The campaigns of 1863 reshaped the daily reality of the 87th Illinois Infantry. What began as river based warfare along the Mississippi soon evolved into a new phase of mobility and uncertainty. After enduring the sieges of Vicksburg and Port Hudson, the regiment entered 1864 transformed in both role and responsibility. They were redesignated as the 87th Mounted Infantry, signaling a shift from entrenched combat to constant movement across central Louisiana. Before that transformation, the regiment experienced some of the most intense fighting of the western war.
The Mississippi River corridor exposed them to extended sieges, repeated engagements, and the emotional weight of sustained conflict. At Port Hudson, the cost of victory was unmistakable. Union casualties far exceeded those of the Confederate defenders, leaving a lasting impression on the men who survived. These operations forced soldiers to adapt to long periods of tension where danger was unrelenting and rest was rare. Josiah’s observations provide a personal lens into this period. His account of encountering the United States Colored Troops reveals the diversity of the Union army during these campaigns.
Seeing African American regiments march toward Port Hudson and later camp nearby left a strong impression. These soldiers made up a notable percentage of the Union force and contributed directly to the eventual success of the campaign, even while facing unequal treatment. Josiah’s attention to these details shows how the war expanded his awareness beyond his own regiment. When the 87th became mounted infantry, their mission changed dramatically. Operating in towns such as Franklin, New Iberia, and Opelousas, the regiment was tasked with scouting, guarding supply lines, and responding quickly to threats. The Red River Campaign, including fighting near Mansfield, brought new dangers that differed from siege warfare. Mobility offered advantages but also increased exposure, as skirmishes could erupt without warning.
Life in central Louisiana blurred the line between combat and survival. The regiment frequently changed bases and relied heavily on their own resourcefulness. Supplies were not always guaranteed, and soldiers often had to manage daily necessities through improvisation. Josiah recorded an interaction with a quartermaster involving the sale of apples to a Colored regiment. This small exchange highlights the ordinary moments that occurred alongside military operations and shows how soldiers from different units interacted in close proximity.
Despite the constant movement and danger, Josiah reflected at the end of 1863 that he had made it through the year safely. His words capture a sense of cautious gratitude rather than celebration. Preserved in a small leather notebook, his entries offer a grounded view of the war as lived by a common private. Through sieges, marches, and mounted patrols, the experiences of the 87th Illinois Infantry reveal a story of endurance shaped by both extraordinary battles and everyday survival.