The following diary was kept by James George Porteous (1839-1893), the oldest son of Andrew Halliday Porteous (181201884) and Jame B. Williamson (1814-1902) of Luzerne, Warren county, New York. James received his medical training at Harvard, graduating in 1862, and immediately offered his services as an assistant surgeon in the 118th New York Infantry, mustering in on 10 September 1862. on 12 November 1864 he was promoted to surgeon of the 46th New York Infantry and served with that regiment until mustering out on July 1865.

Porteous’ diary is for the year 1865 while serving in the 46th New York Infantry, a regiment recruited and organized in New York City and composed mostly of Germans.

A biographical sketch of Porteous states that “he greatly distinguished himself by his bravery and coolness in action, making it his invariable practice to accompany the command wherever it went, nobly sharing in its dangers and privations on the march and under fire. He was in many of the Battle and campaigns of the Army of the Potomac, and served throughout with the Army of the James, being especially conspicuous at South Anna, siege of Suffolk, City Point, Drury’s Bluff, Cold Harbor, Second Fair Oaks, Chapin’s Farm, Fort Harrison, Petersburg and Five Forks. He was known in the army as the “Fighting Surgeon” and his bravery on the occasion of Fort Harrison….” won him praise from Gen. Butler. “After the close of the James river campaign, Porteous was promoted to Surgeon and transferred to the 46th Regiment N. Y. Volunteers with which he remained until the close of the war.” [Source: Biographical Sketches of the State Officers and Members of the Legislature, New York State, p. 277]

After he returned to New York, he settled in Luzerne and practiced medicine. He was married to Sarah Frances (“Fanny”) Wilbur (1840-1911 on 21 September 1865, a date he recorded in this diary.

Transcription

January 1865

1—The beginning of a New Year is the time for good resolutions—those proving stories of the infernal regions, but I shall only make one at present—to try and keep my diary a little more full than the last. It is a splendid day but I am too sick to enjoy it.

2—Still too unwell to go out but rather better. The Asst. Surgeon of the 3rd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery called in the evening. Received a letter from M. D. Rand.

3—Another birthday, making me 26 years old. My health has improved so much that I have been along the line. The Headquarters received 10 days furlough this morning. Snowing hard tonight.

4—Clear & cold. About one and a half inches of snow fell during the night. Received and answered a letter from home. Received Express receipt for two boxes liquor sent from New York. Health about the same as yesterday.

5—Clear but warmer. Some snow left yet. Received and answered a letter from home. Lieut. Baily called this morning. A new officer joined the regiment today. He formerly belonged to the 103rd New York.

6—Wet, disagreeable weather. No letters. The mail is very infrequent now and our quarters are so far from the troops that it is quite difficult to get papers. Lieutenants [Otto] Laddey and [Heinrich] Dreyer were here last night.

7—Pleasant except a little too much wind. Went over part of the line to see a few sick men. Received The Atlantic today from F. W. but no letter. Shall write again on the 10th if I do not receive one sooner.

8—Bright sunny day. Quite windy. Received and answered letters from Miss E. Hamlin & F. Wilbur. It has been very quiet along the line today. It is reported that we are to open on Petersburg with all our batteries next Thursday.

9—Warm and bright. Went over to Capt. [Patrick K.] Delaney’s [118th NY] near Aiken’s [Landing]. Remain to dinner with him and Mrs.  Called at Mrs. Myers on my way back. Received letters from home and from Miss McFitch & F. W.

10—Heavy thunder storm but clear this evening. Reading Shakespeare nearly all day. This evening Lieutenants [Ernst] Gerhardt & [Heinrich] Dreyer have been in my quarters a couple of hours.

11—Clear and warm. Received a letter from H. Northrup. Wrote to him and F. W. Sent to Dr. Hogan to enquire about leave of absence but am told to wait. Took a ride this afternoon with Adjutant [Ernst] Gerhardt

12—Clear and warm. Received a letter from home. In the afternoon rode up to Lieut. [James D.] Bailey’s and afterward to [Otto] Laddey’s in Ft. Mansfield. Lieut. [Heinrich] Dreyer called this evening.

13—The finest day we have had this winter. Rode out in the morning. Called on Miss Myers. The time seems very long with nothing to do and no chance to study.

14—Cloudy in the morning but clear and cold afternoon. Made another application for a leave of absence but hardly expect it to be successful. Col. [Adolphus] Becker is over his time on leave.

15—Fine warm day. Am still suffering with diarrhea. Remained in my tent all day. A couple of the Brigade staff called this afternoon but did to stop long.

16—Clear and warm. Dr. Hogan, Medical Director of the Division, called this afternoon with Capt. Brown. He does not talk as if there were much chance for me to go NNNorth. Received a letter from Col. [George F.] Nichols [of the 118th N. Y.].

17—Clear and warm. Went up to Lieut. [James D.] Bailey’s and from there to Division Headquarters and then with Dr. Hogan to the field hospital. My application for leave was approved at Division Headquarters.

18—Cloudy but warm. Received and answered letters from home and from F. W.  Dr. [Gustav] Ohnesorg was here to dinner. Remained in camp all day.

19—Cloudy and cold. This morning received a leave of absence for twenty days. Intend to start for the North tomorrow. Went to Ft. Mansfield this afternoon.

20—Start for home, Miss the train to City Point and ride down on horseback. Met Dr. Wright of the 1st New York going to New York. Took the Baltimore boat at five p.m. Dr. Wright is out of money and I pay his fare to New York.

21—So much ice that we just managed to get the one o’clock train. Reached New York at 12 midnight. Dr. Wright stayed with me at the Astor House. I cannot go on till 5 p.m. tomorrow.

22—Called at Helds’ Hotel to see Col. [Adolphus] Becker but he had gone out. Stayed in the house most of the day. At half past four took the cars at 27th Street for Boston.

23—Arrived at Boston at 3 a.m. Stopped at the Revere House. Called on F. W. at 2 p.m. and spent the afternoon and evening with her.

24—Forenoon had some photographs taken. Afternoon went with F. W. to Brighton sleigh riding. Spent the evening with her.

25—Morning called on G. [Walter] Babb. Afternoon went to the Natural History Rooms to see Miss Hosmer’s Zenobia with F. W. Spent the evening with her. Proposed and accepted.

26—A.M. called on Rand with Mrs. Dix. Afternoon and evening with F. W. Last evening called on E. Babb and Mrs. Hay.

27—Took the 7:30 a.m. train for Ft. Edward but missed the connection at Rutland where I have to stay tonight at the Central House.

28—Took the 5:30 train. Arrived at Glens Falls at 9 a.m. Home at 12 noon. Found everything about as before I went away.

29—Stayed at home all day. The weather is clear and cold with plenty of snow.

30—Went to Little Falls. Saw a good many that I use to know but hardly any of them recognized me. I prefer the army to Luzerne.

31—Clear and cold. Stayed at home nearly all day. Evening at Joseph Ferguson’s, Met Miss Morgan.

February 1865

1—At home nearly all day. Time begins to drag. Hardly know what I would do if out of the service entirely.

2—At home. Expect to leave in the morning. Shall probably go by way of Boston.

3—Up at 4 a.m. and off again. Went to the landing with Ors. Randal. Stage to Saratoga. Took the evening train to Rutland.

4—Missed the morning express to Boston. Took the accommodations but did not connect at Bellow’s Falls and have to wait till 2:18 train. Left Bellow’s Falls at 5 p.m.

5—Arrived at Boston about 2 a.m. Stopped at the Revere House. Called on Fannie at 9 a.m. and spent the day and evening with her. Did not go to church.

6—Morning at the hotel. At 11 called on Fannie. Spent the afternoon with her & in the evening went with her to the Atheneum.

7—Started at 11:10 for the front by way of the shore line to New York. Arrived at New York at 9 p.m. and took the Baltimore train at 12 midnight. Afternoon and night a very hard storm.

8—Arrive in Baltimore at 9 a.m. Stopped at the Eutaw House till 4 p.m. and took the boat for Ft. Monroe. My valise had not got through, Left the check (No. 7026) at the House to have it forwarded by Express.

9—Arrived at Ft. Monroe at 7 a.m. City Point at 3 p.m. and camp at 4 p.m. ending my leave and seems like a midsummer night’s dream.

10—Went to Point of Rocks to see Col. [George F.] Nichols who is there sick. Met Balling [?], my old hospital steward who is now an assistant surgeon. Afternoon writing letters.

11—Clear and warm. Went to Ft. Mansfield to attend sick call. From there up to the quartermasters. Afternoon took a ride and wrote a couple of letters.

12—Clear but very windy. One of the men died in his quarters last night after a few hours illness. Received a letter and The Atlantic for February from Fannie.

13—Clear and cold. Went to Point of Rocks Hospital to see Col. [George F.] Nichols. He is improving but talks strongly of leaving the service. Afternoon reading and writing.

14—Clear and warmer though still so cold that the Appomattox is frozen over. Rode along the line in the morning. Quartermaster [Carl] Ferber called this afternoon. Wrote a letter in regard to my valise.

15—Wet, disagreeable day. No mail today. Spent most of the time in reading, playing chess, &c. Have not received any letters from home since my return. My values has not yet arrived.

16—Warm and cloudy. Rode down to Mrs. Myers. Made a short call. Studying, chess, and writing letters. Evening in Capt. [Victor] Praxmarer’s tent.

17—Warm and rainy. Considerable musketry on our right last night. Had a few words with Asst. Surgeon [Gustav] Ohnesorg in regard to something he had said of my neglecting duty. He signed a paper denying it. A letter from Fannie.

18—Clear and warm. Went to Point of Rocks Hospital to see Col. [George F. ] Nichols. He is getting along nicely. Had a long talk with him about old times [in the 118th New York] and future prospects.

19—Bright and warm. Stayed in camp all day. Received and answered a letter from father—the first since my return. I have very little to do now and the days seem quite long.

20—Warm and pleasant. Went to the Division Hospital to have two men examined for the Invalid Corps but the Board adjourned without action. Received a letter from Col. [Oliver] Keese [118th N. Y.]. Charleston reported evacuated.

21—Bright and warm. No letters today. Evacuation of Charleston confirmed. 200 guns left. Afternoon took a ride with the Adjutant [Ernst Gerhardt]. Went to the sutlers.

22—Bright and warm. Very heavy artillery firing. One of our regiment killed. Received a letter from Fannie. Nothing farther from Charleston.

23—Warm. Drizzling rain. Received a box of wedding cake sent by Fannie from her brother’s wedding. Lieut. [Otto] Laddey returned from leave of absence. Spent most of the day in reading and playing chess.

24—Warm and wet. Forenoon at home. Received a letter from Fannie and one from Mr. Hamlin. Afternoon went up to the sutlers with the Col. and Adjutant. Rather a jolly time.

25—Raining. Received a letter from home. Wrote to E. Hamlin, Fannie, and Father. Rest of the day reading and playing chess. Too wet to go out. Heavy mortar firing in the evening.

26—Warm and cloudy. Wrote to Mary Porteous and Col. Reese. Received letters from Fannie and several business notes. My valise is all right in Baltimore but the Express Co. cannot bring anything to the army at present.

27—Clear and warm. received a letter from Baltimore in relation to my valise. Saw Col. [George F.] Nichols yesterday. He is looking better. Most of the time today reading and writing. Dr. [Gustav] Ohnesorg talks of resigning.

28—Warm with some rain. No letters. Sent Squires over to B___’s. Monthly reports &c. sent to headquarters. Most of the day reading and smoking. Mustered for 6 months pay.

March 1865

1—Cool and cloudy. No letters. Went to Mr. Mill’s house with several officers where we had some m____. Maj. Schilling and a Lieutenant were at tea with us. Continued good news from the South.

2—Cool with rain nearly all day. Received and answered a letter from Fannie. Have not been away camp. Called at Mr. Rushmore’s who is sick. Reading & playing chess.

3—Warm and cloudy. Some rain. No letters. Rode out as far as Capt. Bailey’s quarters. Played a few games of chess. It is extremely dull for me in this regiment being all foreignors.

4—Rain in the forenoon. Clear p.m. but very windy. A letter from M. J. Fitch. Called at Mr. Rushmore’s. No salutes fired today as expected on account of Lincoln’s re-inauguration. Reading and playing chess.

5—Clear and warm. Received letters from home and one from Fannie. After dinner, rode out with Maj. Schilling and Capt. Becker. Evening writing letters.

6—Clear and warm. Rode down to Point of Rocks to see Col. [George F.] Nichols. He is getting along finely and expects to go to camp next eek. Afternoon reading and playing chess.

7—Clear and warm. The great event of the day was the paymaster’s arrival. I was paid up to the 1st of January 1865. Received and answered a letter from Fannie. Rode down on the line.

8—Warm and rainy. Received letters from home and a smoking cap from Fannie. Went out on the line and got very wet. Reading and writing, &c.

9—Warm and raining. Have not been away from camp. Wrote to father & gave L. Kreuder [sutler] some money $250 to Express home for me & $60 to P. T. Barnum & Co., New York

10—Morning raining. Afternoon clear. No mail. Went out to Lieut. [Otto] Laddey’s quarters to play chess. If clear in the morning, intend going to Point of Rocks.

11—Clear and warm. Went down to Point of Rocks and took dinner with Col. [George F.] Nichols. Called on Chaplain [Charles L.] Hagar [118th New York]. Read and answered a letter from Fannie. Ordered boots from G. Babb.

12—Clear and warm. Received letters from home. Rode up to Ft. Mansfield in the morning. Sent some flowers to Col. Nichols. Evening writing.

13—Clear and warm. Roads drying very fast. Received a letter from Lieut. Northrup. He expects to come over here this week. Went to Division Headquarters and Meade Station today. Had a pleasant ride.

14—Clear and Warm. Went to Point of Rocks and from there with Col. Nichols to City Point. Capt. Delaney called while I was gone. Ordered to send off all sick who are unable to march. Looks like a move.

15—Warm and cloudy with a good deal of wind and a little rain. All surplus baggage has been sent to the rear and we are ordered to be ready to move at a moments notice. Received and answered letters from Fannie and my father.

16—Cloudy with very high wind—a perfect hurricane in the evening. Went along the line and stopped awhile at Lieut. [Otto] Laddey’s. No move yet but all kinds of rumors. Received a paper from Fannie.

17—Clear and warm. Received letters from Fannie & M. J. Fitch. Went to City Point with Capt. [Ernst] Gerhardt. Called at the German relief Association. Had a likeness taken. No farther sign of a move.

18—Clear and warm. Took some men before the examining board, two to be transferred to the Invalid Corps & one discharged. The quartermaster sergeant returned tonight and says they would not let him have my valise. The sutler Kreuder is going to try to get it.

19—Clear and warm. Went over to Point of Rocks Hospital and from there with Col. Nichols to the Crow’s Nest Battery. We had a splendid ride over the old grounds where we used to be last spring.

20—Clear and very warm. There was heavy firing on our right in the morning and rumors of a fight. And in the afternoon, firing and more rumors of another fight on the left. Received a letter from Fannie. We are fixing up round our quarters very nicely.

21—Showers during the day with heavy rain in the evening. Dr. Chubb, Surgeon in Chief of the Brigade called. Dr. [Gustav] Ohnesorg is detailed to the 60th Ohio. Most of the day writing and playing chess.

22—Clear and cool. Having the grounds around my tent fitted up and a garden made. No mail. Went to Ft. Mansfield and along the line.

23—Clear and warm but very windy. Stayed in my quarters except going on the line to see some sick. We are to move in the morning at five to Ft. McGilvery. Relieved by the 50th Penn. Vols.

24—Clear and cool. Moved camp and got my quarters fitted up as well as could be expected. I am in the ravine just in rear of the fort. There was not room enough inside.

25—Clear and warm. The Rebs charged on the 3rd Brigade sexton our left, broke through capturing two forts [Fort Stedman] and a number of men but finally were driven out again with heavy loss. Our regiment lost two killed and two wounded. I was out on the field while the flag of truce was out and saw the Reb. Gen. [Matthew W.] Ransom.

26—Clear and cool. Went down to Point of Rocks to see Col. Nichols. They have just laid another pontoon bridge and expect Sheridan’s Cavalry to cross & join the Army of the Potomac tonight.

27—Clear and warm. Went to Meades Station to see Sheridan’s Cavalry pass and then over to Ft. Haskell with Maj. Verner. Received letter from Fannie and from home.

28—Clear and warm. Went over the lines with some officers of the English army. Received a letter from Fannie and one from Col. Reese. We are ordered to be ready to move at a moments notice.

29—Clear and warm. Nothing new along the lines and but little firing. The [New York] Herald had a very good account of Saturday’s fight. Wrote to Col. Reese and to Fannie.

30—Warm with rain all day, Last night we had another attack at half past 10 lasting two hours when the rebels were repulsed. The shelling was very heavy. My tent got well riddled. Two killed and 4 wounded in this regiment.

31—Morning rain. Afternoon clear. Making out reports for end of month. Met Dr. [John Call] Dalton, the physiologist at Brigade Headquarters. Saw Dr. Hogan, Division Medical Director, who says I am to be part on the staff of operating surgeons.

April 1865

1—Clear and warm. No news from the fighting on the left. Sent in my reports for the last month. Received a letter from father acknowledging the receipt of $250.

2—Clear and war. Our regiment made a charge at daylight but were repulsed. Lost 16 men. only three companies engaged. There has been heavy fighting along the lines all day. We have taken some works. Petersburg has been burning in several places.

3—Clear and warm. Entered Petersburg this morning. Richmond is also in our possession. Ours was the first brigade in and so are to be left to do provost duty. Made the acquaintance of Mr. [H. H.] Potter and family.

4—Clear and warm. Getting our camp in order. Our pleasant time is to be short. We are ordered to move in the morning. Called on Mrs. Potter, 33 Bolingbrook [Bolingbroke] Street. Saw Miss S. Smith.

5—Clear and warm. Went down town and called on Mrs. Potter before marching. She presented me with a nice S. C. Palmetto flag. Marched out two miles beyond Sutherland’s Station and went on picket.

6—Warm and cloudy. Ordered to go to an old Reb Hospital and take care of the wounded Rebs. Made one amputation of the thick lower third. Made the acquaintance of a Confederate Surgeon—Dr. Bedan.

7—Clear and warm. Remained here dressing wounds and sending Reb soldiers to Petersburg. Rations are short nd as we get no mail here it is hardly pleasant.

8—Clear and warm. Sent off all the patients from here but have 39 confeds in the old camp in the woods. Went down there to see them. They are doing well.

9—Clear and warm. Went to Petersburg. Called on Mr. Potter. Had a pleasant visit. The patient I operated on the other evening died of secondary hemorage.

10—Warm and rainy. Move up to Sutherland’s as the patients are all move from Garrets. Dr. Bedan, C. S., service is still with me.

11—Warm and rainy. Went out to Miss Anderson’s. They are pleasant people. Gen. Ewell, Custis Lee, Kershaw, and six other Reb Generals stop here tonight as prisoners. Gen. R. Lee has surrendered his army.

12—Warm and rainy. Still in hospital at Sutherland’s. Sent all of my patients off. Went to Mr. Well’s with Dr. Hamilton. Had a pleasant call.

13—Warm and showery. Came back to my regiment ten miles from Sutherland’s. Found them in a pleasant place near Ford’s Station. Received several letters.

14—Clear and warm. Went out riding with the Colonel and Adjutant. The country shows all the desolation of war. The people say they wish it was over.

15—Cool and wet. Went to Brigade Headquarters. Capt. Dreyer and several other officers called. We have a man making cigars of tobacco found on this place.

16—Clear and warm. Received a dispatch announcing the assassination of President Lincoln and Secretary Seward and son in Washington, Large numbers of recruits are passing on their way to the front.

17—Clear and warm. Went to Division Headquarters with Col. Becker and Adjutant Gerhardt. Stopped at Verner’s Battery. Saw Harvey Beach.

18—Clear and warm. Received my valise today. It has taken a long time to come. Went down to Petersburg this evening. Called at Mrs. Potter’s. Went out for a walk with Miss Smith.

19—Clear and warm. Stayed at Mrs. Potter’s last night. Had a very pleasant visit. Took the train at 1 p.m. for camp. Arrived this evening. Found 3 letters waiting.

20—Warm and cloudy. Received marching orders and started for Petersburg. Camped two miles from the city.

21—Warm and cloudy. Started at 5 a.m. for City Point. I stopped in Petersburg at Mrs. Potter’s. Ha a pleasant forenoon with her and Miss S. Smith. Arrived at City Point just in time to take the boat for Washington.

22—Clear and warm. Lay by last night in James River. We are having a pleasant trip but rather slow.

23—Clear and cool, at any rate, much colder than around Petersburg. Arrive in Alexandria this morning and camped about two miles from the city.

24—Clear and warm. Rode round to several of the forts in this vicinity. Called at Ft. Scott and spent the afternoon with Lieut. Wilbur & wife. Had a pleasant visit. Received a letter from Fannie.

25—Clear and warm. Remain in camp. Nothing doing and we are waiting for something to turn up.

26—Clear and warm. Move up from Alexandria to near Georgetown. We had quite a warm march but got in in good season.

27—Clear and warm. Move camp a few rods. I went to Washington with Gerhardt and stopped at Gerhardt’s Hotel. Had a very pleasant time. Washington has not changed much.

28—Clear and warm. Returned to camp. Everything begins to look as if we were to remain in this part of the country though I can see no reason for keeping troops here.

29—Clear in the morning. Wet in the afternoon. Maj. French joined the regiment today. He has always been detached on staff duty. No passes granted to go to Washington at present.

30—Clear and cool. We are not allowed to go into either Georgetown or Washington. Col. Gerhardt visits us this afternoon and there was quite a reunion among the officers.

May 1865

1—Cold, wet and disagreeable with no fire, poor tents, and not the best of fare. We are rather uncomfortable. I have done very little besides smoke.

2—Clear and warm. Went out riding with the adjutant and found a road to Washington without a guard. Went in and had a good dinner. The way leads round Georgetown.

3—Clear and warm. Went with Maj. French over to the 1st Division, 19th Army Corps near Finley Hospital. Passed the old camp we used to occupy when on duty in Washington with the 118th New York.

4—Clear and warm. Remained in camp. Made application for another Asst. Surgeon. Had Brigade Dress Parade in the afternoon—the first since our arrival here.

5—Clear and warm. Received a letter from Col. Reese. Mrs. Keese is better. Rode down to Georgetown in the evening but did not stop.

6—Clear and warm. Went to Washington with Maj. French and stayed till 9 p.m. Had a very pleasant time for that city.

7—Clear and warm. Remained in camp all day. Received a letter from Fannie.

8—Warm and showery. In the forenoon went to Court Martial as a witness. Afternoon went to Washington with Maj. French. Met Mr. Loring of Boston. Went to the theatre in the evening.

9—Cold and wet. Stayed at the Union Hotel, Georgetown, last night and came to camp early this morning. It has been a very disagreeable day.

10—Cold and wet. Remained in camp a good deal. Ordered some uniform from New York as I do not think we are to be mustered out as soon as expected.

11—Cold and wet. Nothing new going on. Do not hear from home very often. Received and answered a letter from Fannie.

12—Clear and warm. In the afternoon went down to Georgetown with the adjutant. Had a very pleasant ride.

13—Clear and warm. Played chess most of the morning. After dinner went down to Georgetown. No letters today.

14—Clear and warm. It is very tedious here in camp with nothing to do. We are all anxious to get home again as the war appears to be entirely over.

15—Clear and warm. Usual routine of camp duty. Intended to of to the theatre this evening with the Colonel but he could not get a pass. Received a letter from Fannie.

16—Clear and warm. Went over to Arlington and then down to Fort Scott to see Lieut. Wilkens’ and wife. Had a pleasant call. Received a letter from Fannie.

17—Clear and warm. Remained in camp all day. No letters and they are nearly the only relief to the monotony of camp life.

18—Clear and warm in the morning. Thunderstorm in evening. Went to Washington. Took dinner with W. Wilkens at Willard’s. Met Capt. Fitch and Lt. Chamberlain. Also Adjutant Donahoe of 10th New Hampshire.

19—Cool and cloudy. Division review in the afternoon. Gen. Grant was present. Everything went off pleasant. Major French was out at camp this afternoon.

20—Warm and cloudy with some rain. Took a ride up by Chain Bridge and back through Georgetown, Received and answered a letter from Fannie.

21—Wet. Remained in camp all day. There was a large number of visitors to the regiment. Received an order to muster out all except veterans.

22—Cloudy and warm. Marched at two o’clock for East Capitol Street where we bivouacked for the night preparatory to the Grand Review. Stayed at Gerhardt’s Hotel.

23—Very warm. A splendid day. Up at 4 a.m. and went to the camp at East Capitol Street. Column formed up and wait till a little after nine and then commenced our triumphant march. A pleasant change from facing Rebels to facing roses.

24—Clear and warm. In the city all day seeing the review of Sherman’s Army. They made a fine appearance.

25—Clear ad warm. Stayed in camp all day. Mr. Loring of Boston adn Maj. French called this afternoon.

26—Cold and wet. Remained in camp all day. Received letters from Fannie, Miss Hamlin, and one of my sisters.

27—Cold and wet. A very disagreeable day. Remained in camp all day. H. Beach called in the evening. He expects to go home soon.

28—Cool and cloudy. Took a short ride. The rest of the day in camp. Was rather surprised to receive a letter from Mrs. M. D. Tracy who I had not heard from in over two years.

29—Clear and warm. Went across the river to Ft. Scott to see Lieut. Wilbur. His wife has gone home. Received a letter from Col. Nichols. He is in Richmond.

30—Clear and warm. Called on Dr. Chubb. His regiment—the 20th Michigan—was mustered out today and start for home in two days. Harve Beach called in the evening. He is a nuisance.

31—Clear and warm. Remained in camp during the forenoon. Afternoon received an order to report in Washington at once with all camp in garrison equipage camped on Capitol Hill.

June 1865

1—Clear and warm. We are detached from our Old Brigade temporarily for duty in the city. I went to Dr. Fowler’s office to report and receive instructions but did not find him.

2—Clear and warm. Stayed in camp all day. The weather is very warm but our field and staff tents are in a nice shady place and we get along nicely. A letter from Fannie.

3—Clear and warm. Called on Dr. Fowler and Dr. Ensign. They appear to be pleasant fellows. No letters today.

4—Clear and warm. Remained in camp all day. 150 of our men started for home today. We are lucky in having a shade this warm weather.

5—Clear and warm. In camp nearly all day. In the evening went to a picnic where the principal business appeared to be drinking lager.

6—Cloudy and cool. Went into the city. Spent an hour in the Capitol. In the evening called on Mrs. Portallis and her daughter.

7—Clear and warm. Remained in camp during the day, In the evening took a ride in the city, The entire regiment ordered to the arsenal [penitentiary] to relieve a regiment without ammunition guarding the [Lincoln assassination] conspirators.

8—Clear and warm with a slight shower in the evening. Col. Beckert is under arrest for some trouble with Gen. [John F.] Hartranft last night. The Gen. says he was drunk.

9—Clear and warm. Down in the city during the morning. At noon, ordered back to our old camp at Tennalytown. Arrive in the evening and took our old position.

10—Cloudy and cool. Remained in camp all day. Capt. Kisselmark called for a short time. Received letter from Fannie.

11—Clear and warm. Remained in camp all day. There is great dissatisfaction among the officers at having Capt. [Victor] Praxmarer in command. He was half drunk on dress parade again tonight and made several mistakes.

12—Clear and cool. Remain in camp all day. Capt. Praxmarer put under arrest for being drunk on duty while Brigade Officer of the Day. [Otto] Laddey in command.

13—Warm and cloudy. Heavy thunder shower in the afternoon. Remained in camp all day. Came very near having a chill commence taking in again.

14—Warm and cloudy. Some rain. In camp all day. This life is becoming very tedious. No letters today.

15—Cool & cloudy. Forenoon in camp. Afternoon rode down to Georgetown. Rumor that we are to be sent to New York. Letter from Fannie and one from Dr. Ohnesorg.

16—Clear and warm. In the afternoon rode down to the Division Hospital and Georgetown. In the evening there was a Division Review by torchlight but an unfortunate shower soaked the crowd.

17—Cloudy and warm. Remained in camp all day. My horse has lamed himself so I cannot ride. Having at Laddey’s. Received a letter from Fannie.

18—Clear and warm. Remained in camp all day. Can learn nothing of how long we are to be kept in the service and hardly have a settled plan of where I shall go when I get out.

19—Rain. Remained in camp all day. Received and answered a letter from Fannie. Played several games of chess. Indeed, i do that nearly every day.

20—Rain all day. Remained in camp. It seems very dreary this listless life after active service. An even worse when wet.

….

July 1865

7—Clear and very warm. remained in our temporary camp. Four of the conspirators were hung today. Did not go to see the execution.

27—Clear and warm. Mustered out…

September 1865

21—Married to Fannie at 10 by Dr. E. E. Hale. At 11 started for home. Came to Rutland tonight.

W. Z. Bedon, Columbia, S. Carolina. Anderson’s Corps Hospital, Greenville, Miss.