John Harville Diaries, Ms20101-053, Special Collections ...spec.lib.vt.edu/mss/harville/diary2.pdf · nothing but mud. this weather is discouraging. yet to day we have orders to get

[p. i] Mr. John Johnson Dr to cash $2 50 Dick [Huftil?] Dr 10 Frank Dean Dr 10 Perry Gilbert Dr 10 Marks to Song Dr 10 Ben Hayden Dr 10 Ben Kayden Dr 1 00 also for use of money Dr 25 Sime Woolhouse cart Dr 10 Levi Sixby stamp 03 Overton Cr to Tobachco March 1th 1 can 30 billy Foote to cash Cr 06 Billy Foote cash Dr 10 Capt Callis cash Dr 05 1 89 p. 1-2 Letters Answerd Letters received answerd Feb 15 1862 a letter Mattie Lumpkins answerd Feb 24 the 1862 a letter Lib Nickerson + Carry Feb 22 answerd Feb 24th 1862 a letter Lib Miles Feb 23, 1862

John Harville Diaries, Ms20101-053, Special Collections, Virginia Tech

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answerd Feb 24the 1862 a letter John Batie Feb 24 answerd Feb 24 a letter Mattie Lumpkins 23 answerd March 1the 1862 Hattie & Lizzie Trine Feb 28 1862 sister Carrie Feb 28th 1862 answerd March 2 the 1862 Liya + Mary Jane Batie Feb 15 answerd March 17 the 1862 a letter from Father March 15 answerd March 15 the 1862 a letter David Bradt March 8 answerd April 10 the 1862 a letter Sister Carrie March 23 answerd April 12 the 1862 a letter from Emma Eengle March 23 answerd March 30 th 1862 George Batie Pricilla Bonas Bob Nickle 23 answerd March 23 the 1862 letter Mattie Lumpkins 23 answerd March 25 the 1862 letter Mattie Lumpkins 23 answerd April 6 the 1862 letter Father March 28 answerd April 16 th 1862 letter Lib Miles April 4 answerd April 17 th 1862 Dick & Harry Batie April 16 p. 3 Letter to John Batie March 30 to Phebe Batie March April 2 to Phebe Batie April 1th 1862 index letters Page 1 introduction 5


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Lieut Woodhouse leaves us 6 our orderly reported 7 Col praises Co F 9 one day on guard 10 Capt Finicum Marries 13 skirmish drill 16 14 20th of Jan on picket 20 a spie taken 21 description of battles 24 we get our new rifles 27 Robinson appointed Col 29 another soldier dead 31 a visit to the 2 Wis 35 from fort donelson 37 proposals of peace 42 evacuation of Clarksvill 43 p.4 Ben Haden Dr to cash April 3the $2.00 Washingtons birthday 45 heavy wind storm 50 one months work 58 Mustering day 61 Maj Bill 65


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March the 4 on picket 67 death and sickness 78 boys having sport 81 hurrah for a march 83 Contrabands & Short rations 90 Centervill deserted 90 boys find dead cattle 93 the Mail 96 the Jayhawkers 97 Pete in the gug 99 a retrograde moovment 100 address of Gen McClellan 103 leaving Arlington, Camp smoke 105 Clandestine Marraige 115 battle of Winchester 117 boys shirking from drill 124 p. 5 another review the Col & Major thrown from their horses, the end 128 Thursday 23 [January 1862] Dear friends, after a short lapse of time, once more I take up my notes as usual, hoping you may derive some profit there by Friday 24 Jan 1862


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we had to come out on inspection, by Mayjor brown, in the mud, we had no time to clean our guns yet we made a very good appearance, the remainder of the day we past as we chose, as we could not drill p. 6 Saturday, January 25, 1862 Lieut Woodhouse & Meeker was appointed to go home to get recruits to fill up the Regt. they was pleased at this turn of fortune, all right Jan Sunday 26 morning inspection as usual nothing transpired on this sabbath the return of Lieut Boothe from prison, who was warmly welcomed by his friends in the Wis 2 Regt. Monday 27 our orderly a 2 Lieut & al. Kidd went to the Citty returned next day a little how come you so, the weather is rainy and muddy so we past away the time best we could. and Vir never tire say it dont p. 7 Tuesday, January 28, 1862 Tuesday finds us still lounging and idleing away our time, we should be actively engaged in the field, yet mud seems a barrier to our progress if we should undertake to moove Wednesday 29 some one reported to the Col that our orderly did not call the roll regular, orderly got mad swore he after this would call the roll every night rain or snow. all elce was quiet on the potomac Thursday 30 was pleased to see 2 of the 6 walking round with straight Jackets on for punishment, this was new to us one of our boys is carying 30 lbs of sand 4 hours each day, I don’t think of any thing else that has happend p. 8 Friday, January 31, 1862


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nothing but mud. this weather is discouraging. yet to day we have orders to get ready for an inspection to morrow, dont you see how the money goes rain or shine well we can stand it Saturday, February 1 true to promise we had our inspection. although raining we must come out any how it is hard we think to come out such weather yet it is all military so dont grumble Sunday 2 inspection Capt found fault picked the cleanest guns, the rest to come out again, in the after noon must have cleans guns, I with the rest good anough for us, we was reading when we could have cleaned guns p. 9 Monday, February 3, 1862 woke up found the ground slightly frooze, and now it snowing. five men was detailed as wood chopers from this on five will be detailed each morning Tuesday 4 ground white with snow 9 A.M. dress parade. heard several orders read, when we closed Colum by the left flank, our Col walked by each Co to see how they looked. he was displeased with the caearliss loose appearance of some of the Co’s, after viewing the Regt, gave Co F the praise of looking the best and moast prompt on the ground so he said Co F was the p. 10 only ons that could get a pass to go to the Citty I suppose this did not set well with other Companies. Wednesday 5the I went on guard the weather very fine, we was on the second relief, each day the guard is divided into 1, 2 and 3 relief each standing 2 hours and 4 off, all went off as usual till evening, when the officer of the day found a privit of Co K laying on his back fighting the timber around him, officer not desirous of blood shed, and supposing him a little to tight for comfort, had him marched to the guard house, after awhile he wanted to go ut the p. 11 Sargeant of the guards with two more went with him, when out he refused to return, at the the same time trying to trip up the guard, not succeeding at this drew a knife which was soon taken from him he was soon in the guard house but they soon lost him he sliped


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out and went to this tent, he must be sent a Corporal my self and two others to bring him back after some persuasion we succeeded his plea was we would kill him, the counter sign was Moscouw, the time past pleasantly till morning when p. 12 Feb. 6 we was relieved, as it had commenced raining so we was pleased to get off duty, lately the guards are not permited to leave the guard house without permission their food must be brought to them or otherwise they must take it with them the command is imperitive that every person going on guard shall have his haversack with him, this the boys think is pretty tuff, and so do I. Friday 7th this morning the boys are talking about a certain flag of truce which was brought to our lines the other day. all have their p. 13 thoughts on the matter. perhaps it is the foreruner of peace yet time will divulge the truth the day has passed away and the evening warm and pleasant this evening our band is out Serenading Captain Finecum it is said his sweet heart has arrived and the Capt lost no time in leading her to the hymenial alter well his head is level I suppose, the Brass Band from the 2th Wis is at present serenading our Col they are a good Band the play very well they are all right on the goose thats So p. 14 Sat 8th we did not drill mud to deep, so we past away the time the best way we could some of the 2 Wis tried their new guns and they find them good for a long distance, Sunday 9the inspection a usual, weather fine, past the remainder of the day reading writing and so fourth. Mon 10the 9 oclock dressparade after the usual orders were gone through with we then wheeled by Co right in to colum opened order left faced marched forward observing an interval p. 15 of three paces between each one, then Co officers drilled us in the bayonet exersize. after dinner, before this though we had skirmish drill in the evening the orderly had us fall out without guns all wondering when he turned us towards the woods to bring each one a load of wood for the cooks, the sergeant went up for the bread but said it had not come no meat eather, nothing but coffee for supper well after a while the bread came alright so we eat our bread and drank our coffee, so thus ends the labors of a nother fine day p. 16 Tuesday 11the was pleasant 9 oclock dressparade, on account of the mud we have dressparade in the morning while it is frooze then we were marched off to to have skirmish drill, this is a tiresome drill yet healthy and a musing, after the Co is on the ground they are divided sections first and second plattoons then to get their proper


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distance second plattoon will right face first plattoon will left face and march from the center each five paces from his comrad in battle, then command rally by fours fix and unfix as you go bayonets, rally by secsions p. 17 really by platoons, then deploy in to line, face the enemy forward march front rank fire loads reer rank advances ten paces stops fires loads, front rank forward the same till they are orderd to cease firing or retreat these and various motions to numerous to mention they may be orderd to drop down flat on the ground and load thir guns in that position, when they wish to bring them in close order, you may say skirmish on number one assemble that will bring them briskly into close order, any how this is a healthy and pleasing exersize p.18 1 1/2 oclock we have the bayonet exercise, with a nother pleasing and exciting drill, not feeling well. I was excused from this drill. I have a severe cold and cough, to day our cooks have order to cook three days rations perhaps tomorrow we will go on picket well my friends we are now all in our little tent as the snow is falling very fast oh how beautiful it is to see the sparkling flakes as they fall. the Physician has just been round visiting as usual each Co to see that they keep clean and their quarters clean so as to prevent sickness wich is no doubt a very good thing, well p. 19 the Dock came and looked into our tent, we past the time a day we evited him in, but he thanked us but hadent time, we asked him if we was tidy enough, says he oh yes you will compare with any other co in the Regt, he told us to keep our tent well ventilated after complimting on our cleanliness he left, leaving us well pleased, of course this tuched our bump of vainty. well after role call, we will go to bed, and dream of comforts and friends that we long to return once more to enjoy, gentle reader good night thurs 13the weather very clear and nice, this morning our p. 20 Regt went out on picket, I was not well and was not able to with the boys but it happend to be my turn to stand on camp guard, so I was not called on to go. I was not really able for this duty, yet rather then to have the boys think I wanted to shirk I went on guard, I was on the 3 relief, which is the worst of all as you stand last in the morning till the new guard is mounted as good luck would have it I was number one, and stood at the doore of the guard, which is a easy post, for at night you can draw in your horns & take your position, in side. and


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p. 21 this time in particular they was not as strict, as the Sargant of the guard, and the officer of the day as the rest was out on picket so they let the boys have more liberty all past past pleasantley untill neer night when the wagons come in from Wash with our new guns, good this did not set us back a bit, as we have been looking some time for them, and the boys think they could not depend on the old muskets if they should get in to a battle now they are all right, if they get new guns, to day we hear p. 22 that a nother poor fellow in Co E has breathed his last, after a short illness. this Co is unfortunate it apears, that our Co is the moast fortunate in this respect of any other Co. it seems that we are bound to loose a great many of our best men by desease. well I must drop the curtain as morning has dawned and we will soon be relieved, thursday 13the 1/2 8 oclock I was relieved from guard duty. I went to my quarters, washed eat my grub felt sleepy layed down took a nap I waked up with a very sore throat. neer noon I found that our pickets had taken a spie dressed in citizens Clothes p. 23 they took the chap to Washington thire to be delt with according to his crimes. to day Co E burried the fellow that died yesterday. as the moast of the Co was out on picket 24 of the guards were detailed to consign his body to the grave King silence raigns supreme in camp. as the tents many of them vacated as tattoo has beat and also the taps I will lay down on my couch and have no one to make me lay over as I have the tent to myself for the first time since I enlisted well Gentle reader for the present I bid you good evening hoping you will bare with me unto the end of the chapter p. 24 Friday 14 morning pleasant but soon clouded up and began to rain I am afraid our boys will a bad time coming home to day we have had a few brushes with the enemy. some of them of which was attended with conciderable loss first and worst was Bull run there we were defeated though we stood our ground bravely. the the next in order is Balls bluff and big Bethel all these were tuff on the union but on the other hand the burning of Charlston was a grand achievment so was harpers ferry also Draiksvill and the taking of fort Henry on the Tenisee river, and then the p. 25 Glorious victory of the Burnside fleet, in the capture of Ronoake island killing 1000 & taking 2000 prisoners, only 50 to 75 poor devils escaped, the rebels fought desperately but they had to come to time, this accured the first of Feb or neer that time, well it time for our boys to get in. oh yes hars our Capt yes here the boys come, hungry and tired out. although tired their faces lit up with smile as they once more reached their quarters truly


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the heart is glad at the sight of home, but kind reader I dont wish to call a spot of ground coverd with tents is that home we moast p.26 yearn for far from it, it is that home we have left far behind, and those Dear ones we left in tears. oh may the time Soon come, when Brothers and sisters meet, when fond Parents can press their cherished sons once more to their throbing bosoms, yes kind reader that is the home that will cause the Volunteers eye to kindle with Joy, home sweet home there is no place like home, when friends we hold moast dear await our coming feeat, all is once more still in camp the boys have satisfied the cravings of hunger being tired the roll was called early so the boys could go to bed, nothing unusul occured on picket, all came in camp Safe p. 27 waked up and found the ground white with snow this morning we got our new guns, which suited us very well. they are caled Astrin rifles three Companies will have polished guns. the rest will have stained guns our Co got the latter, and caused entire satisfaction, the think now they are ready for action, the old musket was not to be trusted, new guns with the glorious victories we hear of latly has the desired effect to raise the our spirits, greatly, to day we were orderd out on the parade ground, we supposed or at least some did, to get marching orders but this was not the case, it was p. 28 for the purpose of getting 60 men from our Brigade, to volunteer as their servises was needed as Sailors their being several gun boats laying idle for the want of sailors to man them, they invited only those who were accustomed to boating and so forth, as only a few of our Co claimed to be water fowls only two offerd their services, those who do go will still be conciderd members of their respective Companies, they are only on detached servise, General McDowal was himself present when these orders were read, we have been busy, cleaning our guns, when we was not other wise ocupied, to night we p. 29 hear rumor of a nother grand victory in behalf of the union the serrender of fort Donaldson in Kentucky. however this is only a rumor, for the present we will treat it as such, on dressparade this morning, it was made public the promotion of W. W. Robinson to Col commanding and Major Mamalton Lieut Col, well it is bed time so good evening friends Sunday 16th, here we are all on the nip up, as usual morning inspection at 9 oclock, but this time we took our new guns out, we had some different orders one of these was bringing the piece briskly to the front and between the


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p. 30 feet for in spection of arms, the other was in parade rest bringing your right foot 13 inches behind the left holding the gun in front holding the gun right hand below the top band, placing the left above the band, position of the gun oblieque in front of the body lock towards you when one wishes to in spect your piece you bring the gun briskly to the front, catching it below the tail band with the left hand, bringing the gun directly in front of you, to day we gave up our muskets after getting them as good order as they required, also we gave up all our old catridges, tubes wormers screw drivers and so forth p. 31 if any of these are lost or not returned, the persons who fail to return them are held held responsible for them, dressparade in the evening for the first time for seviral days, while yet engaged in this exercise a funeral procession past by from the Brigade hospital some brave Soldier had died perhaps one who had braved the rigors of camp life and the turmoil of war, perhaps he stood in the foremoast ranks at the memorable battle of Bulls Run where our men fought so bravly under the stars and strips against three to one, yes dear reader thus the soldier will pass through p. 32 the ordeal of human slaughter and yet while in youth and vigor king desease may lay the cold hands of death on him and he must go then why not prepare for death and you may then exclaim oh death where is they sting, oh grave where is thy victory, well it is roll call So I must drop my pen, it is all military, as the boys say. Monday 17th, Just one month since we was last paid. to day is very raining. we have no drill on account of the weather, concequently we are all huddled up in our little tents, each one imploying his time as he choosed, reading writing, talking cleaning guns accutriments and p. 33 so forth, I have been well imployd I think patching and mending my clothes, yes indeed we must take care of our cloths or our earnings will go for Dry goods, sime Jumpts 3 men and one King, playing checkers, good for him, I tell you we can all appreciate Womons worth, we must do our own washing and mending, when he wants a clean shirt or a button sewd on, he cant run to Sally or Mother to get such favors oh well it is said we must have the bitter with the sweet we will know better how to appreciate those little acts p. 34 of kindness. to day we fresh news from Bowlin Green I guess that place is taken by our troops, if true the victory must be great, as they had them entirly surrounded, so if they had to run up the white flag all retreat cut off, about 15000 prisoners would be taken, arms amunition, provision and so on oh well it will learn them to take a Joke, I think the


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Scales will soon fall from their eyes and see we dont wish to hurt them, nothing more than to compel those naughty boys to behave themselves, they have had their own way long enough they must yield the palm, p. 35 this evening I went over to the 2 Regt, heard loud cheering and the Band playing, withe loud guns firing in fort Tillinghast we was there in time to hear speaches by Col McDonol he is a sharp looking little fellow, next took the stand he had but few words to say yet he breathed patriotism every sentance, the Major then followed. his short speech was full of truth and patriotism he made the asersion, as for himself, he thought he never would rest satisfied, unless he could see the Battle of Bull Run tried over again, cries yes yes others spoke briefly p. 36 after cheering cracking Jokes with three groans for old Col Peck who normaly was their Col, the crowd dispesed and went to their quarters, it has rained all day to day thus night closed in and shut out the military scenes of a nother day, here the curtain drops. the next performance will be somthing else perhaps Tues 18the weather warm and pleasant yet it very muddy. nothing to do I took a strole in to the 6 Wis found the boys generally in good spirits, yet some are sick. while there I was informed that the small pox had made its appearance, one out of Co C p. 37 was taken to the hospital who was taken ill of this terible desease. they are getting vaccinated so as far as possible, to guard against this contagious desease the boys in the 6 have got new guns they are caled spring field rifles. they are the nicest guns I have seen, Co C tried them at a target 100 yards, they proved very good for that distance, our Austrin rifles are good guns but the balls are to small, well the news about the war very encouraging no dout fort Donelson is taken. the rebels lost 1000, our loss was heavy. our troops, is now in full possesion and the old Stars p. 38 and strips wave where latly the palmetto or black flag stood. 15000 prisones, also Maj Gen Johnston, and two Brigadier Generals, old General Floyd the old traitors was here at the commencment but he smelling the rat decampt with 5000 men, this was to bad as he richly deserves death. this fort is on the Cumberland river, 12 miles above fort Henry which is on the Tennisee river, which 9 days ago fell in to our hands our sprospects are brightning we look all forward to speedy termination of the war we long to throw off the


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p. 39 Military garb, and return once more to our respetive homes and buisness, the lieut was out suning him self, and chating with other officers, as he was all a lone, as lieut Woolhouse is home recruiting. well while out his tent caught fire from the stove, the boys however extinguished the flames before much damage was done, only a learge aperture sufiently learge to emit the light of a common window, the boys wishing to surprise the Lieut, kept mum, and watched him enter his tent, oh what in the world is up, laughingly the boys ran up, and told him all that had happened, good p. 40 Feb 19the as usual we have our reglar rain, and mud as no one can get around, I have nothing of importance to note, but as the opportunity offers, I try as far as I am capable to explain why this great army on the Potomac dont moove, those friends we have left far behind, have great ancyiety to see this war braught to a close, yet being so far from the scene of war fare they have no idea of the real cause. well the upshot of the buisness is if you step out of your tent down you go up to knees in mud. the roads are almoast impassible. teamsters p. 41 can scrarcely get wood and provision, to the soldiers in Camp, now to make a long story short, it is an utter impossibility to moove from here until the ground settles Thurs 20 pleasant morning the sun is shining for the first for several days, I am water guard to day. owing to the mud it is tuff, yet I prefer this to Camp guard. to day Jessie Shipton has got his discharge papers, he will soon start for home good for him, our boys went out to try the new guns, Tom Nudson made the best shot p. 42 5 oclock the wind was beared round to the north, and feels rather chilly, we caried water till darke, and then our work was done. to day the order was to see how many ruber blankets there was in the Regt. I dont know why this was done Fryday 21 the ground is frooce I suppose we will drill some to day, this morning. Tom made proposals of peace to Harry. stating that he admited he did rong to call him improper names. as for one he was tired of such work as they tented together, Harry told him he did not wish to talk with him p. 43 at that the subject ended leaving them on no better terms than before, 9 oclock dressparade after this we marched out and had a skirmish drill, there will be no drill this after noon the Lieut says we can have the rest of the day to clean, our guns, and brush our clothes, and slick up. tomorrow is the 22 of Feb, Washingtons birth day we must look slick as a pin, we will go to head quarters, to have a time, and perhaps, have an address


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from some eminent person, to day we hear good news from the scene of bloodshed, Clarksville p. 44 which is on the Cumberland river between fort Donelson and Nashvill, has been evacuated, leaving 20 days provision which fell in to our hands, it is rumord that Gen Jackson, offers to surrender, Nashvill, to our troops. if they will not destroy property or shell the Citty, you see as how these soft shells, begin to think these darnd Yankeys are to carless when they are throwing Boom shells among them, on dressparade one of Co H, fell in the ranks with a fit, he was carried to his quarters p. 45 this evening Co C by the way of sport and exercise, took the Capt and under officers and carried them out of their tents which was no small Job as some resisted vigorously, and helped the Joke along, to think of more I scratch my head, so I guess I’ll quit and go to bed, Saturday 22 1862, as usual it is raining this morning. we was in hops this day would be fair as we wished on this day to do full honors to George Washington the Father of his Country. early in the morning the canons in the surrounding forts, peeld p. 46 forth their thunder, which made woods and hills farely ring impatiently we waited orders to fall in at last the rain began to cease, at 10 oclock we were orderd to fall in with over coats on, and haversacks to carry blank cattridges. as we geep 40 rounds of ball catridges they did not wish to have them taken out of our bones. well we shoved off through the mud, to the arlington House, which is not far, we found the other Regts in our Brigade. we all drew up in front where the uper crust was standing on the portico General King and staff and p. 47 seviral Ladies, and servants in liverie and wholesale, lackeys stood on the eminence, while we formed a curve lower down so the whole Brigade could hear the speaker, the Brass bands was ever present, which added greatly to help the thing along the farewell address of Washington when he retired from the service was read to us which was very appropriate for the occasion, this was in compliance to the order of President Lincoln, after a few tuching remarks by Gen King on the war and late victories, we was placed in regular form p. 48 to fire a salute as the closing scene, the 2 Wis on the higths we was below them and the 6 Wis below us. we fired two rounds by Battalion, commencing with the 6 Wis, they did well we did nothing to boast of as it was the worst firing we ever done. some of our men


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did not wait the order to fire, we then fired by file, each one loading and firing at will we was orderd to cease firing but not untill one of our Co met with a sad accident in the excitment in firing some failed to return ram rods some one of p. 49 2 Wis shot his ram rod, in our rear. the rod struck the ground snaped in two one piece passing through, the leg of one of our boys, he was taken to the hospital his name is Wilham. Atkinson and is a good Soldier we had none better. however it was nothing but a flesh wound we hope we he will Soon, be well the person shooting the ram rod was arested, and in future, the boys will be more carful Sunday 23 the 9 oclock inspection as usual the air damp and foggy Sunday morning we had Co inspection, the rest of p. 50 the day was past as usual reading writing and so forth Monday 24. after guard mounting the orderly had us all to fall out to dig and clear out the trenches to drain the off the water from our street and tents, which was a very good plan, we must observe Cleanliness in order to preserve good health, it was neer noon and we hardly had finished our work when when the wind sprang up as if by magic and very black clouds rose in the west. our boys remarked, that if in Wis the sky should have such p. 51 an appearance it would indicate a heavy storm. but in Vir we did not know what would be the result. but we had not to wait long to See the result. the wind grew stronger every moment, and the rain began to fall, but soon slacked up, but the wind come down upon us with redoubled fury in fact it was a perfect tornado well who can describe the scene that followed. only think where is our frail tents by this time, why they are on the camp ground. yet not all in their place, I tell p. 52 you it was laughable to see the boys out some running and laughing and shouting at the novelty of the scene. some of us were out holding the ropes to keep our tents down. the whole camp was in confusion in spite of our best efforts a great many tents were blown over. trees were blown down some falling neer and on the tents, yet luckily none was hurt our tent did not fall yet the canvass was somewhat injured, this wind storm was a hard one on us. and I sincerly hope we wont see another while the tent is p. 53 home, and I think we will not stay in them long, if we do we will greatly reduced in numbers. if we continue to loose them as of late, for we have lost three within 48 hours by sickness. I do not know the names of the deseased. nor any thing of their disability, as deaths are so frequent, they die & are consined to the grave ere we are aware of thir


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illness yet they say it is all military, I think our Reg has lost neer 23 Since the time of enlistment, the other night the boys in the 2 p. 54 Wis ralied on their sutler breaking in they run away with all they could find till the guard arived they then took to their heels, one that had stole a pair of boots in his haste ran afoul of the Col who asked him where he was going. he answerd by giving the Col a belt over the head with the boots, as it was dark he made his ascape leaving the Col to pick himself up. oh well so it goes in war. no roll call tonight the wind is blowing hard yet I will go to bed and see how that goes friends good night p. 55 tuesday 25the this morning the ground is frooze pretty hard, So now we will have to drill every day. this morning drill after noon drill untill dressparade this was the Cols order but our Co was the only Co that lived up to the order, I guess we will be poped through now for awhile we hear to day that McCauls division has taken Center Vill they heard the place was evacuated so they marched up and shure enough p. 56 the place was deserted however this is only rumor there fore I do not vouch for the truth of it at last the ball and chain has been introduced in our Regt, one Mr Fresh of Co B has been subjected to a Court martial for absence with out leave, he was gone 10 days and therfore he was sentanced to a Court martial, his sentance was $20 fine, with 30 days confinment in the guard house with a ball and chain the ball weighing 12 lbs and chain 6 feeat long p. 57 to be hung to his leg, I am tired so I will not particularize this evening Wednesday 26, to day we will have new tents so they say, the following places were taken between the 19 of Jan and 19 of Feb Mill Springs, fort Henry fort Donelson, Ronoake, Capture of Edenton, Herfort & Elisabeth Citty in North car. Spring field Mo, Bowlin green and Russelville, Ky. Clarksvill, Capture of Cumberland Gap, Nashvill, Gen Yolicoffer, was killed, Lloyd Tilghman, S. B. Buckner, p. 58 Bushrod Johnson, and Edward Price Capturd, a score of Cols Commissiond officers by the hundred and privets by the thousand 30 thousand small arms over 4 thousand horses and Muls, all the gun boats in the Pamlico Sound and on the tenisee river has been taken that will do for one month after noon, we had brigade drill, we were marched out neer the Arlington houes, we heard chering by those who had preceeded us, oh we are going to


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p. 59 advance Says he. well once one the ground, our Ajutant, took the missive and it and shure enough, we are orderd to prepare for a march in a memonts warning, we are to go in light marching order, and pack and leave all we do not carry, the said after this was read boys if that suits you give three harty cheers it is nealess to add, that the boys gave vent to their patriotic feelings, in this cheering, we then drilled on the hill side and p. 60 through the mud perhaps on purpose. to try us, we then fired 10 rounds, then marched to our quarters now it is raining, perhaps the weather will be damp for a day or two, Thursday 27th the wind has been blowing hard all day. fore noon bayonete drill, we got one box of balacking one bottle gun oil to each tent this is license money paid the Sutler. after noon skirmish drill, the mud is drying up very fast this is good for a moove if we should march soon I guess we will soon moove p. 61 Feb 28 this morning clear and cold, I went on guard so I did not go with the Regt to the Arlington House to be musterd in for our pay we had a good time until night when the wind increased and was very cold, in fact the coldest night we have yet experienced on guard, we was compeled to stomp and thrash in order to keep from freezing. towe of us was posted at the stable so we cheated Jack frost by casting anchor in Side the next tour we found the p. 62 door locked, yet nothing baffled, and not feering the regular rounds of the officers we climed up in the hay loft, fine sentinels we was yet if we had been caught a court martial would have been our portion. I mention this mearly to show what the soldier sometimes will risk, after a few months of service, Saturday morn I came off guard I laid down and took a short nap. the boys had a short drill. we had dressparade. also returned our old bayonet sheaths in order to get new ons p. 63 Mr William McCartney is paying us a short visit. and to day we are favord by a visit from Mr Reed from Lancaster, he intends to stay with us till we march providing we march within a reaonsable time, we now wait further orders to march, March 22 [March 2] morning inspection, I got ready but forgot to be on hand so I was to late, so I went over to the Second to see the boys had a chat came back found each Co getting the


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p. 64 Small tents, they are very small and look odd Just room for two in them, I suppose we must carry them on our backs when we march the talk is now if the Regt will give enough to make it pay the celebrated Cathy Dean will come and Sing to us our Co voted [hands?] to each person, so we will have the pleasure of listning to her vocal powers which are said to be good, we have it snowing some to day p. 65 the snow fell neer two inches deep the boys are out snow balling like fun it will not last long, I think we will soon leave here, to day the 6 sixth went out on picket and dont know whether they will get home or back to camp or not, March 3the morning raining 9 oclock drill in the manual and so forth, after noon Battalion drill we formed a hollow square and drilled in the manual by Captain Bill or rather p. 66 Major as he now holds that position. the day has been very wet. such weather is very injurious to the soldiers health, as they are standing guard and doing duties of such a nature as to leave them exposed to the inclemency of the weather, even now while I write the rain is falling on the sorry looking sentinal with wet garments as he paces his lonly beat, waiting for two hours to pass which seems to him very long ons he meditates as he walks his lonly beat of days of happiness past and gone and dear ons left at home, the pelting p. 67 rain arousing him from this reverie, ho there why dont the relief guar come, we expect to go on picket tomorrow the cooks have orders to cook three days rations. the water guards will carry till 9 or 10 oclock, and perhaps be excused from picket duty, we have no roll call, this evening march the 4 weather good it thawed some making it quite muddy, well we landed on the ground and was left as the reserve, yet we hoped we would go on first, we were soon in our brush shanties making our selves at home p. 68 we amused our selves the best we could. when evening came and supper over we drawed around our bright Camp fires made of pine + chesnut, every one done their best to enliven the scene by telling a story or singing a song. as the evening wore on the hum of voices grew less and one by one roled up in their blankets and St reached out round the and was soon in the land of dreams, this 5the morning we learn that we go on post, so we were called up to the old greesy looking dinner box, to get our [regular?] grub to


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p. 69 to take with us. you would laugh to see the boys runing and crowding. meat ground coffee sugar and so forth was dealt out to each man. pockets hankierchiefs envelops paper rags cups were used to hold coffee and sugar, 11 oclock we took our post on the extream right neer the rail road, here they were stationed along up to the rail road which was the end of our line from five to eight are left to each post each having one Corporal or Sart all went off well till one or 2 oclock, the worst of all the boys would pass the lines p. 70 in squads in search of freashe meat chickens sheep and hogs had to suffer. one from our post sliped off with a few others to take a peep at rebeldom in the space of an hour or two they returned carriing a small porker that they had shot. we asked but few questions, but soon had his hide off, and our pig divided, by this time the rifles was poping in every direction. but we had no salt to cook our freash meat, so I volunteerd to get some at neerest house, shouldering my musket in case of need however it is well to use this precaution when beyond p. 71 our lines, as we are liable to be sirprised and taken prisoner thus equiped cup in hand I started for the usuly known as the old widow womans house on my way on looking round my eye rested on a group of persons who made motions to me as if in distress on a rise of ground to my right I hastened up to them, and was sirprised to find a man & woman of middle age and two small children the smallest the father held in his arms for such they were the parents of these darling little ons which I suspected from the first was the case, p. 72 the mans head was bound up on asking the cause of his trouble, I see the children was crying and the parents faces wore the very look of dispare. they then told me their trouble stating in few and hurried words, that a gang of our soldiers come to his house and commenced shooting his chickens without leave or licence the owner of these fowels, thinking this an outrage tried to stop the further slaughter of his poultry when one of the boys presented the muzzle of his gun to his breast, saying he would take his life for a dam’d sesesh at this the abused man turned p.73 to go to our lines for redress believing this to be his intention one of these wretches struck him a blow on the cheeak with the butt of his gun felling him to the ground, as a last resort he sent his Son 15 years of age which I have not hitherto spoken of to our lines for help and protection, I was grieved and mortified at this account this is the first instance of the kind in our Regt, and was astonished to find that we had men who were so depraved


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and hartless as to be gilty of such a deed, this is the first of the kind and I hope it will long be the last p. 74 I told them to return and that I would inform the officers and try and ferret out the culprits. I am however to say none of our Co had a hand in hurting the old man here I left them and stardet to get my salt, here I found them excited. the impedent scamps not satisfied with depradations already mentiond they in passing through the door yard of this old ladies and actually shot one of her little pigs. this was a sad stroke for the old Lady as she had only two, in telling me her grievances she said p. 74 thought as she was so poor they ought to have sent her one mess of the pig any how, on hearing this sad story, I hesitatingly asked for the salt to cook the pig brought in by our boys yet seeing I had gone so far I would not back, four females dwell in this house one old lady one neer 40, one girl of 16 she was a pretty looking Lassie, also one colored woman. you can not gain much information from them some think they are rank secesh, they do not say yet it is very probable they have husbands p. 76 and Sons in the rebel army. yet admitting this is true I hope the lovers of union will never disgrace themselves and country by abusing defenseless females or quirt persons of eather sect, now I am whitling a sharp stick to roast a piece of meat by holding it over the coals, the second night past pleasantly. we had no alarm, the cars passed & repast carrying material and working men to rebuild the rail road in the direction of Vienna the road and work men are guarded by a Regt all the time p. 77 Thursday 6the 10 oclock we was relieved by the 2 Wis so we struck for camp we arived safe in camp 3 oclock P.M. tired & hungery infact owing to the mud it was uddoubtedly the hardest days work we have had in the service we found all right in camp and friends glad to see us safe in camp once more thus ends the scenes of the fifth time on picket Fryday 7 clear and cold and ground froose, morning drill. dinner 3 oclock P.M. drill. also we received p. 78 quite a lecture from our Capt, for being dilatory in falling in to ranks when the orderly gave the command I guess we will do better in future, in drilling to day we turned to the fore part of the book by way of reviewing the rudiments which was a good idea latly another of our number was buried. he got some gargle for sore throat he did not comply


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with the prescription, he was orderd to drink one swallow then wash his throat spitting it out he did not do this p. 79 so he washed the desease in to his stomache hence his death, also one was buried from the Brigade hospital, I regret to say that at present we have 4 out of Co in the hospital, one or two of them is very sick, I hope they will soon recover we never have had so many before, the mail has just come, I guess there wont be any for dischicken, we have one at home on furlough, name Wesley Crage 12 days was the time to return, as his p. 80 time is up we feer he has deserted. we hope none of our Co will disgrace themselves and flag by so doing Saturday 8the we formed a line on the parade ground with knapsacks and small tents each man half of a tent they took us out to try our scill in pitching and striking our Lillipution tents, each Co seperate we had no trouble in learning this part of our duty, after noon Co drill Wess Craige has returned in time perhaps to save a court martial, although to day he was reported absent without p. 81 leave, this evening the boys got on a regular train the fun was started in Co D and soon the whole Regt caught the same spirits the game was to form a line rush into the croud and nab all they can in their way they soon began to single out the officers no one was hurt, all was in good humor and well pleased Sunday 9the very pleasant, 9 oclock moring inspection as usual this time our Lieut gave us praise for being in the best order for p. 82 some time the regulations for Sentinal and picket duty when on the march and neer the enemy, I think we will Soon moove I was over to the 2 Wis & was in time to witness the departure of a funeral procession. yes I learned one of Co I yesterday bid a dieu to earth and all that was neer and dear to him, the Brass band a very sweeat yet mournful air as the bore his body to the grave, to night the boys had plenty of fun climed up poles jumpd p. 83 any way to get exercise being to neer the Col quarters he was somewhat disturbed as he was writing so we had to clear out; this we didnot like as we was performing our Gimnastic feeats neer the Vivandiers tent, she enjoyed the fun very well, and we of course would exert every nerve to acquit our Selves honorable, well we hear that the wagon master is orderd not to work the teams but tomorrow get them shod up in proper


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p 84 order so as to be ready for a tramp, oh yes we will go why we are half way to Richmond now. I guess we will fire blank catriges Sunday night we awoke with a start as the camp was in an uproar the long expected long roll was beating hurrah for a march, well the order was to be ready by four oclock to march oh, well this time we was expecting this to come but not in the night, well the moast of us went to work p. 85 steady and cool to pack our knapsacks, with eyes scarcely open as we left camp loud was the cheering, as we left our old grounds, when the sun rose it found us several miles away, we had is hard rough and taruble with the gutters and stumps till day break the weather being Sultry the boys soon evinced signs of weariness, and ere we was 10 miles from camp, the boys some p. 86 of them began to throw away their loose dry goods, a knapsack here a pair of pants there drawers under shirts and even blue overcoats were laying on the way we rested very often yet it commenced raining a bout 8 oclock which made the roads very Slipery and several of the different Regts gave out and sat by the road side, reader we are one our way to senter Vill, where we look for a hard fight p. 87 we arived at fair fax which is 15 miles from the Arlington House about 12 oclock, we eat our grub as we could catchit, formd all right at this place, though the troops that preceeded us had a Skirmish with them the day or so before, none of our men were killed, the distance from Fair fax to Center Vill is five or seven miles, we are now encamped only a few miles from Center Vill p. 88 to rest for the night unless we have a sirprise from the enemy, our march has been a hard one owing to the load we had on our backs the distance 17 miles very good for the first day well we are here now and in our little tents, Cannup and my self, spliced tents I tell you reader this is a day long to be rememberd Shurly by the boys on the Potomac, the boys are grunting with lame p. 89 shoulders and bare feeat, yet I guess they will Soon be one the nip up again. yet they are in good spirits, and are willing to face the enemy, which they may soon have the chance, if they push us a head we will meat them tomorrow or next day, the boys now are picking


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leaves and cedar boughs to lay on, we eat our regular hard bread and raw pork with a good apetite after dark a sup of p. 90 whiskey was dealt out to each man, also a cup of Coffee, I waked up very early with coald feeat, the slaves are running away they come in squads from two to 20 men wuman & children, looking very pittiful Monday 11th finds us in good spirits we get our Coffee, I missed my coffee as I was off washing. Some are grumbling our rations of liquor is very slim I think the officers get all they want p. 91 these darkies tell some hard stories about the secesh they say they think they are whipped, well it is high time to think so, to day all who are not able to carry their kn knapsacks are to be sent back to camp, we will soon be on the march again, we dont expect to give one inch this time but sweep all before us, McDowall intended to go as far as Centerville the first day but Gen King p. 92 would not kill his men marching that way some of our officers employ those darkies who run away for servents. we was short of meat so we killed pigs robed hen roosts any way to get something to eat. the next thing will be to rally on a store to get our tobacco as we have no money to buy I tell you men will do any thing before they will suffer Vir must learn to let well enough a lone well I guess she will p. 93 Just now two Regts have past going back to fair Fax. they say Centervill is deserted and even Manassas the rebels were retreating and burning the bridges behind them they found Center Vill well fortified with logs burned black to imitate cannon, porkers chickens beef geese are coming in to camp all the time the guard took 4 chaps who had beef the General says how did you get that beef. the boys told him they found the p. 94 critter dead out here a little ways, well says King if you found it dead you wont eat it, oh yet it had not been killed long he then told them to go after the boys were gone the Gen turned to Col of the Ind 19the Says he it is rather strange the boys find so many things dead around here, giving the Col a sly wink, he is the man for us he dont want the boys to starve as long as secesh meat is handy, we may not march for a day or two


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p. 95 battalion dressparade this evening we had brigade dressparade drill the first we ever had of the kind it was a splendid sight one man in Co A fainted and fell as we was marching to night the patrole took several of our boys in the act of cutting up a beef 6 of our Regt and 2 of the second Wis, perhaps they will be released in the morning, General McClellans Staff and body guard past on their way to fair fax, his guard is a learge body of heorseman, it was beautiful p. 96 to see them pass, it was a nice evening the moon shone bright on them as they past causing their uniforms to look rich after dark our sutlers arived bringing the mail which was hailed with Joy the lucky ons read their letters with happy faces as they sat by the Camp fire, the order is now that no person can leave the camp unless he has a pass Wednesday 12 weather good and all in good spirits. The worst with us is our teams failed to get in with our regular bread, so coffee p. 97 was all we had, our Capt picked such men as he saw fit to go out and Jayhawk. our Squad of 8 or 10 Started with a pass to return at 11 oclock we was out three or four miles from camp. We got all the corncake and milk we could eat and Shot chickens pigs beef and So fourth. We tore open 5 or Six beehives had all the honey we wanted. We are now in camp eating fresh meat without salt or bread the order was to drill but we will not drill untill we get Some bread, oh Such a time for the union Well it cant be helped oh No p. 98 2 o clock you could have Seen me out in the brush vometing Secesh milk and honey it did not agree with me. I threw up chunks of milk curdled large as walnuts. To day we hear of the death of Jas Gilegan who was not expected to live long when we left We expect to march a gain at 10 P.M. Since we left camp we have had only one ounce of bread and Six crackers to eat. Thursday 13 pleasant our cavelry brought in two rebels one of them looked very Sour. our Capt went out with 10 men to see what he could [Snale?] p. 99 9 A.M. Skirmish drill, we expect to march Soon, 2 P.M. Battalion drill Friday 14 Weather damp I went on guard I was on brigade guard. 40 men are detailed from each Regt to come out in heavy marching order. 9 oclock Co drill our Co started out with one darkey in the ranks. Pete Slesser remarked that he did not like marching beside a negro, at which the Capt took offence and ordered him to the guard house, Pete obeyed yet at the same time resolved to report the Capt for mak


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p. 100 ing away with part of the Co rations of Liquor and other items, 2 oclock P.M. Pete has been released by the Capt 3 oclock Batallion drill I was relieved by Julius, as we have orders to march to Elexandra to start by 4 A.M. Saturday 15th Morning damp we got all ready but did not start 11 oclock instead of forward we were ordered back to Elexandria there to take Shipping Distance 15 miles this was a day of hardships in fact we worked all day in the rain we was drenched to the Skin, mud and water up to the knees yet our spirits were high p. 101 with a trip on the water at last. tired wet and hungry we came to a hault 4 miles of Elexandra to rest for the night. cold and wet we went to work pitching tents, Soon the smoke was curling up from our camp fires in every direction, here at 9 oclock we had our regular Liquor dealt out to us we past a dreadful night. It Ceased raining in the night. Sunday 16 we partook of our Scanty meal making our own coffee in tin cups our wet blankets and clothes were hung out to day. we cleaned our guns which were very rusty and then p. 102 waited orders. 10 oclock A.M. orders were to be ready to march not forward but backward to Arlington. The effect was great Joke and Song was turned to murmering. We did not expect this, Now we are not to embark at present owing perhaps to the scarsity of transports, So with Sad faces we Started for our old Camp 12 miles, after a tedious journey we reached there 4 oclock P.M. Sore and tired found our tents taken down so we past into the woods and pitched our little tents for the night. the Women and sick hailed us with p. 103 Joy after one weeks abscanc thus endes the long expected march on Manasas, Not much blood was Shed, as the rebels fell back leaving us in possession of this Strong holds, Monday 17 weather cool. Jake Drew is not expected to live we past the fore noon in any way we pleased, 5 oclock we had dressparade on our old camp This we never expected to do again, we formed a hollow Square and the [adress?] of General McClellan was read which was p. 104 the Sentiments of a patriot. he says Now we are ready to make a decisive move, that hither to we have been preparing to strike the death blow and now the time had Come for us to act and we would be with him in every mans face was Seen the reflection of pride when this was read Several recrutes arrived this eavning from Wis Wilcocks Mcfarland


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Jim Taylor from Tafton they were warmly greeted by their friends they are in good Spirits p. 105 Tuesday 18 pleasant we will pack our extra clothing in boxes so as to be ready to march. we have a tall time of finding our clothing we had packed away Some did not finde them at all I found mine I + Jack we are striking tents to march, under Col Cutler who is now Brigadier Gen King is now division Gen once more we left old Arlington we pitched our tents near Elexandra for the night where we expected to embark the next morning we was all freed for the night when one of McDowells aids road rode up and p. 106 demanded of old Cutler why he stoped with out orders to do So. Cutler the darned old fool that is all he knows so we had to pull up Stakes and march, this made us grit our teeth this way of doing looks to much like childs play by this time it was farly dark So on we went over hills and hollows Hungry and tired at last tired out and thinking our Gen Cutler was to blame we broke ranks Soon the woods was all a blaze with Camp fires after our officers p. 107 See we was determined to go no farther, they then told us to pitch tents, however I and some others had our tents up. we had come near 14 miles to no purpose, our Supper consisted of dry bread, Some had not even this Wednesday 19th found us well but with a wolfish apetite 8 oclock our teams arrived So we got some Cold beef & coffee for breakfast after which we moved to a better Camp ground how long we will Stay or where we go next the Lord only knows p. 108 It is eather a feast or a famine with us to night we get 3 days crackers and one loaf of bread, it rained all night and this Thursday morning 20the It is raining and quite cool to day we have past a very disagreeable day it rained near all day So we had to hug the fires in order to keep warm and the Smoke is putting our eyes out to day we hear that Gen Burn Sides has taken Newburn after a hard contest he took 160 field pieces 100 of them rifle cannon our loss was p. 109 500 killed and wounded also he has been cannonading Island Nober. 10 the above places are on the coast in North Carelina. 2 o clock our Sutler arived. Friday 21the 1862 finds us all well, yesterday I drew 50 cents worth of tickets our Capt went to Arlington, to See how tricks run 3 or 4 of our boys will get their discharges two or three of us took a Strole


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in order to get a view of the premises, we Staid so long We missed rool call which is every two p. 110 hours We past over rough ground and timber which had been latly cut down so thickly as to almost obstructed our passage a Short walk brought us in Sight of a neat farm house had a good chat with the inmates who proved to be very inteligent people they Seemed rather heart broken and we could not help pittying them as our eye glanced over their once happy home now made desolate by the ravages of war, p. 111 we left this place with heavy hearts to look and see Sunney homes made desolate yet who is to blame Shurley we are not. We saw Several Camp Squads were out Shooting at targets balls Shot passed us yet we past on with out fear, we soon found ourselves in Camp all hunk, Saturday 22 finds us all on the nip up after passing through another rainy night to day we get the unwelcome news, that Lieut Woodhouse now in Wis has resigned this cast a gloom over the p. 112 whole Co as he was beloved by all, now there will be a change in the officers which we hoped would never occur, Dan Rector and I stole from camp and paid a visit to the grand Theological Seminary which is well worth Seeing We past in to the hall and mounted up nine pair of Stairs, here we found our Selves in the belfry we had a Splendid view of the Potomac and Country for miles around, after cutting our name on the wall we retraced our steps well satisfied p. 113 with our visit. this Noble Structure whose halls once resounded with happy Students Studying for the Barr and pulpit, is now crowded with Soldiers these buildings are used for hospitals, head quarters and so forth, we Started for camp Past by fort Ward arrived in camp 11 ½ A. M. 3 oclock Co drill. Suneday 23 pleasant this morning 9 oclock Co inspection over now looking for orders to march. also it is rumerd that no more letters will be sent by any of the army p. 114 on the Potomac, for a certain length of time by order of Gen McClellan. if this is true it is tough yet proper to prevent the rebels from geting notice of our movements. yesterday I drew $1.00 in tickets. which makes $2.00 in all Since our last pay day to day two or three recruits Came in camp from Wis To day we have great Sport with a pair of boxing gloves and throwing a 32 cannon Ball. Now the rumor is rife that we will go to Washington City as provost guard, we


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p. 115 do not like this very well this is not true we would rather go down the river to day we hear that Capt Richardson of Co A has tendered his resignation but the Col will not except of it the secret is the Capt Would woed and won the Cols fair Daughter. and was Married without the knowledge of her Father the Col was ignorant of the fact. until the Capt asked him to Sign a pass to go to the Citty. the Col mistrusting all was not right, enquired why he wished to go to the p. 116 City. The Capt answerd by saying he wanted to go to see his wife. the Col. was So enraged at this avowal refused to Sign the pass but Started for the Citty himself to mark make his Daughter explain [repent?] her misterious conduct in this clandestine marriage. it apears that in this romantic affair, her Father was not entirley avese to their being united at Some future time when both parties were Somewhat relieved of the ardous duties of defending our Comon interests and the p. 117 Union, however the thing is a bird now, and the Col is a man of to much Judgment to raise a breeze about the matter. as the Capt who is a very likely young man has fairly got the Start of him, Monday 24 this morning we are all hunk and ready for a march, last night I got my share of mail I got 5 Letters. in fact my mail generally comes in bunches to day we hear that Gen Shields after a severe engagement has taken Winchester, loss 100 men p. 118 rebels killed and taken prisoner neer 500 men this town is 40 miles from Manassas, where the rebels flead to from Manassas Gen Shields belongs on our right. we are having very good weather at present yet old citizens Say this Spring is a remarkeble backward Spring infact the winter has been rather Severe even in uragon where cold weather is uncommon we hear they are loosing their Stock. as they were not prepared for it p. 119 Tuesday 25th 1862 this is a beautiful morning once more the Sun is Shining in all its glory, we have had so much rainey weather, we feel like new beings, when we have the privilege of enjuying fair weather once more, 9 oclock we had the bayonet exercise, and while our Capt was drilling in the manuel of arms, he gave the order to Support arms from a right Shoulder Shift we did not execute the Command very prompt


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p. 120 as we thought it was a wrong command Lieut Young Said he thought it was so our Capt bet him the Whiskey [when?] we got in camp we found, Capt was right; so we get the Liquor, Young is not apt to be in the wrong in the tactics. 2 oclock a grand review took place near the Seminary only McDowells Corps consisting of about 20,000 this I suppose is preparitory to our embarking this was the best p. 122 [no page 121] military display we ever had. the army of the Potomac are highly disaplined and equipt we have in our division one Regt called the Bucktails. They represent all the union States, their mark of distinction is a Buck tail worn on the cap also we have the Brooklin zouves who are a nice body of men their uniform is the read pants to day I regret to Say one of our boys Louis Knutz who p. 123 has the appearance of a very good boy, has been ordered by the Physician to pitch his tent Separate from the Co. as he is deseased some way owing to his uncleanliness of his person. he is young and perhaps did not think, perhaps in future this will be a good lesson. Wednesday 26 am Pleasant, last night was quite cold my bedfellow got very chilley in the night and had to get up and p. 124 Stand by the fire this morning he is quite unwell the nights are quite uncomfortable 9 oclock drill. 2 oclock Batallion drill. J Johnson and Huftil sliped off to get out of drill the Capt Said Such work had played out. So he ordered one Sergant to make them march with arms reversed in camp till we got back Dick went at it but the other more stubern Said he would not. When the Capt returned he ordered him to take his gun and go at it, excuses were p. 125 of no avail, but he would not obey he was taken to the Col, what will be done I dont know yet. also two or three of Co B would not go on drill, So the Col had them examined by the physicians when pronounced them able for duty so the Col sent them to chop two cords of wood and carry it to his quarters there is no use disobeying orders it is all the worse in the out come. to day we got our requisition filled. This time I drew a pair of Shoes.


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p. 126 Thursday 27 pleasant we cannot drill this fore noon. in order to get ready for another grand review. [?] Johnson was court martialed 1 oclock we fell in for the review. the Same number except one division, McClellan Lincoln McDowell and a number of big boys were present all past pleasantly as usual on such occasions yesterday our Col was thrown from his horse but was not hurt. also p. 127 [fragment] Major Bill was thrown from his horse shortly after the review to day I think gentle reader I am near the end of the Chapter. or at least this little book is full. and in order to get the… p. 128 [fragment] health for the next 2 months to be full of exciting scenes and so forth so for the present good


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Documents

John Harville Diaries, Ms20101-053, Special Collections ...spec.lib.vt.edu/mss/harville/diary2.pdf · nothing but mud. this weather is discouraging. yet to day we have orders to get