May 1863, the survivors of the 87th moved south down the Mississippi River toward the strategic stronghold of Vicksburg. This area was the heart of the conflict in the West, where figures like John A. Logan, a local southern Illinois politician who rose to the rank of major general, became symbols of the state’s contribution to the Union cause. The siege of Vicksburg was an overwhelming and emotional experience for the men, as they faced the grim reality of sustained warfare along the riverbanks. The regiment saw action across multiple battle areas in Mississippi, including Jackson and Port Hudson. At Port Hudson, they witnessed a bloody siege that ended in a Confederate surrender, though the Union forces suffered twice as many casualties as their counterparts.
It was during these operations that Josiah first encountered the United States Colored Troops (USCT). He recorded seeing two regiments of African American soldiers marching toward Port Hudson and later bivouacking near the 87th. These volunteers, who initially fought for less pay than their white counterparts, comprised ten percent of the Union force and made a significant contribution to the war effort. Tracing these footsteps today offers a powerful perspective on the distance covered and the hardships endured. The 2,500 miles traveled by modern researchers in automobiles represent millions of steps taken by soldiers driven by purpose. The modern battlefield at Vicksburg remains a site of profound historical weight, serving as a reminder of the determination required to navigate the “Land Between the Rivers” during the nation’s greatest struggle.
As the war entered 1864, the 87th Illinois Infantry underwent a significant transformation, becoming the 87th Mounted Infantry. This change in status moved them into central Louisiana, where they were tasked with frequent base changes, scouting, and skirmishing. Operating in areas like Franklin, New Iberia, and Opelousas, the regiment became increasingly dependent on their own skills and tenacity to sustain themselves. The intense Red River Campaign, including the major battle in the Mansfield area, also marked this period. The 87th spent months patrolling and performing guard duties in central Louisiana, navigating a landscape where the lines between combat and survival were often blurred. Despite the constant danger, Josiah noted at the end of 1863 that he had “come out safe” after a year of continuous activity.
Interactions with the local population and other units continued to shape Josiah’s worldview. He recounted an instance where he worked with a quartermaster to sell apples to a Colored regiment, illustrating the everyday commerce and proximity of different units in the field. These details, preserved in a small leather notebook, provide a humanized look at the war that goes beyond strategy and maps, focusing instead on the resourcefulness and resilience of the common private.