed and many prisoners captured. 

Wednesday, Jan. 8th--Considerable excitement on account of cannonading heard and the supposed advance of the rebels. 

Thursday, Jan. 9th--Captain Banter leaving again for home; excitement increases.  

Friday, Jan. 10th—Missed roll call and put on “picket” again. 

Saturday, Jan. 11th—Relieved, return to camp finding our tents and baggage gone with all the Romney force. 

Sunday, Jan. l2th--Evacuated our camp at 2 o’clock afternoon and march for Patterson’s Creek, a distance of 15 miles. Pitch tent and enjoy a soldier’s ballmy rest after a severe “tramp”. 

Monday, Jan. l3th--Took a look at the encampment surroundings, etc. 

Tuesday, Jan. l4th--Woke up and found it snowing--wrote sister Ann--receiving ____from friends left behind. 

Wednesday, Jan. l5th--For the first time saw General Lander, commanding here--a fine figure for a military man, tall and majestic with flashing eye and discerning countenance, rather of the Meurot cast, _______fighting propensities I think not either have their origins in the heart. 

Thursday, Jan. l6th--Rough camp life-more snow and rain. 

Friday, Jan. l7th--Brigade inspections and allotment of regiments to the brigade commanding ours with 7th Ohio, 7th Virginia, 110th Pennsylvania forming 3rd Brigade under Gen. E. B. Tyler of the 7th Ohio. Out on picket up the creek. 

Saturday, Jan. l8th—Return to camp in the morning. 3 days “grub” cooked preparatory to march. 

Sunday, Jan. l9th--Muddy, dreary day--marching orders in the evening--go to Green Spring and other places farther on the RR. 

Monday, Jan. 20th--Awoke in the bunks formerly occupied by “Home Guards” at Green Spring--found the Potomac about 1 mile wide, roaring and spurting through the village a half mile out of its banks. Returned to camp about 12 o’clock a.m. 

Tuesday, Jan. 2lst.--Mud about ten inches deep and raining still. Saw Doc Lockhart who was on a visit. 

Wednesday, Jan. 22nd—Brigade drill and an inspiring harangue by Brigadier Gen. E. B. Tyler of the 7th Ohio. My memory brings a painful remembrance of a former day when I knew him as a “fur trader” connected to business and friendly ties with my cousin and employer, E. B. Bosworth. He has forsaken this goodly government and is now a minion of treason. 

Thursday, Jan. 23rd--Attacked with a very severe pain in the head. 

Friday, Jan. 24th--Left wing of our Regt. goes to South Branch Bridge to guard it from a attack by the rebels. Pierson the Scout and our Col. capture a cavalier and artillerist. 

Saturday, Jan. 25th-Return to camp in the evening still sick with cold. 

Sunday, Jan. 26th--Clear, cold day--sudden change from previous day. 

Monday, Jan. 27th--Brigade drill again. Unable to attend. 

Tuesday , Jan. 28th—Expedition down the RR under comand of our Col. Didn’t go. 

Wednesday, Jan. 29th--Still unpleasant weather--mud deepening. 

Thursday. Jan. 3Oth--When can I cease giving a recital--mud! mud!! mud!!! 

Friday, Jan. 3lst--Superficial strata of terra firma completely mixed. 

Saturday, Feb. 1st--The new month opened with a snow storm. 

Sunday, Feb. 2nd--Marching orders in morning, countermanded in evening. 

Monday, Feb. 3rd--Detailed on picket down the RR from Patterson’s Creek. 

Tuesday, Feb. 4th—Relieved from picket by____, a lieutenant from 110th Penn. Leave our camp at night and go to French’s store. 

Wednesday, Feb. 5th--Marched to “cross roads” some 5 miles distant and form bivouacs. 

Thursday, Feb. 6th--The entire 3rd Brigade under Tyler march near Blue Gap--return to our bivouac in the evening. 

Friday, Feb. 7th--Still at cross roads. 

Saturday, Feb. 8th—Regimental drill throughout whole brigade. 

Sunday, Feb. 9th-- 

Monday, Feb. 10th-- 

Tuesday, Feb. 11th-- 

Wednesday, Feb. l2th--Still at the cross roads with no shelter but the crude pens we first constructed.. 

Thursday, Feb. 13th—Evacuated the “pens” and marched to “Paw Paw” now near quarters of Lander's. 

Friday, Feb. l4th--March a short distance for the purpose of camping. 

Saturday, Feb. 15th—Pitch tents on an abrupt noll about 4 miles from RR and prepare for domestic enjoyment again. 

Sunday, Feb. 16th—Bright, beautiful Sabbath 

Monday, Feb. 17th— Tuesday, Feb. 18th-- 

Wednesday, Feb. 19th—  

Thursday, Feb. 20th--Cheering news from Kentucky and Tennessee on the taking of Forts Henry and Donaldson and capture of Price’s army. Inspiring us with fresh zeal and energy in the noble cause of sustaining our government against the Hellish assailants. 

Friday, Feb. 2lst--Company drill again. 

Saturday, Feb. 22nd—-The birthday of the father of our liberties appropriately celebrated by us at brigade headquarters by great social and harangues by Landers and Tyler 

Sunday, Feb. 23rd—Wrote a letter to L                              R                              . War cannot paralize the hopes or wooings of a love_____heart. 

Monday, Feb. 24th—I know of nothing of interest that occurred. 

Tuesday, Feb. 25th--Worked on payrolls again. Jim Howell returned to mess in company with brother George. 

Wednesday, Feb. 26th—Heard the rebels were evacuating Manassas.

Thursday, Feb. 27th—Patterson Creek bridge said to be burnt. News reach us that 50,000 rebels are advancing on us. 

Friday, Feb. 28th--No signs of the enemy. Regimental inspections. Recapitulations of Feb. victories, etc. at the beginning of this month. We were menaced at Patterson Creek by the wily Jackson who had drawn us from Romney and Springfield in January. Now he screens himself behind the walls of Winchester and we within 28 miles of him with a brave and large force ready to demolish him and his Hellish crew. Kentucky and Tennessee filled and polluted by the ministers of treason are redeemed from that thralldom; a large union army flushed with the victories of Sommerset, Henry and Donaldson has planted the “Stars and Stripes” at Nashville, Columbus and even at Florence, Alabama. Price is in full flight for Arkansas pursued by Curtis and Siegel who have already captured members of the enemy. Burnside has cleared Roanoke Island and Norfolk trembles as with ague at his dreadful approach. Tollicoffer, 0. Jennings_____ and other noted characters now slumber in rebel graves. All is consternation in the ______ “Jeff Davis” confederacy while all is joy with the crusaders for American liberty. Buckner, Johnston, Tighman(?) with 20,000 of their followers are now our prisoners. 

Saturday, March 1st—Marching orders with three days grub increased to six. Start at 5 o’clock p.m. winding our regimental or brigade length along and over a huge mountain and descending its eastern slopes until Big Capon is reached. Here we crossed a novel bridge built by waggons and planks thrown in lengthwise. Ascend another portion of another mtn and bivouac for the night. Superb scenery--thousands of campfires glitter on the mountainside surrounded by_____. 

Sunday, March 2nd--Great snow storm on the mts. Built pine bivouacs and sheltered ourselves. Orders to proceed further countermanded and we return to camp without availing anything as usual. 

Monday, March 3rd—Performed the funeral obsequences of our beloved “Lander” who died the day previous. A brave and noble commander has passed the Rubicon of death. Never again shall his voice be heard marshalling Americans to victory. 

Tuesday, March 4th—News reached us that Shields was to be the successor of Lander.

Wednesday, March 5th—Expect marching orders and had dress parade in evening. 

Thursday, March 6th—Martinsburg said to be our place of destination. A young man of Co C buried. 

Friday, March 7th--Regiments near RR still going east. 

Saturday, March 8th--Marching orders rec’d. Early in morning, tents were struck and the 7th was soon at the RR resting on an eminence above the depot. I was led to the following reflections concerning the fall of our gallant Lander who died on the 2nd instant. It was a place to die befitting this impetuous leader. Like St.. Helen’s rocks and the wild thundering crash that bore the indomitable spirit of Napoleon from its earthly trammels to its unbounded Elysia. So this rough, bold, fearless Lander breathed his last in a wild rugged spot, suited to his heroic soul. The spot is “Paw Paw” situated about 30 miles east of Cumberland, Md. on the B & 0 RR at the mouth of a small creek of this name. Here the Potomac makes a semi-circular curve leaving a small level on the one side while around on the other hand. mountains abruptly rise. From this little scale casting their fitful shadows on this spot while the husky murmurs of the Potomac give it a place full of romance. At this picturesque spot fell our commander, almost the first man to buckle on his sword in defense of our government. 

Sunday, March 9th--Got aboard the cars early in the morning. Advanced to station on No. 12; waiting until nightfall when we resumed our journey. 

Monday, March l0th--Morning found us at Hancocks where we again lay by during the day and night. 

Tuesday, March 11th--Left Hancocks in evening, advancing to within 10 miles of Martinsburg where we were compelled to abandon the camp on account of the RR being demolished. 

Wednesday, March l2th--Marched the ten miles to Martinsburg witnessing the vandal qualities of Jackson’s army in the wanton destruction of RR property. Martinsburg passed through, every soldier gazing and ogling fair daughters that flocked to the doors and windows. No doubt reminding them of the “girl left behind”. Took the Winchester route camping on it 2 miles from Martinsburg. 

Thursday, March l3th--Resumed our march advancing to within 4 miles of Winchester. 

Friday, March 14th—Tents and equipment arrive and pitching on the plans. 

Saturday, March l5th--Camp guards, roll call and all the required regulations of camp established again. 

Sunday, March l6th--In co. with George Armstrong paid the 16th Winchesters a visit. 

Monday, March 17th—Tom Gover, my old school mate arrived as a recruit for the 16th whom I spent several hours pleasantly. 

Tuesday, March l8th--Marching orders again received about 2 a.m.. Began our march in about 4 hours in co. with 8th Ohio with artillery and cavalry on Front Royal road. Left it 4 miles from that place and marched to the Strasburg Pike, middle town, where Ashby’s cavalry had camped. Reached there in time to see the bridge burning and a few shots were exchanged with the retreating rebels. Slept on the field near the creek after marching over 20 miles. 

Wednesday, March 19th--Columns moved early in the morning, a continual stream passing over the temporary bridge, consisting of infantry, cavalry and artillery, our regiment bringing up the rear until we reach Strasburg where by meritorious running we outstripped several regiments and got in front. From the early dawn until night we kept up a regular running fight. The rebels burning bridges and placing every possible impediment in our way. Returned and slept at Strasburg 

Thursday, March 20th--Returned to Winchester leaving Strasburg about 12 o’clock in rain pouring down on us the whole way making it the most wearisome march the 7th ever endured. Made camp at 10 o’clock p.m. 

Friday, March 2lst--Awoke and found the ground covered with snow. 

(Here Jesse Ogden wrote the following entries with his left hand.) 

Saturday, March 22nd--General Jackson attacked our outposts. Shields wounded in the arm. 

Sunday, March 23rd--Battle of Winchester in which I was wounded in the hand. 

Monday, March 24th—Start to hospital. Arrive at Harper’s Ferry. 

Tuesday, March 25th—Arrive at Frederick, Md. 

Wednesday, March 26th, 1862--Hospital, Frederick, Md. 

Dear parents, 

We had a severe and bloody battle last Sunday near Winchester in which I was wounded but fortunately only slightly in the right hand. I was immediately sent here there being no room at Winchester in the hospital.

(This is the last entry in Jesse S. Ogden’s diary concerning his Civil War service.)

 Observations by RFO: 

1.    Jesse S. Ogden was very patriotic. 

2.   He was a typical private in the infantry, commenting frequently about everything that privates have complained about for thousands of years, i.e. marching, mud , rain, snow, changing orders, picket duty, etc. 

3.   At times, his writing was eloquent and he showed us a sense of humor. 

Brigadier General Frederick Lander