The U.S. Army's 83rd Infantry was organized at Monmouth, Warren County, Illinois with Colonel A.C. Harding the organizing officer.

Joseph C. Sawtell was mustered out at Nashville, Tennessee June 26, 1865, and discharged in Chicago, Illinois July 5, 1865. He then returned to Warren County, Illinois.

From there to the Roaring Springs 7 miles, from there to (7 mi.) Cadiz, a small town (15 mi.), from there to Princeton (20 mi.) a nice town where we joined Colonel Starting of the 85 Ky Volls Inft Mounted, from there to Fredonia (12 mi.), from there to Marion (8 mi.), from there to Caseyville on the Ohio River, a dirty hole, went by way of Fish trap (25 mi.). (207 mi.)

From there to Morganfield (14 mi.) where we found the Rebs and drove them 5 miles then came Startings famous retreat to Union Town (3 mi.) where we joined the Major Bristo, from there to the Catholic Church (8 mi.) then back to Morganfield from (5 mi.) there to tiger Lake and camped in, then 16 miles from Morganfield (16 mi.) next day went 30 miles and camp (30 mi.). Next morning went to Claysville (4 mi.). Killed one Rebel in town, from there to Providence where (11 mi.) we had a fine ride after some rebs, from there back to Princeton (30 mi.) then to Walona small potatoes (16 mi.) then to Cadiz, there back to (10 mi.) Roaring Springs back to (15 mi.) Lafayette 7 mi. then to camp (7 mi.) at Clarksville (20 mi.). Gone 11 days. Besides all running around 51 miles. (450 mi.)

Great-granddaughter Gladys (Sawtell) Schmidt, who has the diary.

History of Story County, Iowa Volume 2
by William O. Payne, 1911
Page 183

JOSEPH C SAWTELL. Although seventy four years of age Joseph C. Sawtell, a well known and prosperous farmer of New Albany Township, still continues to take an active interest in business affairs. He has been a resident of the township for more than forty years and is honored as one of its most valued citizens. Born in Lapeer County, Michigan, April 14 1837, he is the son of Levi and Mary Ann (Canfield) Sawtell, the former born near the Kennebec River in Maine, January 21, 1810, and the latter in the same state in 1815. The mother was of German descent and removed to Michigan in 1836. The father, who was a carpenter and builder by trade, removed from Michigan to La Harpe, a small town near Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1844. The troubles with the Mormons soon created intense excitement throughout that part of the state. Joseph Smith, the Mormon leader, was killed June 27, 1844, while attempting to escape from jail, and soon afterward on account of the disturbed condition of the community Mr. Sawtell returned to Lapeer County, Michigan, where he resumed work at his trade. He passed away in 1887. He was twice married, his second wife being Amanda M. Tripp, a daughter of S. Tripp, of Lapeer County.

Joseph C. Sawtell received his education in the common schools of Michigan and continued with his father until 1857. At twenty years of age he left his native state, removing to Warren County, Illinois, where he worked upon a farm and became thoroughly acquainted with the business to which he has devoted many years of his life. In 1862, in response to the call of his country for soldiers, he enlisted for three years in Company F. Eighty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry, the regiment being assigned to the Army of the Cumberland. He served under General Thomas participating on the 3rd of February 1863 in the second battle of Fort Donelson and later he did scout duty. He was a good soldier and was many times exposed to great danger but came through the conflict unscathed. He received his honorable discharge in the fall of 1865 after serving for three years and two months. Upon being mustered out he returned to Warren County, Illinois, where he continued for three years and then removed to New Albany Township, Story County, Iowa, where he permanently located. As the years passed he became one of the successful farmers of the locality acquiring a valuable place upon which he is now living retired devoting his attention to the Story County Farmers Insurance Company, of which he was one of the organizers. He is also agent for several other companies. On the 12th of April 1866 in Warren County, Illinois Mr. Sawtell was united in marriage to Mrs. Louisa McMillian Edgington, a daughter of John and Harriett Glaze McMillian. Four children came to bless this union. Florence V., who was born July 12, 1867, was educated in the common schools and at the Chautauqua School of Nursing at Jamestown, New York being a graduate of the latter institution. She is now keeping house for her father. William A., born September 20, 1869, was married June 3, 1897, to Catherine Gallantine of Milburn, Iowa, and is now engaged in the real estate business at that place, being also postmaster of the town. Charles H., born November 11, 1872, was married November 11, 1893, on the birthday of himself and wife, to Miss Mary Morgan of Colorado, a daughter of William and Mary Fox Morgan. He is now in charge of the family homestead. Joseph A., born April 11, 1875, married Hazel Ritter of Denver, Colorado, and is now a successful commission man of Denver. The mother of these children was called from earthly scenes April 12, 1875, her death being the greatest sorrow Mr. Sawtell has ever known. Mr. Sawtell supports the Republican Party but he is liberal in his political views often voting for a candidate at local elections irrespective of party affiliations. He has not sought the emoluments of office but has served with recognized ability as justice of the peace of his township and also as a member of the school board. He is a valued member of the United Brethren church of Dalton Corners and is also identified with Lodge No. 238 GAR of Colo, Iowa. As an old soldier Mr. Sawtell deserves the gratitude of a generation now enjoying the fruits of a war which cost a vast outlay of money and human life. In the great Rebellion he learned the lessons of self denial and perseverance which he has applied in every day affairs attracting many friends who recognized in him those attributes which make the true gentleman and loyal citizen.