Saturday [September] 27 [1862]

Told Col. Derrom I would accept --
The regt. is made up largely of Paterson men --
the Col. -- Lt. Col. & Quartermaster are members of Mr.
H's Ch -- & known to me -- also many of other officers &
men -- some fr. my own ch.
Col. D. sd. another man had been named by 3 Cos --
fr. So. Jersey -- & handed in with list of staff officers --
to him -- He said he preferred a Paterson man. Some
one named me -- another named Mr. Robinson --
both good sd. he -- I would like either -- prefer Mr Butler
have power to decide -- but won't take responsibility
Let providence decide -- Put names of Mr.s B & R --
in hat & man drawn shall be man -- A Roman
Cath. Capt. drew -- & my name was drawn --
Made some calls &c -- Abe Henry called
showed me tower of mill -- Gave me
Beauty -- if I would take her for horse.
At 3 1/2 began Ser Psal 17:15 -- wrote it in
about 3 1/2 hours between that & 11 P.M.
Also attended Meetg of Officers at Col D's.
& called at Mr. H's. Lovely day -- tried
a horse for Col. D --
and so this eventful week ends --
I am glad to go under the Pres. Proclamation
May the Lord bless & guide us & our country
to his glory for Jesus sake --

Friday [September] 26 [1862]

talked with several in ch & out in reference
to Chaplaincy -- Most all advised me to it --
My Ch. Counc. met. heard statement & all sd. very sorry
to part with me -- but it seems clear to us that if
you feel it is duty, you should go -- we must sacrifice
our own feelings.
I accordingly decided to accept.

Thurs [September] 25 [1862]

Finished Ser. on Matt 20:22.
Called at Mr Hs. found Miss H. Dr & Mrs. Evenfield
there. about 9 P.M. Mr Derrom called there. He
has just been elected Col. of 25th Regt N.J.V.
he tendered me Chaplaincy -- I sd of I was ready
but must consult my Ch --
In prayer about it before & now I have tried to
keep my mind balanced ready to go or stay as
God wld direct -- I am ready -- but would not
solicit a Chaplaincy

Andrew Derrom, Colonel of the 2th New Jersey Volunteers

Wed [September] 24 [1862

Began ser -- wrote some -- conducted py
met [prayer meeting]. Spoke of proclamation

Tues [September] 23 [1862]

Fine. Examined teachers in A.M.
Pres. Lincoln has issued his proclamation
declaring that the slaves of all states & parts of states
found in rebellion 1st Jan. 1863. shall be henceforth
forever free -- the Lord be praised -- this is the chosen
fruit of all our suffering & trials -- &c is it not
worth them -- that God should be so gracious as to
deliver the great nation of such a curse should
fill us with devoutest gratitude. Is it not one grand
step towards that Prayer Thy Kingdom come!

Monday [September] 22 [1862]

Spent morng & dined at Mr. Hs. Conducted
union prayer meetg at my ch in P.M. & delivered an
address -- hastily prepared at same place in Eveg
before Aux Orphan Soc -- Weather fine grapes &
peaches plenty -- fruit abundant & [?] good.

Sunday [September] 21 [1862]

Preached twice, baptized a child -- & administ-
ered Comn - Long talk with Lewis at Mr Hs in
Eveg -- Capt Irish -- who left here but a few weeks
ago with his Co. fell in the Wed. Battle.

Possibly Hugh C. Irish of the 13th New Jersey which was mustered into service August 22, 1862, left for the front on August 31, and participated in the fight at Antietam on September 17. The New Jersey memorial on the Antietam battlefield is topped by a figure depicting Captain Irish.