This diary was kept by Pvt. James Redlon Holt (1845-1864), a 16 year-old youngster when he enlisted on 15 November 1861 with Co. G, 12th Maine Infantry. James was the son of Rev. Dudley Barker Holt and Susan M. Redlon from Gorham, Maine, who grudgingly must have given their consent to let him collect a bounty and enter into the service.

In the sweltering heat of Louisiana, where the 12th Maine was stranded for most of its service, James poured his heart onto paper. But just as the light at the end of the tunnel seemed near, with mustering out on the horizon, fate had a cruel twist in store. The regiment was called back East, only to face the brutal carnage of the 3rd Battle of Winchester in September 1864, where James met a tragic end on 19 September 1864—“killed by a cannon ball”—just two months before completing his three-year enlistment. What a visceral reminder of the brutality of war and the fragility of life!

Serving with James and mentioned in some of his letters was his Uncle Darius Holt (1820-1875) who enlisted at the age of 42 and served several months until his health failed and he was discharged for disability. Darius was living in Minot with his wife, Mercy Ann (Lord) Holt (1828-1902) and six children when he enlisted.

This diary is from the private collection of a Holt family descendant and scans were sent to me for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent. A dozen of James’ letters were recently published on Spared & Shared from the same source. To read those letters, see—1862-64: James Redlon Holt to Dudley Barker Holt.

The first year of James’ diary can be read here: Diary of James R. Holt, Co. G, 12th Maine Infantry: 1 Nov 1861 thru 31 Oct 1862

The second segment of James’ diary can be read here: Diary of James R. Holt, Co. G, 12th Maine Infantry: 1 November 1862 thru 31 May 1863

---

[Editor’s note: This portion of the diary begins as the 12th Maine are before Port Hudson, at the beginning of the siege. James and his comrades of Co. G are on advance picket between the two lines of artillery, with shells passing over them from each side.]

Monday, June 1, 1863—[I’m] well. Cloudy. Little firing except by our picket & an occasional shot from Rebel picket till 9 a.m. when firing began as usual. Rebels fired right over us into the woods behind. They came so slow it seemed as tho’ they would burst over us, Rebels fired little after noon. Our shell burst just ahead of us & wounded a Co. I man. We stayed here because there was no regiment to relieve us. It is lucky for us that Rebel fuse is better than ours or we would get half their shell.

Tuesday, 2nd—Slightly cold. Fair. Cold in morning. Quiet except picket firing till 11 a.m. when Rebels opened their 10-incher, which ours replied to. At 11 the Rebels made an attack on Augur but were repulsed. All other regiments but ours get whiskey rations. Moved at 9 p.m. into woods, being relieved by 162nd New York. After we got there we got a drink of good whiskey which did us a good deal of good. I felt like a new man & slept like a log tho’ Rebs sent a few 10-inch shell very near.

Wednesday, 3rd—Slight cold. Fair. Little firing in morning. Much more comfortable here in woods than on picket. Whiskey still imparts its good effects. Many men running all about the woods, away from their regiments but none of our company and few of our regiment. They are putting up siege guns and ’tis said we shall lay siege. There was one or two regiments, negroes, here who were engaged but tho’ they advanced well, ’tis said they fought badly, yielding themselves to be bayoneted without defense. Their great loss turns out to be much less. One of their sergeants said that when all had come in from woods & they had only 150 missing. Rebs fire occasional shell, probably to draw our attention from main force a while. I slept as easy & sound on my bed of leaves a heart could wish. Such is war, hard & easy by turns.

Thursday, 4th—Health and weather same. Washed my clothes 1st time since I left Simmesport two weeks ago. As I came in, I saw the only arms a nigger is fit to use given to about 400 of the 4th Louisiana—that is spades & shovels. As I washed my pants, I have to tie my rubber around me till they dry. Rebel fires several heavy & as many light shells each side of us, hurting no one. Our batteries fired occasionally.

Friday, [June] 5th—Health & weather same. Considerable firing by our guns to right. Rebels fired their 10-inch occasionally. News to 23rd ultimo from North says, “All’s quiet.” Can’t see why it is. Firing kept up all night.

Saturday, 6th—Health & weather same. Get grub enough & whiskey. They say firing will begin tomorrow and be kept up every five minutes all day. Rebels fired little. As it was cold after midnight, I got some cold.

Sunday, 7th—Slight cold. Fair & hot. Still, as Sunday should be. Very few shots fired. After dark, a few guns fired by our battery & three by Rebel ditto. So it seems they didn’t open much today. They are still busy putting up breastworks, mortar & siege guns.

Monday, 8th—Health & weather same. Pretty still all day. Two Rebel shots fired towards night.

Tuesday, 9th—Health and weather same. Still till noon, and after several guns fired till 1 p.m. Then heavy firing till night. Only two Rebel shots fired. Detailed & went out in front to dig a road which runs thro’ ravines nearly up to the Rebel parapet. One man was hit coming out, not badly.

Wednesday, 10th—Health & weather same. Rather quiet till noon. Considerable firing after. Only three Rebel shots. Four men I saw who escaped from inside say there was a mutiny there a few days since in which 45 were killed—quite likely.

Thursday, 11th—Have slight cold. After 2 a.m. heavy firing was heard. We had to fall in. Soon after a heavy thunder shower came up & we had to break ranks & get under the trees. Firing soon ceased. Frequent firing all day & occasional at night. No reply. Cleared off at 6 but was rather foggy.

Friday, 12th—Health good. Fair [weather]. Ditching, &c. still going on. Slow firing by our side. None by Rebs. Received five papers & a letter [from home].

Saturday, 13th—Well. Fair. Not much done till noon except inspection & orders to stay near by. Heavy firing began all around at noon lasting half an hour & then a flag of truce sent in demanding surrender. Nothing was done after that. We received 20 extra rounds ammunition & were told we were to make a charge tomorrow. Since I’ve been in woods, I’ve written, “Effects of the War,” “Lucy,” “Copperheads,” [and] “War.” One or two have been lost. At Simmesport I wrote, “Keep your courageous.” At New Orleans, “Fate of the Rebellion,” “National Advocate,” “Ladies of New Orleans,” “Emancipation Proclamations,” “The Times,” “Calhoun,” “McClellan’s Removal,” “Contrabands,” “John Bull,” “Slavery & the War,” “H. Clay,” “Money!” These juvenile productions—part prose & part doggerel verse, tho’ poor are I hope, not devoid of sense or promise. At any rate, “tho I say it as shouldn’t say it,” I mean to make my pen & tongue earn not only a living, but wealth for me.

Sunday, 14th—Fair & lovely. [I’m] well. Turned out at 4 & soon marched along thro’ the woods to a ravine thro’ which a road was dug & then onto a road leading to Port Hudson up the hill, behind which we lay four Sundays ago, & then into another road in a ravine. A few shots came occasionally. We were under Weitzel & next to the 24th [Connecticut] which was in advance. Our artillery fired slowly. Gen. [Halbert] Paine’s force have already gone on the other side of the road over an open & nearly level field where his men got badly used, tho’ many got nearly to the parapet. Soon the engagement became general & wounded men kept passing us as we advanced slowly on. Orders came to Kimball that his brigade (ours) must go over. We went back & told the General that he had only two regiments—about 400 in all—& the 3rd under [Henry W.] Birge came up. They charged over a high hill but were fairly mowed down, & ’twas impossible to get them ahead. Col. [Richard Erskine] Holcomb, 1st Louisiana, commanding 1st Brigade, was killed while leading his men & then they could be got no farther. Gen. Paine was wounded in the leg. Many officers were killed & wounded. At least 1,000 men have been killed & wounded here. Most of the wounds were slight. Some regiments were very badly cut up—especially the 91st & 114th New York, 4th Wisconsin, 8th Vermont, 91st New York & 8th Vermont had several color bearers killed & their flags used up or nearly so.

[Editor’s Note: One of the regiments “badly cut up” that James mentions in his diary was the 114th New York. Capt. James Fitts of this regiment wrote of the assault on June 14th: The sound of the strife rolled down from above in an increasing tumult; the bullets fell thicker into the road; the air was mingled with noises of battle. The sides of the cut began to slope toward the level of our feet; two rods more, and we were out of the covered way. There was an abrupt ascent, then a small area of rough, uneven ground, then a ditch, seven feet deep, and quite as wide, while beyond all rose a perpendicular earthwork, not less than twelve feet above the ditch, built in the form of a retreating angle. Here was the point chosen for the assault, and before it was being enacted a scene of slaughter replete with all the horrors of a close and desperate fight. There was not sufficient ground to allow a regiment to deploy to advantage; as fast as they were unmasked from the cut, the companies rushed with a shout up the ascent, across the intervening ground, and into the ditch. From the parapet of the Rebel work came a continual flash of rifles–not in volleys, but in an irregular burst which never ceased while the attack lasted. The Rebels were entirely sheltered behind their defenses; hardly a head was to be seen above the parapet. The open space before the work was strewn with soldiers in blue, dead, dying, and severely wounded; they lay among the bushes, on the hillside, and covered the bottom of that awful ditch, yawning like a grave, at the foot of the work. For a whole hour there was a continued repetition of the scene; a yell, a rush, shouts, musket shots, cries and groans. The ditch was at last filled with the living and the dead; the former striving, within six yards of the muzzles of the Rebel rifles, to climb the face of the earthwork, and continually dropping back, with bullet holes perforated clear through their bodies…Wounded men were killed while trying to crawl beyond the range of the fire, or lay helpless under it, unable to hazard the attempt…every repetition of the assault was met by the same murderous discharge, covering the ground thickly with its victims, and adding to the horrors of the scene.” Source: Iron Brigadier, 2013]

We were not engaged. The 24th Connecticut went up to within 30 yards of the parapet, threw down their cotton bags, and lay behind them till dark when they began to throw up breastworks, losing several. We kept close behind, screened by a ridge. At dark, all drew back but us & the 24th Connecticut. I think it foolish to get men cut up this way. We had much better lay siege for we can starve them out, but never take them by this kind of fighting.

[Editor’s Note: During the 14 June assault on Port Hudson, the 24th Connecticut (a 9-months regiment) was assigned to carry cotton-filled bags and fascines to lay down in the ditches and moats in front of the Confederate breastworks, making it easier for the storming columns to follow to cross over scale the rebel earthworks. However, due to heavy Confederate fire as the 24th Connecticut approached the earthworks, many of the men stopped short of the ditches, dropped their bags in the road and took cover behind them, effectively blocking the pathway for the 12th Maine and the other regiments who followed.]

Now when they went in today, the men began to scream or cheer as soon as they started, showing the rebels just where to fire without being exposed. The the ground is so rough it is impossible to get a regiment up in any shape, no matter how good they are, and their line being broken, what good are they? I think if we must charge, the better way would be to make a feint in several places & meanwhile quietly assembling men just under the parapet in another place or places, & when those making feints had advanced a little, let these suddenly spring up & over the parapet, and then with a decent support, the place can be better taken for they cannot nary many men everywhere unless the’ve over 15,000 & if they have, we can’t take them.

Monday, 15th—Well. Hot & fair. Rebels fired few shot over us hitting one occasionally. We fired some. Only our Brigade in front. Killed & wounded lie close to the parapet where we cannot get at them. Rebs took several who tried to aid them. Niggers came in at night & dug rifle pits ahead of us. Sleep here in dirt. It is some cold.

[Editor’s Note: For a great article written by Capt. Alonzo Mabbett of Co. I, 24th Connecticut, describing the plight of a wounded corporal from Co. B, 12th Maine Infantry, pinned down on the June 14th battlefield in front of the Rebel parapet, see An Incident, at the siege of Port Hudson.]

Tuesday, 16th—[I’m] well. Hot & fair till 3 p.m. Then two hours rain. Left it muddy tho’ I fixed up a fine bed with cotton. A few shots fired all around. They are getting volunteers to lead in the next attack, making great promises. Very few will go from our regiment. I guess there will be something done here soon & I hope there will, tho’ I don’t like the idea of charging myself. One of our company, Lania [?], was hit.

[Editor’s Note: On June 15, Gen. Banks called for a thousand volunteers to form a storming party, known as the “forlorn hope”, which would serve as the spearhead for the coming assault he intended to carry out on 11 July 1863. The approximately 1000 volunteers had been pulled from their regiments and formed into a unit, to train for their coming assault. Union soldiers had dug tunnels under the Confederate fortifications and planted large mines which were to be exploded at the beginning of the assault, giving the storming party an avenue to rush into the fortress. There were 17 men volunteered from the 12th Maine but none from Co. G.. Source: Union Soldiers at Port Hudson.]

Wednesday, 17th—Cloudy & fair by fits. Occasional firing. Well. [James] Williams of our company was hit in the leg. A flag of truce was sent in & the Rebels came out & brought our dead into our lines. More than 100 were killed close to the parapet, about 300 all about here. The parapet is not very high but steep with a deep ditch before.

Thursday, 18th—Well. Hot & fair. Fixed up a place here for the whole company. [William H.] Stiles of our company was hit in foot. They are digging a rifle pit clear up to the Rebels. One of our 9-inch guns kept punching their parapet, which they raise higher every night. Received two paper to May 30th. No important news. Vicksburg is just the same condition as Port Hudson. Getting tired of this business.

Friday, 19th—Well. Hot & fair. Same story as to firing. Rifle pits in all directions. Moved back a little at midnight.

Saturday, 20th—Well. Fair. As we have rifle pits & good loop holes, we fired all day, some using 100 rounds. We fired at Rebels we saw on a road one mile [away], making them skedaddle. They are making all kinds of breastworks here.

Sunday, 21st—Well. Rainy in afternoon. As the wagons went out yesterday with a few cavalry, one gun & 52nd Massachusetts for forage, they were attacked by Rebels 200 or 300 in number & the 52nd who were in the rear, being panic stricken because they were fired at, or as one of them said as they were afraid they would be surrounded (being out as skirmishers), they run & never stopped till they got clear in. They reported 5 or 6,000 with artillery & 400 cavalry. The Rebels took the wagons but the cavalry & artillery managed to get back in spite of superior numbers. The 52nd ought to have red hot medals & be obliged to wear them, yet they are as good as Massachusetts men [on] average. Only one regiment that we have here (30 all foreigners) worth a cuss.

Our regiment & 11 others with cavalry & one battery (2 guns) under Weitzel started at 1:30 a.m. & marched 8 miles on Clinton Road. We neither saw nor heard of Rebels on the road. We encamped on the side of the road in a field surrounded by hedges. As we stopped two hours to get dinner, we did not get there till 12. We had been there about two hours when some men who had been after water came in saying they had seen Rebels in our rear. We then moved into the field beyond for a better position. It turned out to be our own cavalry they had seen who were dressed rather rough. Lay down on wet ground. Stood guard two hours.

Monday, 22nd—Well. Fair. Moved at 7 a.m. one mile on road & ours & 28th Connecticut camped on a hill by road, while rest went on to Jackson. Pretty place here. Got some old Latin books. Nearly all woods on the road. We’ve come two miles. Clear.

Tuesday, [June] 23rd [1863]—Well. Fair in forenoon. Rainy in afternoon. Moved back to 1st camp after the rain. All the troops have marched here & saw no rebels.

Wednesday, 24th—Started at 6 and returned to Port Hudson. Stopped till night in woods near Col. Kimball’s quarters & men in our company and B, C, & H went into pits. Work going on rapidly.

Thursday, 25—Poisoned in face & hands. Stood at a loop hole four hours in the sun. ‘Twas hard. The Rebels have a 32-pounder mounted which they fire once in a while but we kept it pretty still by keeping up a continual musket fire. Artillery cannot reach it. Relieved at dark & went into edge of woods.

Friday, 26th—Health same. Showers. Heavy [firing] on the left & river & kept up partially all night. One third of us have to be awake all the time. They are planting guns every day nearer the Rebs.

Saturday, 27th—Legs, hand & face bad [from poisoning]. Hot & cloudy. Went into rifle pits at night. Kept up fine as usual.

Sunday, 28th—Health & weather same. Rebels fire muskets often & big gun once or twice, piercing our parapet but hurting no one. Our artillery at work.

Monday, 29th—Legs &c. the same. Hot & fair. Relieved at dark. At 10 p.m. heavy firing to the right, muskets and cannon, lasting two hours. They say Dwight got in.

Tuesday, 30th—[I’ve a] cold & poison bad. Hot. ‘Tis said that two regiments went over the parapet on right, but as they had no support, fell back. Some trouble with 9 months men.

We have one battery 150 yards from the Rebs. Little firing. Mustered.

Wednesday, July 1, 1863—Health & weather same. In woods all day. Went into pits at night. The Rebel gun knocked down a dozen sand bags but we put them up again.

Thursday, 2nd—Health & weather same. Received three papers to June 16th, Reviewed at night. Many rumors afloat.

Friday, 4rd—Have had cold. Poison bad. Went in pits at night. Pretty still. Digging still going on.

Saturday, July 4th [1863]—Health same. Hot & fair. The Rebs blew up a torpedo just under the end of our rifle pit about six feet from theirs but it did no damage. Rebel gun fired a few times. Rain from 5 to 8 p.m. But little firing. Afternoon 34 guns were fired & bands played. Went to woods at night.

Sunday, 5th—Have slight cough. Poison same pain. At night we went into the sap [covered trench] about two rods [11 yards] from the Rebs. As ’twas feared the Rebs might drive our workmen away, no trouble. Sat up till midnight. ‘Tis said Gardner sent out for medicine by flag of truce (which was up 4 till 6 p.m. one for his prisoners he has, but he didn’t come it.

Monday, 6th—Health same. Hot till dark. Shower then. Came into woods at sunrise. Went into another sap at midnight. Rebs fired a few shot.

Tuesday, July 7th—Cough & cold bad. Legs sore. Hot & fair. A boat came from Vicksburg saying it surrendered 27,000 prisoners & 60,000 stand of arms on the 4th. Men cheered, drums beat, bands played, & a salute was fired. So I guess it is so. If so, Port Hudson will soon fall.

Tuesday, 8th [July, 1863]—Health same. Rainy at night. At 2 a.m. a flag of truce came out. All firing ceased & soon ’twas said Garner was going to surrender. Guns were taken from their positions &c. At 12 ’twas said it had all blown over. But at 3, all detailed men were called in & all work ceased. At 5, our regiment & many others went across the road over to Augur’s position.

[Editor’s note: Confederate forces surrendered Port Hudson, Louisiana, to the Union Army on July 9, 1863, after a grueling 48-day siege. Led by Major General Franklin Gardner, the starving garrison surrendered upon learning that Vicksburg had fallen, giving the Union complete control of the Mississippi River.]

Wednesday, 9th—Health same, Fair & hot. At 7 a.m. we formed just as we should have charged. The volunteers, 75th New York, and 8th New Hampshire ahead of us, went in on Clinton Road. As we [went] in, we [saw] shot & pieces of shell lying all around, guns dismounted & broken, trees cut all to pieces, dead mules stinking & many other marks of the destructive power of those iron missiles. They had only one line of works for the most part. When close up to the breastworks, our balls and shells could do little harm. Many had sleeping holes in the parapet. As we came in they were all in line with old & various kinds of guns & uniforms, about 4,000 in number, well-clothed tho’ course & variously. Good, hard-looking. They left any amount of clothing about, taking only their best as they supposed they could only take one suit. They had peas and corn for another week but owned they’d eaten mule meat. They had abundance of the best kind of ammunition including phosphoric explosive balls for muskets which causes so much astonishment to us by their bursting. Gunboats did but very little harm, killing only four or five, as they could see the shell long before they reached them.

Port Hudson proper is a very small village of half a dozen houses. The place is rough & full of ravines, like the outside. The water batteries which have one 11-inch & quite a number of 7.5 & 8 inch guns, & [ ] rifled are on a bluff 80 to 120 feet high or more—so steep that no vessel can ham them much. They thought our regiment was all sharpshooters, we’d killed so many. 16 at the old 32 which used to fire at us. They dared not to stand up straight in front of us in day time. The men are from Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia & Arkansas.

Friday, 10—Health & weather the same. Stayed here. They are preparing to parole the men but keep the officers.

Saturday, 11th—At noon, started on Laurel Hill (river packet) with five other regiments—ours & 3rd Brigades—and went to Donaldsonville which we reached at 10 p.m. As all is green on the river, it present a beautiful appearance. Showers.

Sunday, 12th—Health slim. Fair & showers. At 1 p.m. we went half mile down river as the 24th Connecticut had been scared by the appearance of some supposed rebels. There are said to be from 5,000 to 25,000 Rebels about. Probably the first figure is right if we place them from here to Brashear, which with all the land we passed over on our late march they hold, having taken Co. F & some others & gone so far as to scare New Orleans into raising [ ] men of which she has five regiments. Heavy firing down the Bayou two or three miles. On picket, one hour duty.

Sunday, 12th—Donaldsonville is a lonely looking place. All the village above Court House (full half) is burned & the brick put into the fort. Received two papers. Wrote home.

Monday, 13th—Health & weather same. Rain at night. Heavy firing all day down bayou.\.

Tuesday, 14th—Legs and cough better. Cloudy. Our forces have fallen back. Cavalry report Rebels 9 miles off. News from North, July 3rd, encouraging.

Wednesday, 15th—Health & weather same. Rumor says Lee is all cut up. Don’t know. Some rain. Drew shoes. Get plenty green corn.

Thursday, 16th—Health & weather same. Moved down the bayou quarter mile. Drew rubber & canteen. Era confirms reports about Lee.

Friday, 17th—Health same. Fair. Quiet.

Saturday, 18th—Health better. Fair & hot. I is said that our boys beat Rebels at Brashear losing 1100 & taking 8 pieces & 6,000 prisoners. It’s all a damned lie.

Sunday, 19th—Have some cough. Fair with showers.

Monday, 20th—Health same. Hot with shower.

Tuesday, 21st—Slight diarrhea. Legs well. Drew blouse, socks, cap, & two shirts. 12th & 13th Connecticut gone up river.

Wednesday, 22nd—Health same. Hot & fair. Received two papers.

Thursday, 23rd—Health same. Showers. Expect pay soon.

Friday, 24th—Health better. Showers. Sleeping on ground is bad business. On guard for two days. Stand one hour.

Saturday, 25th—Slight cold & cough. Fair with showers.

Sunday, 26th—Health same. Read Dumas’ “Scenes in South France.” Good.

Monday, 27th—Health & weather same. News from North to 8th instant says Lee has crossed the Potomac as I expected but Rosecrans & Grant do well. It seems as tho’ Rebels must soon give up, but don’t know.

Tuesday, 28th—Health & weather same. Orders to be ready to go to Camp Lewis below Carrolton.

Wednesday, 29th—Health & weather same. Left at 6 p.m. Our regiment and four companies of 24th Connecticut on little ferry boat Kepper & all the rest of the Division on another, leaving only 1st Louisiana here. Banks are green & houses clean & white.

Thursday, 30th—Slight cold & cough. Fair. Landed at light & went about one mile below Carrollton & camped in a grove close by the railroad to New Orleans.

Saturday, August 1st 1863—Health & weather same. Have news by way of St. Louis, New York [up to] 25th & 28th; Memphis [up to] 29th.

Sunday, 2nd—Bad cold & cough. Fair with showers. Received the clothes we packed away. All right.

Monday, 3rd—Health & weather same. Took salts & whiskey.

Tuesday, 4th—Health & weather same. Received six months pat today. Got knapsacks which were rifled of contents.

Wednesday, 5th—Health & weather same. On guard. Made me a pass & went out. Walked one and a half miles to horsecar and rode in the city, but as my relief went on in four hours from time I started, I had only a quarter hour to pass there. Sent $60 and a letter home, bought paper, Greek Ollendorff, Sallust, &c. and returned in time for guard. Spent $9.75.

Thursday, 6th—Health & weather same. Got ready & left at 4 p.m. for [garrison duty at] Ship Island on Steamer Crescent. Fourteen of our company were left in the city, about 100 of regiment. Spent 3.60 for eat & drink.

Friday, 7th—Bad cold & cough. Hot. Reached the cussed old sand bar at 11 a.m. & soon landed & went into camp very near our old camp. Quite a strong circular fort is nearly finished & 8 [?] sand batteries of 9-inch guns. No troops here but niggers [of the 2nd Louisiana Native Guards] & prisoners. Niggers damned saucy but I guess we’ll cove [?] them.

Saturday, 8th—Health & weather same. Awful hot. On fatigue a little while. Spent $1.

Sunday, 9th—Health & weather same. Quiet.

Monday, 10th—Moved four miles up the island with Co. E. Very hard. After we got to place, had no water & gug holes but ’twas so bad we couldn’t drink it. Mosquitoes bad at night.

Tuesday, 11th—As we found good water half mile up, we moved there. get plenty fish, crabs, & oysters & mosquitoes.

Wednesday, 12th—Bad cold & cough. Fair & breezy. No duty but picket once in 12 days. Mosquitoes bad at night.

Thursday, 13th—Health & weather same. All quiet. Study German, Kendrick’s Greek, Ollendorff & Sallust.

Friday, 14th—Health & weather same. Quiet and dull.

Saturday, 15th—Health & weather same. Moved back to the regiment. Seven of the men we left have returned. Received 2 letters from home to August 1st. All well.

Sunday, 16th—Have slight cold & cough. Windy & rainy. Had inspection. Wrote home. Saw quite a pleasing sight towards night. Half a dozen sharks got after a great school of mullets who made for the shore. The sharks would toss a dozen of them, catching them in their mouth as they came down. Jim Ayer is Orderly [Sergeant] now. Read Rift & Spray by Ned Buntline—quite a good one for its class. Exciting & interrsting a Ned always is. I weigh 125 pounds—highest I’ve been since I was 13. Since I left Port Hudson, I’ve written, “Opening of the Mississippi,” “Situation July 23,” and “The Happy Choice,” which I shall rewrite & try to make a few picayunes from it. Hope I’ll succeed.

[Editor’s Note: The sharp behavior describes by James suggests that he was observing Spinner Sharks (Carcharhinus brevipinna) that are common in the nearshore waters and barrier islands of the Mississippi Gulf coast, including Ship Island.]

[Editor’s Note: The Rift and the Spray (also known as The Prairie Scud; or, The Rift and the Spray) is an 1860 nautical tale about smugglers in the English Channel. While it was promoted and reprinted in America under the famous pen name Ned Buntline (Edward Zane Carroll Judson), the actual author of the work was M. J. Rymer.]

Monday, 17th—Slight cold & cough. Windy and stormy. No duty but a little guard & dress parade.

Tuesday, 18th [August, 1863]—Health same. Weather same. Drew 1 pants, 1 drawers, 1 socks.

Wednesday, 19th—Health same. Very stormy. [Lt. William Augustus] Bearce is now and has been two-thirds of the time since we came here getrunken vie ein narr [“drunk like a fool”]. Since Robinson has gone, he thinks he’s free to do as he will.

Thursday, 20th—Health & weather same. Quiet.

Friday, 21st—Bad cold & cough. Fair & hot in mid day. On fatigue in afternoon. Did little. Was detailed to go up the island for wood three days but as nearly all were off when fatigue men were called, I got off by going on that.

Saturday, 22nd—Health & weather same. Quiet & dull. I have accounts from soldiers & others whose loyalty is unquestionable which tend to show that since Banks’ rule here, secession has had the ascendancy. Many of the important offices are held by men who have been prominent traitors and whose present acts show their zeal is not a whit diminished. Three or four citizens here pitched into a soldier & beat him & if he reports it to provost judge, he is sure to be fined as all of them swear he began it. Poor men have no rights here as they did under Butler. Butler, who was [ ] rich, gives poor men an equal right with the rich, while Banks, who was a [bumpkin?] boy, gives a poor man a kick and a curse for kindness and a blessing.

Sunday, 23rd August [1863]—Health & weather same. Inspection. Co. F has returned to regiment as their paroles are declared null & void. Eben Vost, Henry Maxim are corporals. Paroled leaving the island.

[Editor’s Note: Union soldiers who accepted unauthorized field paroles from Confederate forces without a formal processing through designated Union exchange camps were many times considered unauthorized field paroles and were nullified, requiring soldiers to return to active duty.]

Monday, 24th—Health & weather same except a shower in afternoon. Nothing going on. They say Kimball is come back to the regiment.

Tuesday, 25th—Health & weather same. Half hour drill.

Wednesday, 26th—Health same. Windy & cloudy but hot. Eben F. Taylor of our company died today—cause? eating too much when unwell which killed his brother & discharged a cousin.

Thursday, 27th—Health same except have diarrhea. Hot & fair. On guard four hours. Mosquitoes bad.

Friday, 28th—Health & weather same. Dull.

Saturday, 29th—Diarrhea not bad. Slight cold. Quiet.

Sunday, 30th—Diarrhea not bad. Slight cold. Quiet.

Monday, 31st—Diarrhea not bad. Mustered for pay.

Tuesday, September 1, 1863—Slight diarrhea & cold with some cought. Awdul hot. Have only five cents left. Signed payrolls. Expect pay soon.

Wednesday, 2nd—Health same. Weather ditto. At 9 p.m. ordered to fall out & cheer as we were going to New Orleans tomorrow.

Thursday, 3rd—Health better. Hot & fair. Left Ship Island 5 p.m. and soon started. Glad enough to leave the place. Hope last time.

Friday, 4th [August, 1863]—Health & weather the same. On the route all day. Went very slow. Scenery very similar to what it was one year ago except that the river is lower & the land greener. Saw many stacks of rice in the stalk. Reached New Orleans at midnight.

Saturday, 5th—Health & weather same. On guard. Lay near 1st District ferry till 10 a.m., then regiment moved down on boat, while we (guard) walked. ‘Twas hot & hard. Borrowed $2 of Sembrod [?] of which I spent $1. Camped in Washington Square near the Mint. Received one letter and 7 papers.

Sunday, 6th—Health & weather same. Came off guard after standing 12 hours. Then ran guard and went over to town but as I found nothing, I soon came back. Lieut. [what follows appears to be an attempt to write two sentences in either German or Latin but does not translate to English]. Wrote home and sent to Harper’s for one book, 75 cents. Lieut. Brown of our company died today. He was the best officer I ever knew—brave, intelligent, and kind. Always ready & willing to accommodate. I would sooner lose Ozells Anderes [?] than him. Report says Sumter is taken & Charleston in ashes. Hope so tho’ I fear it is not. If it is so, rebellion must soon succumb. Heaven grant it may.

Monday, 7th—Health & weather ditto. [Charles L.] Billings of our company died today, He was a good tho’ queer fellow. Received a letter from home 22nd ultimo. All well.

Tuesday, 8th—Health & weather ditto. Drew 1 pr. pants. Sent “Rimp your [ ] up.” and “Friede” to Herald Journal, Boston.

Wednesday, 9th—Health and Weather ditto. Drew 1 pr. pants. Lieit. Bierce [German translation: “is drunk incessantly”].

Thursday, 10th— Health & weather same. Quiet, Dull.

Friday, 11th—Have a cold. Fair & hot. On guard. Guard amounts to nothing here as no soldier stops another.

Saturday, 12th—Health & weather same. Run guard regularly. No troubles as western boys of Port Hudson’s troops have calmed police, killing several. No soldier is troubled more than citizens if sober. Banks favor rich Rebels more than poor Unionists.

Sunday, 13th—Health & weather the same. The expedition which sailed from here the 4th instant, has been repulsed at Sabine Pass with considerable loss owing to the policy of Banks which sends incompetent & and ignorant officers in command in place of intelligent ones like Weitzel in under positions. Mr. Hero [William Seymour]—formerly editor of [the New Orleans Commercial] Bulletin suppressed by Butler for treason—has received as honorable and lucrative office from Banks. This is the way the villainous old Republican General acts with Rebels. Oh for a man on Butler’s rule. I almost despair of the Union when I see the villainy and imbecility of the Administration and its tools—nothing but a merciful God can save us.

Monday, 14th—Somewhat better. Hot & fair. Received two papers to September 3rd. All well. Another of our company has died—Silas [B.] Stiles, one of the quietest and steadiest fellows I ever knew. All liked him. He was wounded at Port Hudson in the foot. The wound healed once but broke out again. His leg began to mortify and to make it worse, he had a severe diarrhea. Co. G is getting somewhat reduced. Only 32 officers and privates for duty.

Tuesday, 15th—Healt & weather same. On guard. Easy duty. Dull &c. Banks is a damned shit.

Wednesday, 16th—Health & weather same. Awful hot. People in North think it is hot at 100 degrees but that’s cool for us. 140 or so takes hold. Report and rumor said yesterday that the [CSS] Alabama was taken and there was great rejoicing, but it turned out to be the blockade runner, not the pirate. Read Reid’s Texas Rangers. Notice many numbers of Rebel & Union officers now high in rank.

Thursday, 17th—Bad catarrh and slight cough. Hot & showery. Very dull yet I have not the slightest wish to leave, having seen all the marches and fights I wish to. I study & hope to be prepared for college within one year.

Friday, 18th—Health same. Cool & fair. They say we go to Camp Parapet tomorrow. Don’t know. Read Dickens’ Old Curiosity Shop. It is far better than any of his Christmas tales besides much that is humorous and witty. It has tragic parts, and is not wanting in fine sentiments and descriptions. I like best the flight of the old man and Nell from Mrs. Jarley’s, Nell’s death, the old foreman and the old schoolmaster’s two meetings.

Saturday, 19th—Bad cold and slight cough. Cool & fair but cold at night. At 10 a.m. we left with only equipments and canteens and havesacks, the rest being brought up on cars. Quite easy. Reached it at half past one. There is quite a good earth fort here at this end of the parapet which has been fixed up so as to make a splendid line of works for several miles with a deep and steep ditch in front, as also has the fort all around. The fort is angular & finely furnished. It was built by the 60 days men for fear of an attack in the rear by rebel citizens of New Orleans. The ditch [30 feet wide and 6 feet deep] is dry now but water can easily be let in. There are no guns on New Orleans side and only a few on the outer. This a fine line of defenses equal to 50,000 men. It would take a heavy force to take 5,000 men here. Co. D and a negro battery are the only ones here. We are nearly on our old ground, the only regiment here. Grass covers all the places now making the muddy old place look finely, Received one letter and two papers from home to the 7th instant. All well. Tom is here, tough and hearty. [More German about drunkenness]

Sunday, 20th—Health & weather same. Very cold at night. On guard. Easy.

Monday, 21st—Health & weather same. Got my “Zarry Mowton’s Resolve [?]” ready to send.

Tuesday, 22nd—Health worse. Cool night. Warm day. Three companies have gone, one to Desair, and two to Carrollton. Wrote home to Era [Erastus Holt (1818-1897)?] and send the H. M. R. Read Porte Crayon’s Canaan and Virginia Illustrated which is a fine lively description of life and scenery in Virginia. I recognize the descriptions of many places rendered famous by the present war. At any rate, it is worth reading.

Wednesday, 23rd [September, 1863]—Health better. Milder & fair. Made me a rough bed which is quite a luxury for a fellow who has slept on the ground the last nine months and part of the time in the open air. We have easy times, no drill or parade and guard twice in seven days. So I have plenty of time for reading and studying.

Thursday, 24th—Health & weather same, On guard at Colonel’s quarters. Had to go on inspection by Inspector General. Dull and quiet.

Friday, 25th—Bad cough and slight cold. Mild, fair, cool night. Little done. Began “An Old [?] time among Guerrillas” today. Drew blanket.

Saturday, 26th— Health little better. Mild & fair. Very dull and quiet. Quite hot at noon.

Sunday, 27th [September 1863]—Health better. Mild & fair. Quiet. Eighteen years old today. Well, I’ve seen marching, fighting, and soldiering enough. Yet I guess I’ll have another year to stop. Well, so be it.

Monday, [28th]—Health same. Weather ditto. On guard over confiscated goods in building so it was easy. Received Harper’s and Herald. Rumor says Charleston is burnt. Hope so. The damned old secesh hole ought to be sunk & all Massachusetts [Abolitionists] with it. The old rebel holds are a disgrace to any land.

Tuesday, September 29th [1863]—Health same. Rainy. Company streets are muddy and the ground half covered with puddles of water. Yet we are tight and comfortable.

Wednesday, 30th—Slight headache, cold & cough. Windy & rainy by jerks. Very muddy about quarters. Time hangs heavy on us.

Thursday, October 1, 1863—Health same. Cleared off somewhat but windy. Read Paul Laroon, by S[ylvanus] Cobb, Jr. It is quite an interesting pirate tale but I’ve read so many they do not excite the admiration they used to. I think dull & slow. Dickens often better.

Friday, 2nd—Health same. Fair, cool & breezy. On guard. Slept in quarters and took it easy. They talk of drafting here, yet I hardly think it right as the rich will all pay their commutation and only the poor go who can be illy spared by their families, where everything is so high. What little aid families get from the government here does no good as they can’t eat the damned stuff Banks’ villains deal out. God damn him, I pray.

Saturday, 3rd—Health & weather ditto. Dull.

Sunday, 4th—Health & weather ditto. On fatigue piling lumber to be use for barracks which are soon to be built.

Monday, 5th—Bad cough and cold. Pleasant all day. Received two letters from home. Wrote home & to G. On guard but as I was over boards I had only three hours to stand and as it was night, I slept all the time. It was very cold. Couldn’t keep warm. News not over and above encouraging.

Tuesday, 6th [October 1863]—Health same. Weather ditto. ‘Tis said Rosecrans has [been] repulsed and put to flight [by] Bragg’s forces [at Chickamauga]. Hope but hardly dare to believe. Quiet.

Wednesday, 7th—Health & weather same. Little news. Most damnable cold yet it is not very cold in reality. Yet I get cold every night.

Thursday, 8th—Health & weather same. Lay warm 1st time for a week. Very dull & little to do. Began “The Substitute.” [I believe a composition James authored]

Friday, 9th—Health & weather same. On guard. Took it easy. Very dull & very little excitement.

Saturday, 10th—Health & weather same. Dull.

Sunday, 11th—Health & weather same. Have hay and made a mattress so I sleep comfortably.

Monday, 12th—Health better. Rather cloudy. Received letter from Darius & Era. One [New York] Herald and one Harper’s [Weekly] of which one is due but missing, and one book. Northern news does not give any very stirring movements since September 20th. That’s the war—work a little, then lay still. Rodney McCloud of Co. K drank some liniment just after parade thinking it was whiskey. He felt no bad effects for three hours, then he began to feel numb in feet and hands & soon died. So another is gone. The old 12th is getting very small.

[Editor’s note: Liniments of various forms were used by doctors during the Civil War but the symptoms Rodney McCloud experienced sound as if it might have been caused by a tincture of aconite (derived from monkshood or wolfsbane) suspended in alcohol. Soldiers sometimes desperate for alcohol might be tempted to drink a liniment unaware of the lethal properties of these concoctions—particularly if prepared in improperly labeled bottle. Rodney is found on the Co. K roster as Roderick McLeod (1823-1863). His body was initially interred at Camp Parapet but later moved to the Chalmette National Historic Park. I believe he was a Scottish emigrant who resided in Calais, Maine, prior to his enlistment.]

Tuesday, 13th—Got slight cold & cough. Fair. Heavy thunder shower in morning from 2 a.m. till light. I was in sentry box and dry. They talk of our getting pay soon. Hope we will. Wrote to Darius. Feel uneasy & listless.

Wednesday, 14th—Health & weather ditto. Drew blanket, socks, and haversack. Wrote off, “The Substitute” 1st time. Quite chilly here now–takes right hold.

Thursday, 15th—Health & weather ditto. Full & no news.

Friday, 16th—Health some better—not well though. Mild & pleasant. On guard. Took it easy. Took out my blanket & slept at night. All they make out of me will do them good. Wrote, “I’m bound to the [ ] high.” Dull. Four men are regularly detailed from the company to work on the barracks, just begun, so we get guard one day in three days.

Saturday, 17th—Health & weather same. Read “Greek Adventurer” by Lieut. Murray. Quite fascinating. Good as any of its kind which is bad.

[Editor’s note: “Lieutenant Murray” was a popular 19th-century pen name used by American author, journalist, and publisher Maturin Murray Ballou (1820–1985). Under this pseudonym, he wrote sensational, fast-paced nautical tales, piracy stories, and action-packed adventure novelettes that became early American bestsellers.]

Sunday, 18th—Light cold and cough. Windy & cold. Northern news favorable yet unimportant. Will have peace when Abe’s friends all fill their pockets—not before. Hope they soon do it for it’s their last and only chance. Peace once restored—all’s over with them.

Monday, 19th—Health same. Mild & rain. On guard. Stood three hours in daytime, not at night. Everything goes on pleasantly.

Tuesday, 20th—Health & weather ditto. When I arose this morn we had orders to pack up & be ready to cross over to Fort Banks, just opposite here. All the companies except I & B have gone. We packed, breakfasted, and in a few hours moved over [the Mississippi River] in a few skiffs. We relieved the 15th Maine who were in nigger huts. We have good bunks and fine places. All well. On guard here 12 times in 27 days. Mosquitoes very bad. The fort here is a small one reminding one by its shape of a schoolboy’s first attempt at a circle. It has a ditch around & mounts, now, three 32-[pounder]’s and two 10 pounders. Well satisfied with the change. Have things in hand & just the crew I wished. Six in our room. All new recruits—that is, New Orleans boys, who I find are the best ones.

Wednesday, 21st [October, 1863]—[I’m] well. Foggy in morning. Clear and warm after 10 a.m. Few mosquitoes. Received letter from home & one Harper’s [Weekly]. All well. Write to Lizzie and sent “I’m bound…&c.” to Rand. Read a number of the Waverley Magazine which is a very interesting paper, strictly moral, beautifully got up and complete. As I sat here, I was aroused from my reveries by the mournful fife & muffled drum playing the solemn dead march, telling of another of the Old Twelfth gone to his final account. There is something very beautiful and touching in those solemn notes. I love to hear them—to think of that bright world above where the weary soldier may find his final resting place, when he “sleeps the sleep that knows no breaks morn of toil or night of waking.” Yet with all its beauty, what a sad tale does that sound bring to our ear of a mourning household of blighted hopes, and weeping friends. We soldiers are apt to look on a funeral as merely lessening our numbers and never think of the suffering and mourning away, faraway in the broken circle in far off Maine.

Thursday, 22nd—Well. Weather good. Mosquitoes few. Received two months pay. I’ll send $15 home. Get my regular “lot” from passers by the picket post where I manage to be occasionally. It does me good, I know. Shaved first time since leaving home. Makes little difference.

Friday, 23rd—Health and weather same except it rained all day. On guard. [Here is a four word sentence that James crossed out with ink which seems to begin something like, “Treated myself….] Had happy time. Dull & muggy.

Saturday, 24th—Feel well. Cold & cloudy. Went to New Orleans with officer’s consent without a pass except one of my own. Had no trouble. Spent only $2.75, $2 of which was for books of one kind or another. Many of the boys are starving drunk. Sent my money [home]. There is an expedition loading at Carrollton. Guess [they] go to Galveston [or] Matamoros, part West & Bank’s men. Many boats are there. Just received new of the Copperhead defeat in North. Thank God they have fallen. They’ll keep quiet now. Our crew were all drunk when I got back. I took very little but tho’ I was perfectly sober, yet I acted wild as any of them, which was the only way to keep them from fighting me. Some thought I was drunk but I was never sober.

Sunday, 25th—Well. Cold, windy, and cloudy. As I sat by the fire and read all day, I got rather dull & stupid. Read No. 4 of Leslie’s 10 cents Monthly, which is a fine work, full of stories, sketches, notes of all kinds, pictures, &c. Tho’ some are from his Weekly, yet they are all good. I’ll subscribe for it. Read Obi—or Three fingered Jack—an anti-slavery work. Interesting but not very good style. Read also, “The Flying Cloud” by Ingraham, a pretty good [story] as it is very interesting—all of Ingraham’s are. Yet they are rather too complicated, too many tales in one.

Monday, 26th—Well. Weather fair and warm. Read “My Lady Ludlow” by Mrs. Gaskell. Quite good. A description of ancient customs & opinions of lords & ladies. Not a real world novel but a book of gossip. Received two papers, 1 Harper’s. All well. [Attempt at foreign language but cannot make out all the letters]. Began to study Greek grammar & reader. All is well.

Tuesday, 27th—Rainy. Well. Went with 35 others of the regiment as escort to a dead Lieutenant of Colored Engineers. Muddy & bad. He had been under care of Sisters of Charity in a private [home] in Jefferson. The chaplain preached short & well. All passed off well.

Wednesday, 28th—Health & weather ditto. On guard. Been reading all day in Dickens’ Bleak House. It is so dull I’ve only read 60 pages in eight hours—the slowest time I ever made. There is so far but little but mud, fog, smoke, crafty old men & women & foolish young folks, with an occasional streak of sunshine or a real shower. Very dull reading, yet time to finish it.

There is quite a stir here for the times on the river lately. Eight to twelve boats pass up loaded & bring down cotton &c. every day, most of the time passing up and by by here at dark before 10 p.m. with their fiery trains & their red & green lights make quite a weird figure on the dark surface of the river.

[Editor’s note: By the 1840s and 1850s, maritime rules had established the international and U.S. practice of outfitting steam vessels with colored sidelights—red on the port (left) side and green on the starboard (right) side—to prevent collisions in the dark. During wartime operations on the Mississippi, these running lights were often doused or masked so vessels would not reveal their positions to the enemy. By late 1863, with the Mississippi again open to navigation, these signal lights were reestablished.]

Thursday, 29th—Health & weather ditto. Read Dickens 12 hours—very dull, yet a little more interesting. Not many good passages yet. A few. Enlisted just two years ago.

Friday, 30th—Health & weather ditto. On guard. Received Herald & Harper. All well [at home]. Finished Dickens at last. The last 75 pages ar much better yet too full of verbiage. If it had been written in 50 pages instead of 312, it would make a good story. Yet as an exhibit of English life, both high & low & middle, it is very good if one has patience enough to read & study it. It [Bleak House]is far inferior to Curiosity Shop.

Saturday, 31st—Health good. Cloudy & little rain. Roads are very bad. Read [Nathaniel Parker] Willis’ Romance of Travel, containing five tales & two notes on Shakespeare’s home. This is one of Willis’ early productions [pub. 1840], sprightly & very interesting—especially the Bandit of Austria.

Mustered for pay. [Another foreign language phrase] Rosecrans is removed & Grant takes charge of Burnsides’, his, and Rosecrans’ departments. I think on the whole, this is the best. With good generals under him, Grant can dispose of his men as he thinks best & thus by right management, do much better than when the departments were seperate. The wish to put every general in a seperate command has done much mischief in our army. There has been—is now—& I fear will be still, great lack of unity & good feeling between our generals, or at least part of them. This has done us much harm—far more than will ever be known. All disaffected officers should be dishonorably dismissed without delay. That would be the best argument that could be used & would be of great use. We can never hope for victory while our generals always try to injure each other as much as possible.

Sunday, November 1st, 1863—Have slight cold in my head. Cloudy & warm. On guard but as I slept in quarters all night, it was really no guard at all. Read, Island Empire, being a notice of character, history, scenery, &c. of Elba & the residence of Napoleon there. It is well written, often eloquent, lively & interesting. The author does not confine himself to mere personal adventures but describes people, manners, customs, prejudices, scenery, local anecdotes, resources, amusements, & peculiarities. The brief sketch of Napoleon’s Residence there is but another tribute to the memory of that great & noble man, whom, years instead of teaching us to think less of, rather give us more & more to admire. A true estimate of his greatness cannot be formed till time shall place us so remote from him that we feel in prejudice either for or against him. Undoubtedly he was a good as great and all acknowledge his greatness. That he had faults, none can deny, but all have them. And of course our faults are great in proportion to our greatness. The faults of little mean appear small because they concern themselves alone. Great men’s (especially his) concern all men & ages. Read also The Idler by Dr. Johnson. Filled with a mixture of serious, comic, humorous, sad, joyful, advisory declamatory and useful essays.

Monday, 2nd [November 1863]—Health & weather same tho’ some [ ]. Winter was over & drilled us an hour this afternoon on the big guns. Read Jack Junk. It is a silly novel—blood & thunder style, so common. Received a letter from home. All well.

Tuesday, 3rd—Health moderately good. Fair but foggy in morn. Have regular drill on three 32-pounders in the fort. It comes easy & pleasant. Commenced reading US History. Wrote to Annie. Sent $1 for Leslie’s, ten cents for Monthly, & got my [“____ ____] among guerrillas” ready. Composed “Sunset & Death, Dull and Dreary.”

There was a row [fight] over at the Parapet last night between the niggers—they and our boys. The niggers had been acting like the devil, stealing [and] killing cattle, &c. Col. Kimball placed them under arrest. A vessel came to take them to work on plantations. The artillery (nigger) officers posted some men on the parapet under Haskell to prevent their being taken off but our boys drove them away and carried off the whole of No. 5 Colony, as it is called. Haskell & the officers are under arrest. The niggers—especially those unemployed—have been very troublesome. But they’ll be likely to behave now they’ve got to work.

[Wednesday] November 4th—Health & weather ditto. On guard. Received Golden Feather, another death, blood & thunder novel by [Arthur M.] Grainger. Interesting yet disgusting.

Thursday, 5th—Health good. Fair. Went on pass to New Orleans. Bought five books for $1. Had my picture taken & sent it home. Sent Guerrillas Adventure. News from North is not very important. The 1st Regulars have relieved our two companies in the city. Received one Harper’s. Have $2.50 let. Have to stop spending now.

Friday, 6th—Have slight cold. Fair. Read Gayarre’s School for Politics [pub. 1854], a political satire. Lively & interesting—evidently the work of a politician. Also read Marryat’s Three Cutters & Other Tales [pub. 1836]. Quaint, humorous, lively, & entertaining. Marryat is restrained by none of the mock modesty of many while respectable. He is free and easy. It is a pity we have none at present of his ability.

Saturday, 7th—Health & weather same. On guard. Wrote “On a Dead Wife,” “To a Flirt.” “____ Article,” & “Republican Policy.” All short & sweet.

Sunday, 8th— Health worse. Fair & pleasant. Read two hours in Marvel’s Reveries of a Bachelor.” They are the prettiest and best things I ever read. Lively now, then serious, and then sad. Good, pure and religious. There well deserved the praise they called for them. Wrote several short pieces….

Monday, 9th [November 1863]—Bad cold in head. Fair & cold. Read [Mary Elizabeth] Braddon’s Lady Audley’s Secret [pub. 1862], a thrilling, powerful tale. It is well written and far, far above the common class of blood & thunder novels. Tho’ it has its villain (in female form), yet it has many good persons—the noble county, his fiery daughter, the passive young barrister who tho’ idle cannot help ferreting out the cause of his friends disappearance, the wronged husband, the beautique false one, the imbecile lieutenant, the little boy, Phoebe, and the stern Roman-like father., & the pretty daughter who impels the barrister anew and all form a noble, interesting group, select and varied. It ends happy as all novels should. Miss Braddon deserves her fame.

The brigade’s nigger companies who have been raising hell generally over the other side [of the Mississippi] are to be sent to Port Hudson to work out their time on government works there. These are quite an old squad compared with other niggers so we may judge by them what they all will do when time shall make them bolder. All of the niggers in the country should be either banished or killed.

Tuesday, November 10th [1863]—Health & weather same as yesterday. On guard. Feel dull & stupid. Read Opie’s (Mrs.) St. Valentine’s Eve. It is a sickly sentimental, mushy, trashy novel, fit only for old ,aid & misanthropes. I more than half suspect that the author was not so innocent as her heroine. These kind of novels are sick & disgusting. Their authors should be hung.

Wednesday, 11th—Health better. Warmer & fair. Fired [32-pounder] today—not half so bad as I expected. It does not disturb me more than musketry. Read “Wild in Limbs“—one of the Duvall series. Wild & poorly written, yet better than Valentine’s eve.

Thursday, 12th—Health & weather same. We have plenty of fish, &c. which goes well. Dull & quiet.

Friday, 13th—Health & weather same. On guard. There is more or less trouble around with nigger soldiers every day. Quiet & still.

Saturday, 14th—Health & weather ditto. It is said Charleston is in flames, at least so say Rebel papers. Meade is ordered to fight. Elections hard on Copperheads. They will soon find that “Old Abe’s Despotism” is very acceptable to the greater part of the people in spite of his faults & failings. They had better turn about & become war men. Wrote “Soldier’s Resolve.”

Sunday, 15th—Have bad cold in head. Cool & fair. Read Charles O’Malley [pub. 1840] by [Charles James] Lever—a jolly, rollicking, good novel. Full of anecdotes, military & civil, & containing many descriptions of battles on Peninsula & at Waterloo, and notes & men, places, and things, all woven into one of the finest stories I ever read. Indeed! I wonder I have never fallen upon this book before. It has only 320 pages yet I was the best part of three days reading it. It is worth a full dozen Lady Audley’s Secret or a million Valentine’s Eve‘s. Must have more of his books as soon as I can.

Monday, 16th—Health and weather same. On guard. Received letter to 6th. All well [at home] Received pictures.

Tuesday, 17th—Health & weather ditto. All quiet. Read Madeleine [pub. 1832] by [Charles] Paul de Kock—rather too short & silly for the price such as it can well be dispensed with.

Wednesday, 18th—Health & weather ditto. Wrote home.

Thursday, 19th—Health & weather ditto. On guard.

Friday, 20th—Health better. Rainy.

Saturday, 21st—Health same. Fair & warm. Wrote “Italian girl,” “Soldier’s Resolve,” “My Books,” “First Love,” Times passes slowly & wearily with little excitement.

Sunday, 22nd—Have slight cold in head. Cloudy. On guard. Had inspection by Bearce.

Monday, 23rd—Health & weather same. Quiet, &c. Received letter from home & from Darius. All well. Also one Harper’s and two others. One Harper’s missing. Began Octoroon’s Revenge, founded on fact.

Tuesday, 24th—Health same. Windy with rain.

Wednesday, 25th—Health same. Fair and windy. Wroteto Darius.

Thursday, 26th—Headache & bad cold. Fair & windy. Went to see Tom who is in hospital with chills. He is quite smart. National Thanksgiving was duly celebrated with a quart of whiskey to a man. Half were hors du combat by 6 p.m. On guard.

Friday, 27th—Health same. Rainy & fair in turns. Wrote to father. Took a dose of whiskey. Hope ’twill cure my cold…. Sent The Substitute.

Saturday, 28th—Health some better. Fair & cool. Very cold. Couldn’t keep warm anyway at night. Very little excitement.

Sunday, 29th—Health & weather the same. Very cold northeaster. On guard. The nigger cavalry came about 6 and relieved us. We go to regiment in the morning. The cause is too well known to be specified.

Monday, 30th [November] 1863—Have cough & cold. Ice formed last night & ’twas so cold all day, it did not melt.Wind & clear sky. Moved across [the Mississippi] to the Parapet. Four companies are to go to Bonnet Carré. Don’t know yet which ones but expect to go. Received Harper’s and Herald & letter from Granville. He’s on the Potomac and likes well. Budwen ist blind gutwnknn fat juin jabel gulownn. Vinl joldaten sind getrunken and thun die tenfel selbst [translates from German to read: Many soldiers are drunk and act like the devil himself.] I grow sicker and sicker of soldiering every day. Its newness, excitements, and pleasures are worn out. Once home again, millions wouldn’t get me again. As for the country, I’m not over particular which rules—Jeff or Old Abe, [just] so I get along well, tho’ I’ve some preference for the Old Union. But I am in for one year more and must stick it out. If my papers I’ve sent away turn out as I wish, all is right. If not, I must try again, again, and still again.

[Editor’s Note: The papers James refers to are the various essays he’s written under the various titles he’s named earlier in his diary, the most recent being “The Substitute.” It is likely he hoped to get them published in some newspaper and launch a career as an essayist or story writer. That he sent them to newspapers there can be little doubt but whether any of them were actually published, or if he even used his real name or a pen name is unknown. I have not found any published in period papers to date.]

Tuesday, December 1st 1863—Have bad cold in head, cough some, stiff in every joint. Very cold and pleasant. Sleep warm and well. The northern news is unimportant. Grant, Meade, Gillmore &c. are still. Banks moves a little in Texas but slowly. Political affairs are in a curious state. Don’t know what to make of the [German gibberish] court martial Hardly think will go to Bonnet Carré.

Wednesday, 2nd—Health & weather same. Had guard from Company today. Expect pay soon. Read a book published by Fetridge & Co. Had no title & no author’s name. I know it by a lady, good & interesting. Especially Heath Hall & the Homestead. Poetry poor.

Thursday, 3rd—Health better, warmer by considerable. Paid two months. Sent $21 in letter & 50 cents for a Virgil to Harper’s. Bought some books & paper, &c. in New Orleans to which I went, running the guard. Northern news says Bragg is whipped [at Chattanooga]. Hope so.

Friday, 4th. Slight cold & cough yet. Quite fair & pleasant. On guard. 12 men are on from our company which is nearly one half. The Colonel thinks he can keep us here this way but he’ll soon find his mistake.

Saturday, December 5th [1863]—Health some better. Pleasant. Good news from all quarters. Meade advanced. Bragg defeated & routed. Burnside safe. And Banks holds Esperanza Fort. Good, better, best. Read Roderick the Rover [pub. 1847], a sprightly novel by [Lieut.] Murray and The Ladies Garter—a silly trashy thing by Green Horn.

Sunday, 6th—Health same. Fair & pleasant. On guard. Stood only four hours so ’twas easy. Quite a spell of drunkenness in the regiment. Times dull.

Monday, 7th—Slight cold yet. Fair till noon. Then cloudy & rain at night. Read, Stanley, or playing for amusement & betting to count the game by D. Walker. This is written as an argument against the vice of gambling, yet it is a very good novel. Quite interesting tho’ it has few exciting scenes, or few fancy flights. It is worthy of every man’s perusal.

Five men went up the river for shingles and four are on barrack’s work so the guard will have to be reduced.

Tuesday, 8th—Health same. Pleasant till night. Then cold, windy, and cloudy. On guard, cold. Only five from our company today so the guard was made 13 less. Seven men from our company tomorrow and ours furnishes the most of any, so ’twill be some smaller yet.

Wednesday, 9th—Bad cold & slight cough. Couldn’t sleep any at night. I was so sick. Feel stiff and sore. Very cold and windy.

Thursday, 10th—Much worse. Quite pleasant. Lay abed all day. Slept well all night. Read [Jacque] Alexander Tardy, a pirate story. Silly tho’ interesting. It is said that the niggers at Fort Jackson have killed several officers & raised hell generally. Hope so, not that I wish the officers to be killed, but it would furnish another evidence of the folly of arming negroes. I cannot see how any sane man can think they are worthy of bearing arms. But few know the truth. Officers of course lie about them. I know they do and can prove it too.

Friday, 11th—Most well cured by faith in “no medicine.” Warm & cloudy with some rain. On guard. As all was ready, we went into bunks in quarters in barracks. Co. A stops in same room with us. All quiet. Decent. It turns out that the Fort Jackson affair was a great exaggeration. There was a row between officers and men, but it was settled without difficulty. Yet I can’t be any more favorable to the damned rascals. I hate the sight of them.

Saturday, December 12th [1863]—Pleasant. Almost well. Read California Widow—a very badly written, dull, listless, filthy novel founded on incidents equal to the making of a fine romance.

Sunday, 13th—Have slight cold. Warm & pleasant. Inspection. Capt. Robinson has come back. Glad of it on the whole. Read The Countess—an exceedingly silly novel; the less of them the better.

Monday, 14th—Health same. Cold 7 fair. On guard. News from North uninteresting.

Tuesday, 15th—Health same. Pleasant & fair. Received letter from home. 1st instant. All well. Wrote home.

Wednesday, 16th—Health same. Cloudy, warm with heavy shower at night. All quiet.

Thursday, 17th—Health same. Clear, cold 7 windy. Very dull and no news.

Friday, 18th—Health & weather same. On picket at Star Fort. Slept well after 11.

Saturday, 19th—Health & weather same. Just at sunrise we were relieved as our company is ordered to Lake Borgne. When we got to quarters, they were gone so we hold back till tomorrow. Read Bill Biddon [pub. 1860]—a lively, interesting tale by [Edward S.] Ellis. Also The Secret Revealed—a common tale of blood & thunder. Too common.

Sunday, 20th—Have very slight cold. Milder. Left Carrollton at 7:30 and reached Lake Borgne where the company was at 1:30. All right. We’ve decent quarters and will do well as long as mosquitoes don’t trouble.

Monday, 21st—Health & weather same. Dull.

Tuesday, 22nd—Health same. Cloudy with some rain. Read Miser’s Will by [ ]. It is quite interesting, well written, yet I think it would have been better to have made three or four novels made out of the materials instead of one. The plot is rather too complicated and the scenes change too often & too much. Nevertheless it is far better than most of the class, which are called Blood & Thunder &c. story tales.

Wednesday, 23—Health same. Cloudy & warm. Read Vagabond Life in Mexico by G. Ferry—a lively story book description of life and customs in Mexico, well written and instructive tho’ it abounds in exaggeration somewhat, Also read Queen of the Sea by Ned Buntline—a good pirate tale, well conceived and well written. Few writers of this class are equal to Buntline. His descriptions are lively, his plots good, his style refined and delicate. No vulgarity mars the beauty of his tales. No lagging spirit dulls their interest.

Thursday, 24 December [1863]—Have slight cough & cold. Fair. Wind blows strongly from the Lake and the waters rise fast. The place will soon be overflowed but we are on post 6 or 8 feet high so all is right. Read Pål of Prashant & Landlord—a Swiss tale by I don’t know who, a very simple play, light adn pretty tale. Received two papers from home. Harper’s 5th instant. On guard.

Friday, [December] 25th [1863]—Health same. Somewhat rainy in afternoon. Heavy blow, raising water 4 or 5 feet. On guard except only have to stand 4 hours a day, 1 day off [every four days. Read Peon Prince by A. J. K. Duqanne—a lively Mexican tale, well written and interesting tho’ short.

Old Abe’s [Annual] Message has come to hand. It is simple, earnest, and just as I like to see. In a proclamation, he declares the policy he is in favor of in regard to the seceded states—namely, when 1/10 of the inhabitants who have held no important office in Rebel Government shall take the oath in any state, such state shall be immediately organized and received back [into the Union]. That surely ought to give no one umbrage, save the Rebel leaders themselves. It is honorable, just and good. If Old Abe always does as well as this, he never need be ashamed of his administration, and will long be remembered as one of the best Presidents we ever had.

[Editor’s Note: James has captured the essence of what came to be called as Lincoln’s “Ten Percent Plan” which laid out for the first time his lenient approach to restoring Southern states back into the Union. Many citizens praised it but the Radical Republicans criticized it as far too weak.]

Saturday, 26th—Have bad cold & cough. Cloudy. As the wind has gone down, the water subsides gradually. Have written “The Conscript” and “Satan’ Choice,” and “Patriot’s Resolution.”

Sunday, 27th—Health same. Rainy & windy. Cleared off cold about 7 p.m. Dull & no news.

Monday, 28th—Health same. Clear and cool. On guard. Stand on 7 to 9. Then sleep till 7 a.m. again. Very easy.

Tuesday, 29th—Health and weather same. On guard. Military affairs are at a stand still all around. [John Camel] Heenan is victorious in the prize fight with [English champion Tom] King, tho’ I think these fights are foolish. Yet I am glad a county man triumphs. Write “Burial at Sea,” and “Vallandigham’s Removal.” Bearce’s resignation has been accepted but he will hover around I expect.

Wednesday, 30th—Health little better. Windy with rain.

Thursday, 31st—Health same. Read Vol. 2 Heron’s History of Scotland—a work written & printed in 1776. describing reign of John Balliol & Robert Bruce and the manners & customs of Scots in that period. Well written & interesting. This is the last day of the present year in which we have gained much and lost little, in which the rebs have been worsted very often, and foreign nations convinced of our final success.

[Editor’s Note: During the winter of 1863-64, the 12th Maine Infantry had a calm season, mostly engaging in picket duty. This allowed James time to read books and write essays or poems, preparing for college and his aspiration to become a writer. He enjoyed classic literature and dime novels—some of what he termed the “blood and thunder” genre—if only to analyze different writing styles. I have transcribed his diary up to this point, but I will focus on more relevant content for Civil War readers moving forward, while still displaying his diary pages for reference on the books he read.]

Friday, January 1, 1864—Have slight cold and cough. Very cold and windy. Another year begins today—a year which we may hope will, and bids fair to, bring an end to this damnable rebellion which is already well nigh broken up, for since ’62 we have taken all of Tennessee, cleared Kansas and Missouri, conquered a victory on nearly every occasion in which we have met the rebel forces in field. We have opened the Mississippi, this dividing the Confederacy in two, the Carolinas, Texas, Arkansas, Virginia, and almost all of Louisiana have been invaded. Surely another such a year will finish the war. Yet we must not forget that all these gains may be lost in a single false move or by a succession of adversities. We may well look with bright anticipations to the future, however. All except a very few silly Copperheads have seen how futile were their attempt at obtaining peace without fighting for it. Surely the total deflect of the peace party, the late elections is sufficient evidence. Then foreign nations taught by our successes and preparations for war, that we were becoming the strongest nation in existence, have softened towards us and against the Rebels.

Saturday, 2nd—Have little cold. Milder than yesterday. Saw today in Portland Transcript a notice of an old schoolmate at Monmouth who started as 2nd Lieutenant in 5th Maine and is now the Major of the 5th alive and well. This is good as I have not heard from him for two years. He and I used to be classmates in Cicero and Mathematics and I used to assist him in Latin translations. He is several years older—a Major, and I a Private. But he deserves his promotion. He is brave and talented.

Read some of Abbott’s Life of Napoleon. It is needless to praise so well written a work. I like his high estimation of Napoleon for I fully concur in all. I believe him to have been as good as he was great, as wide as he was brave, as generous, as rash, and pious as he was ambitious. Truly he was the greatest general the old world ever saw, and in mere military point of view, greater even than our own illustrious Washington, who combined his great qualities as General to those other qualities of the true Republican, ambition only to serve his country and his God faithfully. On the contrary, Napoleon I fear sometimes forgot both in the mad whirl of success in which he was often enveloped. His name will forever remain as a warning to those who would aspire to more than attainable things.

Sunday, 3rd—Have slight cold and cough. Quite comfortable. On guard 7 to 9. Drew 1 pair shoes and 2 pairs socks, $2.64.

Monday, 4th—Health same. Mild and rainy. On guard. Very dull and tiresome here.

Tuesday, 5th—Health better. Cold. Windy. Rainy. I feel very dull and stupid in this dreary spot.

Wednesday, 6th—Health same. Worst day I ever saw in the South. It is so cold that rain freezes as it falls. All in ice. Heenan it seems was beaten and the 1st news was a hoax. Well never mind—nothing serious will happen.

Thursday, 7th—Health same. Cloudy and icy cold. Read Sue’s Wandering Jew—a political novel. well written against Jesuits and many evils of French government… Read also Life of J. S. Hare—one other the highwaymen of the first part of the present century….

Friday, 8th—Have cold in head. Very cold & ground all ice. Windy. Received letter [dated] December 21st. All well at home. Wrote home. Received also Herald and Harper’s. No news.

Saturday, 9th—Health same. Cold, cold, very cold. On guard. Little by way of excitement. By the last letter from home, I find father has bought a farm with fair opportunities for paying for it. I am glad for tho’ I have been accustomed to the wandering life of a methodist minister, yet I have always longed for a place to go to and call home. Now there is a prospect of this, I have cheerfully given what I have saved to go to school with to him. Yet I do not mean to give up my notions of a college course. I’ll go to college yet.

Sunday, 10th—Read Man O’Warsman’s Grudge by [Ned] Buntline—a very fine plainly told tale of Revolutionary time… Also Wild Sports of the West by a sporting Englishman… Also Tales of American Landlord—too full of sermons and religious sentiment… On guard.

Monday, 11th—Have cold in head. Mild and cloudy. Read Disheartened by J. H. Robinson—a tale of highwaymen in 1811 in England…

Papers have been sent for reenlistment, guaranteeing $702 bounty, but will get few from our company as most of them, like myself, think that three years service is enough—as much as we need give to do our part. Besides, it would put me back too far in studies were I to enlist for two years more. I think that my giving three years service before I was old enough to be accepted without concealing my age and four years before I could be drafted is all that could be expected. If it is not, then it can’t be helped. When my time is out, I shall bid adieu to war for a while & try to fit myself for the course I have marked out for the future.

Began to read Virgil without lexicon. Find little or no difficulty in it. Virgil is my favorite. I like him far better than Homer which also I am reading, but he is duller, more still and grand than Virgil, and therefore much harder, not to say anything of the frequent obscurities of his Greek.

Tuesday, 12—Have cold in head. Mild and rainy. Been reading first volume of Fanny Kemble’s Diary of 1835….It is lively and true and gives a good picture of New York, Philadelphia, & in 1835, besides an insight to actor’s life…

Wednesday, 13th—Health same. Cloudy and mild. Washed clothes today. Got feet wet and tho’ dried them right away, fear I’ll get cold. Banks has ordered an election in February of State officers, thus inaugurating Old Abe’s policy in regard to the final settlement of the vexed question. It is well and I hope and believe it will prove to be wise and just. Surely none but traitors can oppose such an impartial manner of bringing states, which have falsely pretended to move out of the Union, into their former positions, save that slavery will be done away forever. Thank Old Abe for this.

Thursday, 14th—Have quite a bad cold. Pleasant and mild. Received Harper’s 26th ult. and Herald. No particular news. Study about three hours a day, write journal. and chapter in Octoroon’s Revenge which I have got to 9 chapters. Then spend rest of day in reading and lounging, except it be fair, then take a walk or so along coast. This I pass the time quite pleasantly.

Friday, 15th—Health same. Weather cool & fair. On guard 5 to 7. Easy enough. Tom has enlisted and I guess it is as well as he can do. He’ll then have enough to buy him a decent farm and live easy. If I were in his place, I would do the same.

Saturday, 16th—Feel some better. Weather same. On guard. Read The Gold Fiend—quite a lively tale…

Sunday, 17th—Health still better. Pleasant and mild. Time hangs heavily on my hands. Don’t know what to do and this is the worst kind of feeling one can have—-an undefined longing for something which cannot be found. Everything then is dull and dreary. Capt. [Stephen Bennet] Packard of Co. B, formerly of our company, was married lately to a New Orleans lady of some little wealth. Lieut. [Royal A.] Bray of Co. K, also once in ours, has followed his example ere this. Success & happiness follow them.

Monday, 18th—Have cold in head. Pleasant and mild. Ten have enlisted over in our company. The day of grace is gone and no more can enlist. Well I’m glad for there’ll be no more bother.

Tuesday, 19th—Health and weather about as yesterday. As the veterans have gone to the city, I am on guard again. Have hard work to pass the time very agreeably. Want pay to buy some books.

Wednesday, 20th—Health better. Mild & pleasant. Received a letter from home. All well. Wrote home. On guard. Keep on studying and writing tales. Wrote “The Old Man of Gettysburg.”

Thursday, 21st—Health same. Mild and fair. Passed most of the day in reading papers.

Friday, 22nd—Have slight cold in head. Mild & fair. Went up to Peterson’s for wood. Walked about 5 miles. Did me good. Have fish right along.

Saturday, 23rd—Health and weather same. On guard. Times passes wearily on. Received letter. Wrote home.

Sunday, 24th—Health and weather ditto to yesterday. On guard. Veterans have come back. They haven’t received any pay yet tho’ they’re mustered in. The time has been extended, thus giving another opportunity. Doubtless several more will enlist but I am not a whit the more inclined to it.

Monday, 25th—Have very slight cold. Mild & fair. Things go on as usual. The reenlisting project cases no little talk, yet I guess Co. G has furnished all the veterans it will. We have a great abundance of fish, a chowder twice a day and often three times. We live well as soldiers could expect. We hear almost every day of some depredation or crime committed by negro troops. Very lately they took a citizen and killed and robbed him and then buried him, but one of them was foolish enough to tell of it so they were caught. This is not a lone instance but one of many which occur daily almost. I think the government will bye and bye see the needlessness and danger of entrusting arms to the negroes, tho’ perhaps as I hope it may be, yet know very well it won’t. They will so improve that after a little time they will be equal to white troops. If they do not improve soon, I hope they will murder every officer they have and rise in rebellion so we can have the opportunity of cleaning them all out for there never can be peace as long as we have niggers and abolitionists, the worst of the two, in the land. Where both are, will always be trouble.

Tuesday, 26th—Have slight cold in head. Mild & fair. [Nathaniel] Harlow is sergeant from today. [Leonard] Briggs and Randall are corporals. Briggs is a good fellow and deserves it. Aber Randall ist ein eugner and grosser sheiteyer und klein narr [meaning: Randall is a scoundrel, a big shyster, and a petty fool].

Wednesday, 27th—Health and weather ditto to above. Went up to battery one mile above and worked cutting weeds on parapet till noon. Good exercise. Finished Greek Reader today. Set fire to the prairie but it did not take very well. Yet it burned seven pigs and scorched the sow. Ayer’s commission has come. Well, he is a good fellow and will make a good officer.

Thursday, 28th—Have cold in head which does not plague me much. Think I have catarrh. Fair. Worked some on battery today. It does me good.

Friday, 29th—Health same. Rainy in morning. On guard. Spent day in reading old magazines. They help pass an idle hour very agreeably.

Saturday, 30th—Health same. Fair & mild. On guard. It is so warm that I feel uneasy all the time, being able neither to sit, lie, stand or walk with ease or comfort.

Sunday, 31st—Health and weather same. Capt. Rob. went to town on Court Martial. Three of our company went out sailing. They tipped over & [John] Chase drowned.

Monday, February 1, 1864—Have slight cold in head. Foggy till noon, then fair. Mosquitoes thick and troublesome. Chase’s body has not been found. Read some of Thackery’s, Newcome’s. Phillip & Virginians but think them good for only one thing—to give an idea of English fashion, &c. a hundred years ago. They are dull & stupid…

Tuesday, 2nd—Health same. Fair, mild and windy. Took pirogue ride second time. Got along first rate. It is rather ticklish.

Wednesday, 3rd—Health ditto. Cold & fair. Chase’s body washed ashore and was buried. It was but little changed. Read Valentine Vox by [Henry] Cockton. It contains the humorous adventures of a ventriloquist with a little love to match…

Thursday, 4th—Health & weather same. On guard. Wrote another Cap. of Tale.

Friday, 5th—Health & weather same. On guard. Received letter & magazine from home. Wrote home. Read Heart’s Secret by Murray—a lively tale of Spanish life & adventure.

Saturday, 6th—Have bad cold. Cool and windy. Read Ida Lee by Balfour Fairfax, a tale of 60 chapters, all full of startling events…

Sunday, 7th—Health and weather same as yesterday. Read Kitty Atherton by Margaret Blount—a very charming tale. Tho’ the incidents are somewhat mournful, it is well written. As I was trying to go under a bridge in a pirogue, I got stuck in the middle & tipped over, getting well wet. The bridge is only two feet from water so I had to lean to get under the first string [but] the second was too low & I had to back [up] In backing, I caught in something & got ducked all over. I changed clothes and was all right.

Monday, 8th—Health and weather as yesterday. Read On the Wilds by [ ], a tale of life in trapping grounds andIndian lands. The best & cheapest dime novel yet out.

Tuesday, 9th—Health and weather same. Went to battery & worked till noon. Dull & quiet.

Wednesday, 10th—Health better. Pleasant & mild. On guard. Read The Quadroon by Mayne Reid, a well told tale of Louisiana life in 1855. It is lively, interesting, and full of information about land and society.

Thursday, 11th—Have slight cold. Windy & mild. On guard. Read Dangerous Woman by Miss Blount—a well told tale as all her’s are. No very wicked or bloody, but neat and moderately conceived. Also Prairie Guide by Curtiss–a poorly written tho’ interesting tale…

Friday, 12th—Health and weather same. As those who enlisted in New Orleans in our company have never been mustered yet, they went today to be mustered for three years from the date of their enlistment about two years ago. There are only seven of us left here so we are all on guard four hours a day. Finished Chapter 16, page 64 of Octoroon’s Revenge. Have fine pirogue rides around the bayous and the lake. And yet times pass slowly and wearily.

Saturday, 13th—Health and weather same. On guard. Time passes lazily along.

Sunday, 14th—Health and weather same. On guard. The boys are back. Four have reenlisted. Active moves are being made all around. Something will be done soon. Wrote “Cavalry Charge.”

Monday, 15th—Health better. Fair with a shower. Two more men have reenlisted making 20 now in all. Finished Virgil without Lexicon….

Tuesday, 16th—Have slight cold in head. Cool & fair. Wrote Chapter 18 “Octoroon’s Revenge.” Took ride in pirogue.

Wednesday. 17th—Health and weather same. On guard. The day passed with the usual monotony.

Thursday, 18th—Health same. Very windy & cold. A very little snow fell, first I ever saw in Louisiana. On guard. Received Leslie’s for February. Wrote quarter chapter in novelette. Too cold for such business.

Friday, 19th—Health same. Weather moderated some. Wrote Chapter 19 Novelette. By papers, I see Richmond was put into great fight by the attempted capture by Butler’s men, which failed on account of a traitor. Butler probably let his object be too well known. Also that theRebel Congress has proposed to send representatives to meet same from US to settle first, a separation. If not that, second, an honorable union. Third, if not those, treaties. Now this proposition supposes the Confederacy to be already a government which we will not acknowledge. A convention would be really acknowledging them so. But if we had one, the only compromise we’d ,ake would be to restore everything as it was, which would leave the trouble still here, only to begin anew sometime. Old Abe’s amnesty is all they deserve and good enough.

Thursday, 20th—Have touch of catarrh. Mild. Wrote Chapter XX, “Octoroon’s Revenge.” About four more [chapters] to finish it tho’ I think I shall enlarge the first 13 to 26 so as to have about 40 in all if I can. Today has brought around the long looked for time when I can say I’m a nine-month’s man. Yes, if I live nine month’s more, and goodbye Army!

Sunday, 21st—Wrote “Sabbath.” Time passes as usual. There’s still trouble wit hthe niggers. Some are sent every day to Tortugas. Others put in jail and stocks. It is safe to say that more than half are maliciously ugly. They expect Uncle Sam to keep ’em without labor. But I guess he won’t. Nearly all the old abolitionists whom I know in the Army are down on the brutes the worst kind. One month’s experience is enough to make any sane man despise them. Yet there are fanatics who’d make them equal us.

Monday, 22nd—Health and weather still same. Wrote “Washington’s Birthday 1864.” Also Chapter 21 of Octoroon’s Revenge.” Went with rest to the battery at 12 when four guns fired 36 shots in 9 minutes and might have done it in 5 had we chosen to. Received letter from home. All well. Wrote home.

[Editor’s note: Firing a round for every single state—even while the nation was fractured by civil war—served as a powerful political and symbolic assertion by Union forces that the breakaway Confederate states were still legally part of the Union, must to the annoyance of those Southerners within audible range.]

Tuesday, 23rd—Have slight cold in head. Mild & fair. On guard. Wrote Chapter 22 of romance, nearly done. Shall call it “Eva Morton—the enslaved White Woman, or the Octoroon’s Revenge.” Michael Hahn is elected Governor [of Louisiana]. Sound principles have triumphed over both pro-South slavery radicals. Nearly 10,000 votes received as many as required, and Louisiana is a state again and will soon be free. Nobly has she taken the lead. Let her sistsers do as well and all will be right. Armies all around are preparing to move. There’ll soon be stirring work. Hope so.

Wednesday, 24th—Health and weather ditto. On guard. Wrote Chapter 23 of Romance. Think two more will end it. Pass time in Pirogues, reading, writing and walking. Saw today first time in my life a real wildcat. It was caught in a trap, then shot. It was a young one about two feet from head to tail of a color like a mixture of brown and gray, white belly, striped with blackings and blacking on legs. Looked like a large tom cat only stouter and longer. There are many in woods above here.

Thursday, 25th—Health and weather same. Mowed reeds and bushes till I got pretty tired. Saw by paper Transcript that “Sunset and Death” was on file. Well. there’s some prospect of my being a ryhmster after all. Read some of Little Dorret which I like very well. The more I read of Dickens, the more I like him. He’s so quaint, pleasant, and humorous.

Friday, 26th—Have slight cold in head. Fair & mild. Wrote Chapters 24 & 25 of Romance today. It is finished though I have to revise several times yet. It may be good or bad. Can’t tell. Hope it’ll pass. Glad the hardest part is done anyhow. It will be about 42 pages, size of Harper’s Magazine. Perhaps alittle ought to be 50 pages. That is just two pages per chapter. Made chapters short because i hate long ones.

The nigger editor of the Union says there is no class of society in the world who are so respectable as the nigger class (the free) of New Orleans. The damned fool. How long does he suppose he’d be allowed to bluster & blow as he does. The niggers want to vote, hold office, and marry white women, but they can’t. The editor seems to forget how like hell the niggers act in New Orleans and all over the state a dozen of them go to Tortugas or some other fine place every day & half a hundred are before the courts—five times as many of them in proportion to the whole number are in prison than whites. The Provost Marshall’s guards have them on hand for petty theft &c. all the time. It is safe to say that more than half of the negroes of this state are the very worst & most degraded class of persons in the world. Yet abolitionists would like to place them on an equality with us and make Frederick Douglass president. Hope Union will be ruined first.

Saturday, 27th—Have slight cold in head/ ild & fair. On guard. Wrote “At Gettysburgh“–a revision of “The Old Man of Gettysburgh” more rhyme. Our regimental flag is to have “Irish Bend” and “Port Hudson” on it. The Negro soldier who robbed the man when on post and then killed him are to be shot. Good for them. Have “The Conscript” ready to send to Leslie.

Sunday, 28th—Health and weather same. On guard. Three sergeants and five men of 3rd Mississippi (Rebel) came in from Biloxi. They left Meridian 16th instant where Polk then was and Sherman now is. They say three regiments have deserted. Part of their company started & the rest were sent after them and haven’t caught them yet. They say they mean to wait for them at New Orleans. They look tough & well clothed & fed. All hate Polk. In Jones Co. are 500 armed Unionists who parole every small squad they can get hold of. They are tired of war as all the rest are save the leaders and fools. Their pay didn’t keep them in tobacco at $6 a pound. An attack has been made on Powell—a small dirt fort on Grand Pass.

Monday, 29th—Health and weather same. Mustered for another two months pay. Time passes slowly, wearily on. Have so little to divert our minds from the slowness of time. We suffer from lassitude.

Tuesday, 1st March 1864—Have slight cold in head. Cold, wet and windy. Full & tedious.

Wednesday, 2nd—Health same. Cold & windy. On guard. Read Indian Princess by Mrs. Stephens….

Thursday, 3rd—Health same. Pleasant & mild. On guard. Nothing passed of note.

Friday, 4th—Health & weather unchanged. Wrote home to inform father of William Holt’s death which occurred i nJuly, tho’ I have but just heard it. Wrote or rather began Lucy, and Indian’s _____. Sorry to learn by papers that the Danes are defeated tho’ perhaps I should be glad if I knew all about it. Old Abe seems in a fair way of getting reelected but I hope he won’t, tho’ I would sooner see him President than any of the Seymour, Wood party. Hope Grant, Dickenson, or some like man will get it. After all, if the war only ends with a year. Old Abe might do well enough since he’s opposed to Negro equality. That the main thing for a few years.

Saturday, March 5th—Have slight cold in head, otherwise feel well as I have for some time. Mild and windy. Louisiana has again a Governor of her own choosing. Hahn’s message was short & promising. Banks made a brief & appropriate address. All the ceremonies passed pleasantly over. Well may Louisiana be proud to remember this day.

Sunday, 6th—Health & weather same. Went up to Peterson’s and had a look at Proctor’s Library which contains many rare old books, worth enough to buy twice as many as new. There are several mounds of shell & mud around the house which sets on one. Some suppose them to be Indian works but I think they were formed by the water several centuries ago as they are evidently less than 200 years old by trees &c. on them. At that time, no levee held back the water of the Mississippi, few white men dwelt on its banks, and water in high season swept over the land. Still it may be that Indians who lived here in summer when the river was low made these for burial places or for security to their huts and provisions. This they could easily have done since the whole land is a mixture of shell & mud. But I prefer to lay the charge to the water which has done the same nearer the lake.

Monday, 7th—Have slight cold in head. Mild & fair. Read Collins’ Kentucky in History, Biography & Antiquities which combines the gazetteer & history most admirably….Also read Irving’s Companions of Columbus….

Tuesday, 8th—Have a cold in head. Windy 7 fair. On guard. Read 1st Volume of Thiebault’s Anecdotes of Frederick the Great….

Wednesday, 9th—Have cold in head. Cloudy & rainy. Wind raised the water dangerously high but luckily it subsided again before midnight. Read 2nd Volume of Thiebault…

Thursday, 10th—Have cold in head. Windy & cloudy. Have better opinion of Villette as we read it all…

Friday, 11th—Health same. Mild & cool. Read Clotelle, a tale by W. W. Brown….

Saturday, 12th—Had bad cold & slight cough. Cool and windy & fair. On guard. Last relief, easy. There has been considerable skirmishing lately which has done about as much for our side as for the other. Several advances have been ,ade by us only to fall back again. Tho’ the Potomac Army is far on towards Richmond which I sincerely hope will be taken now, if ever it is. The time for reenlistment is extended. This will doubtless bring in a few more recruits but the greatest part who will enlist have already done so. Although I hope many more will reenlist, my mind is unchanged, I think—and always shall—that I have done my part.

Sunday, 13th—Have slight cold and cough. Fair & windy. On guard. Finished reading Memoirs of Napoleon…

Monday, 14th—Have cold & cough. Windy & cold. Read Heart of Midlothian by Scott…

Tuesday, 15th—Health same. Pleasant & chilly. Very little a doing. Too little by far.

Wednesday, 16th—Health & weather same. Dull.

Friday, 18th—Health & weather same. On guard. Alexandria is again in our hands. Ortega is president of Mexico instead of Juarez. Think French will have to leave.

Saturday, 19th–Health and weather same. On guard. Read Fieldings’ Joseph Andrews…

Sunday, 20th—Have some cold. Cloudy & rainy. Very little news save that Grant intends to try Richmond. He’ll do well if he refuses to run for President. If not, he’s gone under.

Monday, 21st—Health same. Rain, thunder, wind and high water, very rough. The regiment will go home in 30 days. Wrote “Thackery.”

Tuesday, 22nd—Health and weather same. On guard. Read King’s Own by Marryatt….

Wednesday, 23rd—Health same. Fair and windy. On guard. Wrote home. Began Don Bernado Monardo…

Thursday, 24th—Health same. Rainy, windy, and cloudy. The water rose so high that we had to wade to the cook house for supper. But it cleared off about 6. Our forces hold Nachitoches in fair way for clearing Texas. Hope it will be done soon.

Friday, 25th—Health same. Mild & pleasant. Read Quorndon Hounds by Herbert (F. Forrester).

Saturday, 26th—Have slight cold. Mild & fair. Little news and dull times.

Sunday, 27th—Health and weather same as usual. No great probability of moving just yet.

Monday, 28th—Health and weather same. Showers. On guard. Quite a little stir was made today when the cars had reached the battery where they ran off. They whistled and we supposed it meant relief as we had told them to. When they brought relief, it turned out false before we had got packed.

Tuesday, 29th—Health same but still & rheumatic. Cool. On guard. Louisiana will soon be a full state, having elected free state ticket for the convention by a large margin. Well done Louisiana—the first of all the states to elect a convention to abolish slavery.

Wednesday, 30th—Health and weather very rheumatic. Have written Chapter 3….

Thursday, 31st—Have cold & cough and am very stiff and have rheumatic pains in my limbs. I think it is all I can do to stick it out till the end of my service. Been reading some old Knickerbockers which was the quaintest and best magazine once, but Harper’s has conquered it as all the rest in New York Shreveport is in our possession now, so that nearly all the state is in our hands. Good.

Friday, April 1st, 1864—Have some cold 7 cough and feel rheumatic. Cool & fair. Wrote “Buzzards a doggerell on some filthy lucre seekers.”

Saturday, 2nd—Health and weather same. Very dull.

Sunday, 3rd—Health same. Rainy in showers. On guard. Have seen incontestable evidence. I have come to the conclusion that Negroes can fight some—that is, that many of the regiments of niggers are decent kind of soldiers tho’ they are hardly to be trusted.

Monday, 4th–Health & weather same. On guard. Paid four months pay. Went to town on pass. Wrote home and sent $10. Also $25 by Express. Went to Varieties Theatre. Saw King of Commons played. All the acting was good but Barrett’s (Lawrence) was far best of all. He acted King James V. Angela Lofton sand a wild screaming son which I don’t like at all. Walked around some time before U found a lodging place.

Tuesdaym 5th—Health and weather same. Passed day in wandering over the city. Went to Varieties at night. Famous play Duke’s Motto played. It is very fine in scenery. Otherwise nothing great.

Monday, 6th—Health and weather same. The 9th Connecticut—that is, those who did not reenlist, have relieved us. We came up to the Parapet in the evening after a hard run for the cars. Slept in Co. I quarters. Expect the regiment will go home soon as preparations are being made.

Thursday, 7th—Have slight cold. Cloudy and rainy. Got up our tents and fixed up for a few days. They have three drills a day and considerable guard duty. There are only our regiment and Wisconsin cavalry here. The place is green and pleasant. Regiment will go home in a week or so.

Friday, 8th—Health same. Cloudy and little rain. Drill bayonet exercise. Drew coal-tarred knapsacks. Read The Barclays of Boston, by Mrs. Otis….

Saturday, 9th—Health same. Cold and windy. On guard. Read Sword & Gown…

Sunday, 10th—Health same. Warm & pleasant. Had usual inspection. Read Bob Brant… Also tried to read Post Captain…

Monday, 17th—Health and weather same. Have bayonet drill. Read Pickwick Papers, edited by Dickens…

Tuesday, 18th—Health and weather same. Received a letter from home. Wrote home. Read Hermit of Colorado Hills…

Wednesday, 13th [April 1864]—Have cold in head. Warm 7 fair. The veterans [those who reenlisted] will soon leave [to go home on a 30-day furlough]. Read Millrose…Struck tents and moved into [Co.] K’s quarters.

Thursday, 14th—Health same. Rainy and cool. There has been a fight above Natchitoches lately so the Veterans hold back a day or two for fear the luck may turn. Read Bill Johnson, a silly western tale.

Friday, 15th—Health same. Cloudy, fair, showers, cool. The fight above turns out some better than a draw game and not quite a full victory. The Rebels were routed but we fell back. Read Rebels and Tories… Veterans leave tomorrow.

Saturday, 16th—Health same. Cool and pleasant. The veterans left at 7 a.m. Several of them were left behind though all of our company got off. We will stay in the barracks in shape of Heavy Artillery in three companies. The Era contradicts the Times‘ report of a second engagement. Read Banker’s Wife. Also Maid of the Ranche…

Sunday, 17th—Health and weather same. Cos. I, G. & D are together. We are in Co. D’s quarters. 65 men & non-coms. There are three companies of the same size, 195 in all. Have good quarters here. We act as heavy artillery. The Rhode Island niggers [8th US Colored Heavy Artillery] are here. Drill well.

Monday, 18th—Have bad cold. Cool morn. Warm after. Drill as usual. Nothing stirring.

Tuesday, 19th—Health and weather same. Get along well. Read Phantom Canise…

Wednesday, 20th—Health and weather same. On guard. Read Aurora…

Thursday, 21st—Health and weather same. Little doings. Read Silver Knife….

Friday, 22nd—Have very bad cold and sharp pains in my limbs caused by the sudden change from hot and dry to cloudy and windy which happens very regularly. Also my vaccination has taken, so my arm begins to be sore. Received letter & Herald from home. Read The Law Student… Troops are on the move all the time, coming and going up and down river.

Saturday, 23rd—Health and weather same. Wrote home. Have read considerable of The Small House at Allington…

Sunday, 24th—Health and weather same. Usual inspection. They have guards pretty thick here. The 12th Illinois Cavalry and 14th New Hampshire Infantry are very thick with the niggers here but as for our boys, the niggers find little favor in their eyes. I grow more & more disgusted with them every day. Sent “Sunset & Death” and “April” to Era.

[Editor’s Note: The Era was a notable daily newspaper published in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the American Civil War era (specifically operating from 1863 to 1864, with roots or digitized collections spanning broader mid-19th-century segments). It chronicled New Orleans under Union Army occupation, providing historical insight into wartime governance, local notices, and societal shifts.]

Monday, 25th [April 1864]—Have considerable cold, little cough, and lame arm. Fair and pleasant. On guard. Stood my four hours before 6 p.m. A nigger officer commands us. He puts on great airs.

Tuesday, 26th—Health and weather same. Had inspection. The nigger officer in command is cutting up finely but he makes nothing of us. We don’t salute him much. For all his swearing that he wants no damned Democratic soldiering, he’ll be relieved soon.

Wednesday, 27th—Health and weather same. As usual.

Thursday, 28th—We have in our company four men. Made out muster rolls for the companies.

Friday, 29th—Health better. Weather same. Made up muster rolls/ Very warm and uncomfortable.

Saturday, 30th—Health and weather same. On guard. Had muster today. Cavalry have all left. Received letter from [brother] Gran[ville]. Answered it. Also from Darius who is wounded in foot & in Barracks Hospital.

Sunday, May 1st 1864—Health & weather same. Went to city on pass. Saw [Uncle] Darius who was very badly wounded in foot by a piece of shell. After being wounded and sent to Surgeon’s quarters, he and all the others who were last wounded were left behind as the ambulances were filled. Just then the army began to retreat, and leave them behind so he & three others hobbled and crawled along as best they could very hard though cavalryman let him ride his horse, walking himself till he reached his regiment. After lying around two or three days without any dressing save cold water for his wound, he was brought to the hospital here. His leg was black to the knee and the surgeon dispaired of his life but he has improved rapidly tho’ the flesh all came off his calf and foot. He is very trim and weak but expects to have a furlough soon. He and all the others who were in the fight, several hundred in all, curse Banks right smart and say he is no general. He had his army blocked entirely by wagons so that the 19th Corps could hardly get by them, and then after fairly whipping the rebels, retreated instead of pursuing, leaving many wounded and much plunder in Rebel hands. As it is, I think he’ll not be likely to gain much tho’ he may yet. It is not a private’s place to criticize his general’s doings, yet I can hardly help thinking something is wrong when all who were there save a few station seekers report adversely. Hope we’ll get all right some time but fear the worst, when there is so much speculating on this country’s trials.

[Editor’s Note: James’ Uncle, Darius Holt (1820-1875) originally enlisted with James in Co. G, 12th Maine Infantry, but his health failed and he was discharged on a surgeon’s certificate after only a few months service. After recovering his health, he enlisted again as a private in Co. A, 30th Maine Infantry on 15 December 1863. He was with his regiment in Louisiana during Bank’s ill-fated Red River Campaign where he was wounded in the foot by a shell (as described by James) at Pleasant Hill on 9 April 1864. He eventually recovered from his wound and remained in the service until mustering out with the regiment in mid-June 1865.]

Went to St. Charles [theatre] which is a smaller and not so neat and well decorated as Varieties. Saw Martinetti group of ballet dancers perform. Three pantomimes—namely Contrabandiste, Endymeon’s Dream, [ ] & Bartand. The dancing tho’ not of the best was very good and was quite enjoyable—especially as it is the first I ever witnessed. Business is lively tho’ the people don’t think very favorably of Banks’ doings in spite of the Era‘s lying declarations.

Monday, 2nd—Have slight cold. Pleasant 7 hot. Received a letter from home. All well. Answered it. News from North are not over and above favorable.

Tuesday, 3rd—Health and weather same. Read a number of The Round Table…

Wednesday, 4th—Health and weather same. Times dull.

Thursday, 5th—Health and weather same. Times dull. On guard. The 14th Maine has gone to Baton Rouge as it is rumored an attack is feared. Banks has reached Alexandria after a hard skirmish. Well, hope he’ll do better next time.

Friday, 6th—Health & weather same. Drill three times a day on heavy guns. ‘Tis rumored that Rebels are near Baton Rouge & have been fighting there two days. One of the nigger officers—the Officer of the Day—was fool enough to think the Rebel cavalry can come from Manchac over the trestle works of the railroad…

Saturday, 7th—Health and weather same. The nigger officers put on some airs and far too many to suit us, but “let ’em up.” They can’t hurt us much in 7 months. Then let govt. and the officers go where they like, I don’t care.

Sunday, 8th—Health and weather same. Went blackberrying. Walked about 6 miles and found them very thick but not over and above good. Very little going on.

Monday, 9th—Have some cold. Pleasant, cloudy & hot. On guard. 16 on gives twice in 5 days. May mean to raise particular—-with us, but our own officers help. Have been reading Les Miserables just one week and it is not half read. Like it very well. Know no better.

Tuesday, 10th—Health ditto. Cloudy, windy, and shower. Received four Transcripts from home. See that the “Conscript” which I sent some time ago is accepted. Well after long trying, I succeed at last. Think I’ll fix another soon.

[Editor’s Note: I have searched the on-line Era newspapers for James poem or essay entitled, “Conscript” but have not found anything.]

Wednesday, 11th—Health and weather same. Read The Old Toll Bridge—a fine love tale by Mrs. Cabot. At their afternoon drill today, the niggers made a mock charge. It was a famous sight. They went helter skelter, knocking one another down and tumbling about strangely. One man was stuck by a bayonet. Their colonel’s horse got antic and ran over a whole company, hurting two severely and then threw the colonel off. The niggers are very poor hands at a charge or anything else.

Thursday, 12th—Health and weather same. On guard. Rumors are current that a great fight has commenced between Grant and Lee in which with great losses on both sides, our side has the advantage. This rumor is said by the papers to be well authenticated as it comes from Rebel sources but it is hard to say since we’ve had so many rumors one hardly knows what to believe.

Friday, 13th [May 1864]—Have slight cold. Hot and fair. Received two months pay. Also a letter from Darius who is improving slowly and expects to go home in a week so I’ll hardly see him as I have no pass till the 23rd. Will send $15. The nigger soldiers are getting very insolent. One of them went into a white car on the Carrollton Railroad and sat down beside some Indiana white soldiers. They told him he was in the wrong car, but he said he would not go into the nigger car; that he was as good as white men. They put him off. Then he fired a revolver killing one and wounding another. The niggers are too damned nice with their new liberty. Something by way of thinning them out will have to be done before they’ll be fit to live with.

Saturday, 14th—Health and weather same. The nigger officers say it is our own officers’ fault, our having so much guard. he says they report 60 or 70 too many.

Sunday, 15th—Health same. Fair and hot with a fine shower. On guard. As the rain spoiled the ground, we slept in quarters. We are to be relieved tomorrow to go to Hickock’s Landing on the Lake. We are to get away of niggers at last and I am right glad though I hate to move. Lieut. [Peter G.] Knapp was put under arrest because he refused to salute the nigger Officer of the Day. He said he would not salute him or any other damned nigger officer on earth.

Monday, 16th—Have slight cold. Hot and fair. We marched off at 3 a.m., reached Hickock’s Landing at 7. It is a pretty pleasant place at the end of the shell road—the great pleasure drive of New Orleans. See many joy riders go by. Our boys are having a high time. Glad to say adieu to nigger officers.

Tuesday, 17th—Health and weather same. Rain shower in evening. Have 16 on guard. That will soon play out.

Wednesday, 18th—Health and weather came, shower and all. Went to city on special pass. Saw Darius who is much better and will go home on furlough in a few days. Let him have 15 dollars. Went to St. Charles [Theatre] and saw first, the Husband and at sight” in which Emma Maddern as Katterina and Lizzie as Anna Polensky sang, danced and acted well. Also the “Three Fast Men” in which both as the male and female characters of Jennie and Maggie did exceedingly well, all colored with a splendid tableaux to the song of Columbia, the gem of the Ocean.

Thursday, 19th—Health good. Very hot and fair. The number of guards is a little reduced. We are in a cool, breezy square close to the lake. Received letter from home. All well. Wrote home. News &c. from North is very pleasing though rather ambiguous. Hope all will be cleared up brightly soon.

Friday, [May] 20th—Have very slight cold. Hot and fair. Went to city for rations. Have finished Les Miserables which is by far the best novel I ever read. It abounds to be sure in characters of impossible virtues, yet each acts well his part…Read also The Black Ship—a good revolutionary tale, and the Hunter’s Bow by Legrand…

There has been great fighting on the Rapidan in which, tho’ losing heavily, we have gained great advantage. Lee is said to be in very bad situation. Hope be will be driven out of Richmond, yet fear he will move too much for us.

Saturday, 21st—Have slight cold. Hot and fair. News good, better, best. Lively times. Little to do.

Sunday, 22nd—Health and weather same. On guard. Have 14 on which gives us less than two days in. We furnish 18 men to keep the paroled prisoners from disturbing their fancy officers and to keep them close, all of which is damned foolishness and would not be done if our officers were not damned fools. They don’t have decency but shove it to us themselves as hard as they can.

Monday, 23rd—Health and weather same. Received two papers. One—the Transcript—has “The Conscript” in it—my first appearance in print. It is rather too nervous and hurried. I’ll have to send another soon. Have the paper till January 20th. Pay for it. that is, about $1.25.

[Editor’s Note: The Portland Transcript was published in Portland from 1849 to 1910. It served as an independent family literary and news journal, featuring local reporting, stories, and historical accounts. James does not give the date in which his submission entitled “The Conscript” appeared but it must have been in late April or early May 1864. My subscription to old newspapers does not include the Portland Transcript.]

Tuesday, 24th—Health and weather the same. Have the mumps, I guess. All but our detachment and Co. K have left. We will have guard every other day but it can’t be helped so long as we have to guard the paroled prisoners. Escaped guard by a mere oversight of the sergeant. Have a dood bunk and only two in our tent.

Wednesday, 25—Mumps worse. Plague me about eating. Breezy yet warm. Tho’ excused by the surgeon, I went on guard in the commissary building. I bundled up so at night that I was in no danger of taking cold. Things go in as usual.

Thursday, 26th—Mumps & health same. Fair & breezy. Have some trouble in eating.

Friday, 27th—Mumps and health little better. Fair & hot. Took Physic. Read The Road to Ruin, a robber tale of little interest or decent by “Greenhorn.”

Saturday, 28th—Better still, considerably so. Hot & breezy. Have just finished Dumas’ Monte Cristo, one of the best novels I ever read… The Picayune and Courier Francais have been suspended for their too hasty promulgation of the “Bogus Proclamation.” Well I am glad. They have never done us any good–but a great deal of hurt, printing all they could against us. They deserve their fate.

Sunday, 29th—Health and weather same. On guard. Stood two hours. We have devilish cooking now, one gill of deviled water and a piece of half raw beef, salty as piss and no change. We complained to the Lieutenant but he says we have good enough, so I suppose for him, he sends all the extra grub to his niggers and don’t pay us. Read The Owlet…. Wrote “Irish Bend.”

Monday, 30th—Mumps nearly well. Health good. Hot and fair. Some breeze. Received letter from home. Answered it and wrote to Gran[ville] who is in hospital, having escaped the fight. Read Rebel Beauty…Sent “At Gettysburgh.”

Tuesday, 31st—Health and weather same. On guard. The paroled prisoners have gone and yet we have to guard the house—our officers not having spunk enough to refuse. Read Mysteries and Miseries of New Orleans by Ned Buntline…Read also Mercedes or the Outlaw’s Child, one of Dawley’s novels…

Wednesday, June 1st 1864—Have been quite well. Hot and fair with showers in afternoon. Went to city on pass. The Lake Railroad is the roughest road I ever saw—worse than the Mexican Gulf. One can hardly keep one’s seat sometimes. Saw the great fairy extravaganza The Seven Sisters played [at St. Charles Theatre]. It is laid both on earth and hell, and show the final triumph of good over evil…

Thursday, 2nd—Health and weather just same save that I’m quite used up by traveling yesterday. Wrote to Almeda Brown because she has dared me to. Guess she’ll think I’m not afraid when she gets it. Hope so anyway. Read the Poetry of Flowers… Also The Young Woodcutter…

Friday, 3rd—Well save my stomach is weak. On guard. Hot, showery and breezy. Some paroled Rebels and some rebel-inclined citizens went up to Biloxi today. There were several ladies. They little think what they are running into. They’ll not find easy Old Gen. Banks there nor greenbacks so plenty and so good a chance to get them. They had better stay here. Banks would have fed them. He has ever since he relieved Butler.

Saw a March number of the Bangor Democrat which is enough to sicken anyone with. It cries for peace on any terms and its denunciation of the government. It is full of treason, rank and foul. Why should we let it live? On no account. It is time we have learned that in order to prevent civil discord, we must have a strong government—one which shall crush every traitor and ever abettor of treason—one which shall ever give all reasonable liberties to all who are loyal but not to such sneaking hounds as Voorhies, Brooks &c. Received “The Transcript” of May 14th.

Saturday, [June] 4th—Have bad cold such as I always get here from a cold wind or a chilly rain. Am easily sick. Rained quite hard all day and was quite chilly. The Mississippi [River] has been blockaded at Greenville several day. It will soon be opened though.

Sunday, 5th [June 1864]—Have very bad cold all over. On guard. Had very hard rain. Our tent had four inches of water in it a while. Have much better grub as we changed cooks a day or two ago. Read Lea Lion by Cobb—a fanciful tale of 1812. Also Paul Jones by Dumas…

Monday, 6th—Health better. Cool. Breezy and misty. Moved our tent to a higher place.

Tuesday, 7th—Health same. Cool, breezy and showery. Guard is so reduced we get two nights in. Read a very interesting sabbath school book on Tyre and The Free Hopper’s Pass, a good Indian tale, tho’ short.

Wednesday, 8th—Health and weather same. On guard. Read a little book on the Plants of Scripture which is quite interesting. Twelve men, three non-coms, and ten officers went to Cat Island for guard today.

Thursday, 9th—Health and weather improved a little. Read Transcript of May 28th and June Leslie’s.

Friday, 10th—Health and weather improved. Read The Storm Children by S. Cobb… There are many officers here tight and carousing with their fancy women.

Saturday. 11th—Have slight cold. Cloudy, breezy, hot. There was a shooting match for $1000 here today between two gamblers—Mott and Duane. The last was declared beat. The first evidently made the best shots. It was a game, no doubt, to cheat outsides made up by the beachley [?] party. There is to be one for $2500 Friday.

Sunday, 12th—Health same. Rainy and coolish. On guard. Grant has advanced within five miles of Richmond, it is said. It now remains to be seen whether Lee can dodge by him and make another raid. I think not, yet he may. The thing’s getting pretty close.

Monday, 13th—Health and weather improved. Received letter 31 ult. All well. Wrote home. One of the coffee house keepers here was arrested tonight by a special for selling liquor to a fancy dressed soldier who called himself an officer. The special wanted his half of the thousand dollars, but he’ll miss his mark this time, I guess. He ought to be ducked. Read Tennyson’s Morte de Arthur—a very pretty poem…

Tuesday, 14th—Health same. Fair and breezy. On guard four hours. Wrote 2nd time “My Box of Books” and “Italian Girl.” Time drags heavily on. A day seems almost a week. A month, a year.

Wednesday, 15th—Have slight cold. Cool, fair and breezy. Read Norma Danton and Scotto the Scout… There is a report that Richmond is taken. Guess not yet.

Thursday, 16th—Health and weather same.

Friday, 17th—Health and weather same. On guard. Read The Red Scout… The regiment has returned having left nearly 25 deserters behind. We expect to join them soon and go up Red River way, long marches &c. Guess we can stand it either three or five months. Then goodbye Old 12th and the army.

Saturday, 18th—Have diarrhea. Hot and fair. The prospect of conquering the rebels seems as distant as ever—rather more so. Hope Old Abe’ll not be [re]elected.

Sunday, 19th—Health worse. Very weak. Weather unchanged. Darius has reached home safe. The Veterans are on their beer—part of them. Read Round Pack, a good tale of present times by Robinson.

Monday, 20th—Health and weather same. Shower at night. Moved back to regiment tho’ not turned over yet. The boys are all fat and healthy. Read Wanananga—a poor Indian tale. Piles very bad. They say there are many Copperheads in North. Hope there are enough to elect “Little Mac.”

Tuesday, 21st—Piles very bad. Rainy. Talk of leaving soon. Went to rear [?] 19 times in 24 hours.

Wednesday, 22nd—Health same. Took physic. Rainy. Received three papers from home. Letter from Darius.

Thursday, 23rd—Went on government transport just for Morganza. Some rain. Checked diarrhea. Feel weak but not sick.

Friday, 24th—Feel dizzy and weak. Eat nothing. Arrive at Morganza about 8. Come ashore.

Saturda, 25th—Have another touch of diarrhea. The surgeon gave me physic & then blue mass—enough to break fever but I didn’t take much. Took some of Peck’s sweet gum extract and feel better. Very hot. Am very weak, not having eaten over two ounces for 4 days. They say Richmond is evacuated. If so, Lee is about some curious trick.

Sunday, 26th—Diarrhea not very bad tho’ very weak. Sweet gum is good. Wrote to Darius. Fair & very hot. Eat some.

Monday, 27th—Health same. Weather ditto. with showers. Thompson marked me duty but the officers didn’t see it. Wrote this with sweet gum extract.

Tuesday, 28th—Diarrhea checked yet very weak. Very hot and sunny. Read Mill on the Floss….

Wednesday, 29th—Feel pretty well tho’ weak. The sun is very hot and fixes off a good many. No news and little excitement.

Thursday, 30th [June 1864]—Feel pretty well. Hot & fair. Received letter & papers from home.Answered. Also from Almeda. Answered. Read Midnight Queen…Also Fearless Fred… Also Three Days in the White Mountains… News from the North does not give much encouragement. Fighting daily with excessive losses and paltry gains seems to be the order. Old Abe now he is nominated ought to go in earnest but I suppose he’ll keep up his damned office seeking and bribery. Damn him.

Friday, July 1st 1864—Have slight cough and cold. Hot with clouds. Read Grossback Mansion… Have battalion drills. Our officers know nothing.

Saturday, 2nd—Health same. Showery. On picket. Hot, mosquitoey and hard.

Sunday, 3rd—Health and weather same. Came off picket about noon. Went on board N. W. Thomas at 11 p.m. All the Corps leaving and going down.

Monday, 4th—Have slight cold and cough. Hot & fair. Was all day coming down [Mississippi]. Reached Algiers at dusk. Many rumors are afloat—[they have us] going all the way from Brashier to Fort Monroe. As we came down, all looked fresh & green. Cotton, corn, and cane were mixed in every style.

Tuesday, 5th—Health and weather ditto. All appearances indicate a move towards Mobile soon. Yet it is hard to say where we will go. Many of the troops have already gone down in transports.

Wednesday, 6th—Health ditto. Rainy all the afternoon. On fatigue. Fooled about in all the rain & did nothing. News is not very favorable in spite of our boasting papers. All is not well. Sent “Guerrilla Adventure.” Translated Uhland’s Minstrel’s Curse.

Thursday, 7th [July 1864]—Health ditto. Very hot & fair. Received two months pay. $26. The paymaster not being ordered to pay the rise [in pay] yet. That’s next time. Sent $18 home & this book.

[Editor’s Note: A week after his last entry, James wrote a letter to his father informing him that he had sent him $18 by mail, adding, “I also sent my journal and a lot of papers by Express leaving the bill to be paid by you. I want you to be sure to let no one see the papers, but put them all in my trunk. Be careful not to lose a single scrap—that is, if they ever come, which may not be as the steamer they went on has been disabled. I am as tough & hearty as a bear. I weigh near 135 again of more than ten lbs. in a week. I didn’t weigh more than 120 when I was sick. We expect to leave soon for Pensacola, Mobile, or Fort Monroe or somewhere soon though it is hard telling when. We are getting on well.”]