The Final Civil War Diary of Charles B. Mead of Company F First US

RUTLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY Q uarterlY VOJu rr· 32 N o. 1
2002
The Final Civil War Diary of Ch arles B. Mead of Company F First U.S. Sharpshooters This is the small leather diary in which Corporal Charles B. Mead of
West Rutland set down his impressions of wartime service with Co. F
from January to June 1864. The little book has a history of its own in
that its whereabouts remained a mystery for 62 years.
Corporal Charles B. Mead, Co. F, 1st U.S. Sharpshooters, was killed in
action 17 June 1864 near Petersburg, Virginia. Some time later his
body was returned home to West Rutland and interred in Pleasant
Street cemetery. However, the small leather diary in which he had
recorded his observations from January to June did not reach home
until 1926 - 62 years later.
The mystery of what happened to the diary during those years may
never be unraveled. Charles' brother Gene, who was with him when he
was killed, had time only to scribble a few words on one of the pages
describing Charles' death and asking that the diary be returned to
their father, A. J. Mead in West Rutland. It is to be surmised that
Gene had the diary with him when the Confederates captured him five
days later. What happened subsequently may never be known. It
wasn't until 1926, when H. C. Ogden of the Wheeling WV News
established communication with the Mead family, that the diary
reappeared. It had come into Ogden's possession after being found in
an old hall near Charleston WV. He believed that a Confederate
soldier had placed it there.
The Final Civi
Charles B. Mea~
First U .8. 8l:
Compiled and Edite4
"Patience
January 1, 1864 - New Year's D~
and myself put up our chimney aJ
and Muster Out Rolls for the ,
weather became very cold, freezing
Sat. Jan. 2 A cold day. Staid in th
Company Clerk some. Silas came i
secesh has had an easy time. Ly
evening.
Richard H. Mead, a nephew of Charles, received the diary. It was
handed down in the family to his granddaughter, Mrs. Hull Maynard,
who kindly loaned it to the Rutland Historical Society to be
transcribed for this Quarterly.
Charles Mead has been the subject oftwo previous quarterlies: "Charles
B. Mead, A Young Man of Rare Promise" (Volume 27, No.1, 1997) and
"The Civil War Diary of Charles B. Mead [Oct. Dec. 1863]" (Volume
28, No.1, 1998). More detailed information about Charles' early life
and wartime service with the Sharpshooters may be found in these
quarterlies.
• Charles' spelling and abbreviations are as transcribed.
• Editorial comments are in brackets.
• An alphabetical listing of names mentioned in the diary is
included at the end.
• Compiled and edited by Elaine G. Purdy.
2
Charles B. Mead
Tues. Jan. 5 - Thanksgiving da
suddenly and mysteriously, also ot
Stole rails, while the "provo" wen
They shoot at us some. It may mak
T.S. Sharpshooters, was killed in
g , Virginia. Some time later his
' utland and interred in Pleasant
leather diary in which he had
ary to June did not reach home
he diary during those years may
Gene, who was with him when he
~ a few words on one of the pages
ng that the diary be returned to
ut land. It is to be surmised that
he Confederates captured him five
luently may never be known . It
~d en of the Wheeling WV News
fle Mead family, that the diary
i' S possession after being found in
He believed that a Confederate
The Final Civil War Diary of Charles B. Mead of Company F First U.S. Sharpshooters Compiled and Edited by Elaine G. Purdy
«Patience is genius"
January 1, 1864 - New Year's Day dawned mild and muddy. Henry
and myself put up our chimney another story -. Writing Muster In
and Muster Out Rolls for the Veteran Volunteers of F. P .M. the
weather became very cold, freezing the mud rather sudden.
Sat. J a n . 2 - A cold day. Staid in the house most of the time. Writing as
Company Clerk some. Silas came in from picketing in a poor house ­
secesh - has had an easy time. Lyman, Sanford and Frank in, in the
evenIng.
Sun. Jan. 3 - Had an inspection of
arms and equipment in the Co.
street by Co. Commander. Cold
day. Writing some. Had to go over
towards Botts' house for rails to
night. Another recruit today ­
Chase's brother.
arIes, received the diary. It was
anddaughter, Mrs. Hull Maynard,
rtland Historical Society to be
two previous quarterlies: "Charles
1f~e'" (Volume 27, No.1, 1997) and
,lea d [Oct. - Dec. 1863]" (Volume
tion about Charles' early life
TI::hooters may be found in these
~; -n s
are a!' transcribed.
E"nrioned in the dia ry IS
.. G,
Charles B. Mead
Mon. Jan. 4 - Put up our new tent
pieces this morning, which makes
quite an improvement. Wrote the
Muster out papers for Williams'
today - he makes six Veteran
Volunteers from F. Peck came back
today. Henry's express box came
P.M. Wt. 160 Ibs . It is a good one.
Tues. Jan. 5 - Thanksgiving day to us - the turkey got ate up
suddenly and mysteriously, also other stuff too numerous to mention.
Stole rails, while the "provo" were in the woods arresting the boys.
They shoot at us some. It may make a row. Played chess with Stearns
3
some P.M. - got beat. Good snowballing. "Miserable et dictu", or any
other man.
Wed. Jan. 6 Went to Brandy Station P.M. for a walk. An order was
said on dress-parade forbidding us to get wood on the grounds of John
Minor Botts - the boys can't see it. Rails walked into camp as usual in
the evening. Played chess with Si eve -lost.
Thu. Jan. 7 - Washed clothes AM. Played chess with Mattocks P.M.
"waxed him". The sutler had in a stock of liquor and other necessaries
of life yesterday afternoon, which caused some of the officers to feel
quite happy, particularly Lt. Cotes Co. I who "couldn't contain
himself'. Had a small row during the night.
Fri. Jan. 8 - Henry and I were ordered early in the morning to "get
ready for picket". The detail reported at Brigade and Division Head
Quarters which took up two miles and about two hours, and then
started for the picket line. Reached it 12 ¥.2 P.M. a good six mile
tramp. Was on post three hours we have five reliefs. Matttocks,
Bailey and myself lived together. Four inches of snow fell last night.
Sat. Jan. 9 - Reading Continental and playing checkers with Henry. A
pleasant day. On post one hour at a time tonight. Heard that they had
received marching orders in camp.
Sun. Jan. 10 "Marching orders" prove to be a change of camp. The
Division is to move towards the picket line our regiment advanced
today about two miles.
Mon. Jan. 11 - Were relieved at M [noon]. Started back without
waiting to form. Found our new camp, and worked till dark getting out
timber. Slept on it, with our feet to the fire - cold.
Thu. Jan. 14 Mudded the side
built a fireplace - hard work to tou
the Division gloves to a man. We
house tonight. It begins to seem [
Fri. Jan. 15 Put up door, tabl,
today. Also put up seat. Great an
Sanford called in the evening. We
Sat. Jan. 16 - Put up the chimneJ
the house. Writing P.M. Extract 0:
that Berdan is discharged.
Sun. Jan. 17 - Inspection AM. by
the Brig. Capt. Hetherington comI
like an old woman. Wheat cakes fOJ
as sole leather.
Mon. Jan. 18 - Somewhat rainy
Ordnance and Quarter Master's
LaCoy returned to the Co. today.
Tues. Jan. 19 Washed AM. At
Brig. Staff Officer. Cold and windy
Merriman]. "Eph" and I discussing
ox teams on a farm, with "Susan" f
Wed. Jan. 20 Writing "ordnancI
sparring in the street. Old boys a~
Stevens, Peck, etc. "Squinteye" alsc
at Brig. to keep off guerrillas who, .
the lines.
Tues. Jan. 12 - Got out more timber, and commenced the house. "Si"
put his thumb out of joint, and Henry in the afternoon was put on
guard. Our furniture came over from the old camp P.M. Awful stories
around the fire in the evening. Leach came into camp today a citizen.
Williams (F) married Wood's daughter today. Marriage of Col.
Williams and a Southern lady!
Thu. Jan. 21 Wrote for Merrim:
worthy of note, or out of the comml
Wed. Jan. 13 - Si and I got the house up ready to cover, when Henry
came back from guard late in the afternoon. Covered it - they put up
the bunk, and I got some grass for bedding - slept nicely.
Sat. Jan. 23 Si and Henry went (
sergeant detailed from F. Playing E
4
Fri. Jan. 22 Playing Euchre in
Played Whist in the evening. Stone
for E. and H. 2d Reg't. came in toe
lling. "Miserable et dictu", or any
;ion P.M. for a walk. An order was
o get wood on the grounds of John
~ails walked into camp as usual in
re -lost.
Played chess with Mattocks P.M.
)ck of liquor and other necessaries
:aused some of the officers to feel
;es Co. I who "couldn't contain
Le night.
lered early in the morning to "get
;ed at Brigade and Division Head
, and about two hours, and then
d it 12 1h P.M. - a good six mile
we have five reliefs. Matttocks,
mr inches of snow fell last night.
nd playing checkers with Henry. A
time tonight. Heard that they had
prove to be a change of camp. The
!ket line - our regiment advanced
M [noon]. Started back without
lP, and worked till dark getting out
the fire - cold.
Thu. Jan. 14 - Mudded the sides of our house. Brought stone, and
built a fireplace - hard work to tote stone in a bag. A Mr. Bullock gives
the Division gloves to a man. We got them today. Had a fire in our
house tonight. It begins to seem like a house.
Fri. Jan. 15 - Put up door, table and shelves, and laid down floor
today. Also put up seat. Great and striking improvements. Peck and
Sanford called in the evening. We have five recruits now.
Sat. Jan. 16 - Put up the chimney some and mudded the front end of
the house. Writing P.M. Extract of order read on dress parade stated
that Berdan is discharged.
Sun. Jan. 17 - Inspection AM. by the Col. ofthe 17th Me. commanding
the Brig. Capt. Hetherington commanding the reg't. looked and acted
like an old woman. Wheat cakes for breakfast, heavy as lead and tough
as sole leather.
Mon. Jan. 18 - Somewhat rainy all day. Writing "Returns" for the
Ordnance and Quarter Master's Department, Washington. Jake
LaCoy returned to the Co. today.
Tues. Jan. 19 - Washed AM. At 2 P.M. we had an inspection by a
Brig. Staff Officer. Cold and windy. Wrote some for "Merrimac"[Capt.
Merriman]. "Eph" and I discussing the comparative value of horse and
ox teams on a farm, with "Susan" and Si, in the evening, etc. etc.
Wed. Jan. 20 - Writing "ordnance returns" AM. P.M. we had some
sparring in the street. Old boys against recruits Kelley against Lt.
Stevens, Peck, etc. "Squinteye" also squared himself. Si went on guard
at Brig. to keep off guerrillas who, it is said, have done damage within
the lines.
er, and commenced the house. "Sf'
enry in the afternoon was put on
III the old camp P.M. Awful stories
h came into camp today - a citizen.
.u ghter today. Marriage of Col.
Thu. Jan. 21 - Wrote for Merrimac a little in the forenoon. Nothing
worthy of note, or out of the common course of camp life -.
up ready to cover, when Henry
fternoon. Covered it - they put up
bedding - slept nicely.
Sat. Jan. 23 - Si and Henry went on picket - 27 men, 1 corporal and 1
sergeant detailed from F. Playing Euchre with Eph. One of the recruits
lSe
Fri. Jan. 22 - Playing Euchre in the afternoon with Si and Susan.
Played Whist in the evening. Stone and Sanford in. Forty nine recruits
for E. and H. 2d Reg't. came in today.
5
M. Leach was put into my house with me till the boys come back from
picket.
Christian Commission between
afternoon.
Sun. Jan. 24 On regimental guard. Hours from 10 to 2 & 4 to 6.
Guard kept on all night. Slept at the guard house. The 40th N.V. has
some comic geniuses -. The Lt. Col. Of the 99th N.V. took command of
this regiment.
Mon. Feb. 1 - Headache still las'
Went down to see the dress-parae
Mon. Jan. 25 Cooked a breakfast of griddle cakes after I came off
guard, and then went with Grover over past the 2d N.H. Bat'y. to the
10th VT. Saw Locklin and Charley Burr (sick with a cold), the rest were
on picket. Chatted some with Casper Kent's brother and came back.
Peck in in the evening showed me his letters.
Tues. Jan. 26 - Leach left and the boys came off picket. Henry was
acting corporal, and Si was at the poor house. He brought back pie and
milk. Played Whist all the evening with Sanford. Si and Henry against
us - they won the rubber by three in the five games. Went out to see
the dress parade of the 86 th P.v. [Pennsylvania] and hear their band.
Some big sparring afterwards in some of our streets.
Wed. Jan. 27 - Playing Whist and Euchre a good deal of the day. The
boxing gloves are in use about all of the time in daylight. Merriman
received his commission tonight as Captain, Kinsman as 1st Lt. and
Allen as 2d Lt.
Thu. Jan. 28
Playing Poker. I had the biggest pile - of beans.
Company drill from 9 to 11 AM. "Merrimac" took us down towards
Brig. H'd. Qr's. and maneuvered us some, and let us rest more. Brig.
Drill by CoL West commanding P.M. He received us and then kept us
traveling over two hours, making some blunders. We made grande
charge - Dress parade by Capt. Anderson. Pokered till late with Eph
and the boys, beat them hard. Rec'd. Med. Common Sense tonight.
Fri. Jan. 29 - A warm pleasant day. While the boys were on drill I did
some Co. writing. Playing poker some. Had a headache about all day.
Sat. Jan. 30 - Our long spell of pleasant Indian Summer weather has
come to an end today the sky is clouded and there are signs of a rain.
Had considerable headache all day. Slept poorly.
Sun. Jan. 31 - Woke up with a hard headache which continued all
day. Cold - and some rain. A short service was held by one of the
6
0
Tues. Feb. 2 - Foggy in the m(
headache today. Quite sick P.M. ~
Wed. Feb. 3 - Rather cold and
Merriman went home this mornin
Whist a little with Stearns and S1
I am some better than I was yest
Henry and myself were today mac
Thu. Feb. 4 - Si and Henry went
the Dr.'s and got off. He gave
WORKED. It stopped my headachl
some.
Fri. Feb. 5 - I am still very wea
Clark Higgins and I against Barn'
Sat. Feb. 6 - We were startled 10:
"What does it mean" the boys all ~
to march at 7". We did not march.
off towards Culpeper, growing nea
and marched I did not get pack,
special use of my going. Musket]
dark and rainy. We think the rebs
Sun. Feb. 7 - Warm, pleasant da;
Capt. Aschman's tent. We hear V4
South East. Late in the eve the reg
day's march after dark, through th
Mon. Feb. 8 The 17th Me. relieve
Playing Casino and Whist eve.
Tues. Feb. 9 The Veteran Volun
and Flanders went home today. G
Whist and Euchre Whist eve wi
Cassius Cross came back to the C(
th me till the boys come back from
Christian Commission between our regiment and the 17th Me. in the
afternoon.
:\rd. Hours from 10 to 2 & 4 to 6.
he guard house. The 40th N.Y. has
. Of the 99 th N.Y. took command of
Mon. Feb. 1 Headache still lasts. Feeling sick all day. Wrote home.
Went down to see the dress-parade of the 17th Me.
Tues. Feb. 2 - Foggy in the morning. Played poker. Eph in. Some
headache today. Quite sick P.M. and evening.
;t of griddle cakes after I came off
over past the 2d N.H. Bat'y. to the
urr (sick with a cold), the rest were
)er Kent's brother and came back.
~ his letters.
e boys came off picket. Henry was
oor house. He brought back pie and
Nith Sanford. Si and Henry against
in the five games. Went out to see
'ennsylvania] and hear their band.
me of our streets.
Euchre a good deal of the day. The
of the time in daylight. Merriman
;; Captain, Kinsman as 1st Lt. and
had the biggest pile - of beans.
"Merrimac" took us down towards
s some, and let us rest more. Brig.
II. He received us and then kept us
some blunders. We made grande
tderson. Pokered till late with Eph
d. Med. Common Sense tonight.
r. While the boys were on drill I did
Wed. Feb. 3 - Rather cold and very windy
Washed A.M. Capt.
Merriman went home this morning on a fifteen day's furlough. Played
Whist a little with Stearns and Steve and Si. Played Poker some P.M.
I am some better than I was yesterday but my head still aches some.
Henry and myself were today made Corporals -.
Thu. Feb. 4 - Si and Henry went on picket. I was detailed but went to
the Dr.'s and got off. He gave me a strong dose of salts, which
WORKED. It stopped my headache, but leaves me very weak. Reading
some.
Fri. Feb. 5 - I am still very weak. Played Whist a little in the eve.
Clark Higgins and I against Barnum and Stearns.
Sat. Feb. 6 - We were startled long before daylight by the "Reveille".
"What does it mean" the boys all ask. Soon we got orders to "be ready
to march at 7". We did not march. Cannonading lasted most of the day
offtowards Culpeper, growing nearer. About 2 or 3 the regiment fell in
and marched - I did not get packed up, and so staid as there was no
special use of my going. Musketry distinctly heard after dark. Eve
dark and rainy. We think the rebs are making a reconnaissance.
Sun. Feb. 7 - Warm, pleasant day. Cut down a small hickory back of
Capt. Aschman's tent. We hear very little firing, and that far to the
South East. Late in the eve the regiment came back. They came a good
day's march after dark, through the deep mud. They had seen no rebs.
me. Had a headache about all day.
asant Indian Summer weather has
Duded and there are signs of a rain.
. Slept poorly.
lard headache which continued all
Irt
:)
service was held by one of the
Mon. Feb. 8 - The 17th Me. relieved the boys who came in about 3 P.M.
Playing Casino and Whist eve.
Tues. Feb. 9 - The Veteran Volunteers with the exception of Williams
and Flanders went home today. Green clothing issued today. Playing
Whist and Euchre Whist eve with "Mud", "Susan" and Sanford. A.
Cassius Cross came back to the Company today.
7
Wed. Feb. 10 - Paul (acting orderly) took us out on drill AM. After
that he and myself played Whist with Sanford and Henry. They beat
us. Played a game of baseball P.M. also Whist and Poker in the
evening - had bad luck.
Fri. Feb. 19 - Weather some mild
this morning and brought our m
various subjects in the eve by W
considerable.
Thu. Feb. 11 - Co. drill in the morning by PauL Played Whist with
Grover against Si and Quinn. Beat them. "Muddy" in. Chatting with
Stearns at his tent eve. Received three letters eve.
Sat. Feb. 20 - A pleasant day. WE
to the reserve, where we waited 0'
come up, when we moved on towa
boys signed the pay rolls in our
Nov. and Dec. $26.00
Fri. Feb. 12 - Played Whist some AM. Writing and Reading some.
etc.etc.etc.etc.
Sat. Feb. 13 - Boxing some today. Impey [Imphey] and Co. H fellow
had a big match. Nothing special except Whist eve.
Sun. Feb. 14 - Sunday morning inspection. Got up in great style.
Rode CoL Williams' nag some. Charley Burr and Dennis Locklin over
today. Three Indians from Western New York came to our Company
today - Squires, Laughlin [Lafflin] and Loran.
Mon. Feb. 15 Steve Flanders, and Williams and wife went home on
furloughs today. Sent letters home by Steve. It commenced snowing
P.M. and continued -. We got orders to pack up and be ready to move
at a moment's notice P.M. Several rumors are flying; none reliable.
Did not march.
Tues. Feb. 16 - The trees and ground are covered with snow this
morning but the snow commenced to disappear as soon as the sun was
up. The 40th N.Y. left the Brigade today going to the 2d Brig.
Wed. Feb. 17 - Most of the Company went on picket today. Si went
with us, but was sent back from Division H'd. Qr's. It is one of the
coldest, if not the coldest day yet this winter. Our Brig. takes the right
(not the left ofthe Div. line). Had charge of a post with ten men. Henry
on next post. Had a tremendous cold night, slept about an hour. Si got
our express box today.
Thu. Feb. 18 - Teaching my Indians how to do picket duty. Another
cold day. Reading, playing Whist etc. etc. Picket line shortened. Had a
cold night, and our house smoked some. Could not sleep any till near
morning.
8
Sun. Feb. 21 - Inspection AM. b;
came into the Co. this morning.
Lyman, Peck and Wright chief ac
leave of absence P.M. looking mor
Mon. Feb. 22 - Inspection as us
guard. Si went on picket this mon
PauL Orders for a review gi,
condemning of camp and garrison
Tues. Feb. 23 - On guard . C
Talking some with Squires [probG
noon for 2d Brig. Division review.
Wed. Feb. 24 - Accidentally gave
the 22d and 23d. [rectified, ed.]
Thu. Feb. 25 - Wrote out the nar
Feb. Windy.
Fri. Feb. 26 - Wrote some on the
windy. Si came in from picket. Fn
Ohio for the murder of the Coy faJ
the scaffold to the crowd. "Of the
am entirely innocent. May God £
me".
Sat. Feb. 27 - Writing on muster
of the 6 th Corps passed through c
the Rapidan. The two other Div.
r)
took us out on drill AM. After
;h Sanford and Henry. They beat
I. also Whist and Poker in the
Fri. Feb. 19 - Weather some milder. Watson [Morgan] went into camp
this morning and brought our mail. Whisted and read. Lectures on
various subjects in the eve by Wright and Wells. Warm night, slept
considerable.
ning by PauL Played Whist with
~hem. "Muddy" in. Chatting with
ee letters eve.
Sat. Feb. 20 - A pleasant day. Were relieved before 11 A.M. and went
to the reserve, where we waited over an hour for the other Brigades to
come up, when we moved on towards camp. Made very good time. The
boys signed the pay rolls in our house, and we received our pay for
Nov. and Dec. $26.00
!\.M. Writing and Reading some.
mpey [Imphey] and Co. H fellow
:ept Whist eve.
Ispection. Got up in great style.
.ey Burr and Dennis Locklin over
New York came to our Company
nd Loran.
Williams and wife went home on
by Steve. It commenced snowing
~ to pack up and be ready to move
rumors are flying; none reliable.
lund are covered with snow this
disappear as soon as the sun was
lay going to the 2d Brig.
l1y went on picket today. Si went
[vision H'd. Qr's. It is one of the
. winter. Our Brig. takes the right
rge of a post with ten men. Henry
night, slept about an hour. Si got
s how to do picket duty. Another
.etc. Picket line shortened. Had a
me. Could not sleep any till near
Sun. Feb. 21 Inspection AM. by Brigade Commander. Casper Kent
came into the Co. this morning. Had a "shindee" in the street P.M.
Lyman, Peck and Wright chief actors. Merriman came back from his
leave of absence P.M. looking more like a soldier in his new suit.
Mon. Feb. 22 - Inspection as usual by Div. Staff Officer. Henry on
guard. Si went on picket this morning, on a small detail. Drill AM. by
PauL Orders for a review given, but NO review. Orders for
condemning of camp and garrison equipage given but NO condemning.
Tues. Feb. 23 - On guard . Co.'s E and H came back last night.
Talking some with Squires [probably Willard], Rutland. Co. L left at
noon for 2d Brig. Division review P.M. by Birney and B--.
Wed. Feb. 24 - Accidentally gave the events of 22d, 23d and 24th into
the 22d and 23d. [rectified, ed.]
Thu. Feb. 25
Feb. Windy.
Wrote out the names on the muster rolls for Jan. and
Fri. Feb. 26 - Wrote some on the muster rolls. Weather considerably
windy. Si came in from picket. Fred F. Streeter hung today at Medina
Ohio for the murder of the Coy family. His last words were spoken on
the scaffold to the crowd. "Of the crime for which I am about to die I
am entirely innocent. May God forgive all those who have wronged
me".
Sat. Feb. 27 Writing on muster rolls and playing Whist. The pt Div .
of the 6th Corps passed through camp this forenoon, moving towards
the Rapidan. The two other Div.'s went by way of Brandy Station.
9
Another reconnaissance - we expect to have to follow them; towards
night rec'd the order to march tomorrow morning.
Sun. Feb. 28 - The "General" sounded before daylight. I was excused
by Capt. so that the Muster Rolls could be made out. Promptly after
the General, the regt. fell in and marched. Geo. Brown, Pittsford, Co.
G, 5th VT staid with me half the day. He overstayed his furlough
twenty days . Heard only one or two guns, faintly, today. Report says
we find but few rebs, and the army is moving on.
Mon. Feb. 29 - Played Whist A.M. Stearns, Higgins, "Lew" [?] and
myself played Euchre, and in the evening we again Whisted. Wrote on
muster rolls a little. Supped with Stearns discussing "Genius" in the
Atlantic some etc.
Tues. Mar. 1 - Finished Muster Rolls till the boys come back. Rainy
about all day. Evening it hailed and snowed two or three inches during
the night. Playing Whist and Muggins [card game similar to dominoes]
in the evening with Stearns, Higgins and Kinsman. Rec'd. letter from
Albany.
Wed. Mar. 2 - (For Mar. 4 read Mar. 2) [rectified, ed.] Soon after noon
the boys came back tired and dusty. They went about 15 miles to
James City, destroyed things generally, had a hard time, but saw no
rebels. I am doubly glad I did not go. Writing some on muster rolls.
Eve Capt. and Susan played against Si and I and got beat.
Thu. Mar. 3 - Writing and finishing the Muster Rolls. Si and Henry
washed.
Fri. Mar. 4 - Reading some, writing some and playing Whist some.
Sat. Mar. 5 - Played ball some - writing and reading. Whist eve. Jack
retrieved his losses a little. A sweeping detail takes us all on picket
tomorrow - 39 men.
Sun. Mar. 6 - Went on picket. Had a stylish picket mounting at
Division Hd. Q'trs. soul stirring music. Susan, Si and I with some Co.
B boys were on the next post to the woods on the left of our Brig. and
front of a house across the line. Seven men and two corporals stood
nights one hour trips.
10
Mon. Mar. 7 - Gage "B" is a COl
wholesale. Boys went to the hous~
Whist and Sledge [?]. Got a little
Tues. Mar. 8
Rainy all the fore
Wed. Mar. 9 - Warm, pleasant da
back to the reserve and watched 0
come up, and then moved into Cal
so that we were nearly "blowed" ,
and whiskey flowed at night. Qui]
Thu. Mar. 10 Reg't. matters ­
commish as Adj't. of a Mich. Regt
commish and Cotes "I" has got hil
night. Rainy most of the day. Si (
and he bought a gallon of oysters. :
and Susan got beat.
Frio Mar. 11- Writing some, read
Andrews) and Capt. L- - arres1;4
and Importance ­
Sat. Mar. 12 - On guard
day.
3d relit
Sun. Mar. 13 The old guard
review, and inspection. Inspecti
Heatherington. Made a soup for d
Mon. Mar. 14 - Played a game
Birney drilled his division two or t
games) eve, with Capt. and Henry
leave the army today.
Tues. Mar. 15 - Si went on picke
guard at Brig. H'd. Q'trs. Nothing
Wed. Mar. 16 Had a Corps revil
big Corps now - looks invincible.
ladies were on the "staff'; three rOI
:t to have to follow them; towards
TOW morning.
led before daylight. I was excused
mId be made out. Promptly after
ITched. Geo. Brown, Pittsford, Co.
day. He overstayed his furlough
o guns, faintly, today. Report says
.s moving on.
. Stearns, Higgins, "Lew" [?] and
ming we again Whisted. Wrote on
tearns discussing "Genius" in the
Us till the boys come back. Rainy
mowed two or three inches during
IS [card game similar to dominoes]
s and Kinsman. Rec'd. letter from
. 2) [rectified, ed.] Soon after noon
Mon. Mar. 7 Gage "B" is a comical chap. He furnishes fun by the
wholesale. Boys went to the house outside the line - got milk. Playing
Whist and Sledge [?]. Got a little rain in the night. It rained my hour.
Tues. Mar. 8 - Rainy all the forenoon and some of the afternoon.
Wed. Mar. 9 - Warm, pleasant day. Were relieved about 11 A.M. Went
back to the reserve and watched over an hour for the other Brigades to
come up, and then moved into camp. Heatherington traveled very fast
so that we were nearly "blowed" when we reached camp. Porter, beer
and whiskey flowed at night. Quinn happy late at night.
Thu. Mar. 10 - Reg't. matters - the Serg't. Major has received his
commish as Adj't. of a Mich. Reg't. and left; our Adj't. has received his
commish and Cotes "I" has got his discharge he CELEBRATED last
night. Rainy most of the day. Si on fatigue went beyond the station
and he bought a gallon of oysters. Stearns and I played Whist with Cap
and Susan - got beat.
Fri. Mar. 11- Writing some, reading etc. etc. Jack of Diamonds (Capt.
Andrews) and Capt. L- arrested the Serg't. of the Guard Liquor
and Importance-
;y. They went about 15 miles to
illy, had a hard time, but saw no
~o. Writing some on muster rolls.
Si and I and got beat.
g the Muster Rolls. Si and Henry
~
some and playing Whist some.
ting and reading. Whist eve. Jack
ling detail takes us all on picket
ad a stylish picket mounting at
sic. Susan, Si and I with some Co.
woods on the left of our Brig. and
:m men and two corporals stood
Sat. Mar. 12 - On guard - 3d relief. Co. A Sergeant. Eating oysters all
day.
Sun. Mar. 13 - The old guard staid on till after 1 P.M. Division
review, and inspection. Inspection in street at 4 P.M. by Capt.
Heatherington. Made a soup for dinner.
Mon. Mar. 14 - Played a game of "regulation base" ball A.M. P.M.
Birney drilled his division two or three hours. Si and I played Whist (5
games) eve, with Capt. and Henry -lost the rubber. Women ordered to
leave the army today.
Tues. Mar. 15 - Si went on picket on a small detail, and Henry is on
guard at Brig. H'd. Q'trs. Nothing tickler, all quiet.
Wed. Mar. 16 Had a Corps review down in front of Botts'. We have a
big Corps now - looks invincible. Cold, and overcoats rolled. Several
ladies were on the "staff'; three rode up and down every line, about two
11 and a half miles. About 25,000 men present. Surgeon Brennan
received his commish as Maj. several days ago.
Thu. Mar. 17 Co. drill A.M. by Capt. 9 or 10 men safeguard stopped
our getting rails. Baseball P.M. Whist eve with Stearns against Cap
and Susan. Stearns got excited and we lost.
Fri. Mar. 18 - On guard - 3d relief 3 posts. Si came in from picket.
The 40 th N.Y. is transferred to the 2d Brig. and the 124th N.Y. into ours.
That gives Col. Eagan 3d Mich. command of the Brig. and ousts the
Col. of the 40 th .
Fri. Mar. 25 - On guard - 2d reli,
At night the guard was all taken
L-" by Chas. Lever -. Mike Cum
go out the 1st of June - old and nE
Sat. Mar. 26 - Cool and cloudy. ,
Serg't. Peabody Co. ClO th Vt. caJ
been very sick with dysentery for
Sat. Mar. 19 - Playing ball most of the day. Beaura shot an owl from
the street against "standing orders" and Capt. Heatherington Officer
of the day came down on me - tried to make me tell who did it. etc.
Sun. Mar. 27 - Division Sunda
Grounds. Dysentery better. An or,
the 23d reorganizes the army iIl
under Gens. Hancock, Warren an
Corps - are in the 2d Brigade COIll1
ten serg'ts in the Brigade.
Sun. Mar. 20 - Sunday morning inspection on Division review
grounds by each Brig. commander.
Mon. Mar. 28 - Brigade drill P.:
today. Writing letters most of the
Mon. Mar. 21 - Cold. Si and I went over to the 5 th VT 6 th Corps.
Visited George Brown Co. G, Truman Lane Orderly Co. F and Serg't.
Jo. Demare. We had the largest, best prospect from the hills that I
have seen. Started back after dress parade. Saw the dress parade of
the 3d Brig. 2d Div. 6th Corps, the most splendid military pageant that
I ever witnessed a modeL
Tues. Mar. 29 - Ordered to fall
commenced to rain but the tW(
forward, and - came back . It ra
Tues. Mar. 22 - Cold. P.M. and eve several inches of snow fell.
Brigade drill A.M. on Div. drill grounds. Writing most of the afternoon.
Henry on guard tonight at Brigade teams [?]. Snowed most of the
afternoon. Maj. Chas. P. Mattocks 17th Me. took command of the
regiment yesterday.
Wed. Mar. 23 - It snowed most of last night. This morning seven or
eight inches of snow lay on the ground and some three or four inches
more must have fell and melted. P.M. it was good snowballing - Co. I
charged on Co. F rallied, fought them and drove them three streets ­
grand victory. Wrote out a statement of Griffin's case for his court
martial.
Thu. Mar. 24 - Warm and pleasant. Gen. Grant and Hallock came to
the army today -. Steve Flanders came back to the Co. today. Back­
gammon with Susan. The army is reorganized into three Corps.
12
Wed. Mar. 30 - Snowed and raiIl
Henry went on picket this morning
last small detail went this time,
commish. Steve staid with us. Ru
Whist eve with Si and Stearns wit
Thu. Mar. 31 - Soon after "reveillE
Our Div. moves into the camps of t
Got our baggage carried in the teal
the 126th Ohio, a low dirty hole, W
got the best house on our street. r
enough for the reg't. Late P.M. 01:
slept on the floor.
Fri. Apr. 1- The 6 th Maryland is i
left this camp and went into the 17
our Brigade") say it is the worst Cal
worst camp in the Div. Our Major'
failed. Some of the boys are buH
most of the day. Rainy most of th,
men present. Surgeon Brennan
al days ago.
lpt. 9 or 10 men safeguard stopped
list eve with Stearns against Cap
we lost.
[ - 3 posts. Si came in from picket.
t Brig. and the 124th N.Y. into ours.
mmand of the Brig. and ousts the
~the day. Beaura shot an owl from
, and Capt. Heatherington Officer
I to make me tell who did it. etc.
.g inspection on Division review
rent over to the 5th VT 6th Corps.
an Lane Orderly Co. F and Serg't.
.est prospect from the hills that I
; parade. Saw the dress parade of
lost splendid military pageant that
eve several inches of snow felL
nds. Writing most of the afternoon.
:Ie teams [1]. Snowed most of the
s 17th Me. took command of the
last night. This morning seven or
lllld and some three or four inches
M. it was good snowballing - Co. I
~m and drove them three streets ­
ent of Griffin's case for his court
t. Gen. Grant and Hallock came to
:arne back to the Co. today. Back­
eorganized into three Corps.
Fri. Mar. 25 - On guard - 2d relief - three posts. Rained most all day.
At night the guard was all taken off. Read "The Confessions of Harry
L-" by Chas. Lever -. Mike Cunningham's bro. in the 5th Vt. Says we
go out the 1at of June - old and new boys.
Sat. Mar. 26 - Cool and cloudy. Si and I walked down to the spring.
Serg't. Peabody Co. ClO th Vt. called on me a few minutes P.M. Have
been very sick with dysentery for the three last days.
Sun. Mar. 27 - Division Sunday morning inspections on Division
Grounds. Dysentery better. An order from the War Department dated
the 23d reorganizes the army into three Corps, the 2d, 5th and 6th
under Gens. Hancock, Warren and Sedge wick. We are now in the 2d
Corps are in the 2d Brigade commanded by Brig. Gen. Hays and have
ten serg'ts in the Brigade .
Mon. Mar. 28 - Brigade drill P.M. under Gen. Birney. Henry is 21
today. Writing letters most of the day - warm and pleasant.
Tues. Mar. 29 - Ordered to fall in for Corps Review at 9 A.M. It
commenced to rain but the two brigades marched about a mile
forward, and - came back -. It rained nearly all day and all night.
Wed. Mar. 30 - Snowed and rained some A.M. - then it cleared up.
Henry went on picket this morning. All of the Co. that did not go on the
last small detail went this time, with the exception of a few non
commish. Steve staid with us. Rumor of a move. Quinn and I played
Whist eve with Si and Stearns with Union cards - got awfully beaten.
Thu. Mar. 31 - Soon after "reveille" the "general" sounded. Packed up.
Our Div. moves into the camps of the 3d Div. and they move into ours.
Got our baggage carried in the teams mostly. We went into the camp of
the 126th Ohio, a low dirty hole, with most miserable secesh huts. We
got the best house on our street. The camp is about two thirds large
enough for the reg't. Late P.M. our pickets came in. Dave and Steve
slept on the floor.
Fri. Apr. 1 - The 6th Maryland is in our old camp. The "Buckeyes" who
left this camp and went into the 17th Me. camp ("the model regiment of
our Brigade") say it is the worst camp they ever saw! I think this is the
worst camp in the Div. Our Major tried to get us moved yesterday, but
failed. Some of the boys are building houses today. Writing letters
most of the day. Rainy most of the day - rained all night.
13
Sat. Apr. 2 - Rainy nearly all day. Reading the March Atlantic.
Sun. Apr. 3 Today it didn't rain all day. Sunday morning inspection
about 2 or 3 P.M.
Mon. Apr. 4 Rainy all day as usuaL Kinsman came back today he
has a new green suit, and is much improved. He has seen Adj. Gen.
Washburn who says the Vt. Brigade go out the pt of June - that he
shall do all he can to get us out at the same time the recruits of 1862
go out when the old boys do either the pt of June or the 13th of Sept.
H.E.K. brought the original enlistment roll of Co. F.
Tues. Apr. 5 - My birthday - 21 years old - henceforth I "paddle my
own canoe". It rained nearly all day. Copied the original enlistment
roll of Co. F and made out a list of the deserters in Co. F (5 or 6) Co.
A has 25, and the whole regiment 125. Steve and Dave went into their
house yesterday and left ours
Wed. Apr. 6 - Si and Susan lowered the bunk and put up the table
AM. while I cooked the soup. P.M. I did some washing. No rain today!
Thu. Apr. 7 - Went down to the Station this morning and got two qts.
of oysters, some canned milk etc. Henry got a pack of Union Cards.
Fri. Apr. 8 - Rainy day and night.
Sat. Apr. 9
Rainy nearly all day and night. Heard occasional
artillery firing during the day and night off in our rear. Si sick -. Allen
at work to get a comish in the Corps D'Afrique BULLY for that.
Wrote a statement of Griffin's case in the evening.
Sun. Apr. 10 - Street inspection of arms and equipments by Major
Mattocks. Some rain. WHITE GLOVES! issued. Gen. Alex Hays' Brig.
consists of the 4th Maine, 17th Maine, 3d Mich., 15th Mich., 57 th P.V.;
63d P.V., 68th P.V., 105 th P.V., pt UB.S.S. Div. Cmdrs. Barlow, Gibbon,
Birney.
Mon. Apr. 11 - Went on guard but was relieved by French and
reported to Maj. Mattocks to do some writing. Copying orders into a
book - orders from Army Corps, Division and Brig. H'd. Qtrs. Si still
sick with diarrhea.
14
Tues. Apr. 12 - Writing some
parades - Reg't. and Brigade.
another school for non-commissio
- amounted to zero. R Weston A
Wed. Apr. 13 Left camp at 9
Birney's old Div. was reviewed 1
Brigade Dress Parade at 4 ]
moustache! Paymaster reported
"deadbroke".
Thu. Apr. 14 Regt'L inspech
Dress parade by Brigade. PleasaJ
Fri. Apr. 15 - Writing consideral
parade. Last day of ye sutlers.
Sat. Apr. 16 Rainy AM. Sanfc
Susan - on the whole got awfull
H'd. Qtrs. for wood. Sutler left th
Sun. Apr. 17 - Inspection by the
Mon. Apr. 18 - Birney had us ow
parade by Brig. as usual. Si somE
Tues. Apr. 19 - Inspection agah:
and Moody[?]. "Susan" got a watc
Wed. Apr. 20 - Got ready for ins]
Station today. Came back on a h~
Thu. Apr. 21 - Sanford and I Wf
about thirty rounds my sights
shots very accurate. Shot at 3 '
orders. Brig. Dress Parade. Sanfo
eve.
Frio Apr. 22 - Marched at 7 Al\
review. It was a grand scene ­
artillery massed on the vast I
Reading the March Atlantic.
11 day. Sunday morning inspection
al. Kinsman came back today - he
improved. He has seen Adj. Gen.
le go out the pI of June - that he
1e same time - the recruits of 1862
othe pt of June or the 13 th of Sept.
ent roll of Co. F.
~ars
old - henceforth I "paddle my
ly. Copied the original enlistment
1e deserters in Co. F (5 or 6) - Co.
25. Steve and Dave went into their
oed the bunk and put up the table
[ did some washing. No rain todayl
ltion this morning and got two qts.
enry got a pack of Union Cards.
Tues. Apr. 12 - Writing some - copying orders. Whist. Two dress
parades - Reg't. and Brigade. Our first Brig. dress parade. Had
another school for non-commissioned officers by the Dutch Adj. tonight
- amounted to zero. R. Weston Adj. back.
Wed. Apr. 13 - Left camp at 9 AM. and marched to near Botts' ­
Birney's old Div. was reviewed by Maj. Gen. Hancock. Had another
Brigade Dress Parade at 4 P.M. Sacrificed my eighteen mos.
moustachel Paymaster reported in the Brig. Boys "out" generally ­
"deadbroke".
Thu. Apr. 14 - Regt'l. inspection at 3 P.M. by Brig. Staff Officer.
Dress parade by Brigade. Pleasant weather.
Fri. Apr. 15 - Writing considerable today - copying orders. Brig. dress
parade. Last day of ye sutlers.
Sat. Apr. 16 - Rainy AM. Sanford and I playing Whist with Si and
Susan - on the whole got awfully beaten. Cut off a log back of Brig.
H'd. Qtrs. for wood. Sutler left this morning.
Sun. Apr. 17 - Inspection by the Major. Troubled some with diarrhea.
Mon. Apr. 18 - Birney had us out again today over to old Botts'. Dress
parade by Brig. as usual. Si some better.
lay and night. Heard occasional
ight off in our rear. Si sick -. Allen
Irps D'Afrique - BULLY for that.
in the evening.
If arms and equipments by Major
IESl issued. Gen. Alex Hays' Brig.
le, 3d Mich., 15th Mich., 57 th P.v.;
).S.S. Div. Cmdrs. Barlow, Gibbon,
but was relieved by French and
[lle writing. Copying orders into a
vision and Brig. H'd. Qtrs. Si still
Tues. Apr. 19 - Inspection again. Over to the 2d Regt. P.M. Saw S­
and Moody[?]. "Susan" got a watch by mail tonight.
Wed. Apr. 20 - Got ready for inspection but had none. Went up to the
Station today. Came back on a hand-car.
Thu. Apr. 21 - Sanford and I went over to the target AM. and fired
about thirty rounds - my sights are improved - and Sanford's gun
shots very accurate. Shot at 3 and 500 yards. P.M. wrote copying
orders. Brig. Dress Parade. Sanford and I whisted Si and Susan in the
eve.
Fri. Apr. 22 - Marched at 7 AM. to beyond Stevensburg to a Corps
review. It was a grand scene - some 50,000 infantry, cavalry, and
artillery massed on the vast plain. The bright colors, fluttering
15 Sun. May 1 - Inspection by th€
and chatting with Peck etc. We a
pleasant camp. Capt. Wilson ret
dress parade by some one on th
circulated some.
standards and magnificent music of the [?] united to make it one of the
most splendid reviews I ever witnessed. We passed Grant, Meade and
Hancock surrounded by a brilliant crowd of officers. Reached camp at a
little after 2 P.M.
Sat. Apr. 23 - Boys target shooting AM. I wrote copying orders. P.M.
writing on Pay Rolls. - Some signs of a general move.
Mon. May 2 - Copying Regt'l. 0
dark with dust and rain. ChaW
Gettysburg etc.
Sun. Apr. 24 Writing nearly all day and evening on the Pay Rolls.
Orders received to move camp tomorrow if pleasant. Rainy in the
evening -. Johnny Dike and Ben Locklin over from the 10th VT P.M.­
Had a good visit with them. Adj't. Weston court martialed at Brig. H'd.
Qtrs. (instigated by Capt. Hetherington) for drunkenness.
Tues. May 3 - Co. drill AM. - ou1
exercise. P.M. went out on Co. dril
5th Corps march by. Writing on a t
P.M. six days rations were made 0
move at once. Packed up ready to:
fell in to march at 11 1h P.M.
Rapidan - very sleepy.
Mon. Apr. 25 - Finished the five Muster Rolls today, except "names
present" and the "recapitulation". Very pleasant. Cap and Stearns
whisting with Si and Susan in the eve. Dave and Steve are "right in"
on their poker -.
Wed. May 4 - Rested 10 minutes
before daylight. Still we kept c
Rapidan, and between ten and elE
Div. ofCav. And the rest of the Ct
till we neared the old Chancellors'
it at about 1 P.M. Resting, dozing;
up a skull of a rebel, shells, bulle1
Tues. Apr. 26 - Moved camp at 7 AM. Moved about half a mile into a
grassy field, and on a slight hill. It is a pretty camp. Si, Henry and
myself put us up a good little house of board sides 2 1h feet high,
covered with four tent pieces, and open in front, with a little table etc.
Our whole Div. moved out into the fields.
Wed. Apr. 27 - A very warm day for spring. Henry went on picket this
morning. The night was cold -.
Thu. Apr. 28 - Went over to the Station AM. Sutlers all gone - it
looks like a speedy move from here. Got dinner at the eating house.
Wilson talking of Mc Clellan and the Peninsular Campaign - his great
topic. Tremendous cold night. Rec'd. Atlantic - "B".
Fri. Apr. 29 Pleasant - Division drill AM. Our regiment in the front
acted as skirmishers - I was on body guard for the Capt. drilled from
2 1h to nearly 6. Sutlers came in with goods. Music by the Div. band
every evening. Non-Commish putting on stripes gra- style and
discipline by the Major.
Sat. Apr. 30 - Mustered about 10 AM. full style. Susan came in from
picket - Gen. Butterfield tactics. Capt. Garrison came back to
regiment. The 3d Div. of the 8 th Corps came down today from duty on
the O. & A RR
16
I
J
Thu. May 5 - Marched soon after
the column. Hot day. About M. he
column about faced and some tak
about 4 P.M. We were deployed ~
road. Firing commenced on our r:
opened. We "went in" on our skirr
battle when they came down us or
hurry. Did not see the rebel colum
the boys had gone. Domag, Trask
killed - Cross mortally wounded,
Wright, and Page, McKeever seVE
Major captured. The battle was kE
by infantry. We gained some grow
three hours. Si went back at the
entrenchments thrown up in the I
the [?] united to make it one of the
;;ed. We passed Grant, Meade and
owd of officers. Reached camp at a
A.M. I wrote copying orders. P.M.
If a general move.
lay and evening on the Pay Rolls.
lorrow if pleasant. Rainy in the
:klin over from the 10th VT P.M.
eston court martialed at Brig. H'd.
~n) for drunkenness.
luster Rolls today, except "names
Very pleasant. Cap and Stearns
!ve. Dave and Steve are "right in"
M. Moved about half a mile into a
is a pretty camp. Si, Henry and
.se of board sides 2 1h feet high,
»en in front, with a little table etc.
ields.
Sun. May 1 - Inspection by the Gen.- mounted-. Reading Atlantic
and chatting with Peck etc. We are quietly enjoying ourselves in this
pleasant camp. Capt. Wilson ret'd. Major insulted by a grunt [?] on
dress parade by some one on the right no one knows who -. Ale
circulated some.
Mon. May 2 - Copying Regt'L orders. Pleasant day. Wind squall at
dark with dust and rain. Chatting with Grover and others eve, of
Gettysburg etc.
Tues. May 3 - Co. drill A.M. out for the first time in weeks bayonet
exercise. P.M. went out on Co. drill to the R.R. and watched the 1st Div.
5th Corps march by. Writing on a Court Martial for Capt. Wilson. Late
P.M. six days rations were made out, and orders received to be ready to
move at once. Packed up ready to march. Slept a few minutes and then
fell in to march at 11 1h P.M. Marched steadily all night for the
Rapidan very sleepy.
Wed. May 4 Rested 10 minutes at M. and at 1 % A.M. and again just
before daylight. Still we kept on towards the lower fords of the
Rapidan, and between ten and eleven A.M. crossed at Ford. A
Div. ofCav. And the rest of the Corps are ahead. On, on, hot and tired
till we neared the old Chancellorsville battleground, and encamped on
it at about 1 P.M. Resting, dozing and looking over the ground - picked
up a skull of a rebel, shells, bullets, etc.
spring. Henry went on picket this
)tation A.M. Sutlers all gone - it
. Got dinner at the eating house.
! Peninsular Campaign - his great
Atlantic - "B".
ill A.M. Our regiment in the front
guard for the Capt. drilled from
th goods. Music by the Div. band
ing on stripes gra- style and
.M. full style. Susan came in from
Capt. Garrison came back to
ps came down today from duty on
Thu. May 5 - Marched soon after daylight - as flankers on the right of
the column. Hot day. About M. heard cannonading on our right - The
column about faced and some taking a right hand road. Marched till
about 4 P.M. We were deployed and advanced on the W. side of the
road. Firing commenced on our right, and the battle was soon fairly
opened. We "went in" on our skirmish and fought one or more lines of
battle when they came down us on a left oblique and we retreated in a
hurry. Did not see the rebel column till it was close on me and most of
the boys had gone. Domag, Trask, French and Paul [Thompson] were
killed - Cross mortally wounded, Cunningham, Willson, Guthrie and
Wright, and Page, McKeever severely wounded, and Butler, slightly.
Major captured. The battle was kept up hotly till night, almost wholly
by infantry. We gained some ground - moved twice in the night - slept
three hours. Si went back at the time of our skirmish - sick. Strong
entrenchments thrown up in the night.
17 Fri. May 6 Up at 4 AM. Fighting commenced with daylight. The
battle-ground is all woods, the fighting line was about a mile long. We
were deployed and followed our lines, which drove the Johnnies about
a mile. When the battle swayed backward and forward - our boys
rallying coolly and quickly, and retaking lost ground. About 11 there
was a lull of an hour. Some cannon have been heard away on the right.
Soon the battle commenced again and the firing on our left becomes
very heavy
our line fell back and we were flanked - a retreat
commenced. We rallied, drove the Rebs, and then retreated by the
right flank - it was almost a stampede fell back till we reached our
position of the morning. Firing - - ceased till 4 o'clock when the
rebels showed themselves on the left of the plank road and after half
an hour's incessant firing on our side the rebels charged, drove the
first and second lines back. When they were driven back badly cut up.
Soon after they showed themselves on the right, but were driven back.
Some firing away on the right P.M. LaCoy killed by one of our own men
firing in the rear.
Sat. May 7 - Up at 4. Changed position several times. Picket firing
some. Lay in the sun until about M. when we filed up the plank road.
Deployed on its right and advancing drove the rebel skirmishers half a
mile into their works. We were answered with a hot fire and a volley
drove us back, and our Brig. support with us. Before we fell back, Eph
was shot through the left side of his body and killed. Also Jo Hagan
shot through the body. We again advanced, were driven back. Lay
behind a slight breastwork all the P.M. occasionally firing. Sharp
skirmishing all the P.M. on the left of the plank road. In the eve we
were withdrawn and told that the army had all left. We expected some
to be captured. At last we strengthened the line on the left of the road.
Lay where the Vt. Brig. fought yesterday P.M. The Johnnies made a
great noise all night. Slept about two hours. Beaura wounded.
Sun. May 8 - Found Truman Lane's body and saw it buried. About 10
or 11 AM. the lines fell back and the Div. left on the field commenced
its retreat. A few shots were fired just as the whole column moved off
but our Reg. Vidette silenced them. Marched very rapidly back for four
or five miles where we found a new posish some men were sun­
struck on the way back. Lay behind a big log breastwork most of the
P.M. The Johnnies threatened [?] an advance on our works, but
unfortunately they did not come. Our men held them in the woods. Si
[name erased] came up and stragglers generally. Had a good night's
rest. Troops moving some in the night. Our new position connects with
our last one. Ed Trask - died yesterday. Wells missing.
18
Mon. May 9 - About 8 or 9 we ,
and strengthened the picket line.
Susan captured two women. Some
fired and wounded a Capt.
1
Aschman with some of A went s
Killed one and captured two. WeI
march. We are in the rear divisioI
or 4 met opposition - Cav. and Ar
an hour - marched by jerks till I
and I got a little pig. Any quanti1
night's sleep - and not disturbed.
Tues. May 10 - Skirmishing and
daylight. Troops maneuvered am
about 10 or 11 heavy fighting com
line - moved down and were mas
which kept up very fiercely till pal
and supported a battery. Got !
charged on the left and took a Bri
breastwork all night and slept in
the Johnnies the fighting on the
Wed. May 11 - Rebel sharps!:
breastwork and wounded a few mE
A Helped cook a turkey that Ca
breakfast. About 10 AM. we we
sharpshooters - scattered aroum
silenced them. The boys made son
yds. hitting them. Rainy some P.l\
calls. At dark were relieved - dr€
the left reaching it just before da}
Thu. May 12 - Our Division ch
with 22 pieces of art. and 3000 pr:
deployed on the right flank of tl
neared the breastworks were (t
advance. We charged up to the ~
rounds - We got a heavy fire ­
miraculously escaped the bullet:
mortally wounded - U nele Tom [
and Smith, Chase and Bowen w01.
day. HEAVY FIGHTING ALL DA
looks sadly small. On picket resen
ng commenced with daylight. The
ing line was about a mile long. We
~s, which drove the Johnnies about
lackward and forward
our boys
:aking lost ground. About 11 there
have been heard away on the right.
and the firing on our left becomes
md we were flanked
a retreat
Rebs, and then retreated by the
,ede - fell back till we reached our
- ceased till 4 o'clock when the
ft of the plank road and after half
;ide the rebels charged, drove the
hey were driven back badly cut up.
on the right, but were driven back.
LaCoy killed by one of our own men
)sition several times. Picket firing
.. when we filed up the plank road.
r drove the rebel skirmishers half a
iwered with a hot fire and a volley
t with us. Before we fell back, Eph
is body and killed. Also J 0 Hagan
advanced, were driven back. Lay
e P.M. occasionally firing. Sharp
t of the plank road. In the eve we
rmy had all left. We expected some
~ned the line on the left of the road.
terday P.M. The Johnnies made a
vo hours. Beaura wounded.
's body and saw it buried. About 10
1e Div. left on the field commenced
ust as the whole column moved off
Marched very rapidly back for four
ew posish - some men were sun­
d a big log breastwork most of the
] an advance on our works, but
ur men held them in the woods. Si
lers generally. Had a good night's
ht. Our new position connects with
~rday. Wells missing.
~
Mon. May 9 - About 8 or 9 we went out on the right of our position
and strengthened the picket line. Very few Johnnies in sight. Capt. &
Susan captured two women. Some Cav. came down the road - our boys
fired and wounded a Capt. - Merriman got his sabre. Wilson &
Aschman with some of A went scouting away out nearly two miles
Killed one and captured two. Went back and in an hour started on the
march. We are in the rear division, but not Brig. Hard marching At 3
or 4 met opposition - Cav. and Art. opposed our - Some firing for half
an hour - marched by jerks till near eleven when we bivouacked. Jo
and I got a little pig. Any quantity of good rumors afloat. Had a good
night's sleep - and not disturbed.
Tues. May 10 - Skirmishing and cannonading commenced soon after
daylight. Troops maneuvered and moved a little to the S.E. when at
about 10 or 11 heavy fighting commenced on the center and S.E. of our
line moved down and were massed under a hill in rear of the battle
which kept up very fiercely till past M. Were then marched to the left,
and supported a battery. Got shelled some. 2d and other Brigs.
charged on the left and took a Brig. and several guns. Lay back of the
breastwork all night and slept in my rubber. Again we have whipped
the Johnnies - the fighting on the center was fierce, steady and heavy.
Wed. May 11 - Rebel sharpshooters got a flanking fire on the
breastwork and wounded a few men among them the color corporal Co.
A. Helped cook a turkey that Capt. captured and had a magnificent
breakfast. About 10 A.M. we were ordered out to check the rebel
sharpshooters - scattered around the buildings and hills and some
silenced them. The boys made some splendid shots - shot 12 and 1400
yds. hitting them. Rainy some P.M. In a little rifle pit - got some close
calls. At dark were relieved - drew rations and marched all night to
the left reaching it just before daylight on the 12th.
Thu. May 12 Our Division charged the rebel works taking them
with 22 pieces of art. and 3000 prisoners and three generals. We were
deployed on the right flank of the charging columns, and when we
neared the breastworks were (through some mistake) ordered to
advance. We charged up to the abattis and lay there I fired nine
rounds - We got a heavy fire - I left, almost the last man, and
miraculously escaped the bullets and grape. Mattocks was (l fear)
mortally wounded Uncle Tom [probably Thomas H. Brown] killed,
and Smith, Chase and Bowen wounded. Staid with Susan most of the
day. HEAVY FIGHTING ALL DAY. Our forces gaining ground. Co. F.
looks sadly small. On picket reserve at the front at night. Rainy night.
19 Fri. May 13 No firing early in the morning. Our pickets advanced
out beyond the rebel works, found two guns. Wrote home. Skirmishing
all day. Little cannonading. 2d Reg't. lost heavily in skirmishing.
Henry still alive and about the same. Grove Scribner wounded. Our
lines advanced - buried the dead, and improved the works. Visited the
place where the rebels charged - horrible!! At night made a feint of
relieving the pickets, and through the mud reached Div. H'd. Qtrs. and
camped in the rain.
Sat. May 14 - Troops moved all night to the left - report of a grand
charge to be made there. Went on picket on the left near some houses­
some skirmishing and cannonading as a feint. Rebels shot fearfully
close. Wounded three and killed one. Rebel wounded in the houses. All
quiet except when our reg't. skirmishes. Congratulatory order by
Meade yesterday. Rumored capture of Richmond. Relieved at dark.
Went to Div. H'd. Qtrs. Camped in a pine wood. Slept nicely. We are in
- Brig. 3- and 4th Div. is the 3d.
Sun. May 15
Cooked breakfast in "three quarters of an hour".
Marched to the rear about a mile - halted half an hour - moved
another mile, and halted another half hour. Silas came up and said
that Henry died between four and five o'clock on the 13th and was
buried at dark. - He sank away gradually and easily - Another hero
has laid his priceless life on his country's altar. THY will be done.
Went out to the old breastworks that the skirmishers of the Jersey
Brig. lost and held them all day with other troops. A little firing,
musketry and artillery. Shelled some. Eating beef all day. Rained
some. Burnside on our left. In woods at H'd Qtrs. at night.
Reenforcements for the army so Kaanan says - over 30,000.
our right flank to see if we had lel
P.M. but slept all night.
Wed. May 18 Cannonading al
daylight on the right flank: our
earthworks without much fightin;
a mile, and we moved with it. W~
Regts. of heavy artillery came u
away EVERYTHING. Liver for
Roused at 11 P.M. went a mile
by jerks through a muddy swami
Thu. May 19 - Soon after daylig
marched only two or three miles i
and camped in rear of us and D
Washed shirt P.M. About 4 P.M. (
flank in the vicinity of the Freder:
in ten minutes - batteries and ~
short. We took about 500 prisont
First one.
Fri. May 20 - Warm and pleasa
gloriously QUIET. Our Brig. mm
orders for us to pack up given
countermanded by Birney. HiggiJ
of Div. last night but got back ag~
to the right at dark. We marched
rested an hour for heavy art. to
Mon. May 16 - Moved with Div. H'd. Qtrs. about half a mile M.
Washed - in the forenoon. Drawing rations etc. P.M. At 5 P.M. the
two regiments went out to form an advanced picket line. Advanced
over half a mile and met only a slight resistance and that on the left
where the 2d Regiment was. Got up to our old works staid in them
till 8 or 9 o'clock. Rebel bands playing - rebs cheering etc. At last we
got back into camp where Si and myself soon lost ourselves in delicious
sleep.
Sat. May 21- We are passing tru
that we have seen. Marched su
Halted about an hour on top of a
Bowling Green a fine village. I ,
house and made coffee, then ca
halted for dinner. Rested a coup
three miles and camped. Supped l
the 7th N.Y.H.A. all skedaddled f
night. F and A on reserve.
Tues. May 17 - Up late. Wrote a letter home on secesh stationery.
Sent home relics. Warm and pleasant. In pine woods at H'd. Qtrs. all
day. All quiet, except at dusk when the rebels drove in our pickets on
Sun. May 22 - Nice mutton for bl
9 or 10 moved ahead of the lines
breastwork, ate pudden and II
20
te morning. Our pickets advanced
guns. Wrote home. Skirmishing
eg't. lost heavily in skirmishing.
ne. Grove Scribner wounded. Our
td improved the works. Visited the
.orrible!! At night made a feint of
le mud reached Div. H'd. Qtrs. and
{O
ght to the left - report of a grand
~ket on the left near some houses ­
r as a feint. Rebels shot fearfully
Rebel wounded in the houses. All
mishes. Congratulatory order by
~ of Richmond. Relieved at dark.
pine wood. Slept nicely. We are in
in "three quarters of an hour".
- halted half an hour - moved
alf hour. Silas came up and said
five o'clock on the 13th and was
ldually and easily - Another hero
mntry's altar. THY will be done.
tat the skirmishers of the Jersey
vith other troops. A little firing,
me. Eating beef all day. Rained
woods at H'd Qtrs. at night.
man says - over 30,000.
our right flank to see if we had left. Ordered to be ready to march at 11
P.M. but slept all night.
Wed. May 18 - Cannonading and heavy skirmishing commenced at
daylight on the right flank: our forces advanced taking two lines of
earthworks without much fighting. Head Quarters moved ahead about
a mile, and we moved with it. Warm and rainy. In pine woods all day.
Regts. of heavy artillery came up - very much demoralized - threw
away EVERYTHING. Liver for supper. Chatting around the fire.
Roused at 11 P.M. - went a mile and halted two hours, then marched
by jerks through a muddy swamp all night.
Thu. May 19 - Soon after daylight halted and cooked breakfast - we
marched only two or three miles in all night. The old 3d Corps came up
and camped in rear of us and Div. H'd. Qtrs. Warm day - all quiet.
Washed shirt P.M. About 4 P.M. cannonading commenced on our right
flank in the vicinity of the Fredericksburg road - Birney's Div. was out
in ten minutes - batteries and 2d Corps followed but the fight was
short. We took about 500 prisoners. Did not go out. Got a mail P.M.
First one.
Fri. May 20 - Warm and pleasant. We are on Birney's staff and are
gloriously QUIET. Our Brig. moved off to the left about 11 A.M. and
orders for us to pack up given by Col. Crocker were immediately
countermanded by Birney. Higgins' hoss taken by Asst. Pro. Marshal
of Div. last night but got back again today. Troops commenced moving
to the right at dark. We marched at 11 P.M. - followed Clark's battery
- rested an hour for heavy art. to pass - marched easy all night.
H'd. Qtrs. about half a mile M.
g rations etc. P.M. At 5 P.M. the
l advanced picket line. Advanced
ht resistance and that on the left
, to our old works - staid in them
n.g - rebs cheering etc. At last we
ielf soon lost ourselves in delicious
Sat. May 21- We are passing through a beautiful country - the finest
that we have seen. Marched steadily - it grew hot, many fell out.
Halted about an hour on top of a hill. Moved on two or three miles to
Bowling Green a fine village. I went ahead and stopped in a secesh
house and made coffee, then caught up with the reg't. which had
halted for dinner. Rested a couple of hours and then marched about
three miles and camped. Supped and washed. At dark went on picket­
the 7th N.Y.H.A. all skedaddled for three shells - big scare. Quiet all
night. F and A on reserve.
.etter home on secesh stationery.
It. In pine woods at H'd. Qtrs. all
the rebels drove in our pickets on
Sun. May 22 - Nice mutton for breakfast and lunch and all day. About
9 or 10 moved ahead of the lines to the Co. [county?] poor-house, built
breastwork, ate pudden and milk, cooked Johnny cakes and ate
21 chicken soup Lived high. Only a few cavalry in our front. Heavy Art.
building two lines of strong breastworks - making nearly a fort. Drew
rations just before dark. At dark moved back to Div. H'd. Qtrs. Band
played eve. Rec'd. maiL Burnside drove the rebels today and
yesterday, taking several hundred prisoners. The 8 th Corps is on our
front and the rest joins
Mon. May 23 - Marched early on the road till M. making six or
seven miles. Hot. Cooked dinner in a hurry - moved down a little to the
left. The Johnnies are in the way and Hanover Junction is two miles
ahead. Skirmishing commenced before we halted. The 2d Regt. is in,
and the two left Co.s of ours - the rest of us were not engaged. About
5 P.M. hot fighting was heard away on the right, and in an hour and a
half we commenced our advance - Birney's Div. leading - the fighting
was very fierce for an hour and a half but the rebel breastworks were
taken to the banks of the North Anna - Went to H'd. Qtrs. at 11 P.M.
Tues. May 24 - Before daylight we went out to the breastworks and
rifle pits on the bank of the river, and near the bridge, which the
Johnnies did not succeed in burning. Some firing by sharpshooters and
artillery. About 10 o'clock the 20th Ind. Crossed the bridge and
advanced on the rebel works in skirmish line, and found them nearly
abandoned. Troops commenced crossing to hold them receiving some
poor shots from a reb batt. up the river. We went into the front yard of
Dr. Wm. H. Fox and enjoyed the shade - Got some books - made
hoecakes. The rebs have fell back a little into a better position. They
shelled us some P.M. Our men building breastworks - skirmishing all
day - threatened charge by our troops P.M. but killed by a rain - Gen.
Birney, Burnside and Hancock in the yard.
Wed. May 25 Slept (UP STAIRS) in one of the nigger huts I reckon­
Day warm - only slight skirmishing AM. At M. were ordered back to
our Brigade - thus ends our "GOOD THING". Hot. Cooked supper and
moved to the right so that our left rested on the telegraph road. Got
considerable rain. Expected to make a flank move during the night to
the right, but did not. Some skirmishing and [words "hot fighting"
crossed out] art. firing P.M.
Thu. May 26 - Quiet AM. P.M. got a mail but nothing for me. Wrote
home - Drew three days rations P.M. boys nearly out -. Towards night
the rebs attacked successively our right center left - and right ­
quite hot firing on the left. At dark our Div. relieved one of Burnside's
22
Div's. on our right and the rebs at1
front line of works at 11 P.M., ree:
nearly morning getting less than
Fri. May 27 - Slept an hour or tv;
Sleeping and dozing till 11: then
packed up - moved at M. We mal
The trains move in the road, and
near dark, when we traveled fast
went half a mile after water to 1
smart. Marched about four miles ~
as tired almost as one could be.
Sat. May 28 - Drew beef and stal
very fast AM. I was almost tired l;
an hour cooked dinner and lay in t
of corn fields. Crossed the Pamun
above Newcastle, passed Army he
in a semi-circle and camped in ;
building breastworks. We are nc
Cavalry made a charge on our fJ
kiting over three miles.
Sun. May 29 - Resting AM. Was
inspection. Steve and Stone senu
perform one mo.s fatigue duty for.
new line about a mile in advance,
and at dark went ahead about thre
army, reaching it soon after dark.
during night. First one marched
came near being taken. Kaanan V4
Mon. May 30 Went on picket el;
breastworks built - found the rel
Dug us a pit with a hoe, Ull
Sharpshooting on both sides all d~
900. Some artillery firing - Aseln:
rations. After 3 P.M. heard artille:
we went to the rear, drew rations;
the rebels in the evening - nice
Johnnies.
w cavalry in our front. Heavy Art.
orks - making nearly a fort. Drew
[)ved back to Div. H'd. Qtrs. Band
le drove the rebels today and
prisoners. The 8 th Corps is on our
m the road till M. making six or
· hurry moved down a little to the
nd Hanover Junction is two miles
ore we halted. The 2d Regt. is in,
=st of us were not engaged. About
on the right, and in an hour and a
~irney's Div. leading the fighting
lif but the rebel breastworks were
la Went to H'd. Qtrs. at 11 P.M.
~ went out to the breastworks and
· and near the bridge, which the
· Some firing by sharpshooters and
Ith Ind. Crossed the bridge and
mish line, and found them nearly
.sing to hold them receiving some
rer. We went into the front yard of
shade - Got some books made
little into a better position. They
ling breastworks - skirmishing all
)s P.M. but killed by a rain - Gen.
e yard.
none of the nigger huts I reckon­
· AM. At M. were ordered back to
THING". Hot. Cooked supper and
'ested on the telegraph road. Got
~ a flank move during the night to
lishing and [words "hot fighting"
a mail but nothing for me. Wrote
· boys nearly out Towards night
right center - left - and right
mr Div. relieved one of Burnside's
Div's. on our right and the rebs attacked our pickets. We evacuated the
front line of works at 11 P.M., recrossed the river and jogged along till
nearly morning getting less than two miles from the river-.
Fri. May 27 Slept an hour or two and then got up and breakfasted ­
Sleeping and dozing till 11: then cooked some confiscated beef. And
packed up - moved at M. We marched generally in a S.E. direction­
The trains move in the road, and we in the fields. Marched easy till
near dark, when we traveled fast and without water. Halted about 9:
went half a mile after water to make coffee at 11 moved on right
smart. Marched about four miles and halted for the night in a big field,
as tired almost as one could be.
Sat. May 28 - Drew beef and started. Hot and dusty - Did not march
very fast AM. I was almost tired as I was yesterday P.M. At M. halted
an hour cooked dinner and lay in the sun. Marching through a country
of corn fields. Crossed the Pamunkey on a bridge of six pontoon boats
above Newcastle, passed Army head quarters and on about two miles
in a semi-circle and camped in a corn field in reg'tL front. Troops
building breastworks. We are now about 14 miles from Richmond.
Cavalry made a charge on our front tonight and sent the Johnnies
kiting over three miles.
Sun. May 29 Resting AM. Washed & slept. Bands playing. Had an
inspection. Steve and Stone sentenced to loose ten dollars each and
perform one mo.s fatigue duty for straggling. Marched at M. Formed a
new line about a mile in advance, built a breastwork of rails and dirt,
and at dark went ahead about three miles, and on the right flank of the
army, reaching it soon after dark. Bivouacked. Two details for picket
during night. First one marched past our picket (asleep) and Capt.
came near being taken. Kaanan very much scared.
Mon. May 30 - Went on picket early in the morning. We have strong
breastworks built - found the rebels have ditto and a good position.
Dug us a pit with a hoe, under fire - Grover, Kent and I.
Sharpshooting on both sides all day rebel works 600 yds. off, battery
900. Some artillery firing - Aschman slightly wounded. Boys OUT of
rations. After 3 P.M. heard artillery miles away on our left. Late P.M.
we went to the rear, drew rations and cooked supper. Mortars shelling
the rebels in the evening nice fireworks, but unpleasant for the
Johnnies.
23 Tues. May 31 - Commenced a letter home AM. but were ordered to
fall in: marched around to the right behind two lines of earthworks.
Rested a while in the Pine woods, got my dinner half cooked, and again
fell in, loosing my meal. The 2d Regt. on the skirmish line took one line
of works and a few prisoners - we advanced across an open field, and
into a road getting a warm fire. Firing across the field 400 yds. at their
heads. Heavy fighting on the right. Some cannonading. Moved twice in
the night - Slept about two hours - a few casualties today.
Wed. June 1 A, F. and 1. went out on the second line of works in the
morning. I went back to the ammunition train about three miles, and
got two rifles for Holley and Locke. Then cooked me a rich dinner of
liver with Higgins. Rebs surprised our front line and drove them back
a little. Were cooking supper when the Officer of the Day ordered us
out on a skirmish. We advanced half a mile, but came only within 4 or
500 yds. of the enemy. H.E.K. [Henry E. Kinsman] shot a hog. Laid on
picket till late in the night, 2 o'clock, when we were drawn off and
followed the rear of the Army to where we were on the 29 th - then
turned S. marching circuitously the rest of the night - VERY TIRED &
SLEEPY.
Thu. June 2 - Morning - crossed a small stream and Gen. H'd. Qtrs.
and two miles beyond, halted for breakfast. Lost my hatchet last night.
Trying a knapsack again. After breakfast Birney lead us on six miles
in the hot sun and nasty dust without a halt. Came up with the 6th
Corps and rested. The 1st and 2d Divs. soon relieved the 6 th Corps. - 6 th
Corps. had very hot desperate fighting here yesterday P.M. till M. and
whipped the Johnnies good. Towards night moved out past two lines in
a rain and stopped for the night in the woods. Brig. in mass. [?] Boys
out of grub. Drew rations in the night.
Fri. June 3 - Cannonading and musketry commenced very early
Our line charged on Beauregard's troops breaking their center, and
taking fifty prisoners, but probably lost heavy as we failed to take part
of their line. Went out a little in the rear of the front line - three co.s
went on picket, and the whole of us under command of Col. Smith 3d
Brig. 2d Div. Stray shots came rather close - one killed a "heavy"
[artillery man] heavy's much scared. Babcock wounded by a stray shot
in the wrist and thigh-. At dark the Johnnies advanced silently on our
pickets and works in a grand charge - for half an hour there was a
STORM of bullets and shell, but the rebels were handsomely repulsed
- the front line did not waver at all.
24
Sat. June 4 - In the morning (
Barlow's H'd. Qtrs. and then to Co
away rebel S.S.: Passed a line of
away some and took to pits and t
Barnum and U - - and fired mos1
eighty or ninety rounds - flankinl
calls. Bickford wounded in the sh01
the regt. tremendous picket firin
our lines
shells coming unplea
rations.
Sun. June 5 - Got a mail last.
sleeping AM. About noon the Bri~
in the rear, massed and then movi
miles. At dark we cooked supper
Fredericksburg telling his adven1
art. firing) through a thick tangled
few hours and went ahead in the c
forming an extended right flank
position.
Mon. June 6 - A few shots I
Breastworks commenced before lil
cooked breakfast a little in the rem
Intensely hot. General quiet along
small and large guns. Flags of tru(
down to Kidd's Mill and took a bat]
charge by the enemy. No go. Gene
the Provisional Brigade.
Tues. June 7 In same posish . .E
flags of truce Occasional firing, b
fall in during the night IMMEDIA'
the night.
Wed. June 8 Fixed up for a CaJl
beans, potatoes, and sour-kraut. ~
with the rebs, and exchange coffee
In front of Barlow's Div. the picke'
Thu. June 9 - Gene and I put Ul
took a bath at Kidd's Mill. Q.M. u
SUPPOSED to have commenced. ~
l;er home AM. but were ordered to
ht behind two lines of earthworks.
[)t my dinner half cooked, and again
t. on the skirmish line took one line
advanced across an open field, and
Lng across the field 400 yds. at their
Some cannonading. Moved twice in
a few casualties today.
It on the second line of works in the
nition train about three miles, and
~. Then cooked me a rich dinner of
our front line and drove them back
L the Officer of the Day ordered us
If a mile, but came only within 4 or
ry E. Kinsman] shot a hog. Laid on
[)ck, when we were drawn off and
where we were on the 29 th then
rest of the night VERY TIRED &
i
small stream and Gen. H'd. Qtrs.
~akfast. Lost my hatchet last night.
~akfast Birney lead us on six miles
hout a halt. Came up with the 6th
vs. soon relieved the 6th Corps. - 6 th
ing here yesterday P.M. till M. and
ls night moved out past two lines in
the woods. Brig. in mass. [?] Boys
~ht.
nusketry commenced very early
troops breaking their center, and
lost heavy as we failed to take part
e rear of the front line - three co.s
:; under command of Col. Smith 3d
tther close - one killed a "heavy"
l. Babcock wounded by a stray shot
~ Johnnies advanced silently on our
-ge for half an hour there was a
e rebels were handsomely repulsed
t
Sat. June 4 - In the morning Co.s F. A and G. reported at Gen.
Barlow's H'd. Qtrs. and then to CoL Somebody who ordered us to drive
away rebel S.S.: Passed a line of heavy art. pickets. Drove the rebs
away some and took to pits and trees. Lay in a pit with Allen, Kent,
Barnum and U - - and fired mostly random shots all day - shot over
eighty or ninety rounds flanking shots on the right and left - close
calls. Bickford wounded in the shoulder slightly. At night went back to
the regt. - tremendous picket firing, and a few volleys with shelling of
our lines - shells coming unpleasantly near - rainy night - drew
rations.
Sun. June 5 - Got a mail last night. Reading letters, papers and
sleeping AM. About noon the Brigade fell in, marched into the woods
in the rear, massed and then moved all the P.M. marching about two
miles. At dark we cooked supper while at a halt. Stearns back from
Fredericksburg telling his adventures. After supper moved (during
art. firing) through a thick tangled wood and massed in a field. Slept a
few hours and went ahead in the dark and thick underbrush of woods
forming an extended right flank of our line. We felt in a ticklish
position.
Mon. June 6 - A few shots on the picket line in the night.
Breastworks commenced before light. At daylight were relieved, and
cooked breakfast a little in the rear. Drew beef, mail, and a little sleep.
Intensely hot. General quiet along the lines - only occasional shots by
small and large guns. Flags of truce between us and the enemy. Went
down to Kidd's Mill and took a bath. And washed slightly. Rumors of a
charge by the enemy. No go. Gene came to the Co. about 5 P.M. from
the Provisional Brigade.
Tues. June 7 In same posish. Eating liver & writing letters. More
flags of truce Occasional firing, but not much. Ordered to be ready to
fall in during the night IMMEDIATELY. Only a few shots fired during
the night.
Wed. June 8 Fixed up for a camp. Gene on picket. Drew rations of
beans, potatoes, and sour-kraut. No firing on our front - the boys talk
with the rebs, and exchange coffee for tobacco, eat dinner together, etc.
In front of Barlow's Div. the pickets are firing all the time.
Thu. June 9 Gene and I put up a bunk in the morning. And then
took a bath at Kidd's Mill. Q.M. up and issuing clothing. The Siege is
SUPPOSED to have commenced. 3d Mich. went home.
25
Fri. June 10 - At 3 112 AM. went up to the breastworks, and staid an
hour or two, then came back and slept till very late. Cool breezes ­
Brown and Congdon Co. E, 2d Regt. over. Detailed for picket P.M. with
Silas, Gale and Kinsman. On post where the pickets trade in a little
hollow, in the Pine woods. During the night our folks built a little
breastwork and felled trees in front of works.
Sat. June 11
Johnnies and we ratified the treaty - no firing ­
trading stationery for plug tobacco - talking with them - Their officers
stopped their trading much till near night. When they skulked near,
and I had a good chat with one of Co. E, 22d N.C. [R.H. Albrook]. A
Capt. of the "heavy's" is in command of our Brig. pickets. He is an old
fool - wondered why Meade had not consulted him about being rear­
guard! About a dozen of the 22d deserted and more would if they
dared-.
word after he was hit the ball str
out the back side of his head tal!
through a yellow pine log six inch
write this not knowing whether I
particular account hoping it may
."
~
Sun. June 12 - Had a good snooze AM. P.M. cleaned my rifle, and
wrote a letter. Signs of a move all day, culminating at night with the
order. Fell in about 9 and started at 10. Marched alongside the works,
and made a long halt about midnight. Cold. Marched by jerks a while,
and then struck our gait and at 2 or 3 laid down and slept till late
tomorrow morning.
Mon. June 13 - The week commenced by a flank movement. Marched
early morning easy. We soon passed Dispatch Station and halted
beyond in an old and large cavalry camp. We then began to get fairly
under way - were the second Brig. and rear of Brig. Marched rapidly:
got "snapped" some, did not have time to cook coffee at M. At 2 P.M.
made a frantic but vain attempt to find water within a mile of our
halting place. Birney then "struck his gait" and for over two hours we
marched without a halt as fast as we could travel. At sunset we
ascended a hill, and formed in lines, building breastworks etc. Cooked
supper and moved into a CORN-FIELD. Brought rails and picked up a
woolen [?] and tent piece. Slept nicely on Granwate's fine plantation.
Made about 25 MILES.
Tues. June 14 - Drew fresh beef and washed. Brig. Div. Corps and
Army H'd. Qtrs. within a few rods - About 10 AM. packed up and
marched about a mile to the JAMES RIVER - it looked GOOD to us.
[This was Charles' final entry in the diary. The next entry was written
in pencil by his brother, Gene, on Friday, 17 June as follows: "Charley
was shot at about 7 AM. and died at 8:30 AM. He did not speak a
26
The first page of Charles Mead
penciled in by brother Eugene a{l.
the diary would find it
up to the breastworks, and staid an
slept till very late. Cool breezes ­
;. over. Detailed for picket P.M. with
, where the pickets trade in a little
g the night our folks built a little
It of works.
word after he was hit the ball struck him over the right ear and came
out the back side of his head taking a right oblique course it passed
through a yellow pine log six inches in diameter before it hit Charley. I
write this not knowing whether I can ever be permited to write a more
particular account hoping it may reach home.
Eugene."]
e ratified the treaty - no firing ­
- talking with them - Their officers
ar night. When they skulked near,
~ Co. E, 22d N.C. [R.H. Albrook]. A
nd of our Brig. pickets. He is an old
,ot consulted him about being reardeserted and more would if they
•
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,';
~
, ",t ) ,
/J/,
.and washed. Brig. Div. Corps and
:3 - About 10 A.M. packed up and
:S RIVER - it looked GOOD to us.
,
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The first page of Charles Mead's diary shows the hurried message
penciled in by brother Eugene after the death of Charles in hopes that
the diary would find its way home to their father.
6
27
diary. The next entry was written
riday, 17 June as follows: " Charley
l at 8:30 A.M. He did not speak a
'
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~A, ',t£,
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fIla_,
le A.M. P.M. cleaned my rifle, and
day, culminating at night with the
It 10. Marched alongside the works,
~ht. Cold. Marched by jerks a while,
! or 3 laid down and slept till late
,ced by a flank movement. Marched
:3sed Dispatch Station and halted
camp. We then began to get fairly
and rear of Brig. Marched rapidly:
[me to cook coffee at M. - At 2 P.M.
GO find water within a mile of our
his gait" and for over two hours we
lS we could travel. At sunset we
:, building breastworks etc. Cooked
ELD. Brought rails and picked up a
~ely on Granwate's fine plantation.
.
,.
'-
\.
A LISTING OF NAMES MENTIONED IN THE DIARY "Eph" - see Giddings, Edwin A.
From the Revised Roster Of Vermont Volunteers In The War Of The
Rebellion; Compiled under the direction of Theodore S. Peck, Adjutant
General.
Flanders, Stephen, B., Clarend.
U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64; do. to Co. G 4
65; Must. out 13 Jul 65.
Allen, Lewis, J., 2d Lieut., Ferrisburgh; Sergt.; Re-en. 2 Jan 64; Prom.
pt Sergt.; Wd. 27 May 62 and 5 May 64; Disch. as pt Sergt. 9 Oct 64.
"Frank" - see Holley, Franklin S
Babcock, Alvin, Burlington; Died 1 Jul 64 of wounds rec'd. 3 Jun 64.
Bailey, Merrill, Cavendish; Disch. 9 Oct 64 for disab.
Barnum, Henry E., Monkton; Died 14 Jul64 ofwds. recd. 17 Jun 64.
Beaura, Dustin, Waltham; Wd. 7 May 64; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S., 3
Dec 64; do. to Co. G 4th VT, 25 Feb 65; Must. out 19 Jun 65.
Bickford, Joseph S., Windsor; Died 14 Jun 64 ofwds. recd. 4 Jun 64. Brown, Thomas, H., Ryegate; Killed in action 12 May 64. Butler, Stephen M., Plymouth; Wd. 26 May 64; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64; do. to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb 65; Disch. 12 Aug 65 for
disab.
Chase, Ichabod E., Rockingham; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64;
do. to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb 65; Must.out 24 Jun 65.
Chase, Jonathan E., Rockingham; Wd. 12 May 64; Tr. to V.R.C. 4
Dec 64; Disch. 31 Aug 66.
French, David W., Jamaica; ProI
May 64.
Gale, Edmund W., Ferrisburgh;
do. to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb 65; Mill
Giddings, Edwin A., Rutland; K
Giddings, Silas, Ira; Wd. 18 Jun
64; do to Co. G, 4th VT 25 Feb 65;.
Griffin, Almon D.,Waterbury; DE
May 63 and 12 June 64; Disch. 26
Grover, Lyman D., Wardsboro; F
63; Wd. 2 Ju163, and 22 Jun 64; 1
Guthrie, James H., Ryegate; HE
Par. - - Tr. to Co. G 4th VT; Prom.
Hagan, Joseph, Rutland; Killed
"Henry" - see Mattocks, Henry.
Clark, David, Braintree; Re-en. 2 Jan 64; Wd. 22 June 64; Tr. to Co. E
2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64; do. to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb 65; Prom. Corp. 1 May
65; Must. out 13 Jul 65.
Higgins, Clark H., Ferrisburgh;
Cross, Artemas C., Waltham; Killed in action 5 May 64.
Imphey, Stephen, Rockingham;
Cunningham, Michael, Middlebury; Prom. Corp.; Wd. 4 May 63 and
4 May 64; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 3 Dec 64; do. to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb
65; Disch. 14 May 65 for wds.
Kaanan, John, Alburgh; Re-en. :
Dec 64; do.to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb I
13 Ju165.
Domag, William J., Essex; Killed in action 5 May 64.
Kent, Caspar B., Ferrisburgh; E
28
Holley, Franklin S., Cornwall; I
NTIONED IN THE DIARY
"Eph"
nt Volunteers In The War Of The
tion of Theodore S. Peck, Adjutant
Flanders, Stephen, B., Clarendon; Re-en. 2 Jan 64; Tr. to Co E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64; do. to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb 65; Prom Corp. 20 Jun
65; Must. out 13 Jul 65.
Lrgh; Sergt.; Re-en. 2 Jan 64; Prom.
{ 64; Disch. as 1st Sergt. 9 Oct 64.
"Frank"
1 Jul64 of wounds rec'd. 3 Jun 64.
9 Oct 64 for disab.
l 14 Jul 64 of wds. recd. 17 Jun 64.
vIay 64; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S., 3
;5; Must. out 19 Jun 65.
d 14 Jun 64 ofwds. recd. 4 Jun 64.
~d
in action 12 May 64.
Vd. 26 May 64; Tr. to Co. E 2d
7'f 25 Feb 65; Disch. 12 Aug 65 for
'r. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64;
out 24 Jun 65.
see Giddings, Edwin A. see Holley, Franklin S. French, David W., Jamaica; Prom. Corp. 15 Aug 63; killed in action 5 May 64. Gale, Edmund W., Ferrisburgh; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64;
do. to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb 65; Must. out 19 June 65.
Giddings, Edwin A., Rutland; Killed in action 7 May 7 64.
Giddings, Silas, Ira; Wd. 18 Jun 64; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.s.S.S. 23 Dec
64; do to Co. G, 4 th VT 25 Feb 65; Must. out 19 Jun 65.
Griffin, Almon D.,Waterbury; Des. 22 Feb 62; Retd. 31 Mar 63; Wd. 4
May 63 and 12 June 64; Disch. 26 Oct 64 for disab. Grover, Lyman D., Wardsboro; Prom. Corp. 1 Dec 62; do. Sergt. 3 Jul 63; Wd. 2 Jul 63, and 22 Jun 64; Must. out 12 Sep 64. Guthrie, James H., Ryegate; Re-en. 2 Jan 64; taken pris. 5 May 64; Par. - - Tr. to Co. G 4th VT; Prom. Corp. 20 Jun 65; Must. out 13 Ju165. Hagan, Joseph, Rutland; Killed in action 7 May 64. ; Wd. 12 May 64; Tr. to V.R.C. 4
64; Wd. 22 June 64; Tr. to Co. E
VT 25 Feb 65; Prom. Corp. 1 May
ill
I
"Henry"
see Mattocks, Henry. Higgins, Clark H., Ferrisburgh; Disch. 1 Jan 65 for disab. Holley, Franklin S., Cornwall; Disch. 1 Jan 65 for disab. d in action 5 May 64.
Imphey, Stephen, Rockingham; Des. 19 Jun 64. y; Prom. Corp.; Wd. 4 May 63 and
Kaanan, John, Alburgh; Re-en. 2 Jan 64; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64; do.to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb 64; Prom. Corp. 20 Jun 65; Must. out 13 Ju165. Dec 64; do. to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb
1
action 5 May 64.
Kent, Caspar B., Ferrisburgh; Killed in action 16 Jun 64.
29
Kinsman, Henry E., 1st Lieut., Royalton; 1st Sergt.; Prom. 2d Lieut. 15 May 63; Wd. 7 May 64; Must. out 13 Sep 64. Quinlan, John, Charlotte: Wd.17
Dec 64; do. to Co. G, 4th VT 25 Feb
Lacoy, Jacob, Charlotte; Killed in action 6 May 64. Sanford, Ozias, Cornwall; Tr. to
Co. G, 4th VT, 25 Feb 65; Must. ou1
Lafflin, Peter, Alburgh; Killed in action 22 Jun 64. "Si" - see Giddings, Silas.
Leach, William H., Burlington; Prom. Corp. 1 Jun 62; W d. and taken pris.; Par. ; Disch.6 Jan 64 for disab. Locke, Henry L., Richmond; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.s.S. 23 Dec 64; do. to
Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb 65; Must. out 19 Jun 65. Squires, George, Alburgh; Tr. to
Co. G 4th VT, 25 Feb 65; Must. out
Stearns, Doran Ho, Lincoln; Prom
17 Nov 64.
Loran, David, Alburgh; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64; do. to Co. G 4th VT, 25 Feb 65; Prom. Corp. 20 Jun 65; Must. out 13 Jul 65. "Steve"
Lyman, Edward, Hartford; Prom. Corp. 15 Aug 63; died 25 Jun 64 of
wds. recd. 7 May 64. Stone, Charles, Ferrisburgh: Tr. t
Co. G 4 th VT 25 Feb 65; Must. out
Mattocks, Henry, Tinmouth; Prom. Corp. 1 Mar 64; Wd. 7 May 64; killed in action 13 May 64. "Susan" - a nickname meant to 'fA
McKeever, William, Rutland; Wd. 5 May 64; Must. out 12 Sep 64.
Mead, Co Eugene, Rutland; Prom. Corp. 15 Aug 63; Wd. 7 Nov 63,
and 11 Sep 64; taken pris. 22 Jun 64; Par.-; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S.
23 Dec 64; do. to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb 65; Must. out 19 Jun 65.
see Flanders, Stephen. 1
Thompson, Paul Mo, Ferrisburgh
Jul 63; taken pris. 5 May 64: Par.Trask, Edward, Do, Hartford: PI'!
killed in action 5 May 64.
"Watson" - see Morgan, Watson 1
Merriman, Charles, Do, Capt., Brattleboro; Corp.; Prom. Sergt. 1 Dec
62; do. 2d Lieut. 21 Feb 63; do. 1st Lieut. 15 May 63; Must. out 13 Sep 64.
Morgan, Watson Po, Monkton; Taken pris. 22 Jun 64; Par.
Mar 65 of disease.
; died 1
Page, John Co, Ryegate; Wd.5 May 64; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.s. 23 Dec
64; do. to Co. G, 4 th VT, 25 Feb 65; Must. out 19 Jun 65. "Paul"
Wells, William, Jr., Brookfield; ,
Florence, S.C. Sep 64.
Williams, Samuel Jo, Cavendish
U.S.S.s.; do. to Co. H 4th VI 25 Fe!
Wilson, William Wo, Rockingha
5 May 64.
see Thompson, Paul M. Wright, Spafford A., "Monkton: VI
Peck, Cassius, Brookfield; Prom. Corp. 1 Dec 62; do. Sergt. 1 May 63; Must. out 12 Sep 64. [received Medal of Honor].
30
Royalton; 1st Sergt.; Prom. 2d Lieut. >lit 13 Sep 64. Quinlan, John, Charlotte; Wd.17 Jun 64; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23
Dec 64; do. to Co. G, 4th VT 25 Feb 65; Must.out 19 Jun 65. in action 6 May 64. Sanford, Ozias, Cornwall; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64; do. to Co. G, 4th VT, 25 Feb 65; Must. out 19 Jun 65. l
action 22 Jun 64. "Si" - see Giddings, Silas.
~om.
Corp. 1 Jun 62; Wd. and taken .sab. Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64; do. to
19 Jun 65. Squires, George, Alburgh; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64; do. to
Co. G 4th VT, 25 Feb 65; Must. out 13 Jul 65.
;0
. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64; do. to Co. W Jun 65; Must. out 13 Jul 65. Stearns, Doran H., Lincoln; Prom. Hosp. Stewd. 20 Jan 63; Must. out
17 Nov 64 . "Steve" - see Flanders, Stephen, B . . Corp. 15 Aug 63; died 25 Jun 64 of Stone, Charles, Ferrisburgh; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec 64; do. to Co. G 4th VT 25 Feb 65; Must. out 19 Jun 65. >m. Corp. 1 Mar 64; Wd. 7 May 64; "Susan"
1. 5 May 64; Must. out 12 Sep 64.
Thompson, Paul M., Ferrisburgh; Prom. Corp. 1 Dec 62; do. Sergt. 1 Jul 63; taken pris. 5 May 64; Par. ; Must. out 8 Apr 65.
n. Corp. 15 Aug 63; Wd. 7 Nov 63,
64; Par. ; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S.
'eb 65; Must. out 19 Jun 65.
Trask, Edward, D., Hartford; Prom. Corp. 1 Jun 62; Wd. 4 May 63; killed in action 5 May 64. a nickname meant to tease - see Mattocks, Henry. "Watson" - see Morgan, \Vatson P. 'attleboro; Corp.; Prom. Sergt. 1 Dec
leut. 15 May 63; Must. out 13 Sep 64.
Wells, William, Jr., Brookfield; Taken pris. 8 May 64 and died at Florence, S.C. Sep 64.
lken pris. 22 Jun 64; Par. -; died 1
Williams, Samuel J., Cavendish; Re-en. 4 Jan 64; Tr. to Co. H 2d U.S.S.S.; do. to Co. H 4th VT 25 Feb 65; Must. out 13 Jul 65. y 64; Tr. to Co. E 2d U.S.S.S. 23 Dec
Must. out 19 Jun 65.
Wilson, William W., Rockingham; Died 13 May 64 of wds. reed. 5 May 64. Wright, Spafford A., Monkton; Wd. 5 May 64; Must. out 13 Sep 64. Corp. 1 Dec 62; do. Sergt. 1 May 63;
fal of Honor J.
10
31 The epitaph on the gravestone of Charles Mead in the Pleasant Street Cemetery in West Rutland reads : "Charles B. Mead Corp'l Co. F 1 st Reg't U.S.S.S. Killed in front of Petersburg June 17, 1864 ae 21 yrs. Son of A. J. and E. B. Mead" The Quarterly is publisbed by the Rutland Historical Society, 96 Center Street, Rutland
VT 05701-4023. Co-editors: Jim Dav id son and Jacob Sherman. Copies are $2 each plus
$1 per order. Membersbip in the Society includes a subscription to the Quarterly and the
Newsletter.CopYlight © 2002 The Rutland Hi storical Society, Inc. ISSN 0748-24493.