[Sunday May 4, 1863]

Chaplain Butler died today in the Division Hospital at Suffolk, one of only eleven Union chaplains known to have fallen in battle.

William Nelson's History of Bergen and Passaic Counties, New Jersey eulogized him as "a man of the most exalted character and the purest patriotism...universally beloved by the men in whose service he so bravely died."

[Sunday, May 3, 1863]

Chaplain Francis Butler was hit by a Confederate sharpshooter while he was carrying water and helping wounded soldiers on the field.

Sat. [May] 2 [1863]

Quite warm -- vis. hos. wrote letters -- wrote Cols. report of siege
up to yesterday. Ordered to be ready to march at 3 AM tomorrow
with 2 days rations -- then at 8 A.M.

Fri May 1 [1863]

Lovely day -- pickg. wild flowers encountered an
adder[?] wrote Peter -- turned up walls of my tent threw
out the pine "feathers" _ & aired tent floor -- Debate appointed
but no quorum

Thurs [April] 30 [1863]

Fast day appt. by Pres -- not observed by Army
as it is inspection day -- tried to keep myself & gave
tracts to men -- Inspector has not come yet -- after 1 P.M.
meant to have some service -- perhaps can yet --
While waiting his arrival, held quite a large vol --
service. Read Pres. procl. a few verses fr. Solomon,
prayer --& addressed them. made a prayer &
benediction -- afterwards regt. was mustered --
Letters fr. Mr. Hornblower & [?]

Wed [April] 29 [1863]

Showery & warm -- Attended funeral of Labiaux
Curton addressed Co & Vaw H. replied -- I then conducted Service
accompanied remains to cars -- very muddy. Saw Gen
Dix & Sec. Seward arrive while there. Talked with Capt.
Felt -- dist. tracts. & held meetg in eveg. tremendous
thunder shower & small but interestg meetg --
Peter C. sent me Pil Prog. & another good book by Mail

General John Adams Dix
Secretary of State William H. Seward

Tues [April] 28 [1863]

Saw embalming of Emille's body, opening femoral
artery & injecting Choleides of Arsenic & Zinc &c --
putting it also in bow cavity of bowels by opening
abdomen. It occupied only an hour & cost $20
(His Co. (H) sent him home -) done by a man of 6th
Mass -- Large py. meetg in eveg. Showery.

Mon [April] 27 [1863]

Fine day -- Vis. hosp -- drilled with Co. F. awhile --
long talk with Ackerman & with others. Charlie Curtons [?] came
for Labiaux -- rode to Suffolk with him to see about embalm-
ing -- Saw new works -- all along --also the four of the five
brass pieces lately captured -- by 8th Conn & 89 NY -- Wheeler
says his regt. was in the brush Friday -- . Large py. meetg
in eveg.

Four men named Ackerman in the 25th New Jersey. Two, John and Peter, were also in Co. H, Labiaux's Company.

Sun [April] 26 [1863]

Beautiful day. Held Com. baptized one & admitted four
to communion -- large attendance & good time. My classmate
Holden (Sergt. in Co. H. 152 N.Y.) came in at close & spent a few hours
has improved -- Mr. Francis Chap of Monitor Reg. (a Universalist) asked
me to preach at 11 -- I was engaged. at Com -- So asked him to assist
in afternon serv. he made a prayer & read a humn -- preached on
"Go thy way for this time &c: in Acts. held a very large py. meetg in eveg --
Poor Grey very earnest -- seems more at ease in mind --
About dusk Poor Emille Labiaux died -- I was with him &
had just prayed for him and he breathed hi last --
dear boy -- So amiable, noble -- intelligent -- I cant make him
dead" -- wrote to his Father --

Chaplain Eben Francis, 127th New York, a regiment nicknamed the National Volunteers or Monitors

Sat [April] 25 [1863]

Disturbed in night -- by troops passing my tent
for our officers It is a grand high way -- & by calling
roll at 3 A.M. -- Lovely day. Sent a dozen sick to Gen'l
hospl. talked & prayed with men in hos. & also with
some out-of-it -- Labiaux very low.
rode out to new bridge -- helped finish it. Boys in good spirits
Gen Getty & we all rode over it. py meetg in Eveg. --

Fri [April] 24 [1863]

rainy -- In P.M. dept. ordered under arms -- & to be called daily for
roll call at 3 A.M. & remain ^'with' accoutrements ^'on' till 7 A.M.
heavy firing on left --
Young Labiaux very sick, fever & on brain -- poor fellow, hope he
won't die -- A good meetg. tonight. Mowery says "My
Sins are forgiven." I trust so. An engagement
on left front. Tis said 2 batteries & 700 prisoners
have been taken & brot to Suffolk -- A.M, Inglis
saw a long line of them, tongiht while in with
a telegram about poor Labiaux.
hope it wont turn out 2 guns & 70 prisoners

Private Emile Labiaux, Co. H, 25h New Jersey
Quartermaster James Inglis, Jr.

Thurs [April] 23 [1863]

rain in night -- firing yesterday Eveg -- 22nd Conn & 9th
Vt. & 19 Wis. are now added to our brigade I believe --
py. meetg in eveg. Also Ch. com. examined two for Ch. membership --
Young Mowery [?] came to my tent greatly distressed with Sins -- Counseled
& prayed with him.

Private John Mowery, Co. K, 25th New Jersey

Wed [April] 22 [1863]

Many Visitors in & out of Regt. rode to extreme right called
on Col. Burnham 22 Conn. married Mary Archer -- vis. several
batteries saw place where we captured rebel battery. Vis. hosp.
repitched prayer tent & made new seats. large meetg in eveg.
Riding along lines met a negro large bent & old -- sd. was "crippled
& de-misery settled in his legs -- prayed sometimes, went to ch -- not
Year before last nor year before dat -- Prayed for ____ most forgit what -
Well. was last summer prayed Lord to con - ver -ver - vert my soul
(he stammered) Has he -- Yah Yah --spec. not. war knocked it all out
my head -- most --"

Colonel George S. Burnham of the 22nd Connecticut

Tues [April] 21 [1863]

Cool & misty. sat for picture vis. hos -- wrote &c
Tis said we have withdrawn our forces bringing the
captured battery from other side of river.
Cool & clear eveg -- letter fr. Mr. H -- all safe -- also
of Helen's wedding -- Heard salute, Said Gen Halleck --
Comd. in chief W. La [?] -- has arrived -- also rumored
we are to attack on other front tomorrow with
15000 men & 4 days rations -- rebel also says Longstreet
has cut us off, fr. Norfolk, & captured us, but
as boys say "we dont see it." Held a crowded
& unusually interstg meetg. tonight.
Heavy guns at intervals -- today Sat for picture. Mr.
Alexander finished it today, began 13 March -- The
background is representative of heights back of Fredericks-
burg -- & the action going on -- The 25th with colors advancing
to deploy before the charge Mr. A (of Co H) fired the last
shot in that battle.


Henry Wager Halleck (1815-1872)
Co. H had a private named Donald Alexander. Does Butler mean that the painter Donald Alexander and the private Donald Alexander are the same man?

Mon [April] 20 [1863]

Sat for picture & wrote. Sd. 5000 of our
men are over river strengthing position --
rode out to batteries all along on left. a crowded
pry. meetg -- a young man ^'who' rose among those who asked for
prayers -- told me after meetg. he had lived in sin long
eno, had promised his mother to meet her ^'now' in
heaven, to meet her there, meant to do it.
about 15 men returned fr. hospt. to reft. among
tje, Cummings who left it Oct 28 -- I trust he
is converted

Sun [April] 19 [1863]

Vist. & spoke at hospt. Also walked to Ft. Jericho -- & along
rifle pits to Cos. K & G -- spoke distributing tracts, Spoke at K
read at G -- both ordered in. returned to dinner Sey [?] Fuller dined
with me. Mounted old Speed rode to left gave tracts & spoke
at three points plus batteries) returned to Camp -- preached to those
here -- all voluntary. Crowded py. meetg. in Eveg --
vis. hos. & fort heavy guns almost all day. Met 89th. with
Stretchers going down river.
About midnight Col. came in with 120 privates & 9 officers
of 44th Ala. & Striblings Va. battery. taken with their
battery of 6 guns, by 8th Conn. & 89. NY who crossed
river & surprised them. Our They halted in our camp
to drink -- carried water with them -- talked with poor fellows,
one Capt. Rogers knew Douglas Forrest -- shook hands with
me on strength of mutual acquaintance. Sergt Mason talked
freely, good lookg. well dressed & plenty to eat -- they sd.
I told them ought ^'to' have helped our boys bring guns over.
Sd. bad end. to come themselves. Warm lovely day

If Butler is referring to the 89th New York, which was at Suffolk, the Col. was Harrison Fairchild.

Sat [April] 18 [1863]

Fine day. Regt. not relieved, wrote letters -- no prayer meetg. last
night -- quite warm, rode out to Ft. Conn. shot rifle fr. pits to
a tree on opposite shore -- called on Chapl. Francis of Monitors
regt. & Mr Knapp of 19 Wisconsin. vis. hos -- sat for pic-
wrote home. good py. meetg in Eveg. Reid (armorie)
sd, he 11 mos, ago sought Sav. no relief -- remembered
his bad conduct to his mother when in passion --
went to her knelt beged pardon -- She pressed her lips
to his forehead -- & forgave him -- His doubts of Christ
willingness to forgive when were removed. He sought
& found pardon fr. Jesus --.

Chaplain William Knapp, 19th Wisconsin Infantry
Chaplain Eben Francis, 127th New York, a regiment nicknamed the National Volunteers or Monitors

Fri [April] 15 [sic] [1863]

Brot in morg. reports; Attended Brewtons
funeral -- talked with several recent converts.
Had to wait at cemetery while grave was dug.
Saw three large regt. just arrived as reinforcements
Among them 22. Conn. wh. has one Co. fro. Suffield.
Saw several of our boys & capt whom I knew, had
seen them leave Suffield. Fuller married Miss
Peace -- Col. Burnham of 22 mard. Miss Mary Archee.
We sent 150 men across river to scout last night
Saw some rebs, but accomplished very little
I suppose Helen & Joe were married last night --
While I was sleepg. in ambulance -- a party going on
[word struck through and illegible] Sat for picture, face done,
Rode about 6 miles down river to point near where it
widens -- While Col was eatg. supper in negroe hut
I was by river -- gun boat passed, hailed me -- for a pilot
theirs just mortally wounded by 12 lb Shell from
rebel battery. (Rebs have two batteries [word struck through and illegible] now.)
-- I had none -- a surgeon? no -- shell went thro. pilot-
house, the second pilot killed to day. We are building
bridges & roads to connect forts & batteries -- (Billy Buch
Did'nt get thro. with his religion satisfactory to himself & [-]
told him he would receive what he still needed when baptized --
but he swallowed his tobacco in act 00 & no better. Christie
remarks as I write.) -- our regt. was to be relieved tonight. I
returned about 9 -- with some chickens. vis. hospl.

Col. George S. Burnham of the 22nd Conn.

Thursday [April] 16 [1863]

Regt. called out in night to rifle pits &c
rose early & rode out to former camp of 21st Conn --
5 Cos. of our regt. there. Spent day looking at rebs,
in a battery where we dismounted their guns
yesterday -- My glass and a Artillery Capt. sd. what
you take -- I sd. I pd. $15 "-Didn't wish to sell -- he had
Gen. Gettys glass -- much inferior -- will you take $20?
$25? Name yr. price [-] -- was sorry but didn't
like to part with it: rode to other points -- to camp
& back to the woods with & spent night with Regt
Slept in ambulance with D. B. & Geo. latter called
in night to give whiskey ration to men digging
rifle pits -- Had a smaller prayer meetg. around
a camp fire -- Conn camp finely fixed up grape
vines [-] into chairs, Sofas, & Gates -- very handsome
visited other outposts --

Wed. [April] 15 [1863]

heavy rain -- Artillery & muskets in morng. some reinforcements
are here -- vis. hos. bade patients who go goodby -- arranged
[-] wrote letters &c. Yesterday as batteries & gun boats were
playing I asked a young contraband girl about the rebels
She said, De gun boats will make dim Jackets hot for 'em
yonder [?] reckin -- Affectg to see poor Joseph Brewton
seeing his brother so sick -- prayed with them.
Reported that rebels are coming in our rear -- that is,
right flank rear by us -- Good py. meetg. Ackerman
professes hope in Christ -- was awakened by profanity of his
fellow teamsters one night, rose in his wagon & prayed.
[seens?] very clear -- Reid the armorer likewise --
Poor Brewton died about 7-- P.M.

Four men named Ackerman in the 25th New Jersey: Privates David, Jacob, John and Peter. Likewise three men named Reid: Privates John, Thomas and William.

Tues [April] 14 [1863]

Passed quiet night, except our guns threw shells at intervals
to keep rebels awake -- this morg. cannonading all around -- pretty spirited --
we are throwing up rifle pits on right flank of our camp close to my
tent -- the 1st in line now -- vis. hos -- have a case of measles in new
hos -- Sat for picture -- distributed tracts to men in rifle
pits worked with them & also on our new fort to left --
rode along lines & out to front on right --
rebels have force guns in position on bank. two of our
20 lb. parrots -- are gone fr. Jericho to dislodge them.
Contraband & 10th N.H. gone to erect works & sharpshooters
to protect gun boats. Tis camp rumor that Gen.
Peck had been sent as traitor to F. Monroe.
As Dr. M. & Capt Valle & I are riding along lines --
I in front Capts -- horse stumbled. Capt. fell over
his horses head -- horse I fear stepped ^'on' certainly hurt
his breast -- Capt got up -- took another horse fr his
orderly & on -- narrow escape -- heavy cannonading
all day -- some injuries to our sharp shooters --
No engagements except by batteries gun boats & skirmishers
Heard great cheers near town toward Eveg. Tis sd. 100 deserters
of 4th Georgia regt. beckoned to our cavalry & laid down arms --
Sd. 7000 more were ready to do likewise -- starved out - ^'important if true'
a large building on right is in flames -- tonight effect
on Camp is [-] that of thin layer of snow on ground & trees

Major General John James Peck (1821-1878) According to "Generals in Blue" "...while commanding at Suffolk, Peck rendered his finest service to the Union cause by beating off the two Confederate divisions of John B. Hood and George E. Pickett, who were under the command of the celebrated General James Longstreet, in their attempt to envelop and capture the town. He was badly injured in this encounter...."

Mon [April] 13 [1863]

passed quiet night -- regt called out under arms before day light
as precaution -- All seems quiet now -- Mr. H intends going this morng.
carries about $5000 -- for men &c -- they have to go because all
ladies are ordered off -- about 60. went down yesterday on open car without
seats -- Dr. Masson says his battery[?] drove rebels back a little --
Brid[g]e was repaired yesterday. Other road still out of order --
Gen Cochrane shot Col Kimball of Hawkins Zouaves died for
attempting to stop his horse Sat. Night. Col. was intoxicated -- poor fellow has served
gallantly for 2 years - & term expires in about 10 days.
Went in Ambulance to Depot with Mr. H Mrs D -- Mad[am] M. & waited
there from about 10. til 5 -- before they got off meantime we climbed on
to a pile of hay -- witnessed opening of our batteries on rebel forces -- in
front- on left --& their reply -- infantry & cavalry moving forward &c
houses burning -- to prevent sharpshooters getting lodgement
a poor family near rebel line attempted to escape fr. our shells,
bursting near them, when ordered by rebels to halt & fired upon --
The mother killed -- body brot. in a cart into town by her
husband. Mr. Causan saw it -- Good deal of cannonading from
Batteries & gun boats one of our men on gun Boat wounded --
conductor on train very rude to Mr H -- I demanded apology -- he refused
perhaps will think better of it. Met my old friend Wm. Felt he
is at present Chief of subsistence for Gen. Peck -- Our (25)
men still in fort -- rifle pits & on picket -- saw several citizens
under guard -- going to fort Monroe. houses near river dismantled
& Rose hill -- ordered to be ready to vacate for a bettery to be
planted there -- Saw an old lady come fr. a large house
tottle down St -- leaving her house -- fr fear -- An old man grey
haired with wife & pretty daughter grown up & little child coming
in -- in a cart guarded by a youthful dragoon -- riding behind
the cart. Young Woman & Soldier seemed to be very animated in
some spirited conversation --
Our Gun boats throw a shell every 20 min -- this Eveg -- to Keep
rebels awake I suppose -- now past 10 P.M. --
What will tomorrow bring forth -- battle or peace -- The Lord directs --
A good py. meetg. tho. but few could be present --
vis. hos -- poor Brewton very sick -- two rose for prayers tonight --
one an old British soldier -- A shell fr. rebel batteries struck
in rifer close by rose hll just before I reached there this P.M. they sd.

Brigadier General John Cochrane (1834-1898)

Colonel Edgar A. Kimball (1822-1863) of the 9th New York Infantry (Hawkins Zouaves) and a veteran of the Mexican War was known as 'Old gunpowder' to his men. The altercation between the two men apparently involved Cochrane refusing to give a password to the Colonel. The Zouaves nearly mutinied over the death of the popular Colonel.

Major General John James Peck (1843-1878) would soon be severely wounded in the siege.

Private Albert Brewton of the 25th New Jersey. His brother Joseph in the same Regt. (See posting for April 15)

Sun [April] 12 [1863]

Very warm, thunder & shower at Eveg -- Regt under Arms.
Some in
fort some in rifle pits, some in Camp, some on picket. Vis. hos -- carried
relig. papers to men -- & after dinner called perhaps half regt together &
Mr. Hornblower made address & prayer -- I a few words -- heavy guns
on left. While on fort raparas of fort and came -- Ambulance ready --
Went in with Mr. H., Mrs. D. & Madam M -- to depot. No train til dark
So returned -- held good py. meetg. in Eveg I & Mr H both spoke & prayed.
two rose for prayers. Gen. Getty expected rebels to attack in P.M. but did
not. gun boats threw few shells while we were in town --

Sat. [April] 11 [1863]

Very Warm -- At hos -- Mr. H. I rode to bridge &
rifle pits -- our men are at work on -- All ladies ordered
to leave Suffolk -- Mrs Hanson & husband Chapl. of 6 Mass
called -- Mr H ^'and I' are to preach if possible for 6th Mass
25th NY - & mounted rifles tomorrow. Some excitement
about various rumors -- Toward Eveg news came that rebels
were advancing in great force, had driven in our pickets --
Lt. col directed me by Gen Gettys order to call in regt at once
& place them under arms -- I rode out, were just coming
in -- Heard heavy guns on left as we came in --
Were ordered to fort & rifle pits & break down
R R bridge -- Mr. H & I after py meetg walked
around four or 5 pieces mounted. helped at
rifle pit -- rec. money fr. men to send home --
a train of cars ran off -- where we had broken bridge
terrible wreck -- two men hurt -- one (negero) badly --
Went out to see all right. Got wounded into secure good
quarters -- wrote &c. didn't get to bed till past midnight.

On April 11th Longstreet 's Corps advanced on Suffolk, beginning a siege of nearly a month.

Fri. [April] 10th [1863]

Went about with Mr. H -- In P.M. rode with Madame & her brother
py. meetg in Eveg. vis. hos -- reported rebels expect to attack
here -- A Brigade ordered to reinforce Foster (we saw them
on cars) were recalled to camp -- Our regt. ordered to
build bridge tomorrow.

General Robert Sanford Foster (1834-1903)

Thurs. [April] 9th [1863]

Walked to old Hd. Qrs -- Called on Mr. Bartlett &c &c --
with Mr. H. talked gread deal -- vis. hospt. &c -- Attended debate
both Mr. H. & I spoke -- Mrs. Derrom has fine tent.

Wednesday [A[pril] 8th [1863]

Got pass -- went by 10.40 train to Norfolk found Mrs. D &
Son. Mr. Hornblower -- Madame Mitzgara & little girl -- I had
hoped it was Tilly & Helen -- dined at Atlantic.
found Mad[ame] -- a fascinating French lady -- Drove to review on
reachg Suffolk -- thence to camp & hosp -- on rose hill -- she
is sister of Dr. Marson -- I asked him if he could take
a patient -- he did not know as had spare bed -- had I
no regt. hos -- what disease -- Look at patient (we came
in an Ambulance -- He came gazed -- threw up his
hands Cest toi! cest toi! -- She fell upon his neck
&c &c -- Had a crowded py. meetg in eveg -- Mr. H. spoke
& prayed -- vis. hospital

Tues [April] 7 [1863]

Major Paulding paid Regt. four mos. mine due
tomorrow is $463.84. after Govt. tax -- Sat for picture
vis. hos -- rode to Suffolk for pass [?] -- got up nice
fire place -- no meetg. paying off privates

Mon [April] 6 [1863]

fine Snow nearly gone -- froze last night -- franked the letters
must get up a fine place for Mr. H. in my tent.
met the Chaplains -- Dined with Gen. Dodge -- good meetg.

General Charles C. Dodge (1841-1910)

Sun [April] 5 [1863]

Cleared. Snow melts -- Vist. hos. several times -- preached to
regt. on Gal VI: 7. whatever a man soweth &c -- A very large &
good py. meetg in Eveg -- Saw a poor fellow going into hos. at Eveg.
"carried [?] of two" -- Are you sick? Yes Sir. I expect to be in heaven before
morng" very calm. A Xn excellent man -- but out of his mind.

Sat [April] 4 [1863]

Cold. sat for pic -- Snow towards Eveg. vis. hosp
stormed so none came to meetg -- Letter from Mr. Hornblower says
he & Mr Denan expect ot be here Wednesday -- good!

Fri [April] 3 [1863]

returned late by 8. oclk train had delightful
visit -- Mr. Ladd -- of C[hristian] C[commission] Called & left papers &c.
had good py. meetg in eveg vis. hosp --

Thurs [April] 2 [1863]

After breakfast visited our sick at Hampton hospt.
all doing well -- Marshall returned with us to Norfolk
Col. & AM & I drove around City -- Visited fine old cemetery
Shaded with cedars -- Saw several fine houses -- entered Cath
Ch. very handsome -- dined -- Called on Mr. Crowell -.
a loyall man. took tea & spent Eveg. at his house. three
very pretty daughters -- one like Maggie Taylor. Two Miss
Stones -- Seccesh were there. Sang some rebel songs &
wore rebel officers buttons as ornaments.
delightful family -- at tea had figs grown & preserved by
family -- Presbyterian -- Said a chield was baptized last
Sunday named RebEllia Davis Virginia Chicora Johnson
Slept at Atlantic Hotel -- Mild day --
Saw great deal southern money -- Confederate & other
all of it greatly at discount.
When enquired price of anything sd. 100 2/Northern
4/Southern money --

Wed 1 April [1863]

Vis. hos. sat for pic -- Went with Col. D. & Q.M. Inglis to Norfolk
Chester & Dr. R in cars -- passed thro. several miles of dismal swamp --
dark clear streams & river thro. it, overgrown, with canes such as
fishg. rods are made of. thick growth of timber pine & cypress
in spots -- many small evergreens -- holly &c
Saw some large peach orchards in bloom -- In Norfolk dined
with Chester on board Schr. Jno. Donaver [?] Capt. Rice --
Crossed in boat -- City of Hudson to Fortress Monroe
Met Marshall -- he took us up to Chesapeak hosp -- tea & pleasant eveg
with Dr. Stocker -- Mrs & Miss -- S-- Mrs Daily[?] -- Miss Burton -
& Surgeon -- fine music -- Clera & his pretty sister sang delightfully
all out at 10 P.M.

Colonel Andrew Derrom
Quartermaster James Inglis , Jr.

Tues [March] 31 [1863]

rain. cleared at Sunset, sat to Alexander for my picture -- Attended
Soldiers debatg. Club -- vis. hos &c
Chester got furlough tonight

Private James Chester of Co. I, 25th New Jersey?

Mon [March] 30 [1863]

Clear & cool -- froze last night -- Saw J[oseph] B[rewton] on beat, seemed
very sad -- had been praying all night & had not found him yet.
A man (backslider) stopd. after meetg. I spoke to him --
he burst into tears & sobbed violently -- seems determined to
return or at least desirous to do so.
At request of Chapl. Hyde met Chapls. Miller & Hanson at his
place -- Called on Sergt. Peter Smith at 69. Maj. Butler & Col.
Murphy very polite -- attended dress parade funny little boys
for drum corps, introduced Col. to R.C. Chapl.
held prayer meetg. & while writg. late in eveg. up came Grey
Called me out of mess tent -- wanted me to pray for him
deep distress -- counseled & prayed with him --

Private William L. Grey, Co. D., 25th New Jersey
Chaplain William Lyman Hyde (1819-1896) of the 112th New York, another regiment at Suffolk in the spring of 1863
Chaplain John Wesley Hans0n (1823-1901) of the 6th Massachusetts, also at Suffolk in the spring of 1863
Chaplain Daniel Henry Miller (1824-1896) of the 15th Connecticut, also at Suffolk in the spring of 1863.
Butler does not mention the name of the Roman Catholic chaplain. By checking the names of Roman Catholic chaplains in "Faith in the fight" edited by Brinsfield, Davis, Maryniak and Robertson, against the locations of their regiments in the spring of 1863, only one priest was found: Paul Gillen (1817-1882) of the 170th New York.

Sun [March] 29 [1863]

Held two Services in hosp. and communion in mess tent
three joined on profession, one baptized, a sweet season --
perhaps 30 or more present altho a large part of the regt. was
on picket. Buried Vanaman in P.M. -- remarks & prayer & SS as
usual. A brigade dress parade was ordered, & I designated
to hold service thereat, hurried there just in time, preached
short sermon on "Watch" [word line out] Mark 13:37 -- (1) Against
sin -- (2) for Opportunities of serving Christ. read ls -- & prayer.
Wind blew against me -- so rear ranks probably could not
hear. arranged thus.

13 N. H.-----------25 N.J. our regt small [?]
4 R. I-------------4 Conn

---------- I --------------
--------Col. Dutton------

large numbers of spectators --fr. Cavalry Artillery &c near by.
Held a good py. meetg in Eveg. talked & read with Col till
late -- As I was about entering mess tent for py. meetg
Young Joseph Brewton who was walkg. his beat near by--
called & with tears begged me & the meetg. to pray for him
he is earnestly seekg did hope he had found Christ but has
not, spoke of his call -- at Meetg.


Theophilus Vanaman, a private in Company G
Joseph Brewton, a private in Company F

Sat [March] 28 [1863]

Thunder in morg -- vist. hos. often. a pious Soldier died today
was ready to go -- The explosion last night was a shell who
a Soldier in Artillery camp left by fire & fell asleep.
A rifleman's bullet struck today within 6 ft. of a man of
Co. B. & 36 ft. of hos. -- wrote Mr H. & Sat to (Donald) A for
my picture. Good meetg. again this Eveg. heavy shower
A Contraband came in wearing No. Carolina rebel uniform
fr. Blackwater

Fri [March] 27th [1863]

pleasant -- buried two men of our regt who died ^'yesterday A.M.'last night very
suddenly -- sat for my picture -- large & interestg. py meetg in Eveg.
Wrote Mr. H. vis. hosp -- Some very sick

Thurs [March] 26 [1863]

-- Cooler -- two of our men died very suddenly
this morng early in hosp -- vis. hos -- rode to Col.
Dutton's Dr. R. -- now Brig. Surgeon -- Got little Helen's
photograph Admirable -- & Sat to Donald Alexander for
my picture -- Examined four to join Ch -- tonight
a poor contraband selling apples -- wept at mention of his
Wife -- now carried South since Augt.

Wed [March] 25 [1863]

Mild --recd. balls (base) fr. home to give to regt.
2 doz. at $9. pr. doz. -- Yesterday - It is most likely we
shall go to Tennessee soon shower last night
Copied part of field book notes of Fredericksburg battle into
this journal -- At meetg last night a soldier said, "he
went by water -- &c always found it best to nail his
colors at once [word illegible] Didn't wished every rebel -- yes every
Southern rebel -- Converted &c" Mild -- vis. hospt.
poled down dismal swamp Canal with Dr. D -- picked up
a green cane rod -- held good py meetg. in Eveg.
Wrote home -- Presented balls -- regt. gave 3 cheers

Tues [March] 24 [1863]

Warm, cloudy, Sat for my picture to Mr Alexander.
in P.M. Visit hos. talked personally with most. a good
& interestg. py. mtg. in Eveg. Q.M. Inglis & Dr. Bateman
returned Dr. R. left us for^'as' Actg. Brig's Surgeon --

Quartermaster James Inglis, Jr.
Asst Surgeon Robert M. Bateman
Surgeon James Riley

Mon [March] 23 [1863]

Lovely day rode with Col. D. to Suffolk -- Getty & Dutton,
Hd-qrs - & Union town. Got old hos. tent back of mess tent
for meetgs in back. held good py. meetg in eveg--

General George Washington Getty
Col. Arthur H. Dutton (1838-1864) of the 21st Connecticut ?

Sun [March] 22nd [1863]

Fine warm Snow melts fast -- birds singing -- Vist. hospl. as
usual -- Walked to Union town with Col. Ayres to preach or hear
prechg. but Cap. Sykes was [illegible] rations on a/c storm yesterday --
They hire contrabands to work in forts at $8. a piece board & clothes pr. mo.
Preached to Regt in P.M. on parable of prodigal son -- A large
& interestg. py. meetg. in Eve.

Sat [March] 21 [1863]

Still Stormy. Jacob quite ill. Visitd. hospt. rumor Paymaster
of Div. has come -- Went to almost every tent
to see how men were doing [part of page missing] weather--

Fri [March] 20 [1863]

Snowing still -- rumor last night that the 9th A.C. are ordered to Tenn.
2 Divs. already shipd. to Balto. Wrote letter &c visit hosp

Thurs [March] 19 [1863]

Wrote Mr H & Alice W. no meetg in Eveg. heavy Snow Storm

Wed [March] 18 [1863]

Mild. visited several in tents talked & prayed with them.
one of our men died very suddenly this P.M. was on guard last night.
Visited Union town & Suffolk with Chester for pict &c.
Union town is a well laid out place -- of small huts for contrabands
crowded - with them - fr. Carolina & elsewhere - horse got mired & I
dismounted, pretty muddy -- good meetg, Had a sweet time in
py. with young Jos. Brewton who hopes he has given his heart to Christ

Joseph Brewton, Private in Co. F, 25th New Jersey

Tues [March] 17 [1863

Cold last night -- I have influenza -- Donald Alexander began
to take my likeness -- in oils -- sat twice. Meantime moved our camp
to a very pleasant spot -- grassy plain studded with young pines --
a large creek skirts the Eastern bank -- called at Mounted rifles to
see Col now Gen. Dodge -- he is away -- (only 21 yrs. old) Lt. Col
Onderdonk, Major
Patton & Mr Bartlett Chapl --recd me courteously -- Got up my wall tent.
Very hot in middle day -- Men in good spts -- we are to garrison a support
Fort Jerico -- near by -- St. Patricks day -- Exchan[g]es begin are keeping it
up, apparently -- Sd has been a fight in front - & 40 of ours killed, w & m,
py. meetg in Eveg -- small--

Col. Benjamin F. Onderdonk of the 1st New York Mounted Rifles (also known as the 7th New York Cavalry)

Mon [March] 16 [1863]

--drizzling -- Good letter fr WH -- We are in a swampy
plain -- near Suffolk -- It is quite a large village, four Chs.
only are open when I was there yesterday, py. meetg in Eveg.

Sun [Mar] 15 [1863]

Vis. hos. Attended Meth. Ch in town -- house crowded with
Union troops -- an old man evidently Pastor preached, not a Civilian
present I think -- a good plain gos. Sermon -- no allusion to times
except prayer "for country & our rulers" whoever they were.
Preached to regt. in P.M on Luke 18 Pharisees & Pub-
prayer -- Did pretty well I thot. Good py. meetg in Mess
tent at night -- threatened storm.

Sat [March] 14 [1863]

ice made 1/4 in. last night -- rose early removed to
a point about half mile east of Suffolk & encamped
For first time since Dec 1 -- Got up & into my wall tent,
but ^'did' not use it -- Found P. W. quite sick on ground in Commissary
tent & had him moved to mine wh. is drier -- Slept as usual
in Mess tent -- Met Peter Smith Henry's Grandmas coachman --
Sergt. in Coct. Regin [?]-- looks well -- Charlie Dodge is here &
now a brigadier I hear -- milder -- wrote home

Brigadier General Charles Cleveland Dodge (1841-1910)

Fri [March] 13 [1863]

Got orders at daybreak break to be on transports at
9 A.M. broke up camp -- M. couldn't go with us -- left some-
what reluctantly this pleasant encampt. took a large
Propellor for Norfolk -- dined on board -- while waitg. for train
walked alone around City. It is large & well built, but looks
deserted, although the population is mostly there except those
in rebel Army. It has fine market & some good looking Chr.
one very fine Epis. Ch. of old style dated 1739. got in cars
about midnight for Suffolk -- thro. dismal swamp -- bivouacked
about 1 oclk for night -- very cold -- most of my bed clothes
being strapped on horse & he went by another train.

Thurs [March] 12 [1863]

Went to Fort Monroe for supplies Marshall came back with
me -- Regt. was inspected -- rode with M. along 9th A.C. held meetg.
in Eveg -- very windy & cold

Wed [March] 11 [1863]

Stormy -- vis. hospl. held py. meetg in Eveg.

Tues [March] 10 [1863]

Spent an hour in hos -- talking with men personally
walked last night on beach with Mrs. [Auger?] of 21st. Conn
drilled with line officers in P. M. Visited Gilmore sick
in tent -- prayed with him -- Good py. meetg. in Eveg.

Mon [March] 9th [1863]

rose early, franked letters, Good py. meetg. in Eveg.

Sun [March] 8 [1863]

thunder Shower in A.M. Cleared off fine & warm
visited hosp -- poor Campbell very low -- hopes he was
Christian -- talked & prayed with him & then
Preached in P.M. to regt on duty of intercessory prayer
"Pray ^'one' for ^ 'another' Jas. V: 16. very large py meetg in Eveg --
one rose for py. -- I asked prayer for C -- Corson prayed most
appropriately -- I stepd. out -Campbell had just gone
Very interesting experience by one of the men --
Sergt. Johnson 15th Conn. Yale Man called on me --
His father, native of N. Carolina -- was Miss. to Turkey where
he was born -- now his father is at So. his Mother & Sisters at
No -- Strong Union -- he enlisted -- his bro. a Chapl. in Union
army died of fever -- fine fellow.

Sgt. Henry Phelps Johnston, Cos. G and D of the 15th Connecticut (1842-1923) was afterwards a professor at the College of the City of New York, and noted Revolutionary War historian.

All together there were four men named Campbell and seven named Corson in the 2th New Jersey.

Sat. [March] 7 [1863]

mild -- wrote Mr. V.W. Sec. of U.S., daughters, also Kate W --
py meetg in Eveg.

Fri [March] 6 [1863]

Warmer, letters fr. Mr H & P. C. My dear friend Lieut
K Wilcox is dead! -- I cant realize it. His poor mother
& sisters! -- Vist. hos -- held py meetg 4 rose for prayer --
good attendance & interest, played ball in P.M.

Thurs [March] 5 [1863]

very cold last night ice made 3/8 thick.
played ball with Col. Ayres Col Dr. &c vis. hospl
Chapl. Morris took sides with me -- In Eveg. held py. meetg
Morris 8th Conn - & I spoke also others 6 rose to ask our
prayers & Haycock expressed hope he is Xn
took lesson in perspective fr Alexander

Three men named Haycock in the 25th New Jersey: Pvt. Mahlon Haycock of Co. E, Pvt. Peter Haycock of Co. H, and Pvt. William Haycock of Co. A.

Wed [March] 4 [1863]

Busy with rolls of 15 Conn R. vis. hos--

Tues [March] 3 [1863]

lovely day Dr [Seffrine] Dailey & I rode to Hampton,
Saw Tylers [?] house occupied by Schoolmaster. Visited his
Colored School ---- dined at Ches. Hos. with Marshall
Sketched ruin of Ep. Ch. -- burnt by Magruder as was
whole town -- chimneys now built around with cabins
of pine by Contrabands -- box of fruit fr. home -- (W. I in did)
good meetg in Eveg. vis. hos --

On August 7, 1861, CSA Col. John Bankhead Magruder ordered Hampton burned to prevent its use by Union forces

Mon [March] 2. [1863]

fine Spring morng -- good py meetg in Eveg.

Sun March 1st 1863

cleared off, fine, mild --
examined other candidates, & recd. in all five. Peter R
Westervelt -- Davis, Jordan, Wilson & Tullis into Ch. com,
administered Sacrament of Lords Supper -- pretty large attendance
& very sweet time -- Preached in afternoon to regt. on
seeing then we have a great high Priest who has passed
into the Heavens. Jesus the Son of God let us hold fast
our profession -- Rom fact 5 joined -- Romans triumph -- Jesus entering
heaven -- sits there for us -- Encouragement. Has wrk. out salvation --
All praise -- Full of sympathy -- : hold fast -- Impenitent find him
so
Excellent py. meetg. in Eveg. & house crowded -- some from 13 NH
seems some reason for expecting increased interest
vis. hosp -- A good day to many of us.

Pvt Peter R. Westervelt Co. H, 25th N.J.
Two men named Davis in 25th N.J.: Pvt. later Corp. Horace of Co. E and Pvt. William of Co. B.
Pvt. William L. C. Jordan of Co. D
Three men named Wilson in 25th N.J.: Pvt. James of Co. H, Pvt. Stacy M. of Co. F, and Pvt. William H. of Co. I
Pvt. William Tullis of Co. D

Sat [February] 28 [1863]

stormy, little unwell -- dieted -- held small but
interesrg py. mrg in eveg. examined candidates for
Con adminsin to ch.

Fri [February] 27 [1863]

-- Mild -- Showry -- visited by Chapl. Morris 8th
Conn. & Lt. Hubbell 21 Conn -- In hos -- also held a
ch. com. meetg -- in Eveg -- to arrange for communion--

John W. Morris, Chaplain of the 8th Connecticut
2nd Lt. William S. Hubbell of the 21st Connecticut

Thurs [February] 26 [1863]

--Warm--read --in hos -&c, Letter fr. Mr. H. says Wm. has
returned with stores of good things

Wed [February 25] [1863]

Lovely day -- Gen Dix reviewed whole 9th
A.C. -- Magnificient sight abt. 15000 men --
men in new pants, generally -- splendid masses --
fine banners - & good discipline -- As ea. regt.
with its two colors came up the old man raised
his hat the drums rolled a loud & startling salute
the colors dipped while the boys the while poured
forth delicious music. Dr. Reily returned --
We played ball -- got quite warm, vist. hos -- attended
small debating Soc. of the men in loft [?]

Tues [February] 24 [1863]

Warmer -- In p.m. went with Jno. to Fort
Monroe for Supplies -

Mon. [Februaru] 23 [1863]

Still very cold -- cloudy -- visited hosp &c

Sun [February] 22 [1863]

Terrible storm of wind snow & rain -- walked thro. camp before
breakfast & some tents down & have drowned out --
Stormed almost whole day. very cold freezing -- no parades
guardmountg -- or general service -- held short service --
hos. & good prayer meetg. in Eveg -- Col. unwell --
read sermon. Washingtons Birthday

Sat [February] 21 [1863]

A most charming spring like day, birds singing -- air soft & balmy
Lt. Col Ayres & Capt Force are off for ducks at day light --
blew up cold at night - wrote several letters.

Fri [February] 20 [1863]

fine day, high wind but soft air -- Dr. Daily & I rode
up the lines & beyond to outer pickets -- on a high bluff thro.
woods saw whole 9th A. Corps -- called on 27th Regt. passed thro. deserted
farms & gardens -- beautiful country & rich land, home to a late
dinner -- Mr Hornblower writes that my letter was read to my Ch & that
I am now out of the question

Thurs [February] 19 [1863]

very stormy, but cleared so we played ball, but Eldridge
would catch me out. visited hos. sketched & wrote letters.

Wed [February] 18 [1863]

rain -- boxes came with good things from home,
held py. meetg. only three or four present -- very stormy,
rats are drowned rats, small py. meeting in eveg.

Tues [February] 17 [1863]

rain -- sketched -- had singing in Eveg

Mon [February] 16 [1863]

rose early, am to hold py. mtg in hosp tent tonight,
feel need of Spts. presence & convertg. power --
lareg [?] & interestg meetg. Col Derrom returned.

Sun [February] 15 [1863]

An April day -- visited hos. talked & prayed as
usual. read at 4 Held service with regt -- preached
on "How shod. a man be just with God." Job 9:2 dift. ans.
given to question a slight shower ^'at close' prevented singing & also dress
parade
In Eveg. held a large & interestg py. mtg. at our quarters,
took walk after it on beach with Major, urged attention
to Salvation upon him -- dark cloudy night, scraped away wet sand,
& kneeled together on beach & prayer for him. I hope God will
bring him to Christ -- & pour out his spt. here.

Sat [February] 14 [1863]

Fine, but cool -- had windows put in our house --
we are living well now -- Dr. [James] Reily went home Dr.
[Robert M.] Bateman returned visited hospl. letters fr. Tilly &
Mr H -- Hear that 9th A.C. is to be divided part go
to Newbern -- & part (we) to Suffolk -- 27th N J has orders
to be ready to move at mom hours notice

Fri [February] 13 [1863]

Cool, clear, distributed papers & temperance tracts
thro. whole regt, took stroll -- made sketches of map--

Thursday [February] 12 [1863]

Mild, windy day -- drew sketches, rode on
beach with Major -- walked with Dr. & had hair
cut. Called on Col. Stevens -- his wife gave us mince
pie -- pressed sea weed -- It seems like Newport days
cloudy, but soft air, fine appearance at dress
parade -- Eight or ten regts. in a line --

Wed [February] 11 [1863]

Cool & cloudy, went by Govt. boat to Fortress
Monroe for mess supplies -- very successful -- back
in three hours. Officers hilarious with good feeling in Eveg
laughing talking & gymnastics -- Gen [George Washington] Getty sent an
orderly to request less noise -- wrote W -- at Cuba --

Tues [February] 10 [1863]

Lovely June -- like day. Charming spot Shore a
level sandy plain with pine woods in rear.
We are 200 miles fr. our late camp -- 100 miles further south --
in direct line --
took Sail boat, Chester Maj., Cap Stevens & Dr. Daily & sailed out in river
good breeze & warm, boarded the Monitor "Nahant" examined
her turrets -- has two cannon 11 & 15 inch. Shot of lattter 444 & takes 35 &
50 lbs. powder & costs 30 $ to load - & fire once -- Lt. Harmony [?]
very polite -- one man turns turret, 70 man her, compass above
center of turret reflected down by mirrors -- avoid attraction,
Rack solid iron 30 in. above water, stepd. down fr. one boat
to get on her -- Saw Minnesota & Galena near, bot 2 bus
oysters, of Negroes, sailed back Maj & Cap opened & ate oysters
on way. Sketched the shore -- a beautiful live oak, set
on fire -- put it out -- in night. With [?] & Capt S,
Soldiers parade -- pleasant letters from home.

Mon [February] 9 [1863]

Lovely May like morng. Capt invited Col. A[yres] & me to breakfast
& transport [?] on shore in his boat. Air calm & sweet. visited
fortress Monroe - & reported to Gen. [John Adams] Dix -- moat 75 paces wide filled
with water, immense work -- beautiful parade, large eno. for
a village 3rd N.Y. guard mountg. -- splendid drill & fine band.
Sketched Gen Dix's head Qrs while sitting with Col. [Ayres] Maj. [Brown] & Dr. Reily [sic] under
a live oak tree -- beautiful clumps of those trees all about
look like apple tree -- or olives -- dark olive green leaves.
pretty little acorns gathered some, birds singing --
We are ordered to Newport News immediately -- Saw the
rif rafs -- Am writing in Cabin by an open window near
fortress -- transports loaded with troops about us -- whole 9th A.C.
go to Newport News -- Sailed at noon -- about 10 miles to Nep. N.
Saw the wrecks of the Congress & Cumberland sunk by the
Merrimack -- Got boat of Capt. Stone & pulled off with Chester
Dr. R. & Captn. Stevens, to Cumberland climbed into her main
top to cut off some of her mast[?] &c for relics.
Regt. went ashore & encamped near shore -- which is sandy here
right bet. wrecks of Congress & Cumberland War ships in the
roads -- one a monitor, beautiful trees of pine -- cypress & live
oak skirt the beach -- & fig trees grow close by our quarters
took two old houses one for all our officers & one for horses --
Men in fine spirits -- & like it very much.

Possibly Private James Chester, Co. I, 25th New Jersey?

[Sunday, February 8, 1863]

morg. ate cold rations with Mr. Holms of Paterson.
Col. [Enoch J.] A[yres] got rgt on board of Str. Jno. A. Warner. fine steamer.
horses & baggage & men all right, lovely day, but cold -- ran
down Potomac about 11 A.M. fine places all along,
about 4. held service -- preached on What must I do to be
Saved -- we felt great liberty in speaking. Col. sd. twas best
discourse I had given since in service -- men seemed attentive.
Got thro. just as we entered Chesapeake Bay. Calm night
dined on board all officers -- Capt. very polite
to me -- attended service -- In night ^'he' sent for my
telescope -- Anchor made nice bed for Col. A & me --
About midnight -- anchored in Hampton Roads, had prayers
before retiring. Christie pointed out several curious
& remarkable places. In P.M. called R. [Dr. Riley?] aside & renewed our
friendly relations -- since Friday night interrupted. We both felt
better -- I preached better for it.

Sat [February] 7 [1863]

Beautiful morng. No orders yet. Zouaves have

my birth day -- had some

gone. After dinner struck tents, loaded train & about 10 P.M. -- Sent horses by land
Cold -- Chilly night, ice makg -- a Soldiers wife asked me to hold baby.
Set off for Aquia's Creek about 11 -- tried to sleep in baggage train too
cold. Maj. walked. Got out & was left. Arrived about 1. oclk -- cold
night Col & I on boat awhile -- not allowed to lie down--

Fri [February] 6[1863]

Warm, rain -- getting ready to march.

(In Eveg. talking..Had sharp consl. with
Dr. [James] R.[iley] about mess affairs.

Cleaned up at night, beautiful night --

Thues [February] 5 [1863]

Snow changed to rain moderated at night
Col. D[errom] went home -- vist. hos. &c Got orders for
9th A.C. to Sail for Fortress Monroe without delay
3 days rations -- under GenW. F. Smith to report ot
Gen Dix -- Storm will doubtless delay us.
Pleasant letter fr. Mr H. "Wm. sails for Cuba"
Mr. Evans writes to know if I will accept call to
Cong, ch -- ansr. not unless unanimous, don't know
about it even then. Wrote Col. & Mr H. & Mr Evans
that unless call ws unanimous I could not entertain it --
if it was I would see -- retired late

General William Farrar Smith, head of the VI Corp at Fredericksburg
General John Adams Dix (1789-1879), commander at Fort Monroe

Wed [February] 4 [1863]

Very Cold last night. slept but little, called John at
half past four & had fire made -- Our poor fellows On
picket must have suffered -- Col D[errom] has pass to go home
tomorrow --

[February] 3 Tues. [1863]

cold. high wind our groceries arrived fr. Washington.
visited hospt. talked with almost every one personally,

Feb 2 Mon [1863]

Fine. pleasant letters from home.

Sun Feb 1 [1863]

Mild, high wind & little rain -- In hospt. -- gave tracts &c
Also attended Mr. Cummings service at 1at R. I. battery. In pm I
Preached on Strive to Enter in at Strait gate &c to our regts.
Held prayer meetg in Eveg in mess tent --

Sat [Janaury] 31 [1863]

Fine, bright day -- Made out my quarterly Chapls.
report to Col. & handed it to him, visited hosps -- talked per-
sonaly with many of them, rode horseback past Hd. Qrs of
Army Potomac -- very muddy -- In eveg. had games
of what is yr. thot. like -- (field & staff officers)

Fri [January] 30 [1863]

Fine day. Visited hos. & tents -- wrote letters -- fixed
up tent &c--

Thurs January] 29 [1863]

clear -- Snow quite deep, men quite comfortable.
Tho. some trees blew down -- in night -- one man injured.

Wed, [January 28, 1863]

Heavy rain snow storm high wind --

Tues [Jan] 27 [1863]

Wm. left us -- rain -- wrote up afrs. re. letter &c

Mon [January] 26 [1863]

-- Pleasant - called with Wm. on Gen. [Edwin V.] Sumner (who knows
him - ) He told us that he [William B.] Franklin & [Ambrose] Burnside
were relieved & [Joseph] Hooker in Chief command.
rode along pickets with Wm saw rebels at work on
entrenchments -- ate no dinner -- took salts.
Had some men fr. Co. I to sing in eveg
Tues Wm tried to get pass to take me home -- could,
but, I would not sign application -- felt no
real necessity -- Surgeon McDonald would give it
but I could not see it my duty to start yet.

Sun [Jan.] 25 [1863]

Fine warm day. Preachd. on Acquaint thyself with
him (i.e. God_ -- Wm present -- buried a man after Sunset

Fri [January] 23 [1863]

Cloudy, but milder; no orders yet, for a week
we have had rations cooked & been ready to move at
an hours notice. Still unwell -- Paymaster came!!

Thurs [January] 22 [1863]

Little easier -- at noon rose ate arrowroot
& heard bear stories in Evg. still storms, constant
orders to move & wait, rumored McClellan is
coming to the Army. We have moved, it seems certain
but not know much of the Army or where they
have gone

Wed [January] 21 [1863]

quite sick again took pills of Calomel &c
in bed -- with nausea --

Tues [January] 20 [1863]

Still sick better at noon took Soup -- ate ice wh
John brot. from brook. Mrs Powers visited us --
rain -- feel better -- orders to move at early tomorrow.

Mon [January] 19 [1863]

Sick all day -- took Soda & Rhubarb -- fasted, great
nausea -- At night drank toast water -- very grateful

Sun [January] 18. [1863]

cold, Visited hos -- & preached to reg in PM on
Be careful for nothg &c Phil 4:6 -- felt sick &
no appetite at night

Sat [January] 17 [1863]

Clear, bright, calm, cold -- Jno. came with packages & letters for
almost every one. Seemed almost like Santa Claus -- no orders
to move yet, but Dr. Bateman detailed to Aquia Creek hospital.
left us to day -- Much to my regret, a very amiable Christian
gentleman, letters fr. Henry, Julia, Mr. H, Mrs Attenbury &c.

Fri. [January] 16 [1863]

Vis. hos. high wind & much colder --
Col [Enoch J.] Ayres came this P.M. John is left on
road a few miles back -- We have orders to be
ready to march early tomorrow Tis said to cross
river above city & attack enemy's left wing
our rations are cookg. very cold tonight 8 PM
& John not here yet

Thurs [January] 15 [1863]

Very mild -- but high wind, vist. hos. letters &c.
Heard of death of two soldiers -- probably death of another,
letter fr. Sergt. Gibson Co. wounded prisoner paroled & at
Annapolis -- Sue writes that cousin Frank Butler
is in Stuarts Cavalry.

Sgt. James T. Gibson of Co. A, 25th New Jersey

Wed [January] 14 [1863]

floored, mess tent, with boughs & boards. Expect Lt. Col. A[yres]
& John tomorrow, also paymaster; At hos -- are building oven
to bake bread. rumor of battle soon --
My plan of the war is -- for Banks with his 75,000 men
to move ^'fr. N O.' up take Vicksburg, united with Rosecrantz
come up thro. East Tenn -- & take Richmond in rear --
While Foster demolishes Charleston, then take
Lee in rear while we assail him in front & flank
This would grind all to powder & restore Union! but
man proposes but God disposes --

Tues [January] 13 [1863]

Unwell rose abt noon, cloudy mild, letter fr. Mr H --
visited hosp --

Mon [January] 12 [1863]

fine -- milder -- I have a cold. shewed Gen. Getty div. Comdr.
thro. hospital &c -- Appeared quite pleased. rode out on
picket line -- clear view of City & rebel works --

Brig. Gen. George Washington Getty (1819-1901) commanded the 3rd Division of the IX Corps at Fredericksburg.

Sun [January] 11 [1863]

Cleared off fine. Peterson Co B died held services in hosps -- & gave tracts
Preached to regt. on Blind Timaeus & held services at 4. py. meetg in mess
tent in eveg. -- sat up late -- talking.

Two privates with surname Peterson in Co. B of 25th New Jersey: Jeremiah and William.

Sat [January] 10 [1864]

Q.M. & John went off by first train. I also recd. Metalic
coffin & exhumed & forwarded Posts body. vist. hosp--
Began a settled rain about dinner noon, & still rains 9 P.M.

Fri [January] 9 [1863]

wrote letters, vist. hosp. walked to depot -- &c --
A letter came to Col. D[errom] yesterday of wh this is copy.

Carnel Darunel -- I would like to now wether
tomest W. pe Drst is killed or woues or missen
from the regment. pleas write and let me now rebeca
grant - Malaya post ofes --

It was fr. his girl -- & he came for it today.
John goes to Paterson tomorrow, with Q.M. Inglis who has
leave of absence for illness

Possibly Thomas W. Pettit
Captain and Quartermaster James Inglis, Jr.

Thurs [January] 8 [1863]

looks like snow. Col [errom] unwell - & Q.M. [Muschanp] quite sick --
Chester at Aquia Creek for supplies -- [?] Cook
Had rather unusually good time readg. talkg. & prayer in hosp.
Made discharge papers --

James Chester of Co. I, 25th New Jersey?

Wed [January] 7 [1863]

Fine but cold -- In hosps. Q.M. is sick with typhoid -- goes home --
are discharging soldiers -- now for disability -- It is sd. we have
taken Vicsburg & defeated rebels at Murfresboro --
pleasant letters yesterday fr. Henry & Paterson --

Quartermaster Sergeant John S. Muschamp

Tuesday [January] 6 [1862]

Fine in morg. slight rain in P.M. -- at 2 the whole 9th
Army Corps were reviewed by Gen Burnside -- a splendid sight --
abt. 18 000 men -- the cheers were tremendous -- He only rode once
along the lines & dismissed us a/c of rain -- one regt. as we marched
off gave him three hearty Cheers -- he raised his hat & Smiled --
visited hospl -- read "Among the Pines" --

Mon [January ] 5 [1862]

Lovely day, wrote letter of thanks to Gen. Burnside
visited Med. director of R[igh]t G[rand]Div[ision] -- to see about
sending Posts body home, visited hospl. -- wrote several letters --
We are now brigaded as 3rd Brig -- Col Dutton of
21 Conn Comdg -- also 13 NH & 4th R.I. --
Dr. [James] Reiley was appointed Brigade Surgeon but
order revoked as Surgeon of 13 N H ranks him
Read - "Among the Pines" -- It is thot we shall
move Soon -- rumors of great battle in West --
& of attack of Vicksburg -- also -- pres. proclamation
declares all rebel states free -- on 1st. [?] good.
May the Lord cause it to Secure Liberty & Union
to us all -- & peace & joy & to his name shall be
the prayer --

Co. Arthur H. Dutton, 21st Connecticut

"Among the pines: or south in secession-time" was a non-fiction travel account by Edmund Kirke, a pseudonym for James R. Gilmore. It was one of the books known to have been read by Abraham Lincoln. Gilmore later published his personal reminiscences of the president.

Sun [January] 4 [1863]

A review of 9th Army Corps was ordered for today
I felt it was a desecration of the day, & sat down &
wrote a respectful appeal to Gen. Burnside to postpone
it, & sent it by Jacob. The Gen was in bed, ordered Jacob
to wait -- wrote me an autograph letter. Asked Jacob
if he belongs to same regt. with me -- sd. yes -- you
are sure -- yes sir -- then give him this

Rev. F. E. Butler
My dear Sir
I have just received your
kind note, and most cheerfully grant your request.
The order postponing the review has been sent.
You have my most sincere thanks for giving me
so timely, and necessary a check. You are quite
right in saying that nothing should be done
to interfere with the religious exercises which
are so necessary to the success of our cause, and
which it is our duty at all times to observe --
Yours very sincerely
Signed -- A.E. Burnside.

The order soon came countermanding the review,
& the regts. had a day of rest. I preached in P.M.
on Rejoice in the Lord Phil 4:4. In his character, providence
& Promises -- to Xs & Sinners --&c. Prayer meetg. in Eveg. three
requested prayers -- lovely day & night -- but high wind.

Fri [January] 2 [1863]

Fine day -- Saw Gen. Stoneman review Birneys division
vis. hos -- &c. made discarge papers. Capt. [Philetus] Stevens sent poor
Cooper to "see if he must wear a stock three or four days
before he could get his discharge" -- read [?], held
prayer meetg. in mess tent, & made molasses candy.

Brigadier General George Stoneman (1822-1894), chief of cavalry under General McClellan

Brigadier General David Bell Birney (1825-1864)

William P. Cooper of Co. I, 25th New Jersey

Thurs 1st Jany 1863

bright cold, lovely day. Vist. hos -- & tents -- compared
Muster rolls. funny letter fr. Henry, with extracts fr. papers,
Col.[Derrom?]unwell -- Men arrived fr. Fairfax [Serv.?][Sem.?] Still under orders --
but no movement. What will this year bring forth. Oh God
let it bring peace -- liberty & prosperity & Union to this
Country, success to thy cause in the earth & glory to thy
name thro. Jesus our Lord. Adjt. Murphy came.
Compared muster rolls -- met an interestg. case of enquiry.
Wm. Gray, Co. D -- deep & thoro. conviction -- was in action -- will read
in Bible -- cant appropriate X [abbreviation for Jesus?] -- prayed & counseled him.

Wed [Dec] 31 [1862]

raw, cold, windy, hail -- vist. hos. In evg sung
hymns & Songs -- repeated poetry. told stories &c in mess tent
At midnight Col. came in woke us up & bade us
heppy New Year -- Chapl. [Robert R.] Proudfit -- 2nd N.J. Inf. Called & dined -- looked well.