Shelly Diary

Web Author's Notes:
Images of the diary of Pvt. Peter Shelly were submitted to this website by Jon Fackler, great great grandson of the soldier. Excerpts were transcribed from the diary by the web author and reflect the actual diary text as accurately as possible. It should be noted that the 16th OVI left Morganza, Louisiana, on October 6, 1864, bound for home and mustering out of the regiment but Pvt. Shelly, along with others from the regiment, stayed in Morganza and were transferred to the 114th OVI. This is because they enlisted into the 16th OVI later than most of the regiment and had time left on their three year term of service. Also, please note that Peter Shelly was listed in various Civil War-era documents as Peter Shelby and is entered into the 16th OVI searchable database on this website as such (Shelby).

Page 11 - November 25, 1863 to March 13, 1864

November 25th

Embarked on board the Steam Ship Saint Mary and left New Orleans.

December 1st.

Land at Deckrow's Point Matagorda Bay Texas. We had a very Stormy voyage.

January 13th AD 1864

Embarked on Board the Boats for Indianola arrived there the same day and Quartered in houses in town.

January 15th

Moved Camp on the out skirts of the town.

March 13th

General McClernand again took command of the 13 Army Corps.

Page 12 - March 12 to April 24, 1864

March 12th

Received marching orders.

March 13th

Marched 13 miles to Matagord Island. The 69th Ind. lost 26 men drowned crossing a Bayou.

April 18th

Embarked on Board the Propeller Aliance for New Orleans left the Island 6 o.c. P.M.

April 21st

Arrived at New Orleans and Quartered in a Cotton House.

April 24th

Embarked on board the Steam Boat John Grossbeck for Alexandria La.