[Editor’s Note: This diary begins while Almon was detailed as a nurse at Hospital No. 1 (the Masonic Hall) in Lexington, Kentucky. He was recovering from measles himself and was still plagued with chronic diarrhea.]

There is no space for an Introduction of Preface as has been customary so I will have to omit one in this book. Neither is one necessary.

Thursday, 27th November 1862. (written afterwards) A couple more of our wellest, A. Sherwin [Shermin] and another, were removed to schoolhouse now fitted up for hospital. It stands just across the street. A couple more “measles men” were brought in their places.

Last evening one Perham was taken suddenly and strangely with fits of great distress internally. He is a hard case, naturally, and acted so strangely that for a while we supposed he was joking as he most invariably is. Later in the evening he seemed really out of his head. The doctor was in attendance. He had got a pass & had been out to eating [at a] saloon which we all think accounts for the performances. He is one of those I have to carry victuals for.

A party of ladies—three generally—with their retinue of servants, two or three negro boys, have commenced making their daily calls and going the rounds with dainties for the sickest. They bring milk, chicken soup, cakes, and preserves, &c. They are very benevolent. May God bless their efforts.

Friday, 28th. Soon after dinner a man that had been wounded at the skirmish at Richmond, 18 or 20 miles from here, was brought in. He was shot through the hips. One leg is helpless, healthy otherwise. He belonged to a Kentucky regiment. Just as we got him comfortable, a measles case came and demanded admittance. Accordingly, the wounded man was removed elsewhere.

In a.m., [Orson K.] Whitlock [of Co. F]—a man belonging to our regiment and came in here at the same time I did with the measles, is attacked with a kind of pleurisy. He can hardly get his breath in fact. He is very sick. We had to take turns & sit up [with him] last night. I sat up the latter part. Perham is more quiet but is very bad off. There is a mystery about his case. Some surmise that he has been poisoned. It seems that he ate very hearty of oysters, &c. I don’t know what all. He is a very loose character & perhaps drank something out of the way. Howbeit, he is now in a fair way to pay dear for his indulgences—perhaps cost his life. He ultimately became reduced to a mere skeleton & suffered everything but death.

I should have written for yesterday but omitted it, that we have been making new arrangements in the nurse line. The man [B. F.] Rodabaugh, who was detailed to help us, did not generally suit. In fact, officers and all were set against him. He belonged to our regiment, Co. D. They were all bent on sending him back. He was not of much help to us as he had hired his board outside & would be gone half the time after his meals; other games to match. He was complained of & dispatched. [Note: Rodabaugh deserted in December 1862] Then one of our convalescent patients was duly installed as 2nd nurse. He is about the same condition as myself but is willing to do what he can. I guess now we can get along now.

Saturday, 29th. Again, today I was gladdened by a letter from home, mailed 25th. Their letter is short & sadly deficient in the minor points. They have received my letter that I wrote after coming here to the hospital but not that long one—the one above all I would not miss of their getting. That I sent out when taken down sick. It cost me so much time and effort to write that that it seems too plaguey bad to lose all, & they also have been kept in anxious suspense a week longer in consequence. It contained Capt. Bigelow’s note to Pa also which was of momentous importance. Mother sent me a package of dried berries. Very nice. Came all right. Postage 18 cents.

Sergeant Wilson brought the articles down for me from camp. He was down after bread &c. He called here about 11:30 o’clock. Then he and I went over to the other hospital to see the boys there. They were all improving. There are three of our company there. We came back and went into town. Soon parted. He says they are getting along very well in camp. Almost constant drill. Don’t know how long they are to stay yet. While in town I used 25 cents of another man’s money in getting this diary (20 cents) and bottle of ink (5 cents). The money is not exactly mine but he allowed me to use it if I would do certain favors for him. It comes very acceptable. Cloudy and cold.

Two more of our wellest were sent out & a couple measleites took in. All that come in of late are from the 18th Michigan. I sat up half the night again last night. Both of our two sickest are gaining a little. Still are very sick.

The ladies did double extra for us today &promise to do more. They brought a lot of clothing & things to make [us] comfortable & distributed around as they were needed. I took a handkerchief & pair of socks. I lost one pair of mine at camp. Stood much in need of a pair. Shirts and drawers were given to others. The things are of good quality. Got up by a Soldier’s Aid Society somewhere. Welcome.

Sunday, 30th. I made out to get to church today but was so sleepy having sat up part of last night that I did not get much good of it. Went to the Methodist Church—not a very good attendance. Five or six others went. Had to have passes. There was a meeting in this establishment in p.m. but I couldn’t go. I have not felt so well as usual today. I need more rest. That’s what I want. It has commenced raining again. We have another very sick man to attend to. He has the measles but they don’t come out on him. Make him most crazy. Quite low also.

DECEMBER 1862

Monday, 1st. I was up last night from 10 till 2 o’clock. Have felt very languid all day. Began a letter home. The sick continue about the same. The measles case—Mr. Lake—is getting quite serious. When the ladies came in today, I managed to get some milk and johnnycake which went good. Have not eaten much besides today. Another of our wellest went to his regiment today. He has fared all along as one of the sickest—a drummer.

Tuesday, 2nd. I was entered on the morning report as sick & that’s all it amounted to for I kept right on at work all day as usual. It was said in the morn that the number on our ward were to be reduced to 12 but they didn’t get around to it. Two men were removed to another ward to give place for a couple measleites. We have to carry the victuals for every one on the room now. There has been another hospital established off somewhere. I know there is to be a general thinning out, here at least. It will be much pleasanter and well as an important in the way of health.

Wednesday, 3rd. I have done a big day’s wash today for me. Have all been engaged in rearranging the beds and removing a part of the sick from our ward and into Ward No. 6. All the sick in that ward having been moved out yesterday. The wooden cot beds were all exchanged for iron bedsteads. They are an improvement on the wooden. Eight men were taken from Ward No. 5 into No. 6, leaving 12 for Wilson and Beard to take care of. As there was no one to either act as ward master nor nurse, I offered my services to the steward to act in the capacity of the first which was readily accepted, In fact, I don’t know what they would have done without my timely aid. I had no other halp and it kept me on the jump to get things straightened & arranged. Had a sight to do & nothing to do with. Fortunately for me, I happened to feel a little better today than usual or I could not have stood it. Only one very sick man was given me—the measles case. Another one was added—measles case—making at present 9 men to wait upon. I made application immediately for an assistant but none could be procured till late in the evening. It was necessary that there should be a watcher all night and it was impossible for me to try to do it, being up part of last night. My sallow and worn appearance had the effect to cause the manager, the steward in particular who is a first rate fellow, to assert themselves to the utmost to secure me an assistant. It was luck and chance that they finally found one. He is from some other ward. I then laid down and he sat up till 2 o’clock. Now, almost morn, I feel quite well considering. On the coming day I am to perform the somewhat tedious & responsible part of ward master in General Hospital No. 1, Ward No. 6.—something of a promotion. In this capacity my income is greater still, being 40 cents a day. My duties will be to keep an account of the men sick, make reports, &c. everyday, may requisitions for articles needed, keep track of medicine & see to things generally—a very large task.

This room is not so pleasantly situated as the other one is, that being on the south side & this the north side with the kitchen or dining room between. It is not as light as& airy—more dark and lonesome. The rooms are the same size, I guess. It is tolerably handy to the outdoor fixings; not being crowded so as we have been, it’s not so hard to keep clean. My assistant seems a pretty smart fellow & if I can keep well as I just now am—which is not saying much—I guess weshall be able to keep up an appearance with the rest. I want several more articles to do with. The room is warmed by a hot stove. It is handy to keep water, &c., but not as good as fireplace otherwise. Day pleasant.

Thursday, 4th. Well, the day has passed away with the usual monotony of trivial occurrences incident to a general army hospital. My said assistant has not been very attentive to his business quite as he ought. The fact is, he don’t want to stay but wants to go to his regiment, but the steward has prevailed upon him to stay a while. It has kept me on the go pretty steady. Could not get a chance to rest half an hour all day. I am beginning to entertain hopes that my diarrhea is being stopped. I must be exceedingly careful of what I eat, The Dr. forbid me to eat any fruit or sauce but the ladies brought in some for the rest. It looked so tempting that I ventured to eat a little. I don’t see as it has hurt me in the least.

Friday, 5th. I think I am decidedly on the gain once more. I feel overjoyed in one respect as my bowels have been perfectly quiet now for over a day, Have not had any chance for rest today. My assistant is not as good as he might be. I tried to get a pass to go out a little while but they do not give individual passes now—none but squads. However, I went over to the schoolhouse and visited the sick there. There are none very bad off there. I dropped around by an old negro woman’s that I had got acquainted with and begged a pig’s foot to eat. It was very good. Wanted to get a pie but she had none just then. The washerwomen took the dirty clothes in the ward to wash. My sickest man Luke is on the gain, I think now. I sat up half hte night last night & and tonight. Snowed some today.

Saturday, 6th. Tis midnight’s holy hour & silence now is brooding like a gentle spirit o’er a still and pulseless world. It froze hard last night & been cold all day. Two men died during the night. One of them belong to the 19th, Co. D. We had the floors mopped. The hospital workmen did it for we ere both unwell. I put in a part of my dried raspberries with some currant & cherries that some of the other men had and we had a grand stew for supper. One man also got some sweet cake, very rich, which he shared around. It was very good. I am regaining my appetite so that such things relish. I experience no inconvenience from eating such yet. Just before night the hospital clerk came to me & announced the joyful intelligence that Capt. Bigelow was in the office waiting to see me. The news was as good almost as if it had been someone from home. We had a very pleasant interview. He was accompanied by Capt. [Hazen W.] Brown of Co. D. They were down on business to get stoves for camp, &c. and in a great hurry as the time given them was short & they wanted to see the other boys yet. The captain looked tough and rugged, was as kind and genial as ever, took a deep interest in my welfare, advised me to stay where I am for a while yet. Says that many of the boys in camp are unwell. Have had colds.

Concerning my Descriptive Roll, I guess it has or will come up minus—no trace of the thing can be found. Tis passing strange. It is doubtful whether I ever can draw anything more in consequence of the loss of it. Captain thinks likely that some way can be provided as a substitute procured so that I shall have my dues. They know nothing about how long they shall stay where they are. Keep held in readiness to march any day. There is talk of sending them to Texas but that is not to be depended on. The men are getting boots to wear off the sutler in the place of shoes except the allowance for the shoes comes out of their wages.

Furthermore, in relation to Capt. Bigelow’s visit to me, he brought a couple letters from home for me. Both were written previous to the last one I received & just got along in answer to that said “long one” which I had supposed was lost. They were worrying themselves considerably on account of my condition. Mother wants to come and see me & Pa had written to Capt. Bigelow for a furlough for me—all perfectly useless and needless for I am doing & have been doing well enough. I guess Capt. had not got this letter as he said nothing about it. I shan’t apply for a furlough no how though I should like to see home. There is no giving furloughs to go home anyway.

Sunday, 7th. All day spent in tinkering with the sick. I have not even had a chance to wash and change my shirt. Luke, my sickest man, is growing worse & required a great deal of attention. He talks almost continually at random. Not conscious half the time. His Captain was here to see him [and] is going to telegraph for his father to come. They live in the easter part of Michigan. He wanted to be moved back again into Ward 5 which was done at night. Disposing of him and the rest not requiring much attention, enough to need sitting up, and No. 5 having two very sick besides, I a taking my turn in watching them tonight.

My assistant went out to church in the a.m. I wrote a letter for a man unable to write. Last night I began a letter home. The weather is quite cold & wintery but clear mostly. Freezes hard every night & don’t thaw much through the day.

Monday, 8th. Well, it became my painful duty tonight to record the death of that sick man of mine—Luke—which took place about 9 o’clock this morn. He dropped off very gradual and easy. It seemed too bad—such a young & noble appearing fellow to thus fall a victim to disease. Another man died too in another ward. Report came today that the 18th Michigan were to be paid off today but false. I have been rather more unwell today. I’m afraid that that the diarrhea is returning on me again. I took good wash before going to sleep after watching. We took in another man just as night. He’s just coming down with the measles—not very bad off yet. A new set of ladies have commenced their rounds of visiting us. We are calculating to have a good night’s rest tonight.

Tuesday, 9th. I have felt most horrid shiftless all day. I eat but little but that seems to be too much for my stomach. I had quite a spell of vomiting tonight. My diarrhea does not trouble me much, but I feel so dreadful weak & languid. I went over this morning and begged an apple pie of my negro friend. The guards that have been stationed here ever since I have been here were relieved today, The 18th Michigan do all the guarding in town and about. Our knapsacks & what things we do not actually need here were taken away to be stowed into a building to be kept for us. I don’t like to plan very well. They pretend that they are in the way. An account is kept of course. My “Descriptive Roll” which has caused so much trouble and anxiety has finally arrived & been duly deposited in the archives of General Hospital No. 1. Now I am prepared to receive Mr. Paymaster & extract from him my dues whenever he pleases to present himself which we were informed today by the steward was to transpire the forepart of next week. It seems too good to be true. THey have got me charged to $33.72 worth of clothing & accoutrements. Everything is down with price affixed except my gun & cartridge box, I believe. It specifies more than any other roll that I have seen. I am charged with a pair of shoes that I never drew. The weather has moderated some.

Wednesday, 10th. There has been quite an excitement today in consequence of the report that Richmond—a place about 30 miles distant—had been attacked or was about to be by the rebels. Several regiments went out early this morning & a squad or battery of light artillery started last night. Nicholasville is right on the route and I suppose the 19th [Michigan] is included with the rest. It may be a movement of considerable importance ot it all may be a complete flash in the pan. I just wish I was able to be with my regiment if they are at it!!

I managed to get over to Hospital No. 3 situated near the business part of town. A couple of our company are there—Fred K. and H. Hubbard. They are doing well. Again the scales indicated a diminution in my weight of flesh & blood of 7 lbs. since last weighed, the total weight being just 110 lbs. This is progressing backward at a fearful rate. Things are beginning to look rather dubious. My cadaverous appearance is getting to be a subject of general remark by everyone. I shall dry up and blow away yet. I can span my bare thigh with my fingers clasped, or fingers lapped together, not clasped. I mentioned my case to the Dr. this morning & he gave me a new tonic to take. A clergyman called in & held a short service with us. We had our floor cleaned again for us. They are digging a new sink hole for slops and filling up the old one. I bought a piece of cheese while out for 6 cents—not very good. Day pleasant.

Thursday, 11th. That gust of bloodshed that breezed up yesterday has calmed down and all is safe. I sat up over half the night last night to finish a letter home—8 pages. The clothes belonging to this ward were washed. The ladies brought & gave me a nice pair of slippers. Another patient was admitted that belonged to the 112th Illinois Regt.

It is a very noticeable fact which shows itself very prominently throughout the army that almost every soldier with comparative few exceptions is a “nigger hater” and down on the abolitionist. It seems to me remarkable & strange; they are for exterminating the colored population as well as the rebels. I can find but one in our company and that is Mr. [Archibald] McLachlin, that will admit that a negro is an equal with a white man. Most of them contend that they are better off as they are than if they were freed.

Friday, December 12th 1842 versus 1862 It is with a thrill of pride & exultation that I note the above dates this evening. And what special importance can there be attached to them? the stranger may ask. Well, to all the world besdies, it may be of little consequence, but to me, the annual return of this day impresses me with peculiar emotions of joy and gladness. And if it be the will of Providence to permit the recurrence of another such day, it will signify an important epoch in my life; a day that for several years past has been looked forward to with joyful anticipations, but who can unveil the dark and mysterious picture? What important and memorial events have transpired since the day celebrated as my 19th birthday! I may say all have occurred wholly unpremeditated at that time. How little though I then that the 20th anniversary of the day designated as the one on which I first inhaled the breath of life and existed would be amid the scenes & circumstances that it has pleased fortune to place me. I have accomplished but little today. There is such a prostration throughout my whole system & it is getting so apparent & noticeable by everybody. I am confident that I am growing more emaciated every day. I believe I shall try to hold out till the 17th, then totally resign & give up the business of nursing. I will have served just a month by that time. I learn that my regiment has moved again, 26 miles farther—probably to Richmond.

Saturday, 13th. A man in another war (No. 5) died soon after dinner. He has been growing worse for several days past; been pretty hard up ever since he came. Belonged to the 18th Michigan. The measles & diarrhea used him up. One of the doctors (Dr. Tompkins) belonging to the 19th [Michigan] stopped in and made me a call. He had brought down a lot of sick belonging to the regiment which has moved to Dansville & 6 miles further. I called around at Hospital No. 3 where our sick were left to see if any of Co. G were represented there. I found C[harles D.] Smith & C[lark] D. Brainard. They were not dangerously ill. They say that one of our company, Corporal Watson, shot three of his fingers off by accident. It seems that we have lost our captain. He has been appointed captain of a battery attached to the regiment. The men are taken from our company to work the guns. I am sorry to lose him. His place will be hard to be supplied & we were all so much attached to him. I got a letter from home. They did not write much. Children are going to school. Martha Ginner [?] is teaching. I exchanged a few berries for a pie today. Weather warm. It rained a little.

Sunday, 14th. I made out to muster up ambition to get out to church. Attended the Episcopal. The church is a very fine one. Windows of stained glass. I like the sermon very well. On the subject of Moses’ choice. From the church I meandered around & attended the closing part of a negro meeting, white preacher. Their peculiarity was their shaking of hands while singing. Then went & took dinner with a negro friend—one of the washerwomen. Several brothers and fathers of sick soldiers are here taking care of their suffering relations. Some are quite low.

Monday, 15th. This day makes just four months at soldiering. Four months and not yet had even a glimpse of the enemy, either in an offensive or defensive attitude. My assistant is attacked with the mumps & has not been of much service to me today. I have managed to get along with the work. There are but three men that are confined to their beds though not dangerous. Accounts come in the paper of great fighting going on at Fredericksburg by Burnside’s army. It has rained about all day. Finally culminated in a snow storm after dark.

Tuesday, 16th. It did not snow much last night but cloudy all day and quite cold tonight. I have had to work hard today. No help. Spoke to Dr. Peters, the chief doctor about my giving up the business on account of my health but he seemed quite loathe to have me quit. Thought if I took some stimulants, I would get along but plague take it! I must have more rest! One of the weller [patients] was removed into another ward to admit a measles man belonging to the 18th Ohio Battery. They are getting new supplies of articles for the kitchen & in fact throughout the establishment—trays, cups, spoons, &c. Also having the rooms walls whitewashed. I am very tired tonight. To to get up early in the morn and fix for visitors.

Wednesday, 17th. Seeing that the whole fraternity were so loathe to have me give up that I have concluded to continue right along provided I can have an assistant. Tonight a man came and offered his services which were accepted. We were instructed last night to slick up things htis morning as a couple major generals were expected to visit the hospital in a.m. but I guess they postponed it. Gen. Wright & Gen. Granger. We had molasses given us for supper. I was weighed again today. 110 as before. Weather cold. Occasional flurries of snow.

Thursday, 18th. Nothing of importance has occurred to disturb the usual monotony of hospital life. Had our clothes wased & floor mopped. There was an examination for discharges from service yesterday p.m. Several got one. It takes a long time then for to make their discharge papers out and get them off. There has been no deaths I believe for two reasons three days past. We in this war have got into the notion of scorching sugar for the diarrhea. Think it quite beneficial & is very agreeable medicine to take. The Chief Steward of the Army of Kentucky made us a call this p.m. He seems a very energetic man. Directed us about making up beds. No other fault to find. Clear and cold.

Friday, 19th. Our clerical friend called again today. A death occurred this morn. The mother of the deceased had just arrived. Another man was removed to give place for a measles case belonging to the 22nd Michigan. I gave the Negro washerwoman a part of my berries and she made them into a pie which I divided among the ward this morning. Used an injection on a man. I stewed a few [berries] tonight for supper. I finally finished my letter to Uncle M[arco] began over a month ago & sent it out; 8 pages. My assistant got a pass to visit his regiment this past.m. The nurses are all furnished a little tin plate to be attached to their person for designation. Pleasant.

Saturday, 20th. I went out awhile this a.m. Visited Hospital No. 3. Boys doing very well there. I was weighed again. The scales seem to have turned now & my prospect of life looks a little more hopeful. The indicated 2.5 lbs. increase in three days or 112.5 lbs. Another man admitted from the 112th Illinois. We have been receiving a lot of hospital stores—furniture & hundreds of other articles needed throughout the establishment; in boxes, not distributed yet, only the stands which are a very handy and useful article. Have six in this ward, one placed between every two beds. Each stand has a drawer for depositing writing materials, &c. &c. Very handy to write on. Clod and clear.

Sunday, 21st. This Sabbath day has passed & I have not improved it either by cleaning up or going to church (reverse). We have been kept pretty busy tinkering around at various things. The inspector called around and suggested a few amendments. They have been opening the boxes of hospital stores & distributing a part of the contents. Furnished all the beds with coverlets—now look quite stylish. Also each and all the nurses were given a sort of a coat to wear, resemble a study gown, made of gray material and are quite warm. Mine fits me well. There are a lot of other articles for the benefit of the institution.

Monday, 22nd. Last night was quite an eventful night and today has been one of considerable excitement. Between the hours of 11 and 12 o’clock last night, a fire broke out in an extensive brick structure used by the government as a commissary department for storing hay and corn. It had just been replenished by a large quantity of hay yesterday. Therefore it is thought that it was fired by some secesh. A man was standing guard at the time. The fire broke out & increased rapidly & there seems to have been no strenuous efforts made to check it. I first saw it at half past 12 o’clock. It was a grand spectable. It was only about 40 or 50 rods from the [Masonic] Hall. At that time the long low building was all in flames and the fire was just beginning on the big main part which seems to have been a little detached from the rest. A good many people collected around but only a few could be got to take hold & help check the flames. A fire engine was finally got onto the ground but so late that it was perfectly useless. Nothing of any account was saved. About 100 tons hay destroyed. The night was still.

As the alarm of fire was given, the Michigan 18th, which are encamped nearby, were called out to arms. Hurrah boys & sent to patrol and guard the town. A guard is stationed all around the place & no one is allowed to come in or go out with a “cat-hauling.” They have got the report up and is believed by a good many that Morgan the Guerrilla, is about to attack this place. I tried to get out to go and visit the fire but there is no stirring anymore without a pass. I hear that there has been 500 arrested today, Great times!

I finished a letter and sent it home. Began one to the regiment. Several barrels of apples came for the use of the hospital. I performed the [ ] of shaving again today. I still spared the ridiculous excuse for a beard though it is beginning to show quite prominently, Twill someday have to be acknowledged if all prospers well as a bonafide beard. They are few in number but long and strong! My assistant feeling pretty strong, quite well and desiring to get back to his regiment (the 18th [Michigan]), went adn was examined by the doctors (this is examination day) & get his discharge from the hospital. Another fellow, Charley Caton, has agreed to take is place & help me. I did not like the other one very well. He was too obstreperous.

Tuesday, 23rd. I have been hard at work all day today. My assistant isn’t no great help. He is a good-hearted fellow enough, but slow. I fixed up a sort of cupboard or catch-all and was stand together in one corner, done some cleaning & innumerable other little jobs. After done all, I do not feel so very much used up either tonight. I’ll bet that I have gained 5 lbs. since I was weighed last. A big rat got into the room raising the deuce. Charlie & I got after him and finally killed him. Three pompous dignitaries pass through the establishment this morn. My room happened to be in tolerable order. They are said to be inspectors from Washington. I wish that the next high official that presented himself would be the paymaster & that he would proceed immediately to act in his capacity. It is said that there is one in town now.

They have been removing from Ward No. 1 an organ which has belonged there but being in the way, the proprietors have been requested to take it away. It was encased in a sort of large cupboard. They took it all apart. It’s quite a complicated piece of machinism. I have finished reading the Gospels and begun the Acts of the Apostles. We had baked apples for dinner—two apiece all around. Relished good. We nurses were obliged to return our robes of office by order of Gen. Somebody. It seems that they were intended for the convalescent. They were only in the way to work in anyhow. The excitement out has lulled somewhat as I thought it would. Some pretend to think that Morgan is now in town.

Wednesday, 24th. I worked hard in a.m. helping the “Paddies” clean the floor. Gave it a pretty thorough scrubbing. Was on my feet all a.m. and then p.m. made out to get a pass & then again I started & kept on a regular dog trot till night. I went the rounds first called over at Hospital No. 3. Stayed a short time. C[lark] D. Brainard does not seem to be gaining any. I am afraid that he will never recover. From thence I went to the bookstore, priced a few books. They ask a double price here. I again started & went to the burying ground to pay my respects to that note structure, the Henry Clay Monument. It is truly quite a work of art. But at the bookstore I saw a picture of the monument which represented it a much grander object than it really turned out to be. I was a little disappointed come to see the original. Still it’s quite a ornament to the grounds & does credit to the memory of the illustrious departed. I did not have time to examine it or take any measurements as I should like to have done. I mean to yet if I stay here long. The base I should judge was about 15 or 20 feet square and about the same in height (afterward ascertained to be 40 feet square), built of light colored stone adn all scalloped, quite beautiful. On each side opposite is a vault with grated iron doors at the entrance, closed and locked. Within the vault on the west side is the marble sarcophagus containing, some say, his mortal remains, but this is disputed. It is decorated very becomingly. On the lid is engraved an extract from some of his speeches. I mean to copy it when I get time. The other vault contained a big long rope & other articles used in the construction. Above the base the pillar rises perpendicularly, I don’t know how high. I never could ascertain definitely. I guess nobody knows. I don’t think the whole exceeds 100 feet in height. The top of this column is heavily and beautifully ornamented by sculpture. The whole surmounted by a marble statue of the great and distinguished orator & statesman—life size I should think.

The burying ground is very beautiful, laid out & filled with evergreen shrubbery of all kinds besides the shrubs & trees. Many splendid smaller monuments there were 3 or 4 dug into a side hill for temporary interment, to give any absent friend an opportunity to come and behold or take away the deceased. Near the entrance there was a plot of ground devoted to raising flowers & propagating early vegetables. There were hot bed and greenhouses. They appeared to have been neglected for some time past. There were a few visitors rambling around, three or four soldiers. I saw no guards. Oh, I should like a whole day to devote to investigating.

Taking a lingering look of the monument, I proceeded to Hospital No. 2. My main object in visiting the hospitals was to ascertain if possible the whereabouts of Sergt. A. J. Wyman. I have a letter for him in my possession directed to Gen. Hospital Lexington but I can’t find him in either three that I know of. Therefore shall send it to the regiment. C[hauncey] L. Brown is still gaining slowly. Able to walk around some. They complain bitterly of their fare there. It’s miserable poor and not enough at that. There seems to be a good deal of mismanagement in that establishment. I came within a hair’s breadth of being left there myself but luckily I happened to get away. I was weighed again. 115.25 lbs. Gain nearly a pound a day.

A large number—nearly a hundred I should think—of convalescent sick from Richmond [Ky.] arrived in town this p.m. I don’t know what they done with them all. A lot was left at each of the other two hospitals & a lot took dinner here after I left. They are making preparations to observe Christmas tomorrow—that is, in the eating line at least. Expect to have turkeys and things for dinner. They are going to have pies and pudding at No. 3; probably minuse at No. 2. The tag shops and stores are filled with all sorts of fiddle dings & folderalls for the little folks. Guess the war don’t affect the holidays much here. Warm cloudy.

Thursday, 25th. Our “crack” Christmas dinner fizzled out ignominiously. It seems that turkeys were not intended but oysters instead. They went at a considerable expense to get enough for all & then in serving them up, spoilt the whole mess by burning it. They managed to consume most of it but it was not fit to eat. Had nothing else more than common. At Hospital No. 3 they got up a grand good dinner; had oysters, pies, & pudding. I might have had what I wanted if I had been smart. Mr. [William H.] Hubbard who is chief cook and F[rederick] Kleckner called in to see me this evening. Soon after dinner the mail came in bringing a letter for me from home. Father and Mother each wrote a page stating that the South Haven folks were getting up a box of eatables for Co. G to start Tuesday the 9th intending it to reach them in time for a Christmas dinner for them & that they had contributed towards it. Also had directed a box to the hospital a few things for me. I am afraid I shan’t get them as they will probably go to the regiment first & then to all the rest the hspitals & get lost before it ever finds me. They had not yet got my letter telling the what and how to send. The letter that I got was two weeks on its way & the answer also takes a month to get around. I got a pass and went down to the Express Office to see if anything had come for me but the concerned establishment was closed. I must try again tomorrow.

I see inmy great demonstration in the line of celebrating Christmas by the people, the hired help here suspended operation for today. Twenty of those men sick that came in yesterday stopped at the door. They are cripples & convalescents. We polished our stove today. It was an awful rusty concern. Cloudy with a prospect of fine weather.

Friday, 26th. Nothing of special importance has transpired today within my knowledge. It rained steady about all a.m. In p.m., did same. I tinkered over my yesterday’s pass & went down town to the Express Office again. I discovered two or three packages for the 19th [Michigan], one for a member of Co. G—Mr. [Samuel W.] Beagle. I enquired if a large box had come for Co. G &c. within the past few days, received an answer in the negative of course, & adding that anything for the 19th would go directly to Nicholasville. It seems that there are exceptions as I have before noticed. I am afraid that package for me is such a way that I never will get the Theasaurus odyssey English words & phrases.

Saturday, 27th. Captains of Cos. belonging to the 18th Michigan have been around through the hospitals with the muster & pay rolls procuring the signatures of the members belonging to their respective companies. The talk is now that they are to receive their wages next Tuesday. I hear nothing about any other regiment being so highly favored. I noticed the clerk at work today on the hospital rolls & papers pertaining to pay; consequently I was led to infer that there was a slight prospect of us or we nurses to collect our little dues. Some recompense for our services. My dues at the rate of 25 cents a day just amount to $10. We will probably receive that if we don’t receive the regular pay which I am afraid we won’t get if it be necessary that we should have to sign the muster rolls before we are entitled to it. A consequence of the inability of our officers to furnish the said rolls as I understand that our Brigade has again moved farther south, advancing I suppose, to repulse Morgan who is said to be invading Kentucky. I began a letter home. Three boxes of good cheer have arrived for men in this hospital today. Their contents bespoke the kind regard and sympathy of dear ones left behind.

Sunday, 28th. This morning found me in a miserable condition of health. For ten days following I was not able to do my writing. I am now catching it up as I have leisure. I felt perfectly well, or well as usual, all day Saturday, but after supper I noticed a slight pain in my right breast which interfered some with my breathing. I intended going to church on the morrow so in the eve I washed my upper parts & changed my clothes, went to bed feeling very well except the pain in my breast kept increasing. But before morning I was in great misery—could hardly get my breath. Head ached dreadfully and my flesh and bones ached something I suppose like the rheumatism caused I suppose by washing last night; peraps not though but it seems that I caught cold somehow & it settled all over me. I sat up a little while at noon. The doctor applied croton oil to relieve hte pain in my breast but it did not do much good. Made it quite sore. Charles E., the nurse, got along alone today with help about sweeping from the rest on the ward.

Monday, 29th. Did not rest much last night. My nose bled like fury for 15 minutes. It eased my head some [but] made me very weak. It run [like] a stream. A man by the name of Jo[hn William] Spriggs came in to act as ward master, He is a young fellow. Has been nursing some time. Belongs to [Co. F] 22nd Regt. Wisconsin. Our names were taken for the purpose of receiving our pay tomorrow, said to come for sure then. But it eventually flushed out. Got a letter from home by way of the regiment of course. It had lain these two weeks. They had opened it and enclosed it in a new envelope. Fifty convalescents arrived here to supper from Richmond [Ky.]. Lodged in a church. My back got very lame from lying abed. I had them rub it in water, I have scarcely any appetite. Only ate a baked apple for supper.

Tuesday, 30th. A day of distress & almost utter helplessness. I am growing weaker all the time; can hardly raise up in bed. Have a high fever. The doctor gave medicine to stop it. I had them prop me up in bed in order to write in my letter home. It was a difficult job. The ladies called in with eatables once more. They left a can of strawberries mixed with honey which was excellent. Had some oyster soup for supper.

Wednesday, 31st. Continued about the same. The fever has not left me yet. Still in much misery. The paymaster has arrived in town. Is paying off the regiments. Expect him soon at the hospital.

JANUARY 1863

Thursday, 1st, 1863. There were no special doings enacted in honor of this important day. All passed off as usual except we had oyster soup in the wards & they brought us in beer to drink—a glass apiece. I got a letter from Arthur Hawes. The day I believe was pleasant.

Friday, 2nd. Still low. By a great deal of exertion I managed to write a page in a letter home with pencil. My head was so out of order that I kept making mistakes & blunders. They moved my bed to the back part of the room. It’s not so pleasant as in the other place. The doctor gives me a considerable lot of medicine.

Saturday, 3rd. I suffered a good deal during the night from the blister that the doctor applied last eve to my breast for the purpose of relieving the pain. I think it has helped it. I cough occasionally which hurts me dreadfully. The cords of the back of my neck have been very sore, rendering my neck stiff and almost unable to move my head. My bowels, thank Providence, continue perfectly regular & natural.

Sunday, 4th. There seems to be a dearth of items for entry for today & the two days following. I did not make any notes & I have now forgotten what transpired. But nothing very momentous happened I believe. I gain in health gradually.

Wednesday, 7th. I have begun to sit up again for the first. I can barely toddle across the floor. I believe I am weaker than when I had the measles. I changed my clothes this morning. I am reduced down poorer than ever. Dr. Kruse who generally attends us is sick & Dr. Letcher visited us & prescribed. My principal living is mush and milk—hardly anything else tastes right to me. My taste seems to have changed. They get an egg for me at most every meal. My bowels happen to continue all right. Weather pleasant.

Thursday, 8th. About 3 o’clock yesterday p.m. someone came to the door and notified all members of the 115th Illinois & 19th Michigan to “walk upstairs and receive their Greenbacks.” How this announcement thrilled me with pleasure, so unexpected for today. It inspired me with new strength, not scarcely able to cross the floor, I determined at once to go up & receive the long coveted lucre myself. Had to have help to mount the stairs. He had began on the 115th & would not be ready for the 19th in an hour or two. I went into Ward No. 3 and just at night, our turn came. There are only 4 or 5 of the 19th. Our wants were soon attended to but I was somewhat disappointed in the amount I received. I had expected about 25 dollars at least but it was reduced down to the pitiable sum of $19.90. They go into the items. They pay from the day of enlistment. A week’s time will make a couple dollars difference, a few enlisting in July got 25 dollars or thereabouts. The money is greenbacks and the P. O. currency for change. The bills are not like those we got first—are rather plain in appearance. My dues for nursing is yet to come. They say we will have it sometime this week. That comes by way of the quartermaster. I am seriously contemplating of buying a revolver. One of the boys is the ward has a cartridge revolver which is the kind I want that he would sell for $15. It’s a neat little thing. I want to try its shooting capacity as soon as I can get outdoors. I hardly feel able to afford it. The snow is 3 inches deep.

Three more men were brought in. They have had the measles. Not very sick but one is crazy. Had a tough of the delirium tremens. He raved all night and today had to sit up and watch him. The nurse did.

Friday, 9th. I have sit up most all the day. Went across the street this a.m. to a little shop and bought 25 cents worth of eatables. We went out to try that said pistol at three or four rods. I think it shoots exactly where held. I shot it four or five times with various luck. I hit night enough to kill a chipmunk once at 3 rods. I made the two best shots of all that was made. The other man, the owner, was very weak as well as myself, so allowance must be made for our condition. I hardly know yet what to do about buying it. I desire one & I don’t know as I can do any better.

Our bedlamite kept up tantrums all night till 3 o’clock. Then he settled down and went to sleep & has slept most of the day. Just before night I had the exquisite pleasure of visiting with my dear Capt. Bigelow. I did not recognize him when he first entered. He was hale and hearty, was down on business with the General. Stayed with me an hour or so. I enjoyed the interview first rate, He was kind as ever. Brought a letter from home with a package containing a couple neckties. Letter mailed the 30th of December. That box for the company had not yet reached them—a mystery about it. The regiment is at Danville yet. The boys are generally healthy. There are five from the company connected with the battery. The captain thought some that the battery would be done away with and he return to the company. The captain had received the letter from Father concerning a furlough for me. He says its impossible to get a furlough; no such business is dine. He has no power to give me one anyway.

Saturday, 10th. Health the same as usual. A little on the gain I think. I take tonics and have been taking brandy to strengthen me. I have no appetite. Ate no supper last night and no dinner today. Crave nothing to eat. Another measles case came in & I changed my bed to the other side of the room. Our crazy man has calmed down & is very quiet. Keeps his bed most the time. A pain has settled in my side which troubles me some to breathe. Have just applied a mustard plaster. It begins to smart like fury.

The boys belonging to the 18th [Michigan] and one or two other regiments were paid off today. I have just parted with most of my allowance, having just invested $14 in the before mentioned piece of destruction. I now possess a Smith & Wesson cartridge revolver with a case holster & 168 cartridges to boot. I made out to beat him down one dollar. It is a 7-shooter. I have $5 and 25 cents left. Near night I went out to try my new purchase. I shot two rounds (14 times) and most provoking and humiliating to tell, the concern fell far short og my anticipation. It neither shot with force or accuracy. There goes a $14 lesson. I feel real dejected about it.

Sunday, 11th. Quite a pleasant day out. Should like to have ben able to go to meeting. I have had several visitors come to see me today. Mr. Hubbard, F. Kleckner, & a man that used to nurse in the hospital at camp. I have written three pages for a letter home. I do not feel very keen. The pain continuing in my side, a mustard plaster was applied [again] last night which leaves me very sore today. Has relieved the pain some. I wound up the day by committing an enormous transgression; an act for which I am likely to pay dear, or dearer, as I have already suffered to no small amount financially. A boy of the 19th was in here to see one of the others & bartered me for my pistol. I told him I would talk about it some other day but no, he wanted it then or never & offered me $10 for it. I was so heartily sick of the thing that I was willing to get it off my hands even at that price.

Monday, 12th. Two months today since I entered the hospital. Three days more and 2/5ths of the time since I enlisted will have been spent in the hospital. I wrote a page in letter home. I should like to have got down town to ascertain whether that dubious bill has any value. The weather is exceedingly pleasant. I managed to get over to the flouring mill & get weighed. Worse and worse. Weight 108 lbs. Stood at 116 before I was attacked. Dr. Bruse has been sick for the past week & Dr. Letcher has attended to us. Dr. B. has recovered so that he resumed his duties again today.

Continued account of the diabolical transactions of Sunday, 11th. Taking several things into consideration which I will not mention here, I came to the conclusion since I didn’t want such an article, that I never would have a better chance to sell it it for anything like what I gave for it. True, here was a sacrifice of $4—a dead loss—but the most excruciatingly ridiculous part of the tale is yet to be told. He gave me a couple of $5 bills—one a U. S. bill all right, and the other, well the less said about it the better. I was suspicious of it as soon as I saw it. Some said it was good & some said it wasn’t. It was which & tother, and the pistol while he was looking at it took a notion it wouldn’t cock. I at his point I wanted to get rid of it worse than ever so I finally thought I would run the risk of the bill. now if it won’t pass, away will go $9 to “David Jones Locker.” Well, I leave no suffering family behind to suffer by my extravagence. My lot now is to profit by the lesson. It’s a dear one.

Tuesday, 13th. The days spent at writing principally. I make dreadful slow work at writing. Read some. I tried to get a pass to go down town but I look too feeble & they would not do it. I wanted to get down to the market (it is market day) & see if I can get anything to eat in the strength of that bill. I gave it to one of the other boys to speculate on. They would have taken it at one place if they had had the change. We have got to playing checkers to kill time. Have no reading matter so we must do something. I only play when I don’t write to advantage.

Wednesday, 14th. It has rained most all day. I finished the letter home and sent it out. Enclosed a poem entitled, “My Mother.” Very touching & appropriate. I spent a considerable time writing in diary catching up.

Thursday, 15th. Five months of soldier life. Two months of it spent in the hospital. How time flies past! It commenced snowing in the forepart of the night so that in the morning it was three or four inches deep & still a coming. Changed into a sleet which continued all day. I did not venture out till most night. Went to the grocery nearby but did not amount to anything. I wrote a considerable. I am beginning to have quite an appetite.

Friday, 16th. Cloudy and cold. Freezing some. The snow enticed quite a number of conveyances which are supposed to resemble sleighs & cutters but they make a ridiculous show when compared with our scientifically constructed carryalls. I took a round among the little groceries on one of the back streets. No guards stationed there. I tried each of the shops with that condemned bill but Michigan money was no go anyhow & those who were informed (they were all horrid ignorant) rejected this specimen in particular. It’s a dead certain thing that I have been most rascally duped. So much for a bargain made on Sunday.

Saturday, 17th. The weather is freezing cold, making tolerable good sleighing. The sleigh bells are quite common. I slipped out this forenoon & went to a couple of the little groceries situated in the dwelling part of the town & spent 85 cents for eatables. Got one of my $5 greenbacks broke. I done very well in my purchases though everything was dreadful high. Paid the debt I owed for the cheese I got a while ago…

Sunday, 18th. I should like to have went to church today but did not feel quite equal to the task. I therefore read a biography of St. Paul and wrote a couple pages of a letter to Miss Hattie M[orehouse]. I began the letter anew. A man died in Ward No. 1 last night. The cars have not been running any since Thursday of some unaccountable reason. We heard that a train ran off the track on Thursday. Last night a train came in & lots of mail has come in today but nothing for me.

This transaction has effectively cured me of trafficking any more in future on Sunday. It don’t pay neither financially or spiritually.

Monday, 19th. Spent most of the afternoon.m. in mending a pair of socks. In p.m., I wrote, went over across the street into the carpenter shop & sharpened my knife. Charley Eaton, the nurse, has ben unwell today with a bad cold. Another measles case brought in. Cloudy but thawing. I applied the razor to my face, chin in particular, again today. My would-be beard made such a ridiculous appearance that I thought it best to totally exterminate it. It had attained quite a considerable length—something over an inch. The great objection to sparing & cherishing the growth was its extremely precarious footing!

Tuesday, 20th. Thawed all night. Cloudy and misty. A little rain all day. Have not accomplished much of profit today. Copied some verses in a.m. Went over to my colored friend & engaged her to get me 10 cents worth of hickory nuts. Her husband keeps a little shop by the railroad. Hickory nuts are getting very scarce. Charley being sick, I assist Jo in getting the grub together. Martin Dugan [possibly Co. H, 12th OVI?] , the man that was so crazy, soon became rational again but is reduced down quite weak. He has been in the service ever since the war began. He has been in several engagements, Was hurt some. Was under McClellan.

Wednesday, 21st. The great, all important event of this day was the receipt at the several hospitals of a dispatch from Gen. [Absalom] Baird, commanding the 3rd Division, ordering every man belonging to the said division that may be in or about the hospitals & was able for duty to return to their respective regiments. It so happens that I myself am included in this division but whether I am destined to have to return with the rest remains to be seen tomorrow, I suppose. I hardly think that I should be obliged to go but every cook and nurse but one, it’s said, will have to travel. I don’t know what they will do for help then. They are ordered southward somewhere, probably to reenforce Rosecrans. A couple more measles cases were admitted. I came pretty near being sent from this room to give place for them. I went out into the kitchen for my meals today—hot corn bread which was first rate. I got a letter from home direct—only four days on the way. It was directed to the hospital. They had received the letter I wrote while sick & consequently were considerably excited. Mother only wrote a few lines but enclosed a sealed letter for the “Chief Surgeon.” They want me to get a discharge, I suppose. I bought another day book of Whitlock for 20 cents. It’s as good as new; it’s bigger than my others.

Thursday, 22nd. Nothing of extraordinary importance has occurred today. They came around this morning & took the names of all those not belonging to the 3rd Division who were strong enough to & felt disposed to take hold & cook or nurse. As to whether I shall be sent forward with the rest or not, I am as much in the dark as ever. There are many circulating rumors afloat as usual. I wrote 2 pages to the regiment this morn to send by some of the boys if I don’t go. I received another letter from home today written previous to the one I got yesterday. It contained a $2 bill and 4 stamps. Ir[ving] and Father wrote. I commenced a letter in answer. Wrote 3 pages.

Friday, 23rd. Another day has passed, quite quiet—almost amounting to dullness. I have not been able to get any satisfaction in regard to my leaving. Still in the dark as much as ever. They called all up from the schoolhouse and examined them but I cannot ascertain from that quarter how my case will stand. Both nurses are about half sick and things has gone at loose ends today. I wrote another page home. Tonight I have been engaged in drawing a sketch of the plan of the hospital. Dr. Young is visiting us as Mr. B. is sick again. I seem to gain pretty fast in flesh but not a bit in strength. If I am around on my feet for half an hour at a time, my knees will ache terribly & I will often feel like falling. Cool. Cloudy.

Saturday, 24th. The sun shone a good share of the day today and I have been out doors most the time skylarking about sketching the hospital and inspecting the Clay monument through the spyglass from the 3rd story. About a dozen of those belonging to the 3rd Division were sent off this morn to their regiments. The rest, they say, are to go the 1st of next week. I rather think that I shan’t be required to go. I got a letter from the regiment tonight from Gus Bailey dated the 2nd. He wrote quite a lengthy string of particulars concerning the company box which arrived on the 14th, being over a month on the road. Scandalous. As a matter of course, the contents were a total loss except my jar of jelly which they did not consider worth expressing to me, It contained five turkeys, pies and cakes, dried fruit, butter and sausages. The turkey rotted and tainted everything else. There must have been about twenty dollars of stuff & $4.50 express charges. If the turkeys had been left out, the rest of the stuff would have come through good enough. He did not write any other news. In p.m., I stole out and I went down town. I evaded the guards and went most all over & spent 65 cents. I feel pretty tired in consequence of my exercise. I called at the Express Office but nothing for me. A box came for Whitlock who has got his discharge and is going home & he wants to sell out. I bought some dried beef & cheese. Have spent a dollar today.

Sunday, 25th. The a.m. spent, I hardly know how—in cracking hickory nuts I guess. In p.m., I cleaned up and visite Hospital No. 2. Chauncey L. Brown I found very low. I am afraid he never will recover. He got up so well a while ago that he got out and visited No. 3 & having a raving appetite, he ate something either in quality or quantity which threw him into a relapse.

On my return I stopped at an assemblage of colored people who were attending the funeral of a deceased aged sister of the church. There was a full attendance & with a sprinkling of whites intermixed. The colored clergyman (one of the genuine specie) delivered his text extempore from John 16th, 22nd, & was quite an eloquent speaker. I could not help but contemplate while sitting during service how interesting it must be for a skilled physiognomist to be placed amid the mongrel assembly of blacks and whites in every grade & shade of color, from the sooty ebon to the snowy alabaster, and observe the varied lines of distinctions between the two races; also the casts of character a depicted in their faces & heads. I think certainly it would be an amusing and profitable study. I was pretty tired when I got back.

A man belonging to the 22nd Wisconsin Regt. and who has been employed in ythe kitchen for over a month till he was taken sick a couple weeks ago, died last night. All hopes of his recovery was given up a week ago. His friends sent for his body and took it home. A metallic coffin costing $45 ws procured as a wooden one will not do to transport bodies in to go any great distance. It was a splendid concern, fit to encase the carcass of even the proudest. The price charged for these coffins for citizens is $60 but for soldiers only $45.

Monday, 26th. I passed a restless night, a severe headache coming upon me & the rheumatic pains in my bones and joints testifying to a cold caught someway yesterday. I felt, excepting the pain in my breast, as I did when last attacked. However, I got up and sat up a while but my head feeling as so heavy, I soon returned to my couch which I kept most the day, Ate no breakfast, a little dinner, but drinking some beer a while after, it all came up again. Ate no supper. The 3rd Division, they say, started for Louisville this morning—a distance of 85 miles. They will have a sweet time of it as it has been raining all day. I got a letter from Uncle Marco

Wednesday, 28th. Having passed the night in No. 1 resting tolerably well, I was directed by the Chief ward master to go to No. 2 for lodgings in the future. This ward is directly over No. 6 and same size. Has 14 beds in. They have four men sick abed—one quite low. This is a very pleasant room, well lighted & kept in better order than below. They adhere strictly to the Drs. and steward’s orders that a person can’t enjoy themselves much. I read and wrote miscellaneously. I came across a book of biography of several old pirate captains. Interesting. The snow is a couple inches deep & the weather cold & freezing.

Thursday, 29th. I slept very well till about midnight when my tooth aching so I could not sleep and got up & wrote. Went back after a while and slept till day. I have not accomplished much to any lasting benefit today. Read mostly. Wrote some. The examination for discharges to the Division took place this past.m. A good many were elected to go. It did not take them half a minute to decide my case which was to stay all right. I was afraid they would puke me off. The day clear and cold.

Friday, 30th. I think I feel a little better each day, a slight headache hangs to me yet. Tinkered around through the day as usual. Do not go out door a great deal as it is so cold. 16 or 17 men were dispatched for Louisville on the 2 o’clock train. The 5 cooks remained and some of the nurses that were a little disabled some way. Jo[hn] Spriggs went—one of the nurses out of this ward, & others. I understand that several men from one of the new regiments were to come in and help. I mailed a letter to the regiment. I wrote privately to Irving. Clear and cool.

Saturday, 31st. I have felt mean and dumpish all day. Felt very much like keeping my bed. I wrote some to Hattie. I got a letter from Mother. They have received my last letter. I sent one out this morn. Should have done so a week ago. She don’t say anything about sending anything. I think it strange. A number of detailed men from some of the regiments came in p.m. to take the places of the cooks and nurses that have left or will have to leave on Monday. The cords of my neck under each ear are swelled and very sore. I apply Hartshorn liniment. I received a paper from home—the Independent. Cloudy and cold.

FEBRUARY 1863

Sunday, 1 February 1863. The day has dragged heavily by. I have accomplished little—precious little. Too little to be tolerated. I must exert myself to more purpose & not allow these golden moments of leisure to pass for naught. Have spent my time reading most; wrote some. The daying being so damp, rained some, that I dared not venture out to meeting. I got a letter today from home written December 19th. It has been clear away around about the regiment. Nothing of particular importance except the death of Mrs. Bailey & marriage of Dr. Moon.

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