May 21st
We are still encamped near Kingston, the boys are writeing letters to send home. The trains are coming in very fast with rations and reinforcements. Weather very hot and dry.


May 22nd
We rec'ed orders to be ready to march tomorrow morning, we are to have 20 days of rations with our supply train. The sun comes down very hot, we rec'ed some new clothing.


May 23rd
The troops began to move out early. Our brigade moved out at 9 O. C. we cross the Coosa River on a bridge, and march about 10 miles through fine timber no water, we finally come to good country and passed some nice Plantations. We have march 20 miles, go into camp close to a nice creek.


May 24th
We move out in good time this morning but our march is slow on account of bad road, we pass some nice houses today and go into camp about 2 O. C. P. M., rained in this evening.


May 25th
March at 8 O. C. Hear cannonadering in front, we march over some very rough country today, which makes it very slow for our waggon train. We halt and prepare our camp, eat our supper and had a hard rain storm. We heard very heavy cannonadering on our left just at dark, we moved out about 1/2 mile and formed in line of battle. The cannonadering proved to be an attack on the 20th Corps, but the Yankees was too much for the rebs, and held them.
 

June 13th
It still rains, we move out in the evening about 1/2 mile to the right, and prepare for camping. The 17th Corps is in our front and have been shelling the rebel works with heavy guns. It clears off at dark so we have a prospect for sleeping.


June 14th
We have remained quite [quiet] in camp all day, had inspection of arms. There has been considerable cannonadering today all along the line. Some squads of rebel deserters came in today, they report general dissatisfaction in the rebel army.


June 15th
We received orders to be ready to march at 10 O. C., we was soon ready but did not get off till about noon. We then marched to the left of our line and found his Army in force on our left flank. Our Brigade had the advance, a line of skirmisher was sent forward, and some batteries took position and shelled the rebels while we was forming our line. We then unslung our knapsacks, and the bugle sounded forward, we went for the Johnnies with a yell, and they had but time to fire one volley at us, and we was on them, they surrendered about 370 men, we then charged on up the hill (which we was ordered to take) and completely routed the rebels. Our (103rd) loss was 3 killed, and 7 wounded, and Slater, was wounded of Co. E. We was relieved at dark and went back in reserve.


June 16th
A rebel battery opened on our left this morning in plain view of us. Our batteries opened on them and silenced them in a hurry. We hear cannonadering along the line.


June 17th
There has been lively skirmishing, and heavy cannonadering all day. The rebels sends over a few shell but they are disposed to be quite [quiet] the most of the time. The Second Division advanced their lines about a mile today, so they are close to the Mountain.


June 18th
It began to rain about 4 O. C. this morning and has kept it up all day. There has been but very little fireing done today on either side. We rec'ed Whiskey today and while we are getting so much wet outside we must of course went a little inside just to keep pace with the weather.


June 19th
We move to the right this morning and took oppositions in rear of 1st Division. There has been heavy cannonadering all along the line, rained all day. We are now in front and close to the Kennesaw Mountain.


June 20th 
There has been very heavy cannonadering all along the line, and some sharp fighting on the right, we can see our shells bursting right over the rebel guns, on top of the Mountain. It has rained hard all day.


June 21st
Continues to rain. The rebels made a charge on the 20th Corps. last night, but was repulsed with heavy loss. Our batteries have been shelling the Mountain all day they put the shells very close to the rebel fort. Late in the evening we hear heavy musketry to our right.


June 22nd
Our Batteries are still hammering away at the rebels, they opened a battery on the Mountain throwing their shells to the right of us. We rec'ed orders to be ready to march at a moments notice, but we did not march. The afternoon has been very quite[quiet], and we have had a nice day without rain for the first, for a long time.


June 23rd
All quite [quiet] except for the usual picket fireing all the forenoon, but in the afternoon the Batteries open on both sides, and there is heavy fighting in front of the 20th Corps, we can see the smoke roll up from the woods like clouds, heavy cannonadering is kept up till dark, and we hear heavy musketry about 9 O. C. in front of the 20th Corps, we heard that the rebels charge, and was repulsed.


June 24th
This is been a very quite [quiet] day, our lines was advanced, and a few men wounded from 55th Ill. The rebel has not fired any artillery in front of our Corps today. The rebels have been burrying their dead in front of our 20th Corps, today under protection of a flag of truce.


June 25th
Skirmishing has been lively. About noon the rebels opened their Batteries from the top of the mountain, but our artillery is too much for them they soon cease fireing. We rec'ed orders to be ready to march in a moments warning, and moved out at 10 O. C. P. M. We marched to the right and relieved, Jeff C. Davis Division of 14th corps.


June 26th
This morning we find ourselves in front of the highest peak of Kennesaw. Can see the rebel works at the top. They have a skirmish line about half way down the Mountain. We have two lines of works besides the skirmish line. Our Batteries have been shelling, but the rebels have not made any reply. Several of our Brigade has been wounded by rebel sharpshooters.


June 27th
We was routed up this morning before daylight, and moved back into the timber and prepared and eat breakfast. We was then informed, that we was to make an assault on the enemys works. So soon after daylight we moved out to the right to form our line, along with a Brigade of the 2nd Div. The rebels discovered our movement, and opened on us with shell from the Mountain, but they did not harm us much. We soon gained our position and formed our lines for the charge. The 46th Ohio, was deployed as skirmishers, 103 Ill. in front line with a line of support in the rear. The bugle sounded forward and we moved out in good order. The rebel skirmish line was driven back steadily and we advanced near a mile through a swampy thicket. When we came to the foot of the Mountain, the bugle sounded forward again, and we went with a yell, but was soon brought to a halt, find obstructions in the way, and the rebels had an enfiladeing fire on us. Our men began to fall very fast. The rebels began to come out on our left, and would have got in to rear, but we was ordered to retreat, this was very dangerous for the rebels could have good range on us as we fell back, but we went back in a hurry, and formed our line behind a ridge about 200 yds. from the Mountain. The losses of our Regt. was 58, killed and wounded. The following is the list of casualties in Company E; K. Whittaker; I. N. Myres; J. E. Maxwell; Samuel McEntire; Artemno Myers; killed G. A. Hill; F. R. Breed; C. H. Bishop; I. L. Williamson; wounded. Colonel G. W. Wright was also wounded. The loss of the Brigade was 285. We move back at dark where we eat our breakfast, and after taking a bite to eat we prepared, for takeing our rest for the night, feeling very thankful that we was yet alive.


June 28th
We rec'ed rations and rest till about noon then we moved back behind our breast works, our Regt. looks very small and there can be seen a great many sad faces amongst the boys, with the thoughts of yesterdays fight.


[only God knows why the days from this journal, (June 29, 30; July 1 through 10) are missing. The page numbers have been consecutive to this point, but find there are 3 pages missing, which means entries were made and perhaps lost or destroyed somehow...Gayla]
 

Entrenchments, Chattahoochee River 1864

July 11th
Remained quite [quiet] in camp with the usual skirmishing. Our Batteries have been shelling the rebel would get no reply from their guns. The weather is very warm and sultry.


July 12th
All quiet till 4 O. C. P.M. we then get orders to be ready to march in 1/2 hour, we packed up and move to 5 O. C. to take the Marietta road and march about 6 miles and go into camp.
 

July 13th
We moved out this morning at 5 O. C. marched through Marietta, and take a road going East to the river. The day is very hot and the Boys are giving out and stopping all along the road, some of them sunstruck. We go into camp at 5 O. C. P. M. in a nice grove.

July 14th
We move out at daylight and march about 5 miles and camp, close to Roswell, till 5 O. C. P. M. we then move out again march through Roswell, soon come to the river and cross on a bridge march out about 2 miles and camp, have a heavy thunder storm in the evening.

July 15th
Remain in camp all day. The troops in advance of us are throwing up fortifications, to protect the bridge, some of the boys rec'ed Spencer Rifles, 2 for each Company. Whiskey is issued to us and we have quite Jollifycation.

July 16th
Nothing interesting going on today. The boys have been down to the Chattahoochee River takeing a swim. We receive orders to be ready to march tomorrow morning.

July 17th
We move out this morning at sunrise, take the Decatur road, we soon find the rebel Cavalry, but drive them back without trouble. About 10 O. C. we halt in regular order, and make barracade of rails, Co. G goes on picket. We can see no rebels in our front, but hear cannonadering at a distance to our right. We suppose it to be in front of the 16th Corps.

July 18th
Our Corps began to move out at day light, 1st Division in advance. We are relived from picket, and rest by the road side till the entire Corps pass us, our Brigade being rear guard. We finaly get started at 9 O. C. P. M. march through a deserted country, grown up with young pines. We halt 4 O. C. prepare and eat supper, then we move again and march till 11 O. C. P. M. and go into camp, not far from Decatur. Our Cavalry took possession of the Augusta R. R. at Stone Mountain.

July 19th
We move out at 5 O. C. P. M. 2nd Division in advance. Sharp skirmishing with rebel Cavalry. We march till 10 O. C. and halt, rest till one. O. C. then march again till 5 O. C. P. M. go into camp for the night. The advance occupy Decatur, the rebels run up a gun and threw some shell into the town, but our Batteries opened on them and made them skedadle.

July 20th
Our troops moved out this morning in the direction of Atlanta, 103rd, left at Decatur as train guard. There has been some hard fighting in front today. Our troops driveing the rebels back toward Atlanta. The Army of the Cumberland has been doing some hard fighting on the right today.

July 21st
We remained encamped at Decatur till about noon, then the train moved about 3 miles to the front. We had just prepared for staying with the train, when we rec'ed orders to join the Brigade. We moved out through a heavy rain storm found the Brigade on the front line with breast works thrown up. We went to work throwing up a line of works for our Regt. While we was working the rebels fired on us and wounded 2 men, Nicleson, of Co. G; Thomas, of Co. C died since. The 17th Corps made a charge today and was repulsed with a considerable loss.

July 22nd
We discovered this morning that the rebels had left their works in front of us. We immediately advanced our lines up to the works they had left and went to work and reversed them for our own use. About noon we was all surprised at hearing a sharp skirmishing in our rear and on our left. The fighting soon commenced in ernest, and the rebels was driving out our left flank before them (which was held by the 17th Corps). Our Brigade came out on a double quick, and formed acrost open field, between two lines of works. The 16th Corps came up about this time and held the rebels from coming any further and had the satisfaction of capturing a fine lot of prisoners, with their Battle flags. The enemy now made a furious charge on the front of our Corps, and succeeded in driveing back the 2nd Division and a part of the 3rd Brigade of our Division (The 4th). The 103rd Ill. and 97th Ind. was ordered out to retake the works we was soon formed and charged with a yell. The rebels not liking the looks of us got out of our way in a hurry, but soon formed again and charged right down on our right flank. The 97th Ind. was forced back, and this leaving our Regt. exposed, we swung back and formed at right angles with the works, and gave the rebels such a warm reception that they soon halted and finaly they retired back behind a hill, we moved forward and reoccupied the works and held them. Was soon relived[relieved] by the 3rd Brigade and went back to the line we had taken acrost the open field, by this time there had been a good barricade constructed of logs and rails. Just as we got back the rebels came again on our left flank. They came up in three columns against the 17th Corps. and within good range of our muskets. We let them come up in good view then gave them our fire, they fell like grass before the scythe. By the time we was loaded their 2nd line came up and we served them the same way, the balance of them fell back and took shelter in the heavy timber, so ended the fight of the 2nd which will always be remembered by the 103rd Ill. The rebels lost was very heavy, their dead being some places piled up in heaps. Our loss was not as heavy, Co. G., one man killed, Gen. McPherson was killed early in the engagement, and his loss is deeply regreted by every Soldier of the Department.

July 23rd
We have had a very quite[quiet] day. Some of our Batteries have taken a position and are sending shell into the City of Atlanta. Gen Sherman rode along our lines today, we gave him three hearty cheers. We hear heavy cannonadering on our right, have been strengthening our works some today.

July 24th
We have improving our works and placing obstructions in front. There has been considerable Artillery fireing today and some of the rebels shell have burst rather close, but no harm done. The boys are all in fine spirits over success in giveing Old Hood such a thrashing.

July 25th
Have had a very quite[quiet] day, with the usual picket fireing and an occasional shot from our Batteries. A while after dark there was 6 rockets sent up from our lines, which raised a big shout from our boys. The rebels sent one shell over at us and then all quite[quiet] again. The weather is very warm, some talk of moveing out, to the right.

Two Miles East of Atlanta 1864

July 26th
We have been preparing for a move, all of the extra guns and ammunitions have been taken away. Skirmishing has been going on lively all day in our front and cannonadering on the right, in front of the 23rd Corps.

July 27th
The Department of the Tenn. drew off from the left flank during the night, and we have been marching to the right all day, we marched around the entire line and camp on the East side of Atlanta. The 16th Corps took a position on the line to the right of the 14th Corps and are haveing lively Skirmishing.

July 28th
We was called up early this morning and moved out to the right, just at daylight, to get our position on the line. We halted at 8 O. C. eat breakfast. Then formed in a regular order of battle, our Brigade being in reserve. We then marched over a rough hilly country our course being East, and toward the R. R. We soon found the rebel skirmishers and drove them back for a while, but Our Officers soon found out that the enemy was in front of us in large force. Our line was halted and went to work constructing barricades of logs and rails and we was none to soon. The rebels began a furious charge on our Div. and kept extending their lines until they had engaged the entire Corps. Our Brigade was soon ordered to reinforce and we went forward double quick through a perfect shower of bullets, up to the barricade then began to give the Jonnies our compliments in the shape of volies from our Springfields, which soon made them skedadle back, but they would form and come up again only to be repulsed and with great loss. They kept it up till night and then drew off leaving all of their dead in our hands. They was shot down in line of battle in front of us and we hear they fared the same fate all along the front of our Corps. (The fighting 15th under Gen. Logan). The ground in front of our Regt. was a dense thicket of young pines so we could only get glimps of the rebels as they came, but we put our shots in about right, as we found the rebels lying thicker on the ground than in any other place. The loss of the 103rd was 17 killed and wounded. Co. G was lucky and had a man hurt, although the boys behaved bravely.

July 29th
There was hard work for us all night, we threw up a line of breast works during the night, and now are ready for the Jonnies. A squad of darkies went out this morning and burried the dead rebels in front of our lines. We have had a very quite[quiet] day in front of our Corps, but hear heavy cannonadering on the left. A heavy line of skirmishers was sent out in front of us this evening they advance about 1/2 mile and find the rebels fortified between us and the R. R.

July 30th
We rec'ed orders to be ready to march at 8 Oclock, we packed up and got started at 9, march to the right and take a position on the line, 103rd goes on skirmish we can see the Jonnies acrost an open field working on rifle pitts, was relived at dark and moved back to the works.

July 31st
Our Regt. went to work this morning and threw up a line of works to shelter us from rebel shell, we bring on 2nd line. Our skirmish line was advanced today to see how the rebs strength was. They reinforced their skirmishers line and showed a disposition to fight, our skirmishers then fell back to their pitts, one man was killed from the 46th Ohio, heavy skirmishing has been going on to the left of us in front of 17th Corps. We had a heavy thunder storm this evening. One Division of the 14th Corps has taken position on our right.

Aug. 1st
Our Officers have been rideing about here all the morning, they are giving orders as to advancing our line, and a squad from the Regt. has went to work on a line about 300 yds. in advance. There has been lively picket fireing all day and considerable cannonadering. It rained a little this evening.

Aug. 2nd
Another detail from our Regt. today, working on advance works. Sharp shooting has been going on briskly on both sides and very heavy cannonadering on our left. The Regt. all moved out this morning and took positions in the new line.

Aug. 3rd
Our Batteries opened this morning on some rebel skirmish pitts and knocked them down. At 10 O. C. our skirmishers was ordered to advance, they went forward but found rebel pickets to strong for them, and they fell back at 4 O. C. a heavy line was sent forward and succeeded in driveing the rebel back to their main works. This time they held their positions, 2 men of Co. K was wounded.

Aug. 4th
Co. G was routed this morning before daylight and went out on the skirmish line, we found a new line of rifle pitts had been thrown up during the night, we took position of it, and finished it up. We was informed that there was to be a feint made in front of our Corps at 4 Oclock. When the time came our Batteries opened and we raised a yell and began to fire as fast as we could. The Jonnies thought we was comeing for them and they opened their Batteries and then threw the brush off their works, to be ready for us. One man was killed of the 40th Ill. by a shell, one of the 103rd was killed this evening by random shot, he was behind the main line of works, belonged to Co. E.

Aug. 5th
There has been lively skirmishing in our front today and cannonadering all along the line. Our Pioneers have been cutting timber in the front of us and throwing up works. We rec'ed are rations today, Bread, Ham, Beans, Mixed vegetable, Desicated Potatoes, Shugar, Coffee and Whiskey.

Aug. 6th
The forenoon passed off quite[quiet], but in the afternoon the Batteries opened on both sides makeing everything Thunder. Some of the rebel shell burst rather close to our works to be comfortable to a fellows likeing, but no hurt done. Our Batteries was liken to a Scolding woman and would have the last word.

Aug. 7th
We have had a very quite[quiet] day. Our Regt. changed position and we have been at work on traversed. A part of our Company was detailed to work in the advance tonight. There has been lively picket fireing all day.
 

Aug. 8th
We was on picket dureing the night in front of a working party, got along without any trouble, was relieved this morning at day light, returned to camp and have slept the most of the day.
 

Aug. 9th
All quite[quiet] in the front of us till evening, then the Batteries opened on both sides and made the shell fly, some of the rebel shell came through our works and burst, one man of Co. C wounded.
 

Aug. 10th
Nothing interesting today, except the usual picket fireing and cannonadering, two men of the 6th Iowa was killed today by sharp shooters and one of the 46th Ohio wounded. There has been quite a rain today. We received our rations of vinegar and Whiskey.

Three Miles West of Atlanta

Aug. 11th
There has been considerable cannonadering today all along the line and lively skirmishing in our front. The day has been a very nice one, with the expectation of a little rain this evening.

Aug. 12th
The day passed off very quite[quiet] till about 4 O. C. P. M. when 50 men of our Regt. was detailed to carry rails out to the front line for to use in advancing our lines during the night. The rebels discovered us at work and opened their Batteries on us. Our Batteries returned the fire and quite a dual was got up, one man was wounded of Co. C.
 

Aug. 13th
Nothing interesting today except the usual picket fireing and cannonadering. One of our wounded Soldiers returned from Canton today, he brought us some tobacco from the Merchants of Canton, for which all very thankful that are in the habit of useing the article.
 

Aug. 14th
This has been the most quite[quiet] day that we have had for a long time. The 103rd is detailed this evening to work on advance works tonight. Some of us have been makeing sharp stakes to set in front, for obstructions.
 

Aug. 15th
We got along with the work dureing the night, without any trouble, although some of us was working so close to the rebel pickets that we could hear the click of their gunlocks when they would get ready to fire. There has been a heavy picket fireing all day, one man of Co. A was killed, I. J. Jacobs of G wounded.
 

Aug. 16th
The usual picket fireing has been kept up and a few shots from our Artillery. Rain this afternoon. E. [Eli] Walling of Co. C was killed last night by a glancing ball, he was asleep in his bunk.

Aug. 17th
The rebels has done more Artillery fireing today than usual and a continual rattle of musketry has been kept up all day by the skirmishers, the Sun comes down very hot.
 

Aug. 18th
The forenoon passed off very quite[quiet]. In the afternoon we made a feint on the enemy all along the front of our Corps, for to draw their attention while some movement was being made on the right by the 23rd Corps, 103rd is detailed for picket tonight.
 

Aug. 19th
We had a very quite[quiet] night on picket. This morning we have been doing considerable shooting. We made feint this afternoon, the rebels done considerable fireing, C. Maranville of Co. C killed and M. Taylor of Co. C wounded.
 

Aug. 20th
The day has passed off very quite[quiet]. Our Batteries have been sending a few shots but the rebels guns make no reply. It has rained all day.
 

Aug. 21st
Our Batteries have been Shelling the rebels works all day long, but get no reply. Skirmishing is lively. This has been another rained day. A read headed Regt. passed here today, they was going to the 14th Corps.
 

Aug. 22nd
The rebels replied a few shots from their Batteries today. Quite a lot of recruits came to our Brigade today, 103rd detailed for picket, we move out at dark and relieve 6th Iowa.
 

Aug. 23rd
We had a very quite[quiet] night on the picket, but there has been lively skirmishing all day, and considerable cannonadering. H. Bowman of Co. K was killed today and two men wounded, one of Co. F and one of Co. C.
 

Aug. 24th
There has been but little fireing today. We rec'ed some tobacco, from Babcock, brought to us by Col. Wright. The day has been very hot and we stay as close to the Shade as possible.
 

Aug. 25th
Some of the troops have been drawing off from our left and are marching to the right, we expect to move tomorrow. The day has passed off very quite[quiet]. Co. G on Headquarter guard, 2 men on a relief.
 

Aug. 26th
103rd all moved out on the skirmish line this morning. We have done considerable fireing and there has been considerable cannonadering all day along the line. Our Corps and the 17th drew off the line at 10 Oclock P. M. and marched to the right, leaving us on the skirmish line.
 

Aug. 27th
We quietly withdraw from the skirmish line this morning at 2 Oclock and marched to the right we halted at daylight and took some breakfast, then we took position, all of our Brigade, to guard the supply train, we move out again at 4 Oclock P. M. and march till midnight, keeping in the rear of the train, we then go into camp and prepare for sleeping.
 

Aug. 28th
Our Brigade moved out this morning for the front leaving the supply train, we arrive at the front about noon, find all quite[quiet], our advance is acrost the Montgomery R. R. and some of the troops our at work destroying the Road. We camp in reserve and have been resting the afternoon.
 

Aug. 29th
The Regt. was routed up this morning about one O. C. we went out to the R. R. and turned a lot of it upside down and tore the iron off piled up the ties and burned the ties and iron together, we then moved to camp and took another nap. This morning after breakfast we moved out into a good shade and have been takeing it easy all day. Some of the boys have been out and Jayhawked some fresh pork and we are doing very well.
 

Aug. 30th
We move out this morning at 7 O. C. marching toward the Macon R. R. Skirmishing commences about noon with Cavalry, but they fall back without much resistance until they get to the R. R. there they appear in force, and by the time our lines are formed it is dark. Our Brigade gets in position late in the night, and we go to work on the entrenchments. The boys are all very tired after marching all day.
 

Aug. 31st
This morning we find we are in sight of Jonesboro, we can see the rebels working on a fort, our Batteries took position and have kept them from working on their fort. About noon the Jonnies thought they should run our Corps away from there, so here they came in grand style. There was a large open field in front of our Division, and the Jonnies did not come very close to us, their main assault was against the 2nd Division, but they was to many for the rebs and sent them back with a flea in their ears. At the same time the rebels was chagrin our Corps at Jonesboro, the 14th Corps charged on them near Rough and Ready and took their works thus gaining the R. R.
 

Sept. 1st
The 4th and 14 Corps has been driveing the rebels down the R. R. all day, and we have been makeing feints to draw their attention and Our Batteries have been giveing them shell by the waggon load, take it all together we have had a very interesting day.
 

Sept. 2nd
We find the works in our front abandoned by the rebs, we march out after them, march through Jonesboro, and find Rebel Cavalry left as skirmishers. Our Brigade is in advance today, we form our lines and soon start the rebs on retreat.
 

Biographical Sketch and Comments

David Stone was born 16 January 1840 near St. Omer, Decatur County, Indiana and died 18 March 1922 at his daughter's home near Fairview, Illinois. Place of burial, Pleasant Hill Cemetery near Farmington, Illinois. [see tombstone picture]

He came from Indiana to Fulton County with his parents, brothers and sisters, at the age of 7 years. They made the journey from Indiana to Illinois with a team of oxen and were over 4 weeks on their journey, arriving in Fairview township on the 10th day of May, 1847. Living that year on the old Anson Blakeslee farm near Middle Grove. The following year moving to the John Leeper farm about four miles northeast of Fairview, Illinois.

He enlisted as a soldier 13 Aug. 1862 at Fairview, Illinois, assigned to the 103rd Illinois Infantry Regiment of the Union Army. He was wounded at the battle of Griswoldville, Ga., 22 Nov. 1864; discharged 21 June 1865 at Louisville, Kentucky, at the grade of Corporal, Company G of the 103rd Illinois Infantry Regiment.

The following comments and paraphrasing the writings of David's older brother, Simon, of 31 May 1906, provides the conclusion for this document.

As long as the enemy was defiant, no mountain, no swamp, no river, no rains, no cold, no hunger checked the Sherman's "Western Bummers", but when the enemy offered to submit to the injured laws of his and our country, the war was over; the roar of artillery, and the rattle of musketry ceased. But they fought us hard and persistently. Now we will try to forget and quietly resume the arts of peace.