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Thomas Campbell's Civil War Diaries, 1862-1865


Part 4 of 6

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                                  BOOK THREE

 

January 1st 1864  Another year has past.  what events have been crowded into that short space a time.  i year ago our prospects lookd gloomy enought.  but the dark clouds have been dispell'd our future is bright but what a cost of life & limb.  tis fearful to contemplate.  thro all the ups & downs I have had my health and in o our dar  kest hours I have always kept up my spirits, and look'd at the bright side if I could but(?) ---bly(?) find one.  sometimes twas a difficult matter I must acknowledge.  the weather chang'd in the afternoon high wind and freezing like Greenland. had turkey chicken etc. etc for dinner. got a letter from Mag. [p 2, book 3] twas written in a more cheerful style than any letter I ever received from her  it gave me much pleasure.  answer'd it.  got a note from Lorretta.  annswer'd it giving her the best advice I possibly could for her guidance.  I feel an interst in her.  she is a good girl.


Saturday Jan 2d, (1864)  This morning the ground is frozen hard.  yesterday mornin g the mud was a foot deep.  now leavily loaded wagons make no impression on it.  received our hospt fund supplies $34,90 which was accumulated at Winchester, consisting of butter, cheese, codfish, Mackerel, herring, can d tomatoes, green corn, turnips, carrots, lemons, preserved ginger & Raspberry syrup twill last the sick a considerable time.


Sunday Jan 3d, (1864) Weather still cold.  freezing all day.  I hope it will continue.  saw Col Ball.  spoke to him  about Mike. [p 3, book 3] he said his case would have to go to the  Courtmartial as it was out of his con  trol.  he spoke as though hewould use his intrest in his favor when his trial comes off.  poor fellow, I feel for him. he has suffer'd enought without  being punish'd.  Ben Roberts has had his trial and been sent back to the Co.  he has not been sentenced yet.  about 8 in the  evening the Regt was agreeably surp  rized to hear a brafs band playing at H.Q. all rush'd our to see them.  on en  quiring learn'd tis our Brig Band.  they are from Springfield, Ohio and had just come off the train.  it took us all by surprize.  no one seem'd to know any thing about it.  till they arrived.  got a letter from John Petty.  he is still far from well.  he is going to try and get home if he can.  the discriptive list I sent he never got [p 4, book 3]


Monday 4th (Jan, 1864)  It commenced to snow and continued nearly all day.  got a turkey, chicken, butter eggs & cran  berries from Div H.Q. for the hospt & lastly 12 Gal. of Ale.  wrote a letter for Ike Steele.  wrote to John Petty.


Tuesday 5th (Jan, 1864) Weather moderated.  till tow  ards evening when it commenced to freeze . Harry De Yammette return'd this after  noon.  he brot me some Tob, a pipe, a pair of nice gloves, shoe, tacks, etx.  and a letter.all well at home.  poor Ellen has met with a sad accident having had her arm broken in 2 places.  I pity her much.  the weather has been very severe in Ohio. Harry was 42 hours on the road from Zanesville to Wheeling.  there is fears enter  tain'd of another raid in the valley. our pickets have been driven from [p 5, book 3] Winchester Early's Div is moving in that direction.  tis rumor'd in camp that the 6th Corp has moved in that direction.  how true I know not.  John Kim  ball of our Co has just told me of the death(suicide) of Milt Atkinson.  he was arrested at home Zanesville for diser  tion, taken up to Columbus handcuff'd, he was brot home next day a corpse having poison'd himself.  poor Milt his proud spirit could not bear the disgrace.  he was a first rate fellow, a first rate clerk, a thorough buisinefs man, but alas he loved the cup too well.  he leaves a wife and 6 children.


Wednesday 6th (Jan. 1864) Weather cold still freezing.  rode down to the station got my boots fix'd.  saw Mike. his [p 6, book 3] boots have not come yet.  the small pox has broken out in the Regt.  G Bryant Co D. a new recruit brot it from Washington City.  tis raging fiercely there, I understand.  the Washington papers say little or nothing about it.  got come vacine matter and touch'd all the boys up who had not been vaccinated before.  I touch'd up a good many, amongst the rest Col Granger, Sergt Major Wheeler, etc Etc.  the 1st Div. of Cavalry have again moved to the front.  Tis Bufords old command now commanded by Early I believe.


Thursday 7th (Jan 1864) Weather a little milder.  towards night it commenced to snow.  the steam [p 7, book 3] boat men of Zanesville have presented Andy Stutz with a sword. he has got his commision as 1st Lieut. and will get the position of Q.M. to the Regt.


Friday 8th (Jan. 1864)  This morning the ground was cover'd 4 inches deep with snow.  weather  cool.  Col Ball started home this morning on leave of absence for 15 days  Jim Stull return'd he brot me some cakes and a letter from Mag.  all well, except Maria who has the mumps.  poor Dick White he was frozen to death.  verdict Whisky. the weather in Ohio is very severe.  more so than it has been for years [p 8, book 3]


Saturday 9th to Tuesday 12th (Jan. 1864)  The weather has continued cold. Dr. Houston came to the Regt on Saturday evening.  he looks well.  his health has improved very much since he left Richmond.  the smallpox hospt was finish'd to day.  tis in the woods a good distance from camp.  so far there is only one patient, Lem Garner was detaild as nurse a few days ago.  Chaplin McCabe has handed in his resignation which has been accepted.  we are all sorry to part with him.  we were in hopes he would return.  Dr. Bryant is still at home sick [p 9, book 3]


Tuesday 12th (Jan 1864) Weather mild  Dr. Houston has been appointed Brig. Surg.  Gribben Co. G. has been detail'd as his clerk.  there was some talk of me taking the place, but I told Dr. Richards I would rather stay where I was.  I am comfortably fix'd & contented where I am.


Wednesday 13 (Jan 1864) Weather mild indications of rain.  our Brig band varies the monotony of our camp life by playing 3 or 4 times a day.  they are splended performers


Thursday 14th (Jan 1864) Weather warm as spring.  sun shining beautifully all day [p 10, book 3]


Friday 15th (Jan. 1864)+ Weather hazy till afternoon when it turn'd out very fine.  tis getting very muddy.  3 of our Regt. went before the board to day for final discharge. James Dunn Co F. consumption.  J.W.Philips Co D.  Epilipsy. A Arnold Co. B. consumption.  Dr. McCandlefs of the 110th Ohio call'd to see me.  he has been back to the Regt about 2 weeks.  he is now Major Surg.  Owens is in Washington sick, got a letter from Mag.


Saturday 10th (Jan. 1864) Weather mild sun shining Tom Cornyn from New York City's on a visit to his brother the [p 11, book 3] Capt. he brot him a goodly number of creature comforts to make him comfortable


Sunday 17th (Jan. 1864) Weather to day fine.  service was held for the first time this morning in a log church built in the centre of the Brigade the chaplin of the 138th Pa officiated


Monday 18th (Jan. 1864)  It has rain'd heavily all day.  the Regt went out on picket about 8 Oclock. they go about 9 miles.  twill be tough on them and no mistake


Tuesday 18th (Jan. 1864) During the night it raind considrably.  it clar'd off during the day. 5 recruits came to the Regt 1 to Co. I how often I have smiled when I think of Tom [p 12, book 3] he is a bully little fellow.  I trust they will not break his temper


Wednesday 20th (Jan. 1864) During the night it froze considerably.  weather fine all day.  all quiet on the Potomac


Thursday 21st (Jan. 1864) Weather mild.  the Regt. return'd this afternoon.  tis reported that 10 of the 110th were captur'd whilst with our Regt on picket. I scarcely believe it. will find out to morrow.


Friday 22d (Jan. 1864) Weather beautiful like Spring.  the sutters shops have all been closed by order of the Provo Mar. cannot learn the reason. Capt Hazleton Brig. Q.M. return'd last evening accompanied by his wife. he was married a few days ago [p 13, book 3] a strange place to bring a bride a few days old. it shows a sad lack of refinement and feeling.  this army is no place for a female.  they see and hear a great many things.  twere better they did not.  Philips has been discharg'd.  Hen Tucker has sent his detail on the way rejoicing(?)  to accompany him home.


Saturday 23d (Jan. 1864) Weather warm. Col Ball & Lieut Stultz returned this afternoon.  got a letter from Mag. some of the children still have the mumps.  Maria has been unwell for a few days.  Hen's detail has been disapproved. I am sorry.  I should like to have seen him get home.  he has not been at home since we came out.  Lieut. Numire has been sentenced [p 14, book 3] to a fine of 50 Dols. Lieut Scott to a public reprimand on drefs parade. both are order'd to duty


Sunday 24th(Jan 1864) Weather spring like.  wrote to Mag.  saw the Col.  did not get my specs.  I suppose she did not know he was going to leave so soon  Jas Dunn Co. F. died this after noon about 3 Oclock.  poor fellow his discharge came an hour or 2 after he got his final discharge.  Hen has put in for a furlough.  I hope he may suceed.  Telegraph'd to Ben Leslie.


Monday 25th (Jan. 1864)  The weather to day has been beautiful no need of fire.  there is Ball at Div H.Q. to night.  a large hall has been built cover'd with tents.  tickets 10 Dols each.  it will be a great [p 15, book 3] affair. no doubt the champagne and brandy will suffer.


Tuesday 26th (Jan. 1864) Weather beautiful there was no truth in the report that 10 if the 110th were taken prisoner.  I saw Dr. McCandlifs, he says twas all bosh.  Dunn was buried this afternoon.  did not get an answer from Ben Leslie  he is a relation of Dunn's. the ball last night turn'd out at last a drunken spree. there was but about 30 ladies there.  the ladies expected from Washington did not arrive.  150 men from this Brig were detaild as guards. they left before supper time and were not relieved till 4 in the morning.  they did not give them a bite to eat or drink.  the money spent had better been applied [p16, book 3] for the benefit of the sick and wounded


Wednesday 27th (Jan. 1864) Weather beautiful warm as May.  Hens furlough has return'd disapproved so that ends the matter.  Arnold started home this morning  Ike Steele was brot back to the hosp to day he went to the ambulance train a few days ago.  his mind is affected considerably.  if he does not improve he will be sent to the military lunatic asylum


Thursday 28th (Jan. 64) Weather fine as May.  the boys are playing ball & pitching quoits.  got a letter from Mag, all well at home.  they have all got over the mumps bravely. [p 17, book 3]


Friday 29th (Jan. 64) Weather still as fine as ever.  a rebel spy was hung in the 2n Div. of our Corp. this afternoon.  several were to have been shot for desertion but they were pardon'd.  about 1O oclock at night an order came to Dr. Houston to send a list of the sick in the Brig. to be sent to Gen. Hospt. a move is contemplated before long.  where can it be.


Saturday 30th (Jan. 64) Weather dull and cloudy threatening rain.  all sorts of rumors are afloat this morning.  some say Texas, others up the valley.  others again Knoxville. patience, we will soon find out.  now that we are so well fix'd.  I would like to stay here this winter.  wrote to Mag [p 18, book 3]


Sunday 31st (Jan. 64) It rain'd a little during the night.  weather cloudy and dull. still waiting anxiously to know our fate move or no move thats the question.  I saw 6 rebs come in this evening.  I judge they were deserters.  they seemed well pleased to be in our lines.


Monday Febuary 1st(1864) Rain'd a little during the day cool and cloudy.  quite a number of reb. deserters came in to day  Col Ball notified me to attend court martial to morrow at 10 Oclock.  what they want with me I cannot imagine.  Dr. Richards is also summon'd [p 19. book 3]


Tuesday 2d (Feb. 64)  Weather foggy.  clear'd off in the afternoon.  about 8 at night it commenced to storm. hail, rain, thunder & lightning lull'd about 10 with high wind sent 10 of our Regt to Genl. Hospt.  Eli. Peairs Co A.,  R.M. Johnson B., Jos Pessons(?) B., Is Fouts. C., E.C. Carr C., B. Clary C., J.M. Atchison C., Jno Hebzel(?) F., T. Painter K, W. Willoby K., Meeks of H. & Bumworth E.  accompanied them.  Dr. Richards & I rode over to Kitty Taylors.  pass'd close to the house of John M. Botts.  tis a nice residence on a rising ground.  surrounded, as is usual in this section, with, in this instance, neat built negro quarters.  there is 5 or 6 2 story frame dwellings scatter'd over the farm. extensive barns and outhouses. a great number of agricultarel implements lying round  I saw more cattle, horses, sheep & [p 20, book 3] hogs on his farm than I have seen the possession of any private individual.  yes, than I have seen altogether since I left home.  I was call'd upon by Powelson B. to testify as to my giving him Med. the day after the battle of Locust Grove. twas a pure case of cowardice so I think the Judge Advocate look'd upon it. he is a rank coward.  they did not detain us long. a new recruit came to our Co.  he is from Zanesville.


Wednesday 3 (Feb. 64)  Weather rather cold with high wind.  Keefer has gone home on leave of absence.  Col Ball is acting Brig. Genl in  his absence. 100 men were detail'd from our Regt. they went to Warrenton Junction with 7 days rations.  the small pox case in the 110th [p 21, book 3] died.  our case has recover'd.


Thursday 4th (Feb. 64) Weather fine rather cold with high wind.  got a letter from Mag. all well at home.  Ellen has gone to Mrs. Fells.  provisions are very high.  she does not write in very good spirits.  I must cheer her up.  J.P. Coulter I am sorry to hear was instantly kill'd on the C.O.R.R.  Frank Broome met his death by poison in whisky.  he was in company with Curly Wilson & Paget.  they recover'd, so ended his career.  the 78th have reinlisted.  they are expected home.  they have arrived ere this I suppose.  Jim Sears has reinlisted.  he ought not to have done so.  there being no one at home with the girls.  John is coming from New York to Zanesville.  I am afraid twill add [p 22, book 3] to unpleasantnefs in the family  I hope it may not.


Friday 5th (Feb. 64) Weather pleasant. wrote to Mag in a cheerful spirit. Huston return'd from Washington this evening.  he has been gone nearly 2 months.  he brot number of things that we sent for, a pair of Specs for me. he could not get my steel ones repair'd.


Saturday 6th (Feb. 64) About 5 got orders to be ready to march at 7.  the sick and invalids to be left in Camp. all was bustle, but ready at the time wait'd and wait'd for orders all day none came.  heavy cannonading has been heard nearly all day till 3 in the afternoon when it ceased the Reb cavalry cross'd the Rip [p 23, book 3] idan at 12 O clock last night and drove in our pickets.  the 1st & 6th Corp are both in front engaged partially.  the pontoon train has gone to the front.  all sorts of rumors are afloat.  towards sundown heavy cannonading and musketry were heard.  Capt.  Rofs(?) was out 5 miles, he reports the 2nd Corp over the Repidan.  the firing was in that direction.  the 3d Corp has gone by the way of Culpepper Ford to flank them. our Regt. is detail'd at Div H.Q. as guard to the Q.M. & Com Stores Co. I was detail'd as camp guard, the whole of the Stores are being moved to Brandy Station.  Capts Gordon & Hendersons resignations have been accepted. [p 24, book 3]


Sunday 7th (Feb. 64) It rain'd considerbaly during the night.  to day has been a day of rumors. the most wild and improbable stories find credence and eager listeners.  heavy firing was heard for a short time in the morning.  Col Granger told me the 2n Corp had lost 500 killd and wounded.  tis reported we had taken a Brig prisoners and 10 peices of cannon.  1 Commiss'd Officer and 4 men left yesterday morning from our Regt. got Columbus to bring on recruits.  I sent a bundle of things home by Sergt. Dugan of Co F.  he promised to leave them at Yankee Wallace [p 25, book 3] another recruit came to our Co this evening.


Monday 8th (Feb. 64)  About 9 last night the troops commenced to return to Camp.  They were coming in all night. some did not get in till this forenoon.  spoke to some of them.  they did not (that is the 3 Corp) crofs the river or fire a shot.  we are still in the dark as to any reliable news.  our Regt was relieved from guard and return'd to camp  everything has settled down.  as usual.  as though nothing had occur'd out of the way. but, alas, how may sorrowful hearts there is in the North to night.  Fathers, Brothers numberd with the dead [p 26, book 3]


Tuesday 9th (Feb. 64) Weather fine. sun shining brightly. by to nights paper I see that our lofs is between 1 & 200. they found the rebs in force and concluded not to attack them and bring on a general engagement.  what the object of the move was the papers do not hint.  altogether we did not make anything by the operation.  Jas. Griffins brother Matt has enlisted in our Co as drummer  he is only 14 years of age. Mike's boots came this evening. they have been on the way since Jan 17.  Capt Reed of the 3d C., son of Parson Reed of Zanesville, has been sentenced to hard labor with ball & chain in Salisbury N.C. in retaliation for 2 officers that [p 27. book 3] Burnside has confined.  poor fellow, I pity him much.  twill go hard with his father. another officer has been sentenced to the like penalty.  he accompanies young Reed. up to this time they have been confined in Libby.


Wednesday 10th (Feb. 64)Weather rather cool, freezing towards night. the movement of the Army was one of a plan, but it fail'd at other points as well as this.  rode down and saw Mike. Co & Regt drill has been instituted in our Div. drefs parade every evening. weather permitting.


Thursday 11th (Feb. 64) Weather fine but cool.  detail'd men were call'd to the H.Q. for the purpose of being regularly detail'd in form.  Dr. Fairchild of [p 28, book] Sanitary Com. paid us a visit. in course of conversation I learnd that the principal lofs in the affair at Mortons Ford occurd in the 14th Conn., the 108 N.Y. being order'd to fire twice upon them by Major Hays.  twas getting dark the 14th look 120 kill'd wounded and missing.  the whole was about 200 or 250. twas a sad affair.  it has not found its way into the papers yet.  someone has a heavy responsibility to shoulder.  Hays, I heard, is under arrest.  got a letter from Mag. all well at home.  Gen Goddard & Sheriff Wolfe are both dead.  Wolf died from an attack of apoplesey.  Goddard, [p 29, book 3] paralysis he was sick, but a few days.


Friday 12th (Feb. 64)  Weather fine.  slight frost.  the Regt was presented with a new flag, silk, very pretty with the name of the Regt inscribed  Capt. Sells presented it. Lt. Col Granger replied. just then the 6th Md. bank struck up.  they were on drefs parade so was our Regt. from what little I heard I judge there was the usual amount of spread eagleism, honor, glory, fame, imperishable renown, etc. etc.  the 122d never has nor never will dishonor its flag.  the boys are proud of it, but prouder of the old tatterd one they bore thro Winchester and Locust Grove, Vive La 122d O.V.I. [p 30, book 3]


Saturday 13th (Feb. 64) Weather fine as spring. tis rumor'd that Lieut Black has accepted a Lieut Cols. commission in a Color'd Regt.  the boys think rather hard about it.  Ord(?) Mc Millan & Bill King came to the Regt to night.  they went to Genl hos nearly 3 months ago and who should come along with them but Chris Bauers.  why they sent him back I cannot tell.  he has been home just a year.


Sunday 14th (Feb. 64)+ Weather very fine.  Chris & I went up to see Mike. as we were returning met 4 rebel deserters.  they were all young boys from 15 to 18.  they had their knapsacks along with [p 31, book 3] them.  they were accompanied by 15 or 18 contrabands women and children and one or two grown up boys.  the sentence of the courtmartials held on members of our Regt was read on drefs parade.  several of the privates had 6 months of their pay deducted and to forfeit all bounty due them.  some lose half their pay for 6 months.  it will be a wholesome warning to others


Monday 15 (Feb. 64)  Our Regt went out on picket this morning. it commenced to snow in the afternoon. they have the luck to have bad weather.  got a letter from Mag last evening, all well and businnefs brisk.  she  writes very cheerfully.  I feel much relieved [p 32, book 3]


Tuesday 16th (Feb. 64) /Rain'd slightly during the morning.  towards afternoon it turnd quite cold with high wind.  twill be a hard night for picket duty.  Capts Gordon & Henderson have gone home.


Wednesday 17th (Feb. 64) During the night it blew great guns and has continued all day.  tis the coldest day we have had this year.  everything is froze hard and fast.  Capt Faurquer started home this morning. he was dismiss'd the service, deprived of all pay and disqualified from ever holding office under the government. what a record to go home [p 33, book 3] with. I would rather go home minus a limb. Capt Sells has been dismiss'd the service simply, there is to much copperheadism in him to be an officer  in the Army.  Mike had his trial.  he summonsed Dr. Richards & me for the defence  I dont think twill go very hard with him.  I hope not.


Thursday 18th (Feb. 64) Very cold during the night, but milder to day.  I see by the paper that it has been 15 below zero in Zanesville.  our Regt return'd this afternoon.  28 rebel deserters came in whilst our boys were on picket they were relieved every 1/2 hour [p 34, book3] the weather being so cold.  got a letter from Mag.  all well at home


Friday 19th (Feb. 64) Sun shining brightly, but still very cold. wrote to Mag.  Keifer returnd.


Saturday 20th (Feb. 64) Weather moderated. rode out to Culpepper with Hen Tucker.  pass'd about a dozen ladies on horseback,  officers wives and friends.  twas a touch of civilization. pass'd 4 deserters.  they said the thing was play'd out  have a severe cold.  have not felt well for a week.


Sunday 21st (Feb. 64)  Weather very fine almost like Spring.  several reb deserters came in to day.  so it goes.  [p 35, book 3] Capt Sells started home this morning.  Wesley & Billy got 2 boxes from home. the Col. Lieut Col G?M. & Sergt Maj. and lastly Mr. McKinney member of congrefs from Miamia Co Deset he is copperheady were invitd to dinner.


Monday 22n (Feb. 64)  Weather fine.  troops out on Compy drill.  today is Washingtons birthday.  no military demonstration was made in our Div.


Tuesday 23d (Feb. 64)  To Sunday 28th (Feb. 64) On Tuesday afternoon went over to the Sutters.  met with Lieut Scott who was on a bit of a spree.  unluckily, I went over to the Tent with him intending to take [p 36, book 3] but a social glafs, but unfortunately staid and staid.  as Pedays(?) says too long.  the results was I took more than was good for me. when I went over to the dispensary to go to bed the door was closd. went and slept at the Sutters, next day hel'd Charley in the Sutters Store.  did not go near the shebang at night went down to the Cos.  did not go near till Friday evening when I went and got some blankets and things I needed. saw the Doc. & the rest of them  they treated me well enough.  part of the Regt. is out on picket.  Dr. Richards went out with [p37, book 3] them. various rumors are afloat.  tis said the Johnny's are threatning to make a move  the pickets have been doubled Q?M? got order to be ready at a moments notice.  On Saturday morning the 6th Corp moved out to the front accompanied by Artillery.  the Div. was reviein'd(?) Major Peach was dismiss'd the service.  tis a shame, there has been a clique formd against him ever since he was appointed Major. the boys are sorry to part with him.  have fix'd up a bunk in Tom Hittles tent.  got a letter from Mag answer'd it.  [p 38, book 3] so far I have not been return'd to the Co. that I know of.  I do not think they will ask me to do any duty.  I suppose I will rusticate in the Co. for my health for a short time. the faults of others in the Regt in that respect are look'd over, but with me to commit myself in the least is to suffer.  well I am philosopher enough to  stand it.  whilst with them I did my duty up to the handle.  that they acknowledge.  tis a consolation to know that.  some would say a dam'd poor one.  Dam the difference, tis all in 3 years or during(?) the war(?) [p 39, book 3]


Sunday 28th (Feb. 64)  To day the weather has been very fine.  got orders to pack up.  3 days rations in haver sack and be ready all a moments warning to march.  quite a number of deserters and contrabands came in during the day.  did not move met with seriouse reverses in Flor. cause, want of caution, to confident of sucefs. Capt. Moor of the 110th died he was inspector of our Brig.


Monday 29 (Feb. 64) Weather cloudy & dull. our Co. is on Brig guard and fatigue duty.  Capts Moor's body was sent home this morning.  26 deserters came in mostly Cav.  2 Officers amongst them.  the 6th Corp have been as [p 40, book 3] far as Orange. C.H. but met few rebs.  some have been in the neighborhood of Robinsons Tavern near the old battle ground.  the impression is Lee is moving northward


Tuesday March 1st (64)  It commenced to rain at roll call last night and has continued all day.  our Co. went on picket with 3 days rations in the afternoon.  they will have a tough time of it.  the orderly never ask'd me to go.  Chris Bauers went.  he cant stand it


Wednesday 2 (Mar. 64) During the night it froze considerably.  weather fine to day.  sun shining [p 41, book 3] the 6th Corp returnd to day there was a report that they had cut off part of Longstreets Corp.  there was nothing of it.


Thurday 3d (Mar. 64)  Weather fine.  the boys return'd between 12 & 1 Oclock this morning.  the roads very muddy and the night was dark. they were fag'd out.  we have met with a serious repulse in Flor.


Friday 4th (Mar. 64)  Weather very fine orders issud no one to leave camp.  Mike return'd to the Co.  this afternoon.  he has been under arrest 3 months.  he has not been sentenced yet. my name was enter'd on the Co. books I think something of going into [ p 42, book 3] the Invalid Corp.  I will not till I hear from home


Saturday 5th (Mar. 64)  Saw the Doctor. the invalid list had been sent in.  they all went up for examination; got a letter from home, all well, weather fine.  Kilpatrick had form'd a Junction with Butler, but fail'd to get to Richmond.  Billy Caldwell has return'd to the Regt.  his hand is slightly scarr'd but not injur'd. Chaplin McCabe came to the Regt last evening.


Sunday 6th (Mar. 64)  Weather fine almost spring like.  went to [p 43, book 3] hear McCabe preach. he is in the Christian Com.  he does not come back as chaplin of the Regt  Mr. Huston I hope will be appointed.  he has every prospect of it.  wrote home. sent a copy of a letter for the Gov(?)


Monday 7th (Mar. 64)  Weather very fine. went out during the forenoon into the woods help'd to load the wagons with fire wood.  guns were distributed to all in the Co. except me.  I suppose I will get one before long.  saw the Doc.  he told me another list will be made out in a few weeks for the Invalid Corp.  he promised to put my name down [p 44, book 3]


Tuesday 8th (Mar. 64) It rain'd during the night and continued till about mid day.  our Regt was paid off to day.  our Co. were not paid till 8 at night.  got $52,00 will send $40,00 home.  I owe about $10,00 for boots, washing etc, etc.  was put on camp guard as corporal. easy job enough, will not take me more than 1/2 an hour in the 24, but I will have to stay up from 2 till 4 in the morning.


Wednesday 9th (Mar. 64) Weather very fine  the Brig was out on review this afternoon.  there is a rumor of consolidating this army.  I wish they would move our Brig [p 45, book 3] back to West Va.  any where out of this army.  Meade is to [be] sacrificed it appears  military jealousy is and has been and will continue to be the bane of this army  Meade is the most popular man that ever had charge of this Army


Thursday 10th (Mar. 64) It has raind heavily all day.  to mend matters our shanty leaks.  got a letter from Mag  it had been open'd and read before I got it. in it she lays all her troubles before.  poor lafs. she has a heavy burden to bear.  the children are in want of clothes and a host of things are wanted.  the $40,00 I sent by Lieut Glenn yesterdy will come opportunately [p 46, book 3]


Friday 11th (Mar. 64) Rain'd heavily nearly all day.  wrote a long letter to Mag in as cheerful spirit as possible.  Matt Griffin got a box from Zanesville


Saturday 12th (Mar. 64) Weather fine sun shining beautifully all day.  the army is to be reorganized. then will be some shaking amongst the dry bones.  quite a number of asperants for Stars will be knock'd higher than a kite.  6 recruits arrived this evening for our Co.  Lieut Black sent a letter by one of them. he has enlisted 16 for Co I.  10 men are on the way.  Adj Cushing came with them.  he returns to Zanesville in the morning [p 47, book 3]


Sunday 13th (Mar. 64)  Weather fine sun shining all day.  Mike has learn'd his sentence.  he loses all bounty coming to him 75 Dols. & 10 Dols a month for the next 6 months in all $135.  pretty tough.  Cpt Cornyn has gone to N.Y. on 15 days leave of absence. 12 of our Co went out on guard this afternoon Cos F.G.&H. weet out on picket


Monday 14th (Mar. 64) Weather fine. a serious accident occur'd on the RR by which 3 were killd &16 wounded learn'd no particulars.  Dr. Bryant has return'd.  he is not quite so stout as he was, but his health is reestablish'd [p 48, book 3]


Tuesday 15th (Mar. 64)  Sun shining cool wind.  the Co drill twice a day. tis rumor'd that the 116 & 123 Ohio are to join us and take the place of the 6 Md & 138 Pa in our Brig.  2 of Co K were punish'd for fighting by carrying a pole for 24 hours.


Wednesday 16th (Mar. 64) Weather fine but cold.  wind high.  the 3d Corp was review'd to day.  they went out at 10 and came in at 2.  Chaplin McCabe, I am sorry to say, is very ill. inflamation of the bowels  got a letter from Mag.  she is in better spirits.  I am happy to say all well at home [p 49, book 3]


Thursday 17th (Mar. 64) Weather cool.  sun shining. Lieut Scott is under arrest and has been tried by court martial for being drunk and going to a house and sleeping all night and not visiting his post on picket.  he having a Co in charge,  his sentince will be severe.  he dont seem to care much about it.  I think he wants to get out of the service.  the chaplin is still very sick.  Dr. Houston tells me he is not out of danger.  to day is St. Patricks day. a stuff'd paddy was seen first thing this morning hanging by the neck in the 6th Md.  we had a raffle in our shanty for a watch. (the same that I sold to Pete Wurts in Winchester) 12 at 25 ct each.  Chris Bauers won it [p 50, book 3]


Friday 18th (Mar. 64)  A real March day wind blowing all day.  got orders at 4 Oclock to fall in immediatlely with 3 days rations. the 3d Div. were all under arms till roll call when the order was countermanded.  got a letter from Mag.  she has sent the letter to the Gov.  Tom Maginnie the lawyer is going to interest himself with the Gov. to get me a position.  I shall see the Col & Drs. to morrow and see if I can not get a recommendation and forward it to Maginnis.  the chap lin is- past the point of danger.he has suffer'd much.


Saturday 19th (Mar 64) Weather fine.  Regtmental inspection to day.so far I have not answer'd [p 51, book 3] roll call or turn'd out on any occasion. saw the Col and the Docters.think I shall suc  ceed in getting a recommendation  Dr. Houston said he would see the Col. 1to morrow and get up the papers.  I will not be to sanguine.  there is many a slip between the cup and the lip.  the chaplin is improving


Sunday 20th (Mar. 64) Weather spring like,  wrote to Mag.  told her I would forward the papers soon as possible.  I hope I may suc  ceed.  will learn something to morrow.  got a letter from Mag


Monday 21st (Mar. 64)  During the night it turnd very cold and has been cold all day.  the Regt was out on Brig inspection [p 52, book 3]


Tuesday 22d (Mar. 64)  Weather cold freezing considerable.  got a recommendation from the 3 Surgs of our Regt and one from Dr. McCandlifs of the 110th  commenced to snow heavily in the afternoon


Wednesday 23d (Mar. 64)  Snowd nearly all night.  snow 6 inches deep. more snow has fallen this time than all put together during the winter.  5 Co of our Regt went out on picket with 3 days rations,  Co I amongst them. saw the Col & Lieut Col who both gave me a recommendation.  sent it on its way rejoicing.  will I be lucky enough to get a crofs(?) thats the question [p 52, book3]


 


 


                                   BOOK FOUR


Thursday 24th (Mar. 64) Very cold during the night.  sun shone out beautifully all day.  the balance of the Regt. were calld out for review. Grant is expected.  8 sick were sent to the Genl Hospt.  Chaplin McCabe started for Philadelphia.  tis a hazardous undertaking in his weak state.  got a letter from Mag.  more cheerful in its tone than the former one.  sent me some blefs'd pa--(?) from the Church.  children all well. she urges me to write to Maginnis [p 2, book 4]


Friday 25th (Mar. 64)  Weather cloudy and chilly.  rain & snow alternately all evening . Genl Grant went thro to Culpepper last evening.  he is the man for the times.  15 recruits arrived for our Regt 10 for Co I.  got a letter from Mag.


Saturday 26th (Mar. 64) Weather cool high wind  8 of those recruits for our Co left to day and joined other Cos.,  principally to Co A.  they are Taylorsville fellows.  Capt Harding is from there.  the boys returnd from picket about 4 Oclock the roads are very muddy [p 3, book 4]


Sunday 27th(Mar 64) Weather fine.  sun shining beautifully all day.  to day is Easter Sunday.  I hope Mag did not neglect to color some Easter eggs for the chil  dren.  how much I should like to see  them. in the reor  ganization of this Army we are(the 3 Div) permanently attachd to the 6(?)th Corp  the 67th Pa 126 Oh are added to our Brig.  it now numbers 6 Regts.


Monday 28th (Mar. 64) Weather fine.  Sergt Major Wheeler has got a com as 2n Lieut.  he is assigned to Co H.  he is acting Adj. Lieut Scott has been [p 4. book 4] dismiss'd the service.  he is glad of it I suppose, or he would not have been so recklefs in his conduct.  the Regt was out on batallion drill this after noon.


Tuesday 29th (Mar. 64) After breakfast had orders to pack up all our traps and move over to the quarters of the 1st Div. who have been transfer'd to the 2n Corp. the order was countermanded about dinner time.  tis rumor'd they burn'd the shanties rather than allow us to occup them.  from some [p 5, book 4] cause we have never got along with the rest of the Corp,  tis no use disguising the fact. the old Army of the Potomac look down upon Western men.  the feeling is deeply rooted both in officers and men.  it rain'd heavily all afternoon.


Wednesday 30th (Mar. 64)  It rain'd all night till about 8 in the morning when it clear'd up and continued fine all day.  Mike has heard nothing about his money yet.  13 of our Co were detail'd as guard to the Amm train.  will move in the morning to our new camp. we are orderd to be in readinefs by 9 Oclock [p 6, book 4]


Thursday 31st (Mar. 64)  The guard started out at 1/2 past 8.  at 9 got orders to break camp.  then commenced a scene.  off came tents, every thing pack'd up. what a sight of things left behind.  bread sowbelly, sugar, Coffee. pants blouses, tin cans, buckets etc. etc.  what a vast amount of truck collects in a camp in a short time.  moved about 10.  3 miles from old camp north of Culpepper.  we are right on the picket line.  for once Co I was lucky. we got quarters.  our mefs the best shanty in the [p 7, book 4] lot.  Co. A & K had to camp out till they can build shanties.  they are poor affairs compared to what we left. the 57 Pa occupied the quarters.  they were not a very neat set of fellows judging from the quarters they left.  wood and water are both handy. the camp is on rolling round.  our Brig is scatter'd now.  a Regt. in a spot before we were all in a row.  we will get things in shape in a few days.  [p 8, book 4]


Friday April 1st (64)  Came in smiling.  sun shone nicely till after noon.  when it commenced to rain. rebuilt the chimney.  fix'd up the sleeping berths on one side of the shanty.  fixd up seats and table in the other end.  got a letter from Mag.  the papers had not arrived yet.  all well at home.


Saturday 2 (Apr. 64) It rain'd and snow'd during the whole night and continued nearly all day.  the mud is ankle deep.  Co A & K and [p 9, book 4] those who had to build are in a sad plight. fixing up in the rain and mud/  we are well fix'd.  they have done nothing at the hospt yet.  they are mud, mud all round.  the sutter open'd his tent last night.  some of the boys talk of cleaning him out.  he refuses to issue any more checks.  they made a raid on the 6 Md. and 110th the boys of both those Regts.  they would have clean'd them out if the Cols had not put a stop to them.  wrote to Mag.  [p 10, book 4]


Sunday 3d (Apr. 64)  The weather has been beautiful to day.  all busy at their quarters.  the boys came in from guard.  badges (the corp) have been distributed to the Regt.  4 recruits came on late in the evening for Co I.  2 boys for drummers.  that makes 6 drummers that Cushing has sent to Co I.  what the devil is he thinking about. tis swindling the Gov. to send our boys to the front who soon as a move is made will break down and be left in the rear.  he ought to be call'd over the coals for it  [p 11, book 4]


Monday 4th (Apr. 64)  Weather dull & cloudy.  rain & snow alternately all afternoon.  part of Co I were detail'd as camp guard. Dr. Bryants horse broke loofs and went over the picket line.


Tuesday 5th (Apr. 64)  It rain'd heavily all night and has continued all day.  the ground is in an awful condition.  this is the worst camp we have ever been in  Dr. Bryant has lost his horse  I suppose.  he has been 3 miles over the picket lines.  he went as far as he safely could.  he bought him from Dr. Richards for $110.  he is unlucky in [p 12, book 4] horse flesh.  he lost one at Winchester. Lieut Sells has gone home on furlough.  I opine he will stay.  he wants to get out of the service  Lieut Wilson sent in his resignation.  twas not accepted. got a letter from Mag.  she send me a copy of the recommendations of Dr. Bell and Dr. Reamy that could not have been more favourable had I written them myself.


Wednesday 6th (Apr. 64)  to day the sun shone out for a little while.  wrote to Mag and Dave Keeley about Mikes money.  I fear it has been [p 13, book 4] lost.


Thursday 7th (Apr. 64) Weather beautiful.  the Regt except for Co A went out on picket at 8 this morning with 3 days rations.  got my clothes wash'd up and fix'd things up generally. a letter came for Mike.  I open'd it. the money arrived safe  I am glad of it. he has done some tall swearing about it.


Friday 8th (Apr. 64)Weather warm a perfect spring day.  Maryland is redeem'd.  the Union sentiment gathers strength.  the election returns are glorious.  I should like to hear how Zanes [p 14, book 4] ville did her duty.  a spirit hopeful and confident privades all clafses, citizen as well as soldier.  there is to be no such word as fail for the future. the old flag must float oer Richmond by the 4th July.  Mitchell a new recruit to Co F. died to day at Div. hospt.  he caught the measles.  he had never handled a gun


Saturday 9th (Apr. 64)  It had rain'd heavily all day and looks as though it would last all night.  the creek near camp is swollen to that we can not crofs for wood  Wm [p 15, book 4] Wiles returnd to the Regt to day.  he has been at home since we left Martinsburg he is still sick chronic diaorehia.  18 months put in


Sunday 10th (Apr. 64)  It rain'd heavily all night.  one of the 7th Maine shot himself (he was on picket opposite our camp)  Dr. Bryant was sent for.  he was dying when he got over. the ball pass'd thro the lower bowels.  Sergt Inskip cut his foot severly.  he was brot in in an ambulance.  the boys got in about 3 Oclock they had a hard time. last night [p 16, book 4]


Monday 11th (Apr. 64) To day the weather is pleasant. no papers or letters the last 2 days.  the heavy rains have injur'd the R.R. severely.  the Sutters have to leave on Thursday next


Tuesday 12th (Apr. 64) Weather still continues fine.  letters came this evening & small mail.


Wednesday 13th (Apr. 64)  Sun shining brightly all day.  the Regt is out on target practice  G. Newell(?) Co F. died  yesterday.  on the way from the Div. Hospt to our Regt hospt.  the Div Hospt is broken [p 17, book 4] up he was buried this afternoon.


Thursday 14th (Apr. 64) Weather fine.  Sam Oldham left for home this forenoon. twill save the boys. (some of them spend nearly all their pay at the sutters) a good deal now the temptation to spend their money is removed. expected a letter did not get it.


Friday 15th (Apr. 64) Weather very fine.  an order came to all the troops in this army to send all extra baggage to Alexandria.  nearly all in our Co. pack'd up their overcoats etc. etc. in [p 18, book 4] barrels & boxes.  I did not send anything.  I hope to have an opportunity to send them home yet.  a bill has been reported to raise the pay of soldiers to $10,00 per month.  the papers to day state that tis probable the draft will be posponded till June 1st.  Oh, how I wish the President had more back bone.  tis unjust to the men in the field.  such vacillation is calculated to weaken the confidence of the Army in the administration. politics has been and is the curse of the country. why dont they send [p 19. book 4] Long & Harris to Fort Warren and the crew that sympathize with them.  Blast the Copperheads I say.  got a letter from Mag. McMaginnis has been sick.  my papers had not been forwarded when she wrote. twill be too late I doubt. a circular issud by the Surg. Genl on the 7th takes the appointment of enlisted men as Stewards out of the hands of the Sec. of War, so my cake is all dough in that direction.  I will wait till I hear from Maginnis. before I write to the Surg. Genl. I  will make another effort [p 20, book 4]


Saturday 16th (Apr. 64) It rain'd nearly all night and continued till midday.  the Regt was order'd out on grand review at 8.  they turnd out but the order was countermanded.  wrote to Mag.


Sunday 17th (Apr. 64)  Weather cloudy and dull.  the Co made an appropriation of 30 Dols to Mr. Tudor for to bear the expences of searching for his son.  he intends next winter to find his body if possible and take it home.  I drew up the resolutions and put her thro.  Mr. Tudor is a worthy man and has been a good soldier [p 21, book 4]


Monday 18th (Apr. 64) Mr. Tudor, jesse bales, Harry Gamble & John Fell from our Co with 13 others started at 4 Oclock this morning for the rear.  to be transfer'd to the Vet Ris(?) Cer(?)  our Brig is out on grand review.  I do not know whether tis Div. or Corp.  Bob McNab returnd to the Regt last night. he has been round Washington for 6 months.  Mike & I moved our quarters.  we took Jesse Bale & Mr. Tudors place.  John Kinble and Fouts a new recruit is in the same shanty.  Genl Grant & Meade review'd the troops, the 6th Corp, near Brandy Station [p 22, book 4]


Tuesday 19 (Apr. 64)  Weather very fine mud drying up fast.  Locke, hospital Steward of the 110th, has been appoined Lieut.  [Gov.] Brough order does that, otherwise he would never having risen.  what the the Gov is thinking about I cannot imagine to promote a man who was under arrest for wholesale stealing and only saved himself by turning traitor on his companions in guilt (Mucker, Owens, Pixley  etc)  Pork Pillow will be clafs'd with the darkest page in the history of this cursed rebellion.  I was loth to believe it but the papers confirm all what fiends [p 23, book 4] in human shape.  I am afraid it will lead to retaliartory measure. I hope for the sake of the American name it may be averted. no punishment is to severe for such devils in human shape.


Wednesday 20th (Apr. 64) Weather very fine  regt out on Battalion drill. all the sick were sent to Washington.  tis rumor'd 10 days rations are to be issued. a move before long, I suppose. I trust my affairs will be arrangd before we move.  wrote to the Surg. Genl for a permit to be examined for a Stewardship.  if Maginnis fails twill be so far on the way.  I hope he will succed [p 24, book 4] no letter yet. wrote to Mag.  Met Mr. Tricker(?)  he belongs to the 61st Pa 3d Brig 2d Div 6th Corp.  he is the same fellow as ever.  gambling as usual. he told me he had won $1000. since he has been in the service.  July  last.


Thursday 21st (Apr. 64) Weather fine.  all the spare picks, shovels, mefs pans, camp kettles etc etc have been sent to the rear to day.  Capt Black return'd to the Co this evening.  he brot a number of letters for boys in the Co.  we were all glad to see him and congratulate him on his promotion.  he is one of the best men in the [p 25, book 4] service.  the boys under him all respect him.  they will follow him anywhere.  got a letter from Mag.  the papers have been forwarded to the Sec. of War.  she says he expects to hear from them every day. sooner the better.


Friday 22 (Apr. 64)Weather very fine  Regt out on Batt drill and target practice.  Capt Harding & Lieut Sells have returnd to the Regt.  I did not think Sells would have come back  I see by the American that correspondence from this Army to the North is suspended. I question the propriety of such a step.  the enemy [p 26, book 4] learn all they wish to know from the papers.  to deprieve the men of the only pleasure left them, hearing from the loved ones at home, seems arbitary in the extreme.  if it will answer any good purpose we all say AMEN but I do not think it will.


Saturday 23 (Apr. 64)  A real spring fever day with high wind. waiting and looking for a move now every day.


Sunday 24th (Apr. 64) Weather very warm.  Mike has been reduced to the ranks.  Alexander and Kirk has been  appointed corporals.  the boys [p 25, book 4] are not satisfied they would rather some others had got it


Monday 25th (Apr. 64) It rain'd all night . the Regt went out on picket for 3 days.  Fouts got a box of eatables from Zanesville.  Mr Tudor, Jesse Bales & Harry Gamble have been assign'd to the 1st Batt.  V.R. C ------- Fell to the 2n Batt.  still no letter.  tis strange.  I think I will write to morrow.


Tuesday 26th (Apr. 64) Weather fine.  Gov Brough(?) has call'd out the militia for 3 months to do guard duty. and to allow old troops to come to the front.  tis a step in the right direction.  Plymouth ---(s)killed(?) with the hands(?) And(?) the rebels, negroes and loyal [p 26, book 4] North Carolinians have been butcher'd in cold blood.  in the name of humanity where is the thing going to end.


Wednesday 27 (Apr. 64) Weather very warm.  tis rumor'd our Div are to be left in the rear, to guard the R.R. the majority would rather go to the front. with the rest.  Banks Rea River expedition  has been a failure, so it goes.  Disaster after disaster in the South.  things must and will take a turn before long.  been busy for the last 4 days copying Rx from the Dispensary etc. etc. and posting up Hammond of the 110th Ohio to(?) pass the board for Hospital Steward.  I hope he suceeds. no letter yet. [p 27, book 4]


Thursday 28th (Apr. 64) Weather still fine.  the Regt returned this afternoon.  they, our Co. particularly, had a good time. a number of contrabands came into our lines. got a letter from Mag.  all well at home. the papers were return'd.  they must be forwarded to the Surg. Genl. accompanied by an application in your own handwriting.


Friday 29th (Apr. 64)  Weather very fine.  wrote out an application.  went to Div (Med) H.Q. accompanied by Hammond who also had an application.  Saw Dr. Barre.  he said he would do all in his power.  it must first be sign'd by Dr. Houston as(?) Brig. Surg. and _____thro all the red(?)? taped(?) [p 28, book 4] on drefs parade this evening.  orders were read as to the line of march.  straggling sick etc. etc.  Gen Burnsides H.Q. is at Brandy Station.  he moved from Warrenton today.  I think he has put Lee on a wrong scent?  tis said he has 40,000 men but we have no means of knowing the truth.  tis said we will move about Monday.


Saturday 30th (Apr. 64) today is my birthday. 38.  what a checquer'd life mine has been so far but once settled and at home again I hope to glide down the stream smoothly and calmly. I shall forget  my past performance(?) misfortunes [pretty sure it is misfortunes] and shun [p 29, book 4] the rocks and shoals for the future.  were muster'd for 2 months pay.  all the sick were sent to the rear (8), one from our Co. a new recruit.  Hammond & I got our papers signed by Dr. Houston as Brig. Surg.  took them to Dr. ______.


Sunday, May 1st (64) May has been usher'd in with a cloudless sky.  sun shining beautifully. -----  ------- ------every division?  ----  --  ------ are  -------  -----  -----  ----- --- R.R. colored troops have been put on an? equality. as to pay(- tions) or _____.etc etc. with white troops.  I am as much in favor ___________________ [p 30, book 4] _______but I question the policy just at this time.--  _______ but a equality measure(?)?  ___ putting a club into the hand ___ ____to beat the_______ out of the Republican  party.  _____ god send to them in the coming presidential campaign.  they can ______ some show of truth.  Yell ______ for eauality.  tis a bad precedent  at best.  It will create riots and dissatisfaction in the army______ _____ _____but thr _________  ________ O. Neil voted against it


Monday 2n (May 64) Weather fine all day.  towards evening it rain'd heavily. accompanied by thunder.  the [p 31, book 4] the National guards of Ohio are call'd into the field for active service today.  the repeating(?) rifles of Z'ville are amongst them. Good for Johnny Brough.  they thought when they form'd independent Cos. they would escape the draft and all military service, but now they have to come out for 3 months.  there were some weak knee'd ones amongst them, I bet.  Saw young (Kelley, Killey?) the painter from Zville.  he is in the 1st Pa Inf. and has re?________.  He has been through all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, and been wounded once.  he  is a sergeant.  saw T(?)rickel quite ----__ was _____ in Co A. last night.  they were _________ [p 32, book 4] _______ [1st line un readable]. Sergnt. Evans of Zville and a man named Smith were under conviction. ______ what they can it, I believe.  I have no faith in spasmotic christianity.


Tuesday 3rd (May 64) Weather fine.  Just after dinner got order'd to be ready to march in the morning. _____  ___ ___ the hospt was torn up and the sick sent to the rear. [rest of page almost impossible.I. [p 33, book 4] Same for 1 st half of this page].


Wednesday 4th (May 64) Were roused up at 1/2 past 2.  quietly without beat of drum got breakfast pack'd up and were in line by 4.  march'd to Bri. H.Q. thence to Div. H.Q. got fairly on the way by 8.  our Co numbers 46 muskets.  twas a splendid sight.  far away in every direction far as the eye could reach could be seen moving mafses [p 34, book 4] of men Inft and Artillery.  our Div. brot up the rear.  the day has been very warm.  the consequence has been that thousands of blankets of both kinds shirts, drawers, blouses in fact anything and everything that would lighten the knapsacks.  Part of the way you could literally walk on blankets and overcoats.  in the quarters vacated as much more was left. 100,000 dols would be a moderate estimate of what has been thrown away and _______.  as usual they march'd us very hard  the consequence was the men fell out.  we halted about 1 and well it was for me.  I never was so exhausted in my life.  we rested about an hour.  I [p 35, book 4] felt much better.  I threw a shelter tent and a shirt away.  we could not get a drop of good water during the whole march.  about 4 the Army of the Potomac was safely on the other side of the ripidan.  we crofs'd at German's Ford.  we heard when about 6 miles from the River that the Rebs had 150 peices of cannon and would dis______ passage but lot nary a one.  heavy breast works were thrown up had they opposed us they could have punish'd us severely.  Grant is mystifing Lee.  this time. they know not when he will strike.  felt very sick after we campd for the night.  vomited heavily.  [p 36, book 4] I exerted myself too much to keep up with the regt.  the warm weather and the heavy load used me up.


Thursday 5th (May 64) Roused up about 4.  march'd and countermarch'd during the whole of the forenoon.  on the Fredricksburg plank road.  between 2 and 3 our Brig. was brot into action on the right.  they supported the 6th Ma & 110th Ohio.  there was not many wounded in our Regt. but the 6th Ma & 110th  lost heavily in kill'd and wounded.  Keifer and 110th was wounded in the are.  the roar of mus [p 37, book 4] kitry was terrific.  Kimble and I kept together all the day.  more than half the Regt. gave out and straggled up to the front.  the provo guards were busy hunting up all men who had arms and were not in front.  Burnside march'd to the front.  Kimble & I laid down in the woods and slept till about 4.  muskitry firing was kept up all night.


Friday 6th (May 64)  Sick and scarcely able to move.  my feet are blisterd till can scarcely walk.  got up to the Div hospt about 8.  heavy fighting all day.  troops moving in every direction [p 38, book 4] our Brig. made a bayonet charge about 10 o'clock and were repulsed with heavy lofs.  the rebs charg'd them twice and had to put during the forenoon our men threw up earth works to protect themselves and were pecking it to the Johnnies in good style, but lo and behold they came upon us front rear and flank.  Col Granger was the first to bring the news to the hospt he having escaped them by a miracle at one time being in the midst of a crowd of rebs then came  orders to pack up and skin out.  we were till [p 39, book 4] 8 in the morning making 4 miles.  everything on wheels seems to be moving towards Fredricksburg.  a Brig. of color'd troops pass'd us on the way.  they were a likely looking sit(?) of nigs. all sorts of rumers are afloat.  Ball is killd not a man left cut to peices etc. etc.  the Adjt came up to the Div hospt this afternoon.  from him I learn'd that Col. Ball is all O.K. and has 95 men of the 122 in the field.  Co 4 men  heavy firing all along the line today.  Our Brig. met a  charge and drove them [p 40, book 4] towards evening heavy cannonading was heard.  so far they have held their ground well  we have gain'd a little so far.  our lofs has been heavy  what sight at the hospt. poor maim'd wounded humanity.  they come in by 100s.  a great number are slightly wounded in the hand & feet. a few have died on the table.  feel very weak and feverish.  I fear I am going to be  sick if this tramping continues.


Sunday 8th (May 64)  About 11 o clock last night  we got orders to move all the wounded that were able to walk.  had to f____(?)? [p 41, book 4] it.  The rest  very?many? put in ambulances & wagons.  poor fellows how they do suffer with the rough jolting.  pass'd our Div.  our Regt was amoungst them.  a few of the scattering ones have turn'd up. (started out about 4 O clock the 6th Corps has gone towards Fredrickburg by the way of Pottselvania.  Ch. H the 9th went by the regular road about 11 Oclock the ambulance train stop'd to cook dinner for the sick.  pass'd over the old Chansellorville battle ground.  artillery firing has been heard since our forces have gone forward.  Mike came down to the hospt last evening.  he had a pass [p 42, book 4] from Col Ball.  he speaks well of Mike.  he has wip'd out the old stain at Locust Grove.  as we were eating dinner 1500 prisoners were brot in.  towards evening 2300 more.  Gen Seymore comd our Brig was captur'd.  moved out about 6.  on the roughest road I have travel'd on for a long while thru the woods in the dark.  At 10 Oclock when we laid down in the woods. all the wounded were sent to Fredricksburg which we hold.  our Co has lost 24 in kill'd wounded and missing.  Capt. Black went back to his(?) Co. he was wounded in the [p 43. book 4] hand.  the 6 Md 110 & 122 are form'd into one Regt.


Monday 9th (May 64)  Got up about 4.  the hospt wagons had moved out before we got breakfast.  met Dr. Richards going out to the front.  follow'd up came acrofs the 110th.  fell in with them.  got parted from all the rest.  no Div. hospt has been establish'd so far.  form'd a hospt in the woods just in the rear of our line of battle. Gen. Sedwick com'd our Corp has just been carried to the rear mortally wounded.  Gen.  Morris cam'd 1 Brig arm? Div? has been wounded and came [p 44, book 4] to the rear.  Mead & Grant have just pass'd to the front. feel a little better this morning.  sent a letter to Mag.  by one of the boys of our Co. who was sent to the rear.  we gain'd considerable ground during the day whether any decided advantage I know not.  they are giving us a hard try for it.  the shells fell thick around us.  we moved out, but moved back again about dusk.  the ball opend in earnest and continued till near 8.  about 30 wounded men brot in few from our Brig & others  a shell struck a tree within a few yards of where I was [p 45, book 4] assisting to drefs a wounded man, but did not explode.  lye down was the order of the day for a good long while.  got thro about 9 and laid down got no sleep for a long while. firng being kept up occassinally until I went to sleep.  a man was brot down from our Regt crazy as a bey (bed?) bug.  gave him some morphia.


Tuesday 10th (May 64)  Got up about 5 feel a good deal better.  2 men were wounded by musketballs right in amongst us.  moved over about 1/2 mile.  artillery fir  ing heavy all day. shirmisishing along the whole line. [p 46, book 4] several charges were made some sucefsful others not.  portions of the 1st & 2d Div of our Corp took 3 lines of battle and rifle pits and a battery, but could not hold them. they lost heavily.  previous to this they took a whole Brig. priso  ners.  they were Georgie troops.  drest scalp wound for one of them.  an attack was con templated along the whole line at 5 but did not take place.  Sedwick's dead. Wright is in command of our Corp.  fortunately our Div was not engaged.  about dusk moved back to our old camp [p 47, book 4] Butler holds Petersburg. tis rep  orted he is within 3 miles of Richmond and shelling it.  another report says reinforce  ments amounting to 50,000 have come up and that the 100 days men are order'd to the front, but all is under a cloud to us having no papers.  rumor supplies us with all we hear and you can hear almost anything you please.


Wednesday11th(May64)  All has been very quiet to day.  only slight skirmishing so far.  5 in the evening.  Grants H.Q. is about 1/4 mile to  our left.  several severely wounded men brot in, wounded on the [p 48, book 4] skirmish line.  every man who has not a pass is arr  ested and taken to the Pro Mar. who tries them on sight, fines them and sends them to their Regts.  Charley Church went up this morning.  he has not been with it since. Thurs  day last.  he is an arrant coward and no mistake.  Hooker is coming up with his force that is a certain fact.  the 6th Md left the front to guard a train coming up.  the wounded having again been sent away.  it rain'd considerably.  put up shelter tents.  laid down about 9 Oclock no wounded brot in [p 49, book 4]


Thursday 12the(may 64)  Was waken'd up about 6 by heavy cann  onading.  our Div movd to our left.  heavy firing is going on 9 Oclock.  tis rumord we have capturd a number of prisoners and 6 cannon  heavy fighting on the left all day.  Dr. Foreman of the 6 Md has just return'd(5 Oclock)Major Genl Johnston of Ewells Corp I believe.  3 Brig Genls & 4000 prisoner pass'd him on the way North.  40 peices of artillery were captured at the same time 14 of them are now at H.Q.'s [p 50, book 4] I(a?) pretty good capture.  this is the fourth day we have been fighting on the same ground, neither party giving any very decided advantage.  every inch is contested.  our troops drive them occassly but are not able to hold the positions they take.  moved about 6.  all the troops having moved to the left leaving us the extreme right.  moved to the rear of the rifle pits.  got into the woods.  could not find out the position of our Div.  blun  derd round in the dark till 9 when we camp'd on the picket line.  heavy firing [p 51, book 4] was kept up all night.  about2 there was a charge made.  we skin'd out on the double.  in the darknefs we got seperated from each other.  a number of us laid in the woods till day light.  it rain'd nearly all day and night.  twas the roughest tramping I have ever done.


Friday 13th(May 64)  Started out about 6 to hunt up the hospt. found it after a hard tramp thro the mud. fell into the hands of the patrols.  fortunately the Doc came along and made matters all right.  up to 12 there has scarcely been a gun fired.  tis rumer'd they have fallen back.  Sheridan has cut off [p 52, book 4] their R.R. communication at Beaver Dam.  Sherman has dispers'd Johnstons army in Georgia. the sky looks brighter, but to make assurance doubly sure this army must be succefsful I think it will but the rain has made the roads very bad.  about 1o it cleard up.  wrote to Mag.  a mail leaves this evening.


Saturday 14th(May 64) About 12 at night were rous'd up made ready to move.  laid down agin did not get off till daylight.  trampd about 4 miles.  found out we were on the wrong road.  retracted out steps and landed towards even [p 53, book 4] ing about 1 mile east of Spotslyva  nia C.H.  the roads are in an awful condition. cross'd severa creeks swollen by the rains.  annunition and supply wagons were upset and left along the roads and creeks.  what a scene of confusionand disorder.  it rain'd at intervals all day.  every thing has been quiet all day except slightartillery firing towards eve  ning.  pass'd Grants H.Q. the report is the Butler captured Richmond at 10 Oclock yesterday.  I hope & turst tis true.  if tis true twill have the effect  either of completely dishea  rtning them or nerve(?) them to desperation.  suffer'd severly all day with sore feet.  I can scarcely [p 54, book 4] get along at all.  towards evening our Div. moved into the woods oppo  site the enemies works.  there is 100 peices of artillery in reserve in our rear.  active campaighning takes of lace & gold edging with a vengance.  Officers and men alike show the effects of hard service.  Col. John Capt Jack is no better than plain Smith & Jones in the ranks.  glad enough to rest any where and get a cup of coffee and the everlasting hardtack.


Sunday 15th(May 54)  Rain'd consiberdy during the day.  as still along the line except a little artil  lery firing.  laid still all day and rested. [p 55, book 4]


Monday 16th (May 64) Weather fine to day.  still laying at the same place.  all quiet along the line.  this it the 4 day and no active steps taken.  Butlers taking Richmond is all bosh.  he has not even got Petersburg.  he is fortifying on the south side of James River.  Beauregard is watching him at Richmond.  tissupposd part of Lees force has left our front and gone to reinforce Bauregard.  rations are at premimn round the hospt/  our supple train it at Petersburg I believe.  the Regt. got rations at 12 last night.  they lay 2 miles to our front.  so far I have managed to get grub enough. have been [p 56, book 4] with the Div. hospt since Satury evening.  soon as I get some rations I will go up to the Brig.  my feet are in a sad plight.  he heels all raw can scarcely walk.  Dr. Richards went to Fredricksburg with some wounded this afternoon.  tis stated officially thatButler has taken the outer works at Fort Darling and beseiging the garrison. Arenl's(?) cavalry have torn up 16 miles of the central Tennesse RR.


Tuesday 17th(May 64) Weather fine sun shining all day.  Tom Marshall Frank Rorrisons(?) brother in law call'd to see me this mor  ning.  his time is up on the 19 he is going to visit Zville [p 57, book 4] he will call and see Mag.  Dr. Richards return'd this after  noon.  he says Fredricksburg is on vast Hospt.  Andy Stultz came up with him.  the sup  ply train lays there.  a large Mail came to the Regt. did not get any letters yet.  I supp  ose tis ___(?) with the Regt. Hus  ton got his commission as Chaplin to day.  it is dated May 4th.  I am glad of it.  he is a worthy man.  Dr. Pinkerton of the 110th who went with the wounded a few days ago.lostboth his horses. he took a little to much schnapps, laid do  wn to sleep.  when he awoke [p 58, book 4] he had nary horse. wash'd my clothes.  feet still very sore  all quiet so far, not a gun fired(2 Oclock)  twill break loose some where before long.  the chaplin brot me a letter from the Regt. dated May 5.(all well at home)  provisions are very high  her little store helps her hout. very much. she writes cheer  fully and hopefully.


Wednesday 18th(May 64) Moved out about 11 Oclock.  the train was just fairly in motion when it was halted to allow artillery to pass.  9 batteries of 6 peices each.  laid downin a plow'd field and slept till 5 when we moved out.  went about 1-1/2 miles then return'd to our [p 59, book 4] old camp about 8.  heavy artillery firing since daylight.  saw Gen. Grant for the first time.  he passd us as we were lying still at daylight the 4th N.Y. heavy art. pass'd us 18000 strong.  they came up yesterday about 24,000 troops have come up during the last few days. they are much needed.  we have been dodging round Spotslyvania C.H. now for a whole week.  a portion of the 2d Corp had a severe fight on our right.  they lost heavily .  they drove the rebs & took 14 peices of cannon.  a few more such sucefses will be the defeatof this army.  every yard gained costs a man. inch by inch they have contested the ground so far.  the 2d Div. of our Corp was enga [p 60, book 4] gedslightly.  Ricketts orderly was kill'd by a shell.  he comd's our Div.  went to the front.  was in the works from which our boys drove the rebs.  pass'd the 1sMass. 8th N.Y. 4 Main  all heavy artillery some of them number 2000 men each.  our Div. is in front so far they have not lost any men.  they have been shelld pretty heavily.  the ground is strewn with almost everything you can ima  gine.  the new troops brot out all kinds og knick knacks.  one days hard march and away they went.


Thursday 19th(May 64) Weather fine.  slight rain towards evening.  our troops have advanced about 1-1/2 miles the rebs falling back, but still keeping in sight.  our boys have [p 61, book 4] heavy breastworks.  our regt is on the skirmish line.  Dr. Richards was out to the regt.  they are all in good spirits.  whisky was issued to the men to day.  those in front. heavy firing to the right all afternoon till dark.  moved about 1.  campd on the farm of a Mr. Anderson.  the hospts were pitch'd in his orchard a very large and fine one by the way.  the pailings round the garden and house were soon converted into fire wood.  wrote to Mag.  feet very sore.  I cannot account for it my feet were never so before.  our troops on the right were driven back about a mile.  they fell back to a battery when they were reinforced and retook [p 62, book 4] the ground.  the train was attack'd between here and Fredrichsburg.  fortunately the vertans of the 87 Pa. 1 Brig our Div were along.  (they were returning from furlough) and kept the rebs at bay till help came up, when they were driven off.  the guerillas are very numerouse and bold in our rear.  Dr. Pinkerton and son were captur'd by them about 7 miles from Fredricksburg.  they took his hose and everything he had.  (Capt. Hazelton of our Brig found one of the lost horses and gave it to him).  they took them to a house, gave him a written parole and were to come for them at night.  about 4 in the afternoon they left at the risk of being shot by some of the smaking cupes(?) and got inside [p 63, book 4] our cav picket lines.  they came up to us where we were camp'd glad to have escap'd with a whole skin.  got orders to move about 8. twas countermanded.  tore down a panel of the garden fence.  laid it under an apple tree.  laid down and went to sleep.  since we crofs's the Repidan we have been in the wildernefs.  tis 8 miles wide and 40 long.  this is the first good farm we have seen so far.


Friday 20th (May 64)  Was awoke about 5 by heavy canonading.  did not last long.  all quiet so far (2 Oclock) the train came up at noon.  a number of men were kill'd in the attack on the train last night.  40 wounded and 100 prisoners.  our boys push'd them when reinfor  ced.  took 300 prisoners from there(?)  [p 64, book 4] still laying at the same place.  weather verywarm.  some of the boys set fire to and burn'd to the ground a large house about 1/2 mile from here.  they had shot some of our men out of it when they advanced a couple of days ago.  a have got a list of the killd wounded and missing of our Co I.


      Jackson right hand & left arm. Slig

      Hammond left arm Slig

      W. King   "   " Severe

      D. Kinney "  foot Slig

      Henry Parrish  "  leg Severe

      Wm James  rig      " "

      Pat Carter   left foot very Slig

      Jos. Baughman  rig leg Severe

            Granstaff  " thigh  "

      Tim Eddyburn     " Shoul  "  [p 65, book 4]

      Truman rig side Sev.          Adams left side sev

      W. Asher not known            Wilson neck seve

      J. Timms left leg severe

                              kill'd and missing


Hammond mis.  T. Hittle kill'd C. Minner(?) kill'd  W. Caldwell kill'd  S. WanKirk mis. G.McMillen mis.  J. Adams mis.  P Bailey kill'd w. Plympton miss  the chaplin went to Fredricksburg and retur  ned this evening.  there is  about 6000 wounded in and about.  400 rebel prisoners accompanied them & 600 wounded from the 2d Corp.


Saturday 21s(May 64) Weather has been very warm.  moved out at 9.  reports says Bowling Green is to be our [p 66, book 4] stopping place 10 miles.  went about a couple of miles halted an hour or 2.  started out agin.  were stop'd by our picktes on the right.  this makes 7 tifmes we have got on the wrong road.  some one is to blame.  I think Capt. Commisary is in com'd too often.  I expect we will run into the rebel lines some of these times.  4 Oclock and still lying in the woods.  heavy firing on our right all afternoon.  cannon were plantd on the hills we vacated and works were being thrown up on the ruins of the house burn'd uesterday.  tis rumor'd that a Cav maid in our rear is fear'd hence the precautions.  Grants head is level [p 67, book 4] talk'd with a Nig servant to a Major in the S.C  regt who came into our lines 3 days ago.  he saw Longstreet after he was wounded thru the upper portion of the trunk.  Gen Jenkins was kill'd in the same charge.  had our left push'd on it would have been a rout.  all their wagons being order'd to the rear.  moved at a snail pace till about 12 when we laid down till daylight.  whilst we were lying down some of the boys set fire to and burn'd to the ground 2 houses and a large barn.  tis all wrong.  it does more harm than good.  the rebs charg'd our works on the right.  there were [p 68, book 4] repulsed.  the 1st Div had 12 men wounded our Div was not in it.


Sunday 22(may 64)  At last we are out of the wildernefs.  We struck the road leading direct to Gurnny's?station.  the country has improved very much.  nearly all the clear'd land is incrop.  rye, corn or wheat.  saw some new fences. the first I have seen in Va.  Burnside and staff pass'd us last evening.  the whole army is in motion.  changing position from east & west. to north & South.  10 reb prisoners pass'd us.  crofs'd the RR about noon.  Fredrichsburg & Richmond RR I believe.  Richmond must fall is the watchword and spi  rit of the army. stop'd about [p 69, book 4] 1 Oclock and made coffee.  tis rumor'd the 2 & 5 th Corp have got several miles start on Lee on the road to Richmond. the 6th & 9th are pushing forward something will turn up in a few days. feet very sore indeed.  the house in whichStonewall Jackson died stands to the left of the road about 100 yds from where I eat dinner.  Grants H.Q. wagons have gone forward. heavy cannonading for about an hour.  twas a long distance off.  our Corp passd by about 4 went about 1/2 mile with our Reg Co I had 18 muskets  Coleman was not kill'd  Black says he is one of the best in the Regt. he is not 17 yet.  Mike has been reinstated [p 70, book 4] the Col says he will see that his fine is remitted.  Iam glad of it he is much pleas'd as he has reason to be.  artillery artiller artillery  has been going to the front all afternoon.  started out 8 Oclock Capt Cornyn was wounded in the hip (just mis  sing the bone) on the skirmish line yesterday.  tis not dangerous.


Monday 23(May 64)  Saw a man of the 2d Div coming into camp with onions & radishes the first and only ones I have seen this year.  hardtack  & cofes is all I can get at present and glad to get that.  some of the boys have had no rations for 2 or 3 d days, tis rumord Babcocks forces hold Hanover Jun  ction.  started out at 8 pass'd several [end of book 4]


                                   BOOK FIVE


very fine residences.  camp'd at 12 in a fine orchard.  3 houses were burn'd up as we pass'd along.  when we stopd for dinner some of the boys stole everything she had she is a widow with 2 children.  what acts of injustice & wrong there is committed in the army good men(cmaparatively) get bad, bad men worse.  J. Mitchell J. Matthews, J. Joclyn of Co A & Thacker G have been sent back by Gen. Ricketts to t the regt sentenced to be shot the whole 4 staid behind from the time we crofs'd the Repidan.  they cannot be shor or punish'd before they have a trial arbitary and severe as mil  itary law is they cannot condemn a man unheard.  at about 4 [p 2, book 5] heavy cannonading commenced and continued till sun down.  twas fearfully heavy, one continual roar as tho twas but musketry.  stopd about 8 laid down and tried to rest. started out agin at 2.  the train having gone ahead.  come up with it at daylight.


Tuesday 24, (May 64)  Got something to eat soon as we camp'd.  the 6th Corp has been passing all morning.  10 Oclock.  all past but our Brig which is bringing up the rear.  the 5th under Warren crofs'd the north Anna river.  under cover of our guns.  the rebs did not- off  er much opposition whilst cro  ssing.  our boys chargd their workks captur'd them were onoin(?) out [p 3, book 5] again and again retook them.  they lost pretty heavily.  as yet I cannot learnany particulars.  the Nig. boy I mention'd a few days ago met his old master this morning, a prisoner in our hands.  between 3 & 400 rebs have pass'd by, up to noon, we had 36 peices in position y yesterday.  tis amus  ing to read the papers from home.  what cock & bull stories find their way into them.  one report says we had 400 pei  ces mafs'd at Spotsylvania C.H. and firing all day.  the heaviest cannonading done yet.  was done last night.  some scamp stole my canteen.  tis a  small affair in camp but on a march tis indesposable.  not content with that, away goes my tin cup, an old [p 4, book 5] Camp Zanesville one at that and a spoon to keep it company.  well, I am in luck.  wrote to Mag. heavy firing all day on our left. Burnsides for  ces I suppose.  tis rumor'd they have fallen back.  they left quite a number of their wounded onthe field.  Mead is moving his H.Q..  2 O'clock to the front.  I suppose acrofs the river.  the trains have been moving over the river all day.  the last got over about 1 Oclock in the morn. 25th. staid in camp till about 4 Oclock when we moved out.


Wednesday 25(May 64) Cross'd the North Anna pm !pmtppms/  twas a strong position and no mistake. tis strange they did not offer more res [p 5, book 5] istance. shot and shell lay thick on the ground where we are camp'd.  Burnside to our left is to show a strong front whilst another portion crofs the South Anna. troops are moving in any direction.  cannot find out what was done on our left by Burnside yesterday.  the 2 & 9th are on our left.  the 5th & 6th on the right joining in the centre.  the woods in our rear where the rebs fought so stubbornly are cut up very much.  I counted 15 holes made by musket balls in a tree not 15 inches in diametre.  things have been bery quiet all day(3 Oclock) only slight skirmishing.  our troops are tearing up the track of the Northern Va. R.R.  tis 1/2 a mile in our rear.  the prisoners(?) [p 6, book 5] in this section seem to have been well supplied with com.  our men have taken 1000s of bushels since we left the wildernefs.  our Docs and chaplin have come in for their share.  Adjt Cushing is earning an undying reputation for cowardice.  he is now & has been to the rear feighning sicknefs.  there is some talk of court martialing him.  Col. Ball is the true grit.  he has not left the regt for a moment during the night the trains artillery etc began to recrofs the River.  We know nothing of it till we were awoke by Lem Gardner at 4. pack'd up made coffee and started.  found our Div. Amb & wagons still on this side waitting the laying of the heavy pontoons [p 7, book 5]


Thursday 26th(May 64)  Quite a heavy storm last night.  the river is considerably swollen.  since we crofs'd yesterday.  it is still fordable for horses.  they have 2 ki  nds of pontoons in this army.  the ordinary heavy wooden affairs, the other a light woo  den skeleton that can be taken to peices and pack'd in large boxes.  the bottom and sides are heavey canvafs.  they are a bully affair, but not stout enough for more than 1 wagon at a time.  weather cloudy looks like rain.  under any other Genl than Grant this move would be look'd upon as a retreat, but tis all right.  the boys say he is going to flank them again.  he flank'd them right of their fortifications at Mine Run & Spotsylvania C.H. and he will [p 8, book 5] do the same at South Anna.  it tooks 2 hours to lay the pontoons as we commenced to crofs it rain'd. ah. Mofes how it rain'd for about 2 hours.  the roads arein an awful condition, not hub but wheel deep in places.  teams & artillery stuck fast.  if swearing would do any good nary a one would stick.  the whole of the 6th Corptrain (hospt)  has moved ahead leaving only one  P___wagon behind.  I am afraid rations will be slim with me having had my meals at the hospt.  which has moved on.  I must trust to luck.  found my canteen and tin etc.  glad of it.  I dont know what I should do without them.  clear'd off about 10 our Brig is laying at the river.  they did not crofs.  saw several of the boys [p 9, book 5] the whole Div. except our regt is  still over the river.  part of Sheridans Cav. about 3000 pass'd us towards evening.  all the rest of the forces ha have been attach'd to our Brig.  things  very quiet all day.  was in error part of our Brig. pass'd over last night.  several squads of prisoners went to the rear.  started out a little before dark just after a heavy rain storm.  such a tramp mud m mid leg deep splashing plunging pushing along.  each one on his own hook.  park'd about 10. laid down on the wet ground and slept till near daylight when we moved on to Chesterfield Station, about 3 miles.  this went some better.  stopd and boil'd some water for [p 10, book 5] tea on the smoking ruins of a large frame building.  such is war.  what a scene of desolation is left in our track.  come up with the train that left yes  terday.  all the buildings belonging to the R.R. are destroy'd also a large tannery.


Friday 27th(May 64)  To day the weather has been very warm.  feel quite unwell today, severe headache, sore throat.  the exposure and hard tramping tell on me.  travell'd thro fields of corn rye & wheat.  saw a family of white children.  they were a nice lot of ba  bies.  thoughts of home.  saw a new house not quite finish'd yet. tis a fine residence. tis the first new house I have [p 11, book 5] seen.  saw peas in blofsom.  stopd at 1 Oclock opposite Concord Church an other chruch stands on the opposite side a mile further on the road.  dead horses lay thick all along the road.  the Cav. had a brush yesterday.  several fine brick houses are scatter'd along.  the coun  try is more densely people'd than it is fur  ther back.  up to 3 Oclock not a gun has been fired.  all the troops are falling to the left.  we know not wherewe are striking.  the generalbelief is White House James River.  pass'd the residence of Hanter brot  her to the Rebel Senator.  he left for Rich  mond yesterday.  _______ then? the house? even the bucket was mov'd brom the well so that the boys could [p 12, book 5] not get a drink of cool water.  an officer swore considerablyand the buc  ket was brot out.  Mrs. Hunter said to some of the officers that her daily prayer was that we would be dri  ven back and the South suceed.  notwithstanding the property was protected.  had it been a poor family, Union at that, they might have been rob'd and the house burn'd.  tis all wrong.  tis the rich & influential that ought to feel the weight of the war not the poor.  tis a fine country around here.  pass'd one of the finest residences I have yet seen.  we are coming into the section of the FFVs  travel'd till 9 Oclock.  the hardest marching we have done yet come [p 13, book 5] about 18 miles.  got my knapsack & overcoat haul'd or I should not have been able to walk all.  my feet are in a bad fix.  laid down in a plough'd field and went sound a sleep.


Saturday 28th(May 64) Started out about 8 O  clock.  after travelling 3 miles struck the Taumeankey?.  Gen Grant pass'd  the front(?) (or pont(?))  tis a swift muddy stream about the size of the Licking where the Licking is narrowest.  the ist Div of our Corp pass'd over last night & fortified the rest this morning. tge 2d Corp follow'd an extra pontoon has been put down.  chickens ducks geese turkeys sheep calves & cattle are slaughter'd every chance by the boys. anything and everything [p 14, book 5] to season Genl Hardtack.  cross'd the river about 4 park'd and put u up hospt tents. slight skirmishing in front.  some little canonading.  the stretcher bearers went to the front.  sun down no wounded brot in yet. all very quiet.  John Kimble came to the hospt. he looks very bad.  he tells me our regt is on the skirmish line in front.


Sunday 29th(May 64)  Weather beautiful.  H.Q. are about 1/2 mile to our left.  the whole army is over the river.  made?  ____ a lot of pounds.  wrote to Mag. all quiet on the Paumunkey [Pamunkey R.]  2 cases of rape have occur'd that I have heard of, the last at Chesterfield station. 6 men violated the person of a young colord [p 15, book 5] girl compelling her grey haired old father to hold a candle while they committed the fiendish outrage.  tis dreadful.  no punishment can be to severe for such wretches.  I hope they will all be arrested and hung.  the fact is this pillaging and destroying property will runi the best arum in the world.  severe measures ought to be ado  pted to stop it.  I have the firstthing to confiscate or go for as the boys call it.  I will keep clear of that at all events.  Dr. Bryant & Hen return'd from Fredreicksburg about1. the hospts have been removed to Port Royal.  went up to the regt. withDr. Richards.  not many of the boys sick.  as we were leaving they got orders to pack up and leave.  they go towards Hanover [p 16, book 5] C.H. to support Russell who is going on a recon.  service was held in one of the hospt. tents for the 1st time since we broke camp.  Hen saw a Richmond paper of yesterday.  they still speak boastingly & hope  fully.  they believe or profefs to that a great number of our troops are being discharg'd, the rest deserting.  2 fellows came into camp with 2 horses 4 sheep & 2 bags potatoes.  that they went for ______ goes.


Monday 30th (May 64)  Started out about 7.  towards Hanover C.H.  about 11 came up to our Corp in line of battle.  turn'd back and park'd.  some firing this morning.  all sorts of rumors are afloat.  the most prevelant is [p 17, book 5] that we are to turn back and go to the White House.  2 splendid fileds of wheat have been cut and fed to the horses.  sheep suffer in the flest this morning.  Lem Gardner is very sick.  he was put in an ambulance.  some splendid orchards round here. can not find out how the troops lay.  Uphold[Uphole,Benj] Co K our regt. (wounded in the hand)whilst fishing in the Paumunkey yesterday after noon. discover'd 2 arm'd rebs.  he command'd them to surrender.  theylaid downtheir arms and came to him.  he buckled on their traps took thir arms and took them up to H.Q..  a bold trick for an unarm'd man.  they had been on picket and were cut off by Sheridans Cav. which crofsd on Friday night.  they were starv'd out.  it has been reported for 2 or 3 days that --- --- ----? [p 18. book 5] tis said a Col in our Div. has a Richmond paper stating that he was wounded on the 20th & died the 21st.  I don't believe a word of it.  just conversed with 2 rebs captur'd this morning.  they say its 3-1/2 miles to Hanover C.H. and 15 to Richmond.  they say the hard fighting is just about to commence. they are very hope  ful.  no doubt but we will run aginst a good many snags between here and there, but we will get there, I have no doubt in the world. park'd at sun down.  heavy firing in front.  our men are shelling the woods. crof's monkey run in the afternoon. laid down to sleep heavy skirmishing and firing till I went to sleep.  the roads so far have been very good, sandy bottom. [p 19. book 5]


Tuesday 31st(May 64)  Got up about 5. slept well.  a man can get used to almost anything.  the supply train came up during the night.  twas much needed.  the boys were out tee-totally. Adjt. Cushing came up.  he has managed to get excused for a couple of days. poor stuff in him.  saw a couple of tulip trees in full bloom.  theywere about 80 feet high and near 4 feet in diametre at the base.  twas a beautiful sight. water has been very good for the last few days.  one peculiarity about the springs in this section is that they are all at the roots of large trees. attended to several of the sick.  Dr. Houston and the rest got  parted from the train.  I hear they are up in the Brigade.  the Chaplin went to hunt them out. a mail has come to the regt.  I hope I may get a letter.  we are now square [p 20, book 5] face to face flanking I believe is play'd out.  they have heavy works 2 miles in front.  we are now and have been for some time on the peninsula.  the swamps are between us and them.  we hold some of the solid spots.  There will be heavy work be  fore long.  our Corp is on the right..  heavy firing by 2 batteries allday.  with oc  casional heavy skirmishing.  the 2d Corp laid to our left.  about 1 Oclock our troops took pos  ession of 2 of their earthworks.  theyshell'd them out.  there were quite a number of our Div. wounded  the ambulances have just gone out. only 30 of our regt. were with the troops that took posession of the rifle pits  the rest were on the skirmish line.  they  help'd to take [p 21, book 5] the second works.  help'd to put up the hospt tents.  expect the woundee in shortly.  the sick were all sent to the rear.  Corp H.Q. is at the house of a Mr. Howard about 300 yds fromthe hosp.  so far all goes well. no letter.  the chaplin was up to the regt.  what can be the mat  ter.  I hever in my life long'd so much to hear from home as I do now.  Hen Tucker has just come in from the front.  he tells me our regt is lying within 200 yds of the rebel works. they can see their cannon plainly & the battle flags flying.  our boys are throwing up heavy breastworks.  tis rumer'd the 5th & 9th Corps are at Fair Oaks between Lee and Richmond and that 25000 reinforcements have come up [p 22. book 5] McNutt Co H. wounded in the back by a shell.  Tom Nelson D. mortally wounded thro up part chest.  Corp Vance D. kill'd  D. Watson K killd J. cooper D in the arm.  2 places very severe.


Wed. June 1st(1864)  at sun down all was very quiet and continued so all nig  ht.  at 12 were roused up. the wounded 15 I believe were put into ambulanes.  did not get off till daylight.  struck out to the left.  another flank move I suppose.  our Div. left their position about 1 Oclock this morning.  all their labor there and sacrifice of  life amounts to but little.  Grant is running the machine.  I suppose he knows all about it.  I have no idea where we are going.  weather very warm.  roads very dusty.  cam up with [p 23, book 5] our Div. about 8. as they were camp'd making coffee etc for the sick and wounded.  one died last night another to day.  he was buried where we stopd to get dinner.  the wounded havesuffer'd very much with heat, dust and the jolting of the ambulances.  tis heartrending to hear their piteous cries.  just as we had got started out our train was stop'd to allow the forces of Baldy Smith to pass, tis composed of part of the 10(5)th & 18th Corp.  they came by the way of City Point, West Point & White House.  it took us all by surprise. we thought he was still acting with Butler.  Butler is fortified between the Apa  losanna & James.  so strongly that they cannot budge him, hence he can spare these troops, about 25000 [p 24, book 5] to assist Grant.  the cavalry had a hard fight on this ground last night and this morning. we are about 3 miles from Coal(?) Harbor.  Fort Darling still hold out, but is invested.  the battle commenced in earnest between 3 & 4 Oclock and continued withslight lulls to 10 at night.  the cannonading & musketry was terrific.  our Borp bore the brunt of it. in fact, I think they did nearly all the fighting.  part of the 18 Corp I believe participated.  put up w oper ating tents.  spread spruce  of the ground.about 7,  the wounded commenced to come in and continued to come in till 12.  they were laid down in the woods & atten  ded to as fast as possible.  Fred Aler was the only one of our Co injured.  he is wounded in the thight severely. [p 25, book 5] John Evans Co A wounded upp arm sevely and Pollock, Color Quard regt, arm severe F.


[Ez] Polenly   " "     "    kill'd


D. Turner E  leg flesh              June 64


I was up till after midnight.  oh what scenes of suffering.  the 14 N.J. suffer'd severely our regt escaped miraculously.


Thursday 2(June 64)  Got up about 5.  8 of the wou  nded died during the night.  they wre all buried in one trench side by side wrapt in their blankets.  there is about 300 wounded in our Div.  the other Divs did not suffer as much as ours.  tis a difficult matter to learn anything with certainty.  from all I can gather they fought stubbornly and contested every inch.  we drove them about 1/2 mile.  took some of their works.  captured some cannon and took about 1000 prisoners. [p 26, book 5] quite a number gave themselves up glad of the chance.  the whole force  of Surg are busy amputating.  3 tables being employ'd.  tents have been put up  not one half of them have been attended to yet(1 Oclock).  have been busy all day.  at one thing or another.  500 pris  oners went to the rear.  our sucefs has been dearly bought.  occasional firing all forenoon.  Gen Meade issued an or  der complimenting the 3 Div. for the bravery display'd yesterday and the pro  mpt aid they render'd at a critical moment of the contest.  I am prout to think they have earn'd the thanks of Meade.  we have always been under a cloud since we have been in this army.  no setof men could-did or do fight better yet they never got any [p 27, book 5] credit.  R. Peach Co. A. & J Downing Co C. have come in wounded in the trenches by sharp shooters.  Peach in the back of the head, Downing in the back of the neck.  both slight Vandal(?) Kesner in leg below knee.


      S.C. Johnston E         Lewis Smith D


tis said some of the 100 days men have gone to the front.  the 2d Corp pass'd to th the front heavy firing to our right till long after dark.


Friday 3 (June 64)  Was awoke early this mor  ning by heavy canonading in the front and right.  about 7 Oclock some wounded commenced to come in.  I am sorry to say Capt. Black amongst the rest.  he was hit by a shell in the ankle.  both bones are broken. tis one of the doubtful cases.  Dr. Houston does not think his leg can be saved.  he bears up well.  the 122 has lost one of its p[ 28, book 5] best officers.  Sefgt. Voorhies Co. E. in the thigh.  he will loose his leg. probably his life.  Hen Kirker I in the cap of the knee with a shell.  Lieut. Hartley E. was kill'd A. Moore K(?) left arm.  our Corp made a charge.  they charg'd thro a swamp knee deep  one of the 9 N.Y. H.A. had both legs carried away by a shell.  he onlylived a few hours.  quite a num  ber died during the night.  the wounded were sent off to White Hous, as many as they could get wagons for.  Dr. Bryant went along.  he told me to come along withhiim in a short while he learn'd that he had to come direct back and bring all the men back with him such being the case he said twas uselefs for me to tramp there and back.  my feet being so sore twould have beeen a hard job for me to [p 29, book 5][p 29, book 5] have walk'd but I would have tried it to have got a week or twos rest  Capt. Black was  sent along in a wagon.  the ambul  ances being all full.  up to noon the following were brot in Capt. Harding A left arm.  S. Mitchel F in the back  Corp Miller A. in theback.  F. Swope A in leg. A.B. Smith A foot.  Jos C. Donald D forehead.  Sergt C.D. Yammett F. left arm. Sergt Inskip E.  ball enter left side of nose and lodged near the spine 6 inches below theshoulder blade.  Sergt Gorseline G left leg flesh.  N. McMullen K calf leg leg.  D.B. My  ser G. in the knee  Sergt Myserly calf leg flesh. E. Riggle G. shoulder.  El. Robinson C. foot.  drest a good number of the wounder and made them as comfortable as possible [p 30, book 5] our Div. hold a very gad position in the centre  the 192d on the right and left.  they have a crofs fire on our Div. hence the lofs.  our regt and the 110th are lying within 60 yds of the rebel works in an open field.  the reason our Div is not moved further back is that it would cost too much to retake it.  the 2n Corp made a charge & were repulsed.  they came near turning Burnsides flank last night but the nigs went in and drove them back.  they took no prisoners.  it will be as mu  ch as the bargain if we hold our own.  our men are in the swamps.  they are completely worn out.  Adjt Cushing was sent up to the regt last night.  He he did not go.  I understand he has gone to the rear again.  more have come in.  J.E. Dillon H scalp slig [p 31. book 5] J. Kenworthy B. back and side.  Mic Kronenbitter A. is _____J. Wilson C. thro the head mortal. G. Bryant D. foor slight.  about 250 men have been wounded in our Div.  tis fear ful the number of wounded.  200 prisoners went to the rear.  captur  ed to day.  I dont believe we have gain'd anything to day.  John Voris & Chris Bauers came to the hospt both play'd our.  Chris looks very bad.  cannot wear my boot on one of my feet.  have gone about inmy stocking feet all day.  heavy canon  ading was heard till near 9 Oclock.  I jud  ge twas 8 or 10 miles distant.  heavy mus  ketry firing.  it may be the rebs are chargin our works [p 32, book 5]


Saturday 4th(June 64) Trains heavily laden with Amm. have been going to the front all night.  pontoon train gone forward.  tis reported this morning that the rebs charg'd the 6th Corp 3 times and were repulsed.  there was heavy char  ging done by one or the other.  Dr. Houston & the chaplin started for the regt. but the climate was to unheathy.  shells were flying round to thick.  report has it that siege guns have gone forward.  I do hope this charging of earthworks is at an end.  all the wounded from our Corp and I suppose other corps have been put in ambulances, army supply wagons, anything that goes on wheels.  Dr. Richards goes along.  I go with him.  got a chance to ride in a wagon  with 3 of our boys.  my [p 33, book 5] heel is very sore and painful.  heavy can onading all day.  quite a number of cavalry went to the front.  tis just one month sin  ce we broke camp.  what events have been crowded in that short space of time.  the 10,00s of widows and fatherlefs children that are left, thrown upon the cold charity of the world.  1000s maim'd for life. honor glory, what is it Falstaff says.  I forget, but it covers the ground.  F. Bonestd A wounded in the leg.  W. King D. left arm A. Winegarner A. & W. Malloy of A.  I hea rd were both wounded in the hand I did not see them.  Q.  Keslin [Kerlin] slight wound in the face.  got on the way ab  out 1 Oclock.  the fileds and roads we  re literally cram'd with supply wagons for miles and miles. pass'd some few troops going to thefront.  the roads were in an awful condition.  agr [p 34, book 5]


Saturday 4th (June 64)[second entry]  Orderly McMillan our Co. is in camp with us.  he is very unwell, play'd out.  he has stuck to it like a brick.  he goes to the front again  eat portion cordoroy.  howthe poor wounded suffer'd.  it seems like a refinement - of cruelty to haul them in such conveyances but would co  uld be done.  the Div. might move at anytime and they would have to be moved anyhow.  got to White House about 1 Oclock in the morning.  it raind considerably [p 35, book 5] got a cup of coffee & tack.  slept in the wagons till morning


Sunday 5th(June 64)  The wounded were in the wagons nearly all day. tents were put up and they were moved as fast as possible.  I knock'd round till afternoon attending to our boys.  towards evening a number were sent of to Washington.  met Geo Loyd who was wounded and sent to Fred  ricksburg on the 6 June.  he came up from Port Royal to attend onthe sick.  he is seeking for the Steward of the 3'd  he went with me to see the Stews of the 6th Corp who spoke to Dr. McDonald in charge of the 6 Corp who declare  ed me as dispensing Steward to the Corp. so far so good.  the Pamunkey is full of sloops barges & p[ 36, book 5] steamers of every size and shape  the Christian Com Sanitary Com Ohio relief Association German relief Ass. and other kindred societies are as usual dispensing their blessings with a liberal hand.  I know not what our poor wounded would do without their assistance.  quite a number of ministering angels in the shape of women are here cheering the poor fellows by their prescence.  what sight of suffering 1000s of wounded in every shape.  weather very warm very heavy canonading just after sun down.  heaviest I have heard yet.  some of our regt. are stillhere I suppose they will be sent [p 37, book 5] away to morrow.


Monday 6th(June64)  Got up about 5 after a good nights rest.  I was almost worn out  have been busy all day mak  ing up Rx and fixing up.  all sorts of rumors are afloat.  our troops have crofs's the Chickhomony.  the rebs have been driven etc. etc  know nothing for certain.  poor Fred Aler I dont think he will live till morning.  I was up to see him.  he was delerious.  Sergt. Voo  rhis got off to Washington. as sutter has establish'd himself here.  cheese, rotten  50 cts.  Ham 35, crackers 3 for 5, 2 oran  ges for 25 cts and every thing else in pro  portion. wrote to Mag.  got a letter from Mag.  just as I was leaving the front. the children have the [p 38, book 5] measles but are getting better. had strawberries and cream for dinner(shade of soyer.  what a change from hard tack and coffee)  warm biscuit, tea with milk in it  too good to last long I am afraid.  the wounded have been moveing all day from other Corps.  it rain'd heavily and thun  derd it commenced about 8 and continued till late.  all is bustle hurry & rush.


Tuesday 7(June 64)  Weather clear'd up.  the nurse has just come down 7 Oclock and tells me Fred  Aler died at 10 last night  I will write to his father poor Wilson.  how long he linger'd he to died last night.  they were both [p 39, book 5] buried this morning and headboards put up.  heavy canonading all day at Bottom Bridge so tis reported.  rumor has it that the 6th Corp are on the other side of the Chick for certain.  I hope tis ture.  been busy all day fixing up powds pills etc. etc.  wrote a letter for Bob McNab to his wife.  my feet are getting better.


Wednesday 8th(June 64)  Got Got Alers pock  et book.  put it up directed to his father.  wrote a note and took it over to the Ohio  Relief Association who will see it sent home. getting the hospt in good working order.  Stew  Lamb in charge.  he is a thorough going bis. man.  Dr. McDonald Surg. in charge is a hard working attentive gentleman.  he sees to [p 40, book 5] everything.  bed sacks hay and cots.  have been got for nearly all the wounded.  nourshing food. milk punch stimulatns and attentive nurses.  all is donefor the men.  that can be done.  quite a number of volunteer surgs. have come from all sections.  they are all very anxious to be sent to Washington about 900 men came up here last evening from the barious hospts.  some poor fellows whose wounds were scarcely heal'd.  s Surgeon who sends a man to the front before he wounds are thoroughly heald is an unfeeling wretch and ought to be shot.


Thursday 9th(June 64) Weather very warm.  an amputating tent [p 41, book 5] was fitted up this afternoon.  4 Ohio regts of 100 days men are here.  they are tearing up the RR 2 boat loads of wounded were sentaway.  some few from our Corp.  shall we back to the Div. ho  spt to morrow.


Friday 10th(June 64) Started on the way by 9 Oclock.  roads very dusty.  got up to the Div. at suppertime pretty tired with the tramp.  tis about 12 miles I judge.  reported the 2 deaths to Dr. Houston.  Lincoln is renominated for Pres.  I will vote for him again.  tis reported that Fort Darling is taken dont believe a word of it. things have been very quiet in front for the last 2 or 3 days.  the pickets are quite social and refrain [p 42, book 5] from firingon each other. exchange Tob for coffee, papers etc. etc.


Saturday 11th(June 64) Weather warm all very quiet scarcely a shot. they are buil  ding a large earthwork about 300 yds from the hospt crescent shaped.  what does it mean. some of the troops have been falling back gradually.  tis rum  or'd we are to change our base to the James River.  this is the 12th day the armies have confronted each ot  her.  we have not gain'd an inch except by dig, dig, dig.


Sunday 12th(June 64)  Nearly all the sick and wounded started to the rear leav  ing but a few wagons & ambulances.  troops are passing to the rear.  I sup  pose twill be a general move to the left.  anywhere out of this [p 43, book 5] it destroys the morale of an army to lay so long and make such little progrefs.  Grant, I think, is waiting the movement of some other portion of the army.  the N.Y. World & Journal of Commerce have -een sup  prefs'd why I know not.  Oh for the dai  ly paper.  we night as well live in China for anything we can learn from the papers.  Madam Rumer suppli  es us with all.  Fremont has accept  ed the nomination of some party.  I am disappointed in him.  I had hoped he would have had patriot  ism enought to have declined, am  bition, ambition. Mc Clelland will be the next but tis no use.  honest Old Abe will be reelected run who may.  about 4 started out to [p 44, book 5] the left as I anticipated.  about 6 halted to feed the horses and get supper.  our orderly is in the ambulance Sick.  John Timms died in Washington a few days agoe.  [Gen.] Jones has been  moving since l st  June  so the orderly told him.  our troops the 2,9,6th are still in our rear.  I expect we will lay here all night till they pafs  I wonder where our stopping place will be.  saw a paper of the 9th. little in it.  reports little progrefs this week in this army.  thats so. Fremont is awfully se  vere on Lincoln.  he has resi  gn'd his commis.  he is dead as a dutch devil politically.  what friends he had he will [p 45, book 5] now lose.


Monday 13(June 64)  Were rous'd up by 3.  got on the way by 4.  travel'd till 7 in the evening.  the hardest days tramp I have done yet.  about 20 miles.  had to take off one of my boots.  saw cotton for the first time.  pluck'd a stem.  will send it & a rose to Mag.  saw some splendid fields of wheat nearly ready for the sic  kle. it can never be cut all the nigs having left.  the corn is very fine.  pasd 3 churches.  Providence, White Oak & an  other whose name I could not learn. crofs'd the Richmond & York River RR. (tisspelt) Cold Harbor.  the 9 N.Y. added to our Brig. had 2265 when it join'd us)  pass'd our regr.  the boys what there is of them look hard rugged and tan'd.  report [p 46. book 5] for duty.  3 officers. Lieuts Sells, Dutro & Gibson.  Col Ball  Lt Col Granger.  wheeler acting Adt, as for Cushing they have ceased to mention him in connection with the regt. crofs's the Chickihominy the historic Chick where 1000s of our men now rest on the south side.  how many who never even found a grave. McClellan dug his grave here.  I hope Grant will be more fortunate.  I feel ass  ured he will.  where we crossd twas not 3 feet wide.  in Ohio twould be call'd a run.


Tuesday 14th(June 64)  Got up at 4.  did not get on the way till about 7.  travell'd till about 12 when we camp'd about a mile from the James [p 47. book 5] River.  saw vessels passing up.  the gun boats are here.  we can hear them whistling.  troops have been passing until late at night.  tis said the 5th Corp is acrofs.  my feet are so sore or I would have gone down and learn'd what I could.  Mead went to the front and return'd.  the telegraph has been put up.  H.Q. Army are about 1/4 mile in our rear.  what is to be the next move I cannot tell.  the general opinion seems to be that we shall crofs to the south side and get in the rear of Richmond.  the land has improved very much.  soil not so sandy.


Wednesday 15th(June 64)  Got up about 6.  after a good nights rest.  Oh, how stiff & sore I feel. weather very fine.  our Div. is lying 1/2 mile to our left.  [p 48, book 5] wrote to Mag. sent the rose and cot  ton plant.  a heavy force of Cav. have gone out on our right.  Burnside pass'd us duringthe night.  one year ago to day I was gobbled up by the rebs at Winches  ter.  what an eventful year. history has the material ready made to her hand to fill many ponderous tomes and the ground work of 1000s of novels & stories  moved about 10.  camp'd on the grounds of Major _______[blank] now a prisoner in our hands.  tis a splendid farm surrounded by beautiful grounds.  went down to the James and had a good bathe.  tis about 1 mile wide.  transports & steamers are passing up loaded with sup  plies & troops. a pontoon [p 49, book 5] bridge is thrown acrofs.  the 2d Corp must be over as their supply train has gone over. supplies came up this evening for our Corp.  they boys were hard up.  conversed with an old negro belonging to the place.  he says he is 101 years of age.  he is very old at any rate.  he told me that the historic adventure of Pochahu ntos & John Smith occur'd on this property.  be that as it may, a fort built opposite is call fort Pochan.  came acrofs a black mulberry tree.  took quite a lot of them and some cherries, huckleberries, blackberries, straw do, rasp do are thick all over this section.  I would like to be here when they are ripe.  I find out by reference to t the map that we are lying at B(C)ogg's land'g [p 50, book 5] about a mile below Harrisons.


Thursday 16th (JUNE 64)  Got up about 6.  rested good.  weatherfine for the last few days.  good breeze blowing.  trains were moving over the river all night.  Butler h has Petersburg at last, no mistake this time.  Hunter is coming up the valley.  our orderly & me(he is sick at the hospt) went down to the pontoon bridge and landing. trains are crofsing all the time.  the river is alive with craft of all kinds. I saw but one bun goat.  had a chilly bathe.  tis reported this afternoon that Ewell is in our rear in the hopes of gobbling our train.  too late, old cock.  the 5 or part of it went up the river on transports during the forenoon.  our Corp are throwing up [p 51, book 5] a line of works 2 miles in our rear.  orderly Hendershot & Williams came round from the Regt to see some of the boys at the hospt.  the tree under which Phoch. saved the life of John Smith, I wonder if he is the father of all the John Smiths on the continent, is about 50 yds in the rear of our regt.  tis-wall'd round with brick.  I would have gone up to see it, but that we got orders to move.  the old nig was pretty near correct.  Williams promised to get me a twig.  started for the riv  er about 6 did not get over till 10.  what a scene of seeming confusion artillery, ambulances, Forage, Supply wagons, pack mules, all huddled together, but once over everything finds its place.  about 11 the train doubled up and the talk was stay there, ambulances [p 52, book 5] were going no further.  laid down went to sleep.  woke up by 4 the tra  in had moved during the night.


Friday 17(June 64)  Started out follow'd the 2d Corp train which was pulling out.  when about a mile on the way Chris Bauer gave out.  the rest push'd a he  ad.  I staid withhim.  followd the road.  heard of our train 6 miles ahed.  stopd about 11 and boild coffee. the 1st & 3 Div  of our Corp went up to City Point on transports.  the 2 Div march'd quite a number of them arein the rear.  I am sorry I have got seperated from the train tis the first time since I came out.  the land on this side is rought hilly & un  culivated.  sassfras seems to be the staple. about 4 O clock we came [p 53, book 5] to a crofs  overd about 2 miles from CityPoint.  here we learn'd that our train was about a mile down the road and ready to start.  it started be  fore we got there.  our Corp is 6  miles up the river. a cavalry man told me that our forces took 18 pc. cannon & 1800 prisoners yesterday and that the rebs still hold part of Petersburg.  we are on the Petersburg road.  heard heavy firing at intervals all day.  the wea ther has been very warm.  the warmest day we have had so far.  got up to the Hospt at 6.  tired out.  we walk'd more th  an 20 miles.  the 2,5 & 9the Corps are in fr  ont.  pass'd over the ground that Burn  side fought on yesterday.  horses kill'd by shell werelying all along the road.  pass'd 2 mills that had been brund do  wn, and a brick church.  the church [p 54, book 5] was not much injur'd/  very heavy firing & musketry until after 10.  I sup pose the rebs were trying to dislodge our men form their position.  they hold all the heights around Petersburg and I suppose will take it to morrow.  saw 2 shells.  suppose they would weigh 150 lbs. each.  that had been thrown by our gun boats.  they werelying near a mill.  nearly all the houses were deserted.


Saturday 18(June 64) Weather warm but much cooler.  moved out about 10 from our camp(3 miles from Petersburg) to the banks of the Appomattox 4 miles from Petersburg.  camp'd in a beauti  ful spot.  Fort Clifton a reb fort is al  most opposite.  they can shell our camp easy as wink.  we are now 4 miles from Petersburg.  they have been ham  mering away all day with what [p 55, book 5] sucefs I know not.  Petersburg is a hard nut to crack.  I shall not be lieve tis taken till I see it.  saw some Nig. Cav.  our Div now occupy the fortifications between the Appomattox & James.  bath'd in the river.  saw heavy works 1/2 mile above. heard the gun boats whistle but did not see any pass up.  the river here is full of islands.  2 large houses on the place we are encamp'd are burn'd to the ground.  shells lay thick round about.  the trees are torn in every direction with shell from the gun boats.  got an order from the Doc.(Bryant) me Chris Bauers, Bill Wiles & Jim [p 56, book 5] Johnstone got a him some flour and dried apples.  Wiles made flap Jacks and fried ham for supper.  what a surprize to our stomachs.  tis indeed a treat


Sunday 19th (June 64)  Things have been very quiet all day.  scarcely a gun fired.  no firing during the night.  a gun boat pass'd up last night.  saw the spires of the chur  ches of Petersbirg from the roof of a  barn and the rebel works they seem to be vacated or are very quiet from some cause.  Inskip died on Thurs  day last.  I saw his name in the Chronicle.  I though he would recover.  weather cooler.  the i & 2d Div of our Corp have moved in the direction of Petersburg.  our Div is on the right, at James River.  they [p 57, book 5] left the fortifications early this morn  ing.  had orders to move at 4 started did not get to the river before we stop'd being halted till our Div. pass'd.  the sick were sent to Point of Rocks.  was on duty 6 hours this morning.  the 62' Ohio is lying within 2 miles of us.  our Div pass'd at dusk.  follow'd them camp'd about 11.  near the hospts of the other Div.


Monday 20th(June64)  Weather very warm. pitch'd a hospt tents/  got things in pr  etty good order. canonading all day.  got a letter from Mag.  all well/  got one from Ed Hilliard.  he is in hospt in Rhor Island.  wrote to Mag.  a Nig  ger was hung this afternoon for att  empting to commit a rape on a white girl  he was cut d down at 7 this [p 58, book 5] evening.  quite a crowd collected. the rebs threw a shell into the crowd and kill'd 2 men whose term had expired and who were going to leave the front in an hour.  Dr. Bryant sent for me.  he goes up to the Regt. to stay with it.  I go with him to dispense.  filld up the field knapsack.  got up before dark.  went and saw the boys.


Tuesday 21st(June 64) Weather very warm.  had sick call.  96 drafted men have come up to our Regt. our Div is lying in the woods in the rear of the forts (2) a constant canonading is kept up.  between them and the rebel batt  eries.so far none of the shells have reach'd us but they whiz quite close occassionally.  Peters [p 59, book 5] burg is in plain view about 2 miles distant.  Chaplin Huston came up on the afternoon.  he joins our mefs.  mevd out about 5 to the left. went about 5 miles when the Johns were found in our front.  the men were double quick'd up and got all in a knot.  gotthem form'd and moved on about 1/2 mile further.  rails were  soon in requisition and breastworks thrown up slight skirmishing with our advance.  got parted from the Docter met some of our boys.  laid down with them


Wednesday 22(June 64) During the night I aw  oke 3 or 4 times and heard musketry each time.  hunted up the Doc.  had breakfast. went to the regt.  heavy can nonading on our right all mor  ning.  our Div mov'd up about 1/2 [p 60, book 5] mile about 11 started after them. Dr. Barre met Bryant and told him twas nonsence to go there but go to a house in the rear a short distance where Brig hospt would be establish'd/  heavy skirmishing had been going on for 1/2 an hour by our Div. went up to the house.  what a scene.  they had left everyting behind.  it had been splendidly furnish'd but what a wreck.  tables chairs sofas are scat ter'd all over the grounds round the house.  books papers deeds strewn on the floor.  carpets  rip'd up.  fea  thers beds and ticks laid under the trees on which the boys were resting themselves.  2 pianos, i brok  en up the othe still good [p 61, book 5] for Yankee Doodle etc etc  some of the boys had large morrors stuck up aginst the trees shaving.  others lounging on sofas. tis the first house I have seen sack'd. I hope twill be the last.  8 wounded were brot in from our Div.just as we got everting in order we had to move out. Gen Wright taking it for H.Q..  the wounded were put in ambulances and taken to Div hospt where we follow'd/  I saw a deed executed in the reignof Charles 2 dated  1683.  Iwould like to have had it, but the young fellow would not sell it.  heavy canonading al- afternoon.  dont know what sucefs.  had orders to move the sick & wounded were sent away.  all seems to be in a muddle all sorts of [p 62, book 5] stories.  simple facts are these.  we advanced but had to fall back to the rought fortifi  cations thrown up last night.  a number of our Div were taken prisoner.  I Co of the 87Pa late, about 7 or 8 great chee  ring was heard.  to sume up we lose con  siderable and gain nothing. the boys tell me the country they are ______ is like the wildernefs.


Thursday 23d(June 64)  Slept soundly all night so much so that I did not hear the heavy canonading in the direction of Petersburg.  started to the front after breakfast.  it has been arrang'd that we go with Brig hospt and go up to the regt every morning except during an engagement when we go to the Div. hospt [p 63, book 5] the boys up at the front told me the firing last night was the heaviest since the campaign open'd.  12 more wounded were brot to Div hospt last night late.  the wounded and s sick are still there.  things were awfully mixed up last nig  het. there appears to be no doubt but that the 2 Corp ran against a snag yes  terday. they lost a brig(pris) and 4 peices of artillery.  after dark last night heard cheering and yelling.  found out this morning that our Corp ad  vanced about a mile.  to the position theynow occupy in a dense woods.  got posession of the R.R.  cant find out the name.  destroy'd about a mile of it when the Johns came along in force and drove our boys [p 64, book 5] about 1/2 mile.  we had but a skir  mish line.  they form'd 2 lines of battle and threw out a heavy skir. line.  the 2 Div has gone forward.  I expect there  will be a fight this evening.  as I write skirmishing is pretty live  ly.  during the last 4 or 5 days  water has been scarce and awful stuff at that.  about 5 moved back about 1/4 miles all the pack horses being sent to the rear.  Dr. Bryant went up to the house and did not return till 12.  we had all laid down.  between 20 & 30 wounded were brot in.  our Div. was moving to the rear.  pack'd up & followd.  they took up the position they held 2 days ago. to me it look'd as though we were falling back but found [p 65, book 5] that the 5th Corp were relieving our Corp.  the 3 Div lost about 250 men taken prisoner on the skirmish line.  things have been poorly managed on the left by somebody.


Friday 24th(June 64) Weather very warm.  Sam Parkinson of Co A came up to day to cook for our mefs. he has been with Capt. Hazleton for a long time.  soft bread was issued to the boys.  the 1st for  50 days.  had fried ham soft bread, chocolate tomatoes and can'd peaches for dinner.  as Mrs. Parkington would say, a feast for a an Ipecac. very heavy canonading for about an hour this morning inthe direction o of Petersburg.  the chaplin distributed a quantity of Sanitary items to the boys. lemons, peaches, farina [p 66, book 5] smoking tob etc. etc.  that cuss'd animule known as grey backs are thick as hops.  keep clean as possible, they will find their way on you.  I wash myself all over nearly every day.  yet I find them on me.  as the chaplin return'd from the regt the regt had orders to move were countermanded.  the 2 Corp has mo  ved. the 5th also.  I cannot understand the moves to day.  our Div were to have advanced to the R.R. but that was coun termanded.  thing are some what mix'd up just now. the 2 Corp lost a number of men while being relieved by the  5th.  the rebs got a battery in range and raked their rifle pits.  our line has not been advanced much during the last few days. [p 67, book 5]


Saturday 25th(June 64)  The heat is oppres  sive.  scarcly a breath of air.  the dust rises in clouds.  tis suffocating.  theystill held the R.R.  but tis no use to them, our picktes being within a short distance.  Dr. Bryant Rx for the 110th  Dr. McCand  lifs being a little under the weather.  Hen Tucker is sick and has been for the last few days.  moved our quarters late in the evening.  the woods being all cut down.  the officer(Engr)  calld it ma  king a slash.  the timber is fell'd in every direction making it impassable.  moved into the woods 1/4 mile in the rear of our regt.  thing have been com  paratively quiet all day.  they are strength ning the fortifications and planting cannon in every direction.  our regt [p 68, book 5] is in a an open field without shade(but the tents) which are poor affairs in such a sandy soil.  they suffer much.  all except sick are out on picket.  Dr. McKinney tells me that the 87th lost the other day about 100 men kill'd wounded & prisoners.  the rebs are moving 2 heavy coloums down the R.R. on our right== they will try to flank us I suppose.


Sunday 26th(June 64)  Slept little during the night.  severe painin my brest for the last few days.  heavy firing cannon & mus  ketry.  twas kept up all night.till day light direction Petersburg.  I make no do  ubt they were trying tobreak our lines. tis rumor'd that part of Burnsides for  ces 1 Mafs took a fort  from the rebs. all quiet so far to day. 2 Oclock [p 69, book 5] weather scorching. the men are literally melting away.  they could not march & fight such weather as this.  the mengetting dispirited & worn out, but still hoping this camp aign will put a stop to this


Monday 27th(June 64)  Still hot as an oven.  threatend to rain a little last night but blew over.  how grateful  a show  er would be just now.  heavy firing agian last night.  tis rumor a part of the 2 Corp have gone to reinforce Hunter up the valley.  a number of the sick and wounded have been out to City Point.  Dr, Richards is detail'd for duty there.  Andy Stulz staid with us during the day.  the supply trains are at City Point.  the Col & Dr. Richards [p 70, book 5] go with Andy in the morning.


Tuesday 28th(June 64) Weather much cooler. slight shower last night.  Andy started at daylight.  not much firing last night.  prescribed for the 110th Ohio.  things pretty quick.  wrote to mag last evening. the Adjt came up.  the orderlies have commenced to make out the payrolls.


Wednesday 29th(June 64) Weather still warm slight breeze.  everything very quiet.  scarcely a gun fri'd. we are just hol  ding our positions.  what will be the next move.  went to the 110th.  about 2 orders came to be ready to move at a moments notice.  moved out about 4.  roads very dusty.  tramp'd along till near 11.  halted in the woods.  moved the line after we laid down [p 71, book 5] got settled down about 12.



Thursday 30th (June 64)  Was awoke about 5.  slept soundly.  feel stiff and sore.  my breast hurst me considerably.  found out were we are, at Reames's station on the Weloon & Petersburg R.R. it cuts off one line of communication with Richmond.  the buildings are all destroy'd and the track torn up.  we are 9 miles from Petersburg.  expect we will run foul of the Johnnies.some time todlay.  Part of Sheridan force u under Wilson had a fight near here yesterday.  they flax'd him out.  he lost 6 peic peices of cannon.  all his ammunition am  bulances and sick.  he cut his way thro and has gone somewhere, no [p 71, book 5] one knows where. followd by FitsHugh, Lee.  we came up t to support him but were too late.  tis said A.P. Hills is _______ lying round loofs in these dig  gins somewhere.  got order to be ready to move at a monents warning.  burn'd all the letters from Mag.  2 days ago.  I never did any thing with a poorer grace.  twas like  sawing the last link between us, but I could not carry them in my pocket any longer.  feel very slim to day.  had a slight chill, will be all right in a day or 2.  camp'd at 10 Oclock about 3 miles from wehre we left yesterday.


            End of Book 5




Copyright 2013 Michelle Stone/Primogenia Press.



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