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!