The following diary was kept by Delos Hull (1841-1923), the son of Edd Henry Hull (1806-1878) and MariahVan Valkenburg (1812-1900) of Lombard, DuPage county, Illinois. Delos was born at La Fayette, Onandaga county, New York on 12 April 1842, His parents moved to DeRuyter, New York, when he was 6 years old where he resided until he was 16. In 1858 he went to Babcock’s Grove (Lombard), Illinois, his father having relocated there the year before. He attended school and worked for his Uncle Joseph B. Hull in a store in summer and taught school in the winters of 1860 and 1861. In September 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, 8th Illinois Cavalry that was commanded by Col. John F. Farnsworth. They mustered into the service at St. Charles and were ordered to Washington D. C. in October 1861. The regiment has the distinction of being the only Illinois Cavalry regiment that spent their entire span of service in the Army of the Potomac. Also serving in the same company was his older brother, Franklin Hull (1835-1894) and his uncle, Tidd Hull.

Delos had a twin brother named Dewitt Hull (1841-1865) who served as a bugler in the 15th New York Cavalry but died in 1865 shortly after returning from the war.

[Note: This diary is yet retained by Delos Hull’s descendants and was made available to me for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by Sung Chin.]

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Transcription

D. Hull
Co. H
8th Regiment Illinois Cavalry

September 24th 1862—Finds me in camp at a small town called Sharpsburg. It is a place of about 400 and 500 inhabitants and is about three miles from the Potomac River—a very old town. The country around it is very good farming country. The Battle of Sharpsburg or Antietam Creek was fought on Wednesday, September 17th 1862 in which the Federal. forces were victorious. Our loss (the Federals) in killed, wounded and missing amounting to 13,000. The Confederates is reported to be as high as 18,000.

September 24 [1862]—The Battle of Hagerstown Heights was fought on Sunday, September 14th 1862. Our regiment was supporting batteries during both battles. On Monday morn the 15th our regiment, the 8th Regiment Illinois Cavalry, was sent in pursuit of the enemy. We came up on the rear guard at Boonsboro where we had quite a skirmish with them but we put them to flight. Our loss in the skirmish was 18 wounded & 1 killed, 6 from Co. H. Gen. Reno was killed at the Battle of the Heights & Gen. Mansfield at the Battle of the Creek. I was [ ] into the service one year ago today.

September 25, 1862—It has been a day of a considerable excitement as the election of a supernumerary lieutenant & also our orderly sergeant was promoted to second lieutenant against the wish of all the members of the company. I[saac] N. Brooks was elected supernumerary lieutenant. At noon we received orders to saddle up and pack up which we did and about one o’clock we started out. We went out across the river & was drawn up in line about half a mile from the river where we remained all the afternoon while the 3rd Indiana and 1st Massachusetts and 8th Pennsylvania were scouting. Capt. Farnsworth went out with his squadron & returned in a few moments with a Lieutenant Colonel as prisoner & also a private. The 3rd Indiana captured 1 lieutenant and two privates. We recrossed the river at dark & returned to camp all right. The weather has been quite warm today although it was very cold last night. We received our mail today. I received one letter from L. A.—was a little surprised.

Monday, September 29th 1862…river & proceeded as far as Shephardstown & passed through that place & came to a halt where we remained for two or three hours when we countermarched by the left flank & came back to Shephardstown and took the road leading to Martinsburg & went to within three miles of that place where we came upon the enemy’s picket which fell back as we advanced. We went until we came to the railroad when it began to grow dark so we deemed it best not to advance any farther so we returned to the river. Finding that the rest of the Brigade had crossed, we [ ] and came back to camp, arriving there about 8 o’clock, not having been out of our saddles but once during the day. I hear Co. G & A had a skirmish with them having one man wounded. J. J. Miner had three fingers shot of by accident. R. D. Pope had his forefinger shot; body at the same time.

Tuesday, September 30th—A very pleasant day. We remained in camp all day. Everything along the lines was all quiet. We received orders to be ready to start at 5 o’clock next morn and to be at the ford at daylight.

Wednesday, October 1, 1862—The regiment left camp at daylight, crossed the river, & proceeded to Shephardstown. From thence they (for I was not with them for the reason of my horses back giving out) proceeded in the direction of Martinsburg, driving the Rebel’s pickets before them. They proceeded as far as Martinsburg about 1 o’clock where they found quite a number of wounded which the General (Pleasanton) paroled. They remain in Martinsburg until nearly four o’clock p.m. when they began to fall back. They had not gone more than a mile when they discovered that the Rebs were following them with a very large force of cavalry. They (the enemy) did not show any signs of “pitching in” until the Boys had got about 5 miles when the Rebs charged on them. The Boys formed a line and received them with three or four volleys from their carbines and that checked them so that our boys had time to fall back to the main column of cavalry and artillery which was drawn up in a good position & on came the Rebels & our Boys was drawn up under a hill in front of the battery & as the Rebs came up, our Boys opened on them and then they charged on the Boys again at which our artillery let fly a few rounds of canister doing terrible execution, they being not over twenty rods of them. This was more than they could stand so they broke & run. Our Boys waited for them to renew the attack but they deemed it prudent not to do so. our Boys fell back & arrived in camp about 9 o’clock p.m. Our total loss in the affair was 14 wounded and 4 taken prisoners. The four that were taken prisoners were paroled the next day. The Boys consider themselves fortunate getting off as they did as it has been ascertained that [ ].

Thursday, October 2, 1862—A very pleasant day. The regiment remained in camp. The Captain drew 10 new horses for the company. All quiet along the lines.

Friday, October 3rd 1862—The sun shone very warm. The regiment went over to be reviewed by Gen. George B. McClellan and when they got there who should we find but His Honor President Abraham Lincoln, USA.

Wednesday, October 8th 1862—Weather very warm. We remained in camp all day. Nothing worthy recording transpiring.

Thursday, October 9th—The sun shone very warm. All. quiet along the lines. All remains about so.

Friday, October 10th—There has nothing of importance transpired today. The weather has been cloudy and it has had several spells sprinkling and about sundown it commenced raining quite hard and rained most of the night.

Saturday, October 11th 1862—We were called up about 5 o’clock and the regiment was ordered to be ready to march at six o’clock with three day’s rations and they started at the appointed hour and [we] have not heard from them yet. The weather today is very cloudy and rains some.

Sunday, [October] 12th, 1862—The weather today is very cloudy over head and quite cold. Three of our Boys came in from the regiment & report the regiment as being at Noland’s Ferry. They got strayed off from the company and came back.

Monday, October 13th 1862—It rained all night last night but stopped about sunrise this morn & it seems to look as though it was agoing to clear off but don’t know as it will. Have heard nothing further from the regiment as yet.

Tuesday, October 14th, 1862—Morning weather fair. Got orders to pack up to move camp at 11 o’clock. Started for new camp which is about 10 miles from Sharpsburg in the valley at the foot of South Mountain two and a half miles from the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad & four miles from Harper’s Ferry. Our camp is upon a small eminence overlooking the whole valley from above Middletown to Point of Rock. Did not get into camp until dark as usual.

Wednesday, October 15th 1862—The day was spent in putting up tents & fixing up camp. It was a very pleasant day although very cold last night. Nothing unusual happened.

Thursday, October 16th, 1862—A very pleasant day, Nothing of importance transpired.

Friday, October 17th 1862—The weather was quite pleasant although it rained all night last night. Heard firing. Heard in the direction of [ ].

Saturday, October 18th 1862—A very pleasant day. Nothing of importance transpired today. Arrived at Camp “Illinois” one year ago today.

Sunday, October 19th 1862—The sun shone very pleasant and warm. I went to hear the Rev. Mr. [Philo] Judson preach at the Colonel’s tent. His text was the 1st Chapter, 6th Verse of Paul’s epistle to Timothy, “Fight the Good Fight of faith. Lay hold of eternal life.”

Monday, October 20th 1862—Weather very pleasant. There was a company drill in the forenoon & battalion drill in the afternoon & regimental drill in the afternoon. I did not go out.

Tuesday, October 21st 1862—The weather fine. Drills the same as yesterday. The whole regiment was on Parade. Gen. McClellan came along & rode all through the camp and inspected the horses & (disappeared) all at once.

Wednesday, October 22nd 1862—The wind blew awfully all night last night & has blown very cold and hard all day. Nothing of importance transpired.

Friday, October 24th 1862—The sun came out quite pleasant this morn although there was a heavy frost last night. We had a Battalion Drill and Regimental Drill in the afternoon. The Colonel returned today.

Saturday, October 25th 1862—It has been a very pleasant day, warm and nice. Spent the day preparing for Sunday morning inspection.

Sunday, October 26th 1862—It rained all day quite hard. The regiment received orders to march at 7 o’clock. They were off at the appointed hour. Their destination was across the river.

Monday, October 27th [1862]—The wind commenced blowing last night and blew a perfect hurricane all night and all day today but went down with the sun. Have not heard from the regiment.

Tuesday, October 28th—found a very heavy frost on the ground. The sun came out quite warm and pleasant. we heard that the regiment was within four miles of Snickersville.

Wednesday, October 29th—The sun shone very warm and pleasant. Nothing of importance transpired.

Thursday, October 30th—Weather pleasant.

Friday, October 31st 1862—Weather very warm and pleasant. The regiment received a lot of new horses. Johnny Delaney came in from the regiment and reported William Wright taken prisoner.

Saturday, November 1st [1862]—Weather very pleasant. We received our mail today for the first time in nearly two weeks. We received orders to be ready to start at one o’clock but we did not get started until about three o’clock when we began to move in the direction of the river at which we arrived after traveling about two miles and a half at a place called Berlin where we crossed the river on a pontoon bridge when we took a road running in a southerly direction, passing through [ ]. After traveling nearly 20 miles, we encamped near Percersville in a very pleasant piece of woods.

Sunday, November 2—We received orders to march about 8 o’clock a.m. and commenced moving at about that time. we took a road leading to Ashby’s Gap. We traveled about two miles when we halted until about three o’clock when we started again and went about 5 or 6 miles when we encamped for the night in a very nice piece of woods where forage was plenty but water scarce. Weather fine.

Monday, November 3rd—We saddled up and started about 9 o’clock and went about 4 miles when we went into camp in a nice piece of woods where forage and water was plenty. Weather cool.

Tuesday, November 4th—We received orders to be ready to move at 9 o’clock. When the time came we received orders to unsaddle as we should not leave until morning. About noon we received orders to be ready to move in one hour and we were ready and in line but after waiting all the afternoon, we returned to the woods and got some supper & waited until about 7 o’clock when Lieut. [Isaac F.] Russell came up and ordered [ ] to the [ ] when we started. After going about a mile we came to the place called Union. Passing through it we kept on the main road. After traveling about 7 miles we camped in the woods that the regiment left in the morn and about 1 mile from a pleasant little town called Upperville.

Wednesday, November 5th 1862—The weather quite cool. Orders to move at 7 a.m. Was ready and in line at the appointed time. Some of the Boys was sent the regiment and the rest of us went into camp and stayed all day.

Thursday, November 6th 1862—Orders to march at 9 a.m. Went about five miles. Had lots of milk, honey, mutton. Weather cool.

Friday, November 7th 1862—Stopped in camp all day. It snowed most all day and night.

Saturday, November 8th 1862—Saddles up quite early and started out. After traveling about 15 miles, we went into camp about 1 mile from Orleans.

Sunday, November 9th 1862—Got up. Found the sun up and a very pleasant morn it was too. I took Ira’s team to drive while he was sick. We received orders to move at one o’clock p.m. We were ready and moved at the time set. we crossed the Rappahannock River and after going about 6 or 8 miles, we came up with the regiment.

Monday, November 10th 1862—Got up and found the sun up—a good sign of a fine day. About 8 o’clock the enemy attacked our pickets and drove them back. We received orders to hitch up and fall back across the river which we did but before the whole of the train got out, the enemy threw a few shells at it but done no damage. We crossed the river at Waterloo and went into camp a mile and a half from the river. Our Boys drove the rebels back with [ ].

Tuesday, November 11th 1862—Orders to recross the river. Arose at 3 o’clock and got breakfast and started and recrossed at sunrise and went as far as —– when we halted and remained all day. Went a foraging in the afternoon. Weather pleasant.

Wednesday, November 12th 1862—Got up at 1 o’clock a.m. and received orders to march at two o’clock. we did so and recrossed the river at Glen’s Mills (or Milford Ford). Went into camp at Water[loo?]. The whole army fell back today.

Thursday, November 13th 1862—A very pleasant day. Went out foraging in the forenoon. The regiment remained in camp near us all day.

Friday, November 14th, 1862—Orders to march. Started about 9 o’clock a.m. in the direction of Warrenton. Camped in a grove near that place for the night. Weather fine.

Saturday, November 15th 1862—Remained in camp all day. Nothing of importance transpired. Weather pleasant.

Sunday, November 16th 1862—Remained in camp all day.

Monday, November 17th 1862—Orders to march at 8 in morn. The teams started and passed through the village of Warrenton, or our route to Warrenton Junction. Arrived at the Junction about 8 p.m. and camped for the night near where we camped last spring.

Tuesday, November 18th 1862—Orders to start at 7 a.m. which we did and went over to the railroad (about 1 mile) and waited until 1 o’clock p.m. when we started forward and after traveling about 9 miles in the direction of Fredericksburg we camped for the night. Weather rainy. Killed our [ ].

Wednesday, November 19th 1862—Weather rainy. Had orders to march at 7 o’clock but as usual had to stand until 11 o’clock when we began to move. We went about 8 miles when we camped for the night but we had not only just got to bed when we were routed out and ordered to be ready to move immediately which we did and began to move at one o’clock and we did not go only about 4 miles when we had to halt for it was so dark and rained so.

Thursday, November 20th 1862—At daylight we started and went about three miles where we found the Brigade—all except our regiment—was out on picket. We stayed here all day. The weather was cold and rainy.

Friday, November 21st 1862—Got up and found it very cold and raining. Three or four of us went out foraging & while we were gone, they received orders to march and so when we returned, we found them all gone. We [ ] upon [ ] moved about two miles and camped for the night.

Saturday, November 22nd 1862—We began to move about 8 o’clock and traveled all day by spells, moving a mile or so at a spell. We parked at sundown about one and a half miles from Falmouth for the night. The regiment camped near us. Weather was good over head but muddy under foot. The mail came to the regiment but alas, none for me.

Sunday, November 23rd 1862—Orders to move at 7 o’clock. Were ready and began to move at the appointed time. We were all day going about 7 miles & arrived at Belle Plains just at sundown or a little after. The weather was cloudy and cold. The enemy are in force at Fredericksburg. We could see them as we passed through Falmouth.

Monday, November 24th 1862—Today has been quite a pleasant day. The regiment has been turning over to the Quartermaster all the extra horses and saddles and arms, &c. &c. I returned to company today. This is the third day without bread.

Tuesday, November 25th 1862—Nothing of importance transpired during the day. Weather cool.

Wednesday, November 26th 1862—Weather cool. Was on guard today. It rained last night.

Thursday, November 27th 1862—The sun shone very clear but the air was quite cool. I was quite unwell having an attack of the chill fever. It seemed as though every joint in my body was coming apart. There was a General Inspection.

Friday, November 28th 1862—Weather pleasant. I feel a good deal better.

Saturday, November 29th, 1862—Weather rather cool. Not uncomfortable though. Had my horse shod. We received quite a compliment from Gen. Sumner. It was that he thought our regiment was the best regiment in the American army.

Sunday, November 30th 1862—A very pleasant day. Was on guard through the night in McCunan’s place who was taken sick. Wrote to R. Luck.

Monday, December 1st 1862—The weather today has been very moderate. There has nothing of importance transpired today.

Tuesday, December 2nd, 1862—Weather good. Remained in camp all day.

Wednesday, December 3rd 1862—Weather cold. The wind blew raw and cold. Was detailed to go down to King George [Court House] with Gen. [Alpheus S.] Williams. Started about noon. Got back about 10 o’clock at night after traveling about 40 miles. The 8th Pennsylvania had a squadron taken prisoners yesterday.

Thursday, December 4th 1862—A very pleasant day. Air rather cool. Stood guard all day, Mail came. I received a letter from L. A.

Friday, December 5th 1862—It rained until about two o’clock when it changed to snow and the wind blew quite hard.

Saturday, December 6th 1862—It stopped snowing in the night but the wind blew very cold all day. In camp all day.

Sunday, December 7th 1862—The wind blew very cold and the thermometer must have been as low as zero. It seemed as though it was as much as 20 degree below to us without tents & stoves. I stood guard.

Monday, December 8th 1862—The sun shone bright but the air was very cold. We remained in camp all day. Received orders to be ready to go on picket.

Tuesday, December 9th 1862—Got up at 4 o’clock and got started at seven o’clock. Went about 18 miles and went on picket at 12 M. The pickets were only separated by the river.

Wednesday, December 10th 1862—Were relieved at noon by Co. E and went into camp as reserve. Remained there until about 6 p.m. when companies K & D came out to relieve us and let us go back to camp to be paid. We started about 7 p.m. and arrived there at 12 p.m. Signed the pay rolls and was paid. Did not get to bed until nearly two o’clock p.m. The army seemed to be all on the move. Orders to start at 8 a.m.

Thursday, December 11th 1862—We were off at the appointed time. Took the road to Falmouth. Went to Gen. Sumner’s Headquarters and was drawn up in line and stood there all day. Our forces commenced to built three pontoon bridges across the river. They made out to get one nearly done when the Reb sharpshooters opened on them from the houses and began to pick off our men who were to work in the bridges. This was a signal for the ball to commence which it did in good earnest and continued for nearly 4 hours when both sides seemed to have a desire to rest a spell for they both ceased firing. It’s so very smokey [like] a fog.

Friday, December 12th 1862—Were routed out at 5 o’clock a.m. and started for Headquarters at 7 o’clock and were drawn up in line & stood there all day. There was not much fighting done—only artillery. There was considerable of that. We returned to Belle Plains at night. The weather was good but it was very smokey. Troops were crossing all day.

Saturday, December 13th 1862—Were routed out at 5 o’clock and started at 7 o’clock for Headquarters. Arrived there at 8 and was drawn up in line. There was a good deal of skirmishing and artillery fighting all the forenoon and about one o’clock it became a general engagement. We were drawn up on a hill where we could see all the movements. It was awful hard fighting. It raged with all the fury imaginable from one o’clock until 7 p.m. when both sides seemed willing to rest for the night. Our loss was much heavier than the enemy’s for they had earthworks and our Boys had nothing to protect them. When the firing ceased we held about the same ground as in the morn. The weather was fine, only it was quite smokey. Gen. [William B.] Franklin captured a battery and a brigade of infantry from the enemy.

Sunday, December 14th 1862—Were routed out at 5. We started at 7 o’clock for Headquarters. Arrived there and were drawn up in line when Cos. E, H, K, and D were detailed to go across the river and relieve Cos. L, I, C, & F who were on picket. Went down to go across the river and as we went over the hill on this side of the river, the Rebs saw us and began to shell us which they kept up pretty lively until we got across. We had to go about one mile to the right of Fredericksburg (up the steam nearly opposite of Falmouth) where we found them. Our line of pickets were only half a mile from the enemy’s batteries and right out on the flat in plain sight where if more than two of us got together, they would throw a shell at us. The pickets were not more than 70 or 80 rods apart. The weather was very warm and nice although a little smokey. There was not much fighting—only the artillery and a little skirmishing with the pickets. Our [men] were getting up their wounded all day.

Monday, December 15th 1862—We remained on picket all day. No. fighting except a few shots exchanged between the batteries. Spent most of the day in searching the houses to see what we could find. There were two splendid houses and the residence of Mrs. Ann E. Fitzgerald. The other a Mr. Hoover (I believe) in the latter was left a splendid piano and in fact in both of them nearly all the furniture was left. Weather clear.

Tuesday, December 16th 1862—Were routed out at about 3 o’clock and ordered to pack up and mount which we did and came down to the bridge to come across the river and found the artillery and infantry all moving. They seemed to be recrossing the river. We recrossed and came to [camp]. We remained in camp all day. No forage for our horses. we got all of two quarts of oats.

Wednesday, December 17th, 1862—The wind blew cold all day. Indications of snow. We remained ib camp all day. Spent it in fixing up our tent and writing to B. I was “pricked” at roll call this morn.

Thursday, December 18th 1862—The weather was quite pleasant. Remained in camp all day. Nothing of importance transpired. I stood guard last night.

Friday, December 19th 1862—Weather quite pleasant. Rather cool though. We remained in camp all day. Most of the company spent the day fixing up log houses. We (our squad) did not go to work at it. Forage scarce. Do not receive quarter rations.

Saturday, December 20th 1862—Weather very cold but clear. Our squad spent the day in fixing up our tents on logs. Received some grain today—the first in two days. We (F & myself) received a package from home by Major [David Ramsay] Clendenin. Ordered to be ready to move camp to Belle Plaines in the morning.

Sunday, December 21st 1862—Were routed out at 5 o’clock to be ready to start early and part of companies were all packed and saddled up when we received orders that we would not move until tomorrow. I was on horse guard last night. I got permission of the captain to go over to the Ambulance train. Went over there and from there to the 50th New York Engineers and saw Albert Rathburn. Got back about three o’clock. The weather today has been [ ] but rather cold.

Monday, December 22nd 1862—Were routed out at 5 o’clock to get ready to move at 7 o’clock. When 7 o’clock came we received orders that we would not move today but to be ready to move at any time. Weather was very cold last night and this morn & when the sun came up it came out clear and was a good deal warmer at night.

Tuesday, December 23rd 1862—We were routed out at 5 o’clock and were to be ready to march at 8 o’clock but did not get started until about 9 o’clock when we began to move. We moved in the direction of Belle Plains, arriving there about 11 o’clock. Went into camp in a piece of woods about two miles from our old camp. The weather was very warm and pleasant. Thawed some. Spent the afternoon in fixing up our tent.

Wednesday, December 24th 1864—Weather has been very fine. The sun shining warm and pleasant. We spent the day in putting up our log house. Received orders to be ready to go on picket in the morn to be gone a week. Tonight every appearance of rain.

Thursday, December 25th 1862—We were routed out at 5 o’clock and got ready to start at 8 o’clock. Were to go to King George Court House on picket. We arrived there about two o’clock and our Battalion under Major [John L.] Beveridge went down to Port Conway to relieve a Battalion of the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry. We arrived there about 5 o’clock and went right on picket. Thus passed Christmas. The weather was fine. The sun shining very warm and pleasant.

Friday, December 26th 1862—The weather fine. We (the Captain [John M. Southworth] and six of us) went out after corn. Was gone most of the day. After getting the corn, C. G. T. [Charles G. Teeple] and myself rode around to see what was to be seen & hear what was to be heard and get who was to be got. All quiet along on the lines. I stood 4 hours picket last night. We are living fine, Mail came tonight. Nothing for me.

Saturday, December 27th, 1862—Captain [Southworth] & Major [Clendenin] and about 30 men went out a scouting & to get some beef. They returned at night with a beef which we killed. I went down to the mill and got some meal in the morn. Stayed in camp at Headquarters the rest of the day. We are living fine. Weather cloudy and a little colder. I stood picket four hours last night.

Sunday, December 28th, 1862—Weather very clear but cold. Gid [Gideon Bailey] and I went out a foraging. We got a good dinner and one thing another. I wrote some letters for some negroes. Frank received a letter from home. We wrote one to Father. All quiet along the lines.

Monday, December 29th 1862—Weather clear and warm although it was very cold last night. I stood four hours picket last night. Went out on detail for corn this forenoon and up to Headquarters of Cos. B & M in the eve. We lost one corporal by his own foolishness. He was on picket down at the river and having a lot of Southern scrip, he took it into his head to go over and trade it for our money to the rebels so he got into a boat and went across and they would not let him come back.

Tuesday, December 30, 1862—Weather unpleasant. Rain some in the afternoon and I stayed in camp all day until eve when Gid [Bailey] and I went up to Mrs. Tayloe’s [ ]. Returned about 10 o’clock. I went on guard at 11 p.m. and stood until 3.

Wednesday, December 31st 1862—I remained in camp. all day until about 1 o’clock when I had to go to Headquarters and take a man the Major had arrested. His name was Dr. Greenlow. I got back about 6 o’clock p.m. The Colonel sent him to Gen. Headquarters. The weather cloudy and growing colder. Every appearance of snow. All quiet on the lines. The report is that [J. E. B.] Stuart attempted to make another raid in our rear and burn the railroad bridge across the Little Potomac Creek last Sunday but was repulsed with heavy loss. Thus endeth the year of our Lord 1862.

Thursday, January 1, 1863—The weather today has been a very pleasant day. I remained in camp all the forenoon. In the afternoon, Gid [Bailey] and I went out a scouting (or foraging). F & G went over to Mr. Goosenberry’s in the eve. I stood picket in the night. Wrote a letter to B. H.

Friday, January 2nd 1863—Weather warm and pleasant. I was on detail in the forenoon stayed in camp in the afternoon was on guard in the eve.

Saturday, January 4th 1863—Weather warm and pleasant all day about four o’clock in the afternoon. It began to cloud up and there was every appearance of rain but it blew over and did not rain. Some clothing came out for us. I drew two shirts, one pair socks. Hiram Patrick from the grove came to see us. I was on the second relief. Captain Southworth and five men event outside of the lines to a Mr. Lewis’s. Got back about two or three o’clock.

Monday, January 5th 1863—Weather very pleasant. I was on detail in afternoon helping draw corn fodder for horses.

Tuesday, January 6th 1863—Weather fine during the forenoon but it began to rain about 3 o’clock p.m. and rained until sundown when it cleared up and was very pleasant all night. I was on guard (second relief). Drew spurs, &c.

Wednesday, January 7th 1863—Weather fine but some cloudy I spent the day in camp. Had orders to be ready to start and at any time in the night.

Thursday, January 8th 1863—Were called out at 2 o’clock a.m. and started out to go to Shiloh. Arrived there about 3 o’clock when we took a northerly route and went into the woods and built some fires and waited till most day when we started for Mr. McKinney’s thinking to catch his son who is a Colonel in the rebel army. We arrived there and passed a guard around the house and searched the premises and woods and in fact the country all around there but did not find him. He was hid where we could not find him. It was awful cold last night. Stood four hours picket.

Friday, January 9th 1863—Weather pretty cold although the sun shines clear. I remained in camp during the forenoon. Went to headquarters in the afternoon. Got back just after sundown. It is very cold. [Uncle] Tidd has not got a furlough to go home yet but expects one.

Saturday, January 10th 1863—Weather cloudy and eery sign of rain. Frank went out to McKenney’s with a detail after a load of potatoes. G. and myself got up a good pile of wood and fixed up around the tent. F. received a letter from G. H. H.

Sunday, January 11th 1863—Weather good. I remained in camp. Quiet.

Monday, January 12th 1863—Weather clear but cool. Went on detail to draw wood. I stood guard last night.

Tuesday, January 13th 1863—Weather clear but rather cool. Moved our Headquarters from head of Port Conway Lane to Mr. Corolnius Turner’s Summer House who is about one and a half north of where we were before.

Wednesday, January 14th 1863—Weather cloudy and every appearance of rain. I went over the lines with Major Beverage and Capt. Southworth returned to camp about 2 p.m. when we found the rations had come

Thursday, January 15th, 1863—Weather very warm The thermometer running as high as 65 degrees above zero. The wind has blown a perfect gale most of the day. There was a rebel Major and Sergeant came out in a boat from Port Royal hunting ducks and the wind blew so hard that it blew them over to our side. They were sent to Headquarters. I was on guard last night and all day today. Wrote to L. A.

Friday, January 16th 1863—Weather rather cloudy. The wind blew hard all day. It rained most of the night. It is growing colder this afternoon. Lieut. [Edward D.] Dowd came back from camp. Reports all quiet above. Flag of truce came over today. I wrote to T. M. H.

Saturday, January 17th 1863—Weather quite cold but clear. I was on guard last night up to Widow Tayloe’s with [William B.] Pierce to shoe my horse. Did not get back until most night. Wrote a letter to Lou in the eve. I received one from Jennie.

Sunday, January 18th, 1863—Weather clear but cold. It was very cold last night. I spent the day a reading news. Came in just at dark that Rebel Colonel Fessen of the 9th Virginia Cavalry was on this side of river. Orderly Sergeant DeLaney with five men from this company—a sergeant and five men from Company A—were sent down to catch him but just as they found him, he want there nor had been there at all. So much for Intelligent Controland’s reports. The Boys did not return until 2 o’clock a.m.

Monday, January 19th 1863—Around camp (or Headquarters) all day. Weather pleasant. The sun shone very warm all day. On guard last night. Frank went out to find some wheat.

Tuesday, January 20th 1863—Weather quite warm although some cloudy. Appearance of rain. Last night was called up at 1 o’clock a.m. to go down to Mr. Lewis’s and arrest him. Four from this company and five from [Co.] A went down and found him abed. Routed him and brought him up and left him in Mrs. Tayloe’s Ni**er quarters. He thought it awful to have to go into a ni**er quarters. The 3rd Indiana came down to relieve us of part of our duty. Brooks came up with his [illegible due to edge frayed]

Wednesday, January 21st 1863—It commenced raining last eve and rained all night and most of the day today, Received orders to have three day’s rations in haversacks and ten days in wagons and be ready to move at any notice. No signs of its clearing off yet. Received a letter from L. A.

Thursday, January 22, 1863—Weather gloomy and wet. I remained at Headquarters all day. wrote to L. A. No news from above later than the taking of Arkansas Post in Arkansas.

Friday, January 23rd 1863—Weather somewhat clearer. The sun shone quite warm most of the day. I was on guard last night. Was at headquarters (or camp) all day.

Saturday, January 24th 1863—Sun came out quite clear and shone most of the day. I went over to Co. A in morn. Drew wood in the afternoon. In camp in eve.

Sunday, January 25th 1863—The sun shone very warm and was pleasant all day. i went over to Mr. Jenkins after milk in the forenoon. We drew some clothes. I drew one pair drawers, one pair socks, one shirt, and a cap. No news from above.

Monday, January 26th 1863—Weather very pleasant. Major returned from camp this afternoon. He brought the news that Burnside was relieved and Hooker supersedes him and that Sumner and Franklin were also relieved.

Tuesday, January 27th 1863—Weather very mild and pleasant. I went over to Jenkins a trading and got back about 3 o’clock. [John J.] Chamberlain went with me. Spent the eve in the house. Was mistaken. It was today Major returned.

Wednesday, January 28th 1863—Got up at 6 o’clock and found it snowing and blowing very hard. Saddled my horse and went to Headquarters with report and mail. Got back about noon. Went over to Miss Porter’s and got some bread baked. It kept storming very hard.

Thursday, January 29th 1863—Got up at 6 and found it had stopped snowing. The snow about five or six inches deep. The sun came out about 10 o’clock and shone very warm and pleasant until towards night when it began to grow cold and freeze up. I went to Jenkins’ and Porter’s in the afternoon.

Friday, January 30th 1863—Sun shone very clear but for all that, it was quite cool. Remained around camp all the forenoon. Was just getting dinner when one of Co. A Boys came up to the Major and reported that some (two) of their Boys had been outside of lines with four others under the commanding of the Orderly Sergeant and when they had got about four miles they were fired at from behind a fence by nine citizens wounding two of them—one being wounded in the breast with buck shot and the other in the shoulder with a ball. [ ] immediately saddled up and started out to see what and who it was. We were joined by Cos. E and A (Co. D having gone out ahead). We went out on the gallup and found Co. D dismounted and searching the woods. We immediately went to work to see what we could find. Captain Southworth with four of us were sent to Oak Grove to see if there was [. ] down there and took the road leading to Millville and went about four or five miles when we took the road to Shiloh and went about a mile when turned across the country and go south [on] the road leading to Port Conway and came to camp, arriving there about eight o’clock. found the Boys had been back about an hour. They brought in two citizens who they suspect is being some of the party. We broke up about 20 guns that we found.

Saturday, January 31st, 1863—Weather pleasant although cool. i remained in camp during the forenoon. went out a trading in the afternoon and eve. Went over to Porter’s to get some biscuit. We having received orders to be ready to go down the river tomorrow morn at sunrise & of course we wanted the biscuit.

Sunday, February 1st 1863—Were routed out at 5 o’clock and started at about half past six. we were joined by Cos. A, D, & E and proceeded in the direction of Leedstown (which is a small place about 14 miles below here on the Rappahannock where the Rebels have been transporting men, horses, grain, &c. all winter) searching the houses as we went along and breaking guns, &c. &c. When we had got within about two miles of Leeds, we overtook a wagon loaded with contraband goods which we immediately took possession of and found it to contain whiskey, brandy, wine, castor oil, boots, and quite a lot of other things too numerous to mention. After placing a guard over that, we proceeded to enter the town going into the place on a run but did not find anyone as we expected. Leaving Co. D & A there, we—Cos. H & E—went on down the river. Had not gone more than two miles when we came upon two Confederates, one of them on horse back. We took after them when he dismounted and left his horse and took to the woods and succeeded in making good his escape. But we got the horse which was a very good one. From clothes that were on the saddle, we found his name to be S. B. Greenlow, a brother of Dr. Greenlow and one of the party that wounded Co. A’s two men on Friday—the men saying that they saw him shoot. After looking for him for a few moments, we went on down the river to a tannery and shoe shop belonging to a Mr. Smoot who was making boots for the Confederate Army. we opened shop and got 9 pairs of boots, several pairs of shoes, and any quantity of leather and then started to return. Had not returned more than a mile when we met one squadron of the 8th New York [Cavalry] who had come to join us when we all turned around and started for Leedstown. When we arrived there, we found that Company A had captured a load of sutler’s stores owned by three Jews who were a trying to smuggle them across the river. And also four citizens. We remained there about half an hour when we started on our road home but we did not go only about four or five miles when it began to be so dark & the prisoners so tired that we stopped for the night. I having charge pf the prisoners, I went up to Mr. George Lewis’s and stayed all night. we had plenty of drink for the night and helped ourselves to everything. weather fine and quite warm.

Monday, fFebruary 2nd, 1863—We were routed out at 6 and was ready to start about 8, when the Major released the prisoners and took the goods & came to camp arriving here about 1 o’clock p.m. The goods are to be divided I believe in the Battalion. Weather clear and cool.

Tuesday, February 3rd, 1863—Weather cold. The wind blew very hard and awful cold. I went over on detail for corn & stopped at Porter’s a few moments on my return. Got back to camp and found [Uncle] Tidd there. He is a going home on furlough.

Wednesday, February 4th 1863—I was awful cold last night. I was on guard. Tidd left for Headquarters this morn. The goods not divided yet.