War takes no holiday

During the Civil War, the "war" did not normally stop for holidays. Union Troops on campaign or in the field on "seek and destroy missions" continued to carry the war to the enemy no matter what the day was.

However, troops in "garrison" away from combat areas could and did celebrate holidays that included "Independence Day" or the

Fourth of July. Not all military functions stopped on the holiday. Guard duty and other basic duties such as cooking meals and caring for the horses and mules were completed as scheduled and required.

All of the soldiers "off duty" could and often did participate in baseball games, foot races, boxing matches, dances and enjoyed band concerts or going to "town" and visiting one or more saloons! The following descriptions of the 4th of July are from the personal journal of Lt./Capt. Charles W. Porter, Company "F" of the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry Regiment that was stationed in Fort Scott and at various Union Camps in Vernon County, Mo., from 1862 to 1865. The original journal is located in the Wisconsin State Historical Society at Madison, Wis. It was transcribed at Fort Scott National Historic Site, has been edited by Mr. Pat Brophy and published as "In the Devils Dominion." It may be purchased at Fort Scott NHS or the Bushwhacker Museum in Nevada.

Friday, 4th (of July 1862.)

(In camp at Regimental Headquarters near Fort Scott. On each national holiday whenever possible, the Union forces fired a "34 Gun Artillery Salute" honoring each state of the Union with one shot.] "Today was ushered in by the usual salute of guns from the Fort [Scott] in honor of our National Independence. Well, our camp seemed to show a more busy appearance as the (sound of) heavy cannon had the effect of shaking off the lethargy of camp preparatory to the festivities of the day.

The saloons commenced business with a fair prospect of a bountiful haul of cash. A large dance was in progress in the Fort (probably on Carroll Plaza) at an early hour this evening, which I attended. There were other parties of the kind in the vicinity which gave ample room for all who desired to participate. We had a pleasant time today and dancing continued to be in full attendance at a late hour of the night. The weather was extremely hot. I did not learn of any rows or accidents in the Fort today.

Saturday, July 4, 1863, ("on patrol" and camped at Montevallo, Southern Vernon County, Mo.) This morning at sunrise we fired cannon and small arms (carbines and revolvers) in honor to our Nations birth or anniversary of her independence. At 6 o'clock a.m., we commenced another weary days march. After a march of 20 miles we arrived at what was once Nevada, the County Seat of Vernon County, Mo., only one or two houses remain to mark the place. We passed on to Little Dry Wood Creek, 7 or 8 miles farther and camped. The day terrible hot.

Monday July 4, 1864, (Fort /Camp Insley, Mo. on the north bank of the Marmaton River at the Shively Ford, "Old Douglas Farm" near Deerfield, Mo.) This morning early our ears caught the sound of the cannons at Fort Scott reminding us that our National holiday had arrived. We got out our 12 pound Brass Mountain Howitzer and fired a compliment of shots that awoke the neighborhood and informed the guerillas that Uncle Sam had a squad of energetic humanity ready for business at Fort Insley and prepared to visit the temporary abodes of guerrillas at any time without invitation, but we usually have a little show of formality on approaching their abodes which is disgusting to them. We had a (large) heavy patrol on the (State) lines today. I was thus engaged. Day very hot." (Future columns will feature the pursuit of Guerillas, Jayhawkers, Redlegs and Bushwhackers in "The Devils Dominion"!)