Transcriber's note:
Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals.
* * * * *
[Illustration: MAJOR L. A. ABBOTT, U. S. A.
THE AUTHOR.
_Clinedinst, Washington, D. C._]
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS
AND
CIVIL WAR DIARY
1864
By
MAJOR LEMUEL ABIJAH ABBOTT, U. S. A.
Late Captain 10th Regt. Vt. Vol. Infantry
BURLINGTON:
FREE PRESS PRINTING CO.
PRINTERS, BINDERS, STATIONERS.
1908.
DEDICATION.
TO THE PATRIOTS AND COMRADES
OF ONE OF VERMONT'S MOST GALLANT REGIMENTS,
THE TENTH VERMONT VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
MAY ITS STATE PRIDE,
FIDELITY, _esprit de corps_ AND SPLENDID RECORD IN
THE CIVIL WAR SERVE AS AN EXAMPLE AND
INSPIRATION TO COMING GENERATIONS.
PREFACE
The following Diary covering the interesting period of the Civil
War from January 1, to December 31, 1864, and a portion of 1865 to
the surrender of General R. E. Lee at Appomattox Court House, Va.,
was kept by the Author at the age of twenty-two when an officer
of the Tenth Regiment Vermont Volunteer Infantry, Third and First
Brigade, Third Division, Third and Sixth Corps respectively, Army of
the Potomac, and is a brief war history as seen by a young soldier
literally from the front line of battle during General U. S. Grant's
celebrated campaign from the Rapidan River to Petersburg, Va., and
Gen. P. H. Sheridan's famous Shenandoah Valley campaign in the
summer and fall of 1864. During this time the Author passed from
the grades of Second to First Lieutenant and Captain, and commanded
in the meantime in different battles five or more companies in
his regiment which afforded an excellent opportunity to make a
fairly interesting general diary of the fighting qualities of his
regiment and especially of the companies which he commanded during
that most interesting period of the Civil War when the backbone of
the Rebellion was broken, which, together with Sherman and Thomas'
cooperations led to the surrender of General R. E. Lee at Appomattox
C. H. April 9, 1865.
For thirty-eight years the diary remained closed, and indeed had
been forgotten by the Author until he accidentally ran across it
one day in an old chest, when on leave of absence in Vermont, where
it had been placed after the war by someone for safe keeping, the
Author in the meantime having been an officer in the regular army
many years and honored with the degree of B. S. by his Alma Mater on
account of his supposed accomplishments in military science after
many years of hard service, a large portion of which was on the
frontier among the Indians whose civilization was finally largely
brought about through his recommendation to educate all the Indian
children throughout the United States, about 1877-9, when he was
considered an expert on the Indian question both by the War and
Interior Departments.
On reviewing the diary with the eye of an expert, it was found so
uniquely interesting on account of the many dramatic situations
simply given in a youth's unpretentious way that, from the fact
it contained so much of interest to the surviving men whom the
Author was honored in and fortunate enough to command during such
a historic period, and especially to the kinsmen of those who have
passed along to the higher life, he concluded to publish it in full.
It is not pretended that it is based on any official general orders
but is solid fact and experience simply told by a young soldier
who stood up to the rack in the front line of battle and took
uncomplainingly whatever was in store for him, steadily refusing to
accept whatever was offered which would remove him from the line of
battle to a safer place at home or in the rear because he not only
preferred to occupy a place in the front line of battle in command
of men, which he considered the most honorable place for a soldier
in the army at such a time, but because he had grown sincerely
attached to the brave men in the different companies and detachments
he commanded which comprised the whole regiment and some in others
who not infrequently by reason of superior physical endurance and
courage led and inspired him in some of the most noted battles of
ancient or modern times.
A diary was kept during a portion of 1865 to the close of the war,
but its whereabouts if preserved are unknown to the Author; so that
in 1865, only a few of the most strikingly dramatic scenes and
battles are given in the addenda as the curtain was falling on the
greatest civil conflict of modern times, one of the most impressive
of which was General Grant's magnificent bearing as he rode at a
goodly pace, silently with his retinue, along among his men inside
the enemy's works after they had been captured by the celebrated
fighting Sixth Army Corps which he had specially selected, as it was
said at the time, to break the enemy's line at the point where it
was broken in front of Petersburg, on the morning of the memorable
Second of April, 1865. This and other startling and unexpected
scenes crowded each other so closely the following week they are
indelibly photographed on the mind of the writer never probably
to be forgotten so long as time shall last; and they are _not_
overdrawn as no pen is sufficiently graphic to anywhere near do the
subject justice.
Had there been an artist on the ground to have seen Grant as he then
appeared, the very ideal of a silent, unassuming yet stern-looking,
determined and dignified conquering hero, who could have reproduced
the scene on canvas, his fame would have been established, for
the writer never saw him to better advantage nor could anyone
else, as the occasion and surroundings were all there, never to be
again exactly repeated in any gigantic struggle, i. e. the great
battlefield studded with unusually extensive, silent, deserted and
partially dismantled, formidable earthworks and military camps,
shattered, abandoned and captured ordnance, the defeated, struggling
and straggling enemy, the prisoners of war, the wounded, dead and
dying, the shocking sight of carnage, and last, but not least,
the victorious army headed by its intrepid but humane big-hearted
leader--Grant. It would be a historic picture before which the
civilized world would pause entranced; it was grandly impressive
beyond description. As an entrancing, dramatic incident, the
surrender of Lee, a few days later at Appomattox Court House, sinks
into insignificance.
The reader is cautioned not to expect too much from this
unpretentious diary, as some parts were frequently written by the
light of a camp fire or blazing pine knot, sitting on the ground,
and generally by a worn-out and greatly exhausted young soldier with
no expectation of ever publishing it; and besides, frequently there
was very little room or time to write much, so that on important
occasions there was no opportunity for entering into details, and
especially when shot and shell were whizzing and screeching overhead
almost as thick as bees about a hive. Some of it while on sick
leave of absence in Vermont on account of wounds, will not probably
greatly interest the average reader, but as much of historic
interest is frequently given in connection with the killed, wounded,
etc., during this time, after due consideration it has been thought
best to leave none of it out, and so it has all been printed. It may
possibly aid the future historian and genealogist, too, which is
another reason why the diary has been published.
It is only by gathering up the fragments from eye witnesses which
is too frequently ignored by military historians with the time and
opportunity to do such work thoroughly, that a fully rounded out
regimental or other war history can be written. The blue pencil is
too frequently used by unscientific military historians to get the
best results. The opinions of accomplished shirks in battle, because
it does not happen to be generally known they were such, having tact
enough to cover it up, and of those not versed in military science
or with too much honesty and unbiased judgment, are too frequently
accepted instead of solid fact as seen by others of reliability,
though obscure, who were intrepid enough to at least be with the
most courageous of their men who were generally in the vanguard of
any assaulting column and frequently individually led it.
But some who write war history unfamiliar with such experiences,
can never know of the inspiration and strength that comes to one
in command of any part of an assaulting column of grandly brave,
undaunted men, or what it is to feel that he is the very point of
the wedge of his part of an assaulting column which is perhaps the
first to cleave the enemy's line, and that he is conscientiously
doing without any thought of shirking whatever he finds before him
to do because it isn't his nature to be otherwise.
Finally, what decided the Author to publish this diary now _at
once_, old age being upon him, was to try and correct false history
in connection with the first assault at Sheridan's battle of
Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 1864. Besides this, he was requested
to publish his personal observations, in July, 1908, just before
leaving Washington, D. C. of every battle he was in during the
Civil War by the Librarian of the War Department. He stated that as
regular army officers were trained in such work their accounts of
such battles would not only be of great help to future historians,
but better than from most any other source.
THE AUTHOR.
Washington, D. C., January 1, 1908.
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Page
Maj. L. A. Abbott, U. S. A., the Author. Faces Title
No. 1 Opequan Creek Crossing and Winchester
Pike do. 150
No. 2 Winchester Pike looking East from
Battlefield do. 153
No. 3 Sheridan's left center Battlefield do. 155
No. 4 Sheridan's right center Battlefield do. 157
No. 5 Sheridan's Battlefield looking Northwesterly do. 158
No. 6 Ravine Occupied by Enemy's Infantry
in front of Third Division Sixth
Corps do. 160
No. 7 Same Ravine in front of Second Division
Sixth Corps, Unoccupied by Enemy do. 162
No. 8 Same Ravine from head Occupied by
Enemy in front of Third Division
Sixth Corps do. 166
No. 9 Winchester Pike looking West from
Battlefield do. 178
No. 10 Taylor's Hotel, Winchester, Va., 1908 do. 210
No. 11 Cannon-ball House, Winchester, Va., 1908 do. 212
No. 12 Bronze Statue, National Cemetery, Winchester,
Va., 1908 do. 214
ABBREVIATIONS.
Besides the usual abbreviations of States and months, and those
commonly used for dispatch in writing and economy of space, the
following are made use of in this work:--
Adjt. Adjutant
A. G. Adjutant General
A. A. G. Assistant Adjutant General
Brig.-Gen. Brigadier General
Capt. Captain
Col. Colonel
Corp. Corporal
d. Died
Div. Division
Lieut. Lieutenant
Lieut. Col. Lieutenant Colonel
Lieut. Gen. Lieutenant General
Maj. Gen. Major General
Priv. Private
Q. M. D. Quartermaster's Department
Regt. Regiment
res. Resides
R. Q. M. Regimental Quartermaster
Sergt. Sergeant
U. S. C. I. United States Colored Infantry
U. S. C. T. United States Colored Troops
wid. Widow
CIVIL WAR DIARY[1]
AND
PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS
1864
[1] The most interesting part of this diary commences on May 3rd,
1864, when General U. S. Grant's campaign to Petersburg, Va.,
begins, and later General Sheridan's Shenandoah Valley campaign, etc.
IN WINTER QUARTERS,
NEAR BRANDY STATION, VA.,
FRIDAY, Jan. 1, 1864.
Although attached to Company B, Tenth Regiment Vermont Volunteer
Infantry, (Capt. Edwin Dillingham's of Waterbury, Vt.), Lieut. Ezra
Stetson commanding, I am Second Lieutenant of Company D (Capt.
Samuel Darrah's of Burlington, Vt.) of the same regiment, having
been promoted from First Sergeant of Company B last spring.
All are wishing me a "Happy New Year"! God grant that I may have
one. I was awakened long before daylight by the band serenading the
birth of the New Year. Lieut. G. W. Burnell took his departure
early this morning for Washington, D. C.; he has been promoted
Captain of U. S. Colored Troops and is about to take up other duties
in Baltimore, Md. It was quite pleasant early in the day but it is
very muddy under foot; had a grand New Year's dinner. There has
been a very cold wind this afternoon. This evening it is clear and
intensely cold. Will Clark has made me a short call; am feeling very
well but studying hard.
SATURDAY, Jan. 2, 1864.
Another day of the new year has passed but a very busy one for
me. It has been very cold all day. This afternoon I have been
papering my hut so our quarters are quite comfortable now. The
band has been out this evening and played some very pretty pieces,
and I am thankful for it relieves the monotony of dull camp life.
This evening Lieut. D. G. Hill and Captain Goodrich, the brigade
Quartermaster, called; they were in fine spirits. It is bitter cold,
but no wind as last night; have received no letters which of course
is provoking.
SUNDAY, Jan. 3, 1864.
Quite a comfortable day; no snow yet, but it looks likely to storm
in a day or two; wrote to Pert[2], and had our usual inspection
this forenoon. Since dinner, I have read "Washington's Farewell
Address", and the "Declaration of Independence". This evening quite
a number of recruits arrived for the regiment, but none for Company
B. Capt. J. A. Salisbury has been in to call on Lieut. Stetson, and
broken my camp chair. This is still more provoking than not to get a
letter from home for chairs are not plentiful here. He is a big man.
[2] Miss P. A. Thomson, a cousin and many years a teacher in Goddard
Seminary, Barre, Vt.
MONDAY, Jan. 4, 1864.
It has snowed nearly all day, but not very hard. To-night there
is about two inches on the ground and it is still snowing. Lieut.
Stetson started for Vermont this morning on the 9:30 train, and
Capt. H. R. Steele arrived from there this evening. I am told
to-night that Colonel Embic of the One Hundred and Sixth New York
Infantry has been reinstated. We have formed a quiz school to-night,
the members being Dr. Almon Clark, Lieuts. E. P. Farr and C. G.
Newton and Chaplain E. M. Haynes. We are to meet every night and ask
questions on geography, history, etc. I think it a grand idea. I
suspect they think me fresh from school, though, and want me to do
most of the quizzing, the same as in the class of about seventy-five
enlisted men in tactics and English branches which recites to me
daily now, fitting for examination for commission in colored troops.
TUESDAY, Jan. 5. 1864.
It has been a beautiful day, but the wind is blowing very chilly
to-night; drew clothing for the Company this afternoon; had a
very good dress parade considering the quantity of snow and mud
under foot. Our school met this evening but we didn't accomplish
much. Capt. E. B. Frost, and Dr. W. A. Child and wife dined with
us to-day; had a nice time. Herbert George, the band master, has
been in this evening relating his experiences during his leave in
Vermont. It almost makes me homesick: have got to go on picket early
in the morning beyond Culpeper, Va.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 6, 1864.
Chilly and cloudy but the weather is moderating very fast; got
cheated out of my breakfast this morning on account of going on
picket; formed line at 7.45 and so remained till nearly 10 a. m.
when the officer of the day came and started us for the picket line;
got on the wrong road and did not find the line until 3 p. m. It
has been quite pleasant all day, but looks likely to storm before
morning. No mail to-day.
THURSDAY, Jan. 7, 1864.
Quite cold and disagreeable; got up about 10 a. m. feeling as well
as could be expected after a hard day's march. The men had been to
breakfast and were in fine spirits; were relating their experiences
in the late engagement at Locust Grove. Banty--a little, jolly,
duck-legged Frenchman--started for camp this forenoon for more
rations and the mail, but after he had been gone about a half hour
a man from Company E. came from camp with both. The weather has
moderated and it is snowing this evening.
FRIDAY, Jan. 8. 1864.
It cleared during the night and this morning it was sharp and cold.
As I awoke the sun was peeping brilliantly up behind the eastern
hills and all nature was beautiful. About two inches of snow fell in
the night which added to the beauty of the sunrise. Three deserters
stole into our lines from the enemy in the night. They report that
many more want to get away; read two letters to-night one from home
and one from Hen.
SATURDAY, Jan. 9, 1864.
Still the weather continues fine. There is not a cloud to be seen or
a breath of air stirring, and yet it is quite a sharp morning. The
Company got another mail this forenoon but there was nothing for me;
was relieved from picket this afternoon about one o'clock: arrived
in camp about four p. m.; found plenty of Company work to keep me
busy all tomorrow. Lieut. C. G. Newton started for Vermont this
morning; have been studying tactics this evening; got my books from
home I sent for last week.
SUNDAY, Jan. 10, 1864.
A beautiful morning. Dan Bancroft came in to see me this forenoon, a
private in the Vermont Cavalry; had inspection at 11 a. m. and dress
parade this evening. Quite a number of recruits came this evening,
but only one for Company B. Col. A. B. Jewett and Lieut.-Colonel
W. W. Henry also returned from Vermont to-night. The band has been
serenading Colonel Jewett. It is cold and frosty with a little snow
still on the ground.
MONDAY, Jan. 11, 1864.
Another fine day; have been very busy attending to Company matters;
also received many calls--in fact it has taken me a goodly part of
the day to entertain visitors. Capt. Samuel Darrah, Herbert George
of the band and Lieut. W. R. Hoyt have just gone and now comes
Lieut. E. P. Farr, and it's after 10 o'clock; haven't studied a bit
to-day, yet, but I shall make up for lost time before I sleep.
TUESDAY, Jan. 12, 1864.
Retired at 2 a. m. last night; learned by heart before retiring
fifty pages in tactics; got up at 9 a. m. and went at it again;
have conquered fifty pages more to-day and recited them to Lieut.
Farr: had them fairly well learned before; only review; weather warm
and comfortable; had a dress parade at 5 p. m. This evening twenty
recruits armed and equipped arrived from Vermont for Company B; got
some newspapers from cousin Abby Burnham to-night.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 13, 1864.
It has been very muddy and dull in camp to-day; weather dark and
gloomy: no dress parade; have written to Pert; also received a
letter from J. R. Seaver, containing a plan of the hospitals being
built at Montpelier, now nearly completed. Lieut. Farr has been
in this evening and we have been studying tactics together; guess
he takes advantage of my being better posted than he, having been
a cadet at Norwich University, Norwich, Vermont, where I was well
drilled, and can explain things better. I wish they didn't consider
me the best drill in the regiment; it makes me lots of extra work
and takes much time. But I must be obliging--not mean and selfish.
THURSDAY, Jan. 14, 1864.
The weather still continues to be warm and pleasant; no wind and
not a cloud in sight; have received two letters from Vermont
to-night--one from home and another from one of my old scholars in
Chelsea. The teachers who succeeded me in my school there had very
poor success both last summer and this winter. When the teacher
announced to the school this winter one morning that I had died of
typhoid fever at Rockville, Md., it having been so reported, the
children refused to be reconciled and grieved so they had to be
dismissed, the same thing occurring the next morning. Poor things!
I never think of it but what my eyes--well, my throat gets lumpy
and my lips quiver. I had no idea they were so devoted. It seems as
though they would follow me in memory throughout eternity. Still,
as their teacher I was strict and firm, but always just, and never
struck one of the flock of sixty during either winter with them.
Will I ever make such devoted friends again? Alas! it's only a
memory now but will ever be a sacred one. May the recollection be as
blissful to them as it will be to me throughout the everlasting ages
of time. Nothing has occurred to-day worthy of note; have had my
cabin full all day. Lieuts. W. R. Hoyt and E. P. Farr have been in
this evening.
FRIDAY, Jan. 15, 1864.
It is by far the finest day we have had this year, but very muddy.
A part of the regiment has gone on picket to remain three days. It
is reported in camp that one entire regiment of "Johnnies" came
over from Cedar Mountain this morning and gave itself up. They
were miserably clad, a large majority having no shoes at all; they
started for Washington this evening. It's a beautiful moonlight
night.
SATURDAY, Jan. 16, 1864.
Another warm summer day; have been at work on clothing rolls,
also laying down sidewalk in front of my quarters. One of our new
recruits has gone to the hospital to-day sick with lung fever.
General W. H. Morris has returned from his home near N. Y. city with
his sister and a lady friend. This evening he rode through the camp
and was cheered by the men. The bands are serenading him to-night,
his headquarters being just about a hundred yards in rear of my hut.
It is bright moonlight.
SUNDAY, Jan. 17, 1864.
It has been a cold and disagreeable day; had Company inspection this
forenoon; have written home to-night; received a letter from Carl
Wilson and one from Pert; wind blew hard this forenoon, but it is
calm to-night; band played this evening. Five more recruits arrived
this afternoon for Company B. It's cloudy and looks like rain.
MONDAY, Jan. 18, 1864.
It has rained hard all day, but is not very cold. The mud is very
deep. It's rumored that Governor Smith and Mr. Baxter are to be
here to-morrow; have been studying hard all day only when engaged
in Company duty; cooler this evening; snows a little; pickets have
just come in wet and tired. Lieut. E. P. Farr has not been in this
evening to look up tactics.
TUESDAY, Jan. 19, 1864.
The wind has been blowing furiously all day from the northwest;
has rained very little; commencing to freeze this evening; have
been looking over ordnance returns this afternoon; no time to study
to-day. Lieut. Ezra Stetson is expected to-morrow, also Governor
Smith, as he didn't come to-night. Lieut. D. G. Hill has been in
this evening; wind blows a gale.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 20, 1864.
Quite a fine moon to-night--a little cloudy but no wind; froze
quite hard last night; have had so much company all day it has been
impossible to do anything but visit; band is serenading General W.
H. Morris; are proud of our band, it being one of best regimental
bands in the army. Lieut. Stetson has not come tonight; got no
letter from home, but received a good one from Carl Wilson. To-night
they have the Universalist festival at Barre, Vt.; would like to be
there, but my festival will be with tactics.
THURSDAY, Jan. 21, 1864.
It was quite frosty this morning, but pleasant and has remained so
all day; had regimental monthly inspection this forenoon. Company B
got the credit of having the best street in the brigade. I am proud
of my old Company; it always tries to please me. Nate Harrington
and Orry Blanchard of the First Vermont Brigade have been to see me
to-day. Lieut. Ezra Stetson has not come to-night, his time being up
last Tuesday; no letter from home yet; beautiful moonlight night,
but quite cool.
FRIDAY, Jan. 22, 1864.
As pleasant a morning as I ever saw. Lieut. D. G. Hill started
for Vermont this forenoon; have made out the final statements of
Corporals C. W. Beal, C. B. Lee and Private A. S. Parkhurst, but
Lee is dangerously ill in the hospital and not able to receive his
discharge papers. Private J. W. Sawyer, a recruit in B Company has
been in hospital but is gaining fast; received a letter from home
this evening. Lieut. Ezra Stetson has not come yet; fear he will
find trouble when he does come.
SATURDAY, Jan. 23, 1864.
It has been a beautiful day with a light southern breeze; have not
had a moment's time to myself all day someone being here all the
time. It's provoking for I want to study so much. Beal and Parkhurst
started for home to-day, Barre, Vt. Lieut. Ezra Stetson has not come
yet. Major C. G. Chandler received a letter from Capt. E. Dillingham
to-night, who is a prisoner of war at Richmond, Va. Private George
G. Brown was detailed this evening in the Company mess house.
SUNDAY, Jan. 24, 1864.
The day has been fair; started for picket at 9 a.m.; relieved
the One Hundred and Sixth New York Infantry about noon; made my
headquarters at Mr. Bowen's, an old man about seventy-five years
old; has a son who lives with him, a miller, which accounts for his
not being drafted into the Confederate army. A "yaller girl", as we
call them, keeps house for him. All's quiet on the picket line. It's
a lovely night.
MONDAY, Jan. 25, 1864.
Still another fine night; have been reading the newspaper to the
old gentleman, etc. Ain't I a good Yankee? One Johnny, a deserter,
came into our lines last night; reports that an entire brigade of
the enemy whose time has expired is fighting its way into our lines.
Perhaps this may be true but I can't vouch for it. I take it with
a grain of salt. It is evident, though, that a great number are
deserting to our lines; have finished my Company clerk book to-day.
The moon is shining brightly.
TUESDAY, Jan. 26, 1864.
It has been a lovely day. Some of the time it's been really
uncomfortable, the sun has been so warm. About 1 a. m. last night
when making the rounds considerable firing was heard towards the
right of the line. It was probably deserters trying to come into our
lines. Sergeant Daniel Foster came to the picket line this afternoon
to get some money to send Corporal C. B. Lee's remains to Vermont
who died last evening. Banty has come with some rations. Lieut. Ezra
Stetson arrived in camp Sunday evening.
WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27, 1864.
It has been a delightful day; expect to be relieved this afternoon.
Two deserters came into our lines this morning; they report Lee's
army in a miserable condition--no rations or clothing, and the
citizens nearly starving. They say that "Secession is playing out."
The Thirty-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry relieved us about noon;
arrived in camp about 5 p. m. The roads are in splendid condition,
as good as I ever saw them in Virginia at this time of year. If the
weather was fine all the time picket guard would be more desirable
than so much camp duty.
THURSDAY, Jan. 28, 1864.
A fine morning. Most of the companies have been fixing their
streets; have been at work all day on Lieut. Ezra Stetson's
ordnance returns, and have not got them done yet; will try and
finish them in the morning. The regiment got no mail to-night.
Corporal C. B. Lee's remains were sent home Tuesday; had a dress
parade to-night in which the recruits took part. Those of Company B
never had a gun in their hands till this morning.
FRIDAY, Jan. 29, 1864.
It has been really uncomfortable all day, it's been so warm. Lieut
G. E. Davis started for Vermont this forenoon; have completed the
ordnance return but it's not mailed yet. Most of the officers have
been playing ball this afternoon. The non-commissioned officers have
given us a challenge to play for the oysters to-morrow, and the
Colonel has accepted it; received a letter from brother Roy and wife
and one from home; have been reading army regulations, etc. Colonel
A. B. Jewett has refused to approve Lieut. E. P. Farr's application.
SATURDAY, Jan. 30, 1864.
A cloudy, chilly day, but not much rain. One game of ball came off
this afternoon in which the commissioned officers won. Two more
games are to be played Monday if a good day. It's a cloudy, dark,
gloomy evening in camp; haven't studied much to-day, but read army
regulations some. Dr. W. A. Child and Lieuts. H. H. Dewey and E. P.
Farr have been in this evening.
SUNDAY, Jan. 31, 1864.
The wind has been whistling around the cabin all day. It's been
misty, but we've had little rain; have been to church and written
home. We have a goodly sized log chapel covered with the fly of the
new hospital tent. Mrs. W. A. Child was present and sang, a rich
treat, for it has been a long time since I've heard a lady's voice
at church. Sergeant J. M. Read has been in this evening.
MONDAY, Feb. 1, 1864.
A dull and miserable day, but no rain; have been studying very hard
in the second volume of tactics. No one has been in this evening
save Lieut. George P. Welch who has notified me I am detailed for
picket to-morrow. It is not my turn and is a great disappointment
as I have laid my plans to accomplish a good week's work, and had
this not happened, I could have sent in my application next week
to appear before General Silas Casey's board in Washington for
examination for a commission in colored troops. I want to be a field
officer and won't accept anything else.
TUESDAY, Feb. 2, 1864.
A cloudy morning. The sick have gone to the general hospital
to-day which indicates a general move; started for picket at 9 a.
m.; fine marching; arrived on the line about 12 noon; heavy wind
all afternoon; am in command of Company G on picket; have had a
thunderstorm this evening. All's quiet on the picket line to-night.
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 3, 1864.
High wind, cloudy but no rain all day; have moved my tent down by
the men's, so am quite comfortable to-night. The officer of the day
came along about 4 a. m.; all was quiet along the line during the
night. The countersign is "Mexico." My rations are getting very
short.
THURSDAY, Feb. 4, 1864.
A fine morning, Captain Samuel Darrah has been down; have sent to
camp for the mail and more rations; quite a comfortable day. All's
been quiet through the day, but to-night there's been some firing
both sides of my post along the line; mail has come but no letter
for me. The countersign is "Vera Cruz." It's a beautiful night.
FRIDAY, Feb. 5, 1864.
It has been very much like a beautiful spring morning in Vermont. I
wish that I were there to take a walk on the snow crust, but this at
present cannot be; were relieved from picket about 1 p. m. by the
One Hundred and Twenty-second Ohio Infantry. It is quite cloudy this
evening and bids fair for a stormy day to-morrow; received a good
letter from home this evening, and have reviewed part fourth in the
second volume of tactics.
SATURDAY, Feb. 6, 1864.
I was awoke at 5 a. m. by the long roll; was soon directed to report
to Col. A. B. Jewett's headquarters and ordered to break camp and
march for the Rapidan, which is no pleasant thing to do at this
season; were ordered to march at 7 a. m. but didn't till near 4 p.
m.; marched to the picket line and bivouacked; has rained some all
day but not hard; considerable firing towards night at Jacob's ford.
SUNDAY, Feb. 7, 1864.
Resumed our march at daylight; halted about two miles from the river
and remained through the day. The Johnnies were on this very ground
yesterday in large numbers, but were repulsed by the First Corps and
fled across the river; no fighting to-day; got orders about sundown
to return to camp which we did without a halt. On arrival there we
found there had been a great scare from Mosby but it amounted to
nothing; wonder if he thinks guerrilla warfare manly? Some people
are born gorillas, though, and have no more conception of honor. I'd
go and drown myself before I'd practice that kind of warfare!
MONDAY, Feb. 8, 1864.
Chilly and cloudy; don't feel very well to-day, nor does anyone
else; all stiff and lame; don't wonder at it for we had to march
through mud and water ankle deep or more last night from the Rapidan
without a rest. The regiments were completely disorganized;
officers and men all got lost from their commands and both struggled
and straggled into camp as best they could. It was a mob and a
disgrace to the Third Corps.
TUESDAY, Feb. 9, 1864.
A chilly south wind has been blowing all day, and it looks likely to
snow before night; hope it will for if it does not, I fear we will
have to make another Rapidan campaign which I am not at all anxious
for. I have been over to Lieutenant Thompson's quarters studying
to-day, as I have been so annoyed in my own quarters that I could
not possibly study; am with Lieut. Ezra Stetson; got a paper from
Pert to-night and a New Year's Address.
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 10, 1864.
The weather has been fine but rather cold with a chilly northeast
wind; had a good brigade drill this afternoon. Col. A. B. Jewett
had an officers' school this evening in the chapel which is very
essential to us all. Lieut. Ezra. Stetson has commenced to build an
addition to our hut, as he is expecting to have his wife come out
and remain with him the rest of the winter.
THURSDAY, Feb. 11, 1864.
The weather has been clear and pleasant, but intensely cold for this
latitude. Lieutenant C. F. Nye returned from Vermont this evening
looking as rotund and hearty as ever; received a letter from home;
all well; have got to start for a three-days' tour of picket
to-morrow. Capt. H. R. Steele is officer of the day; wind blowing
furiously to-night.
FRIDAY, Feb. 12, 1864.
Clear and cold but no wind; started for picket at 9 a. m.; arrived
on the line at 1 p. m. A part of our detail having through mistake
to go to Pony Mountain, has returned this evening, and consequently
I have had to move my headquarters up the line; am near Mrs.
Battles, historic because of Union officers' escapades there. The
house being between the lines the women connived in trying to get
them captured; countersign is "Perth."
SATURDAY, Feb. 13, 1864.
Clear and warm with no wind, and by far the finest day of the month
yet. Captain H. R. Steele came along this morning and took a part
of Companies B and G for the reserve thus leaving me in charge of
only five posts; wonder what he's afraid of? Have received our mail,
but none for me. All's quiet on the line to-night; countersign
"Bristeau."
SUNDAY, Feb. 14, 1864.
Clear and chilly but very little wind; fields and woods in front
of the line to-day all on fire. A squadron of Cavalry has been out
on a scout to-day and captured Billy Scott and two or three of his
comrades. He is a noted guerilla. It is also reported that our
cavalry ran onto the enemy in force. We are ordered to be on the
alert this evening; no countersign.
MONDAY, Feb. 15, 1864.
A chilly, cloudy morning but no wind; probably will snow before
night. At 10 p. m. was ordered by Capt. H. R. Steele to take my
command up to the reserve as soon as possible as the Johnnies were
advancing in eight (whew!) different lines: think the man who
reports this must be troubled with C. W. (commissary whiskey);
arrived in camp at 4 p. m.; snowed all the afternoon. But what's
become of the eight lines of C. W.?
TUESDAY, Feb. 16, 1864.
Cloudy with a furious wind--in fact one of the most terrific gales
of the winter--so piercing it's impossible to keep warm in our huts;
have called on Mrs. G. E. Davis and Mrs. Ezra Stetson. All hands
have been to prayer meeting this evening but me, and I have been
studying; am stopping with Captain Samuel Darrah now; wind still
high.
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 17, 1864.
Clear and intensely cold, with high wind; have been studying in Dr.
Almon Clark's quarters to-day; had a mock court-martial this evening
at the chapel to entertain the ladies; sat up with Lieut. C. G.
Newton till 1 a. m. Lieut. H. H. Dewey left for home this morning;
no wind to-night, but very cold.
THURSDAY, Feb. 18, 1864.
Very cold but less wind than yesterday; had our monthly inspection
this forenoon at ten o'clock; received no letter from home to-night.
Dr. W. A. Child and wife have called this evening. He is a very
bright, polished gentleman, but I am afraid of him; probably because
he is older than I am; have been studying at Dr. Almon Clark's again
to-day; wind abated but cold to-night.
FRIDAY, Feb. 19, 1864.
Cold as ever but no wind to mention. Lieut E. P. Farr left for
Vermont this morning; spent three hours this afternoon in the chapel
with a class of non-commissioned officers who desire commissions
in colored troops, and have requested me to hear them recite in
tactics, etc., daily, before going before a board for examination in
Washington, D. C. Received a letter from home; all well there. Carl
Wilson is about entering a drug store in Montpelier, Vt.
SATURDAY, Feb. 20, 1864.
A very pleasant day but not warm. The men have been playing ball
this afternoon; very dull otherwise; paymaster has come; have been
very busy having men sign pay rolls. There is a detail for picket
tomorrow, but I am not going.
SUNDAY, Feb. 21, 1864.
Cloudy, but no wind, threatening rain before night; regiment left
for picket at 9 a. m.; very quiet in camp; religious services were
held in the chapel at 4 p. m. by Rev. Mr. Parker of Waterbury, Vt.
and a prayer service this evening, but I have not attended either.
All's quiet.
MONDAY, Feb. 22, 1864.
Cloudy and warm. The Second Brigade was out drilling this forenoon
as well as a battery; very busy this afternoon; paymaster paying
off the regiment; rained a little this evening; got a paper from
Vermont but don't know who sent it. There is a ball at First Corps
headquarters to-night.
TUESDAY, Feb. 23, 1864.
A very pleasant day, but lonely in camp; dancing in the chapel this
evening; moon shining brightly, and not a breath of air stirring,
but for all this I can't study; no letters from home; all's quiet as
midnight save the music in the chapel.
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 24, 1864.
Pleasant day with northwest wind. Col. A. B. Jewett and a select
party have gone to Pony Mountain; picket guard came in about 4 p.
m. First Corps had a review to-day, as well as the Second Corps; no
letters from home; fine evening.
THURSDAY, Feb. 25, 1864.
Pleasant but windy. General French reviewed our division to-day--the
Third of the Third Corps; muster and payrolls have come; after
review spent three hours with my class at the chapel; reported the
ladies will have to leave camp next week; hope it isn't so.
FRIDAY, Feb. 26, 1864.
Cloudy, high north wind but fair; air full of dust all day; had
brigade drill this afternoon; dance in chapel this evening; General
W. H. Morris present: Governor Smith has arrived in the army.
SATURDAY, Feb. 27, 1864.
Pleasant but chilly. The Sixth Corps is on the move this morning
for Madison Court House--probably a reconnoissance. Governor Smith
arrived in camp this forenoon. I started for picket about 4 p. m. to
relieve the First Division of our Corps which is to accompany the
Sixth Corps to Madison Court House; arrived on picket line at 2 a.
m. Feb. 28.
SUNDAY, Feb. 28, 1864.
Did not get up till 9 a. m.; night march very fatiguing; not feeling
well; cloudy and threatening rain. Captain P. D. Blodgett visited
the line this morning; several Johnnies came into our lines this
forenoon; everything quiet this evening.
MONDAY, Feb. 29, 1864.
Am feeling better this morning; weather gloomy; chilly south wind;
considerable cannonading to-day towards Madison Court House;
reported General Kilpatrick has captured a portion of Lee's picket
line and penetrated to Orange Court House; pickets ordered to be
vigilant, etc.
TUESDAY, March 1, 1864.
Commenced hailing about midnight and has continued to alternate with
it and rain all day; trees and shubbery ice-covered and the day has
been dismal; not as much cannonading as yesterday; relieved from
picket about 6 p. m. by the Third Brigade; marched to camp on the
pike.
WEDNESDAY, March 2, 1864.
Cleared during the night; ground covered with snow; weather fine;
have been making out Lieut. Ezra Stetson's muster rolls; not with
my class this afternoon; have nearly completed the second volume of
tactics; no mail to-night.
THURSDAY, March 3, 1864.
The weather continues pleasant. Mrs. C. G. Chandler started for
Vermont this morning. Mrs. Lieutenant-Colonel W. W. Henry arrived in
camp this evening. Dr. Almon Clark has also arrived from Vermont.
The Sixth Corps passed our camp this evening on its return from
Madison Court House. General Kilpatrick has made a junction, it is
said, with General B. F. Butler; camp very lonely to-night.
FRIDAY, March 4, 1864.
Weather calm and fine; no mud; pickets came in this afternoon;
making muster and pay rolls; dance in chapel this evening; got a
letter from Pert; has finished her school and all well at home.
Lieutenant Thompson arrived in camp this morning.
SATURDAY, March 5, 1864.
Weather continues fine; completed B Company's muster and pay rolls
this forenoon; Sutler George Skiff gave a ball in the chapel this
evening; distinguished guests present; fine time. Dr. Child and wife
called this evening, also Mrs. Hunt and Morse; no mail.
SUNDAY, March 6, 1864.
A beautiful day, no wind and quite warm. General W. H. Morris has
had lady visitors from New York City. Our band has been playing
for him. There were services to-day in the chapel; several ladies
were present; good dress parade this evening; cheering news from
Kilpatrick's cavalry.
MONDAY, March 7, 1864.
Very pleasant but colder than yesterday; have been hard at work
all day with some men decorating the chapel with evergreens, etc.;
got some help from the ladies; reception and dancing this evening.
General J. B. Carr and lady were present and other distinguished
guests. Captain Samuel Darrah was floor manager. Captain E. B. Frost
looked after the supper; brilliant party.
TUESDAY, March 8, 1864.
It has been raining quite hard all day. The entertainment did not
close last night till 2 a. m. to-day; have been returning the things
borrowed for the hall last night; am feeling dull; no drill to-day;
expect to be reviewed by General French to-morrow.
WEDNESDAY, March 9, 1864.
The weather has been very pleasant, but it's been a long weary day;
have been at work on Company B clothing rolls, etc.; no recitation
to-day. The Second Brigade has been having a review and drill this
afternoon. The Third Corps review has been postponed till to-morrow,
but I expected to go on picket; got a speech from Congressman
Woodbridge; wonder what's come over him to be so civil; he's
Meader's (my student roommate) law partner, but he was barely civil
to me when I saw him in Vermont.
THURSDAY, March 10, 1864.
A lovely morning with a gentle south breeze; formed line at 9 a. m.
for picket. Captain H. R. Steele in command of the detail from our
brigade; commenced raining about 11 a. m. and continued all day. Our
regiment is on the reserve. Lieutenant-Colonel Egbert of the Third
Brigade, a fine man, is officer of the day.
FRIDAY, March 11, 1864.
It has rained hard all day. Lieut. J. S. Thompson and I have charge
of the post on the pike. It is not a desirable one to be on, as
the cavalry reserve is directly in front and they are continually
passing and repassing, and the orders are very strict about passing
anyone in or out of the lines. Colonel Ball is officer of the day
and a good fellow.
SATURDAY, March 12, 1864.
It cleared during the night and it's fine this morning. I was
on duty the last part of the night, but passed no one; wind blew
furiously all day. A large party of citizens came through the lines
destitute of nearly everything. A Colonel from the Third Brigade is
officer of the day, and a strange fellow.
SUNDAY, March 13, 1864.
This is truly a fine day. A squadron of cavalry passed on the pike
this morning to extend the cavalry picket line to Madison Court
House; was relieved this afternoon by the Sixth Maryland Infantry;
Major C. G. Chandler is officer of the day; arrived in camp about 5
p. m.; found Lieuts. Kingsley and Hill had returned from Vermont.
MONDAY, March 14, 1864.
Beautiful day. Most of the officers met at the hall this forenoon to
make arrangements for another ball this evening; am on the committee
to decorate the hall; have worked very hard all day, but am well
repaid as all seem to be pleased with what I have done. Pretty
decorations always add to the pleasure of all such gatherings. A
large party was present.
TUESDAY, March 15, 1864.
Cold but pleasant; no wind; four hours' drill to-day, but I was
excused being so busy at the chapel. I forgot to mention that
Captain J. A. Sheldon returned from Vermont last night where he has
been on recruiting service since November. The Third Corps is to be
reviewed to-morrow by Major-General French.
WEDNESDAY, March 16, 1864.
Very cloudy and a high gale all day; formed line for review at 9 a.
m.; moved a half mile out of camp, stacked arms, remained two hours
and then started for the parade ground about a half mile away on
John Minor Bott's farm; review passed off pleasantly, but it was
very cold. The Corps made a fine appearance; wonder what Vermont
people would think to see such a review; guess their eyes would pop
plum out of their head.
THURSDAY, March 17, 1864.
The weather still continues boisterous. Hon. Portus Baxter's son
arrived in camp last evening with several other Vermont gentlemen.
They gave an entertainment at the Colonel's mess house this evening
for the officers of the Tenth. I did not attend. Lieutenant E. P.
Farr returned from Vermont this evening; received a letter from home.
FRIDAY, March 18, 1864.
Am not feeling well; took cold on review yesterday. The wind is
blowing furiously, the air is full of dust, and it is a disgusting
time. A party has gone to Pony Mountain. The long roll was beat
and the regiment was hastily formed in line about 7 p. m. and so
remained until 9 p. m. when it broke ranks. It was a scare. Such is
army life in time of war.
SATURDAY, March 19, 1864.
The weather was truly fine this morning at sunrise, but about noon
the wind blew a gale. Captain Samuel Darrah's Co. D of which I am
second lieutenant challenged the regiment to play a game of ball for
$50--or rather Captain Samuel Darrah did--which it accepted but lost
the game. The regiment goes on picket to-morrow, but I don't expect
to go. It looks like rain.
SUNDAY, March 20, 1864.
Clear and fine but rather cold. General W. H. Morris inspected the
regiment this morning. A picket guard of two hundred and fifty
men and eight officers left this morning. Captain J. A. Sheldon
commanded the brigade detail. Services were held in the chapel at 4
p. m. Rev. Mr. Barnard of Williamstown, Vt. preached; weather cold.
MONDAY, March 21, 1864.
The weather continues fine but cold. General W. H. Morris inspected
and reviewed the brigade. Preparations are being made for an army
review; have been working on B Company's clothing rolls. Captain
Samuel Darrah has gone over to division headquarters this evening.
Captain Leonard, (Brigade Adjutant General), and Lieut. J. A. Hicks,
A. D. C., have called. It's a beautiful evening.
TUESDAY, March 22, 1864.
The wind has blown furiously from the southeast all day. It's by
far the most disagreeable day of the winter; commenced snowing
about 5 p. m. and now at 11 p. m. there is eight inches on a
level. My application to go before General Silas Casey's board
for examination for a field office in colored troops has not been
returned yet; shall put in another to-morrow.
WEDNESDAY, March 23, 1864.
Weather fine but very chilly. About eight inches of snow fell last
night. Major C. G. Chandler is division officer of the day. A review
of the army is expected in the course of two or three days. The army
is anxiously waiting to see General U. S. Grant; sent in another
application to go before General Silas Casey's board this evening;
the pickets returned to-night.
THURSDAY, March 24, 1864.
Weather fine; some snow on the ground yet. Messrs. Smith and Farra
arrived this evening from St. Albans, Vt. The regiment remained in
line nearly all day in anticipation of General Grant's visit to the
Army of the Potomac. A special train which he was probably on passed
about 2 p. m. But what was the use of keeping troops under arms in
line all day? It looks like C. W. again, or schoolboy management of
which there is too much; got a letter from home to-night.
FRIDAY, March 25, 1864.
Chilly wind from the southeast; very cloudy; looks like rain;
Company drill from 10 to 11 a. m. Our Third Division of the Third
Corps has been permanently transferred as Third Division of the
Sixth Corps, Brigadier-General Prince assuming command of the
division. General French is ordered to Washington, D. C. Our
regiment was a favorite with him, and the officers met in the chapel
this evening to pass resolutions of regret, although we are glad to
go to the gallant Sixth Corps if ours must be broken up.
SATURDAY, March 26, 1864.
It's a fine day; no wind; dull in camp; only ball playing for
amusement which isn't half as exciting as being shot at by a Johnny.
Our visitors from Vermont returned to St. Albans, Vt. this morning;
services were held in the chapel this evening by Rev. Mr. Roberts of
Williamstown, Vt.; weather fine.
SUNDAY, March 27, 1864.