Little can be learned from on-line sources about Oscar I. Brown (1845-1891) of Constantia, Oswego county, New York. Census records inform us that he was the son of a mason named William J. Brown (1826-1887) and his wife, Elizabeth Belknap (1828-1894). Oscar was enumerated in his father’s household in Constantia at the time of the 1850 US Census but five years later, at age 10, he was living with his maternal grandfather in Osceola, Lewis county, New York, along with his younger siblings. Oscar’s grave may be found in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Syracuse, New York, along with his wife’s, Olive Adelia (Crofoot) Brown (1844-1922), but there is no biographical sketch to inform us anything about the path he walked here on earth. No obituary could be found either though I suspect one exists somewhere. Census records reveal that Oscar practiced law in Marcellus and Syracuse in his later years. It should be noted that Oscar’s given middle name was likely “Irving” but the initial “I” was taken for a “J” while in the military service and he seems to have carried it forward that way for the remainder of his life.
Fortunately, through the efforts of a descendant, Christine Brown, who learned of Oscar’s 1863 and 1864 diaries—then in the possession of her father’s cousin—she borrowed it and transcribed it in 2007. The 1863 diary chronicles his experiences as a select school teacher and of his summer’s employment on a boat transporting goods on the Erie Canal between Buffalo and New York City. He happened to be in NYC in July when the tragic Draft Riots occurred, giving us yet another account of the riots from a civilian’s perspective.
The 1864 Diary meticulously documents Oscar’s service in Company A of the New York 10th Heavy Artillery, based in Watertown, N. Y. Insights from the 1863 diary reveal that Oscar was initially drafted but secured an exemption due to his role as a school teacher, ultimately obtaining a teaching position for the fall term. Upon his eventual enlistment in the 10th New York Heavy Artillery (NYHA), it becomes evident that his motivations were not rooted in patriotic fervor, but rather in the substantial bounties offered by the State and local communities eager to meet their enlistment quotas. In essence, Oscar stood to earn significantly more as a soldier than he would as an educator. It is also likely that he anticipated a comparatively safe existence at one of forts near Washington, D.C., serving as an artillerist. However, following his deployment to Fort Lyon near Alexandria, Virginia, in April 1864, the 10th NYHA, akin to numerous other “Heavies,” was ordered to the frontlines and employed as infantry by Grant and Meade during the Overland Campaign.
[Editor’s Note: These diaries were transcribed by Christine Brown from photocopies she took of the originals. I have edited them slightly, correcting only minor errors or adding some bracketed words. The whereabouts of the original diaries are unknown.]
J A N U A R Y
January, Thursday, 1, 1863—Commenced to keep a cash account this year. Went to Constantia for money from S. P. Smith. Received $5.33.
Friday, 2—Tompkins, Clinton, Yates, VanBuren, Throop, Marsey, Seward, Bouck, Wright, Young, Fish, Hunt, Seymour, Clark, King, Morgan, Seymour.
Saturday, 3—Went to Jay Fosdick’s wedding party to Silas’s. Spilt John and took his candy away. Jay got his coat tore.
January, SUNDAY, 4, 1863– Spent the day at Mr. Clark’s and went to meeting.
MONDAY, 5—George Griswold. 14.136 barrels flour, 315 boxes bread, 125 barrels do, 167 bags corn, 500 barrels do. 100 barrels pork, 50 barrels beef, 102 boxes bacon, 3 traces rice, 2 bags do.
TUESDAY, 6—Went to [James] Quigg’s to board for a couple of weeks. The Quiggs’ are nice folks but poor.
January, WEDNESDAY, 7, 1863—From N. Y. to Canton via Cape Horn 22,000; via Cape of Good Hope 20,000; From N. Y. to San Francisco 17,500; via Panama 5,850.
THURSDAY, 8—Received a letter from Seth. He is to Washington and well. [Seth Belknap, age 23, cousin, son of John and Eliza Belknap, Osceola, NY]
FRIDAY, 9—[entry erased]
January, SATURDAY, 10, 1863—Went to the village today and froze one of my ears—the left one. Fosdick got a broom for the schoolhouse.
SUNDAY, 11—Heard Mr. Short preach for the first time. He is a pretty good preacher. Text “For as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness even so shall the son of man be lifted up”
MONDAY, 12—[no entry]
January, TUESDAY, 13, 1863—[no entry]
WEDNESDAY, 14—[no entry]
THURSDAY, 15—Got a letter from father. Wrote to mother, father and Hannah.
January, FRIDAY, 16, 1863—[no entry]
SATURDAY, 17—[no entry]
SUNDAY, 18—Had a nice little fuss with John David tonight in his own house too. Was too lazy to go to meeting to day.
January, MONDAY, 19, 1863—[no entry]
TUESDAY, 20—Went to Robins’s to board for a couple of weeks. Went to meeting tonight and heard Wells preach. Text Proverbs 26, 18th verse.
WEDNESDAY, 21—[no entry]
January, THURSDAY, 22, 1863—Went to the village tonight. Paid Al Allen for a bottle of hair oil.
FRIDAY, 23—[no entry]
SATURDAY, 24—Went to the Teachers Association at Bernhard’s Bay. Traded watches with Herbert Dobson.
January, SUNDAY, 25, 1863—It being Quarterly meeting to the village, there is no meeting here. And it is too much for me to go to the village although I can ride.
MONDAY, 26—[no entry]
TUESDAY, 27—[no entry]
January, WEDNESDAY, 28, 1863—Went to the village tonight. Got a letter from Emily. Don’t get my hair oil. [Emily Brown, age 15, sister]
THURSDAY, 29—[no entry]
FRIDAY, 30—Went to the village again. Mailed 2 letters. Don’t get my hair oil yet. I believe Allen is lying to me.
[Page missing, looks like it was cut out.]
F E B R U A R Y
February, FRIDAY, 6, 1863—The snow has kept all my scholars today most. Millholland and I went to Kirks’ tonight.
SATURDAY, 7—Went to the village today. Loafing around all day. Weighed today 127 ½ lbs.
SUNDAY, 8—Went to meeting today. Saw Lib Dodd—now Mrs. Jones. Saw also Mr. and Mrs Batchelor. Burn hay.
February, MONDAY, 9, 1863—Started to go over on the flats to meeting tonight but got as far as the corner and turned back because it began to rain.
TUESDAY, 10—Went to the village tonight. Bought a valentine for my true love. Got my hair cut.
WEDNESDAY, 11—The school commissioner visited my school today. Gave me a good recommend.
February, THURSDAY, 12, 1863—Bought some yarn today from Mrs. Hartley, 6 pence a knot. Went down to Elias Robbins’ tonight. Learnt something tonight that will do me good.
FRIDAY, 13—Kirk’s woman is sick today. Went to the village tonight and got my boots fixed. Morty had a dance. Hartley was on a tear.
SATURDAY, 14—Valentine’s Day. Went over to Fosdick’s and staid all night. He has got Headley’s first volume of the great rebellion. [The Great Rebellion; A History of the Civil War in the United States by J. T. Headley, Volume 1 published 1863]
February, SUNDAY, 15, 1863—Went over to the chapel to meeting tonight and was convinced of my sins and the necessity of fleeing from the wrath to come and I pray God I may someday come to him and be blessed that he will…
MONDAY, 16—….forgive me my sins, throw His protecting arm around me and keep me in his fold. My hand is to the plow and by the help of God I will not turn back. Went to Dodd’s to board.
TUESDAY, 17.—Went to meeting tonight and came forward again for prayer & I hope am blessed.
February, WEDNESDAY, 18, 1863—My birthday today. Let out my school for the rest of the week to make applications for a school this summer. [Oscar Irving Brown was born in 1845 and would have been 18 years old on his birthday in 1863.]
THURSDAY, 19—Applied for the Cleveland school. Am told to apply again. Applied for the North Bay school but it is taken.
FRIDAY, 20—Went to South Corners, McConnelsville, West Camden, and home. All schools are taken in the county.
February, SATURDAY, 21, 1863—Went to Florence. Saw Mr. and Mrs. Abbott and their girl. Went to Redfield. All the schools seem to be taken.
SUNDAY, February 22—Got back home in time to go to meeting. Went also on the flats in the evening. Had a good meeting and a big crowd.
MONDAY, February 23—Went down to Kirks to night and seen his baby. Nothing else unusual today.
February, TUESDAY, 24, 1863—Went to meeting tonight. Although the minister did not come, we had a good meeting.
WEDNESDAY, 25—Went to meeting on the flats. George came to visit my school today and I went to meeting with him.
THURSDAY, 26—Promised George that I would commence to pray in school but I could not pluck up enough.
February, FRIDAY, 27, 1863—This morning I prayed. Went kinder hard but I did my duty. Went over on the flats tonight to meeting. Got Alec and James Clark forward.
SATURDAY, 28—Went to Constantia & applied for that school. Then went to the [Central] Square and applied for that & then to Brewerton in the night but am too late for them all.
M A R C H
March, SUNDAY, 1—Came from Brewerton today and had a nice time facing the east wind. Have not ate anything since morning yesterday till 12 o’clock today.
March, MONDAY, 2, 1863—Whipped the largest and oldest scholar in school tonight—the hardest job I have had this winter but they must mind or take it.
TUESDAY, 3—Had a still school today. My large girls are mum. So be it. Went to meeting tonight and heard Wells preach for the last time I suppose.
WEDNESDAY, 4—Nothing unusual today, only I am a ruler out. But never mind, it will all come out right in the end.
March, THURSDAY, 5, 1863—One of my large scholars left school today. Well, I can’t help it if she can’t come to school and behave. She were better out of it.
FRIDAY, 6—Was told this morning that her sister was not coming anymore because I made her pile up some wood she tore down, but she was here, but sober as an owl. Went to meeting.
SATURDAY, 7—Visited Miss Robbin’s school today. I think I can come right home for a good school yet.
March, SUNDAY, 8, 1863—S. was up to Clark’s today. Went to meeting in the afternoon. Had prayer meeting at Dodd’s.
MONDAY, 9—Went to Hartley’s tonight to bid them goodbye & staid all night.
TUESDAY, 10—Went to meeting tonight and had quite a talk with Ham Robbins. He wanted to fight pretty bad.
March, WEDNESDAY, 11, 1863—Aaron Vandeburg was here this afternoon. If he comes again, he will behave himself or I shall ask him to leave. Went to Davis’s and staid all night.
THURSDAY, 12—Jane Ann Feeler visited my school today. Went up to Clark’s and staid all night. Talked with Tom Hartley about buying his cow. He wants $30 for her.
FRIDAY, March 13—Closed my school today. All went off well. Went over to Fosdick’s and staid all night. Settled up with him.
March, SATURDAY, 14, 1863—Went to the village today and swore to my report. Garber has hired their old teacher. Bought cow of Fosdick. Gave him $33 for her.
SUNDAY, 15—Went to meeting today but it spoilt my [day]. Old Mrs. Dodd makes me shake hands with her.
MONDAY, 16—Started for home [Osceola] today with my cow. Tired her out but we got home all right.
March, TUESDAY, 17, 1863—Bought some hay of [John] Vanderwalker for my cow. Went over to Wilson’s tonight with Mother to see the school marm.
WEDNESDAY, 18—Chopped a couple loads of wood to day on Lucius Wilson’s. Fixed manger for my cow.
THURSDAY, 19—Ground my ax today. Chopped a little wood. Went down to the school house to meeting tonight. Bought 4 bushels of potatoes @ 3/_.
March, FRIDAY, 20, 1863—Chopped a little more wood. Got a letter from father. Also one from Emily. Wrote one to her and father and Carver.
SATURDAY, 21—Went to Camden today for some things. Saw Miss Moyer there. Rode down with John Wilson and had to walk back.
SUNDAY, 22—Went to meeting today down to the school house and heard Mr. Dimblebee preach. Went to prayer meeting this evening.
March, MONDAY, 23, 1863—Chopped a little wood today and run around some. Chopped till a bloodblister came on my hand.
TUESDAY, 24—Went up to Coy’s and Blackman’s mill for some baswood boards but did not get them. Got some barks for my blood.
WEDNESDAY, 25—Done almost nothing today. Chopped a little wood and read the rest of the day.
March, THURSDAY, 26, 1863—Chopped wood today. Went up to Wileout to carry Charley and then went after him. Did not go to prayer meeting. [Charley Brown is his younger brother].
FRIDAY, 27—Donation tonight at Hanis, but I was too poor to go. They all wondered why I did not.
SATURDAY, 28—Mother went to Oceola today. She hain’t been there in most 2 months but I hain’t been there in 3 years. But that is no matter.
SUNDAY, March, 29, 1863—It has snowed hard all day. I guess there was no meeting today. If there was, I did not go.
MONDAY, 30—Nothing done today, only played on the accordion a little. Mother came home tonight and Emma with her.
TUESDAY, 31—Got a letter from father today. Went to the village this afternoon.
A P R I L
April, WEDNESDAY, 1, 1863—Nothing done to day—only lounged around.
THURSDAY, 2—Commenced to study Phonography today. I am going to stick to it this time. [Phonography—the science or practice of transcribing speech by means of symbols representing elements of sound; phonetic transcription. A system of shorthand based on phonetic transcription.]
FRIDAY, 3—Studied all day today. Getting along finely.
April, SATURDAY, 4, 1863—Studied today chopped the rest of my wood. My cow calved tonight—a little bull calf, a fine fellow. Went to Wilson’s this evening to plague Betsy.
SUNDAY, 5—Went to meeting this forenoon. There was no preaching. Went to meeting in the evening.
MONDAY, 6—Killed my calf this morning. Studied all day. [Killing a calf may seem strange to us today but it may have been an economic necessity during the Civil War. A bull calf cost considerable to raise; farmers had to weight the cost versus the return on their investment.]
April, TUESDAY, 7, 1863—Went to Camden today to sell my calfskin. Got $6 for it. Went up to Wilson’s tonight with Emma. [Wilson’s may be the Cleveland House hotel owned by A. M. Wilson.]
WEDNESDAY, 8—Tried to get a horse to take Emma home but could not get one. Studied today.
THURSDAY, 9—Went to the woods to get some sugar. Did not get any. Went to Wilson’s and got some.
April, FRIDAY, 10, 1863—Went to Camden today to get my boots fixed. Got a letter for Mary.
SATURDAY, 11—Boiled sugar today with MacMullen. Boiled till after 11 o’clock. Hard work. Vanderwalker sugared off 100 lbs.
SUNDAY, 12—Went to meeting today. The folks sugared off while I was gone. Went to meeting this evening.
April, MONDAY, 13, 1863—Tapped some more trees today. Mc done a nice job stingy as an old coon. but let him go.
TUESDAY, 14—Gathered sap today. We went to syrup it off tonight and burned it. Mac is down now.
WEDNESDAY, 15—Sugared off today. Made 11 or 12 lbs. Got through sugaring for this year, I guess.
April, THURSDAY, 16, 1863—Studied today some and laid around some more. Rained all day.
FRIDAY, 17—Went to Wilson’s today & ground my ax. Got Betsy’s picture away from her. Chopped a little wood.
SATURDAY, 18—Chopped some more wood today. Got a letter from Emily. Bought some hay of Wilson.
April, SUNDAY, 19, 1863—Went to meeting to day & heard Elder Simpkins preach. Went to prayer meeting in the evening.
MONDAY, 20—Got Mary’s honey today down to the Snack’s. Got my wood drawed.
TUESDAY, 21—Started to go to New London but changed my mind and went to Oneida. West wants me to work for him.
April, WEDNESDAY, 22, 1863—Tried to hire to Gowg [?]. I could work for him if I would wait 2 or 3 weeks. Went down street with Emily.
THURSDAY, 23—Came to New London today & hired out to Henry Bissill @ $20 per month & 25 in the fall.
FRIDAY, 24—Came home today. Got home by noon. Charley’s shoes were too small.
April, SATURDAY, 25, 1863—Went to Camden today & changed Charley’s shoes. Could not change the stove. Saw Mr. Abbott & Seth Duncan.
SUNDAY, 26—Went to meeting today. Went to Lax’s child’s funeral this afternoon. Went to prayer meeting this evening.
MONDAY, 27—Sawed up my wood & cleaned out my cellar today.
April, TUESDAY, 28, 1863—Keon [?] plowed my garden today went up to Lucious’ and got ½ bushel of potatoes.
WEDNESDAY, 29—Plowed some early potatoes today. Got bushel & a half of potatoes of John. Was sick all the afternoon.
THURSDAY, 30—Finished planting my potatoes today went to prayer meeting tonight.
M A Y
May, FRIDAY, 1, 1863—Went to a trouting today. Got 10 pretty good ones. Went over to Wilsons tonight.
SATURDAY, 2—Cut some beanpoles today & got some greens tonight. Hannah came here to night.
SUNDAY, 3—Went to meeting today and heard Simpkins preach. There was no prayer meeting tonight.
May, MONDAY, 4, 1863—Rained all day today. Done nothing today. Hannah went home.
TUESDAY, 5—Set my beanpoles & finished my garden today. All ready for a start.
WEDNESDAY, 6—Started for New London today but only got to Otis Spencer’s. Staid all night there.
May, THURSDAY, 7, 1863—Got to New London today. Got here at noon. Drawed out manure this afternoon. Commence work to day for Henry Bissell.
FRIDAY, 9—Drawed manure all day today. Go a jag of hay [?] tonight.
Went down to the village tonight.
SATURDAY, 9—Finished drawing out our manure today. Dragged the potato patch over.
May, SUNDAY, 10, 1863—Bissell has not come yet. Sat around all day today. Bissell came tonight.
MONDAY, 11—Planted potatoes today. Bissell is going to stop & fix his boat up.
TUESDAY, 12—Spread manure today. Commenced sleeping on the boat tonight.
May, WEDNESDAY, 13, 1863—Clark has gone to Camden today. Ploughed all day.
THURSDAY, 14—Ploughed some today but the rain drive me off. Got a jag [pile] of hay to night.
FRIDAY, 15—Chopped today. Clark came home today.
May, SATURDAY, 16, 1863—Dragged the corn ground today and planted the garden. Sowed the peas.
SUNDAY, 17—Sat in the house all day today.
MONDAY, 18—Chopped again today. All 3 of us chopped in the afternoon.
May, TUESDAY, 19, 1863—Bought a pair of boots today. Chopped again today.
WEDNESDAY, 20—Drawed stone today. My boots hurt my feet so I cannot wear them.
THURSDAY, 21—Planted corn today.
May, FRIDAY, 22, 1863—Drawed stone again today.
SATURDAY, 23—Went to Andrew Bissell‘s to work for him today. Drove his team. Kane came down here tonight.
SUNDAY, 24—None of us went to meeting today. Had to visit with Kane.
May, MONDAY, 25, 1863—Planted corn for Aidle, the Dutchman. It is rather funny to hear him ask the blessing in Dutch [German].
TUESDAY, 26—Drawed dirt today all day. Bissell got his boat on the dock today.
WEDNESDAY, 27—Went to scraping pitch off from the deck today. Not very nice work. Burnt my face bad.
May, THURSDAY, 28, 1863—Mr. Clark and I had a scrape again today. My face [burnt]. Bought a bottle of sweet oil to put on it.
FRIDAY, 29—Painted today on the sides. That went better. My face feels [tight] like a base drum.
SATURDAY, 30—My face is better today. Painted in the forenoon & drawed dirt in the afternoon. Took a swim tonight.
May, SUNDAY, 31, 1863—Went home today to see the folks. Bissell wanted me to get John Cassel to go & drive but he would not go. Saw Mrs. Feeler.
J U N E
June, MONDAY, 1—Chopped wood in the forenoon & went to cleaning out the cellar in the afternoon.
TUESDAY, 2—Finished clearing the cellar this forenoon & went to the village this past p.m. Saw John Wilson.
June, WEDNESDAY, 3, 1863—Made fence all day today & came pretty near working all night. 11 o’clock & after when I got to bed.
THURSDAY, 4—Got up late this morning. Bissell did not like it much but did not say anything. Painted today.
FRIDAY, 5—Went to painting today but it looked like rain so we quit & went to drawing dirt.
June, SATURDAY, 6, 1863—Drawed dirt again today. Bissell wanted me to lose time this afternoon to go to Tuttle’s bee but I couldn’t see his ponch [?].
SUNDAY, 7—Got up late again this morning. Bissell did not say anything—only opened his mouth. Read all day.
MONDAY, 8—Drawed dirt again all day. I am getting to be quite an Irishman.
June, TUESDAY, 9, 1863—Worked on the road today. Bissell was too lazy to hold scraper so I had to hold all day.
WEDNESDAY, 10—Bissell discharged me this morning. Settled up. Charged me $1 for his horse. Went home.
THURSDAY, 11—Done nothing all day but rested my weary limbs.
June, FRIDAY, 12, 1863—Bought some cloth today for shirts; only $1 per yard. Went over to Wilson’s this evening.
—- Starts to work on the Erie Canal —-
SATURDAY, 13—Left home this morning for good. Hired out to Al Clark for $20 per month and tonight he told me he did not want me.
SUNDAY, 14—Laid around all day today
MONDAY, 15, 1863—Hired out to Dutch Page for $18 per month. Got a team in before we had towed a mile.
TUESDAY, 16—Got into Syracuse this morning. I would like to have went & seen the folks but could not. Drove an extra team tonight.
WEDNESDAY, 17—Met John Coys back on Montezuma marsh. Seen Simpson & had a talk with him. Was out in the rain this morning.
June, THURSDAY, 18, 1863—Got into Rochester about 10 o’clock tonight. Saw nothing of any interest today.
FRIDAY, 19—Nothing unusual today on I stemmed [struck] a bridge this morning & knocked a hole in the boat. I guess [?]
SATURDAY, 20—Got into Lockport tonight. Seen Jo Hadcock & Gebe Woodard this afternoon.
June, SUNDAY, 21, 1863—Got into Buffalo this afternoon. Did not go off from the boat.
MONDAY, 22—Laid still all day today. Have not stirred from the boat since I came here.
TUESDAY, 23—Came up to the coal yard & begun to unload tonight. We had nothing to do with the unloading. We let it out.
June, WEDNESDAY, 24, 1863. Finished unloading today. Went to the elevator to load tonight.
THURSDAY, 25—Loaded this morning before breakfast & shoved around into the canal. Have got to wait till tomorrow morning for a team.
FRIDAY, 26—Started from Buffalo this morning before daylight. Drove an extra team tonight. Got to be up all night.
June, SATURDAY, 27, 1863—Nothing unusual today. Got aground to Albion but soon got off again.
June, SUNDAY, 28—Went through Rochester this p.m. Was all the afternoon going through the Brighton locks.
MONDAY, 29—Met Henry Bissell [of Verona] this morning. He was up on deck superintending operations.
June, TUESDAY, 30, 1863—Came through Montezuma tonight. Mosquitoes was so thick as I never see—big as pumpkin seeds almost.
J U L Y
July, WEDNESDAY, 1—Went through Jordan this morning. Got aground this afternoon twice in the mud.
THURSDAY 2—Left Syracuse at 1 o’clock a.m. Got to Canastota at 12 p.m.
July FRIDAY 3, 1863—Took a team away from the driver this morning. He would not tow along & was saucy. Saw Jerry Brown and Gebe Woodard.
SATURDAY 4 [4th of July]—Came through Utica this morning. Saw the fireworks to Frankfort in the evening by laying in the crowd.
SUNDAY 5—Went through Little Falls this forenoon. Saw Coy’s boat this afternoon.
July, MONDAY, 6, 1863—Left a letter at Burtonville P. O. for mother. Saw Joseph Scoville this afternoon.
TUESDAY, 7—Left Schenectady this morning. Got through the locks at 11 o’clock p. m. Jess & I had a row.
WEDNESDAY, 8—Got into the river this morning. Towed down to Albany & took the tow for New York [City] at 2 p.m. Got over the bars alright.
July, THURSDAY, 9, 1863—Went through the Highlands tonight. There was a cloud on the mountain which partly hid it. Oh, was it not nice! [Hudson River Highlands near West Point]
FRIDAY, 10—Saw a school of porpoises this morning playing around the boat. Got into [New] York [City] about noon. Went right over to Brooklyn and laid [by].
SATURDAY, 11—Went over to [New] York [City] a spell this forenoon. Saw Tom Hartley. Traded my watch for a soldier’s coat.
July, FRIDAY, 12, 1863—Staid around on the boat all day today. Took a little ride this evening on the river.
MONDAY 13—Received an order to go & unlock. The [New York City Draft] Riot commenced today. I was down street & seen some of it. In Clarkson Street they hung a negro [named William Jones] to a tree and then set him on fire.
TUESDAY 14—The riot still goes on. They can’t unload us because the men are all gone to the riot.
July, WEDNESDAY 15, 1863—Last night was an awful night. A great many men was shot. You could hear the shots just like a 4th of July in some village.
THURSDAY, 16—Our elevator was afraid to come over today on account of the mob so we laid still all day.
FRIDAY 17—Went to the city of Washington [Washington Heights] to finish unloading but the rain knocked us off before we got through.
July, SATURDAY 18, 1863—Finished unloading today. Saw the city of Washington start quite a sight. Took the tow tonight. Tom Hartley is in the same tow.
SUNDAY 19—Went through the Highlands this morning. Everything was very nice.
MONDAY, 20—Got to Troy this morning. Was all day getting through the locks & all night.
July, TUESDAY, 21, 1863—Hit a boat in the stern at Schenectady. Hit her lightly but the Captain had to pay $5 which he says I have got to pay—but I guess not!
WEDNESDAY, 22—There is a break in the canal at Canajoharie. We got into the crowd this forenoon at Auriesville. We shall have to lay here a spell.
THURSDAY, 23—Had a muss today with Jess. But he can cod [?] me anymore. Done nothing all day.
July, FRIDAY, 24, 1863—Went to see Delly today. Found [him] in the meadow a mowing. He has growed some. Was glad to see me. [His brother Adelford Brown, age 13, seems to be boarding with a farmer named Hernstreet and working for him.]
SATURDAY, 25—Staid here all day & visited. Hernstreet is a nice man, I guess, and Delly has got a good place.
SUNDAY, 26—Came back to the boat today. Hempstreet [Hernstreet?] and Delly came & brought me.
July, MONDAY, 27, 1863—Straitened out of the crowd this morning. Went by the break. It was a bad looking sight.
TUESDAY, 28—Was towing through the crowd all day. Not a very nice job.
WEDNESDAY, 29—Wedged the “Herrick” in the aqueduct this forenoon. Had a little fuss at the Frankfort lock.
July, THURSDAY, 30, 1863—Got home to New London this morning. Laid here all day on the dock. Straitened out again tonight. Saw Father today. [His father was William Brown, New London, Verona, Oneida, NY]
FRIDAY, 31—Arent Homer threw me overboard this morning, but never mind. I will fix him.
A U G U S T
August, SATURDAY, 1—Went through Rochester this morning. Nothing unusual today.
August, SUNDAY, 2, 1863—Got into Buffalo tonight. Tied up and went to bed.
MONDAY, 3—Freight is low. I guess he will paint. Took my washing off.
TUESDAY, 4—Went to painting today. Painted all around her.
August, WEDNESDAY, 5, 1863—Painted her deck today.
THURSDAY, 6—Painted her cabin to day and all around her again. Jack Guess wanted me to go with him. I wish I had.
FRIDAY, 7—Quit Homer [Page?] and went with Phil House. He gives me $25. Homer would only give me [ ]. Started from Buffalo this afternoon.
August, SATURDAY, 8, 1863—Had to take off some of our load to Tonawanda. Both drivers quit today. Sent $8 home. Cap is on a tan [drunk?].
SUNDAY, 9—Hired 2 more drivers today so we are all right again. The Cap. spent all his money yesterday.
MONDAY, 10—One of our drivers drowned a horse for us today. Drawed around a bow in open daylight. [?]
August, TUESDAY, 11, 1863—They stopped us last night at Rochester. Her overrun $24 worth and had no money to pay it.
WEDNESDAY, 12—Laid here all day. Phil went to Buffalo and has not got back.
THURSDAY, 13—Started on again today.
August, FRIDAY, 14, 1863—Kept on again today. Tied up tonight at Montezuma.
SATURDAY, 15—Towed from Montezuma to Peru. John and the driver had a fuss at Weedsport.
SUNDAY, 16—Came through Syracuse. Tied up at Harter’s tonight.
August, MONDAY, 17, 1863—Got to New London tonight about 10 o’clock. Tied up for the night.
TUESDAY, 18—Laid here all day. Got a horse and went on again. Got no letter at Rome. I wonder what is the reason.
WEDNESDAY, 19—Went through Utica this morning. Nothing happened today. Steered through little falls tonight for the first time.
August, THURSDAY, 20, 1863—Went along all quiet today.
August , FRIDAY, 21—Got into the crowd tonight at Clute’s Dry Dock. Laid in the crowd all night.
SATURDAY, 22—In the crowd all day dropping along. Got to the locks just at night. All night going through the locks.
August, SUNDAY, 23, 1863—Got into Troy this morning. All day going to Albany on account of the crowd. Got to Albany just at night.
MONDAY, 24—Did not unload any today. He was waiting to sell the load. Shifted some of the lumber tonight—a bad thing.
TUESDAY, 25—Commenced to unload ourselves today but he let it out before night.
August, WEDNESDAY, 26, 1863—They was all day at work at us to get us out tomorrow. There was a stock of lumber on her.
THURSDAY, 27—Finished unloading us today but we will not go out. He has not settled up yet.
FRIDAY, 28—Started off again this morning. Was all day getting up through the locks.
August, SATURDAY, 29, 1863—Went along all right today but tonight I hit a boat pretty hard. He was going to get a warrant for us but did not.
SUNDAY, 30—Came through Utica today. Found out I was drafted but they can draft me as much as they have a mind to. [In March 1863, the Union Draft Act was passed making all men between 20 and 45 subject to military duty. A lottery was held in July 1863 which led to the Civil War Draft Riots that Oscar witnessed in New York City in July.]
MONDAY, 31—Laid still all day at New London. Ed Bekham will sell his boat I guess.
S E P T E M B E R
September, TUESDAY, 1, 1863—Ed sold the boat today away from Phil and skinned him alive too, I guess. Went home this afternoon to get my exemption papers [made] out.
WEDNESDAY, 2—Went down to Camden today with mother & got my papers. Happened to come across Doctor Yates who was the best man I could have to get to swear to my age. Went back to New London tonight.
THURSDAY, 3—Got on with George Castle today to steer for him. As he is going East, I can stop to Utica and get discharged.
September, FRIDAY, 4, 1863—We came up to the crowd last night. Laid still all day. Saw Jess Armstrong today. The boat will be along in a day or 2 and I will get my pay.
SATURDAY, 5—Went down to Utica today and got discharged but had a hard time getting it. Saw Homer tonight and rode with him but he could not pay me now.
SUNDAY, 6—Came through Utica today. Got down to Frankfort in another crowd towards night.
September, MONDAY, 7, 1863—Got down through the crowd now I guess. We will have a clear run through now I think.
TUESDAY, 8—Went along all smooth today.
WEDNESDAY, 9—Got down to the locks about 10 o’clock p.m. Had a clear run.
September, THURSDAY, 10, 1863—Got into Troy about 4 a.m. Got into the river and hitched onto the telegraph and started about 11 for [New] York [City]. Got over the bar all right.
FRIDAY, 11—Went along slowly today but the wind blowed some this p.m. making us take in water.
SATURDAY, 12—Got into [New] York City] this p.m. all right and sound.
September, SUNDAY, 13, 1863—Laid around the boat all day. Went & saw the soldiers in Castle Garden this evening. [Castle Garden was on the Battery in Manhattan where immigrants were held when they first arrived. Union recruiters went there to enlist soldiers.]
MONDAY, 14—Went over to the Atlantic dock, Brooklyn, to unload. Went uptown tonight.
TUESDAY, 15—Went to unloading today. Took out 3,550 bushels. Passed measures all day. Saw a couple of gunboats.
September WEDNESDAY, 16, 1863—Took out 3,525 bushels today. Saw a prize boat—the Dolphin—captured by our blockading squadron.
THURSDAY, 17—Finished unloading this a.m. Went to Pier 46, East River, to put on railroad iron. Could not put it on today.
FRIDAY, 18—They could do nothing to us today. Got my hair cut today, shorter than I ever had it before.
September, SATURDAY, 19, 1863—Put on 419 bars of iron today. Went uptown this a.m. to Chatham Street to buy me a vest. Hitched on to the tow tonight for Albany.
SUNDAY, 20—Last night was the roughest night I ever saw. I thought we would sink surely. The wave rolled right over us and we are leaking badly too.
MONDAY, 21—Got aground this morning below Castleton. Did not get into Albany till afternoon. Laid in Albany all night.
September, TUESDAY, 22, 1863—Towed up to Troy today. Got through the 16 ? by 9 o’clock p.m. There is a break [in the canal], they say, up here about 25 miles.
WEDNESDAY, 23—Got into the crowd [corrall?] at about 7 o’clock this afternoon. Went on to the dry dock today. Had 2 holes in her bottom that made her leak so.
THURSDAY, 24—Straitened up this forenoon. Saw Kettle this afternoon. Had quite a blow up with ?? The one who steers against me.
September, FRIDAY, 25, 1863—Went through Schenectady today. Lost a tow line & whiffletrees while we laid there. If my trick had been on, I should have to pay for them.
SATURDAY, 26—Kept along with the crowd.
SUNDAY, 27—Got through the crowd today.
September, MONDAY, 28, 1863—Came through Little Falls today. Got our figurehead stole. I’m glad of it. It was a mean thing anyway.
TUESDAY, 29—Got home today to Canastota. Saw all the good-looking gals. There is a Brian [?] talking about buying the boat.
WEDNESDAY, 30—Got into Syracuse this morning. Tied up tonight because we did not know the river.
O C T O B E R
October, THURSDAY 1, 1863—Got through Fulton today. Got into Oswego tonight.
FRIDAY, 2—Went to unloading today but the rain made us quit.
SATURDAY, 3—Finished unloading today. Shoved up to the dry dock to get a new rudder. Went to the theater tonight.
October SUNDAY, 4, 1863—Went to meeting this forenoon. Saw Dundas Havill. Took dinner at his house. Went to Catholic meeting and then took a walk.
MONDAY, 5—Commenced loading today with feed. Working all day in the hold.
TUESDAY, 6—Finished putting on feed and put on some flour. Went down to the city tonight. Gave Havill’s folks a call.
October WEDNESDAY, 7, 1863—Finished loading today. Was robbed today of 4 or 5 dollars worth. Went down to the city tonight.
THURSDAY, 8—Started out this morning. Went as far as Fulton and tied up. Went and got some chestnuts this forenoon.
FRIDAY, 9—Started out again and go as far as Liverpool and tied up for the night.
October SATURDAY, 10, 1863—Went through Syracuse today. Went and saw Talbot’s folks. Was very glad to see me—all but Olive. She did not seem to care. [The 1860 census shows that the Talbots lived next door to Oscar’s parents in Constantia and Olive Crofoot was listed as a domestic in their home. The Talbot’s and Eunice Crofoot were school teachers. Olive Crofoot became Oscar’s wife after the war and is the mother of Curtiss Crofoot Brown and Oscar J. Brown.]
SUNDAY, 11—Got to Constantia this forenoon. Settled up with the captain and going home from Kowa.
MONDAY, 12—Got home this morning. Found Mother and Emily gone to Oneida.
October TUESDAY, 13, 1863—Dug 2 bushels of potatoes today and went to school meeting tonight.
WEDNESDAY, 14—Went up to Empeyville this forenoon to see about that school but it was taken. Started for the lake this afternoon.
THURSDAY, 15—Applied for the north bay school but I guess it won’t amount to much. Applied for the Union school but he don’t want to hire yet.
October FRIDAY, 16 , 1863—Applied for the school at Constantia but Brown don’t like to hire me. Says he will write. Guess I can have the Dakin’s Bay school. He says he will write. Got home tonight.
SATURDAY, 17—Dug potatoes today.
SUNDAY, 18—Went to meeting today.
October, MONDAY, 19, 1863—Finished digging my potatoes today.
TUESDAY, 20—Went to Camden today. Got measured for a new overcoat—only 23 dollars.
WEDNESDAY, 21—Went to see Center today. Had a bad bill and went to get it changed.
October THURSDAY, 22, 1863—Studied all day today.
FRIDAY, 23—chopped a little wood today & studied the rest of the day.
SATURDAY, 24—Went down to Camden today & got my overcoat. Got a letter from North Bay. They have hired another man.
October SUNDAY, 25, 1863—Went to meeting today. Went to prayer meeting tonight.
MONDAY, 26—Started for the lake today. Saw Ed Beebe to Camden. Got to Constantia before night. Pra [?] is gone to Syracuse.
TUESDAY, 27—Staid around all day. Went up to Daffler’s tonight and saw the girls. Pra did not get home tonight.
October WEDNESDAY, 28, 1863—Laid around all day waiting for Pra but he did not get here till night.
THURSDAY, 29—Saw Pra this morning. He did not want to let me have the school but he did after a while. Went up to Clark’s and staid all night.
FRIDAY, 30—Started for home today. Stopped at Hartley’s and seen the old woman. Got home before night.
October SATURDAY, 31, 1863—Done nothing all day today. Quieted myself Brownstone and lard [?].
N O V E M B E R
November SUNDAY, 1—Sat around all day today. Sarah Scoville came up to our house & Mrs. Keon gave her a blowing up.
MONDAY, 2—Done nothing today. Drawed up a little wood.
November, TUESDAY, 3, 1863—Went up to Thompson’s this morning and got some beef. Got in my cabbage & turnips.
WEDNESDAY, 4—Sold my cow this morning for $20 and started for the examination at the creek. Rode down with Doolin’s team.
THURSDAY, 5—Was examined today and get my [Teacher’s] Certificate. Chaffee did not want to give me one but he did.
November, FRIDAY, 6, 1863—Came down to Constantia today. Done nothing all day.
SATURDAY, 7—Laid around all day. Could not find the key to the schoolhouse.
SUNDAY, 8—Went to Julia Phillip’s funeral today as one of the [pall] bearers. Cyrus was to [ ]. He got home last night.
November, MONDAY, 9, 1863—Commenced my school today with 26 scholars. Everything went off right.
TUESDAY, 10—Every thing lovely today. Maria Flora & Miss Irving was up to Dickies and opens the evening.
WEDNESDAY, 11—Nothing unusual today. Kept 7 after school. Went to prayer meeting tonight and did not get up and speak.
November, THURSDAY, 12, 1863—Everything is going off well. Went to prayer meeting tonight.
FRIDAY, 13—Everything quiet. Miss Irving visited my school today.
SATURDAY, 14—Nothing unusual today.
November SUNDAY, 15, 1863—Went to meeting to the church today.
MONDAY, 16—Had a lot of new scholars today. I shall have more work to do now.
TUESDAY, 17—Tom Hadcock is going to give me some trouble, I think. I’ll trim him.
November WEDNESDAY, 18, 1863—Gave Tom Hadcock a licking today. I’ll fix them if they don’t behave. Saw Cyrus tonight. Had quite a time.
THURSDAY, 19—School went off very well today. Went to prayer meeting tonight to the church.
FRIDAY, 20—Licked two of my boys today—Od Schoville & John Cvly [?]
November, SATURDAY, 21, 1863—Sat around all day. No school today. Read Among the Pines. [Among the Pines. Or, South in Secession-time, by Edmond Kirke. Published by James Roberts Gilmore 1862.]
SUNDAY, 22—Went to church today. Prentiss gave me a talking to. Oh well.
MONDAY, 23—Nothing unusual today. Everything quiet.
November, TUESDAY, 24, 1863—Everything quiet today. All well. Rec’d an invitation to Ingersoll’s to a party. I am [little] larger than I was two years ago.
WEDNESDAY, 25—Went up to Ingersoll’s tonight. Had no time at all. Had two visitors this afternoon—Sally Phillips & Frank Carter. Had another visitor.
THURSDAY, 26—Went to Sally Phillips’ tonight. Had quite a time.
November, FRIDAY, 27, 1863—Everything on the square to day—as quiet as usual.
SATURDAY, 28—School today. The scholars don’t like it much. They have not had to go Saturdays before in some time.
SUNDAY, 29—George Bartlett’s funeral sermon was preached today. A full house.
November, MONDAY, 30, 1863—Had a snag of new scholars today. Have got quite a school now.
D E C E M B E R
December, TUESDAY, 1—[no entry]
WEDNESDAY, 2—Went to prayer meeting tonight but did not do anything towards helping it along.
December THURSDAY, 3, 1863—[no entry]
FRIDAY, 4—Met at Mr. Holmes to sing tonight. Brown did not let me have any money tonight as he agreed to.
SATURDAY, 5—Started for Syracuse today but did not do much. Got some books on trust. Saw Talbot & his folks. Got me no clothes.
December SUNDAY, 6 , 1863—Went to meeting today in the church and after church went to the school house to class meeting.
MONDAY, 7—Some more new scholars today. I have got a room full and my hands full now. My books went through.
TUESDAY, 8—Sent for some more books today.
December, WEDNESDAY, 9, 1863—Thrashed two boys today. They must behave.
THURSDAY, 10—My books came last night but they were the wrong ones, most of them.
FRIDAY, 11—Had quite a fuss today. Whaled Tom Hadcock so he felt it and he made quite a fuss. Most of the boys took his part.
December, SATURDAY, 12, 1863—Everything quiet today. Got trusted for a pair of pants to the tune of $7.36.
SUNDAY, 13—Income of Prince of Wales
Cornwall estate $3,500,00
Landed Property $125,000
Parliament $550,000
“ for Wife $250,000
Total $4,425,000
December, MONDAY, 14—Measured today 5 feet, 9 ½ inches.
December TUESDAY, 15, 1863
James Belknap Dr
By Borrowed 1.58
Charles Groff Dr
Zo Ziare 1.58
December 16 through December 31—[no entries]
M E M O R A N D A
Jan 1st—Due me from district roll Constantia $19.50.
Received $5.33 from district on last years wages balance due $13.17 Have to pay from money on hand $1.08 for washing last year. Have to pay the trustee 05. for last year. For pass for Blackwells Island. Go to No 1 Bond Street N. Y. [Blackwells Island is now Roosevelt Island and housed an insane asylum at the time and a poor house.]
Oscar I. Brown, Co. A, 10th New York [Heavy Artillery];
To My Mother, Elizabeth Brown, Camden, Onondaga, New York
J A N U A R Y
January, Friday, 1, 1864—Oscar I. Brown, Camden, Oneida Co, NY. Co A. 10th N. Y. [Heavy] A., Adjutant’s Office, Albany Barrack.
January, Saturday, 2, 1864—To find a square whose area is the same as that of a given circle, multiply the diameter of the circle by 0.8862.
To find the side of a square contained in a circle, multiply the diameter of the circle by ‘7071.
January, Sunday, 3, 1864. through February, Friday, 19, 1864—[pages blank]
F E B R U A R Y
February, Saturday, 20, 1864—Today I enlisted in the 10th New York Artillery for 3 years unless sooner discharged for which I am to receive $702 and for which I am to serve my country honestly and faithfully and to the best of my ability.
February, Sunday, 21, 1864—Went up to Grandfather’s today to bid them goodbye. I probably shall not see them again for over 3 years—and maybe never—but we must hope for the best.
February, Monday, 22, 1864—They raised $25 for me down to the flats today to count for that town [to meet its draft quota] which I shall do. James enlisted today noon. We started about 3 P.M. for Camden to take the train for Watertown in the morning. James and I got home about 8 p.m. They don’t know we have enlisted and we shall not tell them. We told them we was going to buy calve skins for Cowles.
February, Tuesday, 23, 1864. We got to Watertown about 2 p.m.. today but when we got there, we found we could not get a furlough after we were mustered in and drawed our bounty and we was going to come back home but they said we could swear in and then go home and not muster till we came back, so we did and started for home on the 8 p.m. train. Got to Camden at 11:30. Staid there all night.
February, Wednesday, 24, 1864—Had some photographs taken this morning and started for home. Got home about 2 p.m. I told them I had enlisted but they could hardly believe me at first. They don’t like it much but it was my time to go and I am going.
February, Thursday, 25, 1864—Father and I went to see Mrs. Murdock’s place today. They want to buy it so as to have a home. I then went down to Mr. Cain’s to see the folks and also into Simpson’s. Folks all seem to be well but some surprised at my enlisting. Went over to Brewster’s tonight to a party and it was some party, I tell you.
February, Friday, 26, 1864—Father went up to Florence to see Widow Murdocks to see her about that place. I went to Camden to get my pictures but they were not done. Too bad because I wanted to take one to Alice and Hannah but it can’t be helped now.
February, Saturday, 27, 1864—Started to see Alice this morning. Come across Henry Marble on the cars and had quite a pleasant ride to Rome. I got to Carver’s about 8 o’clock this evening. Alice was glad enough to see me. She has growed a considerable since I saw her last which was a year last Christmas.
February, Sunday, 28, 1864—Visited pretty well to day. I like Carver’s folks first rate and Alice has got a good place. Went to meeting this afternoon—Alice, Mr. Carver, and I. Saw Bradford Stewart, a young man in the company that father was in.
February, Monday, 29, 1864—Started this morning for York Mills to see Hannah and Emma. Carver went to the Depot with a load of apples and Alice went with us to the schoolhouse. I bought me a pen and pair of gloves to the depot. I got to the Mills about 5 p.m. Found the girls and went to supper with Hannah and then we went and spent the evening with Emma.
M A R C H
March, Tuesday 1, 1864—Visited with Hannah and Phoebe Hall this forenoon and started for home this afternoon. Got home about 9 o’clock p.m. I ran around Camden about an hour trying to get my pictures and did not get them after all.
March, Wednesday, 2, 1864—Went down to Camden again for my pictures but could not find the artist. I guess I shan’t run anymore for them. He can keep them. Running 4 miles there and back 4 times for nothing ain’t what it is cracked up to be. Cain’s folks tried to get up a party for my honor but failed. Oh my.
March, Thursday, 3, 1864—Ran around this forenoon. Talked with Father and he made up his mind to go with me to Watertown so we started this afternoon instead of waiting until morning as I calculated. I don’t want to get home again in one while if it is so hard to part. We got to Watertown about 8 o’clock. Went to the Kirby House and went to bed.
March, Friday, 4, 1864—Cowles came up this morning with the rest of the men. We was mustered in this afternoon. Got our bounty and clothes and started off for Albany on the double quick. They would not take Father on account of his teeth. I took my $200 and got a check with it and my $100 I had made over to Vandewaker to get for me and put it all in the bank.
March, Saturday, 5, 1864—We got to Albany this morning about half after 6. Marched up to the barracks, stood around about 2 hours, and then got in the barracks. I was hungry and went to the cook room for something to eat. They gave me a chunk of sour bread and some salt beef, but I was hungry and I knawed on it till I was satisfied. It was my first breakfast soldiering.
March, Sunday, 6, 1864—Sunday today, but no Sunday here—not a bit different from what it was yesterday. We go out on inspection in the forenoon and stand out about 1 hour while they clean out the barracks. We get bread and salt beef to eat and sometimes soup. Oh, it’s nice.
March, Monday, 7, 1864—Got our breakfast this morning and then went on inspection. We had bean soup for dinner. Our barracks are brick. They used to be a schoolhouse. They are warm and comfortable. There are 2,000 men in it so they are pretty crowded.
March, Tuesday, 8, 1864—It is the same today and everyday—all alike. Eat, sleep, and grow fat. Tonight there was a row in the barracks. The officers put guards to all the doors after dark and would let no one out. And they [the boys] made a row—smashed in the windows and carried out sundry actions too numerous to mention.
March, Wednesday, 9, 1864—The windows out the back side of the barracks look pretty hard to day but it served them—the officers—right. They had no business to put a guard at the doors. I am detailed to go in the Adjutant’s Office as clerk. We shall get a little more pay and better accommodations. I go in the morning.
March, Thursday, 10, 1864—Went to the [Adjutant’s] Office this morning. There is nothing to do for 2 or 3 days as there is no blanks [military forms]. We did not have any better victuals than we did in the barracks and they make a row about some stinking butter which they had and the contractor said we might go without our meals and draw our rations as the rest of the men did.
March, Friday, 11, 1864—This morning we waited for our breakfast till 9 and then took our cup and plate and went and got our rations as the rest of the men did. It goes rather hard but the major said he would see to it that we had our meals as they should be.
March, Saturday, 12, 1864—Found this [diary] book this morning. It probably belonged to Edward P. Smith as his name was in it but I could not find him, so I appropriated it. Commenced to keep my cash account today. The boys had quite a time this afternoon when they got to snowballing and throwing plates and kept it up for some time. Done nothing all day for want of blanks.
March, Sunday, 13, 1864—Nothing going on today. I got a letter from home containing six of my photographs. Wrote a letter to mother and one to Hannah and the rest of the time lounged around. I would have gone to church if I had a good suit of clothes.
March, Monday, 14, 1864.—We done nothing at all today. Wrote a letter for Charlie Groffs.
March, Tuesday, 15, 1864—Went down to the city. Have a standing pass so I can go when I have a mind to. Got some paper collars. Our [blank] rolls came today so we had to work this afternoon. Our table ain’t set yet. I begin to think that we won’t have it anymore.
March, Wednesday, 16, 1864—Wrote all day today and part of the evening. Wrote a letter to Ellen Allen. The 10th [N. Y. A.] was paid off today but there was 35 names left off and mine was amongst them. But the Adjutant said he would have them put on tomorrow.
March, Thursday, 17, 1864—Made out the rolls for the 16th Artillery today. They make out passes for us today and said that mlf [?] would start up tomorrow. Stow was drunk tonight.
March, Friday, 18, 1864—Made out the pay rolls today for our men that was left off the other rolls. We signed them tonight. We shall get paid tomorrow. Wrote a letter to Sallie Phillips to day.
March, Saturday, 19, 1864—Got paid off today. Went down town today to get a check but the banks were shut before I got there. Bought a suit of clothes today. Cost me $24. Went down to the theater tonight. Lent Sam Thompson $5 till he is paid off.
March, Sunday, 20, 1864–Went to the cathedral this forenoon. Did not like the services much. Went to meeting to Division St. to meeting. Saw a considerable carrying on there and not much religion in it. Wrote another letter home.
March, Monday 21, 1864—Went down to the Express Office tonight and sent off my money. Expressed about $600 for some of the other boys. Got me a set of Chess men and a chess book. Got home to the barracks before 10 o’clock.
March, Tuesday, 22, 1864—Worked all day today and when I did not work, I played chess with a Whit Mills. When we begun, he could beat me all to pieces, but this evening we played 3 games and I beat him 2 of them. Got a letter from Dolly.
March, Wednesday, 23, 1864—Went down to the theater tonight. The play was Colleen Baron. The 10th [N. Y. A.] boys went off today. There was 380 went in all. I almost wish I had gone too. I shall get lonesome. I don’t get any answers to my letters. Lizzie Loveland played fool with me tonight sure but I will fix her.
March, Thursday, 24, 1864—Staid in the barracks today and worked all day. Cannot get any letters from anybody anymore. I would like to get a letter to see how it looked once. Gave up keeping a cash account as I am all mixed up, so that it is more bother than it comes to.
March, Friday, 25, 1864—Went down to the city today and saw Ed and Alf Champlin. I got some notions to the pawn shop in Pearl Street and sold them out this evening. I did not make much but I will try again tomorrow.
March, Saturday, 26, 1864—Went down to the city today and got some more things and sold them out and almost doubled my money. I had $14 and when I got through I had $26.45. There was a man shot tonight for trying to desert. Served him right.
March, Sunday, 27, 1864—Worked on the rolls almost all day. There were 2 or 3 men went off today. I went to meeting tonight to the Methodist meeting house on James Street and was well used in every respect and pressed to come again.
March, Monday, 28, 1864—Did not do much of anything today. Garrett went home today on 10 days furlough. Went down to the city tonight. Liz [Loveland] wanted to see me but I could not see her there. Bought me a large pen today—an awful big one. Also bought me a hat. Cost me $4.75.
March, Tuesday, 29, 1864—Worked hard all day today and till 11 o’clock at night. Wrote a letter to Hannah and Mother today. Got no letters today. I would like to get one or two just for luck.
March, Wednesday, 30, 1864—Laid around again all day. Did not do enough to stick in my eye. Went down town tonight to see the gals. Went to the Gayety. It is the worst place I ever was in yet in the shape of a theater. [The Gayety Theatre was located on the east side of Green Street, south of Beaver Street, and was sometimes referred to as the “old Green Street Theater.” John Wilkes Booth played there. It was eventually destroyed by fire.]
March, Thursday, 31, 1864—Staid downtown all night last night at No. 21 William. Had a pretty good time generally. Got to the barracks about 7 o’clock this morning.
A P R I L
April, Friday, 1, 1864—Some fooling going on today. The boys are cutting up all day. Had a considerable to do all day.
April, Saturday, 2, 1864—Got off another squad of men today. Worked hard again. I am getting sick of this business. All work and no pay don’t agree with me.
April, Sunday, 3, 1864—Worked again today till night. Then Preland and I went to church. It is a hurrying time now and we have got plenty to do.
April, Monday, 4, 1864.—Work. Work. Work.
April, Tuesday 5, 1864—Work more yet. I tried to get to the city tonight but could not do it. Too much work to do. Work.
April, Wednesday, 6, 1864—Got down to the city today and made a stay of it till night. Got my photographs taken today. Will have them Saturday. I am going to the regiment out with the next squad. Can’t fool me.
April, Thursday, 7, 1864—Garrett got back tonight just in the right time for we have got enough to do and not help enough either. Breland don’t get off as much work as Garrett.
April, Friday, 8, 1864—Work again. But I will soon be out of it. I am going to my regiment tomorrow. WORK! How are you, WORK.
Saturday, April, 9, 1864—Packed up my things today. Lost my chess men. I believe Whit stole them. Got my photographs. Sent home 7. Sent home a blanket and 2 vests. Started about 7 for [New] York [City]. Got some cigars and sugar to sell. They went off like shot. Had a stateroom and everything nice.
April, Sunday, 10, 1864—Got to [New] York [City] this morning about 8. Lost my gloves at a saloon. Got on a transport in the afternoon. Got some cigars and tobacco to sell. Got a stateroom on the boat. I’m going to have my ease when I can. I found $85 on the boat that one of the men lost. Went ashore in the evening with some of the ship’s men.
April, Monday, 11, 1864—Laid in the river all day. I went to buying pies to speculate on. They cost me 10 cts. I sold them for 20 cts. I bought over 300 and sold them most all. I have to pay 12/_ a day for board but never mind, I’ll make it up.
April, Tuesday, 12, 1864—Laid all day still. Bought some more pies. What fools soldiers are when they have got money. Started this afternoon. Went down as far as Sandy Hook and anchored. I have to do all the commissaries work—giving out the rations. Berry does nothing.
April, Wednesday, 13, 1864—Started on again this afternoon. The sea is pretty rough but I guess they will stand it. The men still keep buying pies. They will come up as soon as they get seasick. Some of them don’t feel very well now.
April, Thursday, 14, 1864—Lost my pocket book this morning with $137 in it. We are making good time now. The sea is smooth as can be. We are out of sight of land this morning.
April, Friday, 15, 1864—Still going it at a good rate. We will get into the Chesapeake tonight. There are two men on here with the sweat board and they are fleecing the men at a great rate.
April, Saturday, 16, 1864—Got into the Chesapeake Bay last night about 2 o’clock. The bay is wider than I had any idea of. We are out of sight of land on both sides this morning. The ducks are thick enough.
April, Sunday, 17, 1864—We anchored last night just below Mt. Vernon. We passed Mt. Vernon while I was at breakfast so I did not see it. We got to Alexandria about 10 a. m. We landed and went up to the [Soldier’s] Rest. Got there about noon. There was 500–600 men packed in one room and about 2,000 old veterans. Camped outside all night. I never saw such a jam in my life.
April, Monday, 18, 1864—Started from the [Soldier’s] Rest about noon. Got to Fort Lyon about 2 p.m. The boys were glad to see me. The surgeon told me he wanted me for his secretary over to the hospital and would have me detailed. It will be a good berth. [Fort Lyon was a timber and earthwork fortification constructed south of Alexandria, Virginia as part of the defenses of Washington, D.C. It was situated on Eagle Hill south of Hunting Creek, then known as Cameron Run. From its position on one of the highest points south of Alexandria, the fort overlooked Telegraph Road, the Columbia Turnpike, the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, and the southern approaches to the city of Alexandria.]
April, Tuesday, 19, 1864—Run around all day today seeing the sights. Fort Lyon is a nice place. Can see Washington and Alexandria plain.
April, Wednesday, 20, 1864—Done nothing all day today. I went to see the surgeon about having me detailed. He saw the colonel but he did not like to have me detailed before I learned the drill. I had rather wait too.
April, Thursday, 21, 1864—Drilled a little today with Lens [?] gun. I am in a hurry to get the drill learned. There is a pile of soldiers going by here to the front. There are a good many will never come back. [Fort Lyon was garrisoned by the 15th New York Heavy Artillery Regiment until the Spring of 1864 when they were ordered to join Grant’s Overland Campaign as infantrymen, serving in the 5th Army Corps. The troops observed passing the fort were being mobilized to join Grant.]
April, Friday, 22, 1864—Got my gun and equipments today. I can drill now as good as the men that came here 4 weeks ago. I have drilled 4 hours. The Captain sent for me this evening and told me to get a coat, cap, and pair of pants.
April, Saturday, 23, 1864—Drawed me a coat, cap, and pair of shoes today. I got a first rate coat. Cleaned my gun today. Did not drill any as we have to get ready for Battalion drill tomorrow.
April, Sunday, 24, 1864—Had inspection today. We recruits did not go out with the rest of the company as we did not have any [shoulder] scales. We was very glad of it as it is pretty hard work to march 2 or 3 hours with a gun, knapsack, and accoutrements.
April, Monday, 25, 1864—Drilled some more today. It is getting to be easier for me. Wrote a letter home today. Also one to E. A. There are a good many soldiers going by here to the front.
April, Tuesday, 26, 1864—Done a little more drilling today. Drilled for the first time on artillery. That is rather heavy work. Saw an advertisement in the Waverly [Advocate] for a correspondent by Lillie Talbot, Station D in N. Y. City and answered it.
April, Wednesday, 27, 1864—Saw a sight today I never saw before—Burnside [moving] with 30,000 men, with artillery and baggage, for the front. They was about 15 hours going by here. Went on battalion drill today. We don’t drill separate any more but drill with the company.
April, Thursday, 28, 1864—Took a dose of physic last night. Consequently did not feel very well. Went on battalion drill but did not go on artillery drill. Robert Harris went to the hospital today pretty sick.
April, Friday, 29, 1864—There was a man shot today for deserting. He took it coolly enough. There was no drill this afternoon as we are going to be mustered tomorrow for pay and we must get ready for it. [The soldier executed for desertion was Scott James, 2nd New Hampshire Infantry.]
April, Saturday, 30, 1864—We was inspected today and mustered for our pay. That was all the drill we had. Had some biscuits and butter for supper tonight down to Andrew Murdoch’s. We mustered for $40 bounty and 40 days pay.
M A Y
May, Sunday, 1, 1864—Had inspection today. Went to Smith’s outside of the pickets. Went around a considerable. Got a letter from Lampry today. He had some considerable news to write.
May, Monday, 2, 1864—Wrote home again today. I don’t get any letters from the folks yet. I don’t like this pretty much. But I’ll will get one by and by, I guess. Drilled as usual. Battalion drill from 8 ½ till 10 ½ a.m. Artillery drill from 4 till 5 p.m.
May, Tuesday, 3, 1864—Drilled today again. Fired blank cartridges on battalion drill—that’s fun, but it is work to clean your gun after it.
May, Wednesday, 4, 1864—We was inspected this afternoon by Gens DeRussey and Howe. We made a very good appearance, so they said. The captain said he never wanted us to behave better.
May, Thursday, 5, 1864—Went on guard today for the first time. Have done well all day. Have not made a single mistake. It was a fine day so I could not dislike it much. Three Colonels visited our fort today.
May, Friday, 6, 1864—Came off guard this morning pretty tired. I could not sleep last night—I had such a bad cold. Had to work all the forenoon cleaning up. The countersign last night was “Toledo.” Got a letter from Lillie Talbot today.
May, Saturday, 7, 1864—Had to work this forenoon at policing till I was so faint I did not know what to do. Had to get ready for inspection tomorrow.
May, Sunday, 8, 1864—Had another inspection today. Wrote 2 letters today—one to mother and one to Lillie Talbot. Had a letter from Sallie Phillips. There is some big fighting going on down to the front [the Wilderness west of Chancellorsville]. It commenced Thursday.
May, Monday, 9, 1864—There is a great rush for papers by the boys now when the newsman comes around. Done our drilling as usual. Wrote a letter to Sallie Phillips. It is getting pretty hot here now. General Sedgwick was killed today.
May, Tuesday, 10, 1864—The boats coming up the [Potomac] river are loaded down with wounded men. Also the cars coming in from the front. I am detailed tonight for guard tomorrow.
May, Wednesday, 11, 1864—Got on Captain’s orderly today. They pick out the best looking and cleanest man—or pretend to. I don’t like it very much but it will do on a rainy day and it rained today. General Wadsworth was shot today.
May, Thursday, 12, 1864—Had nothing to do today. My gun was clean so I laid around all day. News are coming in pretty fast now and we are getting the best of it. But we have lost two good Generals—Sedgwick and Wadsworth. Sent my suit of clothes home today.
May, Friday, 13, 1864—Am on police today but it rains so I have not done much. We had a cup of beer today with our dinner. The Captain is getting extravagant.
May, Saturday, 14, 1864—All getting ready for inspection again tomorrow. A pretty good thing this inspection is. I like it first rate.
May, Sunday, 15, 1864—Had our inspection today of course. Wrote a letter home today.
May, Monday, 16, 1864—Went on guard again today. They are cutting this regiment all up. Two companies went off this morning to a fort about a mile from here.
May, Tuesday, 17, 1864—Came off guard this morning and had to go on monthly inspection this afternoon. Borrowed $1 from J. Harris today. There was four more companies went away this afternoon. They have cut our company into just half of it in Fort Weed about 40 rods [220 yards] from here.
May, Wednesday, 18, 1864—Went over to the hospital today and got some medicine for my cold. We did not drill today.
May, Thursday, 19, 1864—We all had to work today policing around the quarters. I have got to go on guard tomorrow.
May, Friday, 20, 1864—On guard today No. 1 [post], first relief. We will go on guard about every other day now. I must get Colonel’s Orderly once in a while. Captain’s Orderly has played out. There are so few men for duty.
May, Saturday, 21, 1864—Come off guard this morning. The countersign last night was “Syracuse.” Got ready for inspection tomorrow. Got a new gun and set of accoutrements today.
May, Sunday, 22, 1864—Had inspection today. There was a regiment of militia came here last night. They are pretty raw. Don’t seem to know much about military matters.
May, Monday, 23, 1864—Was on fatigue today. Cleaned up my gun and things. Slept in the fort tonight.
May, Tuesday, 24, 1864—Was on guard today again. Nothing unusual today—
May, Wednesday, 25, 1864—Come off guard today. Marching orders come this morning to get ready to march at 3 o’clock. Packed up what I could not carry and sent it home. Got all ready and then wrote to all the folks.
May, Thursday, 26, 1864—We have not gone yet but are all ready to start tomorrow at 6 a.m. All the other companies came here today. We don’t know where we will go yet but expect to go to front.
May, Friday, 27, 1864.
Started this morning about 6, marched down to Washington to get on the steamers the boys some of them throwed away their coats some their blankets and some their knapsacks. We got to Washington about noon. We drawed 5 days hard tack and 100 rounds of cartridge some of the men were drunk as could be.
May, Saturday, 28, 1864—We anchored last night, passed Ft. Lookout about 11 a.m. Entered the Rappahannock about 5 p.m. We are going through an enemy’s country and have to keep a sharp lookout. This is a nice country here. I would not want a nicer country to live in.
May, Sunday, 29, 1864—We anchored last night. Started on this morning and ran aground about 8 o’clock. Did not get off till dark and lay at anchor. I went in a swimming and was put under arrest for it but they released us about dark. There was a slew of boats ran aground today.
May, Monday, 30, 1864—We started on again this morning and got to Port Royal about noon. The rest of the regiment got here about noon yesterday. We had a gunboat to convoy us up. Port Royal is no place at all hardly. There is some few good houses around here and gardens but they are all guarded—every house. We have got to start for the White House on York River in the morning.
May, Tuesday, 31, 1864—We packed up and started about 3 p.m. and marched about 5 miles. I throwed away my knapsack after we had marched a mile. I lost my gun near night. We camped about 6 p.m. There was more than 10 wagon loads of clothes burned up at Port Royal today.
J U N E
June, Wednesday, 1, 1864—We got up about 4 o’clock but did not get under way till about 7. We marched 10 miles before we stopped. A great many men fell out. I had to take one of the men’s gun at noon. If I had had a load to carry this forenoon, I could not have marched as far as we did. We marched through Bowling Green this afternoon. It is quite a pleasant place—or has been. Marched 17 miles today.
June, Thursday, 2, 1864—We got up bright and early this morning and started off but was bothered all day with the wagons. We heard heavy firing this afternoon in the direction of Hanover C. H. [Battle of Cold Harbor]. Marched about 10 miles. We got as wet as rats and had to sleep with our wet clothes on. I drawed me another gun today and had to carry two guns for a long time.
June, Friday, 3, 1864—We was on the rear guard today and I never want to be there again. We marched 22 miles and did not get in camp till after 10 o’clock. I went out foraging this afternoon and got a quarter of veal. I eat up all my rations this morning and I have got to live somehow. We passed Ellis this noon. It was a nice country all through here before the war.
June, Saturday, 4, 1864 Crossed the Pamunkey River this morning at Hanovertown. We passed through where they had the fight yesterday. There was two lines of breastworks that our men drove the Rebs from. We got to Burnsides Headquarters about 4 p.m. and moved out to the front about 8. I saw Burnside about 7 p.m. There was some pretty sharp firing out to the front and he was going out.
June, Sunday, 5, 1864—We was packed up by 7 o’clock. Drew our rations and went out to the field [where] we was drawed up in line of battle on a hill. The Rebs spyed us and shelled us out. One shell went through the ranks, killing one man in Co. K [?] and knocking down 5. We went into camp behind some woods but bullets kept coming through the camp every little while. Wrote a letter home this afternoon.
June, Monday, 6, 1864—Our boys had quite a rub last night. The Rebs made a charge on our works but in about 20 minutes our boys drove them off. We was drawn up in line and marched out a piece but the firing ceased and we came back. We worked today on a battery to mount 8 guns. The Rebs throwed a few shells over there. It is reported that Burnside has crossed the Chickahominy [River] at Bottom’s bridge. The Rebs are on our right flank anyway.
June, Tuesday, 7, 1864—The Rebs shelled us out of our camp last night and we had to go in the woods on our left and camp. We lay there till this afternoon when they shelled us out again and again we had to move. The Rebs throwed about 20 shells over to us this morning but we did not stir. I went out in the 5th line of rifle pits to see some of the 81st [New York] boys this forenoon.
June, Wednesday, 8, 1864—We lay out all night in an open field. We worked on some rifle pits today to cover our selves. We moved in the ditches tonight. We are fortifying ourselves pretty well now. I went about two miles today to see the boys in the 147th [New York] but could not find them. They have gone to Bottom’s Bridge, about six miles from here.
June, Thursday, 9, 1864—We finished our work today. We have got ourselves pretty well fixed now. The Rebs would not have a very nice time coming at us here. I went on guard tonight at the Colonel’s Headquarters.
June, Friday, 10, 1864—Was on guard today. Everything is getting quiet on the front. The Rebs are getting quite civil.
June, Saturday, 11, 1864—We had orders to get ready to march. Probably to go in the pits. The 2nd Pennsylvania went out this forenoon.
June, Sunday, 12, 1864—We packed up this morning. We are going to the White House [on the Pamunky River] and then around to Butler. We started about 12 and got to the White House about 7. It was the hardest marching I ever done. The Sanitary Commission done all they could for us after we got there. They gave us tea and crackers and one of the boys gave me a can of soup. I never was so tired in my life.
June, Monday, 13, 1864—Got on board of a transport for Bermuda [Hundred] about noon. We went to Fortress Monroe that night before we stopped. Did not see it as we got there after dark. There was 7 companies of us on one boat.
June, Tuesday, 14, 1864—Got to Bermuda [Hundred] about 10 a.m., turned around, and went up the Appomattox [River] about 3 miles and landed. We marched about 2 miles and camped to wait for the other part of the regiment. They came up about 7 p.m. We have got orders to march at two in the morning.
June, Wednesday, 15, 1864—We started about 2 a.m. and traveled till daylight when we came on the Rebs. But we drove them in and followed them up. The Negroes took the first line of pits and 2 guns. We then went in advance and came on the Rebs in a fort on a bluff. We skirmished till night when our boys charged on the east side and took it. We took 13 guns and 500 prisoners. I don’t think we lost a great many men—not over 50 at any rate.
June, Thursday, 16, 1864—We went to work today and changed the front of the fort. About night we opened on them and made 3 or 4 charges. There was warm work for about 3 hours when they quit. Our boys took 3 lines of rifle pits and a large number of prisoners. We was in line and marched around all over but was needed nowhere. We snatched a little sleep on the ground about 12 o’clock.
June, Friday, 17, 1864—Went on the skirmish line today. We did not do much as the Rebs were pretty scarce. They did not show themselves much and we did not care to [either]. We was relieved at 8 p.m. and marched to Point of Rocks. Our boys had some more work on hand tonight but I don’t know how they made it.
June, Saturday, 18, 1864—We got here about 3 a.m. We camped and drew rations of beans, dried apples, vinegar, and several other little things. We will probably lay off a little time now. We received our mail today—the first one we have had since we left Fort Lyon. I got one from Dolly and one from N. Y. but none from home.
June, Sunday, 19, 1864—We drew each a loaf of soft bread today—the first I have tasted since I left Fort Lyon. I wrote home today and to Dolly. We are having a noble rest and we need it.
June, Monday, 20, 1864—I done up my washing today and wrote to New York. We drew some new clothes today. I drew a shirt and haversack. We had orders to be ready to march at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning for some place. We don’t know where.
June, Tuesday, 21, 1864—We started about 7 a.m. and went right back in the place where we started from in the rifle pits. Nothing unusual happened on the march. Royce and Penny came back today from Washington. They don’t look quite as smutty as we do.
June, Wednesday, 22, 1864—We lay still all day today. Our forces are a considerable farther on from where we were when we were here before. Nothing happened today. We got another mail but I did not get anything.
June, Thursday, 23, 1864—We expected to go on picket last night but did not. We go on tonight. Laid around all day. The Rebs shelled us most all day. We drew rations for 4 days tonight. We started about 9 p.m. for the rifle pits but did not go in the front line. We was in the support.
June, Friday, 24, 1864—Laid all day in the [rifle] pits. It is a pretty warm place here. The Johnnys wont let a fellow show his head much before he gets it shot at. We were ordered to charge and the captain went to the rear very sick. But when the order was countermanded he got well mighty sudden. I got a letter from mother today the first one I have had since I left Fort Lyon.
June, Saturday, 25, 1864—We got all ready to charge last night but the order was countermanded. There are about 150 of our men laying in front of us that have lain there since last Saturday night. They smell awful bad. The Rebs made a charge and we took 140 prisoners and killed as many more with little loss on our side. Wrote to Emily today.
June, Sunday, 26, 1864—We moved up further to the left last night. There are a great many men in these [rifle] pits now and we are losing some in the regiment. Lieut. [Leeman A.] Rising is very sick and went to the rear this morning. We have got but one real officer with us now and that is [John H.] Westcott. Got a letter from Emily today.
June, Monday, 27, 1864—Still in the pits. Nothing occurring unusual today. We were relieved tonight after being in four days and nights.
June, Tuesday, 28, 1864—We laid still all day. They got us up last night to go on the left but it was a false alarm. We started for the [rifle] pits again tonight.
June, Wednesday, 29, 1864—We laid all last night out to the front. Our boys dug a new line of pits about 30 rods in advance of our old line. We expected to be attacked but was not. The Rebs did not discover it till daylight. They shelled us pretty well all day. We went to go in this morning but Capt [John S. Vanderburgh [Co. F] did not get us off and we had to lay here all day. Andy Murdock [of Co. A] was wounded today pretty bad in the right shoulder.
June, Thursday, 30, 1864—They put us in the [rifle] pits this morning. There was pretty sharp firing all day. There was a charge ordered at 5 o’clock p.m. on the left and our lines kept up a heavy fire for a long time. The Rebs tried to shell us out but could not do anything. They throwed about 30 shells per minute for half an hour when the firing ceased. I don’t know what results attended the move but I guess not much. We mustered for $32 more which makes about $86 due.
J U L Y
July, Friday, 1, 1864—[Edward] Sweeney [Co. A] was wounded yesterday and Billy Redfern [of Co. A] today—both slightly in the leg. Nothing occurred last night or today unusual. We were relieved this evening and went to the rear. Dan Petrie was detailed as sharpshooter and Tom Howard [Co. A] as teamster.
July, Saturday, 2, 1864—Had a good night’s rest last night. The diarrhea is troubling me some today—in fact, pretty bad. Got a letter from Emily and one from Mother today.
July, Sunday, 3, 1864—Went to the hospital today. The diarrhea troubles me awfully. We drawed whiskey today. I think it done me all sorts of good. I got a letter from Lillie today with her photograph.
July, Monday, 4, 1864—4th of July, and how different from the 4th at home. There is nothing today going on any more than other days. The company went into the [rifle] pits last night and before they had got in, a shell wounded three men. Corporals Tolly Monroe and Bill Haas left me in the hospital and I feel pretty hard up. We drew a ration of whiskey today.
July, Tuesday, 5, 1864—Nothing today unusual I feel no better this hospital is just no place at all. I shall go to the company tomorrow. I got a potato today—the first one I have had since the 26th of May and probably won’t get another in a month more.
July, Wednesday, 6, 1864—Went to the company this morning. They came in from the rifle pits last night. Nothing happened today. We all laid in our tents and rested. Saw Lt. Shoney [Sperry?] from the 147th [New York]. I am going to see them tomorrow if we don’t leave here.
July, Thursday, 7, 1864—Went this morning and found the 147th but I saw no one but Ezra [M.] Bedell [of Constantia]. All they other boys are dug out. But [Alavandus] Plumb was shot only 2 or 3 days ago. [Plumb of Constantia was KIA 22 June 1864] There was only 10 men in the Company left. We went in the [rifle] pits again tonight.
July, Friday, 8, 1864—Nothing unusual today for the place we are in. The Johnnys made a dash this afternoon but just for a spree I guess. There was a considerable firing but it did not amount to much. No one in our company hurt as yet.
July, Saturday, 9, 1864.—Very still all night last night and quite calm today. The sharpshooters are not so thick on the other side, I guess, or they would be bringing down more men I think. We were relieved as soon as it was dark enough. Not a man hurt in our company this time out, and but ten [wounded] in the regiment.
July, Sunday, 10, 1864—We were got out this morning bright and early for action but it all blowed over and we pitched our tents again. They expected an attack from the Rebs I believe. Had inspection and then had meeting. The Chaplain read four prayers and dismissed us. He only gets $125 per month. We drew clothing tonight.
July, Monday, 11, 1864—Worked nearly all day on the clothing account for the company so I was kept pretty busy. Nothing of interest going on. It rains some this evening but not much. We went in the [rifle] pits again tonight. Wrote to Lillie Talbot today.
July, Tuesday, 12, 1864—Nothing unusual occurred today. The sharpshooters are pretty lively on both sides. There was a Rebel band came up within hearing about 8 a.m. and played Home Sweet Home, Dixie, and several other tunes. The Johnnys asked us how we liked that and one of our boys told them to come over here and we would give them Dixie. I guess they thought we would for they did not come.
July, Wednesday, 13, 1864—Was relieved tonight. Again drew bread today. Nothing occurred along the line today. Got a letter from Mother today and answered it.
July, Thursday, 14, 1864—They fooled us around all day today getting into a new camping ground. We drew 3 potatoes and a piece of ham today. It tasted good. We drew another ration of bread tonight. We have not had any apples in some time. They marched us out to work tonight leveling down the batteries we took a month ago.
July, Friday, 15, 1864—Was pretty tired today. They worked us all night and we could not get any sleep today on account of the flies. We went into the [rifle] pits tonight. Our regimental hospital was broken up today. Things looks here as if we was agoing to leave before long or something else.
July, Saturday, 16, 1864—We was in the same place we were in before—a pretty good place too. Nothing going on at all—only a little sharpshooting. We are in the second line of pits. We went in the first line tonight after dark.
July, Sunday, 17, 1864—Nothing going on at all. The sharpshooters are pretty quiet. It is not so comfortable in this line as it is in the rear lines. They are old pits by the side of the road and there are trees all along. We were relieved at dark.
July, Monday, 18, 1864—Came in and camped. They got us up at 2 this morning expecting a charge by the Rebs but it did not come. Capt. [Elisha H.] Tobey came back last night. We had dress parade tonight. We drew potatoes, bread, fresh beef, onions, soup, and lot of good things. Our cooks have got a considerable assortment of vegetables on hand.
July, Tuesday, 19, 1864— It commenced to rain this morning and rained steady all day. Mud will be deep enough now. We went in the [rifle] pits again tonight. They were all full of mud and water. We bailed out the water and got brush and laid down.
July, Wednesday, 20, 1864—Was quiet all day today. We went into the front line this evening expecting an attack by the Rebs but they did not come and we went back in the rear line in the morning.
July, Thursday, 21, 1864—All quiet as usual today. We were relieved again to night. There was an awful heavy cannonading in the night and I expected there would be a fight but there was not.
July, Friday, 22, 1864—We had Regimental inspection today. Dell Sayles and Fin Shoney came over to see us today. They had a canteen of whiskey and a box of cookies. I took right hold of the cookies. They were the first I have had since I came down here. Was writing all the afternoon for the company.
July, Saturday, 23, 1864—Nothing occurred today at all unusual. We done up all our washing and went into the [rifle] pits tonight. All was quiet through the night.
July, Sunday, 24, 1864—It was very cool today all day. Not much firing all day. It begins to rain about 6 p.m. with prospects of its raining all night. We went into the front line as soon as it was dark.
July, Monday, 25, 1864—It rained all night last night and we were in a pretty muss. Our holes got full of water and the mud was nearly a foot deep. The sun came out warm in the day. We did not catch cold, many of us, but it was a wonder. We were relieved tonight again.
July, Tuesday, 26, 1864—Went on guard today. Nothing unusual. Everything is quiet all along the lines but an occasional bit of artillery practice. Capt Tobey got his discharge tonight.
July, Wednesday, 27, 1864—Came off guard this morning. Was writing almost all day for the Capt. He was turning over his command to Lt. [John H.] Westcott. We went into the pits again tonight—this time in rear of a battery which is not a very nice place if there is any cannonading.
July, Thursday, 28, 1864—Nothing out of the usual line occurred during the day. I wrote to Mother at night. Our folks got to throwing shell and the Johnnys returned the compliment, throwing them right into us, but fortunately no one was hurt.
July, Friday, 29, 1864—We lay very still all day. James got a little box by mail today with some medicine in it. We were relieved tonight by the 2nd [Amy] Corps. We went down to camp but had not been there but a few moments till we had orders to go on the left and support Burnsides [9th] Corps. We started about 12 and arrived in position and laid down to wait for proceedings which are to commence in the morning by the blowing up of a rebel fort.
July, Saturday, 30, 1864—Our folks sprung the mine this morning at 4 ¼ o’clock which brought us to our feet in double quick time. They opened with artillery and throwed shell for 1 ½ hours and then a charge was made. There was charging and counter charges all the forenoon when the music ceased. We went to the rear about ½ a mile and camped or laid down. We laid there all the afternoon and then went back into our camps. Our men got possession of two lines of works but the Johnnys drove them out again. I have not heard the last.
July, Sunday, 31, 1864—We got up at 2:30 and went out into the picket line where the 10th Army Corps was. The lines are only about three rods apart. There was some mortar firing in the afternoon. There was musketry all the time continually. We were in the rear line of pits all day but went into the picket line and staid all night. That is getting too close to the Rebs for me.
A U G U S T
August, Monday, 1, 1864—We came off picket this morning and laid in the rear line till night and then went back into camp. Nothing occurred during the day. They throwed a few shells into us during the afternoon and wounded Bellinger. There was a flag of truce up all the forenoon. They buried three dead men in front of us who were shot on the 18th day of June.
August, Tuesday, 2, 1864—We laid in camp all day. I took it easy. We drew a whole cod today each—one of the greatest rations I ever heard of. All quiet today.
August, Wednesday, 3, 1864—We had a good time cooking our cod. Nothing out of the usual run of business. Our sutler came down tonight. We went into the [rifle] pits again tonight. I wrote to Mother again today.
August, Thursday, 4, 1864—We went in the same place we were in last time we were in. Everything quiet all day. We drew a mackerel this time.
August, Friday, 5, 1864—Nothing going on today till about 6 p.m. when the Rebs attempted to blow up our picket line. But their aim was short and did us no hurt. There was a great deal of noise—shelling and musketry—but not much damage done.
August, Saturday, 6, 1864—I was hit to day in the shoulder, bruising me slightly. I went to the rear at night but shall not go to the hospital. Everything quiet on the lines.
August, Sunday, 7, 1864—Laid around all day. Nothing to do or see. It is the most Sunday-like Sunday I have seen down here. One of the Sanitary [Commission] preached to the 89th. The boys came out of the [rifle] pits at night. Wrote home and to Emily.
August, Monday, 8, 1864—We lived good today anyway. Al got a check for $2 and we eat it all up in the course of the day, besides a dollar that I had. We eat crackers, cookies, and cheese all day.
August, Tuesday, 9, 1864—We did not do anything today. We went into the [rifle] pits again tonight.
August, Wednesday, 10, 1864—The Rebels are firing shell all the time with their mortars which makes it not a very nice place around here. Got a letter from Emily today. Not any firing this afternoon.
August, Thursday, 11, 1864—There was no firing all night last night and none today. Our boys changed a paper this morning. James and I were detailed this afternoon to guard an ammunition train.
August, Friday, 12, 1864—I went on guard today. Only had to wear my side arms. There was some hard shelling this morning out to the front.
August, Saturday, 13, 1864—The 10th [NYHA] went off this morning for Washington. We probably will be relieved and follow them. James is in a great stew now. He is so afraid we won’t follow them he don’t know what to do.
August, Sunday, 14, 1864—Went over to see Lew Anringer today. He is a sharpshooter. There is nothing going on here of any interest.
August, Monday, 15, 1864—There was a freshet here today that cleaned out this ravine pretty well. It took down all the camps commissaries, sutlers, and all that came in its way. There was some men drowned but I don’t know how many.
August, Tuesday, 16, 1864—Things look hard around here today. I am on orderly today. I went out in the [rifle] pits in the course of the day. It is as bad there as elsewhere. I came very near being shot too.
August, Wednesday, 17, 1864—Nothing very much out of the way today. There was an awful cannonading tonight. I was on the hill back of our camp looking at it. It lasted for two hours and then ceased and we went to bed again.
August, Thursday, 18, 1864—We were relieved today and ordered to report to the regiment. Glad of it too. We were back almost to the Depot and staid all night so as to be ready to start in the morning.
August, Friday, 19, 1864—Got on the cars this morning and rode down to City Point, took the boat for Washington, got as far as Fortress Monroe, and laid all night for fear of the wind.
August, Saturday, 20, 1864—Started this morning again and got to Washington about 7 p.m. Went up to the [Soldier’s] Rest and staid all night.
August, Sunday, 21, 1864—Started for the regiment after breakfast. Crossed the river at Aqueduct bridge. Got to the company about noon. They were at Fort Albany. They had been paid too. They were paid the 17th.
August, Monday, 22, 1864 through August, Sunday, 28, 1864—[pages blank]
August, Monday, 29, 1864—Detailed this week to write, making out the pay rolls so I shall be writing all the week.
August, Tuesday, 30, 1864 through September, Friday, 2, 1864—[pages blank]
S E P T E M B E R
September, Saturday, 3, 1864—The company moved today up to Fort Tillinghast about 1 mile from Fort Albany.
September, Sunday, 4, 1864––[page blank]
September, Monday, 5, 1864—Returned to company duty this morning. On guard this week down to the engineer camp.
September, Tuesday, 6, 1864 through September, Sunday, 11, 1864—[no entries]
September, Monday, 12, 1864—Taken this morning with the chills. The Dr. took me up on the sick list.
September, Tuesday, 13, 1864—[no entry]
September, Wednesday, 14, 1864—[no entry]
September, Thursday, 15, 1864—Slept last night on a straw tick and with my clothes off for the first time since the 25th of May.
September, Friday, 16, 1864—[no entry]
September, Saturday, 17, 1864—[no entry]
September, Sunday, 18, 1864—Feeling very well this morning.
September, Monday, 19, 1864—[no entry]
September, Tuesday, 20, 1864—Returned to duty this morning. Everything is the same here one day after another.
September, Wednesday, 21, 1864—The sergeant skipped me this morning in detailing the guard.
September, Thursday, 22, 1864—The sergeant skipped me again this morning.
September, Friday, 23, 1864—Marching orders again this morning for Harpers Ferry. Started about 10 o’clock. Got to the Depot about 1. They put us in cattle cars—50 men in a car. We left about 5 p.m. Some of the men were drunk as could be conveniently. We left 77 men sick.
September, Saturday, 24, 1864—Got up to Harpers Ferry about 10 a.m. Went out about 2 miles on the hills and camped.
September, Sunday, 25, 1864—Did not sleep very warm last night. We like to froze. Did not move today. Had Battalion drill in the afternoon. The Secretary of War should know of it too. We drew 5 days rations tonight and were ordered to be ready to march at 7 a.m. tomorrow.
September, Monday, 26, 1864—The order to march was countermanded. I had a shake of the fever and ague today and the Captain drilled me after it. We will probably march tomorrow.
September, Tuesday, 27, 1864—The regiment started today but I was left behind with an order to go to the hospital, but the Medical Director sent me to the convalescent camp. I got there just about night and was completely tired out. Had another shake today.
September, Wednesday, 28, 1864—Wrote to Mother and Emily today. Had another shake. I tried to get over to the hospital but could not. Geo Chat came back today. He fell out after they had gone about 9 miles. It rained a considerable today.
September, Thursday, 29, 1864—Had another shake this forenoon—an old snifter too. I tried to go to the hospital but could not get there. I don’t eat hardly anything anymore.
September, Friday, 30, 1864—I took 4 doses of quinine this morning before my shake came on. It broke it off some, I guess, for I did not shake as hard as I did yesterday.
O C T O B E R
October, Saturday, 1, 1864—It rained all day today. I had another shake today nothing unusual.
October, Sunday, 2, 1864—They said we were to have an inspection today but we did not see anything of it. I did not have any shakes today for a wonder.
October, Monday, 3, 1864. Went to the hospital today. I think I shall do a little better now. They put me in ward 12. I had a shake this morning.
October, Tuesday, 4, 1864—Did not have a shake today had a pretty good day of it.
October, Wednesday, 5, 1864—Had a shake today. The Dr. put me on extra diet.
October, Thursday, 6, 1864—Had another shake today. We get toast and corn starch mostly. (No further entries. Oscar had Malaria).
In 1865 he was commissioned a Lieutenant of Co. A, 41st United States Colored Troops (USCT)
City of Philadelphia
State of Pennsylvania
Before H. Tomson [?], an Alderman of the City of Philadelphia, personally came Oscar J. Brown, late 2nd Lt. Co. “A”, 41st USCT, and being duly sworn according to law, doth depose and say.
I received my appointment as 2nd Lt. Co. A, 41st USCT from the Sec. of War at Washington D. C. on the 3rd day of August 1865, and accepted it the 7th day of August at my place of residence, Osceola, New York. I entered the Army originally as private Co. A, 10th New York H. ARtillery but at the time of muster into the 41st US Colored Infantry, was a citizen, my regiment being mustered out about the time of my discharge. — Oscar J. Brown
I have never received any pay or allowance for traveling expenses. Sworn and subscribed before me this 14th day of December 1865
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