April, 1865

Saturday, Apr 8
Bartlett Beals & me went up to the front this p.m. at 5p.m. Our batteries opened in full blast on Spanish Fort about midnight. The fort surrendered.
[The battles of Fort Blakeley and Spanish Fort, Alabama were two of the last major battles of the Civil War by the Union forces in an attempt to force their way into Mobile, Alabama.  Federal troops took Spanish Fort after a prolonged siege. The battle of Fort Blakeley was one of the bloodiest battles fought in Alabama.  Source: http://www.exploresouthernhistory.com/blakely1.html]

---

April 9
Beals, Coopers & myself went through the Fort this morning. At 5 pm Gen Steel [General Frederick Steele] after being reinforced by Gen. Granger [Major General Gordon Granger] made an assault on Blakeley and captured it and garrison.

April 10
The 161st left Stark's Landing this morning and marched to Blakely [Fort Blakeley, Alabama] and went in camp.

April 11
It is reported through camp that R. E. Lee has surrendered to Gen Grant but not confirmed.  At 7 o'clock pm the 13th corps started back to Stark's Landing

April 12
13th Corps arrived at Stark's Landing at daylight this morning. Embarked. Crossed the Bay & the first Division marched in & took possession of Mobile.

---

Thurs, Apr 13
April 13
161st Regiment camped inside the first line of works. Today we moved out to the 2nd line & went in camp.

April 14
Today we are busy fixing up quarters. The fortifications around this place [are] very strong. We captured over 500 pieces of artillery and heavy guns,