The following letters and diaries were written by George Ellis of Warren, Massachusetts. He was married to Sarah Ann Smith on July 8, 1856. At the age of 25, he enlisted from Monson, Massachusetts, leaving behind his occupation as a fabric dyer in one of the town’s woolen mills. With a heavy heart, he bid farewell to his wife and three children as he took up the musket. Regrettably, the scant information we possess about George is derived from the widow’s pension application submitted by his wife.

George enlisted on 21 June 1861 at Springfield to serve three years in Co. E, 10th Massachusetts Infantry, driven no doubt by a deep sense of duty. He was killed in action on 12 May 1864 at Spottsylvania Court House while courageously carrying the colors, a testament to his bravery and commitment to his fellow soldiers and his country. The last words to his beloved wife, scribbled on a piece of paper ripped from a journal the evening before the fateful battle, were filled with reassurance: “Don’t worry for me for I shall come out all right,” a poignant reminder of his unwavering hope and the profound love he held for her amid the chaos of war.

[Note: These letters and diaries are from the collection of Matt Snihur and were made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent. It should be noted that some letters have portions missing due to the removal of patriotic images, and attempts were made to reconstruct incomplete sentences, though not always successfully.]

Letter 1

Medford, Massachusetts
July 21, 1861

Dear Wife,

As I am now at leisure, I write you a few lines. We had a good time on the trip from Springfield to Boston. It was 7 o’clock when we arrived in the city & then we had to march 5 or 6 miles to our camp. It was 10 o’clock & very dark when we got in. We had no provision made for us with the exception of our tents. No supper, no straw, no nothing but the bare ground to lay on. About 12 o’clock there came a very heavy shower. We were so tired & sleepy that we lay & took it. You can imagine my feelings but they were no worse than almost all the rest, I assure you.

We got up in the morning & took a view of our situation. All eyes was wandering in all directions. We stayed around on the [camp ground] until 10 o’clock when an enquiry [revealed that] there was no breakfast for [us but] they would give us some [dinner. Not] wishing to wait until noon, [to sit and] suffer, half of the regiment [passed the] guard and scattered in all directions. I went with the rest first to Medford and then to Boston. I saw many sights that I never saw before but what interested me most was Bunker Hill Monument. I went on the top of it.

They sent out officers after them and got most of them back before night. We have now got some wells dug and cooking stand up so we now fare as well as expected. Our situation is a very pleasant one. We are within one mile of Medford in sight of Boston, Charlestown, and many other places. The monument is in plain sight with the Stars and Stripes waving from its top. Our camp is very near the salt water [and it] comes up within 5 rods of our [camp. We] go into it swimming every [ ] day that much. All the fault [I can see] is our tents. They are about large [enough for] 6 men but there are 20 packed in and we have to lay spoon fashion. The Colonel [H. L. Eustis] says if we stay here long he will get some more.

In the tent that I am in, all but five are foreigners—some English, Irish, Scotch, & the rest I know not what they are. I have laughed myself faint to hear them jabber & see them perform. I never knew before what kind of people this world was composed of. We are visited daily by hundreds of spectators. There is another camp about one and a half miles from here. I have not seen it yet but they say it is a pretty hard set. This is said to be the best camp in the State. One thing is certain, we have got the best Colonel [Henry Shaw Briggs]. I have never heard him speak a cross word to a man.

We are now fully equipped for war. We have got some good [guns] and shall use them when we go [ ]. We are to go just as soon as [they] get a ship to carry us. I should [not] be at all surprised if we [leave in] one week.

I saw a large man of war in Boston that had just come from the South. It looked savage, I tell you. There has two small vessels passed within 100 rods of our camp since we have been here. They are curiosities to us country boys. The band is playing to call us out on drill. What would folks [have] said one year ago to see such a parade of men on Sunday. We know no Sabbath here. I saw Mrs. Green when we came through Palmer.

Ann, rest assured I think of you & children & shall know more fully how to prize a wife and family when I get home.

N. B. Be sure and write as soon as you get this. Direct to Medford, Massachusetts, 10th Mass. Regt., Co. E.

Ever yours, — George Ellis

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Letter 2

Washington D. C.
July 29, 1861

Dear wife,

I improve hte first opportunity I have in writing to you. Thursday morning, 25th inst., we pulled down our tents and at [ ] p.m. bid farewell to Old Medford. We went by rail to Boston [and] at 4 o’clock we went aboard the steamers, five companies on each boat, and the third boat took a part of our horses. I went on the Ben Deford and a fine boat it was too.

We let the two boats pass us the first night & then we had a race. We got ahead and took the lead and kept it until we arrived here. The first night out I felt first rate & slept first rate. But the next day I felt as though there was something in my stomach that did not belong there. But I laid on my back most of [the day which] kept me from vomiting [ ] voyage I felt as well [ ] but some of the boys [ ] all the way. I feel that [ ] not. There was many boys [and some] men which I saw looking [at their] girls and wives daguerreotypes & [from their] looks I guess they wished themselves back home. I am glad that I did not bring yours & children with me for it would have made me home sick to have seen them.

We were allowed on deck all the time & we saw many sights to attract our attention after we got out of sight of land, such as whales, swordfish, and porpoise, schools of Mackerel, &c. I had a revolver & enjoyed myself much shooting at them. We were out of sight of land two days and that is longer than I ever wish to be again. I shall never make a sailor, I’ll bet. I think I have seen all the salt water I ever wish to see.

[ ] pleasant voyage with the [ ] Saturday afternoon about 4 o’clock [ ] heavy shower. It rained [ ] wind blew a gale. I heard [someone] ask the Captain if he did not think we were in danger of being [capsized]. He laughed at them and told them [it was] nothing but a gentle breeze. [We saw] many suspicious looking sailing vessels on the way but by putting on a full head of steam, we soon left them far behind. We got stopped by a man-of-war in the Chesapeake Bay but as soon as we told them where we were going, they let us pass. It was a U. S. steamer looking for southern pirates.

In coming up the Potomac river, all the officers of the boat expected to be fired into every minute. We went within quarter of a mile of where the rebels had a battery two weeks ago. They have fired into several boats while coming up the river. The river is about three quarters of a mile wide.

We arrived in Washington Sunday p.m. 1 o’clock. We landed at the arsenal about one mile from the Capitol. I have not been to it yet but it is in plain sight. The City of Washington is not as large as I expected. Neither is Alexandria, All the cities are small and old. Every house on the Virginia side looks as though it had been built 100 years.

I am now writing under a tree close to the Potomac exactly opposite on the Virginia side—our troops are camped there—are one hundred and eighty thousand. As far as I can see up the river and down it is nothing but tents, tents, tents. At the last battle [Bull Run] our troops were driven back. They are now digging trenches so that if they have another engagement, they can have these for protection. The enemy is but 4 miles from their camp and we expect an engagement at any moment. Just below us is the bridge into Virginia which [ ] by the northern troops [ ] the right is the Washington Monument. It is not finished yet.

Ann, I can give you but a faint idea of all these things. Everything is so different from Old Massachusetts. When we arrived here it was the same as when we went to Medford. No preparations for us. We got our breakfast in the boat & had nothing served out to until the next day noon. They gave us $2.50 aboard the boat but it being Sunday, it was almost impossible to buy anything. What we did get, we had to pay ten times what it was worth. For just putting a piece of our own bread on top of their stove, they charge ten cents and for one pint of warm water with a little meal the same. It is now 5 o’clock and we are to march.

Tuesday morning 8 o’clock. We started from the Arsenal just after a heavy shower. The streets were knee deep with mud & it was awful hot. We marched two miles & come to a halt with a knapsack of 40 pounds weight on our backs, our clothing was wet through with sweat; many of them were so faint that they had to be carried. We made another halt in front of the President’s House, remained half an hour, and then marched to our camp. It was dark and oh heavens! how it did rain. But we got up our tents the best we could and some got under them & some did not. Some laid out in the rain but it did not get wet much because they were wet through with sweat.

This morning for breakfast we had a small piece of salt pork apiece. Myself and a half dozen others went out & got some wood, built a fire, took our pork on a stick and held it over the fire. I ate all that was allowed to me with a good stomach. It is not the government that is to blame for this. There is plenty of provisions here for us if our officers would get it for us. But as long as they can get all they want, it is all they care. I have just been down to a brook & washed myself. I shall take just as good care of my health as I can. There are some here that will not [survive] if they do not keep themselves cleaner. There is a slave plantation about 8 rods from where I am not writing.

The orders have now come to pull down our tents and go nearer the City of Washington. It is each man for himself & I guess the Devil will have us all before long. Ann, I am not sorry that I came. It is just what I expected. Write to me soon. Direct to Washington D. C., Massachusetts 10th Regt., Co. E. Give my respects to all, — George Ellis

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Letter 3

Washington D. C.
September 16, 1861

Dear wife,

Yours of the 12th inst. has just reached me. I am glad that you have got moved and are right smart. I was surprised to receive any money from you as we have been paid off and I have sent you $20 by Mr. Wilcox to Springfield and he will send it by Express from there to Warren. Write me when you receive it.

It was the happiest day this regiment ever saw when they were paid. Officers as well as privates could not get three cents to mail a letter or get a paper of tobacco. I hardly expected that I should get so hard up as to hunt around for old segar stubs to smoke but I did it two weeks ago. I reckon I shall keep a little money by me now for such necessities. Before the regiment were paid there was not a peddler that dare come on the ground. The boys arms had grown mighty long and their fingers pretty nimble. But now that we have money, they are plenty enough.

I have no news in particular to write. I see a Republican every week and see that you get the news in Massachusetts before we get it here. We have got our three forts nearly finished. ¹ This regiment was at work on one of them when the fight was on the other side of the river. I could hear every discharge of cannon and almost see them. The Colonel told us as soon as we got the forts done we would try and give the Old 10th a chance. We work right smart I reckon on them now. I think there is but little prospect of this regiment ever being called into active service. It has the name of being the best regiment about here and in all probability we shall be kept here to guard the Capitol. It is my opinion that in two months from this date, those rebels will surrender. Two or three more good battles will teach them their folly. With the forces that we have and winter coming on, they cannot resist us. Wonder if Father still thinks this war will last three years?

This month is the sickliest in the year in this climate. Co. I (West Springfield) hae lost three. Co. C (Northampton) one four with a very short time. The hospitals are full. It is the Typhus fever that takes them off.

We had a funeral here day before yesterday. Buried him here on the camp ground. It would be odd for you to go to a funeral out in an open field and see each man armed with a rifle or sword with a brass band and a dozen drums. When he was lowered in the ground, the company fired three round of cartridges. You say that you have got dreadfully tanned and look old. If you could see my old face you would think tanned. The skin on it [is] as thick as on a person’s heel and I guess about as dirty.

My health is good. I presume after cool weather comes, the health of the regiment will be better. There is no use thinking of going home before spring so I keep it out of my mind as much as I can. But I would like to see that little devil Walter and hear him talk. I am glad if he is good to mind you and hope he will grow up to honor and respect his parents. It don’t hardly seem as though I were father or husband it has been so long since I have heard the names called.

In regard to the time that I was sworn into the service, I have just been to Capt. [Frederick] Barton. He gave me the enclosed which you can show to certify the time. I have heard that you could receive pay from the State from the 21st of June. Father can find out how much you are entitled to draw and you put him up to it and see to it that he gets every cent of it for it won’t be amiss to have a few dollars laid aside to commence housekeeping again. As I said before, get all you can and I will be as saving as possible. And I dare say, we can commence in the spring in good shape.

This is the greatest country for works and bugs that I ever heard of. We have to sleep on the bare ground and the other night after one of the boys had lain down for the night, he felt something under his head. Thinking it was a rat, the boys got up to catch him. They all got around his knapsack to grab it when on raising it, there lay an Ader two and a half feet long. The other night a bug crawled into one of the boys ears while asleep. It set him crazy and took three or four men to hold him while they turned something in to kill it.

There has adozen or more had their fingers shot off. All have been shot in their hands. They are dreadful careless here and it is a wonder that half of us are not shot before this time. One of the boys got a finger shot off this afternoon. We think nothing of having a bullet shot through our tent. We have got so used to guns and firing that I don’t think the rebels would scare us much. I hope this regiment will have a little brush before we get home and see how we shall perform.

I suppose that you begin to have cool weather in Massachusetts by this time but it is hot enough here yet. We have not begun to think of fall yet. When it comes cold, we shall have to build barracks or move farther south. I have had my photograph taken but have not received it yet. I expect it soon and will send it to you. Keep up good cheer and be right smart and I will take care of myself I reckon. Time passes swiftly with me here and it will be but a short time before I shall be at home. Yours ever, — George

¹ The 10th Massachusetts spent most of their time constructing Fort Massachusetts (later renamed Fort Stevens) which was near Camp Brightwood where they camped in the summer of 1861.

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October 4 [1861]—Friday. I went on picket at the little store this side of Graves. I was sick in the night with the colic.

October 5—Returned from picket & stayed in my tent in the afternoon.

October 6—I did nothing but stay in my tent as it was Sunday.

October 14—Went on Grand Guard Duty near the fort.

October 15—Went to camp and did nothing till dress parade in the forenoon.

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Letter 4

Camp Brightwood
Washington D. C.
October 23, 1861

Dear wife,

Yours of the 18th inst. came duly to hand. I sent you a view of this camp but it was disfigured by numbers and folding. I will send you another. Keep this choice and I will get it framed when I get home.

We have been under marching orders the past three days and it has rained all the time. Inside our tents it is all mud and our blankets and clothing are all wet. It makes it very unpleasant and unhealthy to have such weather as this. Every little skirmish over the river and we are put under marching orders for three or four days. We came very near going down the Potomac where the Rebels have attempted to blockade. There was fifteen steamers in readiness for this brigade but the government saw where they could use them to a better advantage. The Rebels have got a good place for miles on the river where they could sink every steamer that comes into Washington but they have not done any great damage as yet. It is my opinion they will get almightily troubled if they don’t keep away from the river. We must and will have that open.

It seems to me that McClellan is rather slow in his movements but there are a great many things to be taken into consideration. When I think it all over, I am forced to the conclusion that he knows better how to manage affairs than myself and I for one am willing to be guided by him. It is quite certain that this brigade will remain this side of the river. We may be called out to be away a few days at a time but this ground will be our home. If there is any hard fighting near by, we may see it. But if not, this regiment will have no great victories to brag over when we get home. I still hold to it that we shall see Massachusetts in the spring for I believe that before long McClellan is going to wade in—and deep too. There must be a great deal of fighting and some dreadful hard struggles next month. But how much better to be careful and thus save many valuable lives and be more sure of victory.

You tell me to keep up good courage. I am bound to do that, and to see it through if my services can render any assistance. I am sick of camp life and its rough usages, but still I feel as I always have felt, that it is my duty to be here. As regards the danger of a battlefield, I have no fear in the least. You may perhaps think that I have got reckless and careless but it is the hard usages, the many careless and dangerous positions we are placed in. But still we cherish the same affection for home and friends that we have always had.

If you can get some pictures taken on paper or leather so you can send in a letter, send them. Don’t try to be saving. Anything that will tend to comfort your wants, get them and make yourself as comfortable as you can under present circumstances. I shall probably get some more money the first of the month when I will send you some more. It is amusing as well as provoking to be cooped up 16 of us in a little tent in such weather as this. Sometimes they are all pleasant and laughing, and sometimes all mad and swearing. For a week past, the boys have been raising the very Devil. We have had several fights in camp and the boys have stole pretty much everything they could get their hands on including a barrel of ale from the sutler. He is a Jew and the boys are learning him Yankee tricks. The next letter I hope to hear that you are comfortable and everything as favorable as circumstances will permit. Yours ever, — George

[Editor’s Note: The following scrap of paper is undated but I’m going to presume that it was written at this time while the 10th Massachusetts was at Camp Brightwood. I will change its location chronologically if I discover later that it was written at a later date.]

Dear wife,

Yours of the 18th inst. has been received (p. m.). Here I sit in an old church eight miles from Washington on picket guard. We came out this morn and shall probably get back into camp sometime tomorrow. This is the farthest…..regular and it has also been used for a school house but the pickets have now taken it for their quarters. Notice was given that there would be a meeting here at 4 o’clock p. m. They had gathered from all quarters (as I supposed) to hear a prayer but they were disappointed for no minister came. The congregation consisted of four women…..them here. I would like to give you a faint idea of this old chapel [and] also an imperfect portrait of myself sitting in the pulpit writing on this sheet but it useless for me to attempt. Therefore I will not try.

Lt. [Wallace A.] Putnam is here with us. We had a chicken pie for dinner. He hired a nigger to make us a right smart one for $1.50. She sent it up this evening……quite a play with them and almost wished that I had one at home to play with. One thing is quite certain—if I were independently able—my business would be to run slaves into Canada. I dislike niggers as bad as anyone, but the more I see of slavery, the more I dislike it.

Monday morning. I have been up to a hotel (about two miles) this morn….

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Letter 5

Norway Heights
Camp Brightwood
Washington D. C.
January 13th [1862]

Dear wife,

Yours of the 10th instant came to hand. The pictures are in good shape. I am pleased with them, I assure you, We were paid off today and I will send you some money by express as soon as I get a chance to send it to the city (probably this week). I have got well but cannot having the horrors most of the time to see how this war is managed. I have written you a few of y ideas but cannot give you all until I see you. I do not know what this government is coming to. One thing is certain—something must soon turn the scale or we are ruined.

We were paid off in [ ] but they are at a [ ] per cent and it will [ ] for that has no special [ ] and that cannot [ ] demand notes. The inhabitants here are in worse shape than at the North for you have small Bank Notes and here it is a fine for a person to have a Note of smaller denomination than five dollars. These Treasury Notes are not a lawful tender, only for government trade, so you can see in what shape we are as far as money is concerned.

Again, we are no nearer the end of this trouble (comparatively speaking) than we were two months ago and every day is an unnecessary delay and so long as McClellan is nosed around by military officers, we must expect it.

[ ] a glance how [ ] used first all of our [ ] generals are receiving [ ] and it is not for [ ] to push forward and [ ] for they are getting the [ ] they cannot get elsewhere. Not only this, but half of them are in favor of slavery and will not do anything to injure that institution. Until Congress passes an act to abolish slavery, we might as well stop where we are. Again comes the Division and Brigade Generals who receive large pay. It is not for their interest to push forward for by so doing, they will soon cease drawing their salaries. And next there is 600 Colonels who are getting $218 per month. It is not for their benefit to close this up and throw themselves out of a job. And then the thousands of other officers who are now getting $[ ] month who at home [ ] them would get but [ .] Again there are hundreds [ ] friends hanging around [ ] to get a few more favors [ .]

Many a man is making a great fortune by getting government contracts and again we never can prosper so long as there is so many secession spies in our midst. The Rebels have communication with us every day and know all of our movements just as well as we do. They are caught almost every day at it. Some of them get no punishment whatever. Others get shot up and few days and then by taking an oath are let loose to go at it again. Such is the management of affairs. And who can blame a soldier for having the horrors. The boys swear that if [rest of letter missing]

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MARCH 1862

March 7, 1862—Missed roll call & got excused by Lieutenant.

March 10—Left Camp Brightwood at 7 o’clock. It commenced raining. Went over Chain Bridge. Encamped with division on Prospect Hill. Laid on the ground. It rained in evening. Cleared off cold. Suffered some.

March 11—7 o’clock, cool but pleasant.

March 12—Wrote to wife. Received letter from wife. One of the Rhode Island Regiment killed. Our provisions came.

March 13—Wrote to Tom. Commenced raining in p.m.

March 14—Left Prospect Hill in morn and marched to Chain Bridge. Encamped. It rained all night.

March 15—Rained all forenoon. Started back to camp 7 o’clock p.m. Went by way of Georgetown. Rained hard. Mud knee deep. Had an awful time. Got into camp about midnight & soaking wet.

March 16—All the boys lame. Went over to [see] Uncle Ned.

March 17—Pleasant in morning. Went over to [see] Uncle Ned.

March 23—Sick. Green took my place [on Provost duty]. Very sick all night.

March 24—Sick. Excused from duty.

March 25—Wrote to wife. Marched just below toll gate. Was ordered back to camp at night. I went and stayed with Uncle Ned. Was sick.

March 26—Marched in morning. Stopped in street near Navy Yard. Embarked on boat 7 at night. Stayed there all night.

March 27—Started & went to Alexandria. Lots of boats here. Started down river at 11 o’clock. Was some sick but staid up on deck.

March 28—We are in Chesapeake Bay, Hampton Roads. Very pleasant. Arrived at Fortress Monroe 1 o’clock p.m. Run boat up to Hampton. Remained until 4 o’clock. Marched four miles and encamped. It commenced raining at dark & rained all night. I slept down in a swamp. Got wet through—this the 29th.

March 30—Got up in morn, cold & stiff. Some of the boys came down and we built up a hut. I wrote to my wife yesterday.

March 31—Felt better this morn. Sent letter to Harvey.

March 31—Captain Fred [Barton] took command of company.

APRIL 1862

April 1 [1862]—Was sick. Got excused from all duty by the doctor. Weather warm and pleasant.

April 2—Weather cool and cloudy. Felt better but got excused from duty by the doctor. Received a letter from wife and one from [ ]ville. It rained hard in the night.

April 3—Sun shone bright in morn.

April 4—Marched in morning at 8 o’clock. went near Newport News. Marched up the river. Stopped to rest at 1 o’clock. Rebels have been here. I found a secesh letter. John Dunn killed a hog. Marched on near Warwick and encamped in pine woods. I was very tired and sick.

April 5—Weather pleasant. Marched out of woods at 6 o’clock. Commenced raining. We now had a forced march. Stopped at 1 o’clock to rest. Marched on one mile and drew up in line of battle. Deployed two companies as skirmishers. In p.m., marched on again near a battery. They are now shelling it 5 o’clock near by. At dark we were ordered to Warwick Court House. Encamped at 10 o’clock. Our regiment went down into the swamp on picket guard.

“Warwick Court House consists of a small brick school house building, for the Courts, a little jail of less size & one other building, perhaps for a bank. There was one old, dilapidated wooden dwelling house nearby. This is what occupies one clearing. The interval lands in that vicinity are beautiful. The apple trees & peaches are in blossom, and the trees are leaving. As soon as the rains are over the ground gets settled. I expect it will be pleasant here…” — Oliver Otis Howard, April 24, 1862.

April 6—Very pleasant in morn. Our regiment went out to build bridges. Came back to jail at 4 o’clock and encamped all night.

April 7—Weather cool. Wrote to wife. Commenced raining in p.m. Gen. McClellan here this p.m. Very cold & rained like hell all night.

April 8—Very cold. Rained all day. The roads are almost impassable. We have nothing to eat. I hear a great deal of swearing. Cold rain all night.

April 9—Weather cold & rainy. Nothing for us to eat.

April 10—Was out on guard yesterday & today. Sun came out.

April 11—Wrote to Daniel Woodworth.

April 12—Warm & pleasant.

April 13—Warm & pleasant. I went off to a house and got six ears of corn. Boiled it. We had no breakfast or dinner.

April 14—Very warm. I wrote to Harvey. I was sick all day. Did not go on dress parade. Received letter from H.

April 15—Weather hot. Went on inspection at 4 o’clock. No music is allowed in any of the camps.

April 16—arched towards the batteries at 9 o’clock. At noon we hear the cannon nearby. Do not feel very well but am bound to go with regiment. Our company went on picket & I came back to camp sick.

April 17—The regiment left camp at 3 o’clock this morn. I did not go. Felt very faint and weak. Got my knapsack carried & went on and joined the company. Got there just at dark. Received a letter from wife. Was up all night on guard.

April 18—Warm & pleasant. Felt much better.

April 19—Went down and saw batteries. Wrote to wife. Felt well. Commenced raining at 4 o’clock. Were called into line of battle at 8 o’clock & stood all night. It rained all night.

April 20—It rains. Am cold and wet in a.m.

April 21—wrote to wife.

April 22—Wrote to Tom Keith. Skirmished in forenoon. Came back to Warwick in our old camp.

April 23—Received a letter from Mrs. Hen[ry] French died. Provision scarce today.

April 24—Worked on corduroy road. Co. E went out on picket.

April 25—Remained in camp. Wrote to father. Our company came in from picket tonight. Commenced raining tonight.

April 26—Rained all day.

April 27—Cloudy all day. Wrote to Harvey. New recruits came.

April 28—Out all day [working] on corduroy [roads]. Pleasant today. Received a letter from wife. Was called out in night. Stack arms.

April 29—Weather very hot. Co. E building corduroy road.

April 30—Weather cloudy & wet. Was on guard. Rhode Island Regiment broke [illegible].

April 31—Rained all day. Mustered this morning. Came off guard this morn.

MAY 1862

May 1 [1862]—Went out on back road on picket with J[ohn] Squires & [Albert] Witherell. Reported flag-of-truce. No firing this afternoon. Post No. 2.

May 2—I came in from picket, Wrote to wife. Received a paper.

May 3—Went over to river with Scott & Cad. Saw lots of rebels. Heavy firing from 4 o’clock all night. Mortars, I guess.

May 4—Sunday. All quiet this morn. 12 o’clock orders to fall in. We are all packed up. Orders countermanded. Reported evacuation. God damn shuck works. I wish the rebels all in hell. Wrote to Jack Morgan. Marched from 4 o’clock until 9 o’clock the whole line rebel batteries. Encamped in a plowed field. The enemy fled just before us destroying ammunition &c. Commenced raining at midnight. Got pretty thoroughly wet.

May 5—Marched at 7 o’clock. Raining. Mud knee deep all the way. Came near a fort. Line of battle. Got down just after surrendered. Saw 150 prisoners. Lots of wounded. Rained all night. A tough time. Rebs held a fort just ahead of us.

May 6—Sun shone warm. Went skirmishing. Saw lots & lots of dead rebs. Went to a fort evacuated last night. They are burying dead and carrying off the wounded this morning. At noon marched down to Fort Magruder & encamped. Went out on the battlefield in afternoon. Horrid. Terrible. Brought in lots of prisoners.

May 7—Went up to Williamsburg to get some tobacco. Streets full. Saw lots of wounded rebels. Very warm and pleasant today. Went out and saw them bury the 8th New Jersey [soldiers]. More prisoners.

The 8th New Jersey entered the battle with 889 men, and approximately 200 were either killed or wounded during the engagement. In the larger context of the battle, Union casualties were estimated at 2,283 (with 456 killed) and Confederate casualties at 1,560, according to the American Battlefield Trust.

May 8—Warm & pleasant today. Wrote to wife and Harvey. Received letter from Tom. Went around and saw the wounded. Orders to march at 3 o’clock with four days rations, Countermanded.

May 9—Called out at 4 o’clock. Marched at 6.30. Very hot. Where the Devil we are tonight, I don’t know. Encamped in a rye field. The road strewed with wagons and horses. The hardest march I ever had. Sick during the night.

May 10—Warm and pleasant. Marched at 7 o’clock. Encamped at 3 o’clock. Very pretty farms all along. Wrote to wife. [ ] all day.

May 11—Out on patrol all day. Saw the lancers. [Probably the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry or Rush’s Lancers] Warm and pleasant. Boys remained in camp to rest. A great deal of cheering at night.

May 12—Warm & pleasant. Was out on patrol. Went over to a plantation. Lots of niggers. Very tired at night.

May 13—Warm and pleasant. Marching orders. Marched from 7 o’clock until 12.30 at night. New Kent Court House. Got but one hours sleep.

May 14—Commenced raining 10 o’clock. Our regiment went on outpost picket. Rained all the afternoon. Called in 5.30 a.m.. Now waiting. Went back & stayed with reserve. Rained all night.

May 15—Went out on picket. Rained all day. Went up and saw the enemy pickets. Retreated back midnight. Rained all night.

May 16—Signs of clearing off. Raining on picket at reveille. Rebs evacuated their position. We came back 1.5 miles. The division passed us at 9 o’clock. Got rations & marched on to the brigade.

May 17—Warm and pleasant. Felt rather lame & stiff. Twenty miles now from Richmond/ Received a letter from wife. Marched 6.5 [ ]east of main road. Went out skirmishing forenoon. At noon we went on to right. Encamped on a beautiful place.

May 18—Beautiful morning (Sunday). Wrote to wife. Dress parade.

May 19—Warm & pleasant. Rained from 8 until 12. Came up to the railroad & camped. Now ahead of the division. There is a bridge burned just above here so we stop over night. Signal Corps is here.

May 20—Warm & pleasant. Went out to a house on the main road on picket. Started 7 o’clock at night. Rained while we were out. Got into a house for shelter.

May 21—Rainy in morning. Left knapsacks. Went down near river. Was there when the flag went across. Went over on picket. Keyes came. Gen. McClellan came over. Received a letter from Springfield. Was relieved from guard & came back to regiment at 9 p.m.

May 22—Very hot in forenoon. A very heavy shower & hail in p.m. Wrote to Springfield. Pontoon bridges went along.

May 23—Pleasant this morning. Marched with all the division 2 o’clock. Encamped over night.

May 24—Rained all day. Marched down to support artillery. Drove the rebs. Came back.

May 25—Warm & pleasant. Feel like an old man. Marched at 10 o’clock. Stopped to rest where the fight was yesterday. All divisions here in field, 1.30 o’clock moed off to left. Regiment encamped. I went on picket at 4 o’clock. At dark, went down in swamp. Slept cold. Unwell all night.

May 26—On picket in swamp. Received a letter and paper from wife. Rained all night. Very wet.

May 27—Wet and cold. Sick. Came into camp. Sun came out in afternoon. Heavy firing. Musketry at night. Butcher Smith from Palmer Cavalry [Anderson Troop or 15th Pa. Cavalry].

May 28—Warm and pleasant. Our regiment out scouting. Shelled. Rained in afternoon.

May 29—Warm and pleasant in morn. Marched two miles at 7 o’clock. Co. E on picket. I went out on picket in p.m. Wrote to wife.

May 30—Warm and pleasant in a.m. Rained in p.m. Rebs drove in Casey’s pickets 4 and then tried to flank left. A good deal of firing left of me.

May 31—Very wet all night. Fight commenced just after noon. We pickets retreated back before dark. I did hear rifle all night.

JUNE 1862

June 1 [1862]—Came off pleasant. Our regiment in rifle pits at 7 o’clock. Battle commenced just ahead of us. Pretty hot work up there. 9 o’clock fighting stopped afternoon. Gave [Frank] Cadwell $10 to send home. Laid in the fort at night. Got dreadful [ ] at nothing.

June 2—Heavy firing on the right.

June 3—Moved into new pits. Went upon old camp.

[missing pages]

June 18—Sick. Chills all forenoon. Very lame & stiff. A battle at the right in p.m.

June 19—Firing all night. File firing this morn just through the swamp. Felt old. Weather warm. Another company came and relieved us. We went into camp. My head commenced to ache.

June 20—Sick all day [with] headache. Weather very hot. Bill Butterworth came to see me.

June 21—Sworn into service one year. Very hot. Letter wife. Sick headache all day.

June 22—Picket firing at 4 o’clock. A heavy skirmish before dark. Picket firing all night long. I did not sleep any. Sick. Sent to doctor this morn. Inspection this afternoon.

June 23—Felt a little better today. Had a good wash all over.

June 24—Very heavy rain last night. Marching orders this morn. Our pickets advanced. We expected a fight. All quiet.

June 25—Rained hard last night. Our brigade marched up the road. Musketry for two hours. Afternoon heavy artillery. They are at it hot up in front. Our regiment has been into it.

June 26—Our regiment digging rifle pits all night. Firing all night long. Our regiment came in this morn. Received a letter from wife. Wrote to wife. Afternoon firing on the right.

June 27—Firing all day. Heavy. Our regiment to Savage Station. Ordered back and over the railroad. I followed the regiment down to the station & came back to our old camp & stayed over night. Received a letter Springfield & Cadwell.

June 28—Don’t feel any better. George Porter, Lewis & Harris are here. Stayed here until 5 o’clock, then went to Savage Station. Found some of the boys. At 8 o’clck we were ordered to our regiment. Marched to near where we encamped when we crossed the Chickahominy. Did not sleep one wink all night.

June 29—Before light, marched & found regiment. Cavalry had a skirmish just as we got up. Co. E in front of regiment. I joined the regiment towards night. Ordered to march. Marched all night. Never suffered so much in all my life. Awful horrible time. We camped after light.

June 30—Warm & pleasant. But three-fourths mile of James River. Laid out in an open field all day. It is scorching hot. Just before night, our regiment too off knapsacks & went off, I don’t know where. The Captain left me to guard the knapsacks. Am sick.

JULY 1862

July 1 [1862]—Regiment has not got back 6 o’clock. It did not come back today. I laid on the knapsacks sick. The regiment has been in a fight [at Malvern Hill]. [Sgt.] Charles McFarlane is killed. Everybody is on the move. At night, teams all going down river.

July 2—Feel much better. The regiment came to knapsacks at light. Went down river to [Harrison’s] Landing. It commenced raining 6 o’clock morn. The whole army retreated. Such marching, raining, mud. We are all on one field close to the river. It has rained all day long. Oh! such a looking set of men. Mud and sposh. Mud & sposh.

July 3—Very cloudy but no rain. I have just been to the river. Full of vessels and steamers. General movement in all directions. Saw the 32nd Massachusetts. 4 o’clock we were ordered to move. Marched through oh such mud. Went until 9 o’clock, stopped in an open field. Was routed before daylight by picket [firing].

July 4—Warm & pleasant today. Received a letter and paper from wife. A good deal of firing all around. In the afternoon all brigades moved. Our company [too]. I went forward picket. I got up from midnight until light. Chopping to the left of us all night. Did not sleep scarcely any all night.

July 5—Warm & pleasant. Went over to a house foraging. The owner—a Major with the Rebs. Got some meal [for] hoe cakes. A regiment chopping all day. Got relieved by Co. G at 4 o’clock. Our camp moved into woods. Had a small drink of whiskey.

July 6—Routed up at light. Warm & pleasant. Marched around all days and got about one mile. Encamped in a swamp—a very low, mean place. Chopping all day and night up in front of us.

July 7—Routed up at light. [James L.] Scott & [Edward] Potter on fatigue all night. Wrote to wife. Received and answered a letter from [Frank] Cadwell. Very hot today. Went and worked on fort all night. Had a hard night of it.

July 8—Did not get relieved until 7 o’clock. Very hot today. Moved our tents in different position. Very sleepy all day. Washed in brook. Went over to a spring for water.

July 9—Wrote to Springfield. Very hot. Mustered at 5 o’clock p.m.

July 10—Very hot. Had a good wash. Raised our bed off of the ground. Went in search of Bill Butterworth to Kearney’s Division. Did not find him. Commenced raining at five o’clock. Rained all night. Promotion to corporal.

July 11—Rainy all day. Inspection of arms at 4 o’clock.

July 12—Warm & pleasant. Had the shakes last night. Was very sick all night. Very weak today & headache.

July 13—Received a letter from wife. Hot. Feel better today. Did not sleep but little at night.

July 14—Very hot. Had a good wash. Saw a lot of cavalry go out on advance. Feel much better today.

July 15—The hottest day yet. A very heavy shower at dark. Sent a letter home by Wm. Lewis. Inspection at 10 o’clock by Gen. Keyes.

July 16—Dreadful hot. Out to work on a fort all day. Alvy [Alvah] Phillips went home. Fatigue party got whiskey twice. A very heavy thunder shower 5 o’clock.

July 17—Received a letter from Father. Found water in the well. A heavy shower all night. Had a general cleaning of streets.

July 18—Received a letter from Emma Jones. Rained all day.

July 19—Received a letter from [Frank] Cadwell. Cloudy today. General Inspection by [ ] officer.

July 20—Sunday. Warm & pleasant. Received a paper from Springfield.

July 21—I received two papers. Was out on fatigue all day digging sinks and burying hides, &c. Received a letter from Springfield. A box of hospital supplies came.

July 22—Cloudy all day. Did not feel very well.

July 23—Our company went out with F, G, & H on advance picket. Commenced raining at 5 o’clock. My beat was at midnight. Cleared off.

July 24—All routed up at 4 o’clock. Relieved and went to camp at 10 o’clock. Very hot all day. Saw Austin Sholes.

July 25—Hot. Went to the river & washed. Got some molasses. Had some cakes. Received two letters yesterday. One from [ ] and one from Springfield. Also two papers.

July 26—Rained at 5 o’clock. Did not feel very well today.

July 27—Hot today. Inspection at 7 o’clock in morn. Saw Bryson from 15th Regiment. Our regiment went on picket at 5 o’clock.

July 28—Came into camp this morn. Received a letter from wife. Went on cattle guard near river. Had considerable work to do. Very tired at night.

July 29—Went to Landing three times. Went up to camp and drew rations. Got an order yesterday of 1.00 from Lt. on Bryant.

July 30—Very hot.

July 31—Went down to the river three times. Went up to regiment. All under marching orders.

AUGUST 1862

August 1 [1862]—Rained all night. Artillery firing at midnight. Our gunboats quelled them. Wrote to wife.

August 2—Butchered this morn. Received a letter from [Frank] Cadwell & [Tom] Keith & two papers from wife. Got paid off this morn $26. Wrote to Tom Keith.

August 3—Went to General Hospital to carry letters to Charles Hall. Came up by the side of the river. Was on guard last night. Rained most all day.

August 4—Went after cattle. Saw George Burroughs. Got some potatoes & onions.

August 5—Wrote to [Frank] Cadwell. Cannonading up in front. Our brigade went up there.

August 6—Went up to camp. Was on guard at night.

August 7—Troops came back. Got my pants and short washed.

August 8—Wrote letter to Springfield. Received paper.

August 9—Went up to camp. Scott came to see me.

August 10—Marching orders.

August 11—Killed one beef. Teams carrying knapsacks with teams to Landing all day. Went bathing twice today. Expect to march any moment. Drew two days rations.

August 12—Very hot this morning. Went down to landing with teams after rations.

August 13—Drew 8 days rations. Went up to camp in morn. Went carried knapsacks to landing. Wrote to wife. Received paper. Sent $20 to wife by Express.

August 14—Reported back to my company.

August 15—Cloudy and wet this morn. Orders to march. Great fun putting up in ages. Remained in camp all night.

August 16—Marched at 4 o’clock. Very dusty but cool. Marched until 7 o’clock and encamped. Felt first rate at night.

August 17—Cool last night. Routed at 3 o’clock. Marched at 6. Our division scouted towards the Chickahominy. No teams. Many good looking houses. Crossed river on pontoons just before dark. Very dusty. Have marched 20 miles today. Encamped just across the river. All very tired and dirty.

August 18—Up at light. Halted two hours near where slept. Marched through woods. Very slow in the forenoon. All the afternoon most double quick. Very dusty all the way. Came by Grist Mill and Hill. Encamped at 8 o’clock at night. Passed Williamsburg at 5 o’clock.

August 19—Tuesday. Up at light. Marched three miles. Waiting orders. Remained here all day. Troops passing us all day. A court martial in 36th. Stragglers.

August 20—Up at 3 o’clock. Marched at 4. Marched through Yorktown at 8 o’clock. A small & old place. Well fortified. Halted just through the village. Saw the old Revolutionary earthworks. Went on two miles in peach orchard & encamped all day and night. York River nearby. Went bathing. General muster at 6 o’clock. The boys catch crabs, clams and oysters. A beautiful view here of the bay.

August 21—Fished crabs. The boys brought in lots of hens and geese.

August 22—Detailed by Provost. Rained all the morning. Received a letter from wife and Tom [Keith]. Went out on duty to a house three miles. Arrested two colonels 36th arrested [?]

August 23—Slept under a work bench last night & feel first rate this morn. Wrote to wife and Father. Received a letter from wife. Went into camp for rations.

August 24—Rained all night. Slept under the house. Peck’s Division passed this morn. Cold and wet all day. Went to Provost Marshall with teamsters.

August 25—Cold and cloudy. Provost Marshall here. Slept in the house.

August 26—Warm and pleasant. Wrote to Tom Keith. Went hunting this morn. Killed a turkey buzzard. Went into Provost Marshall with two cavalry.

August 28—Rained all night. Cool and cloudy this morn. Ordered to our companies. Left Nottingham afternoon.

August 29—Marched at 7 o’clock a.m. Provost Marshall got rations at Yorktown. Went bathing in river. Went aboard boat just as dark. Remained out in river all night.

August 30—Have not moved this morn. Waiting orders. I feel a little seasick. Started at just 12 o’clock. Got into the Bay at 5 o’clock.

August 31—Sunday. Sailed all night. Rained all day. Passed Aquia Creek at 1 o’clock. Passed Mount Vernon at 6 o’clock. Also Fort Washington, Arrived at Alexandria at dark. Went past and stopped over night. River is full of boats.

SEPTEMBER 1862

September 1 [1862]—Hauled up to wharf and unloaded in forenoon. Marched almost to Fairfax Court House. Rained very hard all the way. Marched until 11 o’clock at night.

September 2—Came back to near Alexandria in forenoon. Marched upon hill. Waiting orders. went back near Alexandria. Started for Chain Bridge 2 o’clock. I marched to Georgetown [and then] fell out. Stopped overnight near Arlington.

September 3—Went on to Chain Bridge. Found regiment in forenoon. Drew rations from Ft. Ethan Allen. Encamped here over night.

September 4—I received letter from wife. Went bathing in Potomac. Dress parade in evening. The rest of the brigade came here.

September 5—Marched in afternoon. Crossed Chain Bridge and through Tenleytown. Encamped at 9 o’clock. Co. E went on picket. Very tired.

September 6—Marched at light. All very tired and lame. Very hot. Marched 6 miles and encamped over night.

September 7—Inspection at 8 o’clock. Got well rested up.

September 8—Wrote to wife. Received a letter from wife.

September 9—Marched at 8 o’clock. A forced march to Seneca Falls [on Maryland side of Potomac]. Halted near Potomac at 1 o’clock. Remained here all night.

September 10—Marched at 8 o’clock. A forced march to Poolesville [Maryland]. Halted at 3 o’clock p.m. Very tired. Went into village. Bought box mustard. An old dilapidated town. Regiment moved nearer [Monocracy] river at dark. Our company went on picket.

September 11—Stole sole potatoes. Boys killed a hog. Rained in afternoon. Rained all night.

September 12—Orders to join the regiment. Started at 7 o’clock. Went through Barnsville. Caught up with regiment. Was sent down to Provost. Got supper and breakfast at house. Firing all day ahead of us [by Stonewall Jackson attacking Harpers Ferry].

September 13—Saturday, Joined regiment at 7 o’clock and marched. Crossed a river. Halted on a hill at 11 o’clock. The prettiest scenery that I ever saw. Firing of artillery [heard.] Received a letter from Tom [Keith]. Moved into woods and remained all night.

September 14—Sunday. Marched at 6 o’clock. Went through Edwardstown. B&O Railroad here. Pretty town & pretty girls. Halted at Jefferson and got rations after dark. Then marched until 10 o’clock. Heavy firing all day long [at Crampton’s Pass of South Mountain]. Caught six prisoners [in] haystack. Got up with teams and artillery and stopped over night. South Mountain just ahead.

September 15—Artillery firing early. Drew three days rations. Regiment marched at 6 o’clock. Our company on ammunition guard. Went through Burkittsville. Saw prisoners & wounded. Halted on side hill three hours. Here the battle of yesterday. Lots of dead and wounded rebs. Went on over the hill. Halted. The regiments gone on. We halted. Remained under hill all night.

September 16—Remained here all day. Artillery firing all day. Marching orders all night. Remained all night, I on guard.

September 17—Started at 5 o’clock through Brownsville towards Harpers Ferry. Teams all in a move. Halted at 10 o’clock. Five miles from Harpers Ferry. Heavy artillery firing this morning [from Sharpsburg]. Went on to within 1.5 miles of Harpers Ferry. Ordered back same way through Brownsville, Rohrersville. Halted three hours. Brigade went ahead. We went in at 8 o’clock. Very dark. One team ran off a bridge. Halted at midnight. A battle [was] raging all day [at Sharpsburg]. Tired almost to death tonight.

September 18—Ordered on at 7 o’clock. Went near battle ground. Saw great many wounded. Saw McClellan on the road. Halted at 10 o’clock. Couch’s Division gone ahead. Recruits came. Con[stantine] Hebert joined us. Stopped over night at Keedysville. I went through the village. Saw a great many wounded. Heavy shower at 4 o’clock.

September 19—Artillery firing this morn. Got to Sharpsburg at 3 o’clock. Went over the battlefield. Dead horses by the hundreds. Terrible sights all along road. Went into the houses at Sharpsburg. Every house struck by shells. Help carry two dead rebs out. Got a razor and other things. Rebs left here last night. Encamped here over night.

“The field was strewn with everything that they needed and all anyone had to do was to walk about and help himself. But what an introduction to the embryo soldier that terrible field of Antietam must have been! Had he cherished any delusive fancy as to the romance of war, the rapidly swelling bodies of lately active, thinking men must have reduced him to the hardpan of solid facts with sickening haste.” [Regimental History, page 137]

September 20—Our brigade off at 1 o’clock. We started at 8 o’clock. Went fast and over the battlefield through Bakersville. Teams went up near reb pickets. Loaded teams with hay. Came back and through Fairplay. Went to cross roads. Saw lots of Penn. State Militia. Citizens have been to battlefield. Wrote to wife this morn. We started for division 9 o’clock p.m. Gave them 20 rounds of ammunition. Did not start back until light. Did not sleep any all night. Got back to cross roads at 8 o’clock.

September 21—Sunday, Smith’s and Slocum gone up to reinforce Couch. Hundreds of Pennsylvania State Militia gone down to battlefield. Went up near division. In p.m., ordered back near cross roads. Encamped over night.

September 22—I went to Hagerstown. Did not get any corn. Came back to cross roads at night. Division teams got up here. Got some preserves from Orderly. A present of a towel. Potter came here. Encamped here overnight.

September 23—Received a letter from wife. Moved about two miles this p. m. We camped near our regiment overnight.

September 24—Raining this morning. Unloaded ammunition into new teams and sent the old ones back to Washington. The regiment moved into the woods. We remained here overnight.

September 25—We moved about quarter mile. Mustered [for pay] by Colonel of 36th.

“The 25th was a significant day since then we mustered for pay, and pay certainly was needed. The men were in a woeful plight in the line of clothing. Many were shoeless and shirtless and the officers not much better.”

September 26—Sent for some new clothing. Troops have gone to drilling. Wrote to wife.

September 27—Saturday. Went with Skid off in country. Went up cutting corn in p.m. Some of the boys got pretty drunk. Received a letter from wife.

September 28—Wrote to Lo. Clark.

September 29—Teams were brigaded off. Boys stole lots of apples tonight.

September 30—On ground this morn. Went over to headquarters guard.

OCTOBER 1862

October 1 [1862]—Nothing of any importance.

October 2—Company returned back to regiment. Burial of one of the Artillery.

October 3—Inspection by President Lincoln. Saw him and Gen. McClellan. Strict orders read to us.

October 4—On division guard. Got 1.00 order on Bryan.

October 5—Came in from guard. 37th Massachusetts [Infantry] joined our Brigade.

October 6—Wrote to wife. Received a letter from her & [erased]

October 7—Wrote to [erased]

October 8—Regimental drill in afternoon.

October 9—Nothing of importance.

October 10—Went on guard. Received letter and paper from wife. Rained all night tonight. I was excused from guard.

October 11—Saturday. Came off guard this morn.

October 12—Sunday. Attended religious services. Saw Dwight Parsons in 37th Mass. Rained all night tonight. Weather very cool.

October 13—Cold and rainy. Gave Bidwell Palmer journal. Scott & Skid on guard todsay. Express boxes came tonight. Niggers had a little fight.

October 14—More Express [boxes] this morn.

October 15—Went on guard.

October 16—Came off guard. Got two dollars of tickets. Had a good time all afternoon. Boys had good time generally. Horrid cold night.

October 17—Felt rather blue all day.

October 18—Warm & pleasant. Marching orders 3 days ration. Marched at 6 o’clock p.m. until 2 o’clock [a.m.]. Encamped near Elias Spring. Went through Williamsport.

October 19—Sunday. Pleasant this morning. Marched at 7 o’clock up the Potomac. Halted at 5 o’clock near Hancock. Beautiful scenery along the river.

October 20—Very cold last night. Like to froze to death. Could not sleep. 36th [New York] boys on a drunk [all] afternoon. Went to the lock. Heavy stonework. Many of the boys went into town. Went on guard to Colonel’s headquarters. Marching orders at midnight.

October 21—Marched 1 o’clock this morn. Team overturned. A man killed. I marched until almost light. Lay down under a haystack. Scott [too]. Slept two hours and went on. Soon caught up with regiment. Halted near Fair View Inn. Those left in the old camp joined us. I feel mighty blue this morn. Rested until noon and moved. Went down the river. Baggage and rations came. Received a letter from wife & Clark. Received two papers from Springfield. Very cold & rained tonight.

October 22—Very cold & windy. Scott & Skid over the river on picket. Cavalry captured Reb picket. Fixed up bunk in good shape.

October 23—Marching orders at midnight. Left camp at light this morn. Went up on turnpike & halted. Headed toward Clear Spring. Went back into camp we left. Gave out four days rations. Expected to march in morn. On guard tonight.

October 24—Came off guard this morn. Wrote a letter to wife. Went over to 37th [Mass.] at night with Scott.

October 25—Done some washing today. Went over canal to the river.

October 26—Sunday. Very lonesome today. Received a letter from wife & [erased]. Rained all day. Very cold & disagreeable.

October 27—Marching orders. Left camp at 7 o’clock morn. Went up on [turn]pike, stacked arms. Marched to Indian Spring. Also to Clear Spring. Beautiful scenery at Fair View inn. Got to Williamsport at 4 o’clock p.m. Saw reb pickets just over river. Went just through town & encamped. Very cold. Came near freezing night.

October 28—Inspection and review. Went on guard at Gen. Deven’s Headquarters. Was sick all night.

October 29—Very pleasant today. Marching orders at noon. I went with brigade wagons. Encamped on old ground Downsville. Put up general’s tents. Got some whiskey.

“Some would have liked to know what the ten days’ trip had amounted to, above an object lesson of Washington county geography, with actual observation of the river fords at Williamsport, Cherry Run and Hancock and the excellent breaking in that the new 37th Massachusetts had. .The boys of the latter organization thought we were pacing them as a trial of their speed, but they found out that it was the regular step of the brigade and that they were coming on finely. Nothing could be more cordial than the relations between the two regiments, and well they might be, since we were from the same section of the state and did not Colonel Edwards get his first lessons among the men of the Tenth?” [Regimental history, page 145]

October 30—Got relieved from guard. Received letter from Tom [Keith]. Wrote to him. Marching orders. Give out rations. Was up almost all night.

October 31—Routed up at 3 o’clock. Marched at light down the river. Went through Bakersville. Also Keedysville & Rohrersville. Encamped just outside town.

NOVEMBER 1862

November 1 [1862]—Marched at light. Came over battlefield at South Mountain. Went through Burkittsville. Arrived at Berlin [6 miles below Harpers Ferry] in afternoon. A pontoon [bridge over the Potomac river] here. Also railroad and canal. Can hear artillery firing. [Probably the Battle of Unison in Louden county, Va.] Halted just below town by side of the river. Our company mustered to night. Received a letter from wife. Encamped on side hill.

November 2—Remained here on hill. Artillery firing most all day.

November 3—Marching orders. Marched at noon. One day’s rations. Went through Berlin. Crossed Potomac on pontoon [bridge]. Went through Lovettsville and several small towns. Halted over night 10 miles from Berlin.

November 4—Up before light. Marching orders. Marched at 8 o’clock, Went 15 miles. Artillery firing all day. A beautiful country all the way. Halted over night near Union. Shenandoah Valley just over mountain.

November 5—A pleasant morning. Marched 6 or 8 miles in round about course. Encamped near brook over night. Wet and rainy all night. Our regiment ordered on picket. Went out a ways and was ordered back.

“Well, we got rid of going on picket and it happened this way. There was a long fence near where we stopped for the night and soldiers always like to find a good dry fence, the rails’make such a beautiful fire to cook coffee by. Well, the Second Rhode Island and the 37th Massachusetts got into trouble over the fence and from words they came to blows and had quite a little time for a while. Our Regiment had just got started for picket when the General sent for us to come back and sent the Second Rhode Island instead to pay for fighting.” [Regimental History, page 147]

November 6—Marched at 7 o’clock. Boys rallied on secesh house and gots lots of hens, turkeys, &c. Encamped at night White Plains Station near the Manassas Gap Railroad. Boys rallied in sheep big time. Cars run for the first time.

“Camp was pitched at about 3.00 p. m. and just before dark, in searching for water, these inquisitive Yankees found a large flock of sheep in a cleared field, evidently placed there with the hope that they might escape the eyes of marauding soldiers. It was not to be, for the slaughter began at once. The smell of of blood soon brought other men to the scene and in a very brief time there was nothing of that flock left except their pelts. Though some of the men found a whiskey distillery near and others found certain hogs which were exceedingly tasty, and though the camp may have had some other designation, the prevalence of sheep while here forever fixed it in the memories of the boys themselves as “Camp Mutton.” Perhaps no such general carnival ever was participated in by officers as well as men. Though the irate owners hastened to headquarters to complain and though orders emanated thence to cease the slaughter, it was too late, for the work had been done. It is said that some companies of the Tenth had as many as ten sheep on the coals at one time; the odor thereof filled the air and a man coming over from the camp of the 37th, eating from a full leg of lamb, said that Colonel Edwards had ordered all of his men to grease their guns with mutton tallow. For the first time in three months a train of cars was run up from Alexandria.” [Regimental History, page 148]

November 7—Weather very cold. Commenced snowing. Boys got hold of sheep, hogs, &c. Rations mighty short. Wrote to wife. Snowed all day.

November 8—Weather pleasant. Snow melted today. Mighty hard up for rations. Wrote letter to [erased].

November 9—Marched with teams at 7 o’clock. Went to New Baltimore 6 miles. Encamped on Bull Run Mountains. Can see all God’s creation. A beautiful scenery of country.

November 10—Artillery firing below us. McClellan, Burnside and other generals and staff visited all the regiments.

November 11—The boys are very dissatisfied with the removal of Gen. McClellan.

November 12—Went over to [ ] Regt. Missed roll call at noon. Received two papers from wife.

November 13—Appointed as corporal.

November 14—Very pleasant today. Received a letter from Springfield.

November 15—Saturday. Went to Warrenton. Had a pass. Tried to find 34th. Got back at dress parade.

November 16—Sunday. Marched this morn at 9 o’clock. Encamped at Catlett’s Station in the Orange & Alexandria Railroad.

November 17—Marched at 7 o’clock morn. Came cross lots most of way. Marched about 15 miles. Encamped at 5 o’clock.

November 18—Marched before light. Came cross lots all the way. Marched about 12 miles. Encamped two miles from Stafford Court House. Now about 8 or 9 miles from Aquia Creek.

November 19—Rained all day. Went on as Corporal [of the guard] for the first time. Co. E got court martialed.

November 20—Came of guard in morn. Wrote to Tom Keith. Rained all day. Moved camp up on hill.

November 21—Received paper from wife. Drew rations. Half starved.

November 22—Cleared off this morn. All the regiment went on picket. Moved our position near night.

November 23—Wrote to wife. Weather came off pleasant. Relieved from picket at noon.

November 24—Very cold last night. Went on guard this noon on ammunition train.

November 25—Came off guard this noon. Battalion line at 3 o’clock. The Major [Parker] drilled the regiment. He got balked and dismissed the regiment. Called them out the 2nd line. Gave many wrong orders. Sent home some things by Palmer.

“For the 25th, there is a record of a battalion drill under Major Parker in the afternoon. For some reason matters became so involved that he was obliged to dismiss the exercise with the command, to the several company officers, to take charge of their respective bodies of men. All this, in sight of visitors from all over the brigade, was quite disheartening to many, but the men went off the field in so hilarious a mood that Colonel Eustis was attracted by the sound and, ascertaining the cause, ordered the companies out again and proceeded to put them through a course of drill in which there were no errors whatever. To the list of officers under arrest was added Lieut. Wallace A. Putnam of Company E, whose offense was in having refused to obey the order of the Colonel in regard to certain barefooted men. It appears that Lieutenant Putnam, then in command of the Company, on account of the lack of shoes had excused some of his men from drill; this coming to the ears of the Colonel, he ordered the Lieutenant to take the men and with them bring wood from a pile left by the Rebels, until he directed him to cease. Considering the command as an unreasonable one, under the circumstances, the officer flatly refused to obey and was at once placed under arrest.” [Regimental History, page 152]

November 26—Received a letter from wife. 1st Mass. Cavalry passed here. [William] Birnie from Springfield came [“with boxes of underclothing, etc. from the friends at home”]. Lt. [Wallace A.] Putnam put under arrest. Clough ordered to be broke by Colonel.

November 27—Thanksgiving. Weather pleasant. Received letter [erased]. Formed square & prayers today.

November 28—Birnie went home this morn.

November 29—[erased]

November 30—Sunday. Paid off $46.

DECEMBER 1862

December 1 [1862]—Started for the 36th <ass. at retreat. Laid in pine woods.

December 2—Saw 16th & 11th Connecticut, 36th & 21st Mass. Saw lots of old acquaintances. Got back to camp at 8 o’clock p.m.

December 3—Wrote to wife. Sent $10.

December 4—Marched at 8 o’clock. Came by Stafford Court House and across railroad. Encamped near Potomac Creek. Marched about 10 or 12 miles today.

December 5—Marched at light. Halted at noon in woods. Commenced raining. Ordered to move to a new camp. Went one mile. Commenced snowing. Snowed all night. Horrible cold.

December 6—Slept very cold last night. Moved my tent in better position. Snow did not go off today. Cold.

December 7—Sunday. Built fence around tents. Received letter and paper from wife.

December 8—Very cold.

December 9—Wrote a letter to wife. Buried one of Co. K.

December 10—Had a lot of rations given out. Orders to be in readiness to march.

December 11—Marched at 5 o’clock a.m. Arrived near Fredericksburg at 9 o’clock. Heard artillery all the way. Halted in bank of [Rappahannock] River below Fredericksburg. [2nd] Rhode Island charged across the [lower pontoon] bridge at 5 [p.m. as the sun was setting]. We followed close behind them. Went out a few rods & [formed] line of battle. 2nd Rhode Island [skirmish] picket, we behind them. I was on guard over houses. Got a belly full of delicacies.

December 12—Wednesday. Lots of other troops came over this morn. Picket firing early. Heavy artillery on right in morn. Rebs shelled us hard in afternoon. We moved up our batteries and silenced them and took position of the heights at dark.

December 13—Thursday. Cool and cloudy this morn. Hot artillery and rifle firing [on the] left. 10 o’clock, still hotter on the right. Lots of reinforcements came to us, Got shelled hard. Killed one [of the] 37th. Toward night went out to the left. Got the [damnation?] of all shelling. One of our boys got hurt. Also 7th. After dark came back to hospital. Very hard fighting both right and left almost all day.

This has been a terrible day to the Army of the Potomac. We (i. e., the army as a whole) have been fighting all day and have accomplished nothing, except to lose thousands of men killed, wounded and prisoners. General Sumner commanded on the right. His troops charged the works on Marye’s Heights four times, only to be driven back each time with fearful slaughter. General Franklin commanded on the left and part of his troops and General Meade’s Division from the center (commanded by Hooker) were fighting on the left. * * * About three o’clock in the afternoon, our brigade was sent down to the left to support some batteries there. The Rebels had a beautiful range on our batteries, both in front and left flank. Their shells burst over us, in front and all around us, and struck in the ground around without bursting. * * * About nine o’clock the firing ceased and our brigade fell back and got a good night’s rest. [Regimental History, page 158]

December 14—Got up at light. Moved down to [pontoon] bridges. Received a letter from Tom [Keith]. Laid here all day. Went to bed.

December 15—Routed up at 2 o’clock a.m. Marched up to front at 4. Took position in the road. All quiet until 3.30 p.m. Our battalion shelled. Small pines. The retreat back across commanded at dark. We marched towards the [pontoon] bridge at 10 o’clock. Went down to river and halted. A cavalry fired into our own regiment. Our regiment was the last across. Felt much better after we got over. Went down river 1 mile and laid down. The rain began to pour in torrents. Remained here half hour & up again, Marched up the hill through mud. Encamped in woods at light. Wet through and most tired to death. Laid down in mud to sleep.

December 16—Got up at noon, wet and cold. Received paper from wife. Felt mighty hard this p.m. Put up a tent. Went to bed early.

December 17—Feel rather blue this morn. Write to wife. Sent $5. Weather cold & snowed some.

December 18—Routed up before light. Charles Roberts here to see me. Packed up at 8 o’clock morn. Laid here until 4 o’clock afternoon. Marched two miles. Went on picket. Laid in pine woods over night.

December 19—Got up early. Weather pleasant. Got relieved at dark. Went out in open field. Halted. Got into camp about 9 o’clock.

December 20—Sunday. Taken sick with piles. Lt. Col. Parsons came back, Inspection and Dress Parade today.

December 22—Sick all day & night. Took a walk out to an old lady’s. Hired Hazelton to do washing.

December 23—Sick last night & all day.

December 24—Sick but felt better p.m. William Nelson here today.

December 25—Christmas. Went on guard. Albert Wheeler & Moore here.

December 26—Received letter from wife containing the news of the death of my much loved and respected friend, Tom Keith.

December 27—Nothing.

December 28—Sunday. Jack to see me.

December 29—On guard. Fatigue.

December 30—Jo Clark here. Sent some things to wife.

December 31—Played all day and half the night. This is the close of the old year. Goodbye. Farewell.

[In camp near White Oak Church]

January 1, 1863—Feel first rate this morn. Received box from this morn. No drill today. Wrote to wife. Received letter from Springfield. Ed Knight took command of company.

Friday 2—Played all day & half the night. Received paper from wife.

Saturday 3—No drill today,

Sunday, January 4, 1863—On guard but worked hard. Built our bunk over anew. Shub[ael] Winslow in with us. Very pleasant all night.

Monday 5—Came off guard at 10 a.m. Bought picture of Wheeler.

Tuesday 6—Went to the 36th Massachusetts & 11th and 16th Connecticut. Saw lots of old acquaintances. Went on river bank to City. [Corp.] Jesse Pricket went with me. Rained in afternoon.

Wednesday, January 7, 1863—Played with Monk [?]

Thursday 8—Very cold this morn.

Friday 9—Went on guard. The regiment out on picket.

Saturday, January 10, 1863. Came off guard this morn. received letter from wife. Wrote to her. Rained afternoon and night.

Sunday 11—On guard today. Sent paper to father.

Monday 12—Came off guard this morn. Regiment came off picket.

Tuesday, January 13, 1863—Nothing of importance.

Wednesday 14—Sent to New York for Harpers weekly.

Thursday 15—Sent diary home to wife.

Friday, January 16, 1863—Marching orders. Very cold tonight. Expect now to go on Monday.

Saturday 17—No drill today. Wrote to Springfield [erased]. Received letter and paper from wife.

Sunday 18—Jack here to see me. Two Northampton gents here. Very cold tonight.

Monday, January 19, 1863—[no entry]

Tuesday 20—Marched at noon. Crossed railroad above Falmouth. Encamped near dark in piece of woods. Rained all night. Almighty tired.

Wednesday 21—Rained all night. Marched before light. Awful going. Mud and rain. Halted near river 10 o’clock a.m. Moved p.m. new camp.

Thursday, January 22, 1863—Rained all night. Encamped on top hill. Packed up at 9 o’clock. Continued. Went over the river. Saw Rebs. Rain. Mud. Mud. Rained all night.

Friday 23—Routed up at 3 o’clock. Marched into open lot. Halted. Each company on piece of a battery. Started back for camp at 10 o’clock. I went to 36th [Mass] & 11th Conn. Got back 5 o’clock. Almost tired to death.

Saturday 24—Fixed up our bunk today. Feel pretty old and stiff.

Sunday, January 25, 1863—Received letter from wife. Wrote to her. Company inspection in morning.

Monday 26—General inspection of Brigade.

Tuesday 27—Stormed all day.

Wednesday, January 28, 1863—Rained all night. Snowed hard all day. Feel discouraged and homesick.

Thursday 29—Nothing of importance.

Friday 30—Snow went off some. Dreadful muddy.

Saturday, January 31, 1863—Got an axe.

FEBRUARY 1863

Sunday, February 1—Scott’s Father came here. Liked him very much.

Monday 2—[no entry]

Tuesday, February 3, 1863—Near froze. Stormy. Went up to citizen’s house eve. Chimney burnt out this eve.

Wednesday 4—Mr. Scott went home. Coldest night this year. Came near freezing.

Thursday 5—Cold. Snowed all day.

Friday, February 6, 1863—Rained all day.

Saturday 7—Built a new bunk. Worked hard all day.

Sunday 8—Went out on picket 9 o’clock. Left Wing as reserve. Very pleasant today.

Monday, February 9, 1863—Very pleasant. Went down on bank [Rappahannock] river. Rebs would not talk with us. Received paper from wife.

Tuesday 10—Went on the road as guard. Very warm and pleasant. Boys got tobacco & letter from Rebs.

Wednesday 11—Commenced snowing this morn. Came in to camp from picket. Rained all afternoon. Received letter from wife. Also one from Springfield.

Thursday, February 12, 1863—Washed clothes this morn. Wrote towife.

Friday 13—Wrote to Springfield.

Saturday 14—[no entry]

Sunday, February 15, 1863—Co. E on camp guard. Rained all day. Received letter from Cadwell.

Monday 16—Wrote to Mumford.

Tuesday 17—Snowed all day and night. Furloughed men got back.

Wednesday, February 18, 1863—Rained all day.

Thursday 19—Never so homesick as today. Have had the horrors. Stormed all day.

Friday 20—Feel pretty blue.

Saturday, February 21, 1863—Snowed all night.

Sunday 22—Washington’s Birthday. Artillery fired a salute. Snowed hard all day.

Monday 23—Snow 12 inches deep. Weather cold. Feel mighty homesick.

Tuesday, February 24, 1863—Received letter from wife. On detail for Dr. & Lt. Colonel.

Wednesday 25—Co. E on home guard. Received Palmer paper from home. Weather very pleasant. Wrote to wife. Rained some in night.

Thursday 26—Came off guard. Rained hard.

Friday, February 27, 1863—Went to Hooker’s Headquarters. Weather cloudy. Mud three feet deep. The [Observation] Balloon came here and came down near our camp.

Saturday 28—Mustered this morning.

MARCH 1863

Sunday, March 1 [1863]—Rained. Received letter from wife and Mumford.

Monday, March 2, 1863—Very warm and pleasant. Rained some tonight.

Tuesday 3—Showers today. General inspection 3 o’clock p.m.

Wednesday 4–[no entry]

Thursday, March 5, 1863—Received letter from Springfield.

Friday 6—Sent for my watch by Sgt. Kingsley.

Saturday 7—Boys went home on furloughs. Went out on picket. 9 o’clock. Rained most all day. Went on bank of river at dark. Stayed in a barn over night.

Sunday, March 8, 1863—Rained this morn. Talking all morn with rebs. Got relieved at 12 o’clock. went back. Received paper from wife. Stayed in woods over night. Rained hard in night.

Monday 9—Moved down near river 4 p.m. Very pleasant all day. Moved down to barn at dark.

Tuesday 10—Went back to brook before light. Snowed all forenoon. Got relieved at 10 o’clock a.m. Mighty tired.

Wednesday, March 11, 1863—Stragglers went on guard. Received letter from wife.

Thursday 12—Company E on guard.

Friday 13—Brigade drill afternoon. Cold & windy.

Saturday, March 14, 1863—General inspection afternoon. Received paper from wife.

Sunday 15—Inspection at 10 o’clock. Stormed all night.

Monday 16—Cold and snowy this morn. Visited Potter in the eve. Heard the long roll at 12.

Tuesday, March 17, 1863—Received letter from wife. Artillery firing in afternoon.

Wednesday 18—Wrote to wife. Battalion drill in afternoon. Furloughed men got back.

Thursday 19—Battalion drill afternoon. Received two papers. Visited Potter in eve.

Friday, March 20, 1863—Snow storm.

Saturday 21—Wrote to Sergt. Kingsley.

Sunday 22—Stormy. Co. E on guard.

Monday, March 23, 1863—Came off guard this morn.

Tuesday 24—[No entry]

Wednesday 26—Half of regiment went on picket. I was on the river bank. 7th Louisiana [of Hays’ Brigade] on the other shore. Rained some in night.

Thursday, March 26, 1863—Got relieved at 10 o’clock by Co. F. Went back in hollow as reserve. Very cold. Snowed some.

Friday 27—Cool but pleasant.

Saturday 28—Rained very hard. Got relieved at 10 o’clock a.m. Received letter from Springfield.

Sunday, March 29, 1863—Very cold and windy.

Monday 30—Received letter from wife.

Tuesday 31—Snowed all night. Rained all day. Wrote to wife.

APRIL 1863

Wednesday, April 1, 1863—[no entry]

Thursday 2—Fast day. Inspected by [Major] Gen. [John] Newton.

Friday 3—Inspection by Jo. Hooker. Warm & pleasant.

Saturday, April 4, 1863—Cold & windy. Dress parade.

Sunday 5—Snowed & blew hard all night. Co. E on guard. Stormed.

Monday 6—Came off guard. Played ball afternoon. One of the 2nd Rhode Island buried. Received paper from wife. Received my watch.

Tuesday, April 7, 1863—Battalion drill morn. Ordered review by President countermanded.

Wednesday 8—Review by the President. Received a letter from wife.

Thursday 9—Inspection by Gen. [John] Newton. A lady visited with the general.

Friday, April 10, 1863—Wrote to wife & Mumford. On fatigue today. General muster by Col. [William H.] Browne.

Saturday 11—Visited Bent Barrett in morn. Scott & Foster on a pass. Received paper from wife. Division review by a Major General.

Sunday 12—Regiment out on picket. Stationed at the old mill. Rained all night.

Monday, April 13, 1863—Pleasant but cold. Pitched quoits all day. On guard tonight.

Tuesday 14—Warmest day this spring. Marching orders in camp. Received letter from wife. My post in cornfield. Night commenced raining 12 o’clock. Marching orders countermanded.

“The Tenth received orders on the 14th to be ready to advance on the following day with eight days’ rations in knapsack and haversack and with twenty extra rounds of cartridges. Up to this time the weather had been fine, the roads seemed settled and the men were pronounced in their admiration for the new Commander. But on the 15th the windows of heaven were opened and the floods descended. Our Regiment was just coming off picket and the men received a wetting, second to none in their lives. From one o’clock in the morning until late at night, the rain continued to fall and the ensuing mud warned Hooker to suspend his movement till dryer times. The late tour of duty on picket was near or on the old Washington farm, then held by the Fitz Hughs, all of whom except the wife, two daughters, and an eighteenyear old son were in the South, two sons in the army. They claimed to have inherited the plantation from General Washington. Our Massachusetts men were interested in learning that the apple orchard on the place was from a Boston nursery and a northern piano was a source of music in the parlor.” [Regimental History, page 176.]

Wednesday 15—Relieved by 1st. L. I. at 10 o’clock. Rained hard all day and night. Slept all afternoon. Got $2 order of sutler.

Thursday, April 16, 1863—Cloudy. Joe Hooker passed here. Col. [Henry L.] Eustis got back.

Friday 17—Visited Frank Winter in a.m.

Saturday 18—Very warm and pleasant. Match game of ball. Co. E beat Co. K & Co. F.

Sunday, April 19, 1863—Company E on guard. Warm & pleasant.

Monday 20—Great game ball. 36th [New York] and 10th [Massachusetts]. Draw game—20 apiece. Rained most all day.

“In the midst of so much warlike preparation it was a relief to find the boys of the Tenth and those of the 36th New York playing a game of baseball and all must have quit good natured, since the game itself was a draw.” [Regimental History, page 177]

Tuesday 21—Address by Gen. [Charles] Devens. Devens took leave of this Brigade. Weather cold and stormy. Received a letter from wife.

Wednesday, April 22, 1863—Wrote to wife. Expect certainly to march at daylight tomorrow morning. Inspection by brigade inspector.

Thursday 23—Rained all last night. Rained all day. Slept most of the day.

Friday 24—Rained all day. Received paper from wife.

Saturday, April 25, 1863—Pleasant. Signed pay rolls. Match game between 7th and 2nd.

Sunday 26—Brigade dress parade.

Monday 27—Got paid this morn $48.

Tuesday, April 28, 1863—Sent $40 to wife by Express. Broke camp and marched at 3 o’clock. Stayed over night near the [Rappahannock] River [“in a sheltered ravine”]. Rained and very foggy day and night.

Wednesday 29—Picket firing 4.30 [a.m.] We were routed up. Moved down in the road 7 o’clock. Stayed here all day. Saw troops [Brooks’s Division of the 6th Corps] cross [the river at Franklin’s Crossing]. Commenced raining at 4:30 p.m.

Thursday 30—Laid side road all day. Saw artillery duel just before dark. Bridges and troops shelled by rebs. A splendid sight from the hill.

MAY 1863

Friday, May 1, 1863—Laid still until 5 o’clock p.m. Formed line of battle on river. Moved to lower bridge after dark. Came back to old camp 9 o’clock p.m. Received letter from wife.

Saturday 2—Packed up at 7 o’clock morning. Commenced shelling on the left. Both sides kept it up for two hours. All [of the 1st Corps] returned back on left across the river. We moved to left early in morning. Crossed over pontoon [bridge] at 9 in the evening.

Sunday 3—In Fredericksburg at light. Moved a mile above. Got shelled. Heights taken before noon [principally by the 7th Massachusetts and the 36th New York]. The 10th [Massachusetts] engaged the enemy at 3 p.m. Relieved before dark by Col. Dare Devil [Henry L. Eustis]. We [were in the] 2nd line all night. All feel good.

Monday, May 4, 1863—Wrote to wife. Occasional artillery all day. Rebs got all of us surrounded and opened on us 2 hours before dark. We all got out at Banks Ford. Got safely over the river at 2 o’clock a.m.

“Casualties in Company E — Wounded, Corp. James Wm. Turner, ankle, slight; Charles M. Hall, breast and side, mortally; Edmond Dunphv, jaw, severe; Dwight E. Bassett, left arm, severe; James Walsh, leg, slight.” [page 188]

Tuesday 5—Routed up before light. Marched down river and rested. Hottest day this year. Drew rations. Heavy rain came on 5 p.m. Rained hard all night.

Wednesday 6—Rained all day and night.

Thursday, May 7, 1863—Rained all day and night.

Friday 8—Orders to pack up at 8 p’clock morn and marched all over God’s creation & encamped back of and half mile from old camp. Feel tired and blue. Bad news from all quarters.

Saturday 9—Received paper from wife. Wrote to wife.

Sunday, May 10, 1863—Inspection at 10 o’clock a.m. Dreadful hot today. Wrote to NY

Monday 11—Dreadful hot.

Tuesday 12—Dreadful hot.

Wednesday, May 13, 1863—Dreadful hot all day.

Thursday 14—Rained most all day. Received letter from wife. Furloughed men went home. Feel blue and homesick.

Friday 15—Inspection and dress parade. Went over to Corps Headquarters.

Saturday, May 16, 1863—Match game ball. 10th [Mass] & 62nd [NY]. Drew 7 days rations.

Sunday 17—Wrote to wife. Received a letter from wife. Very hot today. Inspection at 8 a.m.

Monday 18—[no entry]

Tuesday, May 19, 1863—Went out on picket. I was at Smoke Hill, our old camp. Went to my old bunk.

Wednesday 20—Very hot all day. Went out on post at 4 o’clock p.m.

Thursday 21—Dreadful hot all day. On post at midnight.

Friday, May 22, 1863—On post at 6 o’clock this morn. Came in from picket. Got into camp at noon. Dreadful not. Received letter from wife.

Saturday 23—Moved into a new camp. Hottest day this summer.

Sunday 24—Inspection this morn. Wrote to wife. Received two papers.

Monday, May 25, 1863—Put up a shade for bunks. Cool and cloudy. Worked hard all day.

Tuesday 26—[no entry]

Wednesday 27—Received letter from wife. Took a walk in evening.

Thursday, May 28, 1863—Went to Falmouth on a pass.

Friday 29—Wrote to Miles Miller.

Saturday 30—On guard today. Officers all on a bumb.

Sunday, May 31, 1863—Came off guard this morn. Regimental inspection. Wrote to wife.

JUNE 1863

Monday, June 1 [1863]—[no entry]

Tuesday 2—Brigade drill in afternoon.

Wednesday, June 3, 1863—Brigade drill in afternoon. Played ball in forenoon.

Thursday 4—Marching orders routed. Up at 3 o’clock. Packed up & stood in line 12 hours. Drill in afternoon. Saw the Governor of Indiana [Oliver P. Morton].

Friday 5—Our artillery [opened] on rebs at 4 p.m. Drove the rebs from rifle pits and 2nd Division crossed at 5 o’clock. Wrote to wife. All quiet all night. We kept packed up all night.

Saturday, June 6, 1863—Very hot. Left camp at 9 o’clock this morn & marched down to bank of [Rappahannock] River. But one division across all day & night. Siege guns threw a few shell across. Heavy shower at 5 o’clock in afternoon.

Sunday 7—Remained on flat all night. Cold and chilly all night. Went across the river after dark. Dug rifle pits until day light.

Monday 8—Came back across river at 4 o’clock. Laid on flat all day. Received letter from wife.

Tuesday, June 9, 1863—Wrote to wife. The rebs shelled us at 5 o’clock p.m. One of Co. G hit in breast. Laid quiet all night.

Wednesday 10—Very quiet all day. Went over the river at 5 o’clock p.m. Went to the front as skirmishers. One of Co. G shot through the leg. Rebs shot at us smartly.

Thursday 11—Got relieved from front at 7. Rebs shot while being relieved. Went down by rifle pit and rested. Received letter from wife. Laid on flat all night.

Friday, June 12, 1863—Moved down to the left in morn. Our position behind [a] stone house. Out in rifle pits all night.

Saturday 13—Got relieved at daylight. Went behind stone house. Wrote to Father. Crossed back over river at midnight. Rested up on the hill. Rained in torrents all the evening. 10th [Massachusetts] last regiment to cross. Not a shot fired.

Sunday 14—All troops got back safely. Marched up near old camp & from there to Stafford Court House. Marched again at 10 o’clock at night. Went all night long. Tired almost to death.

Monday, June 15, 1863—On the march at light this morn. Tremendous hot all day. arrived at Dumfries at noon. Encamped on a hill close to town.

“The day was terribly hot and the long stay in camp had unfitted the men for long and hurried marching, hence the amount of straggling was unusual and the footsore victims, when they did come up were pitiable objects. The hardships of that day are yet discussed by the survivors. Some have said that it was the most trying march of the Army of the Potomac. The ambulances were soon filled with men who were sunstruck or near it ; every available bit of shade was seized upon; nor wras the falling out confined to men from the ranks, since the fierce rays of the sun beat right through shoulder straps that, in some cases,, bore eagles upon them. The sight was appalling, but still the march was onward.” [Regimental history, page 201]

Tuesday 16—Routed up and marched at midnight. Halted at 7:30 in the morning. Halted at Wolf Run Ford [on the Occoquan] at 12 p.m. Arrived near Fairfax Station [18 miles from Alexandria at] 6 o’clock. Suffered much by heat & dust. Laid here all night.

Wednesday 17—Remained here all day. All the 36th New York arrested [claiming their 2-year enlistment period had expired]. Tremendous hot. I am sick.

Thursday, June 18, 1863—Up at 4 o’clock. Marched to Fairfax Court House. Arrived at Fairfax C. H. at 9 o’clock. Hottest day this year. Saw reb wounded & prisoners. Remained here all day and night. Rained most all night.

Friday 19—Received letter from wife.

Saturday 20—Laid quiet all day. Saw a lot of prisoners. Rained all day.

Sunday, June 21, 1863—Sworn into service two years [ago] today. Wrote to wife. Rained all day. Heavy artillery firing.

---

Letter 6

Fairfax Court House, Virginia
June 21st 1863

Dear Wife,

I should have written to you several days ago but we have been on the skedaddle all the time and I have been quite unwell. We left our position on the Rappahannock one week ago last night and all of [us] got across the river safe and sound but it was by the providence of God as he caused it to be very dark and the rain to pour in torrents at the time. I think had it not been so, our loss would have been heavy. I felt greatly relieved when we left that slaughter pen, I assure you, and I hope & pray that we may never see those heights again. Were I at home with a map, I would show to you our zigzag rout that brought us here but I cannot tell you by writing.

I thought that I had seen hard and dusty marching before but I can say with truth that the past week has been the most tedious of my life. But I feel better now and we are having a rain which is doing much good.

As regards the rebs, their movements or ours, you know just as much about it as I do. I wish all the rebs would go into Maryland and Pennsylvania, yes, and into New York and then it would wake the North up to their duty. We (the 6th Corps) are now on the ground where the First Bull Run battle commenced. Two years of hardships and hard fighting and here we are, driven back to the very spot where we commenced. Ann, we are all discouraged out. Who can blame us? No other army but this would ever [have] borne up under repeated failures as we have. Gen. Hooker’s Headquarters are close to our camp. No one cheers him or care to see him around. Everyone speaks very disrespectful of him. How can we fight with any spirit much more to ever gain any victory with an incompetent General at our head. Were it not for you and my children, so help me God, I would desert this service even at the risk of my life. But the thoughts of the little ones at home and their dependence on me is all that restrains me.

Two years ago today this regiment was sworn into service and just one year from today, we are free. But it is a long time ahead. Very many will never see it and those that do will in all probability undergo everything but death. It makes me so mad to see how all the old troops are banged and jammed around while most of the new ones are laying in forts or doing Provost Duty in cities. Lots of regiments are going home now everyday who got $200 for coming out here who have never seen a rebel.

We are now 20 miles from Washington. Why don’t they send out the 34th Massachusetts and all the rest of those $200 men (who never saw a reb) into the field and let some of the old troops rest up? I saw George Burroughs day before yesterday but he had a lady with him so I dar not speak to him. If he had been alone, I should. I have not heard from Miles yet. Your letter of the 14th I have received. I send you back Mrs. Keith’s letter. Glad you sent it me. I supposed she had paid you that money. Please send me in a few dollars as soon as you receive this. Those stamps which you sent I got wet and they are spoiled. I hear sharp cannonading today. There is a battle raging and I am flad I am not there. I expect we shall catch it in a few days. Tell Flora and Walter that I think of them most of the time. Write often, Yours ever, — George

---

Monday 22—Moved our camp 10 rods. Received a letter from wife.

Tuesday 23—100 of us went to Fairfax Station. Went as guard for railroad trains. Arrived at Gainesville at noon. Enjoyed the ride much. Got back to camp at 7 o’clock. Have rode and traveled 60 miles.

Wednesday, June 24, 1863—Marched at 2 o’clock in afternoon. Arrived at Centerville at 5 o’clock. Encamped very near the town. Pleasant and healthy place here.

Thursday 25—The troops [Hays’s brigade of the 22nd Corps] that have been here all winter are going off this morn. We took one of their old camps. Got fixed up in good shape. Heavy cannonading at dark. Went to bed early. Rained.

Friday 26—Routed up & packed at 3 o’clock. Marched at 7 o’clock in the morn. Crossed the railroad at Herndon’s Station [on the Alexandria & Leesburg railroad]. Arrived at Dranesville 7 o’clock. We have been 20 or 25 miles.

Saturday, June 27, 1863—Routed and marched before light. Crossed Broad Run at 10 o’clock. Crossed the Potomac [on pontoon bridges] at 3 o’clock p.m. at or near Edward’s Ferry. Halted two miles from Poolesville.

Sunday 28—Packed up and marched at 3 o’clock. Went on the old rout through Poolesville. Arrived at Barnestown at 9 o’clock. Halted close to Sugar Loaf Mountain. Passed through Hyattsville 4 o’clock. Halted two miles beyond all night.

Monday 29—Routed up at 3 o’clock. Marched at 10 o’clock as rear guard [for the 6th Corps]. Crossed the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad twice. New Market and half dozen towns. Left the regiment—fell out at midnight. Marched 24 miles.

Tuesday, June 30, 1863—The 36th New York left us at Westminster. Caught up with the regiment at 6 o’clock. Got rations and marched at 7 o’clock. arrived at Westminster 1 o’clock. Pretty towns and country and girls. Reb cavalry here last night. Camp two miles from Manchester and one and a half from Germantown.

JULY 1863

Wednesday, July 1 [1863]—Wrote to wife. Rained most all night. Camped in the woods. Marched at 8:30 evening on the Baltimore & Gettysburg road. Marched all night long.

Thursday 2—Fell out at 3 o’clock this morn. With Provost Marshall guard all day. Got away and found regiment at dark. Laid in line of battle all night. Hard fighting most all afternoon.

Friday, July 3, 1863—Routed up at light. Marched all around 500 times. Acted as a reserve. Terrible artillery & musketry. I saw 5 flags & hundreds of prisoners.

Saturday 4—Routed up before light. Went out on front line battle. Skirmishing but just in front. At night our regiment on skirmish line. Rained hard all night.

Sunday 5—Got relieved at 7:30 o’clock. Rained. Rebs have evacuated. We start on in pursuit at 8 or 9. Came across the battlefield. Horrible. Came past reb hospitals. 6,000. Caught up to rebs. Halted all night. Rained.

Monday, July 6, 1863—Routed up at 3.30 o’clock. Marched half mile. Rested all day. Marched at 6 o’clock through Fairfield. Rested. Marched at 8 o’clock. Passed Emmittsburg [Maryland] at midnight. Halted one and a half mile beyond. Rained all night.

Tuesday 7—Up at light. Drew rations. Passed Stockton Furnace & other towns & went up mountain. Terrible hard march. Rested all night. Top [ ]. Rained all night.

Wednesday 8—Up at light. Wrote to wife. Marched to Middletown. Halted at 1.30 o’clock for rations. Cannonading in mountains. Remained at Middletown all night. Near starved.

Thursday, July 9, 1863—Marched at 7 o’clock this morn. Arrived at Boonsboro 11.30. Halted on top of hill near town. Received letter from Father. Laid here on hill all night.

Friday 10—Up at light. Marched through Boonsboro & five miles on pike to Hagerstown. Halted near Funkstown. Cavalry skirmish all day. Remained in clover all night.

Saturday 11—Received letter & paper from wife. Remained here in lit all day. Packed up to go on picket 6 p.m. Did not go. Remained here all night.

Sunday, July 12, 1863—Marched early in morning. Went through Funkstown. Halted just across river. Hottest day this year. Went on two miles. Joined 5th Corps. Rained. Senator Wilson here. Very sharp skirmish.

Monday 13—37th dug rifle pits all last night. Rains all night & now. Received letter from wife. Wrote to wife. Rained all day. Went on picket at 4 p.m. 46th Mass. came near here.

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Letter 7

[Near Williamsport, Maryland]
Monday morning, July 13th 1863

Dear wife,

Your letter of July 7th was received this morning. I was not surprised at all to hear of Augusta’s death for I have expected it for some time. I would like to write much concerning her death and give consolation to you and Father and Mother, but the firing of musketry is quite sharp—not more than a quarter of a mile in front of me ad I being in the 2nd line of battle, I know not how soon I shall be called upon. You know where she died and how she was buried, but thousands of soldiers have fallen that their parents know not of their last hours or their resting place. But I must write fast.

I was greatly surprised to hear from Lo[well] among the thousands of dead, wounded and prisoners of rebs I have expected to hear from or see Lowell. I know not why it was but I firmly believed that he was with them. You tell him for me now that he has got home if he don’t stay there, he is a damn fool. And if I ever see him or hear of him out of Massachusetts, I never will own him. Why has he never written home? Is he crazy? He is an odd chap to make the best of him.

But to my whereabouts and situation. I will send you a map I have marked with an “x” a few of the places that we have been at and near Williamsport “xxxxx” are where our corps now are. There are corps to the right and left of us and I have all reason to believe that all the rebs this side of the [Potomac] river are completely surrounded and a more demoralized set of beings never lived that the rebs are—hid in the woods, barns, and every place they could. And we have picked up hundreds and I think thousands. And when we catch up with them, they throw down their guns and run to us by the dozens.

Yesterday I was on the advance. We drove them out of Funkstown and took our position where we now are. At noon yesterday a part of our troop left us at Funkstown and went up towards Hagerstown. I heard smart fighting but I guess with nothing but reb cavalry. After we got here yesterday afternoon, a part of my brigade went out on picket. They were going through a wheat field when up jumped a lot of rebs and gave them a volley, wounding nine. Our boys charged on them and 42 rebs and two or three officers threw down their guns and gave themselves up. This is about the way they have done all along their retreat. You have no idea of the prisoners and wagons we have taken. All of them this side of the river are in close quarters and I believe would gladly give themselves up if they dared. But a soldier cannot do as he pleases. It is just as their officers say and they may give us a desperate fight yet. If they do, we will give them Gettysburg No. 2 and cause them to cry as they there, “The old Army of the Potomac is after us, run boys run!”

We are all tired out and poor as sharks but we have good news to cheer us up. We have whipped them once and if it is a possible thing, we will annihilate Lee’s army before we get through with them. Vicksburg has fallen and if we are successful here, this rebellion is closed. We have suffered everything mortal man could for a month past but Old Lee must surrender or we will follow him and fight him so long as there is a dozen of us left.

Many of us have not seen our new commander (Meade) yet but all are satisfied with him. I have got so used to the boom of cannon and the bursting of shells and the buzz of bullets that I don’t care anything about them. I had just as leave be to the front as the rear, Occasionally there is a bullet comes buzzing near me as I am now writing, but I have no fear for no man dies until his time comes and mine is not coming yet for many years. Yours, &c. &c. — George

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Tuesday 14 [1863]—Acted as a reserve all night. Rebs all gone this morn. All of us gone after them. Arrived at Williamsport 3 o’clock. Rebs have all got across the river. Remained here all night.

Wednesday, July 15, 1863—Up at light. Marched to Boonsboro. Camped just beyond town. It has been tremendous hot.

Thursday 16—Up at 3 o’clock. Took lead of corps. Arrived near Berlin 1 o’clock. Visited the 46th Massachusetts. Remained here all night. Rained all night.

Friday 17—Rained hard. Wrote to Father.

Saturday, July 18, 1863—Remained here all day and night.

Sunday 19—Marched at 7 o’clock morning. Went to Berlin & crossed on pontoons. On same road we ent before. Went 8 miles. Halted for night. Large barn burnt last night. It has been terrible hot today.

Monday 20—Wrote to wife. Marched this morn at 10 o’clock. Co. E rear guard for Brigade. Marched 8 or 9 miles. Halted over night. Boys rallied on sheep. Remained here all night.

Tuesday, July 21, 1863—Rested here all day & night. Officers went home after company inspection. Washed shirts &c. Very nice & cool day.

Wednesday 22—Marched at 1 o’clock afternoon. Went through Union. Halted near stone bridge and the gap in the mountains where we did last year.

Thursday 23—Marched early in the morn. Halted 2 hours at Rectortown. Stayed over night at Barber’s Crossroads. Got in at 10.30 o’clock night. Went 18 or 20 miles today.

Friday, July 24, 1863___Up at light. Marched without breakfast. went to Manassas Gap. Meade’s Headquarters & railroad. Rested here three hours. Hot, hot. Went back to Barbers Crossroads. Halted 9 o’clock on road too Warrenton. Been 18 or 20 miles.

Saturday 25—Up at light. Marched at 7 o’clock. Went through Orleans. Arrived 1 mile from Warrenton at 2 o’clock. Camped over night. It has been tremendous hot.

Sunday 26—Washed clothes & body. Went up on hill and took a view of Warrenton. Boys rallied on beef. Remained here all day and night. Inspection at 6 o’clock.

Monday, July 27, 1863—On guard today on spring. Received two papers from wife. Rained some—day and night.

Tuesday 28—Relieved from guard this morn. Wrote to wife. Drew pants. Boys brought in lots of beef.

Wednesday 29—Letter from wife.

Thursday, July 30, 1863—Sick. Went to Dr. Excused.

Friday 31—Sick. Went to Doctor. Excused.

AUGUST 1863

Saturday, August 1 [1863]—Feel better today. Wrote to wife for a box. Went to large brook washing.

Sunday, August 2, 1863—It is tremendous hot. Moved camp quarter mile.

Monday 3—Fixed bunk up from ground.

Tuesday 4—A terrible rain in afternoon. Blew all tents flat to ground. Everything sopping wet.

Wednesday, August 5, 1863—Part of our regiment on patrol.

Thursday 6—Received a letter and paper from wife.

Friday 7—Wrote to wife. A detail out on patrol.

Saturday, August 8, 1863—Nothing.

Sunday 9—Nothing

Monday 10—Nothing

Tuesday, August 11, 1863—Nothing

Wednesday 12—Nothing

Thursday 13—Dress parade tonight.

Friday, August 14, 1863—Wrote to wife. Went with Gid to Warrenton. Saw soldier in 6th Maine shot. [Probably Thomas Jewett, 5th Maine] Reported capture of Signal Corps. Got back to camp at 4 o’clock.

Saturday 15—Some of the brigades moved. Part of our regiment on patrol.

Sunday 16—[no entry]

Monday, August 17, 1863—Wrote to Father. Received letter from wife. God paid off $69.73. I [was] on guard for paymaster.

Tuesday 18—Went on picket, Signal Corps.

Wednesday 19—Went off in mountains scouting. Went on post at sundown. Took dinner at Gaskins.

Thursday, August 20, 1863—On post all day and night. Went down and washed.

Friday 21—Got relieved at 6 o’clock. Received letter from wife. Received paper from Springfield. Walter is badly hurt.

Saturday 22—Wrote to wife.

Sunday, August 23, 1863—Preaching this afternoon.

Monday 24—Sold pipe to Chase.

Tuesday 25—Very cold & rainy all night.

Wednesday, August 26, 1863—Gt my watch cleaned. Received two papers from wife.

Thursday 27—Went out on patrol. Took dinner at Mrs. Couches.

Friday 28—[no entry]

Saturday 29, 1863—Wrote to Father. Sent $20. Received letter from wife. Stofford.

Sunday 30—Brigade inspection at 10 o’clock. Brigade dress parade.

Monday 31—Wrote to Father. Sent $20. Mustered this morn.

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Letter 8

Camp of 10th Massachusetts Vols.
August 31, 1863

Dear Father,

Enclosed is $20. I also sent you 20 last Saturday and will send you 10 more in a few days. We have just received marching orders. Don’t know where to go. The guerrillas are among us here all the time and capture some of the boys every day. After taking all things valuable, they release them.

We have not received any conscripts yet. All that come to this army go to the other corps. I have received my box. Everything was good. Hoping you will receive this. I remain your son, — George Ellis

10th Reg. Mass. Vol. Co. E

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SEPTEMBER 1863

Tuesday, September 1, 1863—[no entry]

Wednesday 2—Went out beyond picket. Got milk.

Thursday 3—Wrote to father & wife. Sent $10. Received letter from father, $5 and paper from Springfield.

Friday, September 4, 1863—Received a letter from Clark.

Saturday 5—[no entry]

Sunday 6—Reg’t inspection this morn. Received a letter from wife. Wrote to Clark.

Monday, September 7, 1863—Went outside picket for milk. Sent paper to Matilda.

Tuesday 8—[No entry]

Wednesday 9—[no entry]

Thursday, September 10, 1863—Went up to Warrenton.

Friday 11—[no entry]

Saturday 12—Foot race. Hazelton won. Heavy blow and rain in p.m.

Sunday, September 13, 1863—Inspection this morn. Sent a paper to father.

Monday 14—[no entry]

Tuesday 15—Wrote to A. J. Morgan. Broke camp and marched in p.m. Marched to near Sulphur Springs. Camped at 8 o’clock at night.

Wednesday, September 16, 1863—Marched at light. Went past the Springs. Nothing left there but a few houses. The large hotel was burnt. Waded the Rappahannock at noon. Camped on Stone House Mountain at 8 o’clock at night.

Thursday 17—Under arms before light. Received letter & photograph of wife. Commenced in afternoon and rained all night.

Friday 18—Heavy rain storm.

Saturday, September 19, 1863—Went out on picket. Sent $25 to father. My post near Nigger’s house. Had a chicken supper.

Sunday 20—Remained on picket. Went around lots some. Lived high. Plenty potatoes.

Monday 21—Remained on picket. Chased sheep all forenoon. Received letter from Clark.

Tuesday, September22, 1863—Went to citizens with coffee. got relieved from picket in p.m. Feel mighty lonesome in camp.

Wednesday 23—Very cold last night.

Thursday 24—[no entry]

Friday, September 25, 1863—Received letter from wife.

Saturday 26—Wrote to wife.

Sunday 27—[no entry]

Monday, September 28, 1863—Very pleasant today.

Tuesday 29—Went to Culpeper with Gid. Rode back with Bent.

Wednesday 30—[no entry]

OCTOBER 1863

Thursday, October 1, 1863—Had marching orders at dark. Packed up. Left camp at 11 at night. went direct to Culpeper. Marched all night. Took railroad towards Washington.

Friday 2—Arrived at Rappahannock Station at 9 o’clock today. Got breakfast & off at 11. Rained in torrents. Camped below Bealton Station at 3 o’clock. Rained in torrents. Left Wheaton’s Brigade at R [ ].

Saturday 3—Marched at 8 o’clock. Pleasant. Arrived at Catlett’s Station at noon. Left Shaler’s Brigade at Catlett’s. Arrived Bristoe Station at 5 o’clock. Went into camp here.

Sunday, October 4, 1863—Put me up a shanty. The cavalry all left. Went out on picket at noon.

Monday 5—Cold last night. Received a letter from wife.

Tuesday 6—Wrote to wife.

Wednesday, October 7, 1863—Come in from picket at 12. Received a letter from wife.

Thursday 8—Rained today.

Friday 9—[no entry]

Saturday, October 10, 1863—[no entry]

Sunday 11—Sent relics and papers to wife.

Monday 12—Had marching in evening. Have worked on tent all day. Had the toothache all night. Sent paper to Springfield. Sharp artillery near night.

Tuesday, October 13, 1863—Marched at 3 o’clock this ornate. Halted at Catlett’s Station 9 o’clock. Arrived at Warrenton Station noon. Laid here in lines of battle. Commenced to retreat at 3 o’clock p.m. Marched all night.

Wednesday 14—Regiment rested till 3:30 this morn. Got breakfast near Kettle Run. Arrived at Maassas a 10 o’clock. Arrived at Centreville at 4 o’clock. Camped here over night. Sharp artillery firing [ ].

Thursday 15—Marched at 9.30 o’clock. Camped near Chantilly. Hard fighting to left of us. Old man Barton came to see us. On guard tonight. Wet, rainy. Rations came up.

Friday, October 16, 1863—Boys are digging rifle pits.

Saturday 17—Received a letter from wife. Wrote to wife. Pleasant all day. Packed up at dark. Stood in line of battle 2 hours. 38th Massachusetts came to us today.

Sunday 18—Stood in line [of battle] two hours morn.

Monday, October 19, 1863—Tremendous shower at light. Marched at 7 o’clock morning. Arrived at Gainesville at 6 o’clock. Rebs dashed on our cavalry. Good deal of excitement at 8 o’clock. Rested quiet all night.

Tuesday 20—Left Gainesville at 8 o’clock. Passed through Buckland. Arrived at New Baltimore at 3. Went to my old bunk on hill. Left there at dark. Camped near Warrenton at 10.

Wednesday 21—Moved camp this morning. Laid here all night.

Thursday, October 22, 1863—Fixed my tent in good shape. Marched at noon all the Division. Camped on the 7th Mass. old ground. Went out on picket at dark. Post on the Salem Turnpike.

Friday 23—Received letter from wife. Commenced raining near night. Passed a most miserable night.

Saturday 24—Rained all day. Came in from picket at noon. had the toothache all night.

Sunday, October 25, 1863—Inspection this morn. 18 of Co. E went up in the woods at night. Had a big fire.

Monday 26—Put me up a stone chimney. Read two papers from wife. Wrote to wife.

Tuesday 27—[no entry]

Wednesday, October 28, 1863—[no entry]

Thursday 29—[no entry]

Friday 30—Received letter from wife.

Saturday, October 31, 1863—Rained today. Very cold & windy tonight.

NOVEMBER 1863

Sunday, November 1—Birthday today. 28 years old. Brigade inspection. Wrote to Jo Clark.

Monday 2—[no entry]

Tuesday, November 8, 1863—Wrote to wife.

Wednesday 4—Sick today.

Thursday 5—Received letter and paper from wife. Sick all night.

Friday, November 6, 1863—Very windy today. Two of the 4th Vermont here.

Saturday 7—Marched this morn at light. Arrived at near Rappahannock Station 3 o’clock. Formed in 2nd line of battle. Supported two or three batteries. Moved to the right 4.30 o’clock. Had a good view of the charge. [See Second Battle of Rappahannock Station] Laid here all night. Lame and sick.

Sunday 8—Moved to left before light. Halted and got breakfast. Very lame and sore this morn. Troops crossed the river. Went up to railroad bridge and crossed at 2 p.m. Camped in the forts commanding road. Laid here all night.

Monday, November 9, 1863—Co. E on picket at 11 o’clock. Packed up things in afternoon. Went back across the river. Went up to fort & rifle pits today. Went down to Kellys Ford. Laid here all night.

Tuesday 10—Laid here all day. Got some rations here. Feel pretty sick today.

Wednesday 11—Received letter from Jack Morgan.

Thursday, November 12, 1863—Left Kelly’s Ford. Went up to Rappahannock Station. Crossed over the river. Went down four or five miles. Camped near the 3rd Corps.

Friday 13—Wrote to wife. Went over to Corps Headquarters.

Saturday 14—Heavy rain this eve.

Sunday, November 15, 1863—Our troops crossed the Rapidan. Rained hard all night. Cleared off at 10 o’clock.

Monday 16—Brigade inspection 10 o’clock.

Tuesday 17—[no entry]

Wednesday, November 18, 1863—Received letter from wife & Clark.

Thursday 19—[no entry]

Friday 20—Inspection by Russian officers.

Saturday, November 21, 1863—[no entry]

Sunday 22—[no entry]

Monday 23—Got paid off in morning. Wrote & sent $5 to wife. All the regiment drunk all last night and today. Express came today.

Tuesday, November 24, 1863—[no entry]

Wednesday 25—[no entry]

Thursday 26—Marched early morning. Sinner of two hard tack. Teams troubled us. Hitch hike all the evening. Crossed Rapidan at 10 o’clock. Camped near river bank.

Friday, November 27, 1863—Routed up at light. Cold. Guarded the [Germanna] ford all day. Moved in woods near night. Heavy battle two miles from us. [See Battle of Mine Run] Artillery firing until late eve. Camped in woods all night.

Saturday 28—Marched at 2 o’clock this morn. All the corps went down river. Halted for breakfast 8 o’clock. Skirmishing in front of us. Rebs took a position ona bluff. Enemy held us here all day.

Sunday 29—Mount Hope Church. Marched to rear at light. Went clear round on the left flank. Halted at a church near railroad. Cavalry skirmishing front of us. Rebs in our rear shelling train. Firing all around us. Camped 7 o’clock.

Monday, November 30, 1863—Got up before light. Rebs have made a stand in front. Sharp artillery right at 10. Our boys skirmishing. Relieved by 2nd Corps after dark. Rebs shelled us before dark. Never came nearer a fight than today.

DECEMBER 1863

Tuesday, December 1, 1863—Got up this morn near Gov. Warren’s Headquarters. Laid here all day. Very cold. Went out on picket at dark/ 2nd Corps commenced retreating. I was on post from 9 to 12.

Wednesday 2—Left the picket line at 2 o’clock in the morn. Came as rear guard to Rapidan. Crossed at 10 o’clock at Ely Ford. Halted near river for dinner. Marched again at noon. Halted at 7 o’clock. 27 miles today.

Thursday, December 3, 1863—Marched this morn to old camp. All of [us] very still and tired. Bunked on the ground we left.

Friday 4—Received a letter from wife. On guard tonight.

Saturday 5—Wrote to wife. Sent $5. Received letter and two papers from wife. Very cold at night.

Sunday, December 6, 1863—Dreadful cold today.

Monday 7—Wrote to Jo. Clark.

Tuesday 8—Brought logs for a house.

Wednesday, December 9, 1863—[no entry]

Thursday 10—[no entry]

Friday 11—Commenced building a bunk.

Saturday, December 12, 1863—Worked in bunk all day.

Sunday 13—Finished up the bunk. Rained very hard last night.

Monday 14—Received letter from wife.

Tuesday, December 15, 1863—Wrote to wife. Corps review by Russian officers.

Wednesday 16—[no entry]

Thursday 17—Rained all day.

Friday, December 18, 1863—Two soldiers executed. I went and saw them. One of them was not shot dead. Belonged to 2nd and 5th Vermont.

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Letter 9

[Partial letter describing the military execution by firing squad of two Union soldiers in the VI Corps. This execution took place on 18 December 1863. The soldiers executed were George E. Blowers of the 2nd Vermont and John Tague of the 5th Vermont. Both of them had been found guilty of desertion.]

…and all of them belonged to the 6th Corps. It is rather tough to dig a man’s grave, sit his coffin near it, and then sit him on it and march a squad of soldiers up to within 10 yards and fire a volley of bullets. I will tell you how this was conducted.

It was out in an open field. They rode on their coffins to the grave, got out and stood erect until their sentences were read. One of them took off his hat, threw it upon the ground very spiteful acted mad. They then knelt upon their coffins. One [George Blowers] appeared much affected and cried but the other [John Tague] was firm and unmoved. A sergeant went up and pinned a badge over the heart of the one that was crying as a mark to shoot at but when he stepped [up] to pin it on the other, he took it and dine it himself. 24 men were then marched in front. Ready! Aim! Fire! The one that was crying fell of his coffin after being shot and cried out so he could be heard by all present, “Oh dear me!” He then put up his hand motioning for them not to shoot him again.

The other one patted his hand on his heart when ready to be shot, the same as to say shoot me, God damn you, and I believe he thought it [but] he did not say it. He was spunky and gritty, I tell you, but he died quick. The other one, I don’t know whether he died of the effects of the bullets or whether the Dr. bled him to death. I saw enough of such shameful actions and went away utterly disgusted. They were not blindfolded nor neither were their hands tied. It is not right to shoot men but I say shoot them in a proper way and not murder them. I long to get home so I can tell you all about such things which I have seen. ¹ Yours ever, — George

¹ Here’s another description of the execution: “Meanwhile, over in the camp of the 2^nd Division, 6^th Corps, a dual execution occurred, this one for Private John Tague and Private George Blowers. As always, the division assigned to carry out the killings formed up in a three-sided box facing the graves. The soldiers who observed the execution stood at “order arms” for about one hour until two ambulances drove onto the site, bearing the condemned men and their coffins. One of the soldiers in line, Private Wilbur Fisk, wrote, “It seemed as if some horrible tragedy in a theater were about to be enacted, rather than a real preparation for an execution.” The most alarming thing about it was the behavior of John Tague, who, as the orders of execution were being read, threw his hat onto the ground in bold defiance. Two chaplains stepped to the sides of Tague and Blowers, bade them kneel, and delivered a prayer. After that, the sergeant of the guard conducted them to their coffins and made them kneel again. He put two massive rings around their necks which suspended targets on their chests. (By now, authorities had realized that the firing squads needed to be coaxed into taking a kill shot.) Strangely, this execution contained no reserve. That is, no one expected the prisoners to live beyond the first volley. Two platoons of men faced each prisoner, and the prisoners were not blindfolded. Private Fisk recorded the final moments:

Blowers had been sick, his head slightly drooped as if oppressed with a terrible sense of the fate he was about to meet. He had requested that he might see his brother in Co. A, but his brother was not there. He had no heart to see the execution, and had been excused from coming. Tague was firm and erect till the last moment, and when the order was given to fire, he fell like dead weight, his face resting on the ground, and his feet still remaining on the coffin. Blowers fell at the same time. He exclaimed, “O dear me!” struggled for a moment, and was dead. Immediately our attention was called away by the loud orders of our commanding officers, and we marched in columns around the spot where the bodies of the two men were lying just as they fell. God grant that another such punishment may never be needed in the Potomac Army.

This was Private Fisk’s first execution. Like many who witnessed such tragic scenes, he never forgot what he saw:

I never was obliged to witness a sight like that before, and I sincerely hope a long time may intervene before I am thus called upon again. . . . These men were made examples, and executed in the presence of the Division, to deter others from the same crime. Alas, that it should be necessary! Such terrible scenes can only blunt men’s finer sensibilities and burden them the more; and Heaven knows that the influences of a soldier’s life are hardening enough already. . . . I have seen men shot down by scores and hundreds in the field of battle, and have stood within arm’s reach of comrades that were shot dead; but I believe I never have witnessed that from which any soul shrunk with such horror, as to see those two soldiers shot dead in cold blood at the iron decree of military law.” [Tales from the army of the Potomac (Blog).

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Saturday 19—Received letter from Jo. Clark. Received two papers from wife. Bought picture of Hazelton. Done washing. Very cold.

Sunday 20—Inspection in morn. Wrote to wife.

Monday, December 21, 1863—Fixed the chimney. Very cold.

Tuesday 22—[no entry]

Wednesday 23—Very cold all day. Snowed last night.

Thursday, December 24, 1863—Very cold.

Friday 25—Sent paper to wife.

Saturday 26—Monk got canteen. W. went to Corps Headquarters in eve.

Sunday, December 27, 1863—5th Vermont went home. On fatigue duty. Cold and stormy. Received letter from wife. Wrote letter to Jo Clark

Monday 28—Rained hard all night. Wrote to wife. Sent paper to Tilly.

Tuesday 29—Wrote to A. J. Morgan. Received diary from wife. Old Veterans sworn in.

Wednesday, December 30, 1863—Very pleasant today.

Thursday 31—Rained hard all day. Mud, mud 3 feet deep. Officers and men all drunk this eve. A perfect hell here. Resolved this night that whiskey shall never make a fool of me and that I will be temperate and steady in all time to come as I have been the past 14 months. I am utterly disgusted. If whiskey is allowed in this army one year longer, it will be ruined.

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Letter 10

Camp 10th Regt. Mass. Vols.
April 18, 1864

Dear Wife,

Yours of the 13th inst. was received this evening. I will answer on receipt of all your letters as I have of late. We are having a few days of fine weather but the mountains are covered with snow yet. You have no idea what a beautiful scenery it is. I have looked at them so much that they appear as natural to me as the mountains at home. Every day that is pleasant I wander off in some high piece of ground and gaze all around the country. It makes me feel sad many times but it is the best way that I can pass off the time. I feel very uneasy much of the time. Two months appears a much longer time to me now than eight did last year. I thought when I got to be a 9-month’s man, my time was almost [gone], but it looks long to [me] now, I assure you.

We had a review today by Gen. Grant. It was the first time that I have ever seen him and I like his looks much better than I expected. He rode through our camp this afternoon but no one cheered him. Let Little Mac ride through any camp and the boys would hullo so they could be heard for miles. I have a McClellan Badge which I will send in this. I wish you to keep it as a keep sake. It is my opinion that Grant will find a little smarter general in Lee than he has ever had to deal with before. If the Rebs stand and fight us here, we have got to have twice as many men as they have or it is no use. They have chosen their own positions across the Rapidan and are at work there every day as busy as bees building earth works. They have all the advantage of us. But I hope we shall be successful. But by so being, many a Father and near relative must lay low.

In one week (and perhaps less) you will hear of lively times here. All the surplus baggage has been sent to Washington and everything indicates a movement in a few days. I saw but one lady today—the wife of some big general, I presume. All citizens have been sent off and we are all soldiers here now. Women and citizens have always been a curse to us and I am glad they are gone. I shall carry a pretty light knapsack when we march, I tell you. I don’t intend to worry myself with a big load as I have heretofore. Scott wore my overcoat home on furlough and left it at his Father’s so I can get that when I come home. He showed me a letter that his Father wrote giving his opinion of his marriage. The old man thought the boy little knew of the responsibilities of married life and by what he wrote of war widows, I reckon he has had something to do with them himself. I will tell you the whole story when I get home.

Oh Ann, how I long to tell you of my adventures—where I have been—what I have seen, &c. &c. I know they will interest you. Oh what a comfort we will take together. If some of these Vets who get married don’t wish themselves in hell before three years are out, then I’ll lose my guess. What a fool a man is to leave a wife that he loves. Some of them have told me this already. One of the boys gave me a picture of a wife dreaming of her absent husband. It is a most beautiful representation and never have I seen anything that reminded me of home as that does. Were I not hard-hearted, I know it would bring tears in my eyes. As it is, it makes me feel very sad every time I look at it, so I think that I will send it to you.

Here this sheet is written over and I have not answered one word of your letter but I will not write another sheet for the envelope will be too full. Tell Flora that I will answer hers in my next to you. Thank you for the postage stamps. To regards your photograph, I think it a very very poor one. You cannot want anything of it. I can see some of your features in it but your dress looks most miserable. Good night. Yours ever, — George

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Letter 11

Near Spottsylvania Court House
Wednesday, 2 o’clock, May 11th 1864 ¹

Dear wife,

I am all right yet. 124 killed & wounded in this regiment & 16 missing.

Bill Skidmore ² hit in the head but will not die. Don’t worry for me for I shall come out all right.

Fighting is going on now. Keep up good spirits. I will write again in a few days. — George Ellis

¹ The regimental history informs us that May 11th was spent mostly by Grant’s army in preparing for another battle, There was reconnoitering of positions and attendant skirmishing, more or less, along the whole line. The 10th Massachusetts was relieved on the picket, which “was at the same time the skirmish line, early in the morning, moved to the left and took position that had previously been occupied by General Wheaton, and lay in this position all day. The afternoon was rainy, and the night that followed was dark and dismal, the clouds were thick, and the rain still fell. Preparation had been going on all day and into the night for the battle of the morrow.”

² William J. Skidmore was listed among the casualties of the 10th Massachusetts during the period of May 5th to May 11th, 1864. His wound was “scalp, slight.”

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