| Home | Search This Site | Contact Info |
|
1863
Thursday Jan 1st 63 Another year has past and gone. what changes have occur'd morally politial and socially. morals have suffer'd in a great measure through the demoralizing effects of the Army. the more I see of military service the more I feel convinced that it will produce a disasterous effect on the young men composing our Army. politically we are in a qundary, no fix'd policy but eternal vacelation I am glad to see that the president has backbone enough to carry out his emancipation measure, however it s result, will it protract the war or bring is to a more speedy conclusion. my opinion is twill be the death blow to slavery in this country. how many of the social ties have been torn assunder, which by the evil influnances of camp life will never be cemented. what an awful curse this civil ware has brought on our once happy country. Wrote to Mag. the weather has been beautiful. Sun shining brightly. we had a good New Years dinner chickens & Turkey and other etcetras. could but had a letter from home I would have felt satisfied [p 61, book 1] Friday Jany 2nd 63 To day several of the patients have had a relapse having caught cold. tis a difficult matter to keep them in hospt. soon as they are able to get out. wrote a letter for Seth Blake to his wife. he is getting better. Chris Bauers went 5 Miles into the country and traded some coffee Tea & Sugar for some Tobacco. he bought it from a slave who had raised about 50 lbs. on a peice of land his master let him have. he got between 3 and 4 lbs. for 1/2 lb Sugar & 1/2 lb Coffee. there is but one man in town who has Tob. he askes 2 dols a lb for it. the 11ths Regt confiscated 3 beeves & 26 hogs from a Sesch. the owner has been a lieutenant in the rebel army they are going out to morrow to arrest him. Saturday Jany 3rd 63 To day has been the most eventful one I have pass'd since I enter'd the Army. about 10 Oclock our pickets were driven in. the long roll was beat. the 116th were underarms in a few minutes. we all thought it was a false alarm, like a good many before. went to the top of the house, sure enought, far as I could see were stretchd a lot of Cavalry. now commenced a scene of bustle. about 30 of the Boys that felt able buckled on their harness and join'd the 116th. Now commenced the fight in earnest the rebels planted a battery about 2 Miles from town on a high hill. after firing about 30 rounds they mo ved their position to a hill right opposite our hospital [p 62, book 1] about 2 Miles distant. our guns 2 Parrots ---------- replied briskly. the balls and shells whistled round our heads. the sound reminded me more of a bevy(?) of Patridges when they rise from the ground and fly. wecould see themplainly out of the hospt window. our guns must have done some execution as we could see the shells burst amongst them. they had to leave. it got to hot for them, but 10 of their shells reachd the Camp of the 116th. They burst with out injuring any one. firing continued on both sides till about 3 Oclock. they moved their batteries 3 Miles on the Petersburg road. where they stumbled acrofs Gen. Washburn witha 1000 Men coming to our relief. he had 2 guns wi th him he shell'd the woods and kept them at bay till his troops pass'd them. the only loss was one Cavalry Man's horse shot. 26 of the 116th were captured while on picket duty in the early part of the day. a most daring trick was play'd by 2 Rebel Cavalry. they rode into town spoke to several of the inhabitants and rode out again. They came in again but the Boys smelt a mice and fired at them they escaped however shouting for Jeff Davis. tis surprising how soon Men get used to the sound of Artillery. after the first 1/2 hour we took it quite cooly. we went to the [p 63, book 1]rear of the hospt. andwatch'd the flight of the shells speculating where they would hit. the ground round the hospt is plow'd up with shell. one struck the fence in the back yard. it could not have miss'd the chimney by more than 5 feet. the fence was shatter'd into splindors soon as the firing ceased I went into the field and found the shell that had play'd hob. twas scarcely cold. twas a 12 lber. the cap had blown out but it had not burst in a radius of 100 Yds. there was more than 20 shells some of them not at all injured. during the hottest of the cannonade the cook call'd us to dinner. we all sat down to dinner as if nothing unusual was occurring. the laugh and joke went round as usual. we had no bandages I went amongst the Boys and enquired who had any cotton shirts. 2 of them (all that hadthem) took them of their backs Chris Bauers was one. I tore them up into bandages and set 2 of them to sewing them in an hours I had 10 good bundles. Gen Millroy has tele graph'd from Romeney that he will be here tomorrow to help us. I hope the 122d will come along. went down down about 7 Oclock everyting was still as death. not a soul was to be seen. it is guarded at every corner, street & alley. no one is allowed to pass in or out. So ended the Artillery duel [p 64, book 1] Sunday Jany 4th 63 Slept soundly all night. there was no alarm. after breakfast went up to the 116th and drew rations for 6 days. saw Mortley, Ballard & Washburne. learnd from the latter that the force that attack'd us yesterday moved on Petersburg. there was but about a dozen pickets left there and a few sick. they learn'd that the rebels were mar ching on them. they set fire to all the Stores about 30 Wag on loads which was in a brick Church. all the stragglers pickets & sick were taken prisoners & parol'd(?). the Quarter Master (Williams) told me there was about 2500 dols worth destroy'd. the rebels struck of for Franklin. they only staid long enough in Petersburg to feedtheir horses and get their supper. there are a great many rumors afloat as to the strength of the rebels. there is no mistake but that there is a force of Infantry about 3 Miles from here in the woods on the Petersburg road. some cavalry went out to look after them. 125 Cav. came in from Springfield a small town between here & Romeney tisreportedthat Mulligan is coming with a Battery and500 men. the report that Mill roy is coming is a canard to use a newspaperism. shell hunting is all the rage. the Boys are digging them up all over the field round the house. I secured one Cap and [p 65, book 1]all complete. I unscrew'd it and scrap'd the loose powder out. and then pour'd water into it. I will take it home with me if I get a chance. the Docter went out with a lot of the 116th( 5 Cos) 3 peices of Artillery and 250 Cavalry. they went about 3 Miles when they came insight of the rebel pict ets (Cavalry) our boys sent 4 shells after them . the cavalry pursued them about 2 Miles then gave up the chase. they retur ned about 7 Oclock. Roricks battery 6 peices (Brafs) 4 6 pounders 2, 12 pounders, attach'd to Mulligans Brigade came in town just as they return'd they were quarterd in a church. about 8 Oclock Mullignas Regt march'd into town about 600 strong. they were quartered in the Court House and the Methodest Chruch, a fine building. the floor is nicely carpeted. they soon made themselves at home. Blankets were soon spread and lots of them were asleep in lefs than no time. they march'd from New Creek 42 Mil since 10 Oclock last night. a great many of them were foot sore. all tired and weary. (we thought they were in Winchester) twas a hard march. twas reported in New Creek when they left that we had been fighting 3 days and were surrounded by 1300 rebels. Monday Jany 5th 63 Went the rounds early this morning. the Doc wishing to go out with the troops. they were to tired and [p 66. book 1]used up Mulligan condluded to rest them a day. went down town after I had made up all the Rx. went into the Court house. such a scene. they hadorn up everything they could lay their hands on. was wantonly destroy'd, nothing had been disturb by any other Regts that hadbeen station'd here. during the daythey broke into several houses and took what they wanted. they broke open a Store(an empty one in fact there is no other kind here) and went up stairs into a large room used as a Masonic Lodge. they striped it of all the jewel leaving nothing but the square rule charter & Bible. they are a lawlefs set of devils such conduct is shameful. 4 wagons and a battery (?) forge(?) that started out early this morning were cap tured about 9 Miles from town. they were escorted by 25 Cav. who were also taken prisoners and one shot they belonged to the 1st Va. they took the horses out of the wagons, set fire to them andput a woman that was along with them, they did not molest. she suceeded in putting out the fire. horses were sent out to bring back the Wagons. And a force of Cav sent in pursuit they followd them 11 Miles night coming on they retur ned. not being strong enought. there was about 200 [p 67, book 1]of the rebel cav. the Wagons got in at dusk bringing the dead body of the Cavalryman. the woman came with them Today I was initated into the art & mystery of confiscation. The Docter gave me an order to take 6 Men and go the the house of Dr. Anderson and take all theMedicines & Medical works I could find. I knock'd at the door. Mrs. Anderson came. I read the order. she invited me in as I read the order. towards the finish I am free to acknowledge my voice falterd. she took it quite philosophi cally, and as a matter of course went upstairs where I found a pretty good lot of drugs. loaded the boys and sent them off to the hospt. whilst they were away I pick'd out the balance of what would be useful tous. while they were away and the house was quite still, I heard her singing Home Sweet Home. the words and music never effected me more. she sang it in a plantive malancholy strain. not a rude word was spoken by the Men. I gave positive orders that all were to conduct themselves becomingly, which I am happy to say they did. I could not find any Medical works. she said they had all been removed. there was a well selected miscellaneous one Byron Moor Scott Abbot Shakespere and a good many other stan dard works none of them were touch'd. I would not allow anything to be touch'd but what was absolutely necessary for the Sick the drugs etc. a few instruments were worth about 200 Dols [p 68. book 1]In the evening I took her down a number of articles that I thought she might need for her family for which she was very thankful. twas rather a disagreeable duty, but I told her we would perform it without hurting her feelings if pos sible. she is a nice looking Lady and I judge well educated. her husband is in the rebel army I believe. Tuesday Jany 6th 63 About 8 Oclock the troops return'd from a fruitlefs search of the rebels. they started at 2 in the mor ning. the Infantry went about 9 Miles the Cavalry about 12 they joind their encampments but nary rebel just our usual luck always to late. the force consited of the 116th 123rd Ohio Mulligans Regt and 8 peices of Artillery. Mulligans Boys did not return empty handed as usual Turkeys, Chickens Sheep & hogs suffer'd 30 or the Boys were discharg'd from the hospt today. We took posession of a house for them. they draw their own rations and cook for themselves. the are all fit for light duty. they are under the orders of the Col of 116th. it relieves us of a good deal of trouble, besides they will improve much fast than lying round the hospt. the QM of the 123d Ohio was taken prisoner between Petersburg and here and parol'd Wednesday Jany 7th 63 During the night it snow'd some little continued cold during the day. all quiet on the South [p 69, book 1] Branch. twas rumor'd that our supply train had been capturd fortunately twas untrue. a forage train was fired upon but no one hurt. confiscated several articles in the drug line from a one horse drug store. they had all been moved to the upper story. Thursday Jany 8 63 To day the weather has been very cold. about 4 Oclock the Brigade train arrived. it consisted of 42 Wa gons and ambulances. they were not molested onthe road. At 6 Oclock Lt. Wenrick Co H 110th Ohio died cause ------- after the measles which settled on his lungs. the Doc paid him every attention,hecould not have done more if he had been his own Son. he caution'd him against going out and getting cold, but he went out, hence his death. the Doc telegraph'd to his Father who resides in Union,Darke Co. Indianna. Friday Jany 9th 63 About 10 Oclock last night the Doc told me he had got orders to move. the whole of the troops are to evacuate these diggins. our destination in the first place is Remeney. the movement is shrouded in mystery. we are to leave here at any rate. pack'd up all the Medicines. what we are going to do with those that are so very sick I cannot tell. to leave them here to fall into the hands of the rebels will be a hard fate. to move some of them weak as they are will cause their death to a certainty. Wenrick was [p 70, book 1] buried at 9 Oclock this morning a board was placed at the grave so that his father if he comes for him will be able to find him. some very feeling a and appropriate remarks were made by a Captain of the 123d Ohio. after sup per went down to the other hospt. to see Bush, Blake & McPherson who belong to our Regt. they ask'd my advice as to what they should do. I told them not to risk going away to morrow as I fear'd the exposure would probably kill them. Bush & McPherson are just getting over the measles Blake is suffering (I think from lung fever. what Dr. Gilkey will do I cannot tell. I feel sorry indeed that the stern necessities of war compel the Docters to adopt one or the other alternative. Saturday, Jany 10th 63 Rose at 4 O'clock. got breakfast. rous'd up all that were able to pack their knapsacks. the Docter got 4 Teams. the Doc concluded to take them all along 10 of the worst cases were put in 2 Wagons fill'd well with hay. then Bed ticks and pillows with strawin in them. twas a piteous sight to see them as they were carri'd to the Wagons but still they felt glad to think they were not to be left behind it commenced to snow just as we started (8 O'clock) and continued all day. about 6 inches of snow fell. the road was very slippery and the horses were very [p 71, book 1] smooth. during the day 2 Wagons were upset and smask'd a few Miles from Moorfield. Boxes of Crackers were strewn along the road. Wagons were prest and things pick'd up. Gave the sickest men Whiskey 5 or 6 times during the day. to keep them up. About 6 O'clock we stop'd at the house of a Union Man. where we had4 rooms. twas 11O'clock at night before me & Whiteley a nurse of the 110th got to bed. the Docter took the sickest to a house 1 Mile further. Such a job I never had before to get them all all comfortably fix'd as I could. they are piled on the floor thick as they could lie. Seth Blake I got into a bed he was very sick in deed. So was one of the 10th Va. they had no one to atte nd on them. I detail'd men to sit up and wait on them. the Surg. & Stweard of the 116th did not pay any attention to their Sick. all was left to me. I could not see them so neglected I did all I could to make them comforta ble. went to bed tired enough Sunday, Jany 11th 63 Rose at 5 went down stairs and look'd after the Boys. a good many had pass'd the night pre tty comfortably others were too sick to rest on the hard floor. Blake and the member of the 10th Va. were much worse they hadto be left behind. the Va. man would not live morethan a few hours at the furthest [p 72. book 1]Blake was suffering to much to be moved. both Blake & the 10th Va. man belongedto the other hospt. under Surg. Gilkey. hesaid he could not move Blake. I Saw him just before we started. he said he would run the risk of being taken as he was afraid if he was moved he would not get over it. I felt sorry to leave him but I could not move him. he did not belong to our hospt started about 8. the sick at the other house stood the trip much better than I thought they would. to day the roads were a little worse than yesterday it having froze during the night. the Boys those that could help'd to push them up the hills. the scenery since we left Moorfield about 6 Miles has been rought andrugged pass'dthroght two Gaps. the houses were scatter'd very much what we did see were fine bricks with Negro guqrters scatter'd. the slave population istolerable thick through here. 7 slaves left their masters in Moorsfield and follow'd us. Scores of them would have followed us but that they had wives and small children they would have had to left behind. get into Romney about 3 inthe afternoon. the Doc rode forward to get quarters for the sick. hetook 2 rooms in the house of Widow White for the sickest Man [p 73, book 1] the rest were guarter'd in another house. he had the furni ture moved out of the rooms. she rais'd thunder about it, but twas no use. got them all fix'd before dark they stood it well. Monday, Jany 12th 63 To day fix'd things up. the sick are doing pretty well. took a stroll through town. tis the picture of des olation. not a Store open. 1/2 the houses empty the Cavalry Bingolds & Whites have their horses stabled in the houses. they would have them in the upper stories if they could get them up stairs. the best houses in town are taken a H. Guar. Q.M. Commi etc. the commisar Stores are in the Court House. tis just such a looking place as Zanes ville Courthouse a shabby affair. the Jail Recorders office etc. are used as stables. the records and documents are scat terd round used for lighting fires etc., etc. Tuesday Jany 13, 63 Today 3 of our Men went home on furlough 4 went yesterday. McDonald of Co A. goes through Zville I sent a peice of the shell and the bullet I dug out of the roof. he will call at the house and see Mag. she will be glad to see him. went over to the other hospital. tis a fine brick building and has been used as an acadamy and boarding school. the Doc took me down to the tav ern with him to dinner. we had a splendid one [p 74, book 1] twas the best meal I have had since I left home. it look'd like home to sit at a table with a colth on it the Doc paid the Score theycharged but 25 Cts. there is a splendid brick acadamy & boarding school here the principal a Mr. Nelson an Irishman claims protection as a British subject. his building is the only one in town that has not been used by the Militry Wednesday Jany 14,63 Today the weather has been chilly & cold with slight rain in the afternoon pack'd up the Medicines. we start tomorrow for New Creek by Wagons thence per rail to Martinsburg then by Wagons to Winches ter. the Doc & I went down after supper and saw Gen Washburne & the Q.M. we will have 17 Wagons so that all the Sick can ride. Dr. Gilkey has just been here & informed the Doc that he intends to send 50 or 60 of his men along tomorrow. from the manner in which he talks he intends to saddle us with the care of them I am much mistaken if Dr.McCandlifs does not up set that arrange ment Thursday Jany 15, 63 Rose at 5 got everything ready by daylight the Doc went down to Gen Washburn who had during the night made different arrangements. We go to Green Springs 16 Miles from here where we will strike [p 75, book] the B & O R R, we got 5 Wagons & 4 ambulances. we did not get started till 11 O'clock. it rain'd nearly all day. the mud was about ankle deep. such a tramp I have not had since I came into the Army. the country was rough few houses along the road saw the first cultivated fileds that I have seen inthis Section. a good deal of land is sown in Wheat. got to Green Springs just at dark took the sickest of the men into the only house there was in the place. the rest stow'd themselves away in the washouse and deserted houses Dr. Gilkey sent 46 of his sick along with us, mostly Va. Refts. we took 6 of their sickest into the room with our Nine I never saw men treated so brutaly inmy life. he did not provide rations not even hard Bread no Medicine no one to take care of them. they were turn'd adrift from the hospt like dogs no wonder so many of our por Boys fill a Hospt grave. he is a man of no feeling no humanity he istotally unfit for the post he holds. if the men had their will of him they would hang him to the first tree. the Steward isno better. he takesno interest in the men commitedto hischarge. the wonder isthat more do not die under such men. thank fortune all who have been under our charge have no complaint, on the contrary they all would do anything that lay intheir power for him [p 76, book 1] Dr. Mc Candlefs is the kindest man I ever saw with the sick. he presence revives the sick soon asthey see him come in the room. what a contrast between the two Friday Jany 16th 63 Rose about 6 (spread down a tick in the hall last night and slept sound) got breakfast with the Doc got all the Boys knapsacks together that were to be sent to Genl Hospt. we left 24, 10 from our Hospt and 14 from the other. the train that was to take them did not come in time we left 3 men to take them down to Cumberland. got all the Bal on the Cars about 11 and started. about 2 Miles from Green Springsthe North & South branches form a junction and constitute the Potomac. the RR follows the River all the way to Cherry run, when it leavesthe River and strikes inland there is several heavy(?) rock cutting along the road the road is guarded by the 15th Va. pass'd Hancock Ma. tis a pretty looking place on the banks of the Potomac the road is guarded all along the route bythe 15th Va at one place when we stop'd for a few minutes they gave us some warm coffee. the businifs of the B & O RR's immense I had no idea of the importance of the road in a Military point of view until I saw it. in an hour [p 77, book 1] at least 300 Cars pass'd Green Springs loaded with coal. the River is full of fish traps far asI saw, evidni ces of the rebels ----- all ---- the ---station(?) tres bridges telegraph wires cut Etc. etc(?). we had to stay in the Cars all night in consequence of a break down we all fix'd ourselves as best we could till morning I laid on the floor without anything under or over me and slept at that. the stations between Green Springs & here [Martinsburg] are little Capoon(?) Big Capoon Sir(?) Johns Run Sleepy creek Crary Run & North Mountain. Saturday Jany 17th 63 During the night it froze hard twas 9 O'clock before we got the Boys out of the Cars the track was so crowded. form'd them in line and march'd them up St.(?) quarterd them in a Presby terian Church. we could not find the party who kept the Key so we broke in the door there was 2 Stoves the Boys hunted up coal and set them agoing was kept very busy all day getting rations looking after the Men etc. etc. Did not get anything to eat till 12O'clock had the headache felt sick had to lay down for about 2 hours. the Doc was very unwell he went to the Tavern a laid down. the RR ---omp(?) here are all destroy'd piles of burn'd tires(?ties) bend rails [p 78, book 1] burn'd bridges. the town Martinsburg I should judge contains or did about 8000, tis the first town in Va. that I have seen since we left Clarksburg where businefs is carried on. here all moves on smoothly. farmers com ing & going Stores open people in their houses. the private residences have suffer'd lefs than any town I have seen occupied by troops. the Court House is a fine building the Market House is built of brick tis a small one for a town of this size. there are 7 or 8 fine churches 4 good hotels. the private residences are some of them very good the landround here is the stony rocky kind. Stone fences even in the town are common. The Union feeling is strong here. the 106 N.Y. 123d Ohio 6 peices of cannon & a number of Cavalry are here. Sunday Jany 18th 63 Packd up and got on the way by 8 O'clock had breakfast with the Doc before we started. heard the Church bell ring (twas the Catholic church) for the first time since we left Parkersburg. the weather was beautiful all day, Just cold enought to make it pleasant to walk. pass'd through Buckletown & Bunker Hill where Jackson encam ped last fall tis a small village. shortly after we pass'd the latter place one of the 10th Va. in attempting to get [p 79, book 1] on the Wagon slipt the wheel went over his leg and broke it. took the Docs horse rode to a farm house got a sheet tore it up into bandages the Doc made some splint out of shin gles and set it as well as he could in the Wagon. the coun try is beautiful houses scatterd the whole distance very(?) siloom(?) out of sight of one. a great many fields sown in wheat. about 3 miles from Winchester we saw the first evidence of an ary having been in the neighbourhood fences were gone houses empty 4 or 5 burned to the gro und. got in just at dark haul'd up at the Tayler Hotel Hospt. those that were able went to their quarters. Me & Chris staid all night. Huston our Ward Master (122d) is here acting in the same capacity here in place of the W.M. who is sick. got 3 letters from home. Monday Jany 19th 63 Got up about 7. Chris is sick and conf ined tohis bed. Dr. McCandlifs Rx for him. after breakfast Dr. Pikley Surgeon in charge sent wordto me that he had appointed me dispensing Steward. went at it made up the morning Rx work'd hardall day to get things in fix. reread my letters the latest date is Dec. 27th. Griners letter has never come to hand. there must be several letters lying about somewhere.in the afternoon went up to the Regt to see the boys and [p 80. book 1] take some guns up. got a letter from Jack. brought to the Regt by Phil Clow. got a tooth brush that Mag sent me and a toothpick in the shape of a dirk from Jack I must write to him & Frank.on the way to Camp pass'd the house of Senator Mason. tis torn from turett to foun dation stone. the pleasure grounds surrounding it trodden level with the earth. wrote home to Mag. hopeI shall hear regularly now. have not hadtime to see much of the town yet. Tuesday Jany 20th 63 Got up about 7. after a good nights rest. on what, why a feather bed. Until some arrange ments are made definitely I shall sleep with the Doc after dinner went up to the Regt and turn'd over my gun to the Captain. Saw Ben Roberts. we left him in Petersburg under sentence of Court Martial for deser tion. had a letter for him. met Adam Winegarner and his comrade who were taken prisoners the day our Regt. left Moorfield. they escaped. the other 4 are (or were if they have not been parold) still pri soners. Dr. Reamy has resign'd I am sorry for that I hope he will come back to the Regt. soon as the Legisla ture adjourns. Wednesday & Thursday Jany 21 & 22d 63 Weather during [p 81, book 1] both days has been wint erish. Snow and rain all the time got a letter from Patrick [Mag's brother who went to Ireland to get the money?] through Mr. Oldham all well at home Am kept busy from morning to night. 2 patients died. a number of the Boys have been down to see me. there is 10 of our Regt in the Hospt. Chris is still confined to his bed From the 22d of Jan to Feb 3./63 During the last 10 days I have almost incessantly at work night and day. during 5 days I have not been able to do much on account of a severe attack of the flux have sat up with Chris who is very low. have recei ved 2 letters for him. he is to low to read them or understand them when read. Lieut Black had been down several times to see him, in fact the whole Co. have been very attentive. wrote to Getz. told Pete Jones a friend of his who was going to Martinsburg to telegraph to his Wife. got a letter from Pat in which he says write once a Mon th. that might satisfy him not me. Dick Griner has given up the Papers. could not collect enough small sight to collect what I left behind. the awful accident which happend at home [collapse of Market House roof] cast a gloom over the 122d all who had wives were fearful there(?) were amongst the No. Capt Gary was the [p 82, book 1 only one who suffer'd the heavy bereavement the lofs of a good wife he started for home next mor ning. the P.M. has been here 50 times within the past week. Dr. McCandlifs has gone to Washington City Tuesday 3d 63 Rose at 7. pass'd a miserable night but thank fortune had not to get up during the night went up to see Chris he is no better. the weather has turn'd very cold. a Regt of Cavalry came in last eve ning. the report last night was that 15,00 troops were within 4 Miles of here. Col of Regts had orders to have their men in readinefs in a moments warning. as usual twas bosh. the Cav are scatterd all over town to their horses in all the stables and yards they find empty. they are the finest looking set of Cav. I ever saw. Dr. Pixley(?) has started home. he will be absent 2 weeks. 13th Penn is the Regt. Wednesday Feb 4, 63 Just as I had gone to bed last night the Doc return'd. he tried to get his pay while there but throught some informality he did not get it. he says far as he could judge a hopeful spirit prevails in the Capitol. he says a bill pass'd whilst he was there for raising 150,000 Negroes and arming. well we will see what will become of it. tis a desperate game, but desperate business(?) etc. etc. [p 83, book 1] the Vallengingam(?) Dem or Denv.(?) will now have force enought to appease the appetites of the rankest Pro Slavery in their ranks. they will now as they have always done appeal to all the baser passions and no doubt create an uprising in the North. tis uselefs to deny that the Pres Pro on the 1st of Jan has produced wide spread disaff ection in the Army I have noticed in wherever I have been. to day has been intensely cold. 1 of the 1st NY Cav. was brought into the Hospt with frozen feet. been busy all day. Chris still lingers but is low. McNab went to Mar tinsburg this morning. I gave him a dispatch to send tohis wife to come immediately. he will try and get it sent if possible. got a letter from Mag. the River was raising. they were afraid twould brak over the Track people were moving out of the bottom. I do wish I was at home for a little while. She says come home if but for a few days how gladly would I do so if it were possible, but it is not. Bob Warner has a let ter 2 days later which does not say anything about the rise. So I hope the danger is past. twould be a sad blow to me were it to overflow. have been quite unwell all day I fear the flux will return. if it does I shall keep quiet in my room for 2 or 3 days till I do get well [p 84, book 1] the Office is a very cold one. my feet are cold all the time I cannot keep warm could I wear my Overcoat and do buisnefs I would do so. the cold has settled in my bowels hence the disease. I have taken all the Med. usual in such cases with but partial benefit Thursday Feb 5th 63 Pass'd a poor night no sleep. took some Fr Apri(?) & Bi C. Soda this morning. check'd by bowels all day till towards evening. Chris is getting lower. the Docs have changed his Med. I bode no good of it. tis not stim ulating andtonic enought. I fear he will not rally. Mike Keely & wiles sit up with him to night. a good many of the boys have been down enquiring about him weather cold with snow slughing(?) in full blast. the citizens here are debar'd the chisp(? crisp) pleasure of a sleigh ride. no one being allow'd to be on the Streets after 8 without the countersign. been busy all day I learn little or nothing of what is going on. I have not had time to sit down and read a paper for 2 weeks. all I kn ow is what I see passing by the window. long trains of Wagons 40 50 60 & 70 in a long line guarde by In fantry or Cavalry loaded with GM & Com Stores from Martinsburg. local matters I learn little or nothing of. I wish the war was over and we were home again. [p 85, book 1] Friday Feb. 6th 63 Rose at 7. did not feel so well. took some Fr. Apir & Bi. C. Soda. weather milder snow fast disappearing streets in an awful condition. Chris is still low. I fear he will not recover. nearly all the Co were down asking about him to day. 3 more of the 122d were brought in this afternoon. Wrote to Mag. a great many of them are awfully sick and tired and wish to go home, pay or no pay. a Ct r lot(?) of Cav Scouts return'd during the night bringing in about 40 horses saddles etc. Just as we were going to bed a report came that the Stage running between Martinsburg and here had been captured with 2 lady passengers. Capt. Smith & Lieut ----- of the 110th expected their wives by the Stage. they came and borrowed a couple of horses from the Docs at the hospt and started with the Cavalry in pursuit. the return'd about 12 O'clock and brought the intelligence that the horses had been cut from the Stages there was 2 with 4, 1 with 2 horses and the Stages left in the road and learn'd that the Rebels had taken the Berryville Road. there was 7 or 8 mounted men. there was but one lady passenger on board. whose name they had forgot. she was coming toher husband in the hospt. the thought struck me it might be Chris' wife. they said the name was something like that. I jump'd out of bed drest and went into the Office as they [p 86, book 1] said the stage would come up directly. waited a while then went up stairs to tell Rush & Tudor that she was coming when I got there she was in Dr. Meekers room. soon as she saw me she said he is dead I knowhe is. Iassured her he still lived and was some better. she said Oh do not deceive me. I press'd her hand and assured her he was still alive then her pent up feelings burst forth. she feel upon her knees and offer'd up to heaven the most heartfelt touching thanks for his mercy in once again allowing her to see him alive it affected me very much indeed. I told her to calm herself as much as possible and I would take her upstairs. in about 5 Minutes she said she was ready I then took her to his bedside twas a sorrowful yet a gladsome meeting. sorrow to meet un dsuch circumstances. glad that she had arrived soon enough to sooth and comfort him. for a long while he did not know her.gradually & gradually his mind gather'd up each feature at last her well remember'd voice is recognized. he calls her my wife yes my wife. it repaid her for all her trouble her womans heart was full to overflowing he knew her. I staid up with them until about 2 O'clock when I left him asleep. poor woman she must have been almost froze riding in the Stage. twas a bitter cold night but she never once said anything about it, her mind was otherwise occupied [p 87, book 1] Saturday Feb 7th 63 First thing went to see Chris. his wife thinks he is a little better. she told me her mishaps in coming here. she started on Wednesday morning. miss'd the train had to lay over in Newark and Bellaire. at last she got to Martinsburg when she though her troubles were over they had just begun. about a Mile from Martinsburg the Stage upset. no one seriously injured.she had her head slightly cut. fix'd up and started again, when within 7-1/2 Miles of here about 4 O'clock in the evening they were attack'd by the Rebels. they pull'd her roughtly out of the Stage andinsisted that she should get up behind one of them and go with them at last one of them to whom she appeal'd told the rest to stand back and let her go. they did it very reluctantly she went to a farm house in sight and found shelter and protection where she staid until horses were put to the Stage and brought her to town. the Cavalry return'd about daylight bringing with them the captured horses with 3 others the Sergeant Major and 1 private prisoners. and kill'd 3. they did not lose a man. Genl. Clurressett did escape their notice by rolling himself in his blan ket, and hiding under the coach. he it was who brought the news to town. Mrs. Bauers said they found out some one was missing he had not been gone from [p 88, book 1] the house where she was 15 minutes till they were there searching for him, but he had the start of them. last evening the Wagons(5) 4 horse return'd from Capon Springs distant about 25 miles from here loaded to the top with bed ticks and feather pillows. tis a most splen did building containing upwards of 500 rooms. twas the great Summer resort of the FF-----[Front Royal? First Families?] Va. its glory has de parted. soldiers of both armies rest their weary limbs on beds where once slefp the finest daughters of Va. Sunday Feb. 8th 63 Did not get up till late. Bob Warner started for home on a 10 day furlough. I did Not see him ------(?) others of our Co. went with him. went up to the Regt in the afternoon and saw the Boys. Mefs No 1 has the best kitchen in the Regt. it is always ahead. just as I left Emmeri son of Co. A. died in the hospital tent. 4 rebels came in and gave themselves up. took the oath and were sent to their homes in Md. they say the people of the valley are heartily tired of the war and wish they had never taken up arms. a bold front for a little longer and it will be crush'd out. Chris is impro ving fast. the presence of his wife has been of more benefit to him than all the Docters. Monday Feb. 9, 63 The weather has been mild to day. Pretty busy all day rumors of the P.M. quite currant [p 89, book 1] cant believe it. would like to see him. he will come some of these days I suppose. Mag could do with a little I know. Tuesday Feb. 10 63 Rose at 7. went up to Chris. he is improving very fast. the Steward got a letter this afternoon. his sister is dead and his eldest Son at the point of death. he is going to start home in the morning. he wish'd that I should take his place while he was away. I told him I could not I had as much to do as I could attend to. Anderson the Ward Master will act till he comes back. Wednesday Feb. 11th 63 The Steward srated this morning 3 more of the 110th went along on furlough. D. Crowl Co A. 110th died this forenoon. on of the patients in the hospt J.H. Davis Co. E 12th Va. learnd this afternoon that his father who is a mem ber of Bowens Cav. was capturd about a week ago and deli berately shot after he was taken prisoner. the bushwhackers who shot him was a neighbour. his son knows the man well, he vows vengence. he says he will follow till the day of his death, but he will revenge the death of his father.he will get a furlough home to see he Mother in a few days. he left 8 children, such occurences are only to com mon Thursday Feb.12th 63 Weather to day very disagreeable snowing and raining all day. quite a number of cases brought [p 90, book 1] in to day. Dr. Pixley returnd from home this evening. he was about as muddy and wet a man as I ever saw. he rode on horseback from Martinsburg. Friday, Feb.13th 63 Rosethis morning with the most severe cold I have had for years. so hoarse I can scarcely sp eak. felt poorly all day Chris is improving. during the night another of the 110th Reft died. weather mild but very muddy Saturday Feb. 14th 63 Capt. Gary return'd to the Regt. he brought a good many letters and parcels none for me I am anxious to hear from Mag. busy all day felt very unwell. if the Stew art was here I should lay back for a few days as it is I must keep up no matter how sick I feel Sunday Feb. 15, 63 To day the weather has been beautiful. the streets are crowded with ladies more than I ever saw since I have been here. as a general thing they drefs richly and in good taste. 19-20ths of thempass you by as though you did not exist, some gather their skirts around them fearful of the contaminating influence of all who wear the cloth of Uncle Sam. others openly scoff as you pass. Ben Johnson would have liked them much, they are good haters. the Paymaster arrivedthis evening from Martinsburg under a heavy escort of Cav. tis rumor'd he will only pay the NY Cav. if such [p 91, book] is the case the Boys will raise hell and no mistake. Dr. Owens went 7 Miles into the country under an escort of 20 Cav. to see a Union Man who was shot throughthe thigh some time ago by our Men. he was chased by the Rebs and cross'd our lines to reach home. the boys halted him, he did not stop, they fired and shot him Monday Feb. 16, 63 To day has been very fine. in the afternoon went to bed about an hour slept little all night. went up to the Regt. arrang'd about Chris' furlough etc.etc. she wants to start on Wednesday morning. he is still very weak. no signs of the P.M. for our Regt as yet. Tuesday Feb. 17, 63 It snow'd during the night and continued to snow all day. Mrs. Bauers concluded not to start till Sunday morning. cough still very severe. no wo od brought to the hosp to day. 1/2 the sick have no fires in their rooms. Lazetter of the 12th Va died today.his father has been here for the last 10 days.he takes his body home in the morning. Wednesday Feb. 18th 63 Pass'd a miserable night. cough'd all night. a number of Reb prisoners pass'd the hospt to day on their road to Columbus. rain'd all day Edwards of the 13th Pa Cav. died this afternoon. his disease puzzled the Docs somewhat. when brought here [p 92, book 1] he was unconsious and continured so till he died. in conversation with a Sergeant of his Co. I learn'd that as they came through Strasburg he and a serjeant stop'd at a house and got something to eat. the serjeant died a few miles before they got here with precisly the same symp tons. there is no doubt but they were both poisen'd. they take his body home to morrow. he was the only son of a widow. the blow will be a heavy one poor woman,I feel for her. he was a fine young fellow not 20 years of age. got a letter from Patrick. I open'd it anxiously. Yes, sure enough(the event) had occur'd. on Monday the 8th. he did not write till the 13th at which time all was going on swimmingly. Oh,how I wish I could have been with her, but thank fortune she suffer'd little. the little stranger is of the femenine gender. blefs its little soul, how I long to see it. I trust she will be careful of herself and not get cold. I feel easier now. a load is lifted from my mind. I feel happy,satisfied,tis all right. Bully for Mag Thursday Feb. 19, 63 Got up with head ache. did not feel well. the Doc (McCandlifs) was very sick all night. he has a slight touch of fever. made up some medicine for him. Mr. Hombrook of ----hilling(?) is in town with [p 93, book 1] a host of good things for the sick. he gave me a dressing gown of dark muslin. twill keep my clothes clean. Mrs. Bauers put two pockets in it. rain'd nearly all day nothing of interest transpired. trains coming and going all the time Friday Feb. 20th 63 To day the weather has been unfavorable. busy all day. felt a little better to day. Dr. McCandlifs is much better. wrote to Mag. Saturday Feb. 21st 63 The P.M has come at last. we will be paid in a day or two. 2 of our Regt died during the night; one of them, Whitman, belonging to our Co. the oth er named Bowman.his case look'd much like yellow fever. Sunday Feb. 22d 63 Weather fine to day. Chris does not go till the morning, the train not starting from Marinsburg till monday morning. my old foe overcame me to day. had a row with the Doc expect I will go back to Camp. staid with Chris Monday Feb. 23d 63 Heavy snow during the night. Chris started for home about 6. after breakfast saw the Doc. he gave me leave to go to Camp,desired me to stay and get things in fix before I left.did so till the afternoon, when to drown sorrow I took a little of that I ought not to [p 94, book 1] raised thunder generally. went up to Camp with our Lieut. turn'd in at Mefs No 1. Boys glad to see me yet sorry Tuesday Feb 24th 63 Awoke this morning with the horrors sent Mike down to the hospt of the 122d and got a little of something to brace me up. we were paid off this after noon. I got $56,30 which settles up to the end Dec. my extra pay I had not got but for 10 days from the 20th of Nov to the 22d Dec. I did not get anything on account of some informality in the detail. all this life and bustle amongst the Boys now they have got their money. twill bring relief to 100s of families Wednesday Feb. 25th 63 Pass'd a miserable night. went down to the hospt brought up my traps. made up some medicines forsome of the boys. the town is throngd with the Boys spending their Green backs. if the mer chants here had goods theywould reap a rich har vest. several Jews chissel'd the Boys in Camp by selling them Peter Funk watches for 18 Dols a peice. Capt. Cronyn starts for Zville in the mor ning I shall send 50 Dols by him. Our Co sent home $3875, pretty fair. Isent home as much as any one in the Co [p 95, book 1] Thursday Feb. 26th 63 Rose about 7. weather rather muddy under foot. during the night the pickets were driven in and several of the Cav pickets captured, a few miles from here. the boys are all sending their Money home. very few of them are keeping more than a few dols. Friday Feb. 27th 63 There is a report in camp to day that 200of our Cav. have been captured between here and Strasburg. I cannot track it to any reliable sourse went down to see Dr. Houston there is no opening at present in the Regt. hospt. soon as there is a chance I will be in the hospt again. perhaps my health will be better in the Co. than it has been since I have been in the hospt. about dusk guns were fired the Regt was called out but the alarm soon subsided. Co I were on picket all night. did not go to bed till ---(?) Saturday Feb. 28th 63 Did not go down town to day. went to the hospt saw Hen Tucker he was going down to the Genl hospt in the afternoon will see him when he comes back. he could not see the parties he wish'd while there. the Regt was musterd in for 2 Months pay and [p 96, book 1] inspected. we had our tent fix'd up clean and neat. all quiet on the Potomac So ends this Journal
Enlisted on the 22 Aug 1862 [mustered in on Oct. 8, 1862] Recieved 25 Dols Bounty 2 pr Socks 2 pr Drawers 2 Undershirts 1 Cap 1 " Pants 1 Blouse 1 Dress Coat 1 Blanket 1 Knapsack 1 Haversack 1 Canteen Gun Equipments(?) 1 pr Shoes 1 Cap Cover Nov 4th Sign'd roll for clothing $28,74 Nov 29 194 8hrs (?) Cap .63 1 Coat 6.71 Blouse 2.63 Shirt 1.76 Socks .52 Shoes 1.94 Cov .25 traps .12 Blanket 2.95 Pants 3.03 Draw 1.00 ----- 28.74
Oct 23/62 left Zville
(undecipherable jottings)
|