Visited Hos -- buried four men this morng at one
time. McMullen, Snyder -- Hildreth & Morris. Called on
Gen. Sumner. sitting in arm chair with dress g [dressing gown]
Smoking a pipe -- Sd. "No ans. yet -- & as we were under
orders to move at moments notice day or night
he would recommend me to give up attempt.
Very busy writing letters for friends of soldiers &c.
Rain this P.M. good bathe & change -- Got flour,
Found good deal seriousness & desire after religious
life -- No orders yet -- Tis sd. 600 prisoners passed by
today taken by Sigel, doubtful --
Private William McMullen of Co. B
Corporal David Hildreth of Co. I
Private Jesse B. Morris of Co. K
Four different privates named Snyder: Henry, James, John, & William.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Mon [December] 29 [1862]
Lovely day, three of our men died since 11 last night,
Called on Gen. Sumner about flag truce to get [Sgt. Edward] Townsends body --
very affable -- soldierly man -- Knew & remembered my bro. William.
Sent about sick to Gen.' hospitals -- wrote several letters to friends of
sick & dead &c. Like a day in Sept -- but quite cool at night
letter fr. Mr H -- Called again -- He sd. "no ans. yet- There flags
of truce embarrass me. I want to open my guns this
moment onthere ^'a' rifle pit -- they are digging, but
can do nothing" -- Attended battalion drill.
Called again on Gen S. no ans. yet. "Probably Comandg. officer
is ten miles in the interior".We Sent to Aquia Creek for
Coffins -- Came tonight. No mail -- today, found some
Seriousness in hospital --
Capt. [Philetus] Stevens is rehearsing his exploits in Marine Corps
& under Col (now) Genl. Sumner
Busy with letters to friends of dead. 9 oclk P.M.
just recd. orders for Sixty rounds & 5 days rations & be
ready to march at revielle -- Whither? Lord
direct! I have ordered the graves dug tonight for the
three men to be buried early in morg --
Called on Gen. Sumner about flag truce to get [Sgt. Edward] Townsends body --
very affable -- soldierly man -- Knew & remembered my bro. William.
Sent about sick to Gen.' hospitals -- wrote several letters to friends of
sick & dead &c. Like a day in Sept -- but quite cool at night
letter fr. Mr H -- Called again -- He sd. "no ans. yet- There flags
of truce embarrass me. I want to open my guns this
moment on
can do nothing" -- Attended battalion drill.
Called again on Gen S. no ans. yet. "Probably Comandg. officer
is ten miles in the interior".
Coffins -- Came tonight. No mail -- today, found some
Seriousness in hospital --
Capt. [Philetus] Stevens is rehearsing his exploits in Marine Corps
& under Col (now) Genl. Sumner
Busy with letters to friends of dead. 9 oclk P.M.
just recd. orders for Sixty rounds & 5 days rations & be
ready to march at revielle -- Whither? Lord
direct! I have ordered the graves dug tonight for the
three men to be buried early in morg --
Sun [December] 28 [1862]
Lovely day, held Sbat services in hosps. & buried poor
Post in morng. A large voluntary regt Service in P.M. -- preached
on Let me die death of right, &c. Good prayer meetg. in Mess tent
in eveg --- Baloon look bright & clear in blue sky.
Post in morng. A large voluntary regt Service in P.M. -- preached
on Let me die death of right, &c. Good prayer meetg. in Mess tent
in eveg --- Baloon look bright & clear in blue sky.
[Saturday] Dec 27 [1862]
Mild -- We lost poor Post today Typhoid fever -- talked &
prayed in hosps -- wrote letters about sick dead &c. Corrected list
of casualties & sent to guardian -- One of my letters abt. killed appeared
in is. of 23d --
Six men with surname Post in the 25th New Jersey.
prayed in hosps -- wrote letters about sick dead &c. Corrected list
of casualties & sent to guardian -- One of my letters abt. killed appeared
in is. of 23d --
Six men with surname Post in the 25th New Jersey.
[Friday] Dec 26 [1862]
cloudy - & wind -- Pres. thanks Army of Potomac.
makg. arrangements to cross under flag of truce for Townsends
and Moseleys bodies -- In hospitals -- writing letters to dead, missg.
&c Soldiers friends -- Paterson Paper finds fault with Col. & me
for not writing details &c -- Col. sent full list aabt. week
ago --
makg. arrangements to cross under flag of truce for Townsends
and Moseleys bodies -- In hospitals -- writing letters to dead, missg.
&c Soldiers friends -- Paterson Paper finds fault with Col. & me
for not writing details &c -- Col. sent full list aabt. week
ago --
Dec. 25. Thurs. [1862]
Thurs. Wrote letter. Visited hospt. Celebrated Xmas with
roast beef andare dried apple pie-- Q.M. & Capt Spear are
getting up a dance in front of our mess tent for the men.
It don't seem to take much. Rode out to find 2d. N.J.V.
Not successful. Visitd. hos -- wounded are nearly
all removed to Washington &c. found four dying men
one a Cath. wished me to pray for him, two were Christians
one very bright & happy -- talked & prayed with all.
A mild day. 'Tis sd. we are to return to Washington.
Captain Edward Spear of Co. K, 25th New Jersey and Quartermaster John S. Muschamp
roast beef and
getting up a dance in front of our mess tent for the men.
It don't seem to take much. Rode out to find 2d. N.J.V.
Not successful. Visitd. hos -- wounded are nearly
all removed to Washington &c. found four dying men
one a Cath. wished me to pray for him, two were Christians
one very bright & happy -- talked & prayed with all.
A mild day. 'Tis sd. we are to return to Washington.
Captain Edward Spear of Co. K, 25th New Jersey and Quartermaster John S. Muschamp
[Wednesday] Dec. 24 [1862]
Chilly -- took good bath & clean clothes -- expounded
SS[scriptures?] talked & prayed in hospitals. Regt came in from
picket -- wrote letters -- Col. Stevens 13 N H & Col Mindell
called. five of our officers have resigned -- ill health
&c. accepted. No. has washed my change of clothes as
usual. looks like storm. rumors of Cabinet & Army
Commander changes. Herald of yesterday says all
as before. Burnside takes whole responsibility:
Rebel acs Say it is greatest battle on the
Continent -- Boys say, Rebel order for "Undouble
files -- double quick March!" is -- "From four ranks to
to ranks -- right Smart -- git?"
Colonel Aaron F. Stevens
SS[scriptures?] talked & prayed in hospitals. Regt came in from
picket -- wrote letters -- Col. Stevens 13 N H & Col Mindell
called. five of our officers have resigned -- ill health
&c. accepted. No. has washed my change of clothes as
usual. looks like storm. rumors of Cabinet & Army
Commander changes. Herald of yesterday says all
as before. Burnside takes whole responsibility:
Rebel acs Say it is greatest battle on the
Continent -- Boys say, Rebel order for "Undouble
files -- double quick March!" is -- "From four ranks to
to ranks -- right Smart -- git?"
Colonel Aaron F. Stevens
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tues [December 23, 1862]
lovely day our Regt. on picket at river side -- opposite Freder-
icksburg -- helped post them -- rode all along bank in full view
of rebel pickets -- no firing -- rowed across in small boat with
Col. D[errom] & aide of Zurich -- under flag of truce -- talked with rebels --
a Capt. of So. Caroline regt -- very anxious to get our papers
gave them. Saw on this side Mrs. McShane & Mrs. Edwards waiting to
cross -- Knew Mrs. Perry -- hoped we would again gain possession
& hold it -- visited grist mill -- flour 11 ¢ lb. corn meal 1.60 pr.
bu. Saw [Edwin Vose] Sumner review 9th Army Corps -- on plateau -- nr. his
qrs -- Visited hospital -- buried Magesin. recd. letters fr.
Mr. H. & Townsend's sister -- Visited pickets after sunset.
icksburg -- helped post them -- rode all along bank in full view
of rebel pickets -- no firing -- rowed across in small boat with
Col. D[errom] & aide of Zurich -- under flag of truce -- talked with rebels --
a Capt. of So. Caroline regt -- very anxious to get our papers
gave them. Saw on this side Mrs. McShane & Mrs. Edwards waiting to
cross -- Knew Mrs. Perry -- hoped we would again gain possession
& hold it -- visited grist mill -- flour 11 ¢ lb. corn meal 1.60 pr.
bu. Saw [Edwin Vose] Sumner review 9th Army Corps -- on plateau -- nr. his
qrs -- Visited hospital -- buried Magesin. recd. letters fr.
Mr. H. & Townsend's sister -- Visited pickets after sunset.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Mon [December] 22 [1862]
little warmer -- In hos. & writing letters for sick, &c. Powell
died of gun shot in side. Sd. 60 13 in G. Mortars have arrived. Pickets
ordered 5 days rations. Eng -- Margesin Co. E died of penumonia --
buried Powell.
Four men named Powell in the 25th New Jersey: Captain Charles R. Powell of Company G; Private Daniel B. of Company D; Private Josiah Powell of Company F and Private Martin V.B. of Company D.
Butler may have been referring to the 13-inch Model 1861 seacoast mortar. So heavy they had to be transported by train, they were generally used in coastal fortifications though a famous one knicknamed "The Dictator" was employed in the siege of Petersburg, Va., in 1864.
Private Richard D. Margeson
died of gun shot in side. Sd. 60 13 in G. Mortars have arrived. Pickets
ordered 5 days rations. Eng -- Margesin Co. E died of penumonia --
buried Powell.
Four men named Powell in the 25th New Jersey: Captain Charles R. Powell of Company G; Private Daniel B. of Company D; Private Josiah Powell of Company F and Private Martin V.B. of Company D.
Butler may have been referring to the 13-inch Model 1861 seacoast mortar. So heavy they had to be transported by train, they were generally used in coastal fortifications though a famous one knicknamed "The Dictator" was employed in the siege of Petersburg, Va., in 1864.
Private Richard D. Margeson
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sun. [December] 21 [1862]
bright & cold. Visited hos. Distributed tracts & books. Held
service in P.M. Dr. Blundel here --
Possibly William Blundell, Asst. Surgeon, 5th New Jersey. (1837-1916)
service in P.M. Dr. Blundel here --
Possibly William Blundell, Asst. Surgeon, 5th New Jersey. (1837-1916)
Sat. Dec. 20 [1862]
Very cold night. Slept very cold. Pity poor fellows
in shelter tents -- bright cold day -- Army quiet -- Most of wounded
sent to Washington. Have some very bad here.
in shelter tents -- bright cold day -- Army quiet -- Most of wounded
sent to Washington. Have some very bad here.
Fri. Dec. 19 [1862]
Buried abt. 230 yesterday they sd heard two heavy guns
on left this morg. -- letter fr. Mr. H. Wrote letters &c our returns
show 8 killed -- 59 wounded -- 18 missg. = 85. Wrote to friends of the killed, etc.
on left this morg. -- letter fr. Mr. H. Wrote letters &c our returns
show 8 killed -- 59 wounded -- 18 missg. = 85. Wrote to friends of the killed, etc.
[Thursday] Dec. 18 [1862]
Fine cold morning. Brigade inspection. Let John visit 22nd Regt.
Was waked up at 12 1/2 last night for detail of 24 men to bury dead
under flag truce -- Lt. Rogers says -- rebels very polite -- buried
624 yesterday -- most had been stripped quite naked -- could recog-
nize few or none. Thot. he saw Sergt Gibson Co. A -- Men sd
were offered 3$ U.S. for a canteen -- Rode with Dr. [Robert M.] Bateman to
hospitals -- Boys glad to see us. quite cold --
Lt. Andrew Rogers, of Cos. A and F, later promoted to Captain
1st Sergent James T. Gibson, Co. A, 25th New Jersey
Was waked up at 12 1/2 last night for detail of 24 men to bury dead
under flag truce -- Lt. Rogers says -- rebels very polite -- buried
624 yesterday -- most had been stripped quite naked -- could recog-
nize few or none. Thot. he saw Sergt Gibson Co. A -- Men sd
were offered 3$ U.S. for a canteen -- Rode with Dr. [Robert M.] Bateman to
hospitals -- Boys glad to see us. quite cold --
Lt. Andrew Rogers, of Cos. A and F, later promoted to Captain
1st Sergent James T. Gibson, Co. A, 25th New Jersey
[Wednesday] 17 Dec. [1862]
Clear -- cold -- rode to hill to see field battle -- visited wounded -- Met
some kind ladies, among the hospitals. Sent off 26 of our wounded
to Washington -- Burnside says -- withdrawal of Army was effect-
ed without loss of men or guns or stores -- without knowledge of
enemy & as military necessity (either to return or fight --
repulse wld. be disasterous -- cld. nt take batteries.
Jackson is Lt. Col. 26 N.J.V.
The Colonel of the 26th New Jersey was Andrew Jackson Morrison (1828-1907) eventually dismissed from the Army by Philip Sheridan for habitual drunkeness.
some kind ladies, among the hospitals. Sent off 26 of our wounded
to Washington -- Burnside says -- withdrawal of Army was effect-
ed without loss of men or guns or stores -- without knowledge of
enemy & as military necessity (either to return or fight --
repulse wld. be disasterous -- cld. nt take batteries.
Jackson is Lt. Col. 26 N.J.V.
The Colonel of the 26th New Jersey was Andrew Jackson Morrison (1828-1907) eventually dismissed from the Army by Philip Sheridan for habitual drunkeness.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Tuesday [December] 16 [1862]
Rain -- Cleared off -- Got regt. in order & cleaned up -- settled -- horse
well -- We sent horses over Sat. last night dark part march muddy --
Army all over & bridges up -- Stragglers crossed thr. water. Loss in
centre sd. to be 1200 -- heavy on left also -- We have n't taken Rebels
but we are out of that bad place -- After breakfast had prayers
visited sick & wounded. 12 oclk bright cool day -- some heavy
guns. Berdans sharp-shooters left in loop-holed houses -- to cover rear --
are said to be captured some of them -- What is the military
result of this affair -- does it tell for or against us -- Did we hold
Lee here -- for any ulterior purpose ? Wrote Henry -- Visited
wounded -- we sent Lt. Rogers & four men under flag of truce to
bury dead -- gave description of R. Mosely & Segt. Townsends grave.
Colonel Hiram Berdan (1824-1893), famous marksman and rifle inventor recruited two regiments of sharpshooters for service in the Union Army. At Fredericksburg they were held in reserve, did not cross the river until the 14th, and were used to cover the retreat of the Union Army.
Lt. Andrew Rogers of Cos. A & F, 25th New Jersey
well -- We sent horses over Sat. last night dark part march muddy --
Army all over & bridges up -- Stragglers crossed thr. water. Loss in
centre sd. to be 1200 -- heavy on left also -- We have n't taken Rebels
but we are out of that bad place -- After breakfast had prayers
visited sick & wounded. 12 oclk bright cool day -- some heavy
guns. Berdans sharp-shooters left in loop-holed houses -- to cover rear --
are said to be captured some of them -- What is the military
result of this affair -- does it tell for or against us -- Did we hold
Lee here -- for any ulterior purpose ? Wrote Henry -- Visited
wounded -- we sent Lt. Rogers & four men under flag of truce to
bury dead -- gave description of R. Mosely & Segt. Townsends grave.
Colonel Hiram Berdan (1824-1893), famous marksman and rifle inventor recruited two regiments of sharpshooters for service in the Union Army. At Fredericksburg they were held in reserve, did not cross the river until the 14th, and were used to cover the retreat of the Union Army.
Lt. Andrew Rogers of Cos. A & F, 25th New Jersey
Mon [December] 15 [1862]
Quiet night ---- except aroused by musketry near us at 1 A.M.
Attended Sergt Townsend's funeral at 9 A.M. buried in box west side of garden
of Jno. Minor house -- nearly So.E. of R. Mosely grave (in next lot.) almost in
line with an ivy covered tree -- 1/2 back fr. St. head to to St -- Caroline St.
The battle Sat. was very severe -- Our loss is now 94 -- K. W. & M. We are
ordered to move all wounded across river. Either bec. we expect them to
shell city or we renew battle. What strange & dreadful wounds.
Talked with wounded -- prayed &c -- Fine pleasant morning -- Our little
cottage has a hole fr. shell right over where we eat & sleep --
The drummers are throwing up bomb casemates at end of garden --
12 noon wrote letters to friends of some of dead -- No action today -- Since
Thurs. morn. we have been in momentary expectation of a general engage-
ment. Sat. we had -- but all rest of time we have been in suspense.
Or food is chiefly bacon -- fried -- griddle cakes without eggs or raising --
& hard tack - 1 P.M. -- just thro dinner & the batteries are opening.
Silent again -- wrote Mr. H. A.G.G. of our brigade has ordered a detail
of men to get crow bars & to loop hole houses --
5 P.M. The fact that our wounded have been removed & surgeons sent over
& loads of furniture & stoves also -- & no attack made today -- & most of
all that our severe attack made really no impression on rebel line --& our
loss is great -- I infer that we may be withdrawn across river tongiht -- &
the loop holes are for sharp-shooters to cover retreat -- But the rebels can
shell us at leisure -- Our batteries can cover us from other bank -- but if
bridge is broken it would be a bad place -- the rebel papers call this spot a
vast slaughter pen -- May God direct & keep us -- a shell just burst in air
near us fr. rebel battery -- tho. no regular firing --
Just got thru. supper when Regt. was ordered to support picket. I left at
Hd. qrs. of 25th Reg. in charge of sick, guards & drummers -- Reported to Col.
[Rush C.] Hawkins about 8 -- he ordered me to move across river -- I called all in
took names put sick in front -- drummers next -- guard in rear -- put spare
muskets in hands of drummers -- put house in order -- left memo. for
Col -- in case he called also a notice to all after comers to preserve place
& furniture as we had -- fastened house up -- formed line & marched
silently down dark st. to turn over to river -- Met our regt. among others
ready to pass over -- Marched to bridge -- Met Col. Dutton's regt. halted at bridge.
Got brigade comd. to let us pass -- got over safely -- counted files halted for sick
& then wandered along in dark for three hours seeking our camp -- at last
made Gen. Sumner's hd.qrs. & reached Camp at 12 1/2. Called roll -- Regt came in
about 1 A.M. turned in very tired -- came on rain & blow. While waiting
orders to cross talked with Corp. Jones -- deeply affected tears & prayers -- perhaps
conviction perhaps fear of enemies shells -- for didn't know but enemy wd.
open on us -- Our army crossed great many regts. lost road. frequent calls
"What regt is that" on way -- Had difficulty in keeping men together -- but all
over safe.
Colonel Arthur H. Dutton (1837-1864) of the 21st Connecticut
Corporal Charles Jones, Co. G. 25th New Jersey
Attended Sergt Townsend's funeral at 9 A.M. buried in box west side of garden
of Jno. Minor house -- nearly So.E. of R. Mosely grave (in next lot.) almost in
line with an ivy covered tree -- 1/2 back fr. St. head to to St -- Caroline St.
The battle Sat. was very severe -- Our loss is now 94 -- K. W. & M. We are
ordered to move all wounded across river. Either bec. we expect them to
shell city or we renew battle. What strange & dreadful wounds.
Talked with wounded -- prayed &c -- Fine pleasant morning -- Our little
cottage has a hole fr. shell right over where we eat & sleep --
The drummers are throwing up bomb casemates at end of garden --
12 noon wrote letters to friends of some of dead -- No action today -- Since
Thurs. morn. we have been in momentary expectation of a general engage-
ment. Sat. we had -- but all rest of time we have been in suspense.
Or food is chiefly bacon -- fried -- griddle cakes without eggs or raising --
& hard tack - 1 P.M. -- just thro dinner & the batteries are opening.
Silent again -- wrote Mr. H. A.G.G. of our brigade has ordered a detail
of men to get crow bars & to loop hole houses --
5 P.M. The fact that our wounded have been removed & surgeons sent over
& loads of furniture & stoves also -- & no attack made today -- & most of
all that our severe attack made really no impression on rebel line --& our
loss is great -- I infer that we may be withdrawn across river tongiht -- &
the loop holes are for sharp-shooters to cover retreat -- But the rebels can
shell us at leisure -- Our batteries can cover us from other bank -- but if
bridge is broken it would be a bad place -- the rebel papers call this spot a
vast slaughter pen -- May God direct & keep us -- a shell just burst in air
near us fr. rebel battery -- tho. no regular firing --
Just got thru. supper when Regt. was ordered to support picket. I left at
Hd. qrs. of 25th Reg. in charge of sick, guards & drummers -- Reported to Col.
[Rush C.] Hawkins about 8 -- he ordered me to move across river -- I called all in
took names put sick in front -- drummers next -- guard in rear -- put spare
muskets in hands of drummers -- put house in order -- left memo. for
Col -- in case he called also a notice to all after comers to preserve place
& furniture as we had -- fastened house up -- formed line & marched
silently down dark st. to turn over to river -- Met our regt. among others
ready to pass over -- Marched to bridge -- Met Col. Dutton's regt. halted at bridge.
Got brigade comd. to let us pass -- got over safely -- counted files halted for sick
& then wandered along in dark for three hours seeking our camp -- at last
made Gen. Sumner's hd.qrs. & reached Camp at 12 1/2. Called roll -- Regt came in
about 1 A.M. turned in very tired -- came on rain & blow. While waiting
orders to cross talked with Corp. Jones -- deeply affected tears & prayers -- perhaps
conviction perhaps fear of enemies shells -- for didn't know but enemy wd.
open on us -- Our army crossed great many regts. lost road. frequent calls
"What regt is that" on way -- Had difficulty in keeping men together -- but all
over safe.
Colonel Arthur H. Dutton (1837-1864) of the 21st Connecticut
Corporal Charles Jones, Co. G. 25th New Jersey
Sun. Dec. 14 [1862]
Slept till daylight -- went to Col. [Rush C.] Hawkins for orders for Col. D[errom]. ordered
to move to river returned to breakfast -- picket firing in front regt now in our
8 1/2.M. Made list of sick & slightly wounded to be sent over river
at 10 1/2 buried Rich. Moseley in garden of house on S.W. cor. of Caroline and
Princess Elizabeth St. rear of Mrs. Widow Philips house head foot of locust
tree close to P.E. St. (Enquire of Mr. Geo. Alex.) visited wounded. Col. just made
list of killed 4 . wounded 55 -- missg 47 = 106 -- killed Andrew Keef Co. A. -- John
K. Frank Co. A -- Ricd. Moseley Co. H. Lewis Kates Co. D. attended funeral
of John K. Frank (buried beside Andrew Keef) in N.E. corner of garden back of
J. S. Caldwell's house in the Main St. (another body is in the same grave with
Keefs). the battle was so in dark that doubtless some of wounded and
dead are on field & can't be reached now. A quiet Sabbath thus far no
fighting -- batteries & skirmishers fired a little in morng Troops in City with
stacked arms. Our regt. came under a front & enfilading fire -- very hot
talked with Capt. Hermance [?] Gen. [Orlando Bolivar] Wil[l]cox's aid an[d] Commander of the Gen. body guard.
Poor Sergt. Townsend died this Eveg. So grateful for everything I did for him.
Visited wounded had prayers -- 9 P.M. all quiet today -- But we know not
what may be on the morrow or even this night. Let the Lord direct it shall be well.
Sgt. Edward L. Townsend, Co. I, 25th New Jersey
to move to river returned to breakfast -- picket firing in front regt now in our
8 1/2.M. Made list of sick & slightly wounded to be sent over river
at 10 1/2 buried Rich. Moseley in garden of house on S.W. cor. of Caroline and
Princess Elizabeth St. rear of Mrs. Widow Philips house head foot of locust
tree close to P.E. St. (Enquire of Mr. Geo. Alex.) visited wounded. Col. just made
list of killed 4 . wounded 55 -- missg 47 = 106 -- killed Andrew Keef Co. A. -- John
K. Frank Co. A -- Ricd. Moseley Co. H. Lewis Kates Co. D. attended funeral
of John K. Frank (buried beside Andrew Keef) in N.E. corner of garden back of
J. S. Caldwell's house in the Main St. (another body is in the same grave with
Keefs). the battle was so in dark that doubtless some of wounded and
dead are on field & can't be reached now. A quiet Sabbath thus far no
fighting -- batteries & skirmishers fired a little in morng Troops in City with
stacked arms. Our regt. came under a front & enfilading fire -- very hot
talked with Capt. Hermance [?] Gen. [Orlando Bolivar] Wil[l]cox's aid an[d] Commander of the Gen. body guard.
Poor Sergt. Townsend died this Eveg. So grateful for everything I did for him.
Visited wounded had prayers -- 9 P.M. all quiet today -- But we know not
what may be on the morrow or even this night. Let the Lord direct it shall be well.
Sgt. Edward L. Townsend, Co. I, 25th New Jersey
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
[Sunday December 14 1862[ 1:40 A.M.
It is now 1.40 -- Sunday morng.
returned to our quarters -- a wounded man is on lounge -- I must try to get
to bed -- with prayer to God for deliverance. I don't know how the battle has turned.
returned to our quarters -- a wounded man is on lounge -- I must try to get
to bed -- with prayer to God for deliverance. I don't know how the battle has turned.
[Saturday December 13 1862] 4 P.M.
It is almost 4 -- Battle very hot in
front -- heavy musketry -- roar & booming -- Our troops bow to the flying
shells -- Co. G has had a man wounded. Indeed several of our men
have been slightly hit. The enemys entrenchments in front are
strong. About sunset an just after our regt. was in I followed
in rear. Shot & shell flew over me. I found a wounded boy
took him to a surgeon -- left him returned to front. twas sd. our
men had carried enemys batteries -- loud talking -- in front just
then a tremendous volley of musketry came. I was near R.R. I fell
flat on this side -- & heard a shower of bullets whiz past & close by
for some minutes -- Our men were falling back -- Our men were
falling back. I returned to wounded boy -- & found one of our Lts.
slightly wounded -- Helped both off -- twas a hard job. I was very tired a
[?] -- reached our house took little supper & returned after looking in at
hospital to field. Jacob with me -- very dark -- found our regt. on R. R. very
cold -- I gave them coffee, went along whole line -- batteries near by but
silent. Regt. ordered back to town -- I went to left -- & saw that all were
awake -- & brot. off -- also some of other regts. one I uncovered thinking
him wounded was dead. The field covered with blankets & haversacks -- I
left field with last of our regt went to hospital found many of our men
some badly wounded -- a fearful, painful sight -- Met. Col. D[errom]. Made list of
wounded -- gave them water, coffee (even whiskey) by direction of Surgeon --
Staid till late helping & comforted them.
hospital to
front -- heavy musketry -- roar & booming -- Our troops bow to the flying
shells -- Co. G has had a man wounded. Indeed several of our men
have been slightly hit. The enemys entrenchments in front are
strong. About sunset an just after our regt. was in I followed
in rear. Shot & shell flew over me. I found a wounded boy
took him to a surgeon -- left him returned to front. twas sd. our
men had carried enemys batteries -- loud talking -- in front just
then a tremendous volley of musketry came. I was near R.R. I fell
flat on this side -- & heard a shower of bullets whiz past & close by
for some minutes -- Our men were falling back -- Our men were
falling back. I returned to wounded boy -- & found one of our Lts.
slightly wounded -- Helped both off -- twas a hard job. I was very tired a
[?] -- reached our house took little supper & returned after looking in at
hospital to field. Jacob with me -- very dark -- found our regt. on R. R. very
cold -- I gave them coffee, went along whole line -- batteries near by but
silent. Regt. ordered back to town -- I went to left -- & saw that all were
awake -- & brot. off -- also some of other regts. one I uncovered thinking
him wounded was dead. The field covered with blankets & haversacks -- I
left field with last of our regt went to hospital found many of our men
some badly wounded -- a fearful, painful sight -- Met. Col. D[errom]. Made list of
wounded -- gave them water, coffee (even whiskey) by direction of Surgeon --
Staid till late helping & comforted them.
hospital to
[Saturday December 13 1862] 1 P.M.
( 1 P.M.) it got too hot for them at
our quarters where we first left them. Cheers now in front --
Soft hazy day -- wind So. W. but little of it. Rebels are pouring heavy
musketry fire into us in front. Shots strike around us. While I go
to walk along lines encouraging men to pray that God would give us
the victory a shell struck Keef Co. A. in face he was sitting just back
of place I had left. Hurried to see him & thence for surgeon, he was
carried on stretcher to hospital, but soon died -- Quite a number
have been wounded near me. Large bodies of infantry have crossed
& recrossed river near us & are now coming back again. Sigel
has come up & is in other side it is said. and Hooker is now crossing
the long column pours down the gorge & over the bridge. We are
steadily gaining I am told. The hulks of old ruined burnt ves-
sels are close by us in river.
Private Andrew Keef [?]
General Franz Sigel was not at Fredericksburg; Butler appears to have heard a rumor.
General Joseph Hooker was in charge of the "Center Grand Division"
our quarters where we first left them. Cheers now in front --
Soft hazy day -- wind So. W. but little of it. Rebels are pouring heavy
musketry fire into us in front. Shots strike around us. While I go
to walk along lines encouraging men to pray that God would give us
the victory a shell struck Keef Co. A. in face he was sitting just back
of place I had left. Hurried to see him & thence for surgeon, he was
carried on stretcher to hospital, but soon died -- Quite a number
have been wounded near me. Large bodies of infantry have crossed
& recrossed river near us & are now coming back again. Sigel
has come up & is in other side it is said. and Hooker is now crossing
the long column pours down the gorge & over the bridge. We are
steadily gaining I am told. The hulks of old ruined burnt ves-
sels are close by us in river.
Private Andrew Keef [?]
General Franz Sigel was not at Fredericksburg; Butler appears to have heard a rumor.
General Joseph Hooker was in charge of the "Center Grand Division"
[Saturday December 13 1862] 12 1/2 P.M.
12 1/2 firing in front -- a body of our skirmishers went fr. house
near us -- deployed -- a shell from rebels struck house at once --
another burst over them -- sharp musketry & cannonadg. in front.
Constant roar & explosion -- A spent shell just fell sissing into river
behind us. As Dr. Bateman & I sat ^'in rocking chair & arm chairs in road in
front of our lines' talking about Xth experience. The balloon is up again.
There goes another shot close by int river. Our horses are grouped by
the gas[?] house -- another shot in river
near us -- deployed -- a shell from rebels struck house at once --
another burst over them -- sharp musketry & cannonadg. in front.
Constant roar & explosion -- A spent shell just fell sissing into river
behind us. As Dr. Bateman & I sat ^'in rocking chair & arm chairs in road in
front of our lines' talking about Xth experience. The balloon is up again.
There goes another shot close by int river. Our horses are grouped by
the gas[?] house -- another shot in river
[Saturday December 13 1862] 10 A.M.
10 A.M. We have moved by left flank to support [William B.] F[ranklin]. heavy cannon --
ading in that direction. Got down on left & halted -- walked
along lines encouraging & talking with men. Our men seem to be
reconstructing R. R. bridge -- a balloon is up nr. Burnsides headqrs.
ading in that direction. Got down on left & halted -- walked
along lines encouraging & talking with men. Our men seem to be
reconstructing R. R. bridge -- a balloon is up nr. Burnsides headqrs.
Sat. [December] 13 [1862] 9 A.M.
Mild quiet morng. 9 A.M. had breakfast & prayer --
good sleep on floor -- am ordered to move shortly to support Franklin --
Major General William B. Franklin's Left Grand Division (I Corps & VI Corps) ?
good sleep on floor -- am ordered to move shortly to support Franklin --
Major General William B. Franklin's Left Grand Division (I Corps & VI Corps) ?
[Friday December 12 1862] 3 P.M.
3 [P.M.] No movement yet. Ate rice
and pig for dinner. Our guns on left bank are now throwing shell over our heads
into enemies entrenchments in front of us. We hear their hurtling rush,
quivering thro' the air & the air over us is filled
with shells & shot. one of ours too low struck a house in our
st. A shell fr. Enemy struck among the 15th Conn. who had not
crossed & wounded 3 men cooking coffee. They were brot over. I
saw them. One had died. Visited a citizen in hospital -- he had been in
cellar all thro bombardment and thinking it over went to bed struck
by shell. he wont recover it is thot. I talked & prayed with him.
Col. Dutton of 21 Conn. is quartered in our house.
Colonel Arthur H. Dutton
and pig for dinner. Our guns on left bank are now throwing shell over our heads
into enemies entrenchments in front of us. We hear their hurtling rush,
quivering thro' the air & the air over us is filled
with shells & shot. one of ours too low struck a house in our
st. A shell fr. Enemy struck among the 15th Conn. who had not
crossed & wounded 3 men cooking coffee. They were brot over. I
saw them. One had died. Visited a citizen in hospital -- he had been in
cellar all thro bombardment and thinking it over went to bed struck
by shell. he wont recover it is thot. I talked & prayed with him.
Col. Dutton of 21 Conn. is quartered in our house.
Colonel Arthur H. Dutton
[Friday December 12 1862] 11 A.M.
Now past 11. reports vary
some say whole rebel force under Lee -- Jackson &
250,00 strong are before us, others say, not
2000 within five miles of us, batteries quiet
at this moment. Makg. a fire saying "The old
fellow" (a maiden lady, by the way) "was very thought-
ful to go away & leave us so much wood
cut up" -- Houses still burning --
almost one P. M. -- rice boiling for dinner.
I am reading Pres. message -- Officers dozing in
dift. rooms, men asleep on street.
In comes Jacob with a young pig, Simon enters
to sharpen knife on chimney. "I expect you'll
all be a set of thiev[e]s when you get home." I said
"We must live you know," says Simon. Doctor R[iley] asleep
on two chairs -- "Doctor we are going to butcher
won't you lend us a hand?" It is really
an advantage that we occupy this house --
for we only use their food & utensils instead
of plundering the place -- we burn their wood
instead of the house, & our presence is really
a guard against depredations of some of the
troops. Retired to small room & had a sweet
season in earnest prayer. May God restore peace
to this distracted land. War is dreadful.
May our unhappy Southern brethren see &
renounce their foolish course & we once more
be one. Geo. has just picked up a vol.
of [?] mag. in St. It will be safer here than
in its own house. Some of the troops are
plundering the City, fine houses are rifled
& furniture wantonly destroyed. Food &
forage & shelter I think they are entitled
to. Saw in one house, a soldier playing piano
& another sitting by him on sofa with his
musket. A third leaning over readg. a spelling
book -- a forth in corner appropriating to his
benefit an old print. Two others in kitchen
bakg. short cake -- floor matted down with
hen feathers & mud. The effect of shot & shell
is curious. Some houses riddled completely.
Shot & Shell lying about roofs & ground ploughed
up by them.
some say whole rebel force under Lee -- Jackson &
250,00 strong are before us, others say, not
2000 within five miles of us, batteries quiet
at this moment. Makg. a fire saying "The old
fellow" (a maiden lady, by the way) "was very thought-
ful to go away & leave us so much wood
cut up" -- Houses still burning --
almost one P. M. -- rice boiling for dinner.
I am reading Pres. message -- Officers dozing in
dift. rooms, men asleep on street.
In comes Jacob with a young pig, Simon enters
to sharpen knife on chimney. "I expect you'll
all be a set of thiev[e]s when you get home." I said
"We must live you know," says Simon. Doctor R[iley] asleep
on two chairs -- "Doctor we are going to butcher
won't you lend us a hand?" It is really
an advantage that we occupy this house --
for we only use their food & utensils instead
of plundering the place -- we burn their wood
instead of the house, & our presence is really
a guard against depredations of some of the
troops. Retired to small room & had a sweet
season in earnest prayer. May God restore peace
to this distracted land. War is dreadful.
May our unhappy Southern brethren see &
renounce their foolish course & we once more
be one. Geo. has just picked up a vol.
of [?] mag. in St. It will be safer here than
in its own house. Some of the troops are
plundering the City, fine houses are rifled
& furniture wantonly destroyed. Food &
forage & shelter I think they are entitled
to. Saw in one house, a soldier playing piano
& another sitting by him on sofa with his
musket. A third leaning over readg. a spelling
book -- a forth in corner appropriating to his
benefit an old print. Two others in kitchen
bakg. short cake -- floor matted down with
hen feathers & mud. The effect of shot & shell
is curious. Some houses riddled completely.
Shot & Shell lying about roofs & ground ploughed
up by them.
[Friday December 12 1862] 9 A.M.
Order is to fall in & stand by Arms ready to take
them at moments notice. Now 9 A.M. fine
winter morng. & all quiet. But doubtless a
bloody day is before us. May God keep
& shield us & give us the victory. We march in abt.
quarter of an hour. Tis sd. women & children are
off abt. 3 miles in woods, but a citizen told
me they were ordered to leave the City two weeks
ago. Saw a poor woman wandering about
"Had broken open her trunk & stole all she had"!
Another man was searchg. sts. for his little girl
9 yrs old wandered away. the batteries
opened ab. 9 A.M. & skirmishers are at work
in front, but troops still rest. Ate short
cake pork & coffee -- quiet now. Men sitting
in rocking chairs around St. fires. they have
secured immense quantities of tobacco. Our
horses stand saddled at door & have all
night. Col. [Andrew Derrom] dozing in rockg. chair & Dr. [Robert M.] Bateman
examining meritis of an improved nutmeg grater
& all waiting the great conflict. Here comes Major
[John K.] Brown asking for fire.
them at moments notice. Now 9 A.M. fine
winter morng. & all quiet. But doubtless a
bloody day is before us. May God keep
& shield us & give us the victory. We march in abt.
quarter of an hour. Tis sd. women & children are
off abt. 3 miles in woods, but a citizen told
me they were ordered to leave the City two weeks
ago. Saw a poor woman wandering about
"Had broken open her trunk & stole all she had"!
Another man was searchg. sts. for his little girl
9 yrs old wandered away. the batteries
opened ab. 9 A.M. & skirmishers are at work
in front, but troops still rest. Ate short
cake pork & coffee -- quiet now. Men sitting
in rocking chairs around St. fires. they have
secured immense quantities of tobacco. Our
horses stand saddled at door & have all
night. Col. [Andrew Derrom] dozing in rockg. chair & Dr. [Robert M.] Bateman
examining meritis of an improved nutmeg grater
& all waiting the great conflict. Here comes Major
[John K.] Brown asking for fire.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Fri Dec. 11 [sic] [1862] ca. 6-7 a.m.
passed a quiet night, no inhabitants
visible, a hungry terrier is in our house, saw
rebel prisoner. we lost 4. (5) men fro. Co. F. pickets --
Lt. Beck Co. A skedaddled it is sd. night before
bombardment. I saw our armorer with his sword
picked up in woods near our camp -- I record
With devout gratitude the safety of the regt. & myself --
thus far. "In every thing -- with prayer" &c -- is a text that
has sustained me. I read & prayed with the
Officers in our house last eveg. remembering the
poor family whose peaceful home is thus invaded.
Adjt. Force has just brot. in abt. $10. worth tobacco
picked up out of river. Our troops been very much
in want of it heretofore. Now abundant.
Walked out, troops are plundering houses, several
houses near us, in flames, no effort to extinguish
them. Men are cooking fresh meat & chickens.
talked with a rebel wounded soldier of Missp. --
lying on sofa in Taliaferro Hunters house, Picked ;up
a shell not exploded & put it away in garden
under bushes a hollow poplar is onflames fire
& sends out a Column of dense brown smoke
like a chimney, very strikg. Conversed with a citizen who
had staid in his cellar & escaped unhurt, tho. the gable
end of his house was blown out by a shell. Men are
regaling themselves on best the City affords, lying
on mattresses on side walk reading London quarterly
& Capt. Stevens walks down steps with a parasol
& spectacles minus glasses -- But alas if rebel
batteries open how changed the scene, strange
they do not -- saw a colored print of Richmond
on a gate or fence -- boys sd. they had taken Richmond.
F. is fine old fashioned city about 5000 inhabi-
tants. The house we stay in is a northern womans
school teacher -- I just put out a Ger. soldier who
was climbing into side window for plunder.
A soldier is now cookg. a short-cake.
Captain Philetus A. Stevens, Co. A, 25th New Jersey
visible, a hungry terrier is in our house, saw
rebel prisoner. we lost 4. (5) men fro. Co. F. pickets --
Lt. Beck Co. A skedaddled it is sd. night before
bombardment. I saw our armorer with his sword
picked up in woods near our camp -- I record
With devout gratitude the safety of the regt. & myself --
thus far. "In every thing -- with prayer" &c -- is a text that
has sustained me. I read & prayed with the
Officers in our house last eveg. remembering the
poor family whose peaceful home is thus invaded.
Adjt. Force has just brot. in abt. $10. worth tobacco
picked up out of river. Our troops been very much
in want of it heretofore. Now abundant.
Walked out, troops are plundering houses, several
houses near us, in flames, no effort to extinguish
them. Men are cooking fresh meat & chickens.
talked with a rebel wounded soldier of Missp. --
lying on sofa in Taliaferro Hunters house, Picked ;up
a shell not exploded & put it away in garden
under bushes a hollow poplar is on
& sends out a Column of dense brown smoke
like a chimney, very strikg. Conversed with a citizen who
had staid in his cellar & escaped unhurt, tho. the gable
end of his house was blown out by a shell. Men are
regaling themselves on best the City affords, lying
on mattresses on side walk reading London quarterly
& Capt. Stevens walks down steps with a parasol
& spectacles minus glasses -- But alas if rebel
batteries open how changed the scene, strange
they do not -- saw a colored print of Richmond
on a gate or fence -- boys sd. they had taken Richmond.
F. is fine old fashioned city about 5000 inhabi-
tants. The house we stay in is a northern womans
school teacher -- I just put out a Ger. soldier who
was climbing into side window for plunder.
A soldier is now cookg. a short-cake.
Captain Philetus A. Stevens, Co. A, 25th New Jersey
Friday, December 11, 2009
Thurs [December] 11 [1862]
slept some -- I write now while the roar
of batteries fills the air -- Heard signal (?) [Butler's notation] guns
at 1/4 to 5 __ & at 5 1/2 batteries began & are roaring
now -- abt. 6. 1/2 A.M. -- we are just thru. breakfast.
Prayers over. A sergeant comes in & says Col. "it
is wish of our Co. that Capt. _____ [Butler's notation] shall not lead us
into battle" -- want another man -- The shells are
heard flying thro. air -- (I copy now from field note book)
The Regt. were ordered under Arms, moved to brow
of a hill, stood in the mud awhile & ordered back.
Major Brown & I rode over to a hill top & witnessed the
bombardment of City, our batteries for about 3 miles up
& down the river poured in a tremendous rain of shot &
shell. City on fire at dift. points -- Burnside & Staff rode
past & it sd. crossed river on pontoon bridge. We were
distant about 3/4 of a mile fr. the City just in front
of [Gen. Edmund V.] Sumners hd. qrs. Got Supper in Mess tent wh. had been
moved to make room for hospitals. The wounded
came in in Ambulances, abt. 20 or 30.
Rebel batteries silent. hardly set down before again
ordered off, joined regt. on hill -- It was dark, an artillery
train crossed our column & cut it off -- we & 13 N.H.
wandered in darkness unable to find river. I rode back
to Sumners he. Qrs. for Guide -- Was ordered to Wilcox's
could n't find it -- returned to Regt. moved on at
double quick -- men exhausted -- some fell out. My
bag oats untied & lost half -- reached R.R. halted, guide
came at length & we reached river -- & crossed on pontoon
bridge without accident. pitch fires at either end
Showed us the way: passed up the river street
(dismounted to look at the) houses shattered & burnt by the
bombardment, turned up to the next St., halted in brigade
line stacked arms & ordered men to make themselves
comfortable for the night: threw out pickets up sts,
leading up from river (5 of them taken prisoner at once)
saw what we supposed rebel lines & fires on hill about
mile from City in rear of City. Fine st. well built: The
troops tore down fences to warm themselves, a chilly
night. Thank God we had not to face the rebel
batteries in crossing as I feared. Officers took up
qrs. for night in best houses with sentries in house &
at gate. Ours is a small neat cottage & comfortable.
first book I took up was McGee on Ephesians.
presented to Miss Woodward by E. C. Alexander N.Y.
Evidently a religious family. Every thing here just
as family left it. I write before a nice wood fire
in kitchen, Slept on floor, clothes all on: Nothing
but hard tack & coffee for breakfast, but feel much
better. Saw three dead rebel soldiers in our st.
Stiff in death -- & two of them horribly mangled with
Shot & shell, trees torn to pieces & fine mansions
shattered, others in ruins, letters, papers & books
scattered about. It is now morng.
Major J[ohn] Kelty Brown of the 25th New Jersey
Brigadier-General Orlando Bolivar Willcox (1823-1907) commanded 1st Division of Burnside's IX Corps.
The Rev. Robert James Mcghee. Expository Lectures on the Epistle to the Ephesians. 1857.
of batteries fills the air -- Heard signal (?) [Butler's notation] guns
at 1/4 to 5 __ & at 5 1/2 batteries began & are roaring
now -- abt. 6. 1/2 A.M. -- we are just thru. breakfast.
Prayers over. A sergeant comes in & says Col. "it
is wish of our Co. that Capt. _____ [Butler's notation] shall not lead us
into battle" -- want another man -- The shells are
heard flying thro. air -- (I copy now from field note book)
The Regt. were ordered under Arms, moved to brow
of a hill, stood in the mud awhile & ordered back.
Major Brown & I rode over to a hill top & witnessed the
bombardment of City, our batteries for about 3 miles up
& down the river poured in a tremendous rain of shot &
shell. City on fire at dift. points -- Burnside & Staff rode
past & it sd. crossed river on pontoon bridge. We were
distant about 3/4 of a mile fr. the City just in front
of [Gen. Edmund V.] Sumners hd. qrs. Got Supper in Mess tent wh. had been
moved to make room for hospitals. The wounded
came in in Ambulances, abt. 20 or 30.
Rebel batteries silent. hardly set down before again
ordered off, joined regt. on hill -- It was dark, an artillery
train crossed our column & cut it off -- we & 13 N.H.
wandered in darkness unable to find river. I rode back
to Sumners he. Qrs. for Guide -- Was ordered to Wilcox's
could n't find it -- returned to Regt. moved on at
double quick -- men exhausted -- some fell out. My
bag oats untied & lost half -- reached R.R. halted, guide
came at length & we reached river -- & crossed on pontoon
bridge without accident. pitch fires at either end
Showed us the way: passed up the river street
(dismounted to look at the) houses shattered & burnt by the
bombardment, turned up to the next St., halted in brigade
line stacked arms & ordered men to make themselves
comfortable for the night: threw out pickets up sts,
leading up from river (5 of them taken prisoner at once)
saw what we supposed rebel lines & fires on hill about
mile from City in rear of City. Fine st. well built: The
troops tore down fences to warm themselves, a chilly
night. Thank God we had not to face the rebel
batteries in crossing as I feared. Officers took up
qrs. for night in best houses with sentries in house &
at gate. Ours is a small neat cottage & comfortable.
first book I took up was McGee on Ephesians.
presented to Miss Woodward by E. C. Alexander N.Y.
Evidently a religious family. Every thing here just
as family left it. I write before a nice wood fire
in kitchen, Slept on floor, clothes all on: Nothing
but hard tack & coffee for breakfast, but feel much
better. Saw three dead rebel soldiers in our st.
Stiff in death -- & two of them horribly mangled with
Shot & shell, trees torn to pieces & fine mansions
shattered, others in ruins, letters, papers & books
scattered about. It is now morng.
Major J[ohn] Kelty Brown of the 25th New Jersey
Brigadier-General Orlando Bolivar Willcox (1823-1907) commanded 1st Division of Burnside's IX Corps.
The Rev. Robert James Mcghee. Expository Lectures on the Epistle to the Ephesians. 1857.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Wed. [December] 10. [1862]
Fine cold Morng. Our mess tent is pitched in midst
of troops bivouacked in Shelter tents all around us
It is sd. our batteries are to open on enemy today
& we are now within eight miles of front.
Marched at 9 A.M. our regt. leading -- roads rough with
frozen mud -- overtook & pasd numerous camps -- closed in
mass for dinner Col & Major off I took command, broke
into column & marched on -- to tune of coming thru. the rye
As we neared river Col Wright -- Comdg. gave us orders to report
to Col Hawkins --Gen. we are now under his command. Gen. Gettys
division (& Sumners grand division of Burnsides Army I
suppose) -- encamped about 3 -- on south side of a
wooded slope about 1 mile No. East of Fredericksburg -- while
mess tent was pitching -- I rode over hill to river -- saw Gen.
Sumner & &c. making a reconnaissance of rebels -- went myself
to river bank. Saw city across river, which is partly forzen --
& about size of Passaic at Paterson -- high banks & all bridges
destroyed. Saw rebel pickets distinctly & full view of city
All was as still as Sunday -- under the warm
sun of this Dec. afternoon -- Perhaps tonight or tomorrow
the earth will shake to roar of 300 000 men in battle.
Caught cold yesterday -- felt dull & heavy -- & sick on march --
We hope for fresh meat now -- hard tack & bacon are getting
th tiresome. Heard Gen. Banks has landed at Harrison's
landing with 75000 men -- Burnsides' headquarters is about
half mile So. of us -- We are ordered to have 3 days rations
ready to march at 7. AM tomorrow, taking nothing
but what can carry on horse -- or back -- Move wagons
in two hours -- so as to be away fr. enemy's fire --
if shell us tonight.
Col. called Officers to tent told them we were to
open our batteries at daylight -- in order to divert the
enemy while our troops cross -- we ^'our brigade' to cross the
the second one. All last orders were given
I read 91 Psalm -- spoke few words & prayed
Colonel (later General) Rush Christopher Hawkins (1831-1920) commanded the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division in the IX Corps at Fredericksburg
Brigadier-General George Washington Getty (1819-1901) commanded the 3rd Division of the IX Corps
Major-General Edwin Vose Sumner (1797-1863) "Old Bull Head," commanded the "Right Grand Division" of the army, consisting of his own II Corps and the IX Corps, at Fredericksburg
Major-General Nathaniel Prentiss Banks (1816-1894) was nowhere near Harrison's Landing [and was probably on his way south to assume command of the 19th Corps, Dept. of the Gulf?]
(Ezra J. Warner. Generals in Blue)
of troops bivouacked in Shelter tents all around us
It is sd. our batteries are to open on enemy today
& we are now within eight miles of front.
Marched at 9 A.M. our regt. leading -- roads rough with
frozen mud -- overtook & pasd numerous camps -- closed in
mass for dinner Col & Major off I took command, broke
into column & marched on -- to tune of coming thru. the rye
As we neared river Col Wright -- Comdg. gave us orders to report
to Col Hawkins --
division (& Sumners grand division of Burnsides Army I
suppose) -- encamped about 3 -- on south side of a
wooded slope about 1 mile No. East of Fredericksburg -- while
mess tent was pitching -- I rode over hill to river -- saw Gen.
Sumner & &c. making a reconnaissance of rebels -- went myself
to river bank. Saw city across river, which is partly forzen --
& about size of Passaic at Paterson -- high banks & all bridges
destroyed. Saw rebel pickets distinctly & full view of city
All was as still as Sunday -- under the warm
sun of this Dec. afternoon -- Perhaps tonight or tomorrow
the earth will shake to roar of 300 000 men in battle.
Caught cold yesterday -- felt dull & heavy -- & sick on march --
We hope for fresh meat now -- hard tack & bacon are getting
landing with 75000 men -- Burnsides' headquarters is about
half mile So. of us -- We are ordered to have 3 days rations
ready to march at 7. AM tomorrow, taking nothing
but what can carry on horse -- or back -- Move wagons
in two hours -- so as to be away fr. enemy's fire --
if shell us tonight.
Col. called Officers to tent told them we were to
open our batteries at daylight -- in order to divert the
enemy while our troops cross -- we ^'our brigade' to cross the
the second one. All last orders were given
I read 91 Psalm -- spoke few words & prayed
Colonel (later General) Rush Christopher Hawkins (1831-1920) commanded the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division in the IX Corps at Fredericksburg
Brigadier-General George Washington Getty (1819-1901) commanded the 3rd Division of the IX Corps
Major-General Edwin Vose Sumner (1797-1863) "Old Bull Head," commanded the "Right Grand Division" of the army, consisting of his own II Corps and the IX Corps, at Fredericksburg
Major-General Nathaniel Prentiss Banks (1816-1894) was nowhere near Harrison's Landing [and was probably on his way south to assume command of the 19th Corps, Dept. of the Gulf?]
(Ezra J. Warner. Generals in Blue)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday [December] 9 [1862]
Fine bright cold morng. good wash & change of clothes,
refreshing after a week's march -- just ordered to go to Falmouth
opposite Fredericksburg at 1 P.M. Sd. Rebels are evacuating
F -- not so -- Marched at 1 -- about 76 miles encamped at 5 --
in pine woods -- near R.R. -- roads muddy -- teams up in good
time. Marched afoot about 2 miles with a musket -- felt
chilly & have a cold -- Passed many encampments &
deserter camps -- dead horses -&c a fine old table monument
under a fine clump of old trees with gigantic grape vines over-
running them -- it was to "Mrs. Margaret wife of Peter Hedgman [?]
of Stafford Co. gentleman -- died 1754. aged 52 etc Conjux Dolens
H.M.P." a pussy cat that has followed us all the way fr.
Fairfax sits on my lap while I write -- Cavalry in large
bodies pass to front --& the road is ordered to be kept clean
by our camp -- for Artillery to go to front. We are now within
8 miles of the rebels -- go to Falmouth at 9 -- where Burnsides
Army lies. the whole brigade is close together here -- & woods
full of smoke fr. watch fires -- trees crashing in all directions
the band played Annie Laurie tonight.
Conjux or Coniux Dolens H[oc] M[onumentum] P[osuit] translates roughly as Grieving Husband Erected This Monument.
refreshing after a week's march -- just ordered to go to Falmouth
opposite Fredericksburg at 1 P.M. Sd. Rebels are evacuating
F -- not so -- Marched at 1 -- about 7
in pine woods -- near R.R. -- roads muddy -- teams up in good
time. Marched afoot about 2 miles with a musket -- felt
chilly & have a cold -- Passed many encampments &
deserter camps -- dead horses -&c a fine old table monument
under a fine clump of old trees with gigantic grape vines over-
running them -- it was to "Mrs. Margaret wife of Peter Hedgman [?]
of Stafford Co. gentleman -- died 1754. aged 52 etc Conjux Dolens
H.M.P." a pussy cat that has followed us all the way fr.
Fairfax sits on my lap while I write -- Cavalry in large
bodies pass to front --& the road is ordered to be kept clean
by our camp -- for Artillery to go to front. We are now within
8 miles of the rebels -- go to Falmouth at 9 -- where Burnsides
Army lies. the whole brigade is close together here -- & woods
full of smoke fr. watch fires -- trees crashing in all directions
the band played Annie Laurie tonight.
Conjux or Coniux Dolens H[oc] M[onumentum] P[osuit] translates roughly as Grieving Husband Erected This Monument.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Mon [December] 8 [1862]
Clear bright cold day. Wrote Mr. H. got letters
Sat. fr. home -- franked letters. Nothing but coffee & hard
tack for breakfast. rose at reveille -- Saw several regts.
moveinfantry move to front. We are on high bank Rbl
Army close by in gorge -- Abt. noon staff baggage -- [Ard?] [Arrived?] & my
horse & blankets came -- It was a welcome
sightarrival.
We ate sweet potatoes roast turkey & bread, with
relish. Attended dress parade. 815 is strength of regt.
Coming in -- Perry sd. with tears he had given way to anger &
used bad language -- talked & comforted him.
One crazy boy -- says "My dear Chaplain you never heard
me say bad words Amen" -- Col. M & officers took
tea with us. I am to go (DV) tomorrow with
Col. M. to Burnside's head Quarters Falmouth to
see about being new brigaded &c visited Capt. Blenkow
Sick in Shelter tent. Sd his father was shot at Waterloo
before he was born -- tallest man in his regt. the
Capt is abt. the shortest in his. May be ordered to front
any moment -- cant get any supplies except
pork -- crackers -- coffee sugar salt & potatoes.
Our march here was abt. 70 miles -- & 6 crossg. river,
a week on way. Not quite so cold today.
Three men with last name Perry in 25th New Jersey: Private Berthnal of Co. C, Private John of Co. H. and Private Theodore S. of Co. H.
Col. Moses N. Wisewell [?] of 28th New Jersey
Capt. David Blenkow, Co. F, 25th New Jersey
Sat. fr. home -- franked letters. Nothing but coffee & hard
tack for breakfast. rose at reveille -- Saw several regts.
Army close by in gorge -- Abt. noon staff baggage -- [Ard?] [Arrived?] & my
horse & blankets came -- It was a welcome
We ate sweet potatoes roast turkey & bread, with
relish. Attended dress parade. 815 is strength of regt.
Coming in -- Perry sd. with tears he had given way to anger &
used bad language -- talked & comforted him.
One crazy boy -- says "My dear Chaplain you never heard
me say bad words Amen" -- Col. M & officers took
tea with us. I am to go (DV) tomorrow with
Col. M. to Burnside's head Quarters Falmouth to
see about being new brigaded &c visited Capt. Blenkow
Sick in Shelter tent. Sd his father was shot at Waterloo
before he was born -- tallest man in his regt. the
Capt is abt. the shortest in his. May be ordered to front
any moment -- cant get any supplies except
pork -- crackers -- coffee sugar salt & potatoes.
Our march here was abt. 70 miles -- & 6 crossg. river,
a week on way. Not quite so cold today.
Three men with last name Perry in 25th New Jersey: Private Berthnal of Co. C, Private John of Co. H. and Private Theodore S. of Co. H.
Col. Moses N. Wisewell [?] of 28th New Jersey
Capt. David Blenkow, Co. F, 25th New Jersey
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sun [December] 7 [1862]
Rose early got a good breakfast on boat -- saw
no signs of baggage -- went to camp -- Staid in pine bough
but nothing to eat but hard tack coffee & raw pork
& two or three sweet cakes -- all day. Dr. Reiley brot. a
piece of roast turkey & bread for us, shared with Col
Mindel[?] The men suffer much fr. smoke of camp
fires. At dress parade spoke a few words & offered prayer.
Col D[errom] & I slept in a bough hut -- with Col Mindel &
Officers -- before a watch fire -- but it was very close
storming, & tho. warm when started, cold end before daylight.
Ther[mometer] must have stood abt 20 o. clear windy moonlight
night. The officers sang hymns & Gloria in excelsis.
In eveg. talked with Tom Cook -- poor boy had just learned
of his brother's death. Men stand it well -- Got a surgeon
fr. N.Y. regt. to dress Bugler's leg -- cut by an axe --
James Riley, Surgeon of the 25th New Jersey
Thomas Cook, Private in Co. H.
no signs of baggage -- went to camp -- Staid in pine bough
but nothing to eat but hard tack coffee & raw pork
& two or three sweet cakes -- all day. Dr. Reiley brot. a
piece of roast turkey & bread for us, shared with Col
Mindel[?] The men suffer much fr. smoke of camp
fires. At dress parade spoke a few words & offered prayer.
Col D[errom] & I slept in a bough hut -- with Col Mindel &
Officers -- before a watch fire -- but it was very close
storming, & tho. warm when started, cold end before daylight.
Ther[mometer] must have stood abt 20 o. clear windy moonlight
night. The officers sang hymns & Gloria in excelsis.
In eveg. talked with Tom Cook -- poor boy had just learned
of his brother's death. Men stand it well -- Got a surgeon
fr. N.Y. regt. to dress Bugler's leg -- cut by an axe --
James Riley, Surgeon of the 25th New Jersey
Thomas Cook, Private in Co. H.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
[Saturday] Dec. 6 [1862]
Fine bright day, passed very comfortable night tho.
tent floor is still covered with Snow. Roasted two turkies
during night. We march to & then cross river this morng.
I sd. to act as Burnside's reserve -- the march thro. the
low thick pine woods, covered with Snow -- in a forest by road on
the bright morng. was very picturesque -- tho ice half ice [inch?] thick.
Crossed river -- with 9. Cos. very cold -- about 1 oclk -- marched
a mile or so up
riverrail road. from Aquia Creek to
Fredericksburg -- encamped on low hlls left of R.R. I staid
at Wharf waiting for baggage rear guard till dark -- hungry
& cold. It did not come -- found poor Maryland boy whose horse
was stolen -- by Brigade before us. He was shivering without an
overcoat in cold eveg. air -- biting & keen -- He had nothing to eat --
not a cent -- no friends & no way to cross over to his home.
I asked Capt. of a St. Bt.to take him in -- give him supper -- lodging &
passage over in morng. Capt. promised to do it --
The boy was very grateful, he had not found his horse --
Col. Wisewell
losthorse fell in river in crossg. Col. Brown
12th R.I. came over abt. dark -- I led him & regt. up to camp
ground -- & then went back to dock with Col. D. to wharf --
& slept on table of St. Bt. haversack for pillow -- Mr. Budan
gave me part of his shawl for cover but very cold.
One officer sprang up in night. Sd. cannonading was going
on at Fredericksburg (abt. 15 miles distant). it was
unloadg. Army Supplies -- Saw 1st Conn. & heavy guns on
wharf loaded up to go to Burnside. We are now under
him. Rebel Army under Lee is a F. & B. this side river
So we are not over 14 miles fr. the two larget Armies ever
massed on this Cont, I suppose & we a part of
itone of them.
[word lined out] We marched only abt. 3 miles today. Sailed 6 miles
diagonally across Potomac, which is abt. 4 miles broad here.
Col. Moses N. Wisewell, 28th New Jersey
Col. George H. Browne, 12th Rhode Island
tent floor is still covered with Snow. Roasted two turkies
during night. We march to & then cross river this morng.
I sd. to act as Burnside's reserve -- the march thro. the
low thick pine woods, covered with Snow -- in a forest by road on
the bright morng. was very picturesque -- tho ice half ice [inch?] thick.
Crossed river -- with 9. Cos. very cold -- about 1 oclk -- marched
a mile or so up
Fredericksburg -- encamped on low hlls left of R.R. I staid
at Wharf waiting for baggage rear guard till dark -- hungry
& cold. It did not come -- found poor Maryland boy whose horse
was stolen -- by Brigade before us. He was shivering without an
overcoat in cold eveg. air -- biting & keen -- He had nothing to eat --
not a cent -- no friends & no way to cross over to his home.
I asked Capt. of a St. Bt.to take him in -- give him supper -- lodging &
passage over in morng. Capt. promised to do it --
The boy was very grateful, he had not found his horse --
Col. Wisewell
12th R.I. came over abt. dark -- I led him & regt. up to camp
ground -- & then went back to dock with Col. D. to wharf --
& slept on table of St. Bt. haversack for pillow -- Mr. Budan
gave me part of his shawl for cover but very cold.
One officer sprang up in night. Sd. cannonading was going
on at Fredericksburg (abt. 15 miles distant). it was
unloadg. Army Supplies -- Saw 1st Conn. & heavy guns on
wharf loaded up to go to Burnside. We are now under
him. Rebel Army under Lee is a F. & B. this side river
So we are not over 14 miles fr. the two larget Armies ever
massed on this Cont, I suppose & we a part of
[word lined out] We marched only abt. 3 miles today. Sailed 6 miles
diagonally across Potomac, which is abt. 4 miles broad here.
Col. Moses N. Wisewell, 28th New Jersey
Col. George H. Browne, 12th Rhode Island
[Friday] Dec. 5 [1862]
Marched at 8 -- It began to rain some -- changed to snow
& snows now 9 P.M. We reached camp at 2 1/2 but waggons arriv
detained by steep hills -- & did not arrive till 8 P.M.
I rode back 5 miles to see about them. The Q.M. very polite &
gentlemanly today -- Our men & preceding have
committed great depredations on farmers -- In one house where
I bot. some butter, I saw a bullet hole thro. side of house which
had been shot by a soldier firing at hogs hens or something -- it
grazed the woman bonnet -- & Cut off some of the trimings
Another widow woman begged me with tears to place a
guard -- or come in "for ^'a' warm", but I was not out of saddle for
over 12 hours -- roads fearfully muddy -- many stragglers --
As I rode at dusk thro. the snow covered pine forests -- after
the wagons toiling thro. mud & snow -- it seemed like revolutionary
times -- saw quail close by road. We are now about 1 1/2
miles fr. river. Liverpool [?] point, & cross tomorrow probably
nr. Berday & V. followed us in carriage & brot word of severe
illness of both Col Ayres & his wife. Also sd. Banks expedition
had failed (in part) to take Richmond while Burnside
held Lee at Fredericksburg & we are to cross over
to act as his grand reserve. We shall see by Sunday
night probably -- A hard days march tho. onlyabout
13 miles -- men halted, built fires & tried hard to keep
up & be comfortable -- we are now in a pine forest
snow falling & tent floor covered with wet leaves &
snow. We saw men catching rabbits in field where
we halted last night. Been in saddle 12 hours, rode
abt. 22 miles --back & forth.
& snows now 9 P.M. We reached camp at 2 1/2 but waggons arriv
detained by steep hills -- & did not arrive till 8 P.M.
I rode back 5 miles to see about them. The Q.M. very polite &
gentlemanly today -- Our men & preceding have
committed great depredations on farmers -- In one house where
I bot. some butter, I saw a bullet hole thro. side of house which
had been shot by a soldier firing at hogs hens or something -- it
grazed the woman bonnet -- & Cut off some of the trimings
Another widow woman begged me with tears to place a
guard -- or come in "for ^'a' warm", but I was not out of saddle for
over 12 hours -- roads fearfully muddy -- many stragglers --
As I rode at dusk thro. the snow covered pine forests -- after
the wagons toiling thro. mud & snow -- it seemed like revolutionary
times -- saw quail close by road. We are now about 1 1/2
miles fr. river. Liverpool [?] point, & cross tomorrow probably
nr. Berday & V. followed us in carriage & brot word of severe
illness of both Col Ayres & his wife. Also sd. Banks expedition
had failed (in part) to take Richmond while Burnside
held Lee at Fredericksburg & we are to cross over
to act as his grand reserve. We shall see by Sunday
night probably -- A hard days march tho. onlyabout
13 miles -- men halted, built fires & tried hard to keep
up & be comfortable -- we are now in a pine forest
snow falling & tent floor covered with wet leaves &
snow. We saw men catching rabbits in field where
we halted last night. Been in saddle 12 hours, rode
abt. 22 miles --back & forth.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Dec. 4 Thurs. [1862]
Marched at nine -- fine calm clear frosty
morng. the band playing -- soldiers winding thru the hedge
rows & woods of oak & holly advance wearing holly
in hats -- The blue coats -- & knapsacks -- white on top with
Shelter tents. The woods echoed to shots for squirrels
The boys sang -- Dixie --Marchalong [?] -- &c. as we passed
down a broad well cultivated valley skirted by
Steep round hills -- reached Port Tobacco at 12.
delayed in passing stream -- rode into town went into
Court room -- Court sitting -- good lookg. men an officer
brot. an old curious trumpet to door & called out Gentlemen
of petit jury attend &c. Yesterday boys made cigars
of tobcco -- which is raised in this region.
We could buy nothing in town -- every place was
closed -- The colors flying looked beautiful from heights --
wrote & mailed a letter to Henry, at Port Tobacco.
Asked if we were going to Dixie -- A Planter sd. he never
saw so many persons before. Another knowing I was
a Chaplain asked as I entered room if I "was going
to give prayers" -- I led regt. into a field -- & we
encamphalted
for dinner -- Cols. horse rolled while we ate a sandwich.
15th Conn very nearly burnt a barn by setting grass
afire -- Marched a foot about 3 miles with same Mr. K
on my horse -- encamped about 4 -- at a run [?] near
Bumpass -- He called for guard -- I had some words with Brigade
Q.Master about our staff wagons - Mr. Hamilton called
for Guard -- We sent Lt. & 8 men to house, bot two turkeys
for Mess @ 2.00 -- Walked up to his house -- he recd. us
cordially -- Brigade before us killed shot turkies &
two oxen -- our brigade
kilshot one ox. I saw it
lying dead in yard -- One of his slaves followed us
to Camp to hear band -- Thot. it fine --
finelysd he
liked it better 'n religion, loved it better 'n a gal--
[?] [?] [?]Came in & sang plantation songs --
one very plaintive -- then changed to a merry jingle --
As I went up market St, I met a yaller gal --
Bot. a cent
apie & gave it to her -- & off she went. She didn't
go slow. Never mind dinner Sd. weather dont blow Could make letters --
tho. he could'nt tell names.
morng. the band playing -- soldiers winding thru the hedge
rows & woods of oak & holly advance wearing holly
in hats -- The blue coats -- & knapsacks -- white on top with
Shelter tents. The woods echoed to shots for squirrels
The boys sang -- Dixie --Marchalong [?] -- &c. as we passed
down a broad well cultivated valley skirted by
Steep round hills -- reached Port Tobacco at 12.
delayed in passing stream -- rode into town went into
Court room -- Court sitting -- good lookg. men an officer
brot. an old curious trumpet to door & called out Gentlemen
of petit jury attend &c. Yesterday boys made cigars
of tobcco -- which is raised in this region.
We could buy nothing in town -- every place was
closed -- The colors flying looked beautiful from heights --
wrote & mailed a letter to Henry, at Port Tobacco.
Asked if we were going to Dixie -- A Planter sd. he never
saw so many persons before. Another knowing I was
a Chaplain asked as I entered room if I "was going
to give prayers" -- I led regt. into a field -- & we
for dinner -- Cols. horse rolled while we ate a sandwich.
15th Conn very nearly burnt a barn by setting grass
afire -- Marched a foot about 3 miles with same Mr. K
on my horse -- encamped about 4 -- at a run [?] near
Bumpass -- He called for guard -- I had some words with Brigade
Q.Master about our staff wagons - Mr. Hamilton called
for Guard -- We sent Lt. & 8 men to house, bot two turkeys
for Mess @ 2.00 -- Walked up to his house -- he recd. us
cordially -- Brigade before us killed shot turkies &
two oxen -- our brigade
lying dead in yard -- One of his slaves followed us
to Camp to hear band -- Thot. it fine --
liked it better 'n religion, loved it better 'n a gal--
[?] [?] [?]Came in & sang plantation songs --
one very plaintive -- then changed to a merry jingle --
As I went up market St, I met a yaller gal --
Bot. a cent
go slow. Never mind dinner Sd. weather dont blow Could make letters --
tho. he could'nt tell names.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
[Wednesday] Dec 3 [1862]
roused at reveille -- 6 A.M. breakfast sweet potatoes -- fried
ham toast coffee -- feel reinforced -- prayers before breakfast ---.
Camp in stir -- we take rear guard today -- hard job --
Yesterday 15th straggled & advanced so much that our boys
sd. there was a "telegraph line" of them reaching ^'from here' to Camp
Casey. Fairfax Sem -- It looks like rain -- We have had
fine weather & good roads only steep hills so far. Gen. Wright
is lame fr. being turned over -- & rides in Ambulance.
We do not march until 10 today to allow train supplies to
come up. Assisted in march of regt. Pretty good road --
not so hilly -- Abercrombie's brigade has a large baggage
train just behind -- us -- marched slow at first &two fast
at last -- but two stragglers fro. our regt. large numbers from
15th Connt. & other regts. men shot & skinned pigs, chickens
geese -- on march. They have 15th Conn. has used too much
whiskey & quinine, I reckon -- encamped at 5 1/2 in a
beautiful wooded slope -- oak oenings -- a bright
moonlight night. The band of 13 N.H. discoursed while
we were at Supper -- on roast chickens (those I brot. in fr.
Picket) potatoes & toast. Tis sd. one of Co. Iy [Connecticut Infantry] men is
crazy, left hospital & joined regt. he thinks Jeff Davis is
in his Knapsack -- & thrusts his bayonet into it at times
to kill him. We passed Piscataway a sleepy old village
early this morng. region thinly poulated & inhabitants
complain of depredations of yesterdays troops.
(I marched a foot with musket -- about 3 or 4 miles while
a tired soldier rode. At a halt the boys cut down a
persimmon tree & charged on it as it fell & left in
three seconds not one persimmon on it. I among them.
We are sd. to be about 6 miles fr. Port tobaca, if so marched
about 11 miles -- today -- most of it was done since
about 2 P.M. Some think we go to Acquia Creek &
join Burnside before Fredericksburg, others by transports
to fortress Monroe & so up &c.
General Horatio Gouverneur Wright (1820-1899)
ham toast coffee -- feel reinforced -- prayers before breakfast ---.
Camp in stir -- we take rear guard today -- hard job --
Yesterday 15th straggled & advanced so much that our boys
sd. there was a "telegraph line" of them reaching ^'from here' to Camp
Casey. Fairfax Sem -- It looks like rain -- We have had
fine weather & good roads only steep hills so far. Gen. Wright
is lame fr. being turned over -- & rides in Ambulance.
We do not march until 10 today to allow train supplies to
come up. Assisted in march of regt. Pretty good road --
not so hilly -- Abercrombie's brigade has a large baggage
train just behind -- us -- marched slow at first &
at last -- but two stragglers fro. our regt. large numbers from
15th Connt. & other regts. men shot & skinned pigs, chickens
geese -- on march. The
whiskey & quinine, I reckon -- encamped at 5 1/2 in a
beautiful wooded slope -- oak oenings -- a bright
moonlight night. The band of 13 N.H. discoursed while
we were at Supper -- on roast chickens (those I brot. in fr.
Picket) potatoes & toast. Tis sd. one of Co. Iy [Connecticut Infantry] men is
crazy, left hospital & joined regt. he thinks Jeff Davis is
in his Knapsack -- & thrusts his bayonet into it at times
to kill him. We passed Piscataway a sleepy old village
early this morng. region thinly poulated & inhabitants
complain of depredations of yesterdays troops.
(I marched a foot with musket -- about 3 or 4 miles while
a tired soldier rode. At a halt the boys cut down a
persimmon tree & charged on it as it fell & left in
three seconds not one persimmon on it. I among them.
We are sd. to be about 6 miles fr. Port tobaca, if so marched
about 11 miles -- today -- most of it was done since
about 2 P.M. Some think we go to Acquia Creek &
join Burnside before Fredericksburg, others by transports
to fortress Monroe & so up &c.
General Horatio Gouverneur Wright (1820-1899)
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
[Tuesday] Dec 2 [1862]
Col. D[errom] went back to Washington. Major Brown
commanded & I assisted. March thro. fine country
panoramic view of Washington & Alexandria -- &
down river -- We led advance -- but little straggling
in 25th. Ate sandwich at noon -- much impeded by
Abercrombies' Brigade supply train. fr. 1 to 5 marched
faster. encamped then near good water. in shelter
tents. one train far in rear. I ate bit toasted
ham bread -- & sipd. a Lieut's Coffee -- spread my
green blaknet & bivouacked by a fire under open
sky, but before well asleep train came up & pitched our staff tent. hot
coffee & blankets. prayers.
John K. Brown, Major of the 2th New Jersey
Brigadier General John Joseph Abercrombie (1798-1877)
commanded & I assisted. March thro. fine country
panoramic view of Washington & Alexandria -- &
down river -- We led advance -- but little straggling
in 25th. Ate sandwich at noon -- much impeded by
Abercrombies' Brigade supply train. fr. 1 to 5 marched
faster. encamped then near good water. in shelter
tents. one train far in rear. I ate bit toasted
ham bread -- & sipd. a Lieut's Coffee -- spread my
green blaknet & bivouacked by a fire under open
sky, but before well asleep train came up & pitched our staff tent. hot
coffee & blankets. prayers.
John K. Brown, Major of the 2th New Jersey
Brigadier General John Joseph Abercrombie (1798-1877)
Dec. 1. Mon. [1862]
rose early bathed, settled mess & mail
a/cs reduced baggage -- struck tent & about noon
marched 5 Regts. back to long bridge thro. Washington
across Eastern branch of Potomac to Maryland, en
route it is sd. to Burnside's Army Fredericksburg
Marched about 13 miles. the 15th Conn. men threw away
thr. hats, & many straggled, one man sd.
As thseeing
them line the road as we came up -- "Are you guard
ing the road, one fell down in fit raved & tossed --
he was put in ambulance encamped about
8 PM in field by roadside -- got up Mess tent
Col. Major. Dr. B. Adjutant. their attaches & myself
occupy it. eat toast & coffee for Supper.
Fine moonlight night as I write the camp is
still. Men in shelter tents. mules fastened to
baggage train. a little cat at my feet which
followed us here -- how picturesque. near 11 1/2 P.M.
a/cs reduced baggage -- struck tent & about noon
marched 5 Regts. back to long bridge thro. Washington
across Eastern branch of Potomac to Maryland, en
route it is sd. to Burnside's Army Fredericksburg
Marched about 13 miles. the 15th Conn. men threw away
thr. hats, & many straggled, one man sd.
them line the road as we came up -- "Are you guard
ing the road, one fell down in fit raved & tossed --
he was put in ambulance encamped about
8 PM in field by roadside -- got up Mess tent
Col. Major. Dr. B. Adjutant. their attaches & myself
occupy it. eat toast & coffee for Supper.
Fine moonlight night as I write the camp is
still. Men in shelter tents. mules fastened to
baggage train. a little cat at my feet which
followed us here -- how picturesque. near 11 1/2 P.M.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sun [November] 30 [1862]
Fine. Inspection so long, no morng. service. must see
Col. about it. Visited hospitals -- talked & prayed with
them -- hung up cards of SS -- in four dift. tents & [?]
Just as Afternoon Service ^'was about to' begin -- orders came to march
at 12. tomorrow with shelter tents & seven days rations --
Preached. fr. Surely [symbol for God] is in this place & I knew it not--
We have abt. 200 off duty. It is sd. Burnside is repulsed --
don't believe it -- Don't know where we are to go --
Camp all astir getting ready. I went to hospitals -- & at
suggestion of a pious nurse established family worship
in four wards -- while I am away -- also conducted a
[Either a word missing or Butler intended to write "one" instead of "a"]
in Company F, in P.M. Much pleased both they & I
& now may God prepare us for what is before us
tomorrow -- we leave one sick -- & one doctor -- & the Camp
standing
forin charge of Adjutant.
Butler uses a symbol for word God in the above quote from the story of Jacob in Genesis.
Col. about it. Visited hospitals -- talked & prayed with
them -- hung up cards of SS -- in four dift. tents & [?]
Just as Afternoon Service ^'was about to' begin -- orders came to march
at 12. tomorrow with shelter tents & seven days rations --
Preached. fr. Surely [symbol for God] is in this place & I knew it not--
We have abt. 200 off duty. It is sd. Burnside is repulsed --
don't believe it -- Don't know where we are to go --
Camp all astir getting ready. I went to hospitals -- & at
suggestion of a pious nurse established family worship
in four wards -- while I am away -- also conducted a
[Either a word missing or Butler intended to write "one" instead of "a"]
in Company F, in P.M. Much pleased both they & I
& now may God prepare us for what is before us
tomorrow -- we leave one sick -- & one doctor -- & the Camp
standing
Butler uses a symbol for word God in the above quote from the story of Jacob in Genesis.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Sat [November] 29 [1862]
Our men have had fine weather for picket -- two Soldiers
woke me up last night, to consult about sending home
or burying here, their deceased comrade -- .
A package of 1000 temperance tracts for my SS. arrived last
night. We have suffered but very little thus far fr.
intemperance -- God shield us in future.
three or four men in 27". Camp, are marching thro.
their streets with bricks in their Knapsacks -- to tune of
rogues march -- escort in front arms reversed, behind with
Charged bayonets -- We raised our camp flag today
Wrote Mother of poor Harris, we bury him today with
military honors -- in grave yd. nr. Camp -- He had an
intemperate father & wretched home I hear -- I hope the
poor fellow found Jesus even in his latest moments.
There were three men named Harris in the 2th New Jersey, George, Isaac and William.
woke me up last night, to consult about sending home
or burying here, their deceased comrade -- .
A package of 1000 temperance tracts for my SS. arrived last
night. We have suffered but very little thus far fr.
intemperance -- God shield us in future.
three or four men in 27". Camp, are marching thro.
their streets with bricks in their Knapsacks -- to tune of
rogues march -- escort in front arms reversed, behind with
Charged bayonets -- We raised our camp flag today
Wrote Mother of poor Harris, we bury him today with
military honors -- in grave yd. nr. Camp -- He had an
intemperate father & wretched home I hear -- I hope the
poor fellow found Jesus even in his latest moments.
There were three men named Harris in the 2th New Jersey, George, Isaac and William.
[November] 28. Fri. [1862]
Rode to picket with letters, bot. two chickens at "3 levies"
ea. of a colored woman bot. them in alive tied to Saddle.
Visited hospitals -- found one man very sick -- talked with
him & prayed -- urged him to immediate acceptance of offers
of Christs offers. About ten -- I went in again he was
just gasping in death -- Another young man called, to talk
about his soul. He hopes he has today found peace, in believing -- an
intelligent young Englishman -- seems very fearful
lest it should prove illusory -- & transient -- prayed with him --
Oh -- that God would revive his work abundantly here.
ea. of a colored woman bot. them in alive tied to Saddle.
Visited hospitals -- found one man very sick -- talked with
him & prayed -- urged him to immediate acceptance
of Christs offers. About ten -- I went in again he was
just gasping in death -- Another young man called, to talk
about his soul. He hopes he has today found peace, in believing -- an
intelligent young Englishman -- seems very fearful
lest it should prove illusory -- & transient -- prayed with him --
Oh -- that God would revive his work abundantly here.
[November] 27th Thurs. [1862]
Thanksgiving at home -- Regt. went out
on picket -- lovely but cold day, busy writing for
Col. D[errom] [Rest of line is lined out]
rode along whole picket line -- & to Supports. Got in after dark,
passed Com. Forrest place -- startled a large bird fr. a tree --
lost road -- wandered in by paths & no paths Struck R.R. & reached
camp -- visited sick -- In eveg. Stacy Wilson called again --
has been seekg. religion long time -- very relieved -- Sd. he had
spent large part of day in prayer & while praying in the
valley near spring -- this Eveg. he felt that God had heard him --
He gave very satisfactory answers to my questions. I trust he
is a true child of God. He prayed with me --
Private Stacy M. Wilson, Co. F, 25th New Jersey
on picket -- lovely but cold day, busy writing for
Col. D[errom] [Rest of line is lined out]
rode along whole picket line -- & to Supports. Got in after dark,
passed Com. Forrest place -- startled a large bird fr. a tree --
lost road -- wandered in by paths & no paths Struck R.R. & reached
camp -- visited sick -- In eveg. Stacy Wilson called again --
has been seekg. religion long time -- very relieved -- Sd. he had
spent large part of day in prayer & while praying in the
valley near spring -- this Eveg. he felt that God had heard him --
He gave very satisfactory answers to my questions. I trust he
is a true child of God. He prayed with me --
Private Stacy M. Wilson, Co. F, 25th New Jersey
[November] 26. Wed. [1862]
Very blustering -- Visited sick & held a small
but interesting & interested Bible class in eveg.
talked yesterday with a new enquirer after Salvation.
but interesting & interested Bible class in eveg.
talked yesterday with a new enquirer after Salvation.
[November] 25 [1862]
Cloudy towards Eveg. Brig. drill in P.M. read, wrote
letters, visited sick -- talked personally with some --
a bright young Englishman came to my tent, under
serious impressions -- talked questioned & prayed
with him, he seems in hopeful state.
Burnside is moving towards Richmond -- Will
Lee & Jackson follow or dash in on us & Washington
by Arlington heights -- I have often wished I had
kept a record of my [frail] (ink spot) barometric of the war
atmosphere -- For nine tenths of time I have
been very hopeful -- but lately from long inaction
of Army --depression of depreciation of govt. money --
(i.e. rise of coin) democratic victories in No.
I begin to feel discouraged a little -- now
fr. statement that Govt. debt will be only about 800,000,000
July 1863. fact of rise in rivers -- completion of our
enormous iron clad fleet & the movement of
Burnside -- the wretched state of rebel army I
feel as if God would yet speedily give us the
Victory -- joined with Pres. proclamation, of
freedom to slaves of rebels 1st Jany. only 6 weeks more.
A soldier recd. a letter of 22d saying Mr Hornblower was
dead -- I knew it could'nt be true, but it gave me a
dreadful shock -- a letter from Jane D[errom]. about Cols. health --
dated 24 -- reassured me --
letters, visited sick -- talked personally with some --
a bright young Englishman came to my tent, under
serious impressions -- talked questioned & prayed
with him, he seems in hopeful state.
Burnside is moving towards Richmond -- Will
Lee & Jackson follow or dash in on us & Washington
by Arlington heights -- I have often wished I had
kept a record of my [frail] (ink spot) barometric of the war
atmosphere -- For nine tenths of time I have
been very hopeful -- but lately from long inaction
of Army --
(i.e. rise of coin) democratic victories in No.
I begin to feel discouraged a little -- now
fr. statement that Govt. debt will be only about 800,000,000
July 1863. fact of rise in rivers -- completion of our
enormous iron clad fleet & the movement of
Burnside -- the wretched state of rebel army I
feel as if God would yet speedily give us the
Victory -- joined with Pres. proclamation, of
freedom to slaves of rebels 1st Jany. only 6 weeks more.
A soldier recd. a letter of 22d saying Mr Hornblower was
dead -- I knew it could'nt be true, but it gave me a
dreadful shock -- a letter from Jane D[errom]. about Cols. health --
dated 24 -- reassured me --
[November] 24 [1862]
Very cold, last night -- ice -- bright morng -- had a series
of bright -- pleasant dreams, some funny, some sweet,
Feel well today -- read a good deal -- visited sick
letter fr. Mr. H.
of bright -- pleasant dreams, some funny, some sweet,
Feel well today -- read a good deal -- visited sick
letter fr. Mr. H.
Monday, November 23, 2009
[November] 23d. [1862]
High wind, At eleven [I?] (ink blot) spread the Com.
Service on the
drums ^'in' front of Cols tent. Administered Sac. of Las. Supper
for first time to Regt. -- about (ink blot) partook. there are about
140 Coms. but one Co. was out on picket -- strengthening another
regt. Some on guard, Some sick but more shld. have been here,
but it was very cold in the wind -- Held a short service
in P.M. spoke on Isa. 4:6 covert fr. Storm -- and most interestg.
prayer meetg. at 7 -- in new hos. tent -- many present.
Visited & addressed patients in hos. prayed &c -- read Life Col. Gardiner
Dis. books to S. Schools Srgt. Gilmore started a class of 16
in his own impulse -- not a professor of religion -- either
"Where there is a will there is a way" -- As Col. says, so often.
Sick are improving.
Service on the
drums ^'in' front of Cols tent. Administered Sac. of Las. Supper
for first time to Regt. -- about (ink blot) partook. there are about
140 Coms. but one Co. was out on picket -- strengthening another
regt. Some on guard, Some sick but more shld. have been here,
but it was very cold in the wind -- Held a short service
in P.M. spoke on Isa. 4:6 covert fr. Storm -- and most interestg.
prayer meetg. at 7 -- in new hos. tent -- many present.
Visited & addressed patients in hos. prayed &c -- read Life Col. Gardiner
Dis. books to S. Schools Srgt. Gilmore started a class of 16
in his own impulse -- not a professor of religion -- either
"Where there is a will there is a way" -- As Col. says, so often.
Sick are improving.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Sat [November] 22 [1862]
Better, not well, wrote &c, visited hospitals -- also rode with
Mrs. Ayres to find a better Barn for Col. A. -- Hope Mr. H. is better --
Letter fr Tilly that he is. feel much relieved. A box containing the Commu-
nion service came tonight -- very pretty present from Mr. H.'s Ch.
also some peaches, mangoes & tomato catsup for me fr Tilly & Wm
Pleasanter at night --
Mrs. Ayres to find a better Barn for Col. A. -- Hope Mr. H. is better --
Letter fr Tilly that he is. feel much relieved. A box containing the Commu-
nion service came tonight -- very pretty present from Mr. H.'s Ch.
also some peaches, mangoes & tomato catsup for me fr Tilly & Wm
Pleasanter at night --
Thurs [November] 20 [1862]
Regt. & brigade ordered to Ft. Albany some seven
miles to review -- got off -- about a mile orders counter-
manded. Dr. R. horse fractious -- he changed with me
& the Major -- returning to Camp. Col D[errom] & I rode over
& instected Fort Worth. commanded by Capt. Burbank (now
about to be Major) of Suffield 1st Conn' heavy Artillery -- found to my
surprise Rela Learned adjutant -- very cordial --
After dinner a heavy shower -- wrote long letter to
Harry Huntington -- Hear Mr. Hornblower is very sick --
Dr. James Riley, Surgeon of the 25th New Jersey
Captain Roland S. Burbank, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery
Lt. Rela P. Learned, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery
miles to review -- got off -- about a mile orders counter-
manded. Dr. R. horse fractious -- he changed with me
& the Major -- returning to Camp. Col D[errom] & I rode over
& instected Fort Worth. commanded by Capt. Burbank (now
about to be Major) of Suffield 1st Conn' heavy Artillery -- found to my
surprise Rela Learned adjutant -- very cordial --
After dinner a heavy shower -- wrote long letter to
Harry Huntington -- Hear Mr. Hornblower is very sick --
Dr. James Riley, Surgeon of the 25th New Jersey
Captain Roland S. Burbank, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery
Lt. Rela P. Learned, 1st Connecticut Heavy Artillery
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wed [November] 19 [1862]
Another man died last night. I had
been talking & praying with him day before.
visited all the sick, gave little books talked & prayed
Went to Every tent of men -- Also rode to picket out-
posts -- after dinner wrote letter about poor Simpkins
found same on picket, sick, ordered Ambulance --
Attended funeral of S. buried in grave yard close by
Camp -- Our regt. went on picket at 9 A.M. & at 11
the 15th Conn were ordered to relieve them & we to be
ready to march at moments notice. Some think
it is to Texas. Some to Manassas. Some to
Harpers Ferry, & some only to review. tomorrow
drizzling day. feel better but strange no letters
from home in long time --
Regt. came straggling ^'in' thro. the mud & darkness --
till near one oclk --
Private David Simpkins, Co. D, 25th New Jersey
been talking & praying with him day before.
visited all the sick, gave little books talked & prayed
Went to Every tent of men -- Also rode to picket out-
posts -- after dinner wrote letter about poor Simpkins
found same on picket, sick, ordered Ambulance --
Attended funeral of S. buried in grave yard close by
Camp -- Our regt. went on picket at 9 A.M. & at 11
the 15th Conn were ordered to relieve them & we to be
ready to march at moments notice. Some think
it is to Texas. Some to Manassas. Some to
Harpers Ferry, & some only to review. tomorrow
drizzling day. feel better but strange no letters
from home in long time --
Regt. came straggling ^'in' thro. the mud & darkness --
till near one oclk --
Private David Simpkins, Co. D, 25th New Jersey
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tues [November] 18 [1882]
Cloudy. Not well -- diarrhea, didn't go out much
Made up & settled mess a/c. It costs us about $3. pr week
Made up & settled mess a/c. It costs us about $3. pr week
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Mon [November] 17 [1862]
Arranged about embalming body of [D.R.] Wes[t]cott &c.
McClellan order taking leave of Army was read last eveg. at
close of my Service Attended funeral services of poor Wes[t]cott
wrote his Mother & bro. 15th Conn also buried a man in the
little grave yd. by our camp this P.M. -- Held py meetgs in Eveg
letter from Joe H -- arranged Mess a/c
McClellan order taking leave of Army was read last eveg. at
close of my Service Attended funeral services of poor Wes[t]cott
wrote his Mother & bro. 15th Conn also buried a man in the
little grave yd. by our camp this P.M. -- Held py meetgs in Eveg
letter from Joe H -- arranged Mess a/c
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sun [November] 16 [1862]
Visited talked read & prayed with the sick in hospital
one young man D. R. Wescott very low with typhoid, dreadful sight.
deaf too delirious -- died in P.M. Held two public services at
11 & 4 -- first voluntary good attendance. Spoke with freedom
visited prisoners in guard ho. held two tent py. mtgs. in eveg. Also
attended to LS. &jr choir. Adjuntant fell over tent rope &
dislocated his elbow in Eveg. 11th NJ marched to Manassas
at 2 AM today -- Cold rain day. tired at night --
Daniel R. Westcott, Private in Co. I, 25th New Jersey
one young man D. R. Wescott very low with typhoid, dreadful sight.
deaf too delirious -- died in P.M. Held two public services at
11 & 4 -- first voluntary good attendance. Spoke with freedom
visited prisoners in guard ho. held two tent py. mtgs. in eveg. Also
attended to LS. &
dislocated his elbow in Eveg. 11th NJ marched to Manassas
at 2 AM today -- Cold rain day. tired at night --
Daniel R. Westcott, Private in Co. I, 25th New Jersey
Friday, November 13, 2009
Sat [November] 15 [1862]
Lovely day -- Sergt. Co. G. called said he had lost his little girl of 5
yrs -- Angelic disposition -- He is an Elder in Pres. Ch. & excellent man
teacher -- intelligent & sensible --very much overcome counseled & prayed
with him. Busy on Ch. & choir organization -- Hymn Bks &c.
Visited hospitals as usual -- one man Wescott -- very sick -- delirious
Typhoid fever -- Baker brot. in mail to distribute & said we
were ordered to march to Manassas tonight. No confirma-
tion of it -- but perhaps Col. Blunt's Brigade is to go &
we may follow. I trust we may stay here til Mon-
day & not waste another Sunday in moving.
Charles J. Field, 1st Sergt. Co. G: to Sergt. Maj. Sept. 30, '62; promoted 2d Lieut. Co. D, Dec. 28, '62.
Private Daniel R. Westcott, Co. I
Private Oran Baker, Co. I?
yrs -- Angelic disposition -- He is an Elder in Pres. Ch. & excellent man
teacher -- intelligent & sensible --very much overcome counseled & prayed
with him. Busy on Ch. & choir organization -- Hymn Bks &c.
Visited hospitals as usual -- one man Wescott -- very sick -- delirious
Typhoid fever -- Baker brot. in mail to distribute & said we
were ordered to march to Manassas tonight. No confirma-
tion of it -- but perhaps Col. Blunt's Brigade is to go &
we may follow. I trust we may stay here til Mon-
day & not waste another Sunday in moving.
Charles J. Field, 1st Sergt. Co. G: to Sergt. Maj. Sept. 30, '62; promoted 2d Lieut. Co. D, Dec. 28, '62.
Private Daniel R. Westcott, Co. I
Private Oran Baker, Co. I?
Fri [November] 14 [1862]
Very mild & pleasant, Wrote letters about sick & dead.
Wrote letters hair cut & picture taken
held three interestg. py meetgs tonight in tents
Wrote letters hair cut & picture taken
held three interestg. py meetgs tonight in tents
Thurs [November] 13 [1862]
Fine warm, visited sick in Camp -- & then rode via
Georgetown to Cliffburn & Emory hospitals -- spent several hours
talking & praying with men, giving tracts, papers &c.
Cummings hopes he is a Xn. for sd, he "I am a changed boy
Doctor (he calls me doctor) & I mean to say changed."
His father was with him -- others apeared better -- except a
few -- Collins died on the 7th the fifth death we have
had in that hospital& the 6th in regt all in regt.
The [ink bot here] as I passed the Capital -- home to dinner
after distributing mail -- Held three interestg. prayer
meetgs. in tents.
Private Samuel S. Cummings, Co. F, 25th New Jersey
There were six men with the surname Collins in the 25th New Jersey
Georgetown to Cliffburn & Emory hospitals -- spent several hours
talking & praying with men, giving tracts, papers &c.
Cummings hopes he is a Xn. for sd, he "I am a changed boy
Doctor (he calls me doctor) & I mean to say changed."
His father was with him -- others apeared better -- except a
few -- Collins died on the 7th the fifth death we have
had in that hospital
The [ink bot here] as I passed the Capital -- home to dinner
after distributing mail -- Held three interestg. prayer
meetgs. in tents.
Private Samuel S. Cummings, Co. F, 25th New Jersey
There were six men with the surname Collins in the 25th New Jersey
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wed [November] 12 [1862]
Busy with sick -- letters, &c recd. calls fr.
Chaplain [Lewis A.] Brastow 12 Vt. & Cummings 15 Vt. warm [word scratched out]
at night -- My hourse seems better of his lameness --
Held a Ch. com. Meetg. Adopted Ch. Articles -- Apostles
Creed. Amending words Hell -- & Catholic -- State of
dead & general or universal &c --
Held a short funeral service for young [Smith] Albertson in camp with
his Co. before sendg. remains to be embalmed.
Ephriam C. Cummings was Chaplain of the 15th Vermont.
Chaplain [Lewis A.] Brastow 12 Vt. & Cummings 15 Vt. warm [word scratched out]
at night -- My hourse seems better of his lameness --
Held a Ch. com. Meetg. Adopted Ch. Articles -- Apostles
Creed. Amending words Hell -- & Catholic -- State of
dead & general or universal &c --
Held a short funeral service for young [Smith] Albertson in camp with
his Co. before sendg. remains to be embalmed.
Ephriam C. Cummings was Chaplain of the 15th Vermont.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tues [Nov] 11 [1862]
Just as I sat down to my coffee bread & milk
word came that the sick man at Co. B. Support
wished me at once -- I ordered horse & started at
full gallop Ambulance just arrived preceded
me -- found him very bad face covered with
dark spots & in great pain We got him into
ambulance. Sent him & Dr. to Camp while I
rode along whole line left of main road & visited
every Support -- lovely day -- About 10- 15th Conn
began to relieve us -- we reached camp after dis-
charging pieces -- about 3 I learned poor Albertson --
had died about 1 1/2 P.M. -- delirious most of time
probably cholera morbus & measles. Very much
shocked. Visited sick -- found Mrs. Ayres had
come -- made arrangements for embalming
body of Albertson & sending him home --
prayer in tents of Co. wrote his parents --
Private Smith Albertson Co. B., 25th New Jersey
Enoch J. Ayres was Lt. Col. of the 25th New Jersey
The 25th New Jersey had three medical officers. James Riley was Surgeon and Robert M. Bateman and Seffrine Daily were Asst. Surgeons.
word came that the sick man at Co. B. Support
wished me at once -- I ordered horse & started at
full gallop Ambulance just arrived preceded
me -- found him very bad face covered with
dark spots & in great pain We got him into
ambulance. Sent him & Dr. to Camp while I
rode along whole line left of main road & visited
every Support -- lovely day -- About 10- 15th Conn
began to relieve us -- we reached camp after dis-
charging pieces -- about 3 I learned poor Albertson --
had died about 1 1/2 P.M. -- delirious most of time
probably cholera morbus & measles. Very much
shocked. Visited sick -- found Mrs. Ayres had
come -- made arrangements for embalming
body of Albertson & sending him home --
prayer in tents of Co. wrote his parents --
Private Smith Albertson Co. B., 25th New Jersey
Enoch J. Ayres was Lt. Col. of the 25th New Jersey
The 25th New Jersey had three medical officers. James Riley was Surgeon and Robert M. Bateman and Seffrine Daily were Asst. Surgeons.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Mon [November] 10 [1862]
Mild lovely day. rode out with Dr. R. to two of the reserves
& alone to others -- Good many persons stopd. & brot. to hd. Ars.
strgglers -- Officers, soldiers -- contrabands, &c
Mr. Cloud of Cloud's Mills rode up spoke of his losses --- by federal
troops tho. a loyal man. showed protection of Genls. of Union
lost 17000$ -- by destruction of property & now sd. he yr.
troops are quartered in my woods & burning up that --
the last means of support I have -- We promised
to sign a paper to indemnify him -- Two carpenters
fr. our Reg. engaged in fitting up Mr. F's. barn --
Just after sundown Col. Jenkins - & I rode to right
Support my horse stepd. into a pot hole when in full
gallop & fell heavily catching my leg -- got clear -- found
my leg bruised & painful for a time -- but a merciful
escape -- mounted rode on -- found a Co. B. man
quite unwell -- with chill & fever had been eating " a
[?] of apples grapes & persimmons" -- Went into
his evergreen hut talked - & prayed with him. he thanked
me heartily -- we promised to send for Ambulance
& take him into Camp in morng -- rode along line
of pickets to main road after dark -- & then to Fitzhugh
wrote Mr H -- Hear McClellan is removed &
Burnside commands -- I have always been a
McClellan man -- His delay since Antietam I
don't understand -- May God direct all
& alone to others -- Good many persons stopd. & brot. to hd. Ars.
strgglers -- Officers, soldiers -- contrabands, &c
Mr. Cloud of Cloud's Mills rode up spoke of his losses --- by federal
troops tho. a loyal man. showed protection of Genls. of Union
lost 17000$ -- by destruction of property & now sd. he yr.
troops are quartered in my woods & burning up that --
the last means of support I have -- We promised
to sign a paper to indemnify him -- Two carpenters
fr. our Reg. engaged in fitting up Mr. F's. barn --
Just after sundown Col. Jenkins - & I rode to right
Support my horse stepd. into a pot hole when in full
gallop & fell heavily catching my leg -- got clear -- found
my leg bruised & painful for a time -- but a merciful
escape -- mounted rode on -- found a Co. B. man
quite unwell -- with chill & fever had been eating " a
[?] of apples grapes & persimmons" -- Went into
his evergreen hut talked - & prayed with him. he thanked
me heartily -- we promised to send for Ambulance
& take him into Camp in morng -- rode along line
of pickets to main road after dark -- & then to Fitzhugh
wrote Mr H -- Hear McClellan is removed &
Burnside commands -- I have always been a
McClellan man -- His delay since Antietam I
don't understand -- May God direct all
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sun. [November] 9 [1862]
Marched with whole regt. on picket -- out a little river pike
road to Centreville about 3 miles -- there posted 4 supports
a mile or two beyond & threw out pickets a mile in advance
of that on a
servcircular abt. 5 miles long -- raw windey day
Cleared up warmer -- posted pickets with Cols. D[errom] & W[right] over hill & dale
meadow, moorland -- orchard. thro. marsh & forest --
At one place my horse got mired deeply fell over on
to me -- no harm done -- picked persimmons -- ripe &
good -- After dinner, I rode to three supports &
also at Grand reserve at Fitzhughs & held religious
service at each -- The men had made picturesque
hut of evergreen & lighted good fires pretty sight
We staid at F -- a loyal Virginia Bachelor.
Seeing in morng a deserted & elegant county seat rode up saw
a man cutting wood -- He told us it was C[?] Lorrents house --
my Classmates old home -- now he & his father are rebels.
Had family prayer in eveg.
road to Centreville about 3 miles -- there posted 4 supports
a mile or two beyond & threw out pickets a mile in advance
of that on a
Cleared up warmer -- posted pickets with Cols. D[errom] & W[right] over hill & dale
meadow, moorland -- orchard. thro. marsh & forest --
At one place my horse got mired deeply fell over on
to me -- no harm done -- picked persimmons -- ripe &
good -- After dinner, I rode to three supports &
also at Grand reserve at Fitzhughs & held religious
service at each -- The men had made picturesque
hut of evergreen & lighted good fires pretty sight
We staid at F -- a loyal Virginia Bachelor.
Seeing in morng a deserted & elegant county seat rode up saw
a man cutting wood -- He told us it was C[?] Lorrents house --
my Classmates old home -- now he & his father are rebels.
Had family prayer in eveg.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Sat. [November] 8 [1862]
warmer -- snow melts -- busy helping make arrangements for
sick -- Young ^'Nicholson' whom I saw dying -- is dead -- his bro. is down with
measles. Moved Col. [Enoch J.] Ayres into a house, fitted up for hospital --
Met an excellent Chapl of 16th Mass -- great experience thorough temperance
devoted, pious excellent gentlemanly man. At dress parade
I presented a sword &c to Col. D[errom]. for his Employees.
Another death at that Emory Hospital. Thos. Beckwith Co. F of measles.
wrote his mother -- Sudden -- his Co. will send body home --
Capt. B -- called -- under conviction talked & prayed with him. Had
promised his dying sister he would be ready to follow her --
a year & more ago -- felt more deeply since came to Regt.
then before -- W. also called talked & prayed with him.
We have all measles cases in one Hos. tent & other sick in
Hos. house -- more comfortable -- It is 11 P.M. we go on
picket tomorrow at 8 -- without shelter tents for two days
Letter fr. M.H. & fine map of Va. fr. Mr. [Julius Erasmus?] Hilgard
The Rev. Arthur B. Fuller was chaplain of the 16th Massachusetts
sick -- Young ^'Nicholson' whom I saw dying -- is dead -- his bro. is down with
measles. Moved Col. [Enoch J.] Ayres into a house, fitted up for hospital --
Met an excellent Chapl of 16th Mass -- great experience thorough temperance
devoted, pious excellent gentlemanly man. At dress parade
I presented a sword &c to Col. D[errom]. for his Employees.
Another death at that Emory Hospital. Thos. Beckwith Co. F of measles.
wrote his mother -- Sudden -- his Co. will send body home --
Capt. B -- called -- under conviction talked & prayed with him. Had
promised his dying sister he would be ready to follow her --
a year & more ago -- felt more deeply since came to Regt.
then before -- W. also called talked & prayed with him.
We have all measles cases in one Hos. tent & other sick in
Hos. house -- more comfortable -- It is 11 P.M. we go on
picket tomorrow at 8 -- without shelter tents for two days
Letter fr. M.H. & fine map of Va. fr. Mr. [Julius Erasmus?] Hilgard
The Rev. Arthur B. Fuller was chaplain of the 16th Massachusetts
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