W. Edgar Simonds. Civil War Diary. Nov. 14, 1862-Oct. 26, 1863. Ms 0087.
Transcribed by Adam Stater, CC class of 2008 and Emma Mitchell, CC class of 2012.
Friday Nov. 14th, 1862. Today we have started on our “soldier’s aim.” The day has been bright and sunny, but despite the outside gayety, there is a deep unspoken sadness in each heart that will not be uttered. […] the boat at 2 o’clock, the “City of Hartford” – the weather cool and pleasant - and – the Reg’t (Regiment) numbers 700 men.
Saturday Nov. 15, 1862. We came down into Flushing Bay at 2 o’clock a.m. and drifted about till 5 a.m. – passed the Great Eastern of Fort-Schmyler, a “big thing” and that’s all: the wind blew swift during the night – landed at a Williamsburg dock at 8 o’clock and forward on line of march often eating some ham and bread – some of the civilians gave us coffee and apples as we came up the street – this city is decidedly nasty . We marched 9 miles to the Centerville Race Course, the principal features of the route being hotels and graveyards – reached the Course at 2 o’clock and pitched our tents and had dress parade the same night. We found the 26th […] on the ground Col. Kingsley commanding 50, Major H. Hough. Weather clear and cold.
Sunday Nov. 16th, 1862. Rained today and I wrote four letters to Sara, Mother, Frank & Albert. Our food is poor meat – boiled in huge boilers and sometimes some meat and cheese that will […].
Monday 17. Nov. 62. Today rainy and unpleasant – the 23rd Com. came in today in the rain and had a hard time in pitching their camp – we have now four regiments here including the 171st _._., German mounted riflemen and disagreeable neighbors they are toofor they all carry knives on pistols and are ripe for a fight but I hear they are to leave before long - carry food the same, we are on a race course near Jamaica Bay.
Tuesday Nov.18.62. For a wonder the weather is clear today – from our camp we can see the ocean and the three masted vessels as they come and go – here we are in a pen as though we were chickens and can’t […] unless we go up on the place built for people to look on the races.
Wednesday Nov.19.62. Rain again today as […] and the mud deep - the 24th and 28th Com. Reg’ts came on today in a rain and had a miserable time pitching their tents and getting settled. The 24th commanded by Col. Masorsfield, son of the Brig. Gen’l and a military man, West Point - the 28th commanded by Holmes, a young man & a smart-one. Our Col. is Col. Commanding Post.
Thursday Nov.20.62. – Rain again and mud deeper than ever - grub the same only more fish-chowder – ugh!
Friday Nov.21.62. – Rain still and mud deep – have asked the Col. three days in succession to go over to N.Y. and today am going.
Saturday Nov.22 – Went to New York yesterday with the repost of the Brigade and found that – Capt. Dyer whom I wanted to see had gone to Arkansas. Bot (Bought) me a pair of Boots, this book, and had three […] filled and my stomach filled at Pulton Market.
Sunday Nov. 23.62. During the week, Lieut. Doulon […] Corp Ulrick Co. A have been detailed as Commissary of […] and Assistant during the voyage – today 2 Lieut Waterman have detailed on the signal _. (340 Broadway). […] Wrote to Sara, Ferank, and Mother – have rec’d answers from Frank and Sara but none from mother – the 50.52 and 42 Mass came to the Union Course today. I hear we are to start this week.
Monday Nov.24.62,The day is clear and pleasant but every thing can not console one for the loss of home friends and all dear to the heart. Received a letter from Albert and his photograph – he looks anything but the boy who left home last year. Today I am 21 years old and commence my career as a [preman?] of the U.S. It may be cut short by the bullet of some rebel marksman I don’t know that I felt particularly elevated on account of attaining my majority.
Tuesday Nov.25.62. Clear and pleasant for a wonder –something must be about to happen for one should never have so much pleasant weather at one time – sad and pleasant and notions of home, a snug parlor and a pair of my […] come up before my mind so forcibly sometimes that can hardly hold my […]. But we strike for God and our country and I suppose no […] should be counted too dear- this truth in the […] I am willing to admit – but when it deprives me of all that makes life pleasant and sends me a wanderer through storms and cold I can not bear the individual assertion of the general truth. But Bissel is fast losing his popularity as Commander and I fear will never regain it. God grant that I may return to the arms of Sara.
Wednesday Nov. 26 – Rain some more today – nothing unusual however – rumors of leaving soon are rife in camp and judging from the […] of the Col. in granting horses I believe it, and I make up my mind – almost that we are not going to Virginia.
Thursday Nov. 27. – Today clear cool and pleasant – very pleasant – today is Thanksgiving in our state and 16 others of these 25 (?). went to New York last night on my own hook and came back this morning – saw formulating of a […] at the Reverend’s house – after did [Nibeo’s?] last night and heard Forrest in “Macbeth” – very busy today on account of the Thanksgiving made by Col. [name], is having long […] – 15 00 [turkeys?]. We have had a meeting at 11 o’clock and […] and the accompaniment of the bugles sounded finely as the day is musically quiet – our Chaplain has just sent the Dr.’s negro around with tracts and papers. [Name: Will Chauncey?] has just been up to see me and it really seems a little like Thanksgiving. Since one year ago, affairs have wonderfully changed for the better with me – then I cared not for any thing in particular in the future and now I do care everything for the future, and God willing I want to live. I can imagine how the good [proper?] up in [Connar?] enjoying themselves, but I know that they remember me and that is a consolation.
Friday Nov.28.62 – A clear day today and good drill though preparations were being made all day to leave but leave today we have not. The boys say Trumbull is not coming down. From the seats built to see the […] a fine [prospect?] is afforded of the battalion drills on the ground and today the […] enjoy the prospect – to be a soldier in a clear sunshiny day like this is not so unpleasant but the cold rains quickly stir the thing of all its romance.
And to save me I can’t help thinking how pleasant the farm house at the Cross Roads must be and the moonlight night brings still more forcibly to mind, scenes of you – will they come again? William, Chauncey and Lord have been down to see me today. Charley is in N.Y. Battery on Governor’s Island.
Saturday Nov.29.62 – Two weeks since we came here and it seems an age. We are to go to N.O. rumor says.
Sunday, Nov 30.62 – Yes we did go yesterday and in the rain too. The order to go came in the rain at 1 o’clock and we struck our tents in a hurry and were off in the rain. We marched 10 miles to the boat at Atlantic Dock and as a consequence were thoroughly wet through. I went to bed damp and slept cold and got nothing to eat till today about 1 o’clock and that […] by the Corporal of Co. G. We are going of Governor’s Island and probably start today for Fort Monroe. The day is clear and cold. I have written three letters to Mother, Frank, and Sara, Ho Hum on me.
Monday, Dec.1, 1862. Today is the first day of winter and not off in […] is yet, although three months since I enlisted. Went on shore last night and went over to York - have been all around and have not found my valise yet. I am going to Leinterville today to find it and I think I will go with the Major.
Tuesday, Dec.2.62. Today is clean and cold and I have had a good breakfast at the farm house by the course with the Major least. Hayden, Lieut’s Goodell and Roberts, and for the small sum of 39 cents. The boys are in a hurry to learn the courses but they would hush up if they could see the boys in the ship, as for me I am in no hurry to leave as long as the weather is good. Recovered a […] and there are two blankets that I shall take. I lost my valise. Must go […] to the [Che. Kiang?] and look for it. ([Cremoene?] Gardens under Laura Keen 6263) 47 6 ½ Broome St. (50913)
Wednesday, Dec.3.62 I went down to the City yesterday and came back today and found the Boardman gone. The [Che – Kiang?] went this morning and the New Brunswick yesterday. The weather clear and pleasant with the exception of some hail to […] 21 Went over to Baumann’s in the afternoon yesterday and around the Tiger last night and over to the Anatomical Museum and managed to return as fast as I went. Saw Lord and Chauncey today. There is a […] power in the name of Sara to keep me from evil and I hope I may ever be so, I would like to hear from her. As the best thing I can do I will […] the […] that I carry in my bosom. Slept in a horse car.
Thursday Dec.4.62. Nothing of account today – the weather delightful for a December day – wrote to W.H. Robinson and Y.G. Hoyt
Friday Dec.5. 1862 - Our Lieut. Col. got us out just as we were ready to retire last night – for a march to Atlantic Dock. Down went the men and down I did not go. I walked to [Snedokiss?] and then rode to Atlantic Dock and slept in a horse car. Today we came onboard the Empire City after waiting long and for once had decent quarters assigned me, The color and all assignments are good but as usual the men must sleep on deck and in the worst of quarters. Tonight a blinding snow storm came on and I put one side my meal cooked plan of going ashore tonight.
Wrote to T.M. Culters & Sara today. I think that she will be satisfied.
Saturday, Dec.6. 1982. – Well we are off this morning and a beautiful morning it is – at half past seven we weighed anchor and down the [boys?]. The scene going down the bay seems like fairyland. Last night a kind of sleet fell so that on board and on the land everything is covered with a white sparkling covering. As we passed down by Statin Island on one side and Long Island on the other passing […] Lafayette and Hamilton and the new Fort Richmond with the evergreen trees and splendid mansions […] and turreted, the wind blowing fresh and the waves rolling […] the sun surpassing anything I have read. And then as we came down underside the rakish pilot boats appear and white winged, their masters going out to sea.
And now we begin to joke about being sea sick and I begin to feel qualmish – were we might as well laugh as cry and better for me shall see grief enough at the […].
Sunday 7. Dec, 62 – Too sick to write.
Monday Dec.8.62 - 120 pdr Tarrot gun Rifled 5 groves. 5 landes; bore 314 inches […] at muzzle. 7 ¾ inches 5 feet, 7 in., to bulge. 1 ft, 4 in ¼ bulge – weight 1798 lbs -- grove 1 1/8 inch […] 4 ft 3 ½ inc for muzzle […] bulge 3 ft 10 in Circum. Close to bulge 3ft 1 in circum.
Sick. I think so and the worst of it is I am not well yet but so well in comparison that I forbear to complain – I couldn’t wish to […] and every with the miserable feeling I won’t attempt to depict it here for I shall always remember. To Texas boy! Good a chance of coming back now I think. Saturday my stomach was troubled all day and [night?] I begin to [heave?] and I [heave?] I did with a vengeance and its Monday morning and I am not well – rest my bed all thinking of Sara and home, Of all the eights, and sounds disagreeable deliver me from a seasick ship. The men suffered terribly with the water breaking over the ship every lurch and purging to their clothes and the most of them sick, something over one another. The time was […] terrible but last night they slept in the cabin and kept comfortable – there are 65,000 aboard 60 tons cartridges and a battery of 20 […] Parrots – the statistics of one, I have taken down this morning – the weather is clear, cool but warmer than when we left New York - all are nearly off […] now and heading out to sea. ( followed by picture of some tool beneath the writing, looks like a kazoo.)
Tuesday, Dec.9, 1863 - I have forgot to say that this boat is the Empire City one of the largest in the ocean steamers. We are getting into a warmer climate – I think we are below Port Royal – the weather is delightful, just like a pleasant […] morning, and now while I am writing on the quarter deck. There is a large […] in the distance apparently a large steamship and crossing our track. T’was a beautiful […] yester eve. The moon […] and the sea like a vast field of snow and then the boys sang a long time […] if one’s friends are along there is some enjoyment on board ship and it is pleasant to sit here and read Tennyson and look around at the white wake of the steamer – half past 10 Moonlight on the sea is indeed splendid – tis delicious to leave the cold winter of […] north and sail through these southern seas – the soft air, the sparkling water and the silvery light of the radiant moon together make a scene than cannot be described but must be enjoyed to be realized and if she were here I could be happy though far better were those summer nights that I so well remember.
Wednesday Dec. 10, 1862 The weather clean and pleasant and warm as May or the first of June – quite a change from the cold of […] Today I do not feel well. Porpoises and [I] think today I have seen a school of [50?], and a soldier shot one with a revolver – he turned on his back and gave up the ghost – off the coast of Florida today.
Thursday Dec.11.62 – The day is clear warm and pleasant and we are off the coast of Florida and so near that we can see the thick green vegetation that grows clearly on the shore presents no signs of being inhabited. […] coats begin to fill uncomfortable. Last night I was sea sick again and today am not well – the […] of the sea are going beautifully […] to me, most of the men have had no chance to wash for three days and I have been unable to get water this since Tuesday.
Friday Dec.12.62 – The day is clear and pleasant and for a wonder I feel well, we are off to Key West and a pilot boat has just passed us asking if we are going into Key West. We are not. Key West appears to be something of a place and we can see Fort Taylor and Jefferson- the weather is decidedly too warm for comfort – at any rate last night was too warm to sleep. We are to pass within 8 miles of Cuba and I am in hopes to see it for the mere satisfaction of seeing a low […] is something. Last night it was a real poetic night. What with the warm temperature and singing and playing and the revolving light in the distance and the […] of the waves it was a scene that Byron might have ended – still home dear home would be [better?] Fort Taylor is built like Fort Richmond of white stone of square form with its […] jutting out to me and its corners jutting out. There is a splendid ‘em light house just below the fort. The San Jacinto just back of the fort.
Saturday Dec. 13. 1862 – Just one week this morning since we set sail from New York and here we are in the Gulf of Mexico and some 40 hours sail of Ship? Island which is by no means our certain destination – the food for our tables is […] looking forward to our liberation from this ship as a most joyful event.
This weather is warm and pleasant but this ship is to me a prison -there is some resolution today in regard to our final destination and it seems most certain that Mobile or […] is the place. The surgeon of the 26th is Dr. Woodruff, the author of the [Life?] of Lyon and a member of the examining board of Yale College.
Sunday, Dec.14, 1862 – A bright beautiful day like the last – of time in my own stall and I can hardly realize while all is so warm and sunny here that there may be a blundering snow storm at home – I feel tolerably well for being on ship board but I would give something to hear the dear tones of the old church tell that. I used to at home. […] in the Gulf of Mexico where two years ago when I taught school in Brislot and […] the boys write about this some guy – 1 letter thought – I should be today but the [hay?] gloomy presentment that I had before learning New York is gone, and I feel sure that with the blessing of God I shall return home again.
Monday Dec.15, 1862 – We lay at anchor all last night in the fog and this morning after drifting about in the fog til noon […] Ship Island which is simply a sand bar of white sand […] long and two miles wide with a small clump of trees on one end and a small sound brick fort some buildings and camp on the other. We reported and then off for New Orleans. One vessel a small propeller […] on the Florida Keys, about […]of large vessels lying off the island.
Tuesday Dec.16, 62 – Today we are sailing up the Mississippi River – when we arose this morning we found ourselves off the Southernmost-Pars, taking a pilot aboard we went on though what seemed to me a [seclusion?] of bay ours was stopped at Fort-Jackson and an officer came aboard and we stopped at Quarantine and found the 15th Marine and 114 N.Y. […] with smallpox and fever. Today I have seen the delicious orange groves loaded with oranges, _ of sugar cane. Wish neat cabins and good looking mills, and beside the famous Palmette trees and [year?] as I look on the country, in the […] south and no mistake, we have passed the wrecks of two of the boats one of them at every house the […] run out and shake their hats at us. Apparently this is a […] off from the big […] on the [pass?] to N. 0.
Wednesday Dec.17, 1862 – Today I have been up to the City and I think N.O. a […] city- oranges are cheap but most other things dear – we have not moved till night and then only a few miles. Canals is […] St. Charles sts. are splendid sts. And St Charles Hotel a fine institution. we are in hopes to see our regiment tomorrow. Wrote to Sara Mother and Frank making installment No. 4 to […] the book – weather warm and pleasant -- I like the […].
Thursday Dec.18, 1862 – Here we are in […] tonight after 13 day sail and glad we are to get ashore. 6 miles above N.O. & 1 mile from Carlton or Carrollton – this fort was taken from the rebels; we found the 2nd [Lous.?] 4th Wis., a Vermont battery, […] some other forces here the first […] life tonight – weather clear and pleasant – and the dark’s […] plenty- and the whole very pleasant.
Friday Dec.19, 1862 – Weather clear and pleasant – plenty of oranges, by […] for […] money, talked with the leader’s on a plantation […] them […], friends in the C.S.A proud of it. Butler a “[…]” Went to Sugar Mill tonight & then stopped into a negro dance was […] came back till 12 P.M. […] negro dance […] challenged by [picket and?] hall some […] in getting in. Leut. Kimball with me, and pleased so for with [Dixie?]. 28th C. began to […] tonight. [Last sentence unreadable].
Saturday Dec.20, 1862 – Went down to negro cabin and eat some hoe cake and nut butter and the candied sugar I got last night and coffee in the berry was delicious, Rec’d a letter from M.Wilcox sent to [Centerville?]. He has the ring,
Sunday Dec.21, 1862 – Sunday in name only no church in attending distance and all in disorder […]. I went down to the Sugar Mill last night and got some syrup and then to a creole dance in a sugar mill and then to a supper on hoe cake with Capt. [Napleys?] and [Forkit?] - & Lieut. Kimball and Pease, Went over to the plantation done by and talked with the ladies radical […]. Weather oppressive very much, wrote some to Sara gave it up and did not finish, hasn’t [heard?] from Col. Bissell positively as yet -very possibly they may [blast?] ( 26 and 30 St. […])
Monday Dec.22, 1862 – Went down to N.O. today – saw little or nothing interesting – came back quite tired. Weather warm -have made a good breakfast - on hoe-cake every morning thus far.
Tuesday Dec.23. 62 – Weather warm – went to Mason’s after sugar and he […] […] - went to baker’s and got some cheap.
Wednesday Dec.24, 62 – Weather warm rain last night – Chaplain and Dr. Skinner came down from Baton Rouge last night – the boys are there and we shall go soon.
Thursday Dec.25, 1862 - “A merry Christmas” to all at home - quite different from other Christmas days to me - so much so that I can not make it […] like Christmas - I see that the Southerners make more of a holiday of this then we do at home- weather warm and pleasant – our Dr. and Chaplain left for 12 […] today – saw Tom Parriss from the 12 G.V. the sexton told me he was […] for […]. Joyous here in the […] for Dr. Johnny Welch and he Fulton off Ship Island - the 12 & 13 expect to go by the River with us.
Friday Dec.26, 62 – Weather warm and pleasant – sent a letter to Sara and to Mother today No. 5 – went to a [darky?] dance last night. Bah!
Saturday Dec.27, 1862 – Weather a little cooler – some rain today – the wind from the south – Took a trip around the fort tonight found 4L, 32 and 24 […] […] - 12 was and some […] - found the N.O. & JRR a good R.R. [heavy?] tracks and [taught?] and - took a ride on a hand car that moves by a […] like a [punch?] –a southern […] - made me think of home to see a veritable […] road our 2M and Comm. have been promoted to Brigade Officers of the same […] two vacancies. Also went down to see the […] month, a searching [frigate?] […] for 8 guns on a side and of no account except as an auxiliary offense for the fort.
Sunday Dec.28, 1862 - Today seems anything but a day of rest – I have been over to the plantation close by and the ladies have not made their appearance as usual – just now while I am writing the bugle is sounding for roll call -- the cold cold moon city gleams down on the bare field, […] covered with the white winged […] which are anything but messengers of peace, - the figures of the parapet stand out in full swing against the sky and […], and _[…] their bayonets […] in the moonbeams - and despite […] resolves my thoughts will meander back to the […] home but home and to another where my heart owes allegiance - I can but wonder is she thinking of me now – is some gay party […] making all merry while there is a cold corner in the her heart that makes her thoughts of me on are she and “Jane” and Frank talking […] about the […], and thinking of him - she may be rich or […] […] she may be getting unmindful of me – I will never believe I – she will remain as true as the […] of God. – [Done. Sent Home?].
Monday Dec.29, 1862 – Another bright beautiful day with nothing to do – saw a sergeantfrom Joe. Foys’ Co. today– come down yesterday - says John and Charlie are at Fort Pike – the one Hospital Steward and the others telegraph [opessator?]. H. Hale has been sick – the rest of the boys well.
Tuesday Dec.30 1862 – Pleasant today – some rain in the morning and consequent wind - asked the Lieut. Col. for pass to go to Thibodaux & he refused and gave me “a blowing up” for not “doing my duty”- bah. Come in old woman – dull as I desire here -- shall I think write to Col. Bissell to order me to come up to Baton Rouge – I’ve got sick of this.
Wednesday Dec.31 1862 –Nothing new today - the weather the same and every else the same -- we will […] for pay to day and I hope it will amount to something – the enlisted men get their pay from the […] and the commissions from the 11th of Nov. Berlington - a paper said today the Hartford [russays?] that our time has not come […] til the 11th of Now. making our time out in August 1863.
January 1st 1863 - A happy new year to all the dear friends at home and to those like me in the U.S. Service. The day is bright and beautiful but our hearts though firm and determined as ever are sad in our separation from the dear ones at home. The prospect this morning, of the state of our Country is discouraging – the year sad, terrible and dreary in its history stands out and leaving [searing?] [scolding?] - to the eyes of Patriots - the future offers nothing better and to us who known by experience some of the causes of this state of things there is no reasonable presumption of anything better - corruption prevails in the government of the army here – the single purpose of our leaders seems to be to […] the government and they succeed well. Yesterday I had nothing to eat. The [fort?] gone speaks volumes/ Camp Parapet. Now is a good time to make resolutions for the future and I shall make them. God has been good to me during the last year and to all [name?]. Com. Lieut Col. said that had whole regiment been here this morning we should have gone to Texas. For one I shall be glad to to there – the burial ground put outside the Parapet does not speak a good story for the health of this locality.
Some five rules for _ during the year 1863 and as long as I shall live.
1. To remember my [lessator?] every day.
2. To do my duty at all times.
3. Speak no profane word.
4. Be temperate.
5. Be kind and polite.
January 2nd 1863 – Today like airy like all other days, dull but pleasant – ho, hum! All things will have and end and I suppose this will. How I should like to see this thing finished up and ourselves on the way home – one thing I hardly dare to think of a meeting with S ---. […] God willing I think I shall.
Saturday Jan.3rd. 1863 - Some rain today and with that surprise exception just like other days – the [Salline?] Robinson with a battery and some horses or our regiment went up the […] to Baton Rouge last night. – heard a rumor that our Lieut. Col. was making efforts to have us brigaded here and that he has said so. bully for somebody! Well, we’ll see, sent letters no. 6 to Mother, Sara, and Frank yesterday – no answer yet.
Sunday Jan.4th 1863 – Thunder storms! There was a furious one last night – lasting about two hours and furious the whole while the leaves were a continuous blaze of light with every instant like […], the forked lightening so vivid that at one time I plainly saw through the translucent tent the semblance of a steak of fire and tied into a knot the wind blew furiously and the rain came down in huge drops that penetrated straight through the tent and where the tent was open a [speck?]came in traveled […] the tent and […] on the other side, such was the force with which it came but the moon shone gaily right of […].
I would much like to know the grand tone of the organ in the church at home sometime Soothing every wild passion to rest and then hear the deep silence broken by the feeling [feeling?] of our Pastor and fill the calm which seems to be the inheritance above of the church of God.
Monday Jan. 5th, 1863 – Pleasant as usual and […] is busy in saying that we are to go to B. Rouge today – our L. Col. went down to N. O. this morning and saw the Major at the St. Charles and Co. K. are coming to Carrollton tonight = bully! And we are ready to start at any moment for B. R, The 42nd [Mass.?] is landing at Galveston hall
37 killed and wounded – Lord and Chauncey are in the reg’t = the weather very cold last night.
Tuesday Jan. 6th 1863 – Co. K and the Major and the […] ones came last night – and all were right glad to see them- we are under orders to march and have been expressing to move all day but out here […] but are going tomorrow – Review to day 26th Comm., 10th N.Y. and on [Fous?] Gen. Banks came up himself – bully for that! Went to Labor’s plantation, and got some syrup last night.
Wednesday Jan. 7th 1863 – The order to go has been commanded and we are to stay for the present under command of Litley[…]. When I went to see down at Carrollton to give in the [rendering?] report went over 6 miles – weather pleasant , and I am not so lonesome since I took [Lergl. Fury, Capt. Ayer and Bloch into my tent
Thursday Jan, 8. 1863 – The order to go has again been issued and we are to go tomorrow sometime – weather warm and pleasant– 20 days is the anniversary of the victory of Gen. Jackson over [Parhinkam?] and at noon a national salute of thirty four guns were fired in honor and something of a noise they made. Slept over in the darky’s cabin last night with Ayer, Co.K.
Friday Jan 9th 1863 – Slept over at “Uncle John’s” last night – took a pill of opium and slept well We are to go today at 5 o’clock
Saturday Jan. 10th 1863 – At noon yesterday we struck our tents and waited patiently till four o’clock before we marched to Carrollton and when we reached C. we waited for the boat till 9 o’clock – then the Laurel Hill took us aboard and off we started. I slept on the floor in the cabin near the […] part and was kept awake all night by the jabbering of the Creole women [cooks?] men then got up this morning […] and found we were at Duvall – […] fifty miles from Baton Rouge – […] the gunboat No. 3 it at […] and just above some guerrillas, dressed in […] and with rifles [slung?] over the back – just above we passed the Ware where the Empire Parish was fixed into all quiet. Some o f the plantation swe passed were very large and must have had one or two or five hundred niggers.
Sunday Jan 11,1863 – We disembarked in B.R. at 2 o’ clock yesterday and marched a mile and a half, into a grove where the […] of last Aug 5 was in a low swampy grove where Gen Williams was killed, our tents covered the graves of the brave fellows who fell there–shot and […] were plenty and the trees were peppered full of bullets, made ourselves as comfortable as possible and this morning I helped to put a tent in order and about that time and order came to pack up and […] we did and moved into the city and camped again and here we are in this tent to sleep on the ground and expect an […] from the search – a rumor that Vicksburg is taken.
Monday Jan 12, 1863 – We managed to stay here over night and this morning we put in a floor to our tent and made ourselves comfortable as possible and today is very pleasant the […] their from our regiment went to work [tuning?] up instruments just off the left side of our camp. Baton Rouge is nearly deserted almost every home has been […] […] the rear and whatever been left taken. I have been around trying to “maraud” in a harmless way. It seems that the reason of our move was the fear of an attack of […] a large force of [rebels?] have been seen , The 25th are in a Brigade with 4th Wis, 159, 174, NY, 26 Maine, Col. [Taime?] commanding some 30 […] a new […].
Tuesday Jan 13,1863 – In the triumphs. We are ordered out into the trenches and so is the whole brigade and there is a scene of an excitement or rather […] for the boys are laughing and carrying on like fun: it may be a false alarm but there is a good spirit I think among the men and no […] to finish if the enemy would appear – the day is clear and pleasant and the days are passing swiftly that is for a life of hardship! An old lady has just gone by running for dear life and now we hear firing.
Wednesday Jan 14, 1863 (crossed out “2” put in “3”) – Just two months today since I left home and I saw Sara and I must say it seems something longer – the long [roll?] was […] at for […] […] the same the Gen’t said […] would never be beat again except when in earnest. Showers plenty today. The Orderly of Co. F has been reduced to the ranks and […] [Wilmont?] serg’t in Co C. Lt. E in Co. H threatened to report me to Col ahem! The “[geese?]” begin flock around.
Thursday Jan 15 (crossed out “4” put in “5”) 63 – Rain today and cold tonight very cold and […] sent letters to Sara, Mother, and Frank today No. 7 or 8 letters in […] Lieut. Burk Co. H., has tendered this resignation.
Friday Jan 16, 63 – Very cold today – so cold that water froze slightly – I slept not at all last night what with a wet blanket and a cold night – I had a miserable time – can send over to Headquarters the resignation of Lieuts. Avery Co. G and Marshall Co. B, It is rumored that St. John and Stevens [have?].
Saturday Jan 17,1863 – Today like all other days – inspection today
Sunday Jan 18, 63 – 5 months today since I enlisted and no pay as yet and according to the calculations of Gov Buckingham only a little over [half?] months of our time is out. Capt. Dalian is about to resign making five of our commissioned officers that have resigned. Weather is generally pleasant – though colder than ever for this climate, The more I think of it the more I think I shall stay till this regiment goes home even if I have a chance. Sent a letter to the […] today or rather wrote it. Vicksburg is gone it says the paper of the 6th.
Monday Jan. 19, 8163 [1863] – Rainy today and unpleasant [Parmila?] Co H. died this morning from congestion of the lungs or caused by exposure. They buried him this afternoon and I was present at
A Soldier’s Funeral
The drum sounded the call and the companies fell in […] coats without side arms. Co. O, detailed to perform escort duty, -- they formed their companies deep in the […]. The body was brought out in a gunbox covered with the national flag. The Chaplain made some appropriate remarks and then with muffled drum and slow step they laid him under an evergreen magnolia on a pleasant hillside. Throughout the whole ceremony there was a feeling of solemnity that I never experienced before. To die thus away from home, friends, and all he loved with no kind hand and heart to soothe his last hours and take his last words to remember and then to be buried where armed men would tramp over him and mayhap the unholy passion of marriage above him. Perhaps when dying he had thought of quietly resting in some New England graveyard and where the grass would grow and roses bloom above him when the warm sunny days came and a neat marble slab mark his resting place, and now instead of all this sanctified by the […] of our forefathers to be laid in a rude gunbox in a strangers county and in the land of the enemy who might […] land tear down and spit upon the […] of wood left to denote the [sport] the remains of one of America’s sons who had bravely offered his life on the altar of his country. But he sleeps under the evergreen magnolia and when the triumph of resurrection shall be of the […] he may come forth with those who repose in marble tombs and be on a par
with earth’s mighty ones.
Tuesday Jan 20, 1863. – Nothing of account today changed my tents for Sibley’s – I kept our Wall tent.
Wednesday 21,1863 – We have got well […] treated after our [mon?] of yesterday and now we are to move to [moelare?] beside the 13th Comm, into Gen. Augen’s Division and I must say the prospect of earning our pleasant domestic arrangements is particularly pleasing but south is the land of war growling grueling days no good there is no way but to submit and make the best of it. – one man in Co. K died today of congestion of the lungs. Winsford of West Avon and he […] is to be buried to morrow. Two are sick here in the tent and I have a hard cold, making both eyes and nose “[give down?]” plentifully. Hear that Lieut. Kimball will resign. The boys on picket to day or rather last night had quite an adventure – they had dug a hole and made a fire in it in the day time so that when night came they might put something over it and keep warm – a shell had been thrown unexpected and […] in near the hole and being heated exploded. No one hurt.
Thursday Jan 22, 1863 – We have moved again to day on to a hillside on the N. E. of B. R. [ Northeast of Baton Rouge] and the camp ground is the best we have yet had on account of being somewhat elevated. We are in the same [“same” crossed-out] 2nd Brigrade Gen’l Augen […]. Have been unnerved today but felt better tonight. A flag of [truce] sealed communications came in today. Rumors of the enemy near at hand are afloat. We are decidedly in the advance. Buried Woodruff Co, K at 8 a.m. before morning. Lo they go.
Friday Jan. 23, 1863 – Nothing of importance today – weather pleasant and warm – my cold is no better.
Saturday Jan 24, 1863 – Weather pleasant and warm, prepatory drill for inspection – on Friday sent letters to Sara, Mother, Albert and Frank, Ho, Hum, I begin to despair of ever hearing from home again. The resignations of Lt. Col. Stevens, May St. John, Lieuts. Burk, Marshall and Penne were announced and on [Dunparcole?] as accepted and themselves honorable discharged.
Sunday Jan 25, 1863 – Sunday in Camp—a far different scene from a Sabbath at home, and today there are certain sweetly sad feelings clustering about my heart that I cannot define. The day is just such a day as many another I have seen at the North, pleasant and for camp calm and quiet, but how different the sights and sounds from those of home in this day.
Instead of the solemn Church bells and the things of neatly dressed people going […] the loneliness, filth and inconvenience of a camp, I miss the quite and reflections of home and all attempts to think are continually broken in upon by the harsh noises of the Camp. I imagine how Sara is thinking of me and how she misses me but I hope that she may not always.
Monday Jan 26, 1863 – A grand review took place today. At 10.30. A.M. we fell in on our own camp; at 12.30 we fell in on the Brigade line. After sometime […] Brig. lead us some three miles though occasionally […] and finally we were reviewed by Maj. Genl. Augen and Brig Genl. Mover and staff a brilliant […]. Few among them, Justin, Hodge Chief Commissary; of New Hartford. An alarm took place last night – the teams were harnessed and all put in order but “nary” enemy came.
Tuesday Jan 27, 1863 – Cold today again all else everything alike all other days.
Wednesday Jan 28, 1863 – Cold today – Nominations by the Col. read tonight on Drum Parade, Weed for Lt.; Col, McManns for mayor, Ward for Adjt. […] and Duncan for 2nd Lieuts. Read five letters from home today, two from Sara, two from [Frank?] one from Mother and right glad was I to get them.
Thursday Jan 29,1863 – Weather pleasant. The officers have got up a remonstration against the appointment of Weed.
Friday Jan 30, 1863 – Weather pleasant, Lieut. Ensworth resigned today I think.
Saturday Jan 31, 1863 – Weather pleasant, Regimental inspection today. Lt. John and Col. Rivers have set up a slow dorm time.
Sunday Feb 2, 1863 – The day is warm and pleasant and I am feeling better about our review […] for a few days past. Inspection yesterday and today two. Finished my letter for Sara. A man died yesterday from the effects of masturbation and [which?] in the act. He was buried hastily and worth no ceremony. Today seems much like a Sunday at home, quiet and still; have much I do long for the holy calm of a New England Sabbath. Over more, Our chaplain is preaching o the evils of solitary vice and of an amalgamation so evident there.
Monday Feb 2, 1863 – Rain today […] came , our letter and the papers
Tuesday Feb 3, 1863 – Pleasant, cold […] bracing drills all day
Wednesday Feb 4 – Rain. Rain. And now we are cooped up in a poor old tent with the water almost pouring through and all wet inside. Will we think of home about these things. Pretty good supper tonight, sour bread and muddy black coffee. Did ye ever see the likes!
Thursday Feb 5, 63 – Very cold today – Capt. Darrow honorably discharged on account of sickness.
Friday Feb 6, 1863 – Not so cold as yesterday but still cold. Two marks came today by the first I got a letter from Frank, Jan. 25, and one from mother in the afternoon, Jan. 18, and Jan 17.
Saturday Feb 7 – Have a hard cold for two or three days and it was so hard last night that I could not sleep but rose at 2,30 and stared until 4. Lieut. Einsworth is ordered before a board of examination
Sunday Feb 8, 1863 – Inspection today in the morning – then I borrowed Cap. Silloways Colt Rifle and went out a mile […] and to pickets to a Mr. Dorriby’s – he had a [safeguard?] from Gen Mover and was the possessor of 250 slaves “right smart” and some most white that I saw. Saw two nigger[s] with what he called leprosy, with the joints rotting off. Wrote to Mother tonight. The weather is pleasing another Inspection tomorrow by the Assistant Inspector General.
Monday Feb 9, 1863 – Warm. Inspection this afternoon. Wrote to W. H. Dyer today.
Tuesday Feb 10, 1863 – Very warm and I am very weak.
Wednesday Feb 11, 63 – Warm and rainy, unpleasant! Ho. Hum most homesick. Brigade drill today under Col Dirge. Mosman has gone off on a scout expedition – God help bring…
Thursday Feb. 12, 63 – Warm and like “dog days”. Went out beyond the picket, tore down the fence for the calves to come out.
Friday Feb. 13,1863 – Warm growing warm. Read the good news of the appointment of Freemont to be sic. of Nov.
Saturday Feb 14, 1863 – Attended concert last night given by the bands of the 30 and 52nd […] and the 41st Mass Singing Club and a might good thing it was. The Methodist Church was crammed to overflowing and there were not seats enough to sit three quarters of the Audience. Quite a reminder of home and a strange and brilliant affair – there to see a commencement here amid the busy scene of war. Quite a sprinkling of ladies mostly wives of Officers and glittering shoulder straps were everywhere resplendent. A […] thing Cols. Lt. Cols, May in short every grade of Cavalry Artillery and Infantry and […] arming the ground were the blue shirts and starred collars of the sailors of the Iron Clads and their Commanders had not forgot to come; the Captain of the Richmond sat directly in front and the white-face […] feminine lips and lily hands were […] […] but song […] of the business we are self-engaged in. […] will wet meet coming […].
Sunday Feb 15, 63 – Hot, Inspection and Rain – finished letters to Sara, wrote to Mother and Frank – Genl. Butler has come back rumor says, One of the men found a moccasin snake Cassin under his bunk – Sent letters
Monday Feb 16, 63 – Pleasant—our troops are alone Post Hudson. Drum Major very sick, Sergeant Bissell Co, H. buried today – sick three days until typhoid fever
Tuesday Feb 17, 63 – Rain, rec’d my $10.00 order of Lieut Waterman carried Day to the Hospital. Orderly A. [Caravesse?] Co. C promoted to 2nd. Lieut. Vice Trumbull resigned.
Wednesday Feb 18, 63 – Rain this morning rest of the day pleasant.
Thursday Feb 19, 63 – Pleasant but warm – the orderly of Co. H has been promoted to Captain in the Negro Regiment. Col. Wilson – Brigade drills today – I feel very weak.
Friday Feb 20, 63 – Pleasant. A mail today, rec’d letters from Sara, Frank, and Cousin Lucy dated Dec. 31st , Feb 2, and Jan 31st. Well the weeks go slowly by – I should like to scrutinize over pay.
Saturday Feb 21, 63 – Some rain – pleasant. Kimball discharged
Sunday Feb 22, 1863 – Pleasant. Today is the anniversary of the Birth of Washington – cold and stormy at home perhaps but warm and sunny here will does this land deserve the name “the Sunny South” but though the skies are bright and blue the soil most fertile and the climate delightful give me the hills and valley of New England and her bracing air. I wonder how things are moving up in C. – or rather I imagine I know if all are well. A Review of Gen. Dudley’s Brigade took place on our Parade ground – composed of the 30 T 50 Mars. 2nd Lt. 161st and 174 N.Y. – a splendid sight.
Monday 23, 63 – Holiday today – […] water and […] and the boys are playing a […] game of ball. Wrote to Mother, Sara, and Frank today and sent them. […] Lotham Co. E buried today – […] affection died yesterday.
Tuesday Feb 24, 63 – Pleasant – Brigade drill in the afternoon – Inspection in the morning – 600 person exchanged yesterday—alarm tonight out on picket. (Written over the text on the right side): Letters from Mother and Sara dated Feb 8+18.
Wednesday Feb 25 – Drill today warm and pleasant.
Thursday Feb 26 – Rain – mail – no letters – and daily inspection and […] daily.
Friday Feb 27, 63 – Pleasant today – rain tonight went down this evening to see Capt. Pease of the 3rd Lot, (colored) regiment and his 2nd Lieut. showed me a book of Braxton Bragg with his name in it and a candelabra taken from his home in [Lafoneshe?] District. The Capt. says his uncle is Duke of Devonshire and he has seen long service among his campaigns was the one during the Sepoy rebellion. Our Chaplain […] for the coming of the Paymaster tonight on […] Parade.
Saturday Feb. 28, 63 – Rain in the morning – master for pay making […] pay due us more.
Sunday Mar 1, 63 – Pleasant wrote to Mother Sara and Frank – I am almost homesick. The grass grows green and vegetables have come along.
Monday Mar 2, 63 – Pleasant – wrote letter to Times signed Miles and gave it to Sergt. Alderman – went down to see Capt. Pease and I think favorably of the […] [graves?] for soldiers.
Tuesday Mar 3, 63 – Pleasant – a rumor of the morning of the 1st and 2nd Brigade last night.
Wednesday Mar 4 – Dan. S. Dervey Co A, promoted to 2nd Lieut. Co A, last night. Pleasant though cool nights yet. Brigade dull today and Bis. got muddled. Rec’d [Received] letters from Sara, Albert Mother. This morning dated 6th, and 15th and wrote to Albert and Georgie Daly tonight. Ho, Hum.
Thursday Mar 5 – Pleasant
Friday Mar 6 – Rainy the 13th band came over and serenaded Col. Bissell last night – the officers felt pretty well I […] – wrote a letter to the Press this morning. Rec’d letter from Laura dated Jan 30 and paper from Frank Feb. 3rd.
Saturday Mar 7, 63 – Pleasant, dull
Sunday Mar 8, 63 – Pleasant. Wrote to Mother, Sara and Frank and sent them three written during the week to Georgie, H. Press and to Albert. Ho. Hum. Have refused to go into the Cavalry with a […].
Monday Mar 9 – Preliminary marching orders last night and today we have packed everything except necessaries and expected to be off for Port Hudson or Clinton tomorrow morning. Dress Parade in blouses tonight, dress coats unpacked and our rations cooking. This excitement just makes the time pass pleasantly – I counted six mortar boats in the river this morning.
Tuesday 10 Mar 63 – Here we are some 5 miles on our way to Port Hudson last night at supper time we struck our tents and waited for the order to fall in -- at 10.30 p.m. the order came to fall in at 4 a.m. This morning – we [bundled?] our tent put two boards over […] and over rubbers on […] and slept soundly till half past three this morning. Although heavy showers tried our continuance during the night. At half past three up and packed our blankets in the dark and after an hour of […] fell in and started for Port Hudson at 5 a.m. – It is now past 8. and we are some five miles from B.R. We have parted by an open space in the tall wood and the greater part of the regiment are throw out as skin [wishers?] and the two price of artillery 12 […], are off in the but marching to throw fun in to the woods. The day is warm and sultry and Spring is quite manifest – flowers are thick by the wayside.
Wednesday 11 Mar 1863 – We are still in the open field. It seems our orders were to come out to the bayou just in front build a bridge and wait for the grand army. Nearly all day yesterday was occupied in building a portable bridge over a space of some 15 or 20 feet. The water is 11 ½ feet deep. While building it the body of some man with the head cut off was found floating in the bayou. Rain was frequent yesterday and last night and we all were wet. Our blankets wet through, a […] change in the weather made us most uncomfortable. After four this morning, we heard some three shots on the wood ahead and [… Ed. Rockwell Co I. was brought in shot through the leg and the bone […] shattered. He was on picket, he stepped into the wood to halt [newcomers?] and […] the word “halt” they […] one of their […] taking effect. He dropped on one knee but managed tofire and our boys have got a gun one of the rebels dropped; perhaps he winged one. Co. A, and 2 R.I. Cavalry fused into each other by mistake last night. None of Co. A hurt I think. The affair was on the […] Our pickets off to the east found last night and I do not know the reason.
Thursday 12 Mar 63 – Bright and sunny and I am well contented with our trip so far. Quite Romantic. Yesterday we butchered pigs, beef and fowls quite promiscuously […] way to Pike in the house close by and are [fared?] scrumptiously what with steak, […] potatoes and hoe cake. I made a delicious breakfast this morning. Got letters this morning, one from Dyer Feb 21st, a note from Frank Feb 21st, a letter from […] 25th, and a letter from Sara Feb 16th. And they bring the best of news. Sara’s was a dear letter, Frank told of a box sent, and Dyer’s just like him. Rockwells leg has been cut off. The 53 Man and some Cavalry R. I near landed above and came down driving some cattle – they brought with them John Elder planter who was pleasant at the mission convention but refused to talk with me on the ground of a general order prohibiting it. The Cavalry and the rebel pickets exchanged shots this morning.
Friday 13, Mar 1863 – Bright and sunny. Rockwell died yesterday and rebel Cavalry man took prisoner and that R’s shot took effort […] of the rebels shooting […] this through the breast so that he died within an hour. Gen. Banks and two of his staff, rode up here last yesterday afternoon and went to the outside lines. He does not look to be the man he really is. We killed a [beef?] and brought in a quarter and now fare well. Capt. Hinckley was put under arrest by Col. Bissell this morning for allowing his men to fire continuously at a [beef?] Also 8 men in his company.
Saturday Mar 14, 63 – On the field, last night Gen. Mover’s Division came along and we fell in our place and marched some three miles. We […] snacked in a low marshy cornfield, and this morning started and marched about 5 miles and camped on another stopper in another low swampish cornfield. […] found another – we are 8 miles from Port Hudson. Heavy firing this afternoon, from the river. Gen. Banks is […] – his […] in a house over in the lot when I contrived to get some milk and sugar in spite of his guard, I feel well. Our men straggled considerably by the way the sun being hot but all have overtaken us.
Sunday Mar. 15, 63 – Warm and sultry – we have not moved yet. Last night at 12.00 clock we heard many firings and it continued until after 4. When it ceased we awoke with a thrill when we heard the heavy boom close to us and awoke to see the shells rise in a curve from the boats descending a line of fire and then there came a light then a heavy explosion as the shell burst the firing to be or the fort but my reconclusion is that the rebels sent out either – fire ship [rain?] or floating battery and that our boats attacked it and destroyed it after some four booms firing, for we customarily saw the light more from the fort alarm some miles and continuous firing while it was in motion and finally with a huge explosion the firing ceased and the light was instantly gone. The story is that the rebel floating battery of 16 heavy guns was set on fire by [hot?] balls. Col Clark of Gen Banks’s Staff was wounded in the leg yesterday by the guerillas and carried back to the hospital. Dr. Woods [horse?] straggled off to a house and we sent a force to take him there using some rebs there. Looks like rain. Our Division is there brigades 18th, Acting Brig. Dudly.
2
3rd Art, H.W. Brig. The boys are bringing 13th Comm. Swing in down . pigs and fowls plump turkey, Bille Harvey killed three shrub one shot.
Monday Mar. 16, 63 – We staid in our camp till 3 o’clock when we took up our line of march for B.R.W. had marched 2 miles when a southern […] storm came up and for over 4 miles we marched in a deluging rain. Then just at dark we were turned into a lot […] and with six or eight inches of water […] the canvases – here we staid last night – in a pelting rain counting the away minutes till morning, I managed to sleep on the top of a […] in the rain with nothing on some two hours. Now we are expecting to take up our line of march for the rebel Camp Moore some 40 miles from here off the N.E. of Port Hudson. Nothing to eat, and some six inches in the mud. Such a “shaking Sunday Night” I never knew before. The rebel Cavalry made a dash on a company of R.I. Cavalry yesterday and killed the Captain and six men. The Mississippi gun boat was blown up. I hear that No 3. was also destroyed and a mortar boat blown up. The 91st N. Y. were close to the fort burning out the whole. Gen. Banks says the object of our expedition is […] to draw off troops from Vicksburg and […] said to have reliable information that 12000 troops have come down from Vicksburg to P.H.
Tuesday Mar 17, 63 – We moved from our watery camp of yesterday to a beautiful place on the Mississippi where the […] sets back in a bend and we can see both ways for eight miles. The bank gently slopes to the river and we are […] on the top of the rise – all the waters is a little between the color rows– The lot is a large one, perfectly level. We can see Baton Rouge in the distance. [Steam?] in the open air, on the ground agrees with us and we have plenty of […]. Wrote to Sara yesterday and again today on 2 leaves of my journal. Col. Molyment of the159th N.Y. of our Brigade, was killed today in a skirmish at the bridge we built and fortified – guerrillas.
Wednesday Mar. 18, 63 – Looks like rain today – have been down to the City today on one of the 2 M’s team and find that there is a large force behind us, near the bridge. Dudley’s Bridgade were on the march and went down to B.R. took boat and went up to our Gen. Wirtzel on the other side. Coming back saw a huge rattlesnake which some f the 18th Brigade killed, some 4 feet long as large as my arm and with 9 rattles (12 yrs old). My stockings are worn out and […] burnt out I must have some thing to wear or I cannot march
Thursday Mar 19, 63 – Looks rainy still. Ho. Ho. Hum! 7 mos. yesterday since I enlisted and only 4 mos., 8 days of my time expired. In coming up yesterday I saw some of the most beautiful flowers, crimson and white I ever saw, they were in a garden, I saw beautiful wild flowers. Clementine I think. […] with inside and outside the tube and bright golden in the bell.
Friday Mar 20, 63 – Another […] Friday – nearly all over moves on this reputed unlucky day – looks like rain. We are at this 12 M. under orders to be ready to start at 15 minutes notice.
Saturday Mar 21, 63 – Started from our camp yesterday at 3 P.M. and arrived here in B.R. before 6 P.M. a distance of 8 miles. Slept on the ground an today we have pitched our tents and look just as we did before we marched. The 25th is getting quite a [name?].
Sunday Mar 22,63 – Pleasant, two mails this morning – two letters from Mother Jan 4 and Mar 1st. Two from Sara, Feb 22 and March 1st, one from Frank Jan 1st, paper Jan 1st. Box came this morning I backed it up from the steamer to find the apples and cake a perfect mess, The Cigars, […]. […] pickles and suspenders were all right. Wrote to Mother, Sara, and Frank, sent the letters. Orders to march came this afternoon, where we go I do not know – either to Wirtzel, Mobile, […] or New Orleans, perhaps Charleston.
Monday Mar 23,63 – Rain last night furious – drowned us all out, the papers talk more like going home in June. Inspection yesterday. Newberry Co. G, died yesterday. Buried today.
Tuesday Mar 24, 63 – Not gone yet and a Hospital tent going up does not look like leaving. Inspection this morning – mail, no letters for me. Heard that Major [crossed out word] had tried to resign.
Wednesday Mar 25, 63 – Pleasant – toward Berwick Bay may—hap we go.
Thursday Mar 26,63 – Pleasant – wrote letter to Press – drill yesterday and today – did not go out today
Friday Mar, 27, 63 –Looks like rain – the regiment are felling tree today – our [balance?] Corps went on board the St. Maurice last night and brigade went aboard.
Saturday Mar 28,63 – Struck tents at noon took the boat at 4 P.M. St. Mary a beautiful boat and a fast sailor.
Sunday Mar 29, 63 – We landed last night at 10 o’clock having made the passage from Baton Rouge in less than 4 hours. We are in [Donaldson?] […] on the right – rank of the […], 11 segts. are here all of GroverDiv except the 28th main from Pensacola – slept in the rain last night and feel quite decently this morning. Dr. Skinner cannot live he is sick of the Typhoid fever.
The “natives” are going to church this morning – look like all the rest of the southerners or family work gone by.
Monday Mar 30, 63 – A cold norther has blown since we have been here. I am afflicted with a [diarrhea] – we take up over […] of March at dawn tomorrow Read a letter from Mother, Mar 18 and from Frank Mar 9
Tuesday Mar 31,63 – Cold yet. Marched 13 miles to St. Mary’s Church for the road to Thibodeaux– we made only 3 halts and the men were just ready to faint when we stopped. It made it very hard for me on account of being very weak. Cotton and Sugar were but a […] over there – a most beautiful spot – pork and mutton plenty. A negress at a splendid mansion gave me a block pointer a negro led him and Y propose to keep him – name “Nigger”
Wednesday Apr 1, 63 – Marched 13 miles to [Labodownville?] and […] effectionally played, started at 7 o’ clock A.M.
Thursday Apr 2, 63 – Marched 14 miles to day to 3 miles by and Thibodeaux. – my feet blistered and diarrhea recommenced. We are to go by B.R. tonight
Friday Apr 3, 63 – Last night we started from […] where we lunched and took the [cass?] at 9 o’clock – we rode some two horses mostly through a swamp filled with alligators and snakes.
A beautiful moon shone down upon us and from our […] seats on top of the [cass?] the scene as we dashed along through the […] first full of […] pool and […] thick underbrush was a scene weird and enchanting. We stopped at Bay on Boeuf (Berf) at 11 o’clock 25 miles from Tellebourne. The 12th C.V. […] for Brashear City – […] today have slept every minute we could find – [Rest of entry illegible]
Saturday 4, Apr. 63 – Pleasant today the troops keep coming there are someone gunboats here old and battered that look like service – it looks strange to see such boats in these shallow bayous – coming down to day one of the men counted 58 snakes and 8 alligators by the roadside. [Written horizontally on the side: Sent letters to Mother, Sara, and Frank]
Sunday 5, Apr, ’63 – We moved yesterday some 100 rocks from where we were down this bayou. I am getting quite sick on the continued diet of hard tack and coffee
Ho, Hi, Hum! It […] so much like home to see the trees coming out in full green like Sping at home. Well I wish up were these -- -- --
[Written horizontally on the side: Sent letter to Hartford Press]
“Bring flowers, pale flowers o’er the bier…
A crown for the brow of the early dead
For this through its leaves [hath?] the white rose…
For this in the woods was the violet nursed.
Though they smile in vain for what once was ours
They are loves last gift, bring flowers pale flowers”
[This poem appears to be the 5th stanza of the poem “Bring flowers” by Mrs. Hemans]
SACRED
To the memory of
Mary Ann Morrison
Died October 20th, 1850
Aged 21 yrs, 4mos. And 26 days
The verse I found on the top of a marble slab supported on a bed of 6 pillars of brick, situated in a garden close to our camp – the home is occupied by soldiers and all around neglected – briars grow around the shrubbery, the fences all torn down and where once a shady lane led off into the fields along the four grains is now a road changed by carts, soldiers, etc., etc., -- --
I can easily imagine myself at home on a summer afternoon – the birds sing sweetly and the sun shines bright and let me shout out the terribly sad sights and sounds around me and new England easily comes back though an impossible barrier lies between us.
Monday Apr 6, 63 – Weather getting decidedly hot – a very painful touch of rheumatism has taken bone in my side after being in a dormant stable over a fortnight
Tuesday Apr 7, 1863 – Hot – dull
Wednesday Apr 8 1863 – Hot – dull one or two of the boys killed an alligator some 5 feet long by a shot through the back of the head and brought him into camp
Thursday Apr 9, 1863 – Wrote to Albert yesterday a long letter of three sheets – a mail came but no letters for me—hot – dull. Saw a letter from Gov. Buckingham saying our time expires on the 11th of August 1863,
Reveille at 4 A.M. struck tents immediately after and now we are of an under marching orders. The [Launch?] Hill, St. Mary and another boat are now come through the Gulf, up the Bay and Bayou.
Took a walk up to Ambulance Corps last night as was much surprised by the number of troops here – the camp extend in close order for 2 miles. My “Nigger” thrives well
Started at 9.30 A.M. and marched to Brashear City reaching it at 12 P.M
Rec’d a mail here – one letter from Sara Mar 8, and one from Frank Mar 25. We go to Franklin to fight tonight.
Friday Apr 10, 63 – We remain here in Brashear City yet although under orders to be ready to leave at a moments warning. Have been sick all day with an affliction of the throat and nasal passages very annoying.
The Depot and […] here are sufficient for something of a city but the place is a mere village in […].
Saw Charley Shunnan? last night – he has been taken prisoner and paroled now awaiting exchange. The troops are pouring in and through here in great numbers.
Saturday Apr. 11, 63 – 5 months today since according to Com. Anthony we were mustered into the U. S. Service – hot.
Sunday Apr 12, 63 – Yesterday at 4 P.M. we went on board the St. Mary – the 24 C.R. 52 M. and the 41st Mass, […], and a Battery were aboard and we were stowed so thick that I could not stand. I slept in the cabin in the main deck and had a booted foot on my face three or four times. We have not moved during through the night there being a report that the rebels had cut […]. This is barbarous but “all for the Flag”
Monday Apr 13, 63 – Another night on board the crowded St. Mary and a jolly time we had last night singing and cutting up etc, etc, This morning near noon we debarked under the music of the flying shells and started for --- I don’t know just where but toward the enemy. This morning we witnessed a fight between the 13th Com. 1st […]. And some rebels – the Clifton meanwhile throwing in the musical bombs. There was the smoke covering the whole and from the midst came the single and generally volley varied by the profundo of the cannons.
Clifton sent the shells […] and shrieking into the sunrise and we, enthralled, looked on.
2 of the 1st La. were killed and the Lt. Col. wounded the latter I saw lying at the foot of a tree […] soundly at the ribs. A Hosp. Ltd. Hurried by me with a case of surgical instruments going to the front to cut of a gunner’s leg. We have stacked arms about a mile from our landing in the edge of the thickest wood I ever saw. A perfect jungle. Our sail yesterday was up through Grand Lake a beautiful sheet of water some 10 miles long and 8 broad – our landing is 21 miles from B. City. 24 hours in feeling our way up the Arizona (gunboat I think) run aground 10 miles back. In the expedition were some 8 or 10 […] one or two very small [tugs?]. The loss of the rebels I did not learn.
The prospect of a scrimmage is good and I have no reason save my [sword?]. I think we have hemmed the rebels between us and are waiting for [Witjet?] to drive them to us. These Southern forests are a sight tall elms, gum, oak and cottonwood covered milk, huge vines and […] and with cave palm and underbrush so thick as to obscure the sight for a distance of more than a few feet. I am sitting by one now.
Tuesday Apr 14, 63 –
Battle of St. Mary’s
Wednesday Apr 15, 63 – I wrote the last in my diary Monday afternoon in the edge of the woods about a mile and a half from our landing. We left there and marched off to the [southernmost] front through the plantation, among them the offended one of [Nidon?] Porter – at dark we formed in line of battle in a corn field on the right of the road the 18th N.Y. and 13. C.R. being deployed as […]. I led the left of the line in and just as I had fixed the left guide the rebs. sent a bullet close to me. We lay down and slept on our arms that night and slept nice although there was a […] shown during the night. Just before 8 A.M. the word came “face in” up we sprang and with all haste rolled our blankets seized our arms and with empty stomachs started on our march.
Soon after dawn the 25th were ordered to take the fields and skirmish after we reached the center of the lot, the 5 right companies deployed and the 5 left companies acted as reserve. The skirmishes had advanced three quarters of a mile going across two fences when off to the right from the edge of the timber came the scattering bullets of the enemy’s skirmishers. We slowly advanced toward the firing tramping through a field of then all green corn and then through an old corn field well piled up and parceled by the [draw?] so common in the cultivated fields of La.
As we advanced the firing became more general – we advanced steadily till within short musket range and […] further and were just in point of laying down to receive their fire when to our utter surprise and with feelings never describable we saw a blue puff of smoke a little to the left of our front and heard the […] of a shell which buried itself in the ground some eight feet from the left of the line – fortune favored us – it did not explode and when the next and the next next [clean?] over us and burst behind us we began to feel […] or that […]. The firing had grown hotter and […] the […] was filled […] firing bullets, our men loading and firing at will and just before a volley advancing a rod and lying down – This continued three quarters of an hour when there was a lull in the firing from the enemy and we waited for the result. But a few seconds of […] followed and our Colonel then gave the order to […] bayonets preparatory to a charge and the men had partially risen to await the word […] when a cry of “We are outflanked” reached my ears to the right just in time to see a long line of eleven hundred rebels pouring out their murderous fire – the lull had been to discern us and meanwhile a regiment of sharpshooters 1100 strong every one of them have men had filed […] to our right under cover of the woods till they extended for a long distance behind us [crossed out : and jumped over the fence) so that their bullets […] down through rows where we lay in a perfect storm. They rapidly loaded and again swiftly they filed our men returning the fire as fast as they could load. By the time their third volley […] came down upon us the order came to retreat and we fell back ditch by ditch the right of the line engaging in a hand to hand fight with our foes.
The rebels had intended to charge and take the four pieces of Balley L. V. J.U., which through some mistake had not come to our support till we had been under fire nearly an hour.
Now on our retreat they began to throw shells rigorously into the enemy’s flanks.
The 91st N.Y. now relieved us and pouring in a [pufurt?] line they advanced and drove the rebels from their flanking position in a hurry.
The 159th N.Y. also formed on their left and advanced to […] the 26 Main had been standing up on our left and pouring in steady volleys in the direction of the rebel battery.
On their left the 130th Comm. formed, advanced, and drove the […] off capturing [two?] of their carrion? And killing all the horses attached to one of […].
The 125th stormed in the rear of the 91st, N.Y. and as soon as the rebels had been dispersed by the advance of the 13 C.R., the 159th N.Y. and 91st […] the 3rd Brigade was ordered to advance into the woods. We formed on the woods and […] from 10 o’ clock till near night the gunboat Diana? in the bayou a hundred yards off pitching shells into the woods with remarkable […] and we amused ourselves with dodging them – Northwestern standing the shells dripped all around us no accidents happened though […] someone dodging […] to avoid the […] come messengers that came crashing through the trees.
[Crossed out: Just at night we fell back to a [sing?] or house in the […]]. Toward night the welcome news came that the Diana was on fire and we could have danced with delight now that we could lay down and take the rest and food we so much needed.
Before nightfall we fell to a position near a sugar house in the rear of the battlefield which was now filled with wounded men, […] and counted up our losses.
The 25th went into the fight with 350 men half of whom were on skirmish and the other half reserve. As soon as possible the skirmishes gathered on the regiment and did their part
Our lost was as follows
Co. A 2nd Lieut. Daniel P. Dancy killed
1st Lieut. Watersman wounded on the arm -- not dangerous, […] Sergt. Gen. H. ford right foot severe. Corp. […] Corp. Forbes back, dangerous
Corp Lincoln side and finger, dangerous
Privates Arnold, […], […] Hargen twice in the abdomen, one in the leg, dangerous
Otis head, Badwin, thumb
Dening foot slight
H. Mum. Wounded and missing
J. Holt missing -- 13 killed, wounded, missing
Co. B 2nd Lt. W.M.A. Oliver, wounded in the forehead dangerously
[…] N.A. Shalding, shoulder, severe
Corp. Bince hurt by a […]
Privates John Martin killed
Wounded Avery Brown arm and side, fatally W.M.A. Watsons, ankle […]
M. Denoff, ankle, H. Wright, thigh slight. Henry Stevens Elbow severe. W.M. Wart, wrist
Sergt. Koye missing -11
Co. C. 6 apt. Hayden killed. Priv. Albert Paharn killed. Wm. Button, shoulder severe. J.M. Clemens side, dangerous. O. Giddings foot and leg. T.C. Hancock twice in the arm. Marth. Haley ankle. J. L. Hodge struch by the bull of a musket on the head. L. Schaffer [crossed out: side] abdomen dangerously. John Turlurne, leg. B. J. Wilcox shoulder. Sergt. Snow taken prisoner and John Larsfield. 13
Co. D. killed Abner Brooks. Wounded dangerously E.K. Taft, shoulder severe. […] abdomen, mortally. William Faulkner [crossed out: shoulder] breast dangerous. Jo. Allen leg. H. Allen, Hip. Gen. Frank leg. John Aldrick, side, and leg and arm, Dexter Fenton thigh. (Corp) Penull Eddy hand and thigh. Abram Hone ankle. Hud. Close hip. John Way thigh. Corp Weir color[…] in the temple 15.
Co. E Sam A. Lanton, Corp. E.D. Prundle killed. Wounded Corp A. Patterson shoulder. Chas E. Turning thigh, dangerous. Wm. Mahar, shoulder. Len. Emmons, wrist. A.A. Phelps, finger shot off. Lt. Banning thigh, dangerous. L. Messinger arm. Wm. M. Lion leg, slight – N. Pierce and McCairly reported wounded but in uncertain authority. L.E.J. Holcomb. Missing 13 --
Co. F Jonas G. Holdin killed by 4 bulls – Chas. D. […] Sergt. leg. […]. […] Hyde, leg. Corp – Corp John Thompson thigh, the […]. 4.
Co. G. F. Bissell killed. Wounded Orin Hollister shoulder. Henry House face. W. Moffet, leg slight. 4.
Co. H. Corp. J.R. Stevens, arm. Corp. John H. Hunt small of the back, fatal. C.C. Clark head and thigh dangerous. […] leg. C.D. Walker shoulder. Wm. Daly thigh. J. Foote leg slight. – 7.
Co. I Killed H. D. Wright. Wounded Corp. C.S. Cook leg amputated. Sert. G.H. Grant ankle. J.D. Lewis thigh. Capt H.W. Halbruss thigh slight. – 5.
Co K. Wounded – Wm. E. Morgan arm. R.E. Rose shoulder. G.D. Buck leg. J.Y. Hartson leg. L.E.Wilston thigh. – 5
In going into the woods we passed two [carrions?] left by the rebs. The 4 […] on one of their dying just as they were shot – in their hurry they left them canister shot which they had neat for us piled up by the road. While we were fighting a […] took place between the Queen of the Mist and the Clifton […] up the 2 of the West.
93 killed, wounded, or missing
9K – 8. M. 66 […]
D.Y. Leonard, L. Duncan. J.P. Fenton pris[oner].
Missing since returned – 2 G. M. V. lost
9 killed, 66 wounded -13 -8K- 60 W -15 K. C and Adjt. Lt. Col. […]. 2 Lts. Killed – 2 for […]. 129 total
Thursday 16 Apr. 1863 – Tired and exhausted yesterday morning we arose and hoped for use after the terrible fatigue of Tuesday but up and after them was the word. We march 20 miles on the road to New Iberia that day and bivouacked for the night by the side of a large sugar mill from which we obtained all we wanted in the […] our march was through rich fertile cultivated country and our feelings though tired to the extreme in […] now those deep thankfulness to God for our safety. I am afraid Joe and John can’t live. The bodies of Capt. Hayden and Lt. Deury were put in coffins so that they may be carried home if their friends wish. I may as well mention that I am writing this on a rest Friday morning just beyond New Iberia
Friday 17 1863 – Our march yesterday fell not for short of any of that of Wednesday – we stopped in New Iberia a [team?] of considerable importance and a Military Match for the C.S.A.
We took little squads of rebels all along the route – our regiment having seven when we stopped […] only officers having a complete suit of gray – the others dressed for the most part in the light colored coats (short) and pants and nothing except a hat generally to show they were soldiers if I except their blankets – some of the Crescent Regt. N.O wore [gary?] grey hats and coats.
The prisoners taken by the rebs. now paroled because they are flying too fast to keep them and they have returned to us. The welcome news was announced to us before Mail this morning that Charleston is taken – The news was cheering and […] the air with our hurrahs and we feel able to march now though when we got up at 3 A.M. not one of us felt able to march a mile.
The rebels treated our men kindly and fill them when they are [themselves?] – they are very short of ammunition.
The natives say flour is worth $125.00 per bbl [may stand for bushel?] in N.I and prs. of shoes $30.00. Some dead horses and a dead rebel lay beside the road this morning as we came along – The weather for the whole week has been hot and dry. The rebs. Maj. Ogletice gave the 25th the praise for skirmishing finely and would hardly believe that it was our first time under fire. Sergt. Koye Co. B. […] told me and he is a very truthful man.
Saturday Apr 18, 1863 – (morning) Marched 20 miles yesterday and […] our arms last night by a bridge which the rebels burned – still burning when we came – our artillery shelled the woods lining the bayou – […] troops last one man killed and 2 now are in the brush – the on Tuesday the rebs. burnt in their gunboat Hart above N.I. – The boat was not finished.
Sunday Apr 19, 63 – We staid at the bayou all day yesterday and at noon today started and made a march of twelve or 14 miles and through sunk mud. We passed through [Rermikouville?] a town of considerable size. A white flag at every door. Rec’d a letter from Mother written to Albert, date don’t remember, and one from Sara Mr. 29.
I had till just now entirely forgotten that today is the N.E. Sabbath.
Heavy storm last night wet us through but we are mostly dry now. I am writing lying on my belly writing by the dim light of a campfire. Wrote on account of the battle of Irish Bend to the Evening [Plors?]. We are short of rations, Gen. Grover ordered us after tattoo last night to make 2 days ration […], hard tack 4 in number. Corp Hunt Co. H is dead – the wounded all gone to St. James Hosp. N.O.
Nimms Battery fired a national salute this morning at sunrise for the Anniversary of the massacre of Mass. Men in Baltimore.
Capt. Simmons of the most famous battery of the rebel’s posses was captured at Irish Bend.
Monday Apr 20, 1863 – Came through Renunctionville? yesterday and tonight we stop at Opelousas 15 miles from last night – prisoners are taken all the time – the rebs. Did not make a stand here as we thought they might. They are pretty effectually routed and nearly dispersed.
Tuesday Apr 21, 63 – Hot all the time, I have been down and washed me as well as I could in a mud puddle – we are to stop here just outside the town for a day or two, Lt. Capp, Co. H. is dead of typhoid fever and diphtheria. We much need rest if it is in an open lot under a burning sun.
Wednesday Apr 22, 63 – Still bivouacked here – found a splendidly furnished house deserted today – mirrors, smashed, paintings, engravings, gilt and lost wood frames, marble […] unused book cases, inscriptions, etc etc, [strewn?] all around, 2 sewing machines among them. Took from a rack wood frame a lithograph of the signers of the Dec. of Ind. […] will sleep,. […]. The Adjutant cold […] today. My name was handsomely mentioned in the dispatches and I should probably be nominated for a commission, God for her sake.
Thursday April 23, 1863 – Growing very hot – Wm. Harvley, Holcomb, and myself went off on a foraging trip today and discovered 100 bales of cotton hidden in the woods and […] at a house some 3 or 4 miles from camp – found plenty of [food?] and thought […] and two hens, a basket of sweet potatoes and then corn cakes – we live like [brightening cocks?]
Friday Apr 24, 1863 – Hot. Hotter. Hottest. Review by Gen. Banks at 5 P.M. today – Wrote to Sara today
Saturday Apr 25, 63 – Still quiet foraging today – only got corn cake and eggs. Sent the letter to Sara.
Sunday Apr 26, 63 -- Quite a decent day – reveille at 5 AM and off for Barres, Landing a distance of some 9 miles which we were all day in making on account of the […] down of 2 bridges found then Landing a pleasant live tract with a few houses, some of them with trees, etc. etc. Lately prostrated by a hurricane killing them on [four?]. Cotton is [available?] in large quantities by the Gov. for shipping. Adjt. thinks we are likely to stay here some time.
Monday Apr. 27, 63 – Like our place well.
Tuesday Apr. 28, 1863 – Showery – warm – dull – order for Bat. drill from 7.30- 8.30 A.M., 10 to 11 A.M. and Co. drill from 3 to 5 P.M. – tough – omitted from 10 to 11 A.M. – boat here, beautiful moonlights.
Wednesday Apr. 29, 63 – Hot. Dull, two letters from mother dates mar. 22 and Apr 1, two from Frank, Mar. 25 and Apr 9. Two from Sara in one envelope Mar 16 and 23 – today two letters from Frank Apr 3 and 10th. 1 from Albert Mar. 26 and one from Sara Apr 7.
Sent long letter to Frank. Cotton by the 1000 bales is being shipped from here and all preparations are being made to stay here, huge quantities of stoves being landed and the whole […] regiment being at work nearly all the time.
Thursday 30 Apr, 63 – Muster for pay today 8 months pay now due. $168.00. Arnold is dead from some disease which set in. St. Grover too.
Friday May 1st, 1863 – Very hot today – 13 C.R. have come – Battalion drill this morning – 11th of July save us mustered out rules the order received last night is a mistake. News came tonight that Gen. Dwight shot a man for […] litter “marauding”.
Fighting today some 14 miles from […]. Nimms Battery […] cavalry.
Saturday May 2, 1863 – Hot. Dull. Faulkner of Co. D. dead.
Sunday May 3, 1863 – Hot, dull, wearily the days go by, but soon though a long look ahead” I know home, bright happy home will be […]. If Sr gets a letter from me soon will be because I change my mind, not that I love her less but I am quite as independent as ever and intend to remain so. 3 of Co E. dead since we left B.R. […] is vindicating his dominion over us. 8 mos. Today since we came into camp.
Monday May 4, 63 – Hot. – quite a number of promotions last night. 1st Lt. W.W. Roberts Co. C. to be Capt., Co. C. 2nd Lt. A. Converse to be 1st Lt., Co.C. 2nd Lt. […] Co F. to be 1st Lt. Co. F., 2nd Lt. I.W. Beach to be 1st Lt. Co. I., St. Major W. E. Simonds to be 2nd Lieut. Co. I. Sergt. Hugge Co. A. to 2nd Lt. Co. A., 1st St. Turner Co. G. to be 2nd Lt. Co C., Corp John Borne Co. G. to be 2nd Lt. Co. H. Thank you. Very truly yours
Lieut. W. Edgar Simonds
Tuesday May 5, 63 – Reported for duty yesterday the pay master came last night and paid the regiment off. I got more mine this morning and sent home $100.00 and $60.00 of JW Brockway. Started on the march at noon and walked 12 or 15 miles passing through Washington. The march came very hard, camp in open but St. Goodill carries the […] for the right to N. O. and insures its passage home by Express. Do not feel well.
Wednesday May 6, 63 – A long march today over 25 miles and we camp in a corn lot and cut the stout corn all down for […] For “our nigger” is a good cook and a splendid institution.
Thursday May 7, 63 – 20 miles today and camp in a barley lot. The march was terribly hard for me on account of my boots and […] strong […] out the regiments grow […] only less by degrees and that rapidly 3 divisions ahead of us the Col. Says.
Friday May 8, 63 – 17 miles today and 17 more to Alexandria picked up a negro 19 yrs. old. Geo. Washington by name and bright boy generally. Detailed on Brigade picket.
Saturday May 9, 63 – Not to be relieved till night – the reg’t does not march today. Quite an alarm last night during my watch – a volley fired from a post closeby – they say they fired at Cavalry
Sunday May 10, 63 – I was waked this morning by very rapid and distant firing – the firing has been heard all night and some on Saturday night – probably an attack on Port Hudson and they mean to take it. 2 mos. today since we started for P. Hudson
Monday May 11, 63 – Moved four miles toward Alexandria this morning and made our camp worse than before – bad enough!
Two months from today our time is out […] the late [Circular] was a grand mistake and I am inclined to think it is not the 26th We having received the same [Circular?] having reference to the 30th of June.
Only a fellow soldier knows how I long to once more see the dear hearts (one especially) at home. Wrote a letter to Mother yesterday.
Tuesday May 12, 63 – Whew! How hot! Sent my letter to Mother or rather put it in the Letter Box. All but our reg’t got a mail last night.
Wednesday May 13, 63 – On picket again. Close by Gen Movers Headquarters
A Report has come for A – that port Hudson is taken 7,000 prisoners, 9,000 […] and Grant after them. Lonesome yes I Am.
Thursday May 14, 1863 – Up from picket at 3 A.M. and off for – well Port Hudson – it rained today and I was completely drenched but got nearly dry before night. Marched some 14 miles to Cherryville.
Friday May 15, 63 – Marched some 16 or 18 miles to just beyond Evergreen. Our regiment took the lead. […] Livers Webster is dead from mortification of the wound.
Saturday May 16, 63 – Marched our 15 miles today easily and camped at noon in Holmesville – 10 miles more to the Atchafalaya – our march yesterday was beside Baton Rouge and today beside the Bayou [DeSeace?]. Another rumor to go to New Orleans and relieve Gen. Sherman.
Sunday May 17, 63 – Marched 12 miles before 10 o’clock reaching the Atchafalaya.
Monday 18, 63 – Got in marching trim at 7 o’clock and moved over the river at 7 P.M.
Tuesday 18, 63 – Got a good by Allick yesterday. Wash. has gone to N.O. Wrote and sent letters to Mother, Sara, Frank, and [Tom?] Curtis – got letters from them last night from Mother 12 and 26 Apr., from Sara 15 and 20 Apr., and from Tom 12 Apr.
20, May 1863 Wednesday – Wonder how my 12 […] to Sara will set! We do not march today. I enjoy lying here doing nothing hugely. Billy Wilson’s men went down on their way home on the Laurel Hill. This morning, well Sara you did, succeed in touching my feelings sorely but I see through your motives in writing so coolly – you hadn’t heard of the battle – your passionate heart is full of love for your soldier lover and when you get a chance to show it practically you will. I am satisfied. You shall see this sometime and know why I wrote you so short a letter when my heart was full to overflowing of tender words. I can but laugh at the love you bestow in the carefully written letter and then nothing on “in haste” at the bottom.
Thursday May 21, 63 – Went on picket last night and we march today. We went on the Empire Parish at noon soon started on the Atchafalaya and went through the bend, this mouth of Red and out into the channel of the Miss. Tied up a little time during which time the 13th band on the E.P. serenaded Gen. Banks. In the evening sailed down to Bayou Sara and debarked. Saw the mortar boats bombard P. Hudson a splendid sight.
Friday May 22, 63 – On guard and fatigue all last night and this morning moved up by Wace Church and staid an hour or two and then started for P.H. and here we are within 5 miles of the Port and our regiment on picket. Skirmishing all day. Gen. Birge says the 25th is the best 9 mos. regiment in service. Wace Church in St. Francisville is pretty and the cemetery beautiful. I noticed the names on the costliest monuments were nearly all northern.
Saturday May 23, 63 – Companies A. and I. on picket but I was excused only coming off Thursday Morning. The 25 came to the point and skirmished last night and then staid on picket all night. In the morning we formed as skirmishes again and traveled for some three or four miles and came across Scouts (Grants) Cavalry and tonight we are encamped just back of P.H. Augen on our left and Emory on our right.
Sunday May 24, 63 – All still last night
Sunday May 31, 1863 – I have not seen my notebook since last week and for rather good reason. On Sunday last we started from our camp in the rear and came in the up the center road to Port Hudson the 2nd Bridgade to the port and [skin washing?] :our march was about four miles the last mile bringing on heavy firing and some cannonading within ¾ of a mile of the principal works we camp up on an untouched rifle pit in which the enemy was strongly ensconced but two shells happening to burst precisely in the pit they became frightened and ran and we took possession the for opening upon me from the fort with shot and shell and our batteries employing. Cos I. and C. deployed off to the right as skirmishes and bullets flew thick – soon a Co. of the 13th C. V. went out beyond and were driven back but succeeded after some […] in establishing an outer line we acting as reserve – firing frequent all night.
In the morning we were “relieved” and marched across the gully up to the rifle pits and ordered to deploy and drive the rebels from the right where they had just driven the 24th C.V. out. The right wing took the right and were assailed by a shower of bullets but they rapidly deployed and drove a larger [bone?] then they from the woods without losing a man this was on (Monday 25.) We staid here all night my company in full sight of the […] camp of the enemy. When we were relieved by the 159 N.Y. and we went back and slept by the gully. The left wing remaining but on the left when there was not the shadow of danger.
(Tuesday 26) In the morning the right wing took the place of the left and during the day witnessed some terrible cannonading between Augen’s cannon close on our right and the rebs in front. We remained here till the afternoon of (Wednesday 27) when we were again “relieved” and sent to reinforce [Westyel?] on the right who had been engaged for three days in a hard fight. The 25th and 159 N.Y. marched down to the front through a storm of shell and bullets and after fighting for an hour they made a charge when the [rooks?] up a bank where only one or two could go up at a time and they found the rebs a compact mass behind it to go into the fort was sheer foolishness so they fell back and kept up their fire – a flag of truce was shown for some reason and the regt. reformed and when the truce ceased resumed firing and at night slept on the field – in the morning fell back to the rear losing some by the [binstring?] of a shell in Co. A. on.
(Thursday 28) We land quietly here under fire all day bullets and shell.
(Friday 29) We still lie here – the regt. numbers (crossed out “110”) 99 men – bullets and shell yet.
(Saturday 30) Same thing
(Sunday 31st) Same thing so far. Our casualties thus far as follows
Co. A. Archibald Wilson killed by a shell. Smith finger shot off
Co. B. Cook, Rob Binkley Segt. Killed
Co. E. Sergt. cassier leg broke. right- arm smashed
Co. J. Meed, […], L.J. Cook side fatal. John Sydenham both hands shot off. […] Taylor finger shot off. Pat.Yarley head, Pat McAnliffe head, ed. D.Shelly finger.
Co. C. Comp I.B. Addis killed. W. Porter missing probably wounded and prisoner. Lt. Converse thumb. James Dixon hand severe.
Co I. O. [Tutter?] wounded in lung and back by shell probably fatal ( H. Porter and Mr. Elton) missing
Co. H. Lt Ensworth leg. L. Foot head dangerous. N. Whitman arm.
Co. F. Erskine Wallace killed. John Porons foot amputated. Corp Talbott foot. Corp. Sleweer leg by bayonet thrust
Co. G. James M. Crane (nursing)
Co D. Jo Washburne wrist
4 killed, 21 wounded, 2 missing, total 26
Monday June 1st, 63 – Dr. Crary 13 C.V. gave me a pass back to the Gen’l Hospital and this morning I am on my way back. A general assault is to be made today rumor says and I hope it is so. The rebs succeeded in throwing their shells unusually close last night.
Tuesday June 2, 63 – I am this pleasant morning in Grover’s General Hospital the sugar house of the Linwood Plantations. Port Hudson has not come down yet although the big guns run talking this hoarse music.
Wed. June 3rd 1863 – All men not deathly sick were examined last night an ordered back to Camp today Adjt and myself among the number. Not ordered to report for duty however.
Thurs. June 4th, 1863 – Lt. Col. Wed put us under arrest for about 5 minutes this morning but as quickly release me when he found the facts. Capt Talbott is under arrest – nothing serious likely to happen, I think.
Friday June 5th, 1863 – Stuck here in the woods, quiet and still with the exception always of the shell and bullets on both sides. I am not well yet. I would like to know how and when they intend to take the fortress.
Saturday June 6, 1863 – Lying still here in the woods the principal rebel gunsmen assorted from the fort today and an equal of 20 with him. Letter last night from Sara May 6th – dull and elaborate.
Sunday June 7, 1863 – All quiet. Bombardment must commence soon – preparations are nearly completed. Mortar guns and roads about right.
Thursday Jun 11, 1863 – Went out in the bunks on Sunday night and staid till last night in continual music of shells and bullets and on (Monday June 8, 1863) had three narrow escapes from bullets by (Tuesday June 9, 1863) the fire grew but and tiresome of being unable to learn the pits except in the night and (Wednesday Jun 10, 1863) at night we were relieved just in time to escape taking part in an attack on [affront?] the fort. Had some conversation with the rebs last night and they seem to […] and feel quite like white men this [entry seem unfinished].
Thursday June 11, 63 Just 2 mos from home if we live which God [appoint?] – Something of a loss last night and nothing gained.
Friday June 12, 63 – Two mails today by the first two letters from Frank Apr. 29 and May 1st and an[other] from mother May ? – by the 2nd letter from Mother May 26 and one from Frank May 27. Frank is out with Sara and in with the [Crans?] and writes very hard. Has proposed to Annie and she quietly told him “she released him once and for ever”, Frank says “Sara will lie like the devil” I am not so sorry as might [have?] thought but don’t mean to break with Frank He is too dear a friend. War music same as usual today. Must say I don’t give Frank entire credence about Sara “Sure”. Frank don’t know a little impediment is the way of Sara’s speaking Lord of [me?] if she did not like me. She is most emphatically in my power.
Sunday June 14, 63 – Went to the front last night and got a ball through the calf of my left leg and today am in the Genl Hospital. Slept none last night for pain and but a few minutes to day. The attack on the troops commenced at 3 A.M. and has been continued ever since with fury. I think the fighting is as [desperate?]as I ever heard of. Another change at 4 P.M. Saw Capt. Harbuum today cooking fresh from a […] box. The 25th have as yet lost but few they being on the reserve. Two months today since [Irish Bird! ?] Three months since we came to P.H. before and 3 weeks since we marched into the woods.
Monday June 15, 63 – Quite a joke this morning. The rebel cavalry came in on a charge captured two pickets companies of our cavalry and a Captain and 5 men rode up and demanded the surrender of the hospital. The Dr. surrendered and had the [atrium?] brought out but just now our cavalry [here] in sight and the rebs skedaddled not stopping to take the arms.
Tuesday June 16, 63 – Jackson Co. C. lung and leg. Sergt Terry Co. K. finger shot off. Lt. Brennan leg. Corp Barber Co G. left arm amputated.
Here all day terrible headache. Col. [Wild?] came down but did not go around and see all his wounded men. (Hardie Co. C. leg. J.Richardson Co. H. two fingers shot off.)
Wednesday June 17, 63 – Today they made but after a long tedious delay to send me to Springfield Landing and here I am lying on the ground and door waiting for a boat. (Goodrich Co. E. finger shot off. Taylor Co. B. leg).
Thursday June 18, 1863 – Slept out in the air last night and came on board the morning this morning with 200 other wounded and after a […] delay sailed down to Baton Rouge and was carried to the Barracks Hospital an excellent place where Rice is steward and […] and Holmes Co. H. nurses. Lt. Ersworth Capt. Hinckly and Capt Roberts are here. (Written sideways over the text down the right side) Letters from Mother May 30 June 3 – one from Jane A. Bartholomew June 2nd.
Friday June 19, 63 – Had a wash all over and a clean shirt and drawers to put on and I reveled in the luxury. Passed the night comfortable with the exception of my bowels troubling me and once side of my head aching this morning. My bunk is good. Mosquito net […] Wrote letters to Mother, Sara, Frank, Miss J. A. Bartholomew and [Pap?]
Saturday 20 June 63 – Changed us today to a large private dwelling one of the last houses in the City. [crossed out: Sent] used to be Gen. Dwight’s Head Quarters. Sent letters to N.O. by Sergt. Terry who will go to Bayou Boeuf for my clothes.
Sunday June 21, 1863 – This is a pleasant place and we have better food than any where else as yet. Dr. Van Nostrand the Medical Director says he will send the wounded nine mos. officers home as fast as he can. I live in hope but don’t set my heart on it so as to be disappointed. Wonder what Sara is doing today – displaying some new clothes without doubt. Wrote to Lieutenant Col.Wild for my commission. The letter will go tomorrow by “[train?]”.
Monday June 22,63 – Still here, but no likeness of going home before the regt and I am rather glad for I want to return with the boys. Sent letter to Col. Wild by Rice.
Tuesday June 23, 63 – Sergt Terry has returned from N.O. Having been no further the rebs having possession of the R.R. and burned the bridge over Bayou Lafourche then go […]. […]. Making all ready for another assault on Port Hudson H. Hum This is dull business. Capt. Poskit and Lt. Lanford came here [sink ?] cast over.
Rick Cinnear form Co. N. Schove, Wyoming toward home grows stronger as the time grows shorter.
Had my whiskers all shaved off for the first time since I left H. I.
John [Mew?] died – Brashaw from chronic diarrhea
Wednesday June 24, 63 – I am getting more used to this kind of life though it comes rather hard for an active man to lie around here in this manner. Wrote letters to A.O. Mills Esq. Frank, Mother, Wm. H. Dyer and gave them to Lieut Sturgis who will go to N.O. tomorrow.
Thursday June 25, 1863 – Wrote letter to Cousin “Loot” and sent by Lieut Sturgis.
Nothing stirring up at Port Hudson as I can learn. Weather charming. Ho, Hum. Fly away slow days but don’t bring me disappointment
Friday 26, June 1863 – Growing decided warm – fact. Bot me a Blouse $10.00, strap $1.00, buttons $ .75, [Laicump?] shoes $4.00, […] 75 cts, 2 pr. socks $1.00, […] shirts $7.00 yesterday. My led is healing rapidly. The grand carge to be made today “…dit”.
We are lucky in having a brass band near us – they practice a great deal. A year ago this [time] Frank, Georgie, and Sara and I were enjoying the glorious summer nights of New England. Truly time works wonders. Frank has turned to Annie his […] is estranged from Sara and “our position” is not definite. But my faith is the passionate heart that prompted those quivering lips upturned to mine for a last kiss on a chill November morning last fall, to say” I will be true to you” is strong, very strong. Sara darling [this] is too dear a fount of love [drawn?] deep in my heart to believe yours faithless. I know better, you are mine.
Saturday 27, June 63 – Warm – pleasant. Smoke and sheets distinctly visible from the upper […] yesterday and from the lower. Rode down [town?] in Dr. Van Nostrand’s […] yesterday . Fight soon I think. Today my boy commences to board elsewhere. I cant stand $50 […] for him. Though I can stand $75 for myself considering the very good fare.
Sunday 28, June 63 – [Hot?] letter from Sara dated May. Postmarked 28 May and her heart let out a few glimpses – thank you. I am afraid Frank’s letter will hardly avail against Sara I am hardly interested no “[…]”
No news from P.H. yet. [Hobbled?] down town with Capt. Foskit and Terry – went into church […] with white and black and we found they “outranked” us so we left, Phew! Eat a […] big this morning, Mush and watermelons have been around some time.
Monday 29, June 1863 – Wrote letter to Sara and to Press. Long one to Sara offering to release her when I come home – now for the test. Sent all the letters to N.O. by Lieut. Sturgis of Gen. Parnis staff. Wounded and here for a few days.
Tuesday 30 June 1863 – Last day of June, the assault to be made on the 4th of July. Desenters continue to come out at the rate of 40 a day. They live on mule meat and 2 [yrs?] corn (Dr Van Nostrand’s stay) only 25.00 inside. Hen Hough is here.
Wednesday 1st July 1863 – Got letter from Sara 13th June. All right and satisfactory – wrote right back this morning – I am not subject to the draft.
Thursday 2 July 1863 – Whew, hot, Lo, fact. Going to take Port Hudson before Sunday. The 25th volunteered […] a man to go in. Word in command of the […] The rebs made a dash on Springfield Landing and took our boat and burned it, paroled the whites and shot the negros.
Friday July 3 1863 – One year ago tonight was a happy eve. O night although content, I am far from the feeling I had then, Sara. Georgie, May you be good and be happy ! Firing last night at the fort […] day and tonight. I hope but my heart is weary for the rebels.
JULY 1863
4th Day
Gen. Banks is to dine inside of Port Hudson. They are banging away – I am fearful for the result. Firing at this time of day bodes no good, Jackson Co. C. died there days ago. Thompson Co A. died two weeks ago. Chapman too. Holcomb Co. E. died.
Sunday 5th July 1863 – Grand serenade last night to the officers Hospital by the band of the 50th Mass. Punch of course. Lieuts. Matthias and Poinroy went to New Orleans last night if – the St. Mary’s too[k?] them. Lieut. Jacobs 26. Comm. died last night
Monday 6th July, 1863 – Bumming away this morning. Hot. Wrote letters to Albert and Mother.
Tuesday 7th July, 1863 – 9 mos. today since I was mustered into the U.S. Military service but 5 weeks from today the gov. says. The rebs still below Donaldsonville. Vicksburg surrendered 4th July 10 A.M. comes on good authority and I am inclined to believe it.
Wednesday 8th July 63 – Q. M. 26 Maine says that the rebs sent out a flag of truce they would surrender today at 10 A.M.
Capt. Reed of the Monongahela brought in dangerously wounded from 8 hours fight below Donaldsonville last night. Began letter to Sara yesterday.
Thursday 9, July 63 – Strong rumor fo the fall of Port Hudson yesterday
Friday 10th July 63 – Port Hudson is gone up. 11 transports went down last night. Rumor [over?] reg’t ordered to Donaldsonville.
Saturday 11th July 63 – One month from today our time is out had a picture taken cost a dollar.
Sunday July 12, 63 – Le grande Armie? Came down and filed by this morning – I think they are going across and over to the R.R.
The 25th C.V. went down on the Laurel Hill to Donaldsonville yesterday. Shall try to go to Port Hudson.
Monday July 13, 63 – Managed to go to Port Hudson today on the St. Mary’s.
Tuesday July 14, 63 – Came back tonight on the North America
Wednesday July 15 63 – After yelling to Port Hudson went about three miles around the […] on our front the thing is quite the thing I thought. […] grass […] lead relics and the staff is a rebel cannoner to make or care of Wanted – nothing but wait for 24 hours, and tiresome and tedious I was – 4 weeks from yesterday “time out” Col. Wild is going to make me prove whether my wound is […] shot on Smith & Mrson.? Capt. Roberts and Faskit have gone down to Donaldsonville.
Thursday 16 July 1863 – Major J.L. Cramer paid off the officers here. Yesterday but nary pay for me without the danger of losing my Lieutenants pay. Paid $ 8.00 for a pr. of miserable pants yesterday.
Friday 17, July 1863 – Lieut Neville died last night in our room (hemorrhage of the lungs) Went over to the Gen’l Hospital last night and slept there. Col. Bissell joined the reg’t yesterday Heard that the 25th were going to stay another month. Don’t believe it. Lieut Watirmar promoted to Capt Co E. and Sergt. Parmelee 1st Lieut Co A. Krigge and Avery are gone to Texas as prisoners.
Saturday 18, July 63 – Crop C. D. says the Major Convalescent camp rec’d orders to have Com. [Mire?] Ready to go to [charge?] regts at a moments notice. Fairbough Officers go on board tomorrow.
Sunday 19, July 63 – Officers gone today on board the Crescent. Terribly lonesome here they went. General Order from Washington allows no 2nd Lieut to cos [companies] of less than 64 men. All […] since 1st April are to get pay from muster only.
Monday 20, July 63 – Lonesome still. House came down today.
Tuesday 21 July 63 – Three weeks from today our time expires. Cook goes to see Gen. P. Bissell today.
1863 Wednesday July 22 – Dr. Van Nostrand gave me a certificate for a furlough. Carndt Post changed to Col. Woodman 28th Maine. Wrich came [crossed out: yesterday] today.
Thursday July 23, 1863 – Went to Port Hudson today – presented the deportments to Adj. Gene […] – he looked them over and endorsed on them – “referred to Gen Grover – I left mad because he did not ask my reasons for the non-endorse. Went and cam back on the Louisiana Belle, stern wheel 4 hrs. up 2 down. The 53 Man. took the [Chantian?] for the North tonight and two more or so tomorrow. 22 Maine […] Lieut Turner in town. Wrich is down on Neldstrong. Read letter from Frank tonight July 9. Dear Friend Edgar I am not decided whether there [is] a charge of some kind or Frank is mistaken or wanting to befoggle me. I can tell short […] when I get home God willing. Heard that Russell has […] for an order to collect the regiment together. They had heard of the fall of Vicksburg – Lee whipped – lost 45,000 men, 2000 prisoners – that’s all.
Friday July 24 1863 – Capt W. Y Silloway came tonight. Went to see Segt. Cook in [Weater?] Hopsital and Mike – Mike is getting along better. Jim and Bill came up – Frank too 8 am Wrich – down in Weldanful.
Saturday July 25, 63 – Capt. Silloway went to see Mid. Director Ranch today and I do not […] the effect. Cook went down to the reg’t. House died today of sheer filthiness.
Sunday July 26, 63 – Seems like Sunday today for a wonder. Will and Jim came up this morning sent application for a detail to Dr. Van Nostrand. […] from the reg’t the other day ( Dirk and Fitzgerald 18 Ann St. Books or cards games […]) Quiet and calm I enjoy Sara’s last three letters, say nothing of father or Mother’s regards mayhap she has told her mother.
Monday July 27, 63 – Lt. Col Wild came up today and gave me my commission. Probably because he thinks it would be of no use in [the] future to me but I will make it never fear. House’s […] seemed to be object of his visit and I think I observed on his face something like incipient haggardness. We will see what we shall see.
Tuesday July 28, 63 – Cap. Silloway did not go down yesterday but will today with all the men who can be spared. […] rather surprised […] yesterday by my […] self-possession but why should not […] pride abash […] and guilt. [Along right side of page: Letters from Mother 3rd this July. Two from Frank 3rd.
Wednesday Jan 29, 63 – The crowd went down last night Silloway and Ensworth Lt Col did not I think.
Thursday Jan 30, 63 – PM. […] to go down tomorrow.
Friday Jan 31, 63 – Got my discharge from hospital and waited all day till 10 o’clock A. M. at night for a boat and then went up just in time to […] the boat.
Saturday Aug 1, 63 – Waiting still – chief Pilot of the Lafayette died last night at the Hosp. and the officer of the […] came up this morning to his funeral
Sunday Aug 2, 63 – Fortunate enough to get on board the continental and get […] to N. Orleans continental large splendid boat full of wounded rebs from Vicksburg. Hard work to get Sergt Ward Co G. into St James Hospital.
Monday Aug 3, 63 – Busy writing this morning. Hot – the camp is quite pleasant close by the R.R. just below Carollton, Camp [“Pearney”?] Letter from Sara July 15 “Yours &C [etc.]” – thank you
Tuesday August 4, 63 – Hot as usual. Writing, Wheeler Co A dead – Hubbell dead – reported to Act. Adj’t Gorman for duty.
Wednesday August 5, 63 – Rainy today. Went in swimming this morning in the Miss.
Thursday August 6, 63 – On guard
Friday August 7, 63 – Went down to Port Chastrain had a splendid time turtle soup, fresh fish, claret etc., etc. – got back found a letter form Frank July 28 and the regt all ready to start
Saturday Aug 8, 63 – Hot (Sara you to Boston and Maine to stay […] can’t say “I’m sorry”) our party yesterday was gay Capts. Waterman. […] Hoskit; Lieuts Parnelee Brennen and Simond and Corp Mumsell Co. D) – Went on board the Thomas A. Scott this afternoon.
Sunday Aug 9, 63 – Out in the Gulf of Mexico this morning on quite a good boat only her 3rd trip her cost from N.O make in 6 days 2 hrs My stomach is quite […] this morning but I can endure something for the sake of getting home.
Monday Aug 10, 63 – [Sara?] sick yesterday and today – the sail is full […] today rooms since yesterday noon 245 mile long.
Lat. [Later]
Felt better toward night paid 20 dollars for my fare about 4 dollars a day. Slept in the hurricane sick.
Tuesday Aug 11, 1863 – Our turn of service expires today – slept on the hurricane dark – passed Tortuga’s light houses at 2 o’clock last night traded last this morning, passed numerous vessels, Steamer [Capanba?] among them. Sun […] Key and Key West and other lighthouses – […] in the afternoon the […] of a burning vessel supposed to be […] summer. Spoke the “Veteran” Hermaphrodite [brig?] pool bound to New York.
Wednesday Aug 12, 1863 – Chadwick Co. C. died last night from a long sickness consumption and was buried in the blue water this morning with a short service – sails very plenty. Captain thinks […] New York Saturday night!! Made today noon – since yesterday noon 328 miles.
Thursday Aug 13, 63 – I had supposed […] near […] up the Coast. I am officer of the guard – nothing very difficult – 4 sail by light at one time east night 2 ships […] floor 29.1 miles today.
Friday Aug 14, 63 – Very rough last night – a regular Hatteras time – slept on log of the quarter deck and came near being rolled into the salt brine several times last night. Some sick too. Have pretty fair hopes of seeing New York to […] – passed a […] hulled [slumber?] such which outward bound this morning – hard rain this morning. Had to see to the cleaning out of the forage hold - noisome job. 278 miles.
Saturday Aug 15, 63 – Bright and sunny, sails in sight […] Camutt New York […] the same beautiful panorama that I went out through […] much more beautiful by the season – stopped at […tings?] only 5 or 10 minutes.
Sunday Aug 16, 63 – Sent a telegram to Frank last night by the QM. We are to go to New Haven in the Traveller and Car’t from there.
Monday Aug 17, 63 – Came up on the Traveller to New Haven last night and this morning took the [car?] and came to Hartford and had a grand reception, come out home.
Tuesday Aug 18, 63 – [Crossed out: Shut up for the season] Went into Hartford
Wednesday Aug 19, 63 – Went into Hartford
Thursday Aug 20, 63 – Staid at Home
Friday Aug 21, 63 -- Went up to New Brown’s tonight
Saturday Aug 22, 63 – Went into Hartford today and to Boston tonight
Sunday Aug 23, 63 – Stopped at the N.J. Hotel $2.00 per day. [Newourt?] to [Dorebertz?] to see Sara, saw her.
Monday Aug 24, 63 – Saw Sara this morning with Kitty Crossman
Tuesday Aug 25, 63 – Came back to Hartford and Sara did not come as she promised.
Wednesday Aug 26, 63 – Mustered out to […] did not go home. Staid at the Trumbull House.
Thursday Aug 27, 63 – Regt paid off today – went out to [Warvington?] after my discharge and home in the morning back to Hartford that is.
Friday Aug 28, 63 – Sara came today went to the Allyn Home with her – [came on a home?] with her tonight– [mamma call there?] but Howard and Cornwall went there – bah!
Saturday Aug 29, 63 – Had a short arrive with Sara tonight talked somewhat freely.
Sunday Aug 30, 1863 – Made a short call in the […] with Frank – did not go to Church
Monday Aug 31, 1863 – Went to Hartford to New Haven and back got my officers pay $ 452.70. $30.00 due.
Tuesday Sept 1, 1863 – Came home – called on Sara
Wednesday Sept 2, 1863 – Rode out on horseback – Sara and took dining with Dyer -- called on Sara Went up and heard Clara Louise Kellogg there on the banjo and piano.
Thursday Sept 3, 1863 – Sara gone to Hartford today. Went up to Clara Louise Kellogg’s again tonight.
Friday Sept 4, 1863 – Up to Darian B. Smith’s again, with Clara Kellogg going off in a spree nextWednesday with her.
Saturday Sept 5, 1863 – Slept till noon.
Sunday Sept 6, 1863 – Wrote to Albert – got letter from ward last night
From Sunday Sept. 6th to Wednesday Sept 16th. Sept enjoyed myself generally.
Wednesday Sept 16th, 1863 – Frank’s packed and off for New Haven to enter the Law School. Allan goes to New Haven with me this afternoon.
Thursday Sept 17, 1863 -- Came through […] stopped at Bartletts to tea, then met two girls from Fair Haven and went home and had a pleasant time – wrote Miss Luttis’s? photograph. got here at 11:30. Found out my […] kicked around for a boarding place and finally made a bargain with Allan – good – the girls name was Helen Perkins. & Annie Rowe & Annie Tutter.
Friday Sept 18, 1863 – Went to New […] today Judy Osborne is the chair – think I can stand it. We are keeping house famously.
{Never use profane or vulgar language – Never indulge in any liquors – Never smoke}
Saturday Sept 19, 1863 – Rainy today –one recitation and one lecture by Judy Osborne
Sunday Sept 20, 1863 – Rainy today – Allen did Cullidge Chapel this morning. rainy – did not to go to church this afternoon but wrote letter to Sara, three pages.
Monday Sept 21, 1863 – Saw Charley Abell. Frank is going to Iow City – start on Wednesday. Sent letter
Tuesday Sept 22, 1863 – Very cool for this time of year – good weather for study – commence dancing school under DeGarmo tonight. Tom goes too.
Wednesday Sept 23, 1862 (meant 1863) – Did not stay at DeGarmo’s are going to form another set by ourselves. Went down to the Yale boat house today – handsome boats.
Thursday Sept 24, 63 – The 24th C.V. came home today. Saw Frank at the depot on his way to Iowa City – strange.
Friday Sept 25, 63 – [Imitation of the Fresh?]
Saturday Sept. 26, 63 – Went home
Sunday Sept 27, 63 – Enjoyed myself. Wrote to Albert
Monday Sept 28, 63 – Came back today
Tuesday Sept 29, 63
Wednesday Sept. 30, 63
Thursday Oct. 1, 63 – Went out to House Fair today – letter from Sara.
Monday Oct 5, 63 – Sent [Yall Barmen?] to Sara
Tuesday Oct 6, 63 – Sent letter to Sara am not exactly glad I sent it [yet?]
Wednesday Oct 7, 63 – Went to hear Autumns Word tonight- fun
Thursday Oct 8, 63 – Went over to Fair Haven to call on Miss Elen Ely anything but a lady – Met Capt. [Sprague’s wife?]
Friday Oct 9, 63 – Changed my […] to [Fresh?] today – at the […] School […] Bot Tennyson for Sara.
Saturday Oct 10, 63 – Did not attend Moot Cont. last night – played billiards
Sunday Oct 11, 63 – Went to Dr. Patters Church in the afternoon. In the evening heard Dr Thumper of N. York, Brodney Tabernacle preach Clark’s (college pastor) installation sermon in the North Church Dr. Duttons
Monday Oct 13, 63 – [incorrect date or day] Went to a miserable thing of a party at [Rowers?] in Fair Haven. Letters to Ward and Albert
Tuesday Oct 14 63 – Letters from Sara […] full of fire.
Wednesday – Sent Tennyson to Sara with letter dated Tuesday and wrote one dated Wednesday. Did not attend debate last night
Thursday 15, Oct. Went to Sill […] school last night
Oct 16, Friday - Went home tonight
Oct 17, Sat - Staid up at Sara’s last night
Oct 18, Sun – Went to church in the aft. New Haven minister
Monday 19, Oct – Came back to N.H. in the […] – dancing school
Wednesday 21, Oct – Went out to East Rock (“Daisy” splendid legs….)
Saturday 24, Oct. – Went to hear Father Kerry’s
Sunday 25, Oct – Attended Tri[unft?] […]
Monday 26, Oct- Dancing school. Drawing school
Tuesday Oct 27 – Went down to see the boat and its floatation.
Wednesday 28 Oct – Dancing School
Thursday 29,
Friday 30,
Account of Purchases made for the Joint Benefit of the Officers of Co I. 1863
Called for duty—May 4
Lts. Beach and S present
(Crossed out): Requisition for 2 qts whisky 1.00
Requisition for 5 lbs flour
May 5 – trust .25
May 6 – Paid, 25 from skillet
May 7 – (ditto marks) Lt. B’s […] for hoe cake and molasses - - 20
May 10 – Lt. B’s money for 5lbs flour, 25 cts, lie soap 10 cts, 1 lb salt 2 cts - - - -37
May 11 – Lt. B’s money for 5 lbs. flour .25
May 12 – My cash for 15 lbs flour .75, 12 lbs candles .10, and 6 lbs hard tack.
25 - - - - - 1.10
(May 11) Lt. B’s cash for pork .50
May 13 – One pound coffee LB’s cas .35
4 pa sugar .35- 80
May 15 – Lt. B’s cash for H. tack .30
May 15 Chickens .50
May 16 Pork .45
May 10 Sundries 2.75
Bot at Simms port – eat from one day
This page covered in addition/ subtraction problems
Aug 3 – for dinner .50
Aug 3 – for milk .15
Beach? for Ham $1.00
Aug 4 – for bread .15
Aug 5 – for bread .15
Aug 5 – dinner for boy .10
Aug 6 - - - - .15
Aug 7 .15
Aug 7 .10
Aug 8 .10
Dr. to Brash $5.00 Aug 3rd, 63
Guns 20, crossbelt 20, body belts 20, cap boxes 20, […] boxes 20, heart plate17, body belt plate20, car[…] box plate 18, bayonet [sedtord?] 20, gun slings 16, 20 [towpione?]
Cash Account
General Statement
Sept 16, 1863 – Cash on hand: $150.00
Cash in C.S. Bank $250.00
Sept 16, ’63 – Paid fare to N
Britain – Bus fare to Soda .50
Berlin Alan and Lieut .10
.70
Fare to N. Haven .02
And […] 1.50
Sept 17, 63 – Middles Heoffer .16
Shave .10
2 peaches .06
Horse Cart to Y. Haven & Back .10
Newspaper .04
Sept 18, 63 – Toothpicks .08
Cigars .30
Sept 19, 63 –
Paper Envelopes .85
Peanuts .05
Lent to Allan .50
Shave .10
Sept 20, 63 Sunday – Balanced
Cash on hand – 20.12 (Paid on 18th to […] for tuition
For one year ---- 75.00
Sept 21, 1863 Billiards 20
Letter .03
Leut Tom McLean 30
Dinner 30
(Paper on Sunday)
Sept 22, 63 Fare to Fair Haven 10
Wednesday Sept 23, 63 Lent Allan 1.00
Fare to Fair Haven .10
Bot Fasquelle .87
(10 missing) Shave .10
Friday Sept 25, 1863 – 17.7
Saturday Sept 26, 1863
(Friday Went into Statehouse Tower) .05
Shave .10
Fare to Collinsville 1.15
15.75
Monday Sept 28, 63 – Fare to N. Haven 1.15
Lager Bier .05
Two letters .06
Allan Mclean – 14.24 -- .25
Tuesday Lent Allan .50
Wednesday 30 Sept, 63 Shave .10
Cards .10
Lent Allan for melon .25
Thursday Oct1, 1863 Horse Fair .65
Billiards (Allan Paid) 10
Lent Tom Mc. – 12.50 -- .15
Friday Oct 2, “1870”
Law Paper .06
Cigar .06
Saturday Oct 3, 63 – Billiards .20
Yale Banners .10
Lent Tom .30
Lent Allan (Shaving Box) – 11.68 – 10
Lent Tom 1.00
Tuesday Oct 6, 63 –
A letter and paper .05
Allan, letter .03
Apples & Candy .05
(Shave on Saturday) .10
(4 cigars Saturday) .20
(Lent Allan Saturday for billiards) .06
-- 10.20
Thursday Oct 8, 63
Lent Allan (Wednesday) .50
Lent Allan ( “ “) .25
Bot cane .75
Went to hear Autumn Word 1.25
Shave .10
Friday Oct 9, 63 – Lent Allan .25
Bot Tennyson 14.79 2.00
Fare to N. Haven .10
India rubber .09
Year Sec. Book Yale Law School .05
Shave .10
Monday Oct 12, 63
Fare to Fair Haven .05
Lent Allan .05
Tuesday 13, Oct 63 Lent Allan .15
Wednesday 14, Oct 63
Lent Allan .15
Letter -14.00 .03
(Letter for MaC. Monday) -4.86 -.03
Shave .10
Lager .10
Chestnuts .06
Lager .10
Chestnuts .10
Shave .06
Four house 1.15
[…] -3.14 .05
(Random math problems)
19 Oct 1863 (Monday)
Fare to New Haven 1.15
Billiards lent Allan .30
Shoes (50 from mother) 20
Tuesday 20, Oct
Billiards to Allan .30
Lent Tom 3.00
Wednesday 21, Oct
Billiards .10
Lent Allan 1.13
Drink .12
Billiards lost .10
Envelopes .06
Thursday 22, Oct
Lost billiards .10
Lent Allan .10
Shave .10
(Must send to Mother for 4.75)
Friday 23, Oct
Borrowed of Allan .50
Saturday 24, Oct
Father Kemp .25
Lent Tom .10
Borrowed post stamp of Allan .03
Light […] .87
5 stamps Saturday .15
Monday 26, Oct
3 letters .09
[…] Envelopes .04
3 stamps .09
(rec’d from home) 4.25
Institute Course Ticket 1.00
Dr. Firas Reader .90
Lent Tom .45
Lent Allan .25
Fir sharpening layor .25
Shave .10
Candy .05
Again .10
Dancing school 1.00
[…] .10
Carrying letter .10
Letters .06
Lent Tom 1.00
Allan .06
1 from home (5.75)
Lent Allan .75
Billiards .40
Nov. 5, 63
Total due from Allan and Tom 12.56
