Celebration, combat and camp

During the Civil War, The Yankees or "Union Forces" celebrated our Independence Day in a variety of ways. If a unit was stationed well behind enemy lines or enemy territory, and in the case of Fort Scott that would be the few miles away from Missouri, there would often be a celebration with dances and other festivities. However, if the unit was close to enemy territory, or at an outpost in Missouri, there would be an artillery salute in honor of the holiday and the normal "Combat Operations" such as "Patrols" often called "Scouts" in search of the elusive Bushwhackers were conducted as usual. The following journal entries describe how Captain Charles Porter and or his men of Company F of the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry observed the Fourth of July from 1862 -- 1865. The 3rd Wisconsin arrived in Fort Scott in June of 1862 and periodically Company F was stationed at Fort Insley in Missouri at Little Osage / Balltown which was located northwest of Nevada approximately 25 miles from Fort Scott. Capt. Porter's original Journal is owned by the Wisconsin Historical Society and an edited version entitled "In the Devil's Dominion" has been published by the Vernon County Historical Society and is available for sale at Fort Scott National Historic Site Bookstore.

"Friday, July 4, 1862: Today was ushered in by the usual SALUTE of GUNS [firing cannon] from the fort [Fort Scott] in honor of our NATIONAL Independence. Well our camp [along the banks of the Marmaton] seemed to show a more busy appearance as the heavy boom of the cannon had the effect of shaking off the lethargy of our camp preparatory to the FESTIVITIES of the DAY.

The SALOONS commenced business with a fair prospect of bountiful haul of cash. A large dance was in progress at the FORT 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 day 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 [fights] or accidents in the Fort today.

Saturday, July 4, 1863: This morning at sunrise we cannon & small arms [muskets or rifles] 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 search 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. [Note: Union troops from Fort Scott burned Nevada to the ground in May of 1863 in retaliation for killing "Union" soldiers from Missouri in Nevada in May of 1863.] We passed on to Little Dry Wood Creek, 7 0r 8 miles farther and camped. The day was terrible hot.

Monday July 4, 1864: This morning our ears caught the sound of cannons booming at Fort Scott reminding us that our National holy day had arrived. We got out our 12 pound Brass Mountain Howitzer [small cannon that fired 12 lb. ammunition.] and fired a compliment of shots that awoke the neighborhood and informed the guerrillas that Uncle Sam had a squad of energetic humanity ready for business at Fort Insley [located northwest approximately 15 miles north of Nevada, Mo. on the Marais des Cygnes River] and prepared to visit the temporary abodes of the guerrillas at any time without invitation. We usually have a little show of formality on approaching their abodes which is disgusting to them. We had a HEAVY PATROL on the lines today. I was thus engaged. Day very hot.

Tuesday, July 4, 1865: This morning the cannon at Fort Leavenworth opened the days' program. The residents of Leavenworth City were actively preparing for a good time today. At an early hour the troops of the Fort arrived in the City, when a large procession of Military, Civic Societers and Citizens, headed by Bands of Music, were formed and marched through the City. From thence to a grove outside of the City limits where Orations were made and loaded tables supplied an abundant quiet [dinner] for the hungry who were present. There was nothing of a disturbing element to mar the days' festivities and no accidents of a serious nature. There was a splendid DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS in the City tonight. Today the heat was terrible to bear."

Now, as evident in these entries in Capt. Porter's Journal when he and or his company was stationed in Fort Scott or Fort Leavenworth he was able to enjoy the Fourth of July celebrations. However, when he was stationed at an outpost such as Fort Insley in enemy territory, that being Missouri, he and his command did not celebrate very much, but in fact conducted combat patrols and of course the War Went On!