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 on there ^'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 --