in looking after the wounded, I have today engaged board in a
private family, a Quaker lady--Mrs. Wright--the mother of the
celebrated Rebekah Wright, who sent Sheridan information of the
enemy before the battle Sept. 19, by a colored man in a piece
of tinfoil hid in his mouth, that Kershaw's division and twelve
pieces of artillery had returned to Lee, and that the enemy wasn't
as strong as supposed. She has a schoolroom at home here, is a
teacher, and very solicitous for our wounded--a modest, sensible,
interesting lady. They are very nice people, and exceedingly kind.
My wound is healing rapidly, and the swelling has disappeared fast
within the last twenty-four hours, but I can't speak or eat, taking
gruel through a tube only, and my jaws are paining me. Lieut. Hill
is doing well, and may get well, but the test will come in a day or
so. It's rumored that we've again whipped the enemy but I doubt it;
weather fine. My wounds are very stiff this evening.
FRIDAY, Sept. 23, 1864.
Well, I must confess that a good soft pillow is more comfortable
for one to rest a sore head on than an oak log; rested very well
last night considering the condition of my mouth. Mrs. Wright is
very kind. I wish Lieut. Hill could be moved up here. A long army
train loaded with wounded started for Harper's Ferry early this
morning, also about 1500 prisoners. Captain Goodrich and Lieut. H.
W. Kingsley of the Brigade staff called to see me to-day. My wound
is improving. I went with Rebeckah Wright and another young Union
lady--very pretty--to see Lieut. D. G. Hill this forenoon. He is
very gallant to ladies, always, and seemed cheerful, but I think the
poor fellow assumes it. He is a patient sufferer. I have to be for I
can't utter a word; am termed the interesting patient by the ladies,
and get lots of sympathy.
SATURDAY, Sept. 24, 1864.
I am expecting to go to Harper's Ferry; reported to the Surgeon in
charge this morning as directed, but the train hasn't come from the
front yet, therefore I shan't probably get off today. My wound has
been very painful this afternoon--in fact more painful than it's
ever been yet. The Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania went through the city
this afternoon en route for home. Well, let them go, they are
deserving of such joy! It's a good regiment. My wound has gotten
very sore and painful and don't give me a moment's peace. My system
is beginning to feel the strain, too, and my tongue seems paralyzed
yet. I can't utter a word. At any rate I'm not noisy company for
anyone--not even the ladies here who are very sympathetic.
[Illustration: No. 11.
Cannon ball house, Winchester, Va.; see solid shot embedded in the
brick wall, under the two lower end windows, during the Civil War.]
SUNDAY, Sept. 25, 1864.
I did not sleep much last night my wounds were so _very_ painful. I
removed some of the old fractures or splinters of the teeth and jaws
that were left, about 3 o'clock a. m. with my fingers, and after
that my face was easier and I rested some. I started in a private
wagon from Winchester at 11 o'clock a. m. for Harper's Ferry, and
at dark was still on the road near Charlestown _very_ tired; had
no scares from guerrillas; am beginning to feel weak, having eaten
nothing solid since I was wounded, but I was pretty vigorous. The
shock to my system has been greater than I was aware of, now that
the excitement is over.
MONDAY, Sept. 26, 1864.
Tonight finds me in the hotel at Harper's Ferry waiting for my leave
of absence which I expect tomorrow; arrived last night at 10 o'clock
tired and lame, but not discouraged although my mouth was sore and
painful. The swelling has largely gone, and I can eat a little quite
comfortably if the food is soft, but I couldn't if I wasn't nearly
famished. Major Goddard--our paymaster--paid me today. I expected
to have to go to Washington.
TUESDAY, Sept. 27, 1864.
O, what a delightful morning! And the scenery here about Harper's
Ferry is so grand that it makes it all the more enjoyable. Of
course, I awoke in fine spirits for how could I help it? I thought
I was to start for home at 1 o'clock p. m. but on going to the
hospital, I found that my leave had not been sent over for approval
therefore I can't go until tomorrow. The wagon train has started
for the front again. I am sure I shall start for Vermont tomorrow.
Sometimes I almost think it would be a good thing if some of the
Adjutants General could be wounded, too, perhaps they would see to
it then that wounded men's applications for leave to go home were
not delayed.
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 28, 1864.
It has been an anxious morning for me; went over to Sandy Hook and
waited until 11 o'clock a. m. when the clerk handed me my leave, and
I must say, I felt like a new man. I hurried back to Harper's Ferry
and found Mr. Hicks there in search of his brother Lieut. John Hicks
of my regiment, who was wounded in the thigh at Fisher's Hill. I
waited until 4 o'clock p. m. and took the cars for Baltimore, but
the train was delayed and it did not arrive there till 2 o'clock a.
m. Sept. 29.
[Illustration: No. 12.
An ideally artistic and realistic bronze statue of a young Union
soldier in campaign costume, erected by Massachusetts in the
National Cemetery at Winchester, Va., to its patriot dead there.
This cemetery is one of the prettiest and best kept outside of
Washington, D. C.]
THURSDAY, Sept. 29, 1864.
Stopped at the Eutaw House last night; arose at 6 o'clock a. m.
from necessity and went shopping; got breakfast at 8.30 o'clock a.
m. and took the cars for New York City; arrived at the Astor House,
New York, about 8 o'clock p. m.; looks like rain; city much excited;
good news from Grant.
FRIDAY, Sept. 30, 1864.
I intended to have taken the 7 o'clock a. m. train, but overslept;
left on the 10.30 o'clock a. m. train up the Hudson river. The
scenery is the most beautiful I have ever seen; arrived at Albany
about sundown; changed cars at Troy for Rutland; arrived there at 9
o'clock p. m. Ed. Russell has been with me today.
SATURDAY, Oct. 1, 1864.
Stayed in Rutland last night; took the 4 o'clock a. m. train for
Burlington, but to my disgust found it to be a freight; arrived at
Burlington at noon; took the 1 o'clock p. m. train for Montpelier;
arrived there at 4 o'clock p. m.; stopped at Burnham's Hotel; found
Carl Wilson; hasn't changed much in three years nor Montpelier;
think a boil is coming on my ankle; am half sick.
SUNDAY, Oct. 2, 1864.
Am in good old Vermont at last, if I have got a boil coming. Major
Dillingham's remains arrived in Waterbury last night, and the
funeral services have been today, but it has rained hard all day.
I am not able to be out. Carl Wilson and Frank French called to see
me today. My boil is very painful; have not been out of the house;
would like to have gone to Major Dillingham's funeral but can't get
about till my boil breaks on my ankle. I'm ill, too.
MONDAY, Oct. 3, 1864.
Cloudy and foggy; have taken cold in my face; ankle worse today,
too; have not been outdoors. Orry Blanchard has been in to see me;
saw Mr. Walters in the barroom, also Mr. Hanson, but did not know
the former. Sergeant Hogle has called. My wound is paining me more
than usual tonight; jaws in bad condition; hope the fractures will
heal all right. I thought the Johnnies had shot my whole chin off at
first; it was paralyzed a long time, and don't feel right yet; it
must be the jaw.
TUESDAY, Oct. 4, 1864.
Cloudy and gloomy; have been up to Carl's drug store, but found
it rather difficult walking; am not feeling very well; went up to
Carl's again this afternoon for pills; remained on the bed all
afternoon; didn't go down to tea; Carl Wilson called this afternoon;
wound pains me _very_ badly tonight.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 5, 1864.
Somewhat better. Mrs. George Watson called to see me yesterday
evening, but I was unable to receive lady callers, although I did
not know it was her; went up to the office this afternoon; found Jo
Watson and took a stroll up to the State House; getting it ready for
the Legislature; am going to Williamstown in the morning.
THURSDAY, Oct. 6, 1864.
Am feeling very much better this morning; very foggy till about 9
o'clock a. m. when the sun came out brightly; got a team about 10
o'clock a. m. and Jo Watson took me to James Burnham's place in
Williamstown; arrived at Barre about noon; called at Mrs. David
Mower's; no one there but Hattie Glover; did not get out; arrived at
James' at 3 o'clock p. m.; all well; took them by surprise.
FRIDAY, Oct. 7, 1864.
Well, it seems good to get out in the country among relatives, where
it's quiet; my wound is worse than I thought it would be. My teeth
and jaws are feeling very badly and my lip looks irritated. Ezra and
Ro Benedict have been up to see me today. Ro has got some beautiful
little children. James has gone to Bradford to the fair.
SATURDAY, Oct. 8, 1864.
Rained all forenoon; gloomy day, but have passed the time
pleasantly; am reading Aurora Floyd, but like East Lynne, better;
pleasant but showery. James commenced reading East Lynne this
evening; mouth gaining rapidly.
SUNDAY, Oct. 9, 1864.
Gloomy morning; am feeling better. Ryland Seaver has been down
to see me this morning. Andrew Burnham and wife also called this
afternoon; think they are looking a little worn; marriage without
means is evidently not a bed of roses even for vigorous people on
a country hillside farm. Rodney Seaver has also been in to see me,
too; has married since I've been in the army. He is another good
man, but Ryle and I have always been firm friends and always shall
be. The three Seaver brothers are straight, reliable, splendid men.
MONDAY, Oct. 10, 1864.
A cold night for the season; froze quite hard; snow on the ground
this morning; don't seem much like Virginia climate; weather much
moderated tonight; looks like southern storm. Alma Seaver has
been in to see me this afternoon. My mouth wound is nearly healed
externally, but it is very stiff, awkward and clumsy; don't feel
right--the jaws ache; cooler tonight.
TUESDAY, Oct. 11, 1864.
Northwest wind; fair, comfortable day. James has gone to John Pane's
auction; have been down to Washington village this evening with
Jim; called to see his eldest sister--Mrs. Pepper; finished reading
Aurora Floyd this afternoon; expect Pert this evening; beautiful
night; not much thrilling diary data out here on this peaceful
hillside Vermont farm.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 12, 1864.
Rather a gloomy morning; stormed till about 9 o'clock a. m. then
cleared off, but snowed this afternoon; wrote Dr. Clark. Pert didn't
come; very dull.
THURSDAY, Oct. 13, 1864.
Snowed all day; seems quiet after such an exciting life in the army.
Mr. Lyman Drury brought Pert down this evening. Byron Bradley writes
that Uncle Pierce and Cousin Abby are somewhere in the East. My face
wound troubles me tonight and I guess always will by spells.
FRIDAY, Oct. 14, 1864.
Well, I wonder if winter's come! It has rained and snowed all day;
face badly swollen today, but my jaws don't ache much for which I'm
thankful; shall go down to Aunt Polly Howe's to-morrow if it don't
storm. It's snowing tonight.
SATURDAY, Oct. 15, 1864.
It snowed nearly all the forenoon. In the afternoon it was quite
comfortable; thawed considerable, but night still finds the ground
covered with snow. My teeth and jaws have troubled me constantly,
but I feel more comfortable this evening; shall go down to Aunt
Howe's in the morning. Oh, dear! I shall be glad when I get so that
I can feel like other folks. It is still thawing this evening.
SUNDAY, Oct. 16, 1864.
Ryland came down to see me early this morning. Fernando Thompson
brought me some letters; got one from Dr. J. H. Jones; friends
in Chelsea all well; am at Uncle Howe's to-night; Jim brought
us down this forenoon; no one home but Uncle Howe; no change in
Williamstown; terribly quiet.
MONDAY, Oct. 17, 1864.
Went over to see Cousin George Simons last evening, who is in poor
health, as well as Cousin Martha. Aunt Sarah is usually well;
weather fair. Aunt Polly Howe seems depressed; expect she's anxious
about me; arrived at Mr. David Mower's this evening; came down in
Mr. Snow's crowded stage very uncomfortably.
TUESDAY, Oct. 18, 1864.
Cloudy with wind; have been to Montpelier with Mrs. David Mower
and Cousin Pert; had a good time; dined with the Watsons; visited
several Tenth Vermont men in the afternoon at the hospital; got my
dress coat and overcoat at Woolson's; got home about dark; rather
cold tonight.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 19, 1864.
Cloudy, dismal day; took Cousin Pert and Hattie Glover out to Cousin
David Smith's in the afternoon, and visited at Ann Martin's in the
evening; returned to David's for the night; very dark with blinding
rain and snow, but got home safe; have enjoyed the day.
THURSDAY, Oct. 20, 1864.
Weather cloudy and gloomy; started about 9 o'clock a. m. to take
Hattie Glover home, then took Pert to call on Phineas Thompson's
family, and then in the afternoon we went to John Wilson's. It's
always a pleasure to see Mr. and Mrs. Wilson though a sad duty since
Em and the other children died. Pert and I called on Helen Thompson,
and I in the evening on Mrs. Oromal Dodge. Coming home our wheel set
over which we had quite a frolic, but we arrived safely.
FRIDAY, Oct. 21, 1864.
It has seemed a long day; have been in the village all day; called
on Charley French; wound fairly easy today. Pert, Hattie Glover and
I went up to the Academy Lyceum this evening; students much younger
than before the war; probably older boys in the army; dark and
gloomy to-night.
SATURDAY, Oct. 22, 1864.
Quite a fine day. James Burnham came down after Pert this morning.
Cousin Hattie Burnham is ill with diphtheria. I called on Mr. and
Mrs. Bliss this forenoon; am to stay at Nate Harrington's tonight.
Carl Wilson came up from Montpelier about 8 o'clock p. m. Several of
the girls came in in the evening and we had a pleasant time.
SUNDAY, Oct. 23, 1864.
Went with Carl up to his father's this morning; intended to go to
church this afternoon, but didn't get dinner in season; had a good
visit with Mr. and Mrs. John Wilson. Herbert and Laura Leonard, old
schoolmates, called; have grown greatly; was glad to see them. Carl
and I stopped at David Mower's in the afternoon.
MONDAY, Oct. 24, 1864.
Pert, Hattie Glover and I started for Montpelier en route for
Burlington this morning at 6 o'clock in a crowded stage. They were
on a frolic; had a half dozen bandboxes in the front hall they
pretended had got to go, because they knew I objected to traveling
with such. We had some backwoods passengers which amused the girls
greatly; arrived in Montpelier at 9 o'clock a. m.; shopped some
and took the 11 o'clock a. m. train for Burlington. Fred Johonnott
met us at the depot, who is engaged to Hattie, and took us to the
Stanton House; saw Hidden Hand played at the theatre in the evening.
TUESDAY, Oct. 25, 1864.
Went to see Dr. Thayer about getting my leave extended about 10
o'clock a. m.; found him at his house but cranky; would not, to
my surprise, give me a certificate for extension of leave. My
wound is not yet fully healed, the stitches are still in, it's
sensitive, inflamed and sore, can't eat solid food, am not fit
to go to the front, and I'm no malingerer either. It would teach
Dr. Thayer something to get in a hot fight and be wounded. I never
did like bandbox doctors, anyway! I'm afraid the board of surgeons
at Annapolis, Md. will discharge me for _they_ are practical men.
I'm disgusted with Thayer! All I need is a reasonable time for my
wound to mend. A man with a part of his head shot away can't be
expected to be fit for duty a month after. If I shirked battle,
I suppose Thayer would extend my sick leave! That's the way such
things usually go! Merit don't count though, with testy doctors if
approached too soon after breakfast. If I were a toady in manner
or reality, I suppose I could get anything, but I'm only a plain,
presentable, unassuming country lad while Thayer impresses me as an
aristocrat. Ed. Russell has taken me to ride about Burlington, a
very pretty little city; took the noon train for Montpelier; shall
go up and call professionally on Dr. James in the morning; he'll
give me a certificate.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 26, 1864.
This has been the first pleasant day I've seen in Vermont since I
came home; met Captain P. D. Blodget on the street; was glad to see
him for he is a nice, _fair_ man. His wounded arm is looking very
badly; do not think he will ever return to the regiment again. I
went up to the hospital with him and he gave me an introduction
to Dr. James who examined my wounds and gave me a certificate for
thirty days extension of sick leave; have been up to the State
House this evening to hear Mrs. Chester read.
THURSDAY, Oct. 27, 1864.
It's not quite as pleasant this morning as yesterday; had Dr.
Forbush operate on my game jaws, teeth, etc., this forenoon; took
ether and I must say that I have no desire to ever take any more.
The doctor tells me my upper jaw is very badly injured. I suspected
it but hoped it might be the crushed teeth which gave me so much
pain; have been sick all the forenoon from the effects of the ether.
When I came out from under its influence I was crying like a great
booby, for just at that time I was living over my illness of typhoid
fever when I was reported dead at Rockville, Md. in the winter of
1862-63, and I thought I was all alone among strangers. It was more
real, though, as I was delirious at Rockville, and don't recall any
such genuine anguish as I was experiencing when I awoke from the
effects of ether. To awake from such hallucinations to the realities
of life comparatively well was a remarkable experience; it dazed
me for a moment on coming back to the world, but I rallied soon on
looking at the doctor and Pert and saw them relievedly smiling at
my surprised look and manner. I went to a band concert tonight, and
stayed with Carl Wilson.
FRIDAY, Oct. 28, 1864.
I did not get up till 10 o'clock a. m.; am feeling some better this
morning; rained hard all day. Roger Bixby brought me up to Barre
this afternoon. The Smith band came up to give a concert but as it
rained so hard it postponed it till next week.
SATURDAY, Oct. 29, 1864.
Fair day. The Smith band came up and gave a serenade this forenoon;
have had a pleasant time at Mr. West's. News came today that Captain
L. D. Thompson of Waterbury was decapitated by a solid shot in
battle at Cedar Creek, Va., and that Adjutant Wyllys Lyman, Captain
C. F. Nye, Lieuts. G. E. Davis, G. P. Welch, A. W. Fuller and
B. B. Clark were also wounded there. We have had seven officers
killed, twelve wounded and two captured since the first of June,
making twenty-one in all, the regiment's full quota not including
non-combatants, were they all present which is never the case,
being thirty-four. Who will say we haven't stood up to the rack? I
guess they intend to kill us all off--men and all! I may not have
included all the casualties among the officers in the foregoing.
Poor Dillingham, Stetson and Thompson! They were my original
officers in Company B--all gone--killed in battle. They were good
fellows--intrepid and valiant to a fault. Lieut. Stetson was a
considerate, kindly friend, and a man who was fair and manly, and
never took a mean, unfair advantage of anyone so far as I know;
he won my esteem. I became fond of Captain Thompson; he grew on
me constantly until we were good friends, and the manner of his
unfortunate death shocks me. Poor fellow! I sincerely regret his
tragic end; he was brave, always genial, obliging and friendly. They
grew to like, respect and esteem me, and I have lost three staunch
friends--probably among the best in the regiment with the officers.
They have all been martyrs to the cause of the Union. May their
souls go marching on and finally welcome mine in eternity!
SUNDAY, Oct. 30, 1864.
A beautiful day; have been to church twice. Mr. Bliss preached two
excellent sermons. He always preaches well; is a remarkably gifted,
brainy, interesting speaker from the pulpit. Dr. Carpenter's funeral
was this afternoon from the Congregational Church. Mr. Beckley's
funeral services were attended this afternoon from the M. E. Church;
beautiful evening; have been up to the cemetery with Mr. and Mrs.
Mower.
MONDAY, Oct. 31, 1864.
Stormed this forenoon; went up to see Nate and Ardelia Harrington
and remained all night; called on Mrs. Patterson and Mr. Hiram
Blanchard's family. Captain L. D. Thompson's remains arrived at
Waterbury this evening; funeral tomorrow; cold tonight; army news
good this evening.
TUESDAY, Nov. 1, 1864.
Mrs. Charles Scott, Ardelia Harrington and Cousin Pert have gone to
Montpelier. I came by stage to Chelsea and am with Dr. J. H. Jones
tonight; left So. Barre at 11.30 o'clock a. m.; rode to Tunbridge
with the doctor to visit a young lady ill with typhoid fever this
evening.
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 2, 1864.
Cool and pleasant this morning. Dr. Jones has gone to Tunbridge;
have spent the day with Dr. Bagley's family; shall remain here over
night; called on Mrs. Hayward and her daughter, Susan, this evening.
THURSDAY, Nov. 3, 1864.
It's a lovely morning; went to Tunbridge with Dr. Jones; fine
evening; am to stay at Mr. Isaac Merrill's tonight.
FRIDAY, Nov. 4, 1864.
Has rained hard all day. Ike's a little off on the war; went to the
village about 4 o'clock p. m.; called on Mrs. Lyman Hinkley, am at
Mrs. Hayward's tonight.
SATURDAY, Nov. 5, 1864.
Have been to see Jo Watson to-day; weather cold and blustering all
day; am with Dr. J. H. Jones tonight; he's visiting a patient; am
alone.
SUNDAY, Nov. 6, 1864.
Left Chelsea at 10 o'clock a. m. for Barre; Jo Watson brought me
over; attended church this afternoon, heard an excellent sermon by
Rev. F. S. Bliss; called on Mrs. Oromal Dodge this evening.
MONDAY, Nov. 7, 1864.
Took the 7 o'clock a. m. stage for Montpelier, and thence by
11 o'clock a. m. train to Vergennes to see Levi Meader, my old
roommate at Barre Academy, Mr. F. E. Woodbridge's law partner; am
not impressed with the cordiality of Mr. Woodbridge; met him on the
train en route.
TUESDAY, Nov. 8, 1864.
It has rained all day. Well, this is a great day in the States!
Probably more depends on what it brings forth than any since
Washington's time. As for myself, though, I have no fear but what
all will come out right; am still in Vergennes, and have voted for
Abraham Lincoln--my first vote. The city's vote is as follows:
Lincoln 310
McClellan 15
Good! This is as it should be.
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 9, 1864.
Was shown the city by Meader today. Hon. F. E. Woodbridge, who is
a representative in Congress, returned home from Washington last
night. He is Meader's law partner; was introduced this morning; took
the train for Williston, Vt. at 11 o'clock a. m. but being express
didn't stop; arrived in Montpelier at 4 o'clock p. m.; shall stay
here tonight; went to the theatre this evening.
THURSDAY, Nov. 10, 1864.
A gloomy, lonely day; visited the State House this afternoon; if in
condition would like to return to the front; am at Burnham's Hotel;
have been to the theatre; fine evening.
FRIDAY, Nov. 11, 1864.
Fair day; arrived in Barre by 7 o'clock p. m. stage; took my first
degree in masonry to-night. Webber Tilden did the work.
SATURDAY, Nov. 12, 1864.
A cold bleak day; went up to James Burnham's with Fanny West this
forenoon; took her and Cousin Pert and called on the Calefs and Alma
Watson at Washington; returned to and stayed at James'; Ryle Seaver
was there; had company in the evening.
SUNDAY, Nov. 13, 1864.
Snowed this morning; there's about three inches of snow on
the ground tonight; left James Burnham's at 9 o'clock a. m.
in a snowstorm; arrived at Barre just in season for William
Old's funeral; have attended the funeral this afternoon at the
Universalist Church of Lester Tilden. Captain Albert Dodge called
this afternoon; has stopped snowing.
MONDAY, Nov. 14, 1864.
The Academy examinations commenced today; attended morning prayers.
Mr. J. S. Spaulding looks and is the same as ever; nice old
gentleman; called at the Curriers this evening; were glad to see
me; clever old people; attended the examination of a class of
youngsters in geography at the Academy.
TUESDAY, Nov. 15, 1864.
Attended the examination at the Academy of classes in mathematics to
include geometry; nothing very exciting going on.
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 16, 1864.
Have passed a pleasant day; met James Abbott of Williamstown, Vt.,
this afternoon at the Academy; fine looking and a fine fellow, too;
closing exercises come off at the Academy this evening. Carl Wilson
and Frank French called tonight.
THURSDAY, Nov. 17, 1864.