The following diary was kept by Peter Wandell Tallman (1832-1897), the son of Ebenezer Akin Tallman (1775-1860) and Maria Wheaton (1801-1889) of West Schuyler, Herkimer county, New York.

Peter enlisted in Co. E, 152nd New York Infantry in August 1862 and had been in the service for over a year when he began keeping this diary following the draft riots in New York City where the regiment was assigned temporary duty to maintain order. At the time of his enlistment he was described as a 29 year-old carpenter/joiner with brown eyes, dark hair, and standing at 5 and a half feet.

The 152nd New York Infantry was recruited in the counties of Herkimer and Mohawk and mustered into the U. S. service on 15 October 1862. The regiment left on the 25th and was stationed in the defenses of Washington until the succeeding April, when it was ordered to Suffolk and assigned to Terry’s-brigade, Corcoran’s division, 7th corps. After sharing in the defense of Suffolk, it served under Gen. Keyes on the Peninsula and in July was ordered to New York city during the draft riots, remaining there until October, when it joined the Army of the Potomac and was assigned to the 1st brigade, 2nd (Webb’s) division, 2nd corps. In this command it shared in the Mine Run campaign, being engaged at Robertson’s tavern. In the Wilderness campaign it fought in Gibbon’s division, 2nd corps and was active in all the series of battles ending with the surrender of Lee at Appomattox. Its heaviest losses occurred at the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna river, Cold Harbor, first assault on Petersburg, Weldon railroad, Strawberry Plains, Reams’ station and Boydton plank road. Its losses during the whole campaign amounted to a total of 303 killed, wounded and missing. Its last battle was at Farmville two days before Lee’s surrender. 

[Note: This diary is from the private collection of Greg Herr and was made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

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October 1863

We left New York City for the battlefield. We went by boat and cars to Fairfax Station. Sergeant Lackey fell from the cars, hurt himself badly. We moved upon the hill, layed all night, got breakfast, started on the march.

17th, Saturday, 9 o’clock, we were at Fairfax Court House. Halted half hour. Started on. Warm and muddy. Marched all day. Encamped on the Old Battleground. Saw the fighting places. Lots of bones and the signs of the old battles.

18th, Sunday. We packed up ready for a march but did not move. Lay all day in the woods. At night our Colonel had neither rations or tents go. I made him coffee and the boys got hard tack. We built him a tent and made comfortable for the night.

19th, Monday. 6 o’clock. We started and marched to the railroad to take a battery. The Johnnies left before we got to them. 9 o’clock, a halt. Then marched to theJunction. Halted. Got dinner at 1 o’clock. N. Eckler found a pocket book with $1.85. Then moved away, halted for the night.

20th, we start on the march 8 o’clock. We waded a stream 50 feet wide, 2 feet deep. 10 o’clock we waded it again. Our adjutant fell in, horse and all. There was a frost this morning. 1 o’clock we crossed mountain. Run on a dam. Some of the men waded it. 2 o’clock we marched through Gimadge [?], halted. I roasted a piece of fresh meat again for the march. We are near Cedar Run Mountains. We have crossed the river 3 times. We are at Ourfan [?] now. Crossed the crick or river and marched on till 7 o’clock. We encamped for the night in the woods—a nice place.

21st October. We lay in the woods in sight of the battlefield of 4 days ago. We got all ready for the march but did not go. I went to look over the fighting ground. I helped a cavalry man bury his brother that was killed in the fight. Pretty rough, I thought. We did not move camp.

22nd—Lying still yet. 11 o’clock. We were all drawn up in line to see a deserter drummed out of camp. He had his head shaved and then marched at the point of the bayonet all through the division, then sent to hard labor for 18 months. So ended the day.

23rd—We march all day. I was detached to drive team. It was 6 mules—a very good team. 8 o’clock night we went and took a stack of hay for our teams. It rained hard.

24th—A cold morning. We got breakfast. Parked near Warrenton. 8 o’clock we started for Gainsville. Got there at 3 o’clock. It rained all day and all night. It was cold weather.

25th—Sunday morning. We lay at Gainsville. 10 o’clock not loaded yet. I went to the sutler’s apples 5 cents apiece. Tobacco 8 dollars a plug. Onions 10 cents apiece. 11 o’clock, we loaded and started back. Passed through Buckville, New Baltimore. Got to camp at 8 o’clock.

26th—I don’t feel well. Went to the company. I traded the team for a gun. Lay in camp all day. I saw the boys of the 121st.

27th—We lay in camp near Warrenton—a pleasant day.

28th—In camp. A fine morning. I went to the 121st. Saw all the boys that I knew. Came back and had dress parade. I have the diarrhea hard today.

29th—In camp. We go on picket today. I was put on picket at 8. A pleasant night.

30th—A cloudy morning. We are cracking walnuts.10 o’clock we started for camp. Got dinner. 1 o’clock, we was called up in line to see a man shot. He died like a sister.

The soldier executed by firing squad was John Roberts of the 15th Massachusetts Infantry. His crime was desertion.

31st—We lay in camp. We mustered for pay. I had ham for dinner. Hard tack for supper.

November 1863

November 1, 1863—Warrenton, Sunday, we had inspection. A very pleasant day. We drew 4 days rations. I made Penny Royal Tea for supper.

2nd—We had Division Drill.

3rd—I went to the village of Warrenton. I got biscuits off a wench. Payed 4 cents apiece, pickles 2 cents apiece. I got a beef heart for a half dollar.

4th—In camp. We had Brigade Drill in the afternoon.

5th—In camp. Drilled all day. We are just learning to drill.

6th—I am on guard for the first time since I have been a soldier. I stood in front of the Colonel’s tents.

7th—We started on a march. We marched all day. 4 o’clock at Kelly’s Ford, Moved in the woods encamped for the night. We have had a hard march, double quick half the time. It was a hot day. We are one mile from the Rappahannock river. We have marched 27 miles.

8th—Sunday morning, we started on the march at sunrise. Marched to the river, halted. I got a canteen of water from the river and made coffee. 8 o’clock we crossed the river and halted on the hill. Then started for the Johnnies. Take some prisoners. They left their camp just as they were getting breakfast, Marched till 4 o’clock. Halted for the night. I am on picket post 100 yards apart after they were doubled. In the night, two prisoners came in the morning.

9th—We are on picket yet. Got our coffee. It rained all day. 4 o’clock we started for camp. It was a cold night. Froze some.

10th—7 o’clock we are on a march. We passed two mills—saw mill and grist mill. They were on Bear Creek. 9 o’clock a halt in the woods. 10 o’clock we all saw a lone star in the heavens. It was a very pleasant day. It was a great wonder to all present. We marched on till we came to a rebel camp. We pitched our tents in their old camp. We are in sight of the Blue Ridge. It is all covered with snow. It is the first we have seen this fall.

11th—We are in camp fixing our tents to wait till the railroad is fixed to this place. Our shanty is one that was built by the Johnnies. There is six of us in one shanty. We had a beef heart for supper. It was good, I reckon.

12th—In camp. I done my washing. We heard the news of our last fight. It was a complete victory.

13th—In camp. I made two brooms to clean camp with.

14th—I went out to discharge my gun. I shot the largest woodcock that I ever saw. I had his for supper. The captain and I went a hunting. I shot a fox squirrel. He was a large one. I gave him to the captain.

15th—Sunday. It rained all day. We had a general inspection.

16th—In camp. A pleasant day.

17th—We drew our pay. I done my washing. We got our pay after dark. I have the diarrhea very bad.

18th—I am on picket half a mile from camp. There came to us a very nice cat. She was black and white.

19th—I came from picket and I wrote two letters home.

20th—In camp. Our company is out drilling. I stayed in camp. ad the shits. I couldn’t drill.

21st—In camp. No signs of a move yet. A wet day.

22nd—Sunday. In camp. I am sick. I was excused by the doctor.

23rd—In camp. I was sick. We got marching orders.

24th—The bugle sounded at 3:30 o’clock to pack up for a march. We all got up. Had a can of oysters for breakfast. The struck tents and started. Marched 3 miles. It rained and was muddy as usual. At daylight we turned round and moved back. We were presented with a new Lieutenant in camp. I went to the sutler’s of the 15th Massachusetts and got something. Nothing new today.

26th—At half past 3 o’clock we were roused by the sound of the bugle. All got up and got ready for the march. At daylight, I was detailed as a special pioneer. I had an axe that would weigh 7 or 8 pounds. I was weak and my load was heavy. Sunrise, we have marched 4 miles, It is a pleasant morn. We moved on and on till sundown. On our march you could see lots of drunken officers—one colonel so drunk that he fell from his horse in the mud. I was to stand guard at night. I had some catsup for supper.

27th—A bright and cold morning. We [were] ready for a start. I am left with the train. We moved on till we came to the bank of the Rapidan river. The troops crossed and are skirmishing now 3 o’clock. We are fixing our camp for the night. Fixeed my tent. Got asleep very quick.

28th—A wet and rainy day. We worked all day in the rain and snow making corduroy roads. Firing all day. Heavy cannonading at dark.

29th—Sunday, we are in the park of the baggage teams. Cold and muddy day. Heavy firing all day. I was on guard at night.

30th—We were in the park yet near the Wilderness ford on the Rapidan. I sold my boots and brought a new pair.

December 1863

1st—Tuesday. The coldest day I ever [seen] in Virginia. I traded overcoats. 9 o’clock we started back so as not to be captured if we got whipped in this charge. We moved back to where we lay when we started the first night. We didn’t sleep much for the rattle of musketry was heavy all night. We got some rations after being out three days.

2nd—We lay in camp. 9 o’clock we started for our old camp. The cavalry is out very strong. We had a hard march all day and got to camp at 8 o’clock at night, tired out I reckon.

3rd—A bright and pleasant morning. Oh God, how our boys feel this morn. We could not start a hundred men if we were to try so we lay in camp till night, then went on picket.

4th—On picket yet. Our tents are struck, ready for a march. We went to camp at night, got a loaf of soft bread. Stayed all night.

5th—We struck tents and started and marched at sunrise. Marched and halted on a hill. 9 o’clock we started on a ways. Encamped and stayed all night.

6th—Sunday. We lay in our camp. We had a fine fire and sat around. It was near Stevensburgh.

7th—We are packed up for a march—where we don’t know. 9 o’clock, all ready for a march. We moved 3 miles, stopped on a hill for winter quarters. Got our tent up. Then had to move again.

8th—I was detailed for police.

9th—I built a shanty for the officers.

10th—I worked on my shanty. We had inspection 1 mile off.

11th—Friday. I worked on my shanty. Got the cover on and fire place started. Tired out and went to bed.

12th—In camp. A dark morning.

13th—Sunday. In camp. We had inspection. I sent for a box of eatables.

14th—In camp. I am on guard. I saw a beautiful rainbow at 10 o’clock.

15th—I did not feel well. Slept most all day. I got two mackerel, cranberries, soft bread, &c. for supper.

16th—In camp. I got an ax, cup, and other things that we wanted.

17th—In camp. I fixed the bunk.

18th—I was on duty in camp.

19th—We all sat around the fire.

20th—Sunday in camp. We had inspection.

21st—We got up some wood in camp. I have the diarrhea.

22nd—A nice day. I went to build a shanty for George Crawford

23rd—John Hentze died at 11 o’clock last night. A cold morn. The first snow that we have had on us. I am detailed as an escort to bury John Hentze.

24th—I am on picket for today. We got lost going to the picket line. Found our line at 12 o’clock. Take our post. I had to stand 4 hours for my part of the duty.

25th—Christmas. A nice morn. I had some hard tack and beef for a Christmas dinner. Pretty good for a soldier. I am on the [ ]. 12 o’clock we are on the grand reserve. Miles and I went to camp about 3 miles. Got back at dark. I had 4 fried cakes that was fried in main. Oh golly, weren’t they good.

26th—On picket yet. I got up some wood for night. Went to sleep. Got up at 12 o’clock and went to the picket post again. Stood 1 hour at 7 o’clock in the morn.

27th—Sunday. On picket yet. 9 o’clock we packed up to go to camp, Got to camp at 12 o’clock. Got dinner and had the toothache like hell. Got made and went to bed.

28th—A wet day. I [got] some cheese and a comb.

29th—In camp looking for a was tub. Got none. Then went to the 125th. Got cheese and cakes.

30th—In camp. I was on duty in camp.

31st—In camp. A wet day. We mustered for pay. I mended my shirts on the last day of the year. I got a pound of butter and soft bread for supper.

January 1864

1st—In camp. A bright morn. Snow 6 inches in camp.

2nd—I was on duty in camp. I wrote a letter home. Had crackers and sausage for dinner. Soft bread for supper.

3rd—Sunday. In cap. We had inspection. I had the diarrhea harder than usual.

4th—In camp. It snowed all day.

5th—I’m on picket. Started at daylight. Went 4 miles. 12 o’clock, we got dinner. I was on guard all the afternoon and night.

6th—On the grand reserve. 4 o’clock we packed up, marched 1 mile, halted in the support again 6 o’clock. A cold night.

7th—A bright morn. We are on the picket line. Some of the boys had their canteens and haversacks stolen. I went on post. It was cold and I had to stand half the time, day and night.

8th—On picket yet. 11 o’clock, we were relieved and went to camp. Got there 3 o’clock, got something to eat and went to bed. 10 o’clock I was called up to report to the ambulance train.

9th—We went to work and built a shanty. Got the body up. Went to the old camp to stay all night. Our shanty was built of basswood—the first I ever saw in Virginia.

10th—Sunday. In camp. I worked on my new shanty. Worked all day.

11th—In camp. I was not well but we finished our shanty. Now we are watching for a stove.

12th—I am on fatigue duty in the camp.

13th—We are at work at our shanty door. That finishes the mansion.

14th—We lay in our shanty all day.

15th—We are in our shanty trying to get breakfast. We got our eats, then helped G Lieut. lay his stable floors. It is ration day. All we got was sugar.

16th—In camp doing nothing at all.

17th—Sunday. I done my washing. A very nice day.

18th—In camp. A rainy day. I wrote a letter to Bhodey. Got a letter from Schuyler.

19th—I am on duty at the Division Hospital. George Crawford died at night.

20th—In camp. I take a team to drive. I went to Brandy Station. I wrote a letter home.

21st—In camp. I change all my clothes.

22nd—We had an inspection of ambulances.

23rd—I done my washing and eat supper out of C. F.’s box. It was good, I tell you.

24th—I went to Brandy Station. Fetched Capt. Fletcher.

27th—In camp. Nothing to do. I mended my shanty. I got my box after it had been robbed.

28th—In camp. I got my boots nailed.

29th—In camp. It is my birthday. I had a good dinner—chickens, sausages, honey, cakes, crackers, jellies, soft bread, tea and sow berth.

February 1864

4th—In camp. We got a new lieutenant. It was [Horatio] Nichols of my company.

5th—In camp. We had a horse race.

6th—Saturday. Our men made a reconnoissance from our camp. I was in camp. I could hear the rattle of the guns in camp. We are ready to meet them at any point.

7th—Sunday. I went to the front to get a load of wounded. I saw the fruits of war.

8th—In camp. I left the team to take off Lieutenant’s horse.

9th—In camp. Nothing to do. Charley Fox was put in the guard house.

10th—In camp. I had a horse race. I received a letter from NY City from a lady acquaintance—one that I saw while in the city.

11th—In camp. G[eorge] Cuppernall got a hump on his back. I shan’t coax him to take it off.

12th—I went to see the 121st Regiment. They lay across the Hazel River.

22nd—I went to the 121st. We had a dance at Corps Headquarters. Vice President was there—[Hannibal] Hamlin.

23rd—In camp. I mended my clothes.

24th—In camp. We signed the pay rolls.

25th—In camp. We got our pay. I won a watch at a raffle—not a very good one but it keeps good time.

26th—In camp. Bought a pair of suspenders.

29th—We mustered for pay.

March 1864

1st—It rained in day and snowed at night.

6th—Sunday. I take the horse to exercise him. He hurt his shoulder. I then went to the signal station and round about to see the country. Came back. Our lieutenant [ ] got his shoulder broken and otherwise hurt. He was top heavy as the fashion is now here. Willard Cole had his watch stolen at 11 o’clock at night by Bion and Pillsbury [?].

7th—In camp. I done my washing—my jacket and pants.

8th—In camp. Wet day. I got some caustic.

9th—I went to Brandy Station. Came back. Drew a pair of drawers and socks. I had the boxing gloves on with the best man in the regiment. Ira Birney got his neck out of joint. He layed out all night.

10th—A rainy day. I read my book through 5 o’clock. The frogs are a peepin—it sounds like spring.

12th—I went to the 26th Michigan Regiment. Came back. Wrote a letter to John B. Crawford.

17th—Saint Patrick’s Day.

18th—We had orders to pack up so as to move at a moment’s warning.

19th—The artillery shot at a target. I got a canteen of whiskey.

20th—Sunday. We had inspection.

21st—in camp all day.

22nd—I got some wood. It was a cold day and stormed all day and night.

23rd—Clear day. The snow 1 foot deep but it thawed all day. I am on guard.

24th—A bright day. I am sick today.

25th—It rained and thawed all day.

26th—In camp. It got a crystal in my watch.

27th—Sunday. We had inspection. A nice day.

28th—In camp. Pleasant.

29th—8 o’clock, I got ready to move to Stoney Mountain. 2 o’clock, I went to my new home. I had a good shanty to go into.

30th—In camp. It rained and snowed all day.

April 1864

1st—A rainy day. I went to see the rebels from the top of Stoney Mountain. I wrote letters home.

2nd—Snow three inches deep. Snowed and rained all day. My horse got away from me.

3rd—Sunday. In camp. Lieutenant went to the old camp.

4th—Snowed and rained all day. I made a washboard and tub.

5th—In camp all day. Rained.

6th—Rainy. I done my washing.

7th—In camp. I mended my clothes, put them away. Had a game of ball. The Lieutenant lost $15 somewhere.

8th—In camp. We played ball. A fine day.

9th—In camp. I wrote a letter home.

10th—Sunday. In camp. The wagons all washed. I killed a horse by the order of Lieutenant.

11th—In camp. A nice day.

12th—Lousy weather. We had some liver for dinner.

13th—I went to the old camp. Got some money.

14th—I went to the cavalry camp. Got a box of tobacco, paper, envelopes, 1 quart of milk, and butter off an old sesech.

15th—A bright day. I got three quarts of milk. We lost the best horse we had. He broke his legs.

16th—A rainy day. I mended my boot.

17th—Sunday. In camp. Rained most all day.

18th—I went to the regiment. Got my pay. Paid my debts. Came back. Bought two geese eggs, 6 hens eggs. We had ham and eggs for supper. Eggs cost 65 cents.

19th—I went on Stoney Mountain. Saw the rebels.

20th—In camp. A cold day.

21st—I helped get a load of wood. We then got milk, eggs, and went back. I wrote a letter home.

22nd—We were to be examined for the ambulance train. I got milk and butter.

23rd—In camp, I got a present of 50 cents.

24th—Sunday. We had inspection.

25th—In camp. I washed my clothes.

26th—In camp. I killed a black snake 6 feet 4 inches, I got my daughter’s likeness and letters. Lieut. Nichols was relieved of command by Lt. Thornburgh.

27th—We had a new mess of men come to our camp.

28th—I went a fishing and frogging. Caught some and eat them. I then went to the train. Got my horse shod. I got a pair of socks. Fixed up bridle.

29th—We had a fire in our camp. One shanty burned. We moved the sick out of camp.

May 1864

1st—Sunday. I read all day.

2nd—Our horses got away from our camp and went through the picket lines and we after them, We got all of them. We were fired [on] by the rebels. No one hurt. I wrote a letter to Brother John Patrick.

3rd—We are all ready for the campaign. 5 o’clock we started. Went to the [ ]. Got there at 8 o’clock at night. Marched all night. I lost my [ ].

4th—On the march yet. 8 o’clock in the morn, ate a can of peaches, bread, and meat ready cooked. 10 o’clock we crossed the river Rapidan. 12 o’clock we are on the battle field of Chancellorsville. Passed the forts and parked for the night. I went to the Chancellor’s house. It was a large one—burnt now. I then went to the train. Went to bed. We could hear the fighting in the Wilderness.

5th—5 o’clock we are ready for march. I did not go with the train. I got two letters while we was waiting. We came on till noon. Get dinner. Crossed the creek. Went through a glass factory but they had made it into a furnace to make shells with but I stopped the fun for it did not take but one match to do the whole thing for them. 3 o’clock we got ice. 5 o’clock we get lost but came back. The old furnace was so hot that had to keep around it. 7 o’clock we got to the rest of the train, We start for the fighting ground. The first to fall was my captain [Washington W. Hulser]. He was carried to the hospital and died before [ ]. He was shot through the neck. He was killed on the 4th of May. I cared wounded till 11 o’clock at night, then went to the hospital. Slept some.

6th—We again start for the fighting ground. We went in the woods. I saw our company. we carried off wounded, worked hard. At 4 o’clock our men fell back. I left a wounded Johnny that we had on a stretcher and had to get. I reckon the rebels came over some of our breastworks but they got back faster than they came for we had 11 cannons loaded with canister shot for them. After they fell back we went up to see them. This was an awful sight for they was laying crossways and every other way. They lost a good many. Well I went to camp after dark and got permission to bury my captain [W. W. Hulser] and sergeant [William] Lackey, and Keter [George T. Kidder]. We had Devine Service by one Elder Steel. We put them all in one grave. It made me think of the burial of Sir John Moore. It was 9 o’clock at night when we buried them.

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The Burial of Sir John Moore after Corunna (1817)

Not a drum was heard, not a funeral note,
As his corse to the rampart we hurried;
Not a soldier discharged his farewell shot
O’er the grave where our hero we buried.
We buried him darkly at dead of night,
The sods with our bayonets turning;
By the struggling moonbeam’s misty light
And the lantern dimly burning.

No useless coffin enclosed his breast,
Nor in sheet nor in shroud we wound him,
But he lay like a warrior taking his rest
With his martial cloak around him.

Few and short were the prayers we said,
And we spoke not a word of sorrow;
But we steadfastly gazed on the face that was dead,
And we bitterly thought of the morrow.

We thought, as we hollowed his narrow bed
And smoothed down his lonely pillow,
That the foe and the stranger would tread o’er his head,
And we far away on the billow!

Lightly they’ll talk of the spirit that’s gone
And o’er his cold ashes upbraid him,
But little he’ll reck, if they let him sleep on
In the grave where a Briton has laid him.

But half of our heavy task was done
When the clock struck the hour for retiring;
And we heard the distant and random gun
That the foe was sullenly firing.
Slowly and sadly we laid him down,
From the field of his fame fresh and gory;
We carved not a line, and we raised not a stone,
But left him alone with his glory.

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7th—Saturday morn. We again for the field. Not much fighting this morn. 9 o’clock we had some killed and wounded. 7 o’clock we went to camp and started on a march. 11 o’clock we parked at Chancellorsville.

8th—Sunday. I saw Burnside and 2,222 prisoners. 11 o’clock, I started. 2 o’clock, we are at the church join to the front. I bought a tongue, cooked it, ate it. We marched by Todd’s Tavern. I got a piece of pork at 1 o’clock at night.

9th—We are in the woods. The troops are marching to and fro. 10 o’clock, no firing yet, I saw lots of arms and legs taken off. 1 o’clock, General Sedgwick was killed on the skirmish line. General Wadsworth was killed on the 7th. Well, we encamped for the night.

10th—7 o’clock in the morn we started. Not much firing now. I went in a swimming, cooked apples. 2 o’clock, hard fighting at one time. I would not give a cent for one inch of ground either way for the shells came thick and faster. 10 o’clock at night. They called for volunteers to go back to the field. No one would do that so they got us all in line and detailed 6 of us—two from each end and two out of the middle row. I had to go for I was in the center, Well we went and I had to go front of the skirmishers but we had five other men with us and good men they was. They lead the way till we found the man we were after. We were [with]in one hundred feet of the rebels breastworks, We put him on the stretcher and got out all safe.

11th—I am in camp. 8 o’clock our boys got badly cut [up]—1 killed and 4 wounded in my company.

12th—8 days of fighting. Hard work and all I have to do is what I pick up, I can stand it yet. 7 o’clock we are on the field again. We have 1 division and their one battery playing on them. A pretty good sight to look on.

13th—I am in camp, not well. I am tired out. Hard fighting today. Lots of our boys are coming in wounded, the hardest of all.

14th—8 o’clock in the morn we struck tents and started on a march. 6 o’clock, heavy cannonading close by. 10 o’clock we are at a halt at General’s Headquarters. 7 o’clock we move to the front. Slept in the woods.

15th—Sunday. 7 o’clock we have got to get out of this. Went over. I filled my canteen out of a spring by the side of the river at Myers Bridge. 4 o’clock we are on the road. Got to our teams in camp.

16th—8 o’clock, no firing yet. We start for the front. 4 o’clock we started for the wounded of the 5th Corps. We loaded them in, came back to camp. Slept all night.

7th—In camp. I made a supper, then slept till 4 o’clock. We are ready for a march and waiting orders. 12 o’clock at night we are hitched up waiting. Did not move.

18th—We again start for the front to carry wounded. 10 o’clock, I have carried four off the battle ground. The fighting commenced at dawn of day. Cochran’s Legion charged the rebs. Light loss on our side. The enemy charged on our boys but got repulsed badly at 3 o’clock. 7 o’clock in camp. 9 o’clock we struck tents and marched all night.

19th—We lay still most of the day. At 5 o’clock the rebels made a charge on our train. We drove them off and whipped them badly. Our [loss] 500 killed and wounded [at Harris Farm]. It was the heavy artillery [men used as infantrymen] that fought them in the fight. Philip Ewell was killed—shot through the head. If we had the old troops in there, our loss wouldn’t [be] one quarter that number. This was the first fight that they had. All the stretcher carriers was ordered out to help them take care of the wounded. I had to laughed in spite of the horrible sights that was before me to see how they complained about the fight which lasted but 40 minutes and then to see them grumble about shelter, blankets, haversacks, and all such things, but I reckon that they know better now. Well, we worked till 3 o’clock in the morn. Then went to camp, laid down, slept some.

20th—8 o’clock we started for the Division. We lay in the woods all day. I wrote two letters home. At 12 o’clock at night we started our line of march. Passed the Massaponax river and church daylight.

21st—We are on the bank of the North Anna river towards Boling Green. 12 o’clock we halted. I had some onions for dinner. We moved on to Milford Station. Here the cavalry had a fight. They took 86 prisoners. Here we found the body of the guerrilla [John Singleton] Mosby packed in charcoal. He stunk like a carrion. I captured 9 shoulders and two hams for the boys. It come good, I reckon.

22nd—Sunday—8 o’clock. I went in a swimming. Then went a foraging. I saw the boys on picket.

23rd—7 o’clock. We are all ready for a move. 11:30 we have had three hours of hard marching. Halt. 4 o’clock I saw Andrew Gillette, Dodge Fields skirmishing, 6 o’clock cannonading. 5th Corps made a charge. 8:30 the 1st Division charged and found the rebel works. 10 o’clock I went to sleep. Slept all night.

24th—In camp. I made a cigar. It was a good one as I ever smoked. 3 o’clock, we went into action. I carried off 9 men, Worked till 3 o’clock in the morning, then slept.

25th—We are on the field again to get the rest of the wounded. No fighting today. I killed a copperhead snake and a shoat. He was in good order.

26th—Rainy. 12 o’clock I got the first change of clothes since the fight commenced. I wrote a letter home. Came back to the front. 7 o’clock heavy cannonading. Our boys are to charge the works but did not. 9 o’clock we crossed the river. Traveled all night.

27th—We lay back from the river. We have some shells sent over. 1 shell killed two and wounded 4 others. 12 o’clock, we started our march. Passed Concord Church. Sundown at a halt. We made coffee. Marched on till 11 o’clock. Parked. I was on guard. We lost a horse.

28th—On the march again. 10 o’clock our troops were in line of battle 2 o’clock fighting. We have just crossed the Pamunkey River. We encamp for the night. Out of all rations.

29th—Sunday. The troops in line of battle. We went to camp. Got no rations. 3 o’clock we are at the front again.

30th—7 o’clock, no fighting yet. On a march again. We passed a church with a border of graves around it. It was our cavalry. They fought yesterday. Lots of graves lay around there. 11 o’clock we are in action on the Washington Jones farm. I got a pail of flour, picked a handful of strawberries, went to the front, went on the skirmish line, saw the church. the rebels charged our boys at dark. Got badly whipped.

31st—We are to the front. Hard fighting. Last night we got our rations. Heavy fighting now. 7 o’clock. I got a turkey and cooked him. We made two charges. Got repulsed each time. This was a whiskey charge. Lieutenant [Willard A.] Musson was wounded in the thigh.

June 1864

1st—Skirmishing now, 1 killed 8 wounded. Heavy skirmishing all day. The rebels charged on Burnside’s Niggers. Got badly whipped. 9 o’clock at night, we started eastward, passed mills all on fire. Gaines mills and the old church.

2nd—7 o’clock in the morn. We have marched all night and on yet. I saw 512 prisoners that Burnsides took last night. 9 o’clock we are at a rest. 11 o’clock we are now for a fight. Had fighting 4 o’clock. I went to the rear. It rained and hailed very hard for a short time.

3rd—We made a charge. It was the worst one yet. 4 o’clock, I am caring for wounded. Most tired out. 4 o’clock the rebels charged on our boys and got drove back. N[icholas] O’Brian was killed of my company. I cared for wounded till 11 o’clock at night. This is Cold Harbor fighting ground.

4th—Some firing at 6 o’clock. 12 o’clock heavy cannonading till 5 o’clock. 7 o’clock I got some tobacco for the boys. I paid $.50 a plug. I am on the road all night. Rainy.

5th—Sunday. 7 o’clock we received orders to go to the front and stay there. Rather a hard place for a man that has no gun. 11 o’clock I fetched the aide-de-camp off the field, wounded mortally. He belonged to Gen. Owen’s staff. 1 o’clock we lost one of our stretcher carriers killed, 8 o’clock we are watching one of our boys departing this life. 9 o’clock they open on us with the most terrible fire of all the war. I was a half mile from the line of battle and more shot and shells passed over me than I ever had before altogether. I lay flat on the ground side of a big cherry tree, four of us there. Soon they opened a cross fire [and] I had to get from that [place]. I went in an earthwork nearby. Our sergeant dropped in behind me. His horse was instantly killed not a moment after he lay down behind me. The shower lasted three quarters of an hour. After the firing was over, we started to the front. Not a man was hurt there but there was a good many [hurt] at the rear around where I was.

6th—A fine morn. I went on the skirmish line for sport. Got a good gun and made some good shots. One we saw went to his long home after I fired at him. I shot a while and then a man got wounded by my side. We carried him to the rear. 11 o’clock I went out again. They showed me a man that was a long shot. None of our guns would reach him. I fired at him 3 or 4 times but couldn’t reach him so he stood there and popped away at us. He had a Sharps rifle. Soon I got tired and went to sleep.

7th—A cloudy morn. We hold the same ground. I went on the skirmish line again. Went to the same place. There he was again so I went and got a Sharp Shooter and he came with me. I showed him and he said I might try him, so I took the gun and they watched. I pulled and he came towards me, crawled about a little, and they said I had better give him another so I pulled again, there was no more balls came from that place today. 1 o’clock I went to the camp, washed a shirt, wrote a letter to sis, stayed in camp all night. We sent a flag of truce to the Johnnys to get permission to bury our dead, The boys on both sides were glad to meet each other for they shook hands and talked together like old friends.

8th—All quiet this morning. 1 o’clock, I have one of General [Joshua Thomas] Owen’s orderlies on the stretcher. Heavy cannonading.

9th—We received orders to stay in the front line of battle. Nothing but to murder the men. Well, I dug a hole in the sand and it caved in three times but I got it fixed and covered it over so it was as safe as I could be. I slept in my pit all night.

10th—In the morn we had to carry Elisha [K.] Smith off the field—shot through the head mortally wounded. I then came back and got breakfast, 10 o’clock we carried one of Co. G wounded. The rebels has just commenced to shell us with mortars, They do a great deal of damage, 12 o’clock, I had a man die on the stretcher. Shelling all the afternoon. I saw Henry [ ] yesterday. He came to visit me 10 o’clock at night.

11th—I came to camp. Done some washing. I had a sore foot. 7 o’clock cloudy.

12th—Sunday. I am a going to the front again. 11 o’clock all quiet. Some killed and wounded this morning. 5 o’clock everything is getting ready for a move. Started at dark. Moved a ways and halted till 12 o’clock. Started on march all night.

13th—We marched across the Chickahominy at 2 o’clock. Passed churches, stores, and some fine buildings. I rode till 4 o’clock, then footed it till 11 o’clock at night. Then slept till morn.

14th—In getting breakfast, all quiet this morning. Now ew lay in sight of the James River. 5 o’clock we halted at Sweeney’s Landing. The trrops crossed at 6 o’clock on transports. 9 o’clock went to bed. Slept all night.

15th—In went in swimming. 11 o’clock I crossed the river. On the south side 3 o’clock, we are passing a nice country. The people are all gone leaving good crops and nice dwellings. A hard time. I know how I should feel about such times as this. 4 o’clock, we [passed] a nice church and halted. All out of rations and hit weather and dusty marches. We marched till 3 o’clock in the morn. I was on guard.

16th—Sunrise heavy cannonading. We are lying still till 5 o’clock. Got our rations one day. Now in front of Petersburg. We charged the rebels. Our losses heavy and not much gained. I cared wounded till 3 o’clock in the morn.

17th—8 o’clock got rations. Heavy cannonading. I wrote. We laid still all day. The rebels made a dash at night and failed.

18th—Sunrise, all ready for a charge. The rebels leave as our boys advance. Our loss light. A ball passed through the stretcher, threw the thigh of a man siting close by it. We put him on the stretcher and carried him off. We made another charge, got repulsed. Our losses heavy. Our Corps lost 200 men. We couldn’t get our wounded. After dark the wanted the stretcher carriers to go and get the wounded. Some went. I wouldn’t go. One got killed and then they were satisfied.

19th—Sunday—Skirmished all day and shelled them at night. I laid in the woods all day. The lead flew over us plenty. Not much damage on our side.

20th—Cannonading all the while and skirmishing. I get 2 lb. sugar. We were relieved. We marched two miles for the night.

21st—We are again for the front. We marched 5 miles. Got the Petersburg Plank Road. I got some string beans. We got our place at night and lay under shot and shells.

22nd—We advanced our brigade. The rebels gave us plenty of fights and big ones at that. 5 o’clock the rebels made a charge, drove our men back. Took 1800 prisoners, 76 out of my regiment, among them was two captains, two lieutenants, and my chum Charley Brown, along with others of my company was taken, but our men rallied and drove them back a ways, but they got 4 cannons after they spiked though it was whiskey done this also.

23rd—We advanced and took our works and 160 prisoners and got our wounded off the field so all they got was a sore victory at last. Our brigade got relieved and taken out of the pits. They are a sorry set of fellows as ever looked on. This is the first time that the 2nd Corps was ever whipped. All was not whipped this time but if the rebels had had courage enough, they might have taken the whole corps for they were demoralized. We picked a place for the night. I saw a whippoorwill and two young ones.

24th—We are in the woods yet. 8 o’clock the enemy are a shelling us heavily. No damage. 2 o’clock, we were relieved and marched 2 miles. Encamped for the night. I have carried 206 wounded off the field since the 4th of May. I shot a guinea hen and cooked him after dark, eat him also. The provost guard was after me but no one had seen me.

25th—I wrote two letters home. It is very hot today. The mail has gone out. I went and washed myself all over. We are lying still. The rebels made an attack. Got badly whipped.

26th—Sunday. In camp. I got a letter. A few drops of rain. How much we suffer for rain.

27th—A very warm day. 12 o’clock, we started on a march. Lots of men were sun struck. We went 3 or 4 miles and halted. One brigade went on picket. Our brigade encamped for the night, I slept in a barn.

28th—In camp yet. I am not out today. Our regiment is not out so I don’t go. I made a portfolio. Wrote three letters and so on.

29th—In camp. It was a cold night. 11 o’clock I got some corn, ground it in a coffee mill, and made a [ ]. Stewed green apples and made a good dinner. 3 o’clock we are getting ready to march. The orderly shot himself accidentally. I helped him to the hospital, then went with the troops. I saw John Parks and lots of others that I knew in the 2nd New York Heavy Artillery.

30th—We mustered for pay.

July 1864

1st—In camp. A hot day. We slept most of the day.

2nd—We moved in the woods. I saw the 121st. They were in good spirits.

3rd—Sunday, I built a bough house in the woods. I lost my cup and canteen.

4th—A cloudy morn. A few drops of rain. I spent the day in writing off my memoranda book. It was a hard job.

5th—A warm day. I have the old fashion diarrhea today but I have written all day and I glad that I have done it.

6th—In camp. I got a letter from S. C. Skull. I answered it.

7th—In camp. A cool morn. McCammon shot himself in the toe.

8th—Heavy shelling this morning. I went to the train. Got my knapsack and came back to the front and mended my shirt. I took one that I brought from home to mend the other with.

9th—In camp. Some shelling this morn.

10th—Sunday. Here we got a loaf of soft bread and some onions. He had a good dinner.

11th—All quiet along the lines except the [ ] gun. 2 o’clock we got orders to pack up but we didn’t move.

12th—The troops worked all day and all night. Marched at daylight and marched all day.

13th—We are in camp ready for a march. Moved two miles. Encamped for the night.

14th—We dug a well. It was the hardest digging that I ever saw but we got good water. I done my washing in the afternoon.

15th—In camp. A cool morn. There is an order to stop all whiskey in the army but it will fail, I reckon. I went to the 5th Corps to see Henry Downs but he was wounded and gone to the rear.

16th—In camp all day. Our men are building a fort.

17th—Sunday. In camp. We are to have inspections.

18th—In camp. I mended my pants.

19th—In camp. A rainy day. I slept most of the day.

20th—In camp. I reading all day.

21st—In camp. A cold morning.

22nd—5 o’clock we started and moves three miles. Encamped for the night. Heavy musketry on the right.

23rd—5 o’clock we moved and made camp. We dug a well 10 feet deep.

24th—Sunday, in camp, We had inspection.

25th—In camp. A cold and rainy day.

26th—In camp. 4 o’clock p.m. we started on a march. We marched all night. At12 o’clock we crossed the Appomattox river, kept on and crossed the James River at daylight. There was heavy firing, some from the gun boats.

27th—Our forces charged the enemy at 8 o’clock. Captured 8 cannon and they fought all day. [See: First Battle of Deep Bottom]

28th—Our forces maneuvered around all day. We lost some prisoners.

29th—A hot morning. I went in swimming in the James River. 5 o’clock all ready for a march back to Petersburg. We marched all night. I lay down side of the road with two of our boys that was tired out. We lay till daylight and all hands was started by the explosion of the rebel’s fort by Burnsides. [See: Battle of the Crater]

30th—We are shelling the enemy heavy. We got possession of their fort but couldn’t hold it. It was the niggers and the only reason we didn’t hold it was the officers [were] cowardly and run back so we lay there all day and at 6 o’clock at night we got 5 days rations and ordered to march. We went to one of our old camps and I laid down and slept all night.

31st—In camp. I done my washing. A hot day.

August 1864

1st—We moved back to our old camp. I was relieved from the ambulance train. I was very glad of it for I was tired of it and didn’t like it.

2nd—I reported to the company for duty. We had inspection in the regiment.

3rd—I went to the ammunition train, got 40 rounds of ammunition for my gun. I have a carbine rifle. I got my hair cut. We drew codfish, one ration. We had a general inspection.

4th—In camp. We drew clothes. I got a knapsack. It was a small one—a nice one.

5th—We are up at 3 o’clock, stood in line of battle till daylight. In camp all day.

6th—I was on fatigue. We dug a well.

7th—Sunday. I went a whortleberrying, I got a quart and made them in a pudding. It was a good one too.

8th—In camp. I washed my pants.

9th— I was on fatigue.

10th—I was on fatigue. All I done was to cut 6 poles and carry them out and then lay in the shade all day.

11th—In camp. We had a new sergeant. It was Thomas Buck.

12th—In camp till 4 o’clock. Then we started for City Point. Got there at 10 o’clock at night. Laid all night. Rosell Woodhull joined the company. [Woodhull had been wounded on 12 May 1864.]

13th—I went in a swimming. 10 o’clock we went on board of the steamers and went down the river and anchored till 10 o’clock at night. Then we went up the river to Deep Bottom or Dutch Gap.

14th—At daylight we disembarked and went on the bank and bot breakfast. I missed my sugar. McCameron stole it but got catched at it. After breakfast we went to the front and maneuvered a while, massed and made a charge. It was the worst place I ever saw to make a charge against the enemy so we got repulsed and fell back to a creek and lay there till dark. Then we got out the best way we could. We lost some prisoners—some that didn’t go as far as some others at that. I had three good shots with my rifle. I saw the 88 South Carolina Regiment’s flag fall, man and all. That was the dearest shot that I ever made but came out all right after all. I made another shot after I had fell back a ways—pretty dear one, but all right. Then left for the ditch. the rebels shot my gun from my hand but I stopped and picked it up. the balls flew like hail—that is, if I know myself. So we fell back and formed a regiment. Our company all present. We lay down and slept. It rained all night. [See: Second Battle of Deep Bottom]

15th—We got breakfast and then we got 50 rounds of cartridges. 2 o’clock, the 10th Army Corps came to us, niggers and all.

16th—We lay in the woods till 5 o’clock. Then we went to the breast works. Lay all night.

17th—We lay at the works all day. The rebels sent a flag of truce to get permission to get the dead body of one of their generals [Brig. Gen. Victor Girardey] that was killed yesterday. I went on picket at 9 o’clock at night.

18th—A warm day. I am on picket. Got the command of the post. Not much firing in front of us. 3 o’clock, the rebels charged on our left five times and got repulsed every time. They came on in five lines of battle and then couldn’t get through. Then they tried ours and the skirmish fire was two strong for them. We fired about 40 rounds apiece. They wounded some of our men that was getting green corn. At 9 o’clock we were relieved and came to the works. Then we moved back to our old works.

19th—We lay in our works that we built in July. It rained all day.

20th—I went to the train and got 80 rounds of cartridges. Came back and went a fishing but didn’t get any. It rained most of the time. We had two recruits to our company. At dark we commenced our march back towards Petersburg. Marched all night.

21st—We lay in our old camp. Eat breakfast and then we had to go to the front. Stayed all day, then marched towards the Weldon Railroad. We encamped near the railroad for the night. Lay all night.

22nd—9 o’clock, we are in the woods. I went after whiskey. It took me all afternoon. We lay in the woods all night.

23rd—I got a beef heart and cooked it. I wrote a letter home. 12 o’clock on fatigue. We went past the Aiken’s House. Lay most all day, then we went back and marched for the railroad. We went near the station and camped for the night near the station.

24th—We got to the railroad at 8 o’clock. 10 o’clock we went on picket at Ream’s Station. I stayed on picket all day.

25th—7 o’clock we went to the regiment. They lay in the cane field. Then we advanced up on the road and the cavalry had a fight to our left and got drove in. Then we formed in line of battle and drove them rebels back. Then our brigade was drawn off and sent back to the stations. Our regiment was sent out for support for the skirmishers. 3 o’clock we lay behind the railroad. Then we were called up and we had to take the worst of the enemy’s fire. Here we lost some good men as ever shot a gun. Here we stood and fired into them till we were surrounded on three sides. Then we went every man for himself. Well, if there wasn’t some tall running then, I don’t know. Some of our regiment went to the woods and some to the breastworks but the rebels had our cannons turned on us and was driven back when General Miles came up and rallied the men, formed a line, and let them have a few rounds. And then the rebels left over the works again. Some of our men went out to the railroad three times. I went down the works to stop the men from firing at our men. Quite a panic now. At 6 o’clock, the rebels are on one side of our works and we on the other. Such a mass of men I never saw as it takes to break our lines and they did it but they left heaps of dead on the field. They lost more than we did for they came onto us and then they tried it the fourth time before they done it. It was the sorest victory that they ever got. Our adjutant [Alfred R. Quaiffe] got taken prisoner after he had got back to the works. He might as well got out as the rest of us and if ever I wished for darkness, I did then. Well, after dark, we fell back and marched all night. It rained and lightning very sharp. All the reason that we got whipped was bad generalship. Our lines wasn’t in no shape for such a fight, but some of the Johnnys say that they got the worst of it and I know they most [did]. [See: Second Battle of Ream’s Station]

26th—We lay side of the road and slept awhile. Then we moved and went into a camp. Stayed all night.

27th—I done my washing and wrote a letter and went on picket.

28th—I am on picket. It is just two years today since I enlisted. I saw some of the Ohio boys that knew Bingham’s folks. Saw some that I knew when I was out there. Mande Bingham is a major in the cavalry. Ben a Lieutenant.

29th—On picket today. I am sick but got to stand it.

30th—On picket yet. 10 o’clock, we left the line, came to the fort on the Jerusalem Plank Road, encamped in the fort at night. We went on fatigue but didn’t work. Came back to camp.

31st—In camp. We mustered for pay. We have six months pay due us. The Major took my rifle gun from me for his own use and made me draw one. I got a good one. At dark, we went on fatigue. Worked all night.

September 1864

1st—We are in camp. We had pancakes for breakfast. We lay here all day. 5:30 o’clock we was ordered to pack up but we didn’t go. At dark we went on fatigue.

2nd—We are all ready for a move but we didn’t go. We had four men come back from the hospital. It was J[ames] W. Maxwell, J[oseph] Notgrass, [Kendrick] R. Mattison, N[elson] Fort.

3rd—We are on fatigue chopping. 17 hundred of us chopped all day and came to camp at night.

4th—In camp. A wet morning. We had inspection. I wrote a letter to home. It is Sunday today.

5th—We were on fatigue today. We went to camp at 6 o’clock and packed up. Moved one mile and worked all night on breast works.

6th—We are on fatigue. A wet orning. We worked all day. It rained all night.

7th—We oved back to our old camp that we left before we crossed the James river the first time. Pitched tents and slept a while, Then went on fatigue. I didn’t work much.

8th—In camp. A pleasant morn. It was a cold night last night. I was on fatigue all the forenoon. I wrote a letter in the afternoon.

9th—In camp. All quiet this morn. 10 o’clock, all packed for a move. We moved a mile or so and encamped for the night.

10th—In camp, Cold nights. I went to the train, got two blankets. Let [Rosell] Woodhull have one. I saw 60 prisoners.

11th—Sunday. A pleasant morning. I am on guard today. we had a tempest of wind today.

12th—in camp today. Not very well. I got a letter from the widow Hulser in regards to the [ ] note.

13th—I went to get boards to build a bunk with. I wrote a letter to Miss. Hulser. Saw Andrew Gillett and so forth.

14th—On fatigue. Started at 5 o’clock. We got breakfast. Worked all day. Came to camp at night.

15th—In camp. Ready for inspections. I wrote a letter to my girl.

16th—In camp. 9 o’clock all packed ready. Laid in camp all day. At night we moved up the breast works. Laid all night.

17th—We went to work chopping timber. The rebels stole 2500 head of cattle yesterday from us. Our cavalry followed them and got whipped and 500 of them captured.

18th—Sunday. We went to work on the railroad sinking it so that the enemy couldn’t shell the cars. Worked all day.

19th—In camp all day. At night I went on picket. We got up to sign the pay rolls. Didn’t draw it though.

20th—On picket. A nice morning. Andrew Bridenbecker is an officer. He is on picket with us. 10 o’clock, signed the pay rolls. Came to camp.

21st—Daylight, we are ready for fatigue. Heavy cannonading and some musketry. We went on fatigue. I didn’t work much. I went to the front line. Got a vest and came back to the woods.

22nd—On fatigue again. I went to the 10th Corps and got some pies. Came back to the work. We were to work on the railroad. I can’t do much work as I am a soldier. Came to camp. Got my pay and paid my debts. Got shaved and so forth.

23rd—Sultry weather to work on a railroad.

24th—On fatigue. 9 o’clock there is a grand salute along the lines. It is in honor of Sheridan’s victory in the Valley. Charles Wample came to see me. I went with him to see Waite and stayed some time. I saw the troops moving. I went to camp, packed up, and moved a ways. Sundown, everything is on the move. Can’t tell where we are going.

25th—Sunday. We lay in the front line of works before Petersburg. At 10 o’clock we moved and made a camp. At 9 o’clock we moved a mile or so and went in a fort.

26th—In the fort. It is a warm morning. I am sick today. We lay in the fort. It is Fort Haskell, right in front of Petersburg.

27th—A hot day. I am sick today. It didn’t do any good.

28th—In the fort. I am sick today.

29th—In the fort today. All packed up on the outside of the fort. There was heavy shelling last night. I wrote a letter home.

30th—In the fort. I wrote a letter to N. J. Davis. We had an election. Mc[Clellan] had 20 majority.

October 1864

1st—We left Fort Haskell at dark. We moved to the left. We went in the works, I found a quarter pound of tobacco. 11 o’clock, we moved to the right. It rained and we got all muddy &c. At night we halted till morning.

2nd—Sunday morning. We were in the works. I got a pair of drawers of Lieut. Bridenbecker. I threw my old ones away. I wrote two letters. There was heavy fighting yesterday. It was General Warren’s Corps that done the fighting.

3rd—In the works. I went to the ambulance, Got my overcoat back. I was on a watch picket tonight.

4th—We lay in the works. Part of our company on picket. At night we moved to the left. We had hot shelling.

5th—We lay in the woods. I got a letter from Phoebe J. Bradbury and one from my girl. I got a pair of boots of George Marienous [?] I gave him 4 dollars. At night we moved to the right. Laid in the pits all night. I drew a pair of drawers and socks.

6th—I am on guard near Fort Nichols.

7th—In camp all night. I went on picket. We got lost and if we didn’t have fun, I don’t know.

8th—On picket on the reserve. At daylight Henry Cartridge got wounded in the heel. I took him to the rear. He belonged to the 170th New York. I then went back to the reserve. In the afternoon there was sharp shooting on both sides. I took one of the rifles sighted at 130 rods [715 yards], made three shots, and I couldn’t do anymore for the Colonel in command would have split his sides a laughing to see two of the rebels tumble but it wasn’t no fun for me I can assure you. At night we were relieved. I was glad of it.

9th—Sunday. We had inspection. I got a pair of boots from home. I sold a pair to R. Woodhull for 5 dollars. I wrote a letter to N. J. Davis.

10th—In camp. It is a cold morning. A white frost—the first we have had this fall. My mouth is very sore. Others the same.

11th—A nice morning. We lay in camp all day. At night there was heavy shelling.

12th—In camp all day. At night I went on picket. Stayed all night and all day.

13th—In camp all day.

14th—In camp. I had the toothache and tried to have it pulled but we couldn’t get it. I bought a pair of suspenders, done my washing and so on. The Johnnys say that they are a going to blow us up. Let it come. We are ready for them.

15th—I am on guard today. It is nice weather.

16th—Sunday. We had inspection. Clinton Starling came to see us. He is a gay fellow.

17th—In camp. We had regimental inspection by Capt. Curtis. I received tickets to vote. I voted for Abraham Lincoln. He is my man. At night I went on picket. [James] Wesley Maxfield’s gun bursted the first shot. It was a pleasant night.

18th—On picket today. We were relived at night.

19th—In camp. We drew rations. We got fish. One third of our men had to be up all night.

20th—I am on guard today. There is a rumpus in camp. Andrew Bridenbecker got a black eye.

21st—In camp all day. A man carrying a log on his shoulder for stealing a canteen of whiskey.

22nd—On picket. We were relieved at night.

23rd—Sunday. In camp. We had inspection.

24th—In camp all day. At night we moved and maneuvered all night. Stopped at Fort Bross.

25th—We got breakfast and fixed a shanty. Stayed all night.

26th—A fine morning. We are a getting ready for a long march and a fight. We have 8 days rations to carry. We started at 2 o’clock on a march, Halted at 9 o’clock. We laid down till 2 o’clock, then we got breakfast.

27th—We started on a march to the enemy’s works, assaulted and drove the enemy from their works. We deployed as skirmishers—our regiment. The rebels falling back till 2 o’clock, then we were in line of battle and advanced again on the enemy. They run again. Then it rained a hard shower but we advanced on them and had to lay down on the side hill and if it wasn’t a bad place, then I don’t know for the rebels had a battery so as to play the whole length of our brigade and there we lay for half an hour or more. Very few was hurt. Then we got orders to get up and we double quicked around the hill and came on the top of it. Our regiment and the 59th [New York] Regiment was left to support the battery on the hill. 5 o’clock Captain [Willard] Musson was shot dead by a cannon shell. It passed through his body, tore his heart clear from him. Half past 5, the enemy closed around our men and the Third Division gave way. On came the rebels after our battery but didn’t get them. Then Gen. [Thomas W.] Egan advanced on them and drove them off. Then they threw up little works and laid till dark. Then we commenced falling back, leaving our dead and some wounded on the field. At 9 o’clock at night, it rained hard and was cold. I lay down by the fence and slept awhile. Then we marched all night. [See: Battle at Boydton Plank Road]

28th—We got breakfast and marched all day and at night I was on picket in front of our brigade. It is a cold night. This fight was at Hatcher’s Run or on the [William] Burgess farm. One of our company boys * that was in the fight said that was his grandfather’s house so he ands I went in the house and he got his own likeness and his uncle’s and his family’s record out of the bible. All that I took from the house was a canteen of molasses that was made on the farm. It most looked rather hard to him. The house was riffled of everything. It was a splendid house.

* In his book, Richmond Must Fall, Hampton Newsome informs us on page 241 that the relative of William Burgess who served in the 152nd New York of Rugg’s Brigade, was likely Burgess’s grandson, Andrew W. Burgess of Watertown, New York. Andrew claimed to have retrieved the family record, some photographs, and a small powder horn of his own making that was still in the Burgess home.

29th—On picket, A nice morning. I went to camp to get breakfast. I was on picket all day. I wrote a letter to mother at night. We packed up and marched to the Avery House. Camp for the night.

30th—We lay in camp all day. I was not very well today. Tired out is all, I guess.

31st—We mustered for two months pay. We moved 3 times today and at night we go to the front. Well, this is the last day of October and we have eleven and a half [months] to serve Uncle Sam yet. Well, we have got the most of our time served but thanks to God for his mercies in sparing our lives this far. I hope I shall be spared to go home to those that I left in tears long ago. Now it is night and I am going on picket tomorrow. I am well and hoping to come home. This goes home tomorrow so good night. All is well.