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.

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