These letters were written by David Wakefield Haight (1841-1906), the son of Joel Albert Haight (1810-1886) and Rebecca Anne Stewart (1821-1859). David was married in March 1864 to Judy Minerva Horton (1845-1925) and their first child—the baby mentioned in this letter—was Ethel M. G. Haight (1865-1869).
David enlisted as a private in Co. E, 57th Pennsylvania Infantry on 28 July 1864. He was later transferred to Co. K and was mustered out of the service on 29 June 1865. Prior to serving in the 57th Pennsylvania, David served in Co. D, 2nd Battalion Pennsylvania Infantry. It’s noted that his headstone in the Clarington Methodist Cemetery spells his name “Hait.”
Letter 1
Addressed to Mrs Judy M. Haight, Clarington Pt. Forest county, Pennsylvania
Camp of the 57th [Pennsylvania] Near Burke’s Station April 24, 1865
My dear wife,
It is with love and pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few lines to let you know that I am well, hoping that these few lines may find you the same.
It has been one month today since we broke camp and I never had better health in my life although we had some very hard marching and fighting. There was one day that we marched about twelve miles in line of battle and we charged about every half mile till we got them in a tight place and then they stood and tried to fight us but they run from the skirmish line before the line of battle got up. I was in the skirmish line that day and it was fun to see the rebels run. They run and fired back till we took about five hundred prisoners and two hundred wagons and five pieces of artillery and about seven hundred mules and horses. I [think] that the fighting is pretty near done now. If Sherman gets Johnston and his army, the fighting will be done and I will get back to you again in about six months.
This is the third letter that I have wrote since we have been in this camp and have received one and I got one from Ren Haight and he is well. And I got one from George this morning and he is getting along fast. He thinks that he will be back to the company in two or three weeks. Hiram is well.
Well, Judy, I wish that I could get home to see you and the baby. I think about you all the time. I wish you would send me your picture in your next letter. Give my best respects to all the friends and tell them that I would like to hear from some of them. So I guess that I must close for this time. Tell me in your next letter if Andy went to the army and here he is.
So goodbye. Write soon. From your husband, — David Haight
To his wife, Judy M. Haight
The reverse side of the envelope says, “Rebel envelope captured near Burksville in the Reb train.”
Letter 2
Washington D. C. June 22, 1865
Dearest Wife & Companion & Love,
It is with pleasure that I seat myself to write you a few [lines] to let you know that I am still alive, hoping that you are enjoying good health. I have had a pretty hard time with the diarrhea till I got very poor. But I am getting well now and feel strong again. The weather is very hot now and the sun send her scorching rays down the near way. Robert went to wash this morning and was alone and I thought that I would write to pass time as the time passes very slowly. One day seems like four when we was after Old Lee. I think that if I was at home with you that the days would pass more natural and I could content myself better.
I expect that we will have to stay till fall if not longer but I would like to get home out of the God damned thing. I would write oftener but I have no stamps. you never told me whether you got that song ballad [on] the Weldon Raid so I have but little write this time and I don’t get a letter from you more than one a month. So I must close till after drill.
Well, we have got done drilling and had some dinner and a good shower of rain and I have got commenced to write again. The showers cooled the air off some. I have very good times here now. They are still mustering out some regiments but we still have to stay. I don’t see why they don’t discharge the drafted men but they are holding on to us yet and damn them, they will I guess.
If you write and let e know where Samuel is, I will go and see him if I can. I want you to give me all the news that is flying up there. So I guess I have wrote all the news. So goodbye. Write soon. — David Haight
To his sweet wife, Mrs. Judy Haight
Company E, 57th Regt. P. V. V. , Washington D. C.
I want you to tell me how Amanda is getting along and the rest of them may go to hell if they don’t think enough of me to write. I have wrote two or three times to them and got no answer.
These letters were written by 19 year-old Jerome Ely (1844-1923), the son of Hiram Ely (1805-1880) and Cyrena Lovina Vosburg (1808-1867) of Lemon, Wyoming county, Pennsylvania. Jerome was still enumerated in his parent’s home at the time of the 1860 US Census. Jerome accepted a bounty to enlist as a recruit in Co. A, 57th Pennsylvania Regiment. His pension records show that his only served in the 57th Pennsylvania, and though he did not enlist until months after the Battle of Gettysburg, his obituary, published in a Spokane Washington (the Spokesman Review, 30 Oct 1923) newspaper claimed that he was “wounded at the famous Battle of Gettysburg and was afterward discharged by reason of his wounds.” Jerome’s Find-A-Grave obituary acknowledges that he did not enlist until 1864 and also claims that he was wounded but gives no specifics other than to say that he spent time in a hospital.
In his letters, Jerome informs his family that he has been assigned to Co. A and I believe he was for a time, but he was eventually transferred to Co. F and it’s in Co. F that we find him in the official roster of the regiment. The roster gives his muster in date as 13 February 1864 and his muster out date as 29 June 1865.
I could not find a war-time photograph of Jerome but here is one of Pvt. Jonathan Colgrove of Co. F, 57th Pennsylvania (LOC)
Letter 1
[Note: This letter was written on a patriotic song sheet titled, “How Lee Was Whipped at Gettysburg.”
Camp near Brandy Station February 27th [1864]
Dear Brother & Sister,
I am in camp between Brandy Station and Culpeper. We stayed in Harrisburg until Sunday morning. Then we left for Washington. We stayed in Baltimore Sunday night and then to Washington Monday morning. We stayed there until Wednesday and then started for the front. We reached the front Thursday.
Yesterday and today we have been building tents. We haven’t got them so that they are very comfortable yet but we have got orders to pack five days rations and start at five o’clock tomorrow morning. Where we are going to or what we are a going to do is more than I know or anybody else that I have seen yet.
Baltimore is the largest city that I ever saw. I wish you could be in Washington two or three days. It would pay to spend the time. I went most all over the capitol. It is the largest building I ever saw or expect to see.
You wanted me to tell you how I liked a soldier’s life. I like it well so far and we have been going most all of the time. Two nights is the most that I have stayed in one place since we left Harrisburg. I marched from Brandy Station to this place (5 miles) and carried a soldier’s load consisting of two blankets, 1 tent and all of the rest of clothing and other notions, knapsack, haversack, canteen, gun adn all the rest, and it didn’t kill me either.
My health is good with exception of a bad cold. Tell all the girls you see to write to me and I will return the compliment. Gib told me to tell you to eat bull beef.
I must close this letter as it is getting late. I will enclose two of my profiles. If you see Mary Ely or write to her, give her one of them and tell her to write to me. Address, Jerome Ely, Co. A, 57th Regt. P. V., Washington D. C.
The [U. S.] Capitol covers over a space of three and a half acres of ground.
Letter 2
Camp 57th Regt. P. V. April 2nd 1864
Dear Sister and friends all,
I received your letter night before last. I was glad to hear that you and yours was enjoying your and their’s share of heath. But I am sorry to hear that the sad messenger has been visiting your near neighbors. It will be hard news for their soldier father to hear that two of his little ones that he left in health has gone the road that no traveler returns.
Last Thursday we moved camp back from our old camp across the railroad near Brandy Station. We moved back while others moved up where we was. There has been a change made in the army. We no longer belong to the old 3rd Corps. We are changed into the 2nd Corps. I do not know yet what Division we belong to. We are in Hayes’ Brigade. We are now living in shanties built by the Rebs last fall. They are very comfortable quarters to live in. I carried load enough to make a child that that he was a pack mule but I got along very well and wasn’t as tired as I might be when I got here.
I have written two letters to Andrew and have got one from him. Tell Molly if you write to her (or see her) that the reason why I have not written to her is because I do not know where to direct.
We started to be reviewed by Lt. General U. S. Grant one morning last week but it began to rain and we went back to camp without seeing the old hero. I saw a letter the other night that said that Father acted as if he was mad about my coming to the army. But he needn’t be for no where in Lemon did receive so many hints about enlisting as I did at home. If I was a young ma, I would go, &c.
The following letter was written by Gilbert Hamilton Mitchell (1842-1908) of Co. A, 57th Pennsylvania Infantry. Gilbert was the son of Henry Horatio Mitchell (1816-1896) and Alsina Darrow (1811-1887) of Lemon, Wyoming county, Pennsylvania. He wrote this letter to his sister Amanda Mitchell (b. 1845).
Gilbert enlisted as a private in October 1861 and mustered out as a corporal in June 1865 after serving 3 years and 8 months. The 1890 Veterans Schedule and an obituary inform us that he spent six months in the prison at Andersonville, “coming home a mere shadow of himself after his exchange, and weighing but about 75 pounds, so reduced was he by starvation and disease.”
After he returned home from the war, he married Mary Ann Ace and moved to Kansas, then Nebraska, and finally Oregon.
T R A N S C R I P T I O N
Washington D. C. February 9th 1862
Dear Sister Amanda,
I will now write you a short bit of a letter to let you know how I am getting along. I am well and hope you are the same. There is no news here except that our troops have taken Fort Henry. That is a bully operation. We would like to hear of more such. Our Colonel said last night that McClellan expected an attack by the 10th of this month. If so, we will no doubt leave here in a short time. All that prevents an onward movement is mud. You have no idea how muddy it is here. It takes 4 horses to draw an empty wagon almost.
I actually believe that the war will be over by the first of May if nothing happens more than we know now. The prospect grows brighter and brighter every day. Hiram says he can see through the whole concern and see just how it is going to end. Our boys are all in first rate spirits. They all think the war is about over but we would like to have a squirmish as Mr. Mead says before we come back. Ervin says before we will see our captain slain, we will fight till we perish. He makes lots of fun. He is a first rate soldier. We call him Daniel S. Dickinson. He says he won’t take any office short of General.
You say you hope I won’t be in a battle. You are a pretty girl. I should think after I have been down here living on uncle Sam so long to want me to come home without doing him any good. I would like to pop over one secesh before I come back.
I have just been to meeting and heard a good but short sermon. I think our chaplain [William T. McAdam] is a good Christian. He takes our mail out and fetches it in every day. Our old Colonel [William Maxwell] is very particular about our going to meeting. If we don’t go, he will put us on guard next day. But we all like to go to meeting so he has no trouble to punish us. I would like to see how he would act in a battle. He has got a savage look but I don’t know whether he is very courageous or not.
I got a letter from Joseph a few days ago. He said he did not know but he should enlist but he is only talking. He is too much of a secessionist, I think. Jerry is a perfect fool to put a letter in a girls that she is sending to a young chap to save paying postage but I expect he wanted to show me that he was over to Mr. Mallison’s to see Louesa. I don’t know whether I shall ever write him another letter or not but I think it is a doubtful case.
Ledyard Avery, George Earll, George Amey, myself, and two or three others in our tent have sent for the Wyoming Republican. We wanted to know what was going on at home. Several copies of that miserable thing, the M. B. Democrat, finds its way down here weekly. The prospect is good for having fair weather now and I hope we may. I think this will answer for the present. You must excuse poor writing for I have a poor place to write. George Earll sends his best respects. We are all writing home today. This is 5 letters that I have wrote home in a little over a week and have got one. We have the name of being the best regiment around here that has been here yet. You must write soon. You must not feel uneasy about me at home for I am determined to see Gib safe through this scrape and fetch him back again. I seen two letters in the Wyoming Republican from S. H. Mitchell in Capt. [Peter] Sides company. I have been thinking to find him but I don’t think he is here. They are [ ]. Give my best respects to the girls. From your brother — Gilbert H. Mitchell
I could not find an image of Samuel but this long lanky soldier probably bore some resemblance to him. Samuel’s tall, slim figure and dark hair no doubt made him appear younger than his actual years.(Megan Kemble Collection)
This diary was kept by Samuel Brown Beatty (1818-1863) of Co. E, 57th Pennsylvania Infantry. Samuel was 44 years old when he enlisted as a private in October 1861. At the time of his enlistment, he was described as a 5 foot 11 inch tall shoemaker with dark eye color and black hair. When he joined his comrades in arms, he left a wife—Susan M. (Walker) Beatty (1823-1899) and at least eight children in Delaware Grove, Mercer county, Pennsylvania. Samuel’s parents were Francis G. Beatty (1789-1872) and Isabella Williamson (1792-1879).
Also serving in the war was Samuel’s oldest son, David “Walker” Beatty (1844-1863)—a member of Co. K, 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry. David’s letters to his mother may be found at the following URL—1861-62: David Walker Beatty to Susan (Walker) Beatty.
An extremely pious man, Samuel often urged his wife to pray for him such as the following passage: “Now I want you to always remember me in your prayers that I may not falter in well doing and that I may be preserved from evil and sin of every kind. That I may be prepared to stand my lot and always be found at my post let that be what it may.” Tragically, Samuel never returned home from the war. He died at the Union Hotel Hospital in Georgetown on 18 January 1863 from wounds that he received in action at the Battle of Fredericksburg on 13 December 1862. Likewise, Samuel’s son Walker died in a Georgetown hospital less than a month later on 7 February 1863 and was interred at the Soldier’s Home Cemetery (Grave 3344).
Samuel’s diary with some newspaper clipping and pressed Holly leaves. All entries are in pencil.
Transcription
S. B. Beatty’s Memorandum Book. If I should be killed or die of disease, you would confer a great favor by sending this by mail to Mrs. M. S. Beatty, Delaware Grove, Mercer county, Pennsylvania.
January 7, 1862—Commenced nursing in the hospital.
February 18, 1862—Left camp Merced today for the other side of the Potomac and it being very muddy and we had a hards march but got along very well, all but some that got drunk. We got our tents up by dark and slept in them and the mud was two inches deep in them.
Wednesday, February 19th—We were all day carrying brush and fixing up our hospital and it was still muddy and sad but we done the best we could but we had but few in it.
Thursday, February 20th—Nothing of interest today. I am well and saw Daniel Young today.
Friday, February 21st—It is still wet and muddy.
Saturday, 22nd—-The birthday of Washington and we can hear the booming of cannon all around commemorating the day. Nothing of interest.
Sabbath, 23rd—This is the first that I have spent on the sacred soil of Virginia and it was wet and muddy as usual and there was nothing done.
Monday, 24th—It was clear in the morning till about ten o’clock and then there was a shower of rain and the wind rose and it sleeted and it blew a hurricane and blew down all the tents in the regiment and one of our hospital tents and it looked like desolation.
Tuesday, February 25th—It does not blow so hard this morning and we made ready to put our tent and we got it up. I am still well and in good spirits.
Wednesday, February 26th—Got case of varioloid [small pox] in the hospital but I will not run from it but will do my duty and trust my God [that] all shall be well. Nothing else of interest.
Thursday, February 27th—Very busy preparing for inspection. Feel tired but that is nothing new.
Friday, February 28th—The day of inspection. Fixed upon it and got everything ready but they did not come to the hospital at all. Feel all right today, thanks to God for his mercy to me.
Saturday, March 1st [1862]—In the hospital. There was regimental drill today, the seventh time since we left Camp Curtin. In the evening, General Jamison put them through a while and scared our officers and got [ ] up some but they soon got their wits again and then they were all right again. The colonel [William Maxwell] resigned today and left the command.
Sabbath, March 2nd—The Colonel started home this morning and was quite a touching sight to see him bid goodbye to the boys. Got dinner and then went down to the 63rd to see the boys and it snowed like fury for a while. Came back to the regiment, went to prayer meeting, and then came back to the hospital. I feel well in my mind and of course in body.
Monday, March 3rd—The snow is soft with a crust on it and it is foggy and dark. It rained this afternoon. There was regimental drill today and there is a great wonder who will be our Colonel. Nothing else of interest. I am still well. Got vaccinated on Sunday and my arm is some sore and it makes me think of my family at hoe. God has been very gracious to me this day in upholding and comforting me and in drawing me near to Himself. Oh that I may be enabled always to trust Him and take Him for my [ ].
Tuesday, March 4th—It is clear this morning. Our patients are all better in the hospital. Regimental drill this forenoon. Nothing else of interest today. I am well. My arm’s quite sore today. It makes me almost sick.
Wednesday, March 5th—It is clear this morning and cold. It clouded up about noon. I am well today. There was a Captain [Charles W.] Chapman of the 63rd Regt. shot on picket this morning. Nothing else of interest.
“A detachment of the regiment consisting of one hundred men, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Morgan, while out upon the picket line beyond the Occoquan, near Pohick Church, on the night of the 5th of March, 1862, was attacked by a party of the enemy. A skirmish ensued in the midst of the darkness, in which Captain Charles W. Chapman, of company K, and Quartermaster James M. Lysle, were killed.” [63rd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers]
Thursday, March 6th—It is a fine day and it looks like spring. Our new Colonel came on today. His name is [Charles Thomas] Campbell, Regimental drill as usual.
Friday, March 7th—It is clear but cold and windy. Nothing of interest.
Saturday, March 8th—Clear and fine this morning and I think of going to Mount Vernon today and I went and saw what was to be seen. This is a barren and desolate-looking country. The fences are all out of repair and the land looks poor. The houses are old and small and the barns are miserable. It looks as if there was a curse upon it but it might be a fine country. Mt. Vernon is a fine looking farm but it looks neglected and forlorn. I saw the tomb of Washington and Martha, his wife, and several of his family relations and the old mansion and some trees that he planted and the old garden and the fountain and everything that was to be seen. Came back and feel tired but don’t begrudge my tired legs for it was worth all and more too.
Sabbath morning, March 9th—warm and pleasant-looking. Like spring. There is a general inspection this morning. I am well today. I have been mercifully preserved thus far amidst all the hardships of camp life. I have not been one day sick thanks be to God for his goodness to me and I am still encouraged to put my trust in Him for time to come.
Monday, March 10th—It is raining this morning and it was most of the day. We drew oil cloth blankets for tents when we march. The Division on the right of us moved today and we expect to move tomorrow. Nothing else of interest.
Tuesday, March 11th—It looks like spring. There is some excitement today about movement but i guess we will not move today, The day passed and we are here yet.
Wednesday, March 12th—It is clear and fine this day. There is review today and I went to the Potomac River and it is a noble looking stream. I am well today and in good spirits. There is a report that our army has possession of Manassas.
Thursday, March 13th—It is clear and war and it looks like spring. The spring birds are singing and the leaves are beginning to start on the elders and briers and the grass.
Friday, March 14th—Last night got orders to prepare immediately for a march and today we were all ready for a move but we were not commanded to march and we are here yet.
Saturday, March 15th—There is quite an excitement in camp today about where we are to go but we know nothing about it. But we are to go on steamers down the Potomac somewhere. I am well and in good spirits. We had a very wet day.
Sabbath morning, March 16th—Well and in good spirits. It is fair this morning and there is nothing of much interest. There is still troops coming in for to go down the river. We had preaching today.
Monday, March 17th—we marched to Alexandria and went aboard the Elm City—a large and good boat, the best that is here, and where we are going, I do not know.
Tuesday, March 18th—We are here on the Potomac and when we will leave this, none of us knows. It is just one month today since we crossed the Potomac. I am well as usual. We started down the river about noon. There was nothing of interest until sunset and it was a grand sight to me.
Wednesday, March 19th—A beautiful morning. We are in the Chesapeake Bay and it is so broad that I cannot see land—only on one side, and it looks fine to see so many sails on the water. We landed at Fortress Monroe about sunset and loaded our goods on a horse car, moved them from the wharf and then unloaded them in the middle of the street and I slept for the first time in the street and it rained all the night and the water ran all around.
Thursday, March 20th—Morning, it is still raining and I had to help load the regiment’s stuff and the hospital stuff and then went to hunt the regiment and it was quite a job. After a while, found them quartered in a stable.
Friday, March 21st—Slept in a stable last night for the first time and I did not sleep much. We are just beginning to be soldiers. I am still well and i desire to be thankful for mercies past and the blessing that I now enjoy. The regiment moved their quarters and tented out in the open field in their dog tents and it rained in the evening and I stayed and guarded the stuff.
Saturday, March 22nd—Still on guard till noon and then went to the regiment and then got some dinner. Our quartermaster is a poor excuse. I am well and in good spirits.
Sabbath, March 25th—It is a beautiful morning and is as still as if there was but one regiment here but I believe there is about thirty thousand here and more coming. Nothing of interest till evening. Then it rained. It is quite cold at night.
Monday, March 24th—We got orders this morning to be ready to move again at seven o’clock. The regiment started at eight and we did not get off till about twelve. We went about two miles and pitched our tents. We went through the old town of Hampton that the Rebels burnt last summer. It has been a nice place but it is all burnt. We are about four miles from Fortress Monroe.
Tuesday, March 25th—It is clear and the wind feels cold. I am well as usual. Nothing of interest.
Wednesday, March 26th—It is cloudy this morning and it spit snow this afternoon. I am well and I got a letter from my wife and it was a comfort to me.
Thursday, March 27th—It was clear again this morning and it looks like summer. There is nothing of interest. I am well, thanks to God for His goodness to me.
Friday, March 28th—It is clear and beautiful this morning. I washed some this forenoon and I am in the hospital. I am well and in good spirits. Nothing else but the usual montage of duty.
Saturday, 29th March—The wind is in the east and it’s cold and chilly this afternoon. It is raining and sleeting. It is hard to see the soldiers camped in these small tents when it is cold and disagreeable, Got a letter from A. Walker today.
Sabbath morning, March 30th—It rained all night and when I woke up this morning, I was lying in the water about two inches deep but I am still well. There seems to be no regard for the Sabbath here. While I write, the boys are playing ball and some are building fire places and walling up the front of their tents and some are at prayer meeting and some are lying in their tents.
Monday, March 31st—It is clear and fine this morning. It is as warm as summer today and it makes me feel lazy but I am alright. I am still in the hospital but do not know how long I am going to stay but will know by tomorrow. It is two at night and I am on duty in the hospital.
Tuesday, 1 April—It is clearcut not as warm as it was yesterday. I am going to stay awhile longer in the hospital. I am well but feel sleepy and tired. Went to bed at six.
Wednesday, 2nd April—Up at twelve and I did not sleep more than two hours last night and I feel kind of used up but I am in good health.
Thursday, 3rd April—Morning on duty in the hospital. I feel almost used up for the want of sleep but I am in good health. There is eleven in the hospital today but there is none of them dangerous. This is a beautiful day. We had a thunder shower last night and it started the grass to grow and it looks quite refreshing.
Friday, 4th April—We have marching orders this morning to march on Yorktown. We started at seven and marched to Great Bethel and the Rebels lead left just before we got there and I was very much disappointed in the place. There is but one house beside the Meeting House and the fortifications are but very slight. There is nothing but mud works and we went on about two miles and encamped for the night and slept under the wagon. Slept very well and feel well this morning.
Saturday, 5th April—I am well this morning. Our men started for Yorktown and I saw General McClellan this morning for the first time and he is a very plain looking man but is bold as a lion. It is a bad day for a march. It is raining but I am with the train and we can hear the sound of the cannon ahead of us towards Yorktown as if there was a skirmish. It is twelve and we have not started yet. This evening it cleared up and we have not started with the train yet.
Sabbath morning, 6th April—It is clear and fine. We are here yet and the regiment is some six or eight miles ahead. Our train started at 6:30 o’clock for the camp. This is a very sandy country and there is more timber than in Mercer county and more swamp. We came to the place about noon that the skirmish was yesterday but do not know any of the particulars, We are beginning to soldier it now. It does not seem much like the Sabbath. We had very bad roads part of the way. Got to the camp about sunset and found all safe and sound, The Rebels threw some shells into our camp and killed a few of the artillery horses.
Monday, 7th April—Don’t feel very well today and took some medicine. Got our hospital in big. There is nothing of interest in camp today worthy of note.
Tuesday, 8th April—I am still unwell but am able to attend to my duty. I am very bilious but hope to be all right soon. It is a very wet day and nothing doing.
Wednesday, 9th April—It is still wet and cold. Got orders this morning to move the hospital and it was a hard job for me and the work all fell on [1st Sergt. Thomas O.] Collamore and I. There was about ten or twelve in and they were moved out about one and a half miles and there was no provision made for them and we had no hands to put up our tents and we had to depend on the charity of our neighbors for their night’s lodging but we got along some way. I feel some better now.
Thursday, 10th April—It is cold and spitting snow a little. We are here beside a Meeting House and there has been a Rebel camp here and there is several of their soldiers buried in the graveyard. It is a very flat and wet [place] and I should think unhealthy, I am some better today but do not feel right yet.
Friday, 11th April—It is clear and fine this morning and it is quite refreshing. I am some better today and the boys are all doing well. Our regiment had a skirmish today with the enemy and there was three of them wounded and they killed about fifty or sixty of the Rebels.
Saturday, 12th April—It is still clear and pleasant. All is quiet in camp as if nothing had happened. I am still able for duty. There is nothing of interest thus far.
Sabbath morning, 13th April—It is clear and it makes me think of home that I left and my wife and children and a wish to be with those to spend if but one day with them and enjoy one Sabbath at home. All is quiet this morning. Nothing of interest. Our regiment went out on picket this evening.
Monday, 14th April—Still clear. I am as well as common. All is quiet. Our pickets brought in one prisoner this morning. Nothing else of interest.
Tuesday, 15th April—Cloudy this morning. I am well and feel thankful for my returning health. Our men are in god spirits. It is clear this afternoon. All is quiet except some shells flying back and forth from one camp to the other. Nothing else of interest.
Wednesday, 16th April—It is clear and fine today, It is very warm. I am well and in good spirits. There is some cannonading today. There is no stir in camp. Nothing of moment today.
Thursday, 17th April—It is very warm today, Our men are throwing some shot and shell today at the enemy. Our regiment is out on picket today. We moved our hospital again today. This evening there was the first of our regiment killed by the bursting of a shell. Nothing else of interest. Frederick Varick [of Co. G was killed].
Friday, 18th April—It is clear and would be pleasant if I was at home. It is just one month since we left Alexandria and not much done yet. Our men are besieging Yorktown.
Saturday, 19th April—It is cloudy this morning but pleasant. There is not much a doing. It is raining a little this afternoon. There was a ball threw over our camp. Nothing else of note.
Sabbath, 20th April—It is raining and cold and all is quiet except an occasional cannon shot, I am well. Nothing else of note.
Monday, 21st April—It is raining this morning. I am well. Got a letter from my wife and wrote one to her, All is quiet. Nothing else of interest.
Tuesday, 22nd April—It is clear and beautiful. I am in good health and spirits. There is no fighting today. The soil here is good but it is wet and marshy.
Wednesday, 23rd April—It is still clear and pleasant. All is quiet as if there was no army here. I am as usual. It is a beautiful place here in the woods. Nothing else of interest.
Thursday, 24th April—It is clear and cold this morning. I am well. Drew new pants today. Was down at the regiment today. All is quiet.
Friday, 25th April—It is cloudy and cold and chilly. I am well this morning. All is quiet in camp.
Saturday, 26th April—Is wet and cold. There was a small skirmish this morning and our men took twenty prisoners. Our regiment was called out but was too late. It was wet all day and there was nothing of interest.
Sabbath, 27th April—It is still cold and cloudy. I am well and hope that I may have good health.
Monday, 28th April—It is cloudy this morning. At noon it cleared up and it is pleasant. There is nothing of interest in camp today.
Tuesday, 29th April—It is foggy and dark this morning. Cleared away about ten. Our regiment moved their camp today.
Wednesday, 30th April—It is cloudy this morning. All is quiet as usual. I am well at present. Our regiment on picket. Nothing else.
Thursday, 1st May—It’s warm and foggy. Still in the hospital. I am in good health. Went over to the regiment and was mustered for pay. There is four months pay due us now. All is quiet. The siege is still progressing but silently.
Friday, 2nd May—It is clear and warm. The Rebels are throwing shot and shell quite rapid today. Our men don’t answer them but work away. I am well.
Saturday, 3rd May—There is nothing of much interest yet today, The Rebels are throwing shells pretty rapid this evening and some think they are leaving.
Sabbath morning, 4th May—The Rebels have evacuated Yorktown and our men are on the march to take possession. I am well and in good spirits. Henry Eberman died last night in the Church Hospital and was buried today. We got orders to march about 2. Yorktown is very strongly fortified and I think they missed it by leaving. It does not seem much like the Sabbath to me, one the quiet days at home.
Monday, 5th May—It rained last night and it still rains today. Our Brigade stands to pressure the Rebels this morning and we soon heard firing and it was kept up all day. We do not know the result. The roads are very bad and the road was full of teams all day. Our teams went about two miles. it still rains.
Tuesday, 6th May—morning is clear and there is still more troops coming. Soldiering is hard business. We have different reports about the fight yesterday. our regiment was not in the engagement. We are stopped for the night. I wish we were with them.
Wednesday, 7th May—Is clear and fine. We are about four miles from Williamsburg and no prospect of us getting on today. Some of our army went back to Yorktown this afternoon. Our team stayed. I stayed to guard the balance of the stuff. It is a beautiful day and I would like to be with the regiment.
Thursday, 8th May—It is clear and pleasant. Our teams are here and I am going on to the regiment and I am glad of it. There is very bad roads. We went past the battle ground and it was a strong position. Our men could have held it against one hundred thousand of the best troops but it was a hard fought battle. It is a fine country around Williamsburg.
Friday, 9th May—It is clear and pleasant. We are under marching orders. We started at ten from Williamsburg for some place up river. We saw plenty of rebel clothes thrown away in their flight from us. This is an old town, It was settled long before the Revolution. I saw wheat out in head today. We were all day going six miles. Camped for the night in the road, Went o bed at 12.
Saturday, 10th May—Up at daylight making ready for a march. It does not seem much like the days at home for there is a train of wagons on the move ten miles long. After going four miles through a dense forest of pine to an improvement and it is the best I have seen in Virginia. The road is bad. I am well and wish I was at home to spend the day with my family but I must be contented and act the soldier. I spent last night in the middle of the road and slept very ell. Got to the regiment at sundown.
Sabbath, 11th May—It is clear and warm. Are making ready for a march. I am well and it does not seem much like the day of rest. It is hard to spend the day in the army for there is so much noise and confusion.
Monday, 12th May—Is still clear and beautiful. We are camped on the road forty miles from Richmond. I am well. Got a letter from my wife today. I was glad to hear from home and wish I was ready to go there but that is out of the question.
Tuesday, 13th May—Clear and fine. Up at five. Slept under the wagon. Got orders to be ready to march at ten. All ready. This is a beautiful place. Started at the hour. It is slow traveling in the army. Saw corn four inches high. Marched about one mile and camped for the night and got two months pay.
Wednesday, 14th May—Up at three. Started to march at four. Saw an orchard in the woods and several places where whole farms were overgrown with timbers of quite large trees. This wound be a fine country if it was not for slavery. Marched seven miles, then camped adn pitched our tents and stayed there all night.
Thursday, 15th May—Is raining this morning. Got orders to march at six. Our train went half a mile and I stood about three hours. Saw more land that has been farmed overgrown with timber. Stopped for the night at Cumberland Landing and it is a very nice place. If it was in the North, there would have been quite a town. I am well but partly wet.
Friday, 16th May—It is cloudy but not wet. I am well as usual. Nothing of interest today in camp. I saw some steam adn sailing vessels today. Sent home twenty-five dollars to my wife by Adams Express. Sent it to J. K. Hamblin.
Saturday, 17th May—It is clear and warm. Washed some today. Sent off all the sick today in a boat. I am in good health. Nothing else.
Sabbath, 18th May—Up at five. I am well as usual. It is the quietest Sabbath we have had for some time. There is nothing else of interest.
Monday, 19th May—Our Brigade left—all but our regiment and we stayed to guard the Landing. The name is Cumberland on the Pamunkey River—the south branch of the York river—and it is about 70 miles from the bay and the tide rises at least two feet.
Encampment of Army of Potomac at Cumberland Landing on Pamunkey River, May 1862
Tuesday, 20th May—We are still here. I am not well today but think I soon will be. It is warm and dry.
Wednesday, 21st May—It is clear and warm. I am some better today. We are still at the landing and I do not know how long we will stay here. Commenced to write a letter to my wife today. The Locust trees are white with blossom. All is quiet and nothing of interest.
Thursday, 22nd May—Morning is clear and there is a fine breeze. It is quite refreshing. Wrote to my wife today. I am well and in good spirits and I am thankful.
Friday, 23rd May—Got orders to march at six. All ready and on the march. Went eight miles and pitched our tents and got dinner and then got orders to pull up and be off again all on the march and it is slow going. I saw roses today for the first I have seen. Ten at night. We are still on the road as good boys working for Uncle Sam. Came through a fine country but it is like all the rest of Virginia—cursed with slavery. Fields overgrown with bushes and briers.
Saturday, 24th May—Up at five. Slept by the side of the road. Slept about three hours, Feel all right. it is pleasant. We are ready for a move. Got to the Brigade at nine o’clock. At ten it commenced raining till evening.
Sabbath morning, 25th May—Up at five. I am well, thanks be to god for His mercies to me. Got orders to march. Started at 7 o’clock towards Richmond. Crossed the Chickahominy and camped within 12 miles of Richmond for the night. All is quiet. the same curse rests on the country now. Within ten or twelve miles of the Capitol and it looks like the vineyard of the sluggard.
Monday, 26th May—It is clear and cold for the place. I am well. Got orders to send everything back but the shelter tents and one blanket. I went back with the doctors things across the Chickahominy.
Tuesday, 27th May—It is raining. The teams went back for the rest of the stuff. I am well and would like o be with the regiment. There is about one thousand wagons in sight of this place. There is some cannonading on our right this afternoon. Our regiment is on picket.
Wednesday, 28th May—It is clear and fine. I am still guarding the doctor’s goods four miles in the rear of the regiment. I am well. Wishing the war was over that I could go home to my family. I long very much to see them.
Thursday, 29th May—It is clear. I am still guarding. It is very lonesome away from the regiment. I wish I was relieved so that I could go forward to the boys. I am well. Butter is selling at 40 cents and cheese at 35 and eggs at 40 per dozen. Small round ginger cakes 2 cents apiece adn everything else in proportion.
Friday, 30th May—It is cloudy this morning. I am still on the north side of the Chickahominy guarding the doctor’s traps. I am well as usual. Our Brigade moved back two miles and took up position on the railroad to guard it.
Saturday, 31st May—It rained last night and there was thunder and lightning. All is quiet. Still in the same place. I am well. It is very warm. There is a battle going on in front. it has lasted all afternoon. Our Brigade is called out. there is conflicting reports about the fight.
Sabbath morning, 1st June—It is cloudy and misting rain. The fight has commenced again. It is 5:15 o’clock and it was a hard fight for 5 or 6 hours but our men drove them back. Our army were attacked both days and they fought bravely doing honor to themselves and their country. There was several of our regiment killed and some wounded on Saturday. Today no particulars.
Monday, 2nd June—I am still in the same place. Moved back about sixty rods to get better ground. There is quite a number of our men in. The most of them are wounded in the hand. The river has risen by some means not known to us about two feet so that it is hard for the wagons to cross. All quiet but the water is still up. Nothing else.
Tuesday, 3rd June—I am well and in good spirits. We had a thunder shower last night. It is very warm this morning. We are still away from the regiment guarding the medicine and other hospital stuff. Crossed the Chickahominy and I went to the regiment and slept out in the open air and it rained all night.
Wednesday, 4th June—It is still raining and there is many of our men that have neither blankets nor tents and it seems hard to haven exposed without shelters of any kind. I am well.
Thursday, 5th June—It is still cloudy and cool. there is not much of interest—only that our men are still fetching in the wounded rebels and it is a horrid sight to see men that have lay on the field wounded for four days all fly blown. But war is cruel.
Friday, 6th June—It is cold and chilly and I am very unwell today. All is quiet. Nothing else of interest.
Saturday, 7th June—It is clear this morning. I am still sick. It rained this afternoon. Nothing of much interest in camp today.
Sabbath, 8th June—It is clear and nice. I am in the wood away about 1.5 miles from the regiment and it is the quietest Sabbath I have seen for some time. I am still quite unwell. There is nothing else of interest.
Monday, 9th June—I am still sick. We are going to move the hospital up to the regiment. Started to ride in the wagon but I could not stand it. Got there all safe [but] do not feel any better.
Tuesday, 10th June—It is raining and is quite cold. I am still under the weather. I am able to walk around. Went over part of the battle field and the balls must have flew thick and fast. I saw little bushes not more than two inches through that had sixteen balls in them.
Wednesday, 11th June—It is clear and cold. The Regiment marched back about one mile. All is quiet. i am still not well but think i am some better.
Thursday, 12th June—It is still clear but warm. I am some little better. There was picket firing today. How I wish for the sight of my home and wife and children. I think I would soon recruit up again but it will take me some time here
Friday, 13th June—It is clear and warm. Up at five. Got breakfast and started for the regiment. The Rebels are throwing shells at our men. I am some better but still have that oppression in my left side. I am almost done soldiering.
Saturday, 14th June—It is very warm today and the water is poor and scarce and the land literally stinks and I cannot help but be unhealthy. i am still better and think that I am going to get well. Went to the regiment for a letter but was disappointed again. Did not get any.
Sabbath, 15th June—It is clear and warm this morning. It makes the sweat run free. I am still at the hospital. There is about fifty under the doctor’s care. I am about well now. This is a quiet day. One of the quietest I have spent in the service.
Monday, 16th June—It is clear and cold this morning. I feel quite well, thanks be to God for continual blessings. All is quiet today.
Tuesday, 17th June—It is clear and cold. Up at sunrise. Feel well. I am at the hospital. There is some heavy cannonading on the James River. there is nothing else.
Wednesday, 18th June—It is clear and warm. I am well and able for duty. Wrote a letter to my beloved wife today. There is seventy here under the doctor’s care at this time. All is quiet.
Thursday, 19th June—All is quiet. I am well today, thanks to the Giver of every good for HIs goodness to me.
Friday, 20th June—It is still clear. There is nothing new. The same monotonous life. Oh how I wish I was at home with my family. I am about satisfied with a soldier’s life. It is not the life for me.
Saturday, 21st June—Clear and warm. All is quiet. I am well. Wrote to my wife. There is nothing of interest today.
Sabbath, 22nd June—It is still clear and warm. This is the quietest Sabbath I have spent for a long time. There is no stir of any kind. I am well and think I feel truly thankful to God for His goodness and mercy to me. This evening there was a small skirmish on which the Rebels lost about seven hundred in killed, wounded and prisoners and our men lost in all forty.
Monday, 23rd June—It is warm and beautiful. All is quiet. I am well and able for duty. It rained this evening and there is some picket firing this evening. Nothing else.
Tuesday, 24th June—It is clear but it looks like rain. I am still well and at the hospital we have 92 men here but they are all doing well except three and I think they will get well. There is nothing of interest.
Wednesday, 25th June—It’s clear and pleasant this morning. There was an advance of our army today and there was quite a hard fight but our men drove the Rebels about 1.5 miles and held the position all night.
Thursday, 26th June—All is quiet this morning but it may not last long. I do not know any particulars of yesterday’s fight. I am well and in good spirits. The men are getting along very well. Heavy cannonading on our right this evening is heavy and has continued about three hours. 6 o’clock, the firing still continues. At 9 the firing slackens a little. At 10, it has ceased and there is great cheering. [See Battle of Mechanicsville. Lee lost 1,475 men; Union losses were only 361. But Lee had stunned McClellan, who then began to fall back away from Richmond.]
Friday, 27th June—The cannonading has commenced at three o’clock and it has continued till four in the evening. I am well and on duty at the hospital. [See Battle of Gaines’ Mill]
Saturday, 28th June—There was some picket firing last night. All is quiet this morning. Got orders to move our hospital to the Division Hospital. Moved there and put up our tents. Got orders to move again. Traveled all night.
Sunday, 29th June—Put up our test and got our sick in them. There is some very sick. Our men were retreating before the enemy. They are going to James River this morning. There is some fighting today on the right and there was some slaughter on both sides. [See the Battle of Savage’s Station]
Monday, 30th June—This morning aroused at there and ordered to be ready for a move. Ready and started and the rebels followed close in our rear and they had our army drove back. The enemy got to the river.
Tuesday, 1 July—This morning the wounded men begin to come in and I had a very busy day helping to dress the wounds and there was a great many that could not be attended to.
Wednesday, 2 July—There was a general move of the army this morning and the surgeons all left last night and gave no orders what to do with the men and we all left as I was only a volunteer. I thought I would not stay but go to my regiment.
Thursday, 3 July—Got orders to move from City Point. Went out about three miles and camped for the night.
Friday, 4th July—All quiet this morning. At ten there was some picket firing and some thought there would be a general engagement but it soon blowed over, Nothing else of interest.
Saturday morning, 5th July—This is a fine day. All is quiet thus far. I am well and with the regiment. Went to the hospital.
Sunday, 6th July—It is a fine day. All is quiet. I am still well. We are still in the woods and it seems the most like the day of rest of any that I have spent for some time.
Monday, 7th July—It is clear and warm. All is quiet. I am in good health. There is nothing else of interest thus far. I am well and in good spirits.
Tuesday, 8th July—It is very warm for us fellows here. It makes us sweat lying in the shade. All is quiet along the line. I am still well and able for duty.
Wednesday, 9th July—Still fine and warm. I am well, all but a little diarrhea,. Got along very well today. Nothing of note.
Thursday, 10th July—Is warm but looks like rain. It rained this evening. I am not very well. Still in the woods. the water is bad. All is quiet.
Friday, 11th July—Cloudy and warm. I am sick this morning but still trying to do all that I can. There is nothing new.
Saturday, 12th July—Moved our hospital today. A new surgeon came to the regiment today. I am well. All is quiet.
Sabbath, 13th July—It is cool this morning. I am well and in good spirits. I feel thankful to God for his goodness and mercy to me. I would like to be at home to spend the day with my family.
Monday, 14th July—It is clear and warm. I am well and feel like staying through the war but that will be some time yet by present appearance. All is quiet today.
Tuesday, 15th July—Clear and warm. All is quiet. There is nothing new today, I am well today.
Wednesday, 16th July—It is very warm today. It makes the sweat run sitting in the shade. I am well. At the hospital. Nothing else of note.
Thursday, 17th July—We had the biggest rain last night I have seen in Virginia. It is warm and sultry today. I am well. All is quiet.
Friday, 18th July—Rained last night again. It is cooler today. Signed the pay roll. I am well. Nothing else of note.
Saturday, 19th July—It is cloudy and warm. Got my pay $52 and sent $50 home to my wife. All is quiet. Nothing else.
Sabbath, 20th July—This is a fine morning. I am well. Wrote a letter to my wife. It is a very quiet day. All is quiet and no alarm of any kind.
Monday, 21st July—Up at five. It is very warm. All is quiet. There is nothing doing.
Tuesday, 22nd July—It is cloudy and pleasant this morning. I am well. Our sick are doing first rate. All is quiet in camp. Our regiment’s out on picket today.
Wednesday, 23rd July—There is nothing of interest. I am well as usual.
Thursday, 24th July—Our regiment moved their camp today. I am well. Nothing else.
Saturday, 25th July—It is still clear and warm. This evening it rained. It is cooler since.
Sabbath morning, 26th July—This is a beautiful day. I am well, thanks to the Giver of all good for His goodness to me.
Monday, 28th July—Morning 5 o’clock, I am well. On duty today in the hospital. We have two more nurses today and I will not have it quite so hard.
Tuesday, 29th July—It is clear and warm today. There is three very sick men here today. I am all right and on duty.
Wednesday, 30th July—It is still warm. I am well, thanks to God for His goodness to me. There was one died in the hospital today.
Thursday, 31st July—All is quiet. There is some sick here in the hospital. One more died today.
Friday, 1st August—It is cloudy and cool this morning. There was an attack on our gunboats last night about 1 o’clock but it did not last long. All is quiet now.
Saturday, 2nd August—It is clear and pleasant and all is quiet, I am well and on duty at the hospital. Our sick are doing very well. Nothing else.
Sabbath, 3rd August—It’s cloudy and threatens rain. There was another man died today. All is quiet. There is nothing worthy of note.
Monday, 4th August—It is cloudy and warm at noon clear. I am well. All is quiet yet. There is nothing of interest today.
Tuesday, 5th August—It is warm and almost insufferable. We sent off some of our sick today. I am well. There is nothing else.
Wednesday, 6th August—It is very hot today. All day fixing up our hospital. I am well. Nothing of interest.
Thursday, 7th August—All is quiet. There was some of our prisoners returned last night. Wrote a letter to my wife today. I am well.
Friday, 8th August—It is very warm and that is no name for it. It is hot! I am well. All is quiet. There is nothing of interest. Captain Maxwell us under arrest for disorderly conduct.
Saturday, 9th August—Ordered to move. Went about half a mile. Al fixed up. I am well.The captain came back this evening.
Sabbath, 10th August—All doing well at the hospital. All is quiet. This is one of the stillest days i have seen since we left Washington.
Monday, 11th August—All is bustle and confusion. We got orders to be ready for a move at two. I am going to stay with the sick and I expect to go to Richmond in a few days as a prisoner.
Tuesday, 12th August—The regiment has not moved yet. They are ready at a moment’s warning. They do not know where they are going. I am well and in good spirits.
Wednesday, 13th August—Our regiment was put into Birney’s Brigade. All our officers come back. It is cool and pleasant. We have not marched yet. We are still here yet and no hopes of us getting any.
Thursday, 14th August—It is clear and warm this day. Still here and I think will be sent off before the regiment yet. I am well.
Friday, 15th August—Got orders to move at four in the morning. All ready and on the way. Marched ten miles down the James river. Camped for the night 1.5 miles from the county home [?]. Nothing of interest. I am well.
Saturday, 16th August—Marched at five in the morning. Marched ten miles again 11 o’clock to the Chickahominy. Stopped for dinner. Camped there till the next morning. There was nothing of interest. I am well.
Sabbath, 17th August—It is clear and cool at five and got breakfast. We are within 20 miles of Williamsburg. 7 o’clock got orders to march. went ten miles out of the direct road, We marched twenty-one miles. I am pretty tired but well.
Monday, 18th August—On the march at six. Feel all well. Marched to Williamsburg. The roads fine and the men march well. Camped for the night. Slept in the open field.
Tuesday, 19th August—Up at four and got breakfast. Got orders to march at seven. It is a desolate looking place here. On the march. Passed over the old battle ground. It looked quite familiar, Got to Yorktown at seven. Camped for the night.
Wednesday, 20th August—It is cloudy and cool Seven and not on the move yet. Moved at ten. Got on board boats to go down the river, Nothing else of note.
Thursday, 21st August—Steaming down the York river. It makes me feel sorry to retreat and leave all the ground that we had gained. This is a noble river. Cast anchor at the mouth of Aquia Creek for the night.
Friday, 22nd August—Started down the river. Got to Alexandria at nine. I am well but feel sleepy. I have slept but little for three nights. It looks like home here. Landed near our old camp after an absence of more than six months. Went on the cars and started for the Shenandoah. All night on the road.
Saturday, 23rd August—Got off the cars at Warrenton Junction and camped for the night.
Sabbath, 24th August—Got orders to move. Went back to the station and then moved along the railroad five miles and camped.
Monday, 25th August—Still in camp resting and rest is sweet to the weary. We are almost worn out with fatigue but my health is good, thanks be to God for His goodness to me.
Tuesday, 26th August—It is clear and fine. Still in the same camp. I am well. Think long to hear from home. I have not wrote home for two weeks and there has been no chance to mail a letter. Marched two miles and camped for the night on a very fine farm.
Wednesday, 27th August—I am in good health. Have orders to march at any minute. On the march. Started back on the same route we came. Marched hard all day and went about 24 miles and camped for the night.
Thursday, 28th August—Up at two. Started for Manassas. Got there at 11 and we had a hard march, It was warm and we marched from seven till eleven without halting fifteen minutes and our men were very much fatigued. At three started for Centreville. met the Rebs. No harm done. Went on and camped in the town for the night. Put at three and on the march at five.
Friday, 29th August—Started for the Rebs. Had quite a fight. It lasted from eleven till after night. It was near the old Bull Run Battle Ground but we worsted the Rebs. [See Second Manassas]
Saturday Morning, 30th August—Our regiment had quite a little skirmish and there was two or three wounded. There was a solid shot went within one foot of my head. Retreated back to Centreville. It was a hard march. We waded streams up to our hips and camped about 11 at night.
Sabbath, 31st August—We are still at Centreville. Saw Walker today. Stayed all day.
Monday, 1st September—Left Centreville this afternoon and had quite a fight but we drove the Rebs and lay all night on the field till three in the morning. [See Battle of Chantilly]
Tuesday morning, 2nd September—At Fairfax Court House. Got breakfast, then started and went to Fairfax Church, thence to the railroad station, then turned to the right and marched till night and camped.
Wednesday morning, 3rd September—18 miles from Alexandria. Started at five, marched by Pohick Church. Got to Alexandria at 12 and camped for the night. I am well. Nothing else of interest.
Thursday, 4th September—I am well. Still in camp and it looks as if we were going to stay a while and I hope it may be so. On guard today. I feel very much fatigued. My feet is so sore I can hardly walk. Nothing else of importance.
Friday, 5th September—Still in camp. I am well. Nothing else of importance.
Saturday, 6th September—I am well. On guard today. Again it sets pretty hard on me for I have not been used to it. I have been in the hospital but the regimental hospital is broken up and all the nurses are sent to the ranks, It is almost eleven months since I left [home] and seems as if I would never see it again. But I still live in hopes that i get home some of these days but it looks dark at this time. But it may be all for the best. Now I want you to keep this till I get home for I want to see it and I can tell you a good many things that I did not write. So no more nonsense. Good evening. From your husband, — S. B. Beaty
August 25, 1862—Within five miles of Warrington Station, Virginia Dear Susan, as we were not on the march today, I thought I would write a few lines to let you know that we have left the Peninsula and abandoned all the ground that we have been fighting for for the last six months for which so many of our brave soldiers have lost their lives. We started on our march Friday the 15th and we marched every day for five days and my feet got very sore and my heart was sad to think that we had to retrace our steps and take a new start. I think it was a grand mistake in somebody—our going there at all—for it has cost a great many valuable lives and gained nothing by it. But we have proven to the world that the Army of the Potomac will fight and that they never leave the ground without orders.
On our march we went over the battle ground of Williamsburg and saw the old encampments at Yorktown and we slept under the guns of the old fort that we besieged so long. It looked quite natural. Then we went on board the boats and went down the York river into the Bay and then went up the Potomac to the City of Alexandria and landed near our old camp. On the same day we landed, we got on the cars and started for Pope’s army and we were so crowded that I could not sleep for three days and nights and I was almost used up. But on Saturday night, we got off the cars and camped for the night and I slept very well.
On Sabbath we marched six miles and camped in a very nice grove and we are resting today and rest is sweet to the weary.
August 26th—We are still encamped in the same place and we can hear the sound of battle to our right but we will not be in this fight. Our regiment is in General Birney’s Brigade now and we get along better than we did in Robinson’s. I have not seen Walker since we left Yorktown but he is still in the same Division with us yet and he was well when i last saw him and I hear from him often. This is a better country here than the Peninsula. Still the curse of slavery rests on it too and the fences are all gone, the fields all untilled, the forest is all destroyed, and it looks like a desolation.
August 27th—This morning we took the back track and we had a hard day’s march and it sets hard on me as we are not rested yet but we will have to try and stand it. We marched about 21 miles and camped for the night. Started the next morning at four and out it through till eleven o’clock and we stopped two hours and we have been expecting a fight all day but the Rebs are still on the move and we will still follow them up, We went across Bull Run and formed a line of battle and stood a little while and then started for Centerville, Got there about ten at night and camped. Up at three and ready for a march. We look for a fight and it is fight or die now with both armies. Still we have one side open yet.
Now Susan, we have had a hard time of it, having been on the march every day for six days, but we are not out of heart yet for we have every confidence in our General Kearny but he only commands one division and that is but a small portion of the army.
August 29th—Moved up to the battle ground today and there was quite a hard fight but we lost none of our regiment.
August 30th—This is the second day of battle and it was a terrible day to those that were engaged. It was one continual roar of artillery mixed in with musketry. Our division was not engaged but the cannon balls flew thick around us but there was but few of us hurt. There was one came within less than a foot of me but I suppose you know more about the battle than I can tell you. But still I think I can tell you something when I get home that you have not heard.
September 19th [1862]—Dear Susan, I am still alive and notwithstanding the hard marches that we have went through, sleeping on the ground in the open air, and in the rain. We were at Alexandria four or five days after the fight at Bull Run. On Monday night we left for the land of Mary. We are now near Balls Bluff on the Maryland side watching the Rebs to keep them from making a raid into the country. We marched 60 miles in two days and a half and it set hard on us. My feet and legs are so swelled that I can hardly get on my shoes at all but they are not sore—only stiff. But I am in good health and spirits. I have great reason to be thankful to God for his goodness and mercy to me. Since I left home, I have not been one day but what I have been able to take care of myself and I still put my trust in Him for life and health.
September 22nd—I am still well. We are doing picket duty. Our company was out yesterday. We did not see any Rebs. There is none of our brigade here but our regiment. I hope we may be left here for some time as it is a nice place and out of danger. Now I suppose you think that I do not write very often to you but my excuse is the want of time and chance of sending letters as we are on the move almost every day. I have wrote you two letters since we left the Peninsula and I sent you five dollars in each letter and I have not got any letter from you for a month. But we expect a mail today and I think I will get one then. Write often to me for I think the time long. No more. Goodbye. Your husband, — S. B. Beaty
I could not find an image of Samuel but this long lanky soldier probably bore some resemblance to him. Samuel’s tall, slim figure and dark hair no doubt made him appear younger than his actual years.(Megan Kemble Collection)
This diary was kept by Samuel Brown Beatty (1818-1863) of Co. E, 57th Pennsylvania Infantry. Samuel was 44 years old when he enlisted as a private in October 1861. At the time of his enlistment, he was described as a 5 foot 11 inch tall shoemaker with dark eye color and black hair. When he joined his comrades in arms, he left a wife—Susan M. (Walker) Beatty (1823-1899) and at least eight children in Delaware Grove, Mercer county, Pennsylvania. Samuel’s parents were Francis G. Beatty (1789-1872) and Isabella Williamson (1792-1879).
Also serving in the war was Samuel’s oldest son, David “Walker” Beatty (1844-1863)—a member of Co. K, 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry. David’s letters to his mother may be found at the following URL—1861-62: David Walker Beatty to Susan (Walker) Beatty.
An extremely pious man, Samuel often urged his wife to pray for him such as the following passage: “Now I want you to always remember me in your prayers that I may not falter in well doing and that I may be preserved from evil and sin of every kind. That I may be prepared to stand my lot and always be found at my post let that be what it may.” Tragically, Samuel never returned home from the war. He died at the Union Hotel Hospital in Georgetown on 18 January 1863 from wounds that he received in action at the Battle of Fredericksburg on 13 December 1862. Likewise, Samuel’s son Walker died in a Georgetown hospital less than a month later on 7 February 1863 and was interred at the Soldier’s Home Cemetery (Grave 3344).
September 14th 1862—Sabbath. It is a fine morning. All is quiet. There is no stir. I am on guard and feel well. There was an order read on dress parade last evening that caused some murmuring from some of the men. It was about stragglers on the march. It seemed a little hard but I think it was all right.
September 15th—Monday. All is quiet in our locality. I am well. Came off guard, cleaned up in from our quarters and moved our tents. Had brigade drill. Got orders after dark to march. Marched five miles and bivouacked for the night. All well and in good spirits.
September 16th—Tuesday. On the march at four. I am well and feel in good spirits. Marched six miles without stopping. It went hard. We stopped at seven. Good news. Lay two hours at Tenleytown . On the march again and went through Rockville two miles. Camped for the night.
September 17th—Wednesday. Up at five. It rained last night. On the march, it is muddy and it is hard marching. Went through Poolesville two miles and camped for the night. Saw no Rebs yet. I am well and in good spirits.
Sample of Samuel’s handwriting—quite legible though the pencil is smudged a little in places.
September 18th—Thursday. Up and got breakfast for a march at seven. Did not march till near noon. Marched to the Potomac near Balls Bluff. Camped for the night.
September 19th—Friday. Still at the river doing nothing today. I am well and feel stiff and my feet and legs are very much swelled and I can hardly walk.
September 20th—Saturday. I am well and it is pleasant . Went on picket this afternoon. It is a pleasant place to do duty. There is no danger, My feet and legs are better.
September 21st—Sabbath morning. Still on picket. It does not seem much like the Sabbath. I am well and feel thankful.
September 22—Monday. All quiet. I am well and in good spirits. Company drill. In the evening regimental drill. Nothing else of interest.
September 23rd—Tuesday. It is a very pleasant [morning]. Rain in the afternoon. All is moving on in the same quiet way. We are doing nothing but picket and drill.
September 24th—Wednesday. It is fair and warm. Nothing of interest today. Moved our camp today. Nothing else.
September 25th—Thursday. The same monotony of camp life. Officer drill, the squad drill, the officer, then company drill. At three, regimental [drill].
September 26th—Friday. I am well and in good spirits. The same drill as yesterday. Nothing new or interesting.
September 27th—Saturday. Drill in the forenoon. No regimental drill this afternoon, I am well.
September 28th—Sabbath. Had inspection as usual, then preaching in the evening. Prayer meeting. We had a very nice time of it. I am well and feel thankful to God for His goodness and mercy to me thus far and I still am willing to trust Him.
September 29th—Monday. Still in the same camp. All quiet. The same drill as usual. I am well.
September 30th—Tuesday. We are all well in the same camp. Nothing new today.
October 1, 1862—Wednesday. It looks like rain this morning. Cleared about noon. The usual drill. Got orders to be ready to march at any time. Went to bed and slept all night.
October 2nd—Thursday. The usual morning drill at ten and a half o’clock. Started for Leesburg. Waded the Potomac for the first time and went on to Leesburg and saw no Rebs.
October 3rd—Friday. All is quiet. The usual drill. I am well. Feel nothing the worse of the wade.
October 4th—Saturday. It is still today. The usual morning drill. On guard this afternoon. Rain this evening. It has been very dry here this summer. The farmers say it has not rained any worth naming for four months.
October 5th—Sabbath morning. It is quite cool and fresh. I am well. We had preaching at ten. Had a very good sermon.
October 6th—Monday. I am not very well. Not on duty today. Not much going on.
October 7th—Tuesday. Got the ague. Feel bad. Not on duty. All is quiet. Nothing of interest.
For those unfamiliar with the word “ague,” it was the early-day name for what we now know as malaria. It is marked by paroxysms of chills, fever, and sweating that recur at regular intervals which were called “shakes.”
October 8th—Wednesday. Still sick. All is quiet. I had a shake today and feel bad.
October 9th—Thursday. All as usual. On drill. I am still off duty. Col. Campbell came back this evening.
October 10th—Friday. It rained some today. It is quite cold. Nothing of interest.
October 11th—Saturday. Drew soft bread today. I am some better. Got orders to march this evening. Marched out to Poolesville. Camped for the balance of the night.
October 12th—Sabbath morning. Up and got breakfast. Got orders to fall in on the march at ten. Marched out on pursuit of some Rebel cavalry. Tramped around all day but did not see any. Got back to Poolesville about 12 at night. It rains. We lie down without shelter for the night. It was a hard day for me.
October 13th—Monday. Fixed up our quarters today. It is still wet and cold. Nothing of interest. I am better.
October 14th—Tuesday. Still in the same place. I am well today. Drill as usual. Nothing of special interest.
October 15th—Wednesday. The same monotony of camp life. I am well, thanks to God for His mercies to me.
October 16th—Thursday. We are in the same camp yet and the usual drill. I am well. Nothing of interest.
October 17th—Friday. Got orders to be ready for a march at any minute. Did not go. I am well.
October 18th—Saturday. At 9 the assembly was sounded and ordered to pack up for a march. On the march. Marched about four miles and camped for the night.
October 19th—Sabbath. In the same place. Had preaching. It looks like rain. Had prayer meeting in the evening.
October 20th—Monday. Went on picket this morning along the Potomac. Nothing new but an invention to grind corn to make mush. We took old plates and pushed holes in the bottom and made first rate meal.
October 21st—Tuesday. Still on picket at the same place. Our men killed two hogs last night but I got none. Nothing of interest. All is quiet.
October 22nd—Wednesday. I went to camp this morning and fixed up our tents again. We can soon pitch tents now, we have done it so often.
October 23rd—Thursday. There is nothing worthy of note except Brigade drill.
October 24th—Friday. All is quiet along the line. We have the usual drill. I am on guard today.
October 25th—Saturday. Still at the same camp. There was one of our company went home to recruit. Nothing else of interest.
October 26th—Sabbath. This is the day the Lord has made. He calls the house His own but it does not seem much like it here. Eleven, raining this morning and we had no inspection nor preaching.
October 27th—Monday. We had orders to be ready to cross the Potomac this morning but it rained and stormed so the order was countermanded and we are still in the old camp yet.
October 28th—Tuesday. Got orders to be ready to move at daylight. All ready but no orders to move came. At nine, we are still in camp. Started on the march at 11 o’clock. Went down to the Potomac and waded it the second time. The water was very cold. We got across without any accident. Marched about one mile and camped for dinner. All is quiet yet. Stayed all night.
October 29th—Wednesday. Short of rations. Still in the same camp yet. The muster rolls came today. On guard today. Got rations today. Nothing else of note.
October 30th—Thursday. Still in the same place yet. All is quiet yet nothing new or of interest.
October 31st—Friday. Mustered for pay this morning at seven. Then packed up for a march. Lat round till twelve. Marched to Leesburg. Went on picket about three miles beyond. I was very tired. Lay down and sleep very well.
November 1, 1862—Saturday. All is quiet along the line. I am well. Still on picket. Got orders to be ready for a march. There is heavy firing to the southwest. Lay all day under arms this evening. Marched some twelve miles. Passed through Mt. Gilead about three miles and stopped for the night.
November 3rd—Monday. Moved about one mile and pitched tents. Got orders to move. Started about nine at night and marched about eight or ten miles, then bivouacked for the night.
November 4th—Tuesday. Moved on about three miles and stopped till the next morning. The Brigade foraged fresh meat and everything that they wanted.
November 5th—Wednesday. Started on the march at nine for Manassas Gap. Went through Middleborough and White Plains and on through Salem about one mile and camped fr the night. It is cold and disagreeable. Met no enemy yet but it is said that we [are] within five miles of them.
November 6th—Thursday morning. All is quiet. I am well but my feet and legs are sore marching. We are about one mile from Salem. Got orders to march towards Warrenton. Up one hill and down another. Nothing of interest.
November 7th—Friday. On the march at seven. Went about five miles and camped. It snowed for the first time this fall. It was pretty cold in our little tents.
November 8th—Saturday morning. It is still cold. Moved about one-quarter of a mile and camped for the night. It is a very rough country here. I am well and have reason to be thankful.
November 9th—Sabbath. It is still cold at night but pleasant today. We had inspection and preaching. All is quiet. I am well.
November 10th—Monday. Still in the same camp. Short of rations but we are in hopes of getting some before we get very hungry. The rations came at noon. Got orders to pack up for a move. Started, crossed a branch of the Rappahannock about two miles and camped for the night.
November 11th—Tuesday. It is clear and cold. All is quiet. I am well. [My son] Walker came to see me and gave me a shirt. Still in the same place yet but I do not think we will stay long. Have nothing of interest.
November 12th—Wednesday. There is a move on foot this morning. It looks like a backward movement. The cavalry is all going back and we are all ready for a move somewhere. Went back across the Rappahannock to our old camp.
Warrenton, Virginia
November 13th—Thursday. I am well. Went to Warrenton today with the teams to get forage but got none. It has been quite a nice town but it looks rather desolate now of everybody but soldiers and teams. It shows plainly the ravages of war.
November 14th—Friday. In camp today doing nothing. I am well as usual. There is nothing new or interesting.
November 15th—Saturday. Got orders to pack up for a move. Already. Moved about half a mile and camped for the night.
November 16th—Sabbath morning. It is rather cold but we are used to all kinds of weather. Got orders to be ready to march at half past eight. All ready and on the march. Went past Warrenton about two miles and camped for the night.
November 17th—Monday. On picket this morning. Ordered at five and a half o’clock to march. Lay around till eleven. It is raining this morning on this march. Went about six miles and camped for the night. We passed through Unionville.
November 18th—Tuesday. The bugle blew for roll call at three. Up and got breakfast at four. All ready for a march. Lay around till about nine, then started . It is raining and the roads are slippery. Went through Morrisville and camped for the night. Nothing of interest. No enemy.
November 19th—Wednesday. Up at three again but did not start till about nine. The road is some muddy. Marched about six miles. I am well. Nothing new. We are about twenty miles from Fredericksburg. It rained today. Camped for the night.
November 20th—Thursday. It is still wet. We did not move today. I am well. It is very disagreeable in camp. There is noting of interest.
November 21st—Friday. Still raining. We are in the same camp yet. Had inspection. There is nothing beyond the usual monotony of a wet day in camp.
“There is several of our regiments nearly barefooted and almost destitute of clothing of all kinds but still they are cheerful and willing to do their duty. The most of them have over drawn but are not able to carry them on the long and hard marches and they threw them away.”
— Samuel B. Beatty, 57th Pennsylvania Vols., 22 November 1862
November 22nd—Saturday. Got orders to be ready to march at seven. On the march at eight. There is several of our regiments nearly barefooted and almost destitute of clothing of all kinds but still they are cheerful and willing to do their duty. The most of them have over drawn but are not able to carry them on the long and hard marches and they threw them away. We went on the road towards Fredericksburg till within four miles of Falmouth, then turned to the left and went about nine miles and camped for the night.
November 23rd—Sabbath. We are still in the same place and no sign of moving. Fixed around all day to suit our officers. Got no time for thought or meditation.
November 24th—Monday. I am well. We are in the same camp and are short of rations. Some of our boys think it hard but we got them this evening.
November 25th—Tuesday. All is right at this time. I am in good health. Got no clothes yet. Some of our boys are barefooted and almost naked and no sign of clothing.
November 26th—Wednesday. Still in the same place doing nothing.
November 27th—Thursday. We have plenty of rations now. All in good spirits. Still in the old camp. Had General Review by General Stoneman. Nothing else of note.
November 28th—Friday. Regimental drill at 10. Brigade drill at 2. All is quiet. I am well.
November 29th—Saturday. The same drill as yesterday in the morning. In the afternoon. Nothing of interest. I am still in good health.
November 30th—Sabbath. Regimental inspection by Col. Campbell. Then preaching. I am in good health. Nothing else of interest.
December 1, 1862—Monday. The usual sameness of camp life.
December 2nd—Tuesday. Moved camp today. We have a very nice place now. We have inspection every day at 1 o’clock. Nothing else of interest till the eleventh [when] we broke our camp and marched towards Fredericksburg. At five we were woke up by the boom of the cannon. The bombardment has commenced. It continued at intervals all day. In the evening the town was surrendered to our army and General Sumner made his headquarters in it. Tonight our Division did not cross the [Rappahannock] river but camped in the woods near the railroad. I saw [my son] Walker. He is quite sick.
December 12th—Friday morning. Still in camp. All is quiet. At ten there was some cannonading but no general fight yet.
[no more entries]
The following is a description of the 57th Pennsylvania Volunteers at the Battle of Fredericksburg taken from the regimental history (Chapter VI):
At Warrenton the army encountered the first snowfall of the winter, the morning reveille waking the sleeping host covered with an extra blanket of purest whiteness. Our march to the Rappahannock was without further incident of note. On November 25th we arrived upon the heights overlooking the ancient city of Fredericksburg sleeping in the river valley, beyond which rose Marye’s heights and the range of wooded hills, on whose slopes was marshaled our old foe, interrupting our further advance upon the Confederate capital. Here the army pitched its winter camp. Many of the quarters were built quite substantial and comfortable. The messes of five and six, cut and split the soft pine indigenous to that region, constructing therewith log cabins roofed with their shelter tents. Many of these cabins were fitted up quite tastefully, having open fire places and bunks erected against the walls which were supplied with pillows and mattresses of the resinous pine needles covered with army blankets, making very comfortable beds, at least quite luxurious to men who had enjoyed nothing better than the ground, or the soft side of a plank, for a year past. But from this dream of peace and comfort we were soon to be rudely wakened. In the early twilight of the morning of December 11th, the guards that paced their lonely beats about the silent camps were startled by the sudden boom of a signal gun, its deep reverberations up and down the river valley giving warning to friend and foe that a strife for the possession of yonder steeps was soon to begin. For a moment silence followed this signal and then from the hundred brazen throats of the batteries that lined the crest of the hills on the north side flashed sheets of flame amid deafening roar and scream of shot and shell, that brought every sleeper to his feet. The deep notes of the heavier ordnance, mingled with the rifle crack of the lighter parrotts; the whizzing of shot and screaming shells, the path of the latter marked by burning fuse, presented a scene grand and awe-inspiring beyond description. It was war’s magnificent prelude to the fiercer music of the clash of a hundred thousand muskets to follow. By daylight, camps were broken, knapsacks packed, and marching columns were pouring forward toward the river where the batteries continued to play and pile their smoke in thick banks along the crest of the hills. All day long we sat about our campfires in our dismantled quarters waiting the order to move, but none came and darkness found us replacing our shelters for another night’s rest in our accustomed berths. During the afternoon of the 12th our corps, the 3d, marched to the extreme left of the line and bivouacked for the night in a piece of woodland overlooking the river. The next day, the 13th, we retraced our steps, halting just before noon at a point where we had a magnificent panoramic view of the river, town and field, and down into the valley, where could dimly be seen through the river mists the long lines of blue with flying colors waiting the command to storm the wooded heights beyond. Judged by the character of our movements it looked as though we were to be spectators of the struggle about to open. In the line of battle our place properly would be with Hooker’s grand division, which occupied the center, but instead we were on the extreme left in support of Franklin. In this, however, we were mistaken. About 12 o’clock the bugles sounded and the order to fall in passed along the line, and without further delay the long line of the 3d corps wound down the hill, crossed the river on the lower pontoon bridge and from thence marched directly out upon the plain to the front line of battle. That the hour to strike for the possession of yonder wooded slopes, occupied by the veterans of Jackson, had come was evident to all. From our right came the crash and long roll of musketry, telling us that Hooker was crowding the enemy in his front and we should not long be idle. Soon Randolph’s and other batteries in our front and on our flanks began to feel for the enemy in the woods to our front. As we stood intently watching the effect of the bursting shells a stream of smoke shot out from a clump of trees and brush to our left center, and an instant later a shell whizzed wickedly over our heads. The enemy’s cover was now revealed and on this piece of woodland the fire of every gun in our batteries were concentrated. For a time he replied with vigor, sending shot for shot. The voice of Colonel Campbell rang out above the din: “Lie down.” We waited not a second order, but quickly and closely embraced our mother earth. Soon explosion followed explosion in quick succession within the enemy’s lines. A shot from one of our guns had penetrated one of their caissons and now their own exploding ammunition was doing its deadly work, and silencing their only battery in position to do us immediate harm. Now is the time to charge the heights! The Pennsylvania Reserves are chosen for the hazardous task. In three lines, with arms at a right shoulder shift, they advanced at a quick step. What a magnificent spectacle! Not a man falters, but shoulder to shoulder they move across the plain in perfect alignment. At the railroad in the edge of the woods they encounter the enemy, who pour into their ranks a withering fire. With a cheer they spring forward and press back the foe. Soon they are lost to view amid the scrub pine, their location only known by the curling smoke from their pieces and their cheers as they ascend the hill. Over half way to the summit the second line of the enemy is encountered. Again a galling fire is poured into their faces, but still they cheer and press on. Down in the valley we stand anxiously, but idly watching the now desperate and unequal contest our comrades of the Old Keystone are waging. They are brothers, friends and neighbors to many, if not all of us. A half mile intervenes between them and us. We know we are not in supporting distance. Our impatience overcomes our discipline to wait the word to advance. Shouts are being heard all along the line: “Why are not the Reserves being supported?” We know too keenly that they must yield to the overpowering odds against them unless reinforced at once!
“Battalion, right face, forward, file left, march!” rings out clear from the colonel’s lips. The men are quick to obey, and we move more rapidly to the front. “By company, half wheel! Forward into line on first company!” The movement was executed with alacrity. “Forward, guide right.” We pressed forward with quick step toward the woods from which was now emerging the broken lines of the Reserves, not in panic, but resolutely disputing, as best they could, every step. A drainage ditch from three to four feet deep, grown up in many places with a tangle of briers, extended along our front and parallel with the railroad at the foot of the hills. Into this we were ordered in the hope that by its protection we could stay the enemy’s countercharge. The Reserves were still in our front and to deliver an effective fire was impossible. Orders to fall back were given, but in the din of battle were unheard or unheeded, and many who attempted the retreat were left dead or wounded on the field. The enemy swarmed out of the woods in our front without order or alignment, giving but little heed to the ditch, springing over the heads of its occupants in their mad rush for our batteries. There was not time for the gunners to debate the question of the safety of their comrades in their front if they would save their batteries, and possibly the day to our cause. They poured volley after volley of grape and cannister into the advancing enemy, each discharge mowing great swathes in their ranks. It was more than human flesh could bear and soon they were in full retreat for the cover of the woods, and thus ended, so far as the 57th was concerned, the battle of Fredericksburg. In this short encounter, possibly lasting ten minutes, the losses of the regiment were fearful, considering the number engaged. Out of 316 men in line, 21 were killed, 76 wounded and 78 missing, 54 of whom were prisoners, 55.38 per cent of the whole force engaged! Among the wounded was Colonel Campbell, who fell pierced with three balls; Captain Strohecker, and Surgeon Kennedy. During the 14th the remnant of the regiment acted as provost guard to gather up stragglers until evening, when we were again placed in the front line, where we remained until the night of the 15th. During the 15th a truce was declared for the burial of the dead, and removal of the wounded; the ghastly sequel of the battle that robs it of its glory and drowns the acclaims of the victors in the tears of the widowed and sobs of the orphans. During the night of the 15th our army withdrew to the north side of the river, leaving the Confederates the practical victors on the fiercely contested field. The 57th, with shattered ranks, reoccupied its old quarters, the empty tents and broken messes being sad reminders of the horrors of war, and the uncertainty of the soldier’s term of life. Thus closed the second year of the war, and the first of service of the 57th regiment for the preservation of the Union, amid scenes of discomfiture, defeat and gloom.
I could not find an image of Samuel but this long lanky soldier probably bore some resemblance to him. Samuel’s tall, slim figure and dark hair no doubt made him appear younger than his actual years. (Megan Kemble Collection)
This diary was kept by Samuel Brown Beatty (1818-1863) of Co. E, 57th Pennsylvania Infantry. Samuel was 44 years old when he enlisted as a private in October 1861. At the time of his enlistment, he was described as a 5 foot 11 inch tall shoemaker with dark eye color and black hair. When he joined his comrades in arms, he left a wife—Susan M. (Walker) Beatty (1823-1899) and at least eight children in Delaware Grove, Mercer county, Pennsylvania. Samuel’s parents were Francis G. Beatty (1789-1872) and Isabella Williamson (1792-1879).
Also serving in the war was Samuel’s oldest son, David “Walker” Beatty (1844-1863)—a member of Co. K, 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry. David’s letters to his mother may be found at the following URL—1861-62: David Walker Beatty to Susan (Walker) Beatty.
An extremely pious man, Samuel often urged his wife to pray for him such as the following passage: “Now I want you to always remember me in your prayers that I may not falter in well doing and that I may be preserved from evil and sin of every kind. That I may be prepared to stand my lot and always be found at my post let that be what it may.” Tragically, Samuel never returned home from the war. He died at the Union Hotel Hospital in Georgetown on 18 January 1863 from wounds that he received in action at the Battle of Fredericksburg on 13 December 1862. Likewise, Samuel’s son Walker died in a Georgetown hospital less than a month later on 7 February 1863 and was interred at the Soldier’s Home Cemetery (Grave 3344).
April 8, 1861—Left home at two o’clock intending to go to Georgetown. The roads were so bad I thought best to go to the Oil. Got to Brownsville at six o’clock. Stayed all night with Mr. Kitch. Next morning started for Franklin by way of Waterloo. Arrived at Franklin half past eleven. Took dinner at the Lamberton House, then started for the Oil. Went up the two mile run. Stayed over night. Next morning started for Oil Creek. Arrived there at ten and a half o’clock. Started up the creek to see what could be seen. Arrived at McClintocksville at twelve. Got dinner. Started up the creek to the mouth of Cherry Tree Run. Went up the run about eighty rods. Saw what was to be seen. There is land to be leased on that run for one hundred dollars per acre, the third of the oil. Started back for the mouth of the creek. Arrived there at five o’clock. Stopped at Mr. Thomas’s Hotel. Stayed there till next morning. Started up the creek again looking around awhile. Came back to the tavern, got dinner, and then started for Two Mile Run again. Arrived there at four. Stayed around till next morning. Went to work for Clark & Co. chopping wood Friday and Saturday.
April 14th—Sabbath morning. Contemplate going to preaching. The morning is rather dull and cloudy but God is ever good and kind to me notwithstanding my waywardness. Still His grace is sufficient for me. Went to preaching. Heard a sermon by a young man from Job 30:23, “For I know thou wilt bring me to death the house appointed for all living.” The sermon was a running discourse on the certainty of death and its consequences. It brought me to contemplate my later end and examine my prospect for a happy death and glory and immortality beyond. I feel like praising God for my hope of eternal life and blessedness beyond the grave.
Monday, April 15—Went and turned till eight o’clock, then went to chopping wood. Cut and racked three cords that day before sundown.
April 16, 1861—Went to work quarrying stone for Mr. Lundy till noon. Then went to Franklin and it snowed like everything and such roads I never did see. Got back about dark.
17th—Wednesday morning. Snowed five inches deep. Went to fixing up an [ ] to go to chopping but it is rather bad day for work but it is a first rate day for loafing. Went to work at nine and put up two cords and a half that day.
18th—Thursday. It still snows but not so bad as the day before. Cut wood all that day. Cut two cords and a half of engine wood and was pretty tired again night.
19th—Friday morning. It still snows. Wrote a letter to my wife and children and then went to see the burning well on the creek and it was the greatest sight that I have seen. In the first place, it burnt for two rods around at least and the smoke looks like a cloud. It can be seen for miles.
Editor’s Note: An oilfield tragedy occurred on 17 April 1861 when a highly pressurized well’s geyser of oil explodes in flames on the Buchanan Farm at Rouseville, killing the well’s owner and more than a dozen bystanders. Sometimes called “Oil Well Fire Near Titusville” but more accurately, Rouseville, the early oilfield tragedy was overshadowed by the greater tragedy of the firing on Fort Sumer. The well spouted furiously for many hours, and the column of flame extended often two and three hundred feet in height, the valley being shut in, as it were, by a dense and impenetrable canopy of overhanging smoke. Fifteen persons were instantly killed by the explosion of the gas, and thirteen others scarred for life.[Source: Rouseville 1861 Oil Well Fire]
20th—Saturday. Worked for Mr. Lundy at stone works and it wore my hands to the quick.
Sabbath morning, April 21st—This calm beautiful and serene [day], my thoughts are in unison with the morning. Contemplate going to preaching. Went to church and heard a sermon from a local preacher of the Methodist Church from first John 4: 1st verse. “Beloved, believe not every spirit but by the spirits whether they be of God.”
22nd—Monday. Went to work for Mr. Clark at chopping and picking brush. Nothing particular that day.
23rd—Went to work for Lundy & Co. at masoning and carpentering preparing for setting their engine. Think considerable of home.
“Nothing special beyond the usual events of labor and toil incident to oil life. Business is very dull on the run at present. The war absorbs the attention of almost every person.”
— Samuel Brown Beatty, 24 April 1861
24th—Wednesday morning. Went to work for Lundy but it is so wet that we did not work long. Cleared up soon. Went to work again the rest of the week for him. Nothing special beyond the usual events of labor and toil incident to oil life. Business is very dull on the run at present. The war absorbs the attention of almost every person.
The next week work for Clark again and the work sets pretty hard on me. My hands are sore and my arms are stiff but still enjoy pretty good health.
Sabbath, May 5th—This morning is beautiful but it seems that we have no sabbath here for while I write, I hear the sound of the harness and the noise of the men at work…
May 7th—Went to work for Mr. Hock at turning the drill. It is a new business to me and it goes rather awkward but it is not hard work. Think I can stand to work at it. Get a dollar a day and board myself. Get board for two dollars and a half a week.
Sabbath, May 12th—This morning I am at the house of an Irish Catholic. Taken boarding for a short time. Read some Catholic papers and periodicals. Saw some good pieces and some rather objectionable but the women are as most people. They are clean and good cooks so that I live very comfortable considering I’m not at home.
Sabbath, May 19th—This morning got up at seven and took breakfast. Feel very lonesome. Wish I was at home to spend the day with wife and children. It is hard to spend the day without good book or good people to converse with on God’s Holy Day but still I can examine with my own thoughts…
[Here the diary entries stop until after Samuel has enlisted in the 57th Pennsylvania Volunteers.]
Thursday, October 17, 1861—Left for Mercer to go to Camp Griffith to join the regiment for the war. I felt very sorry about it but I felt it to be my duty to go. I left Mercer on the 18th for Camp Curtin. Arrived there on the 19th. Pitched my tent on the same day. On the Sabbath, went to preaching. On Monday, fooled around and did not do much. On Tuesday, moved into tents and policed the grounds. Thought a good deal about home. Still I am content and do the best that I can and put my trust in God to guide me in the path of duty.
October 23—Nothing new but the drill which is not hard work. Had a little touch of the dysentery. It did not last long.
October 24th—I am well today and am able to drill thanks be to God for His goodness to me, unworthy though I am.
October 25th—This day wrote a letter to my neice Lou and then went to squad drill for an hour. Then into company drill for an hour and a half, then went to dinner. It rained and then we went to drill again in the afternoon. This morning, changed quarters. Slept very well.
October 26th—Saturday morning. This day on guard for the first time. I feel well in my mind this morning thanks to the goodness of God for keeping me staid on Him amidst temptations. I can still say that I will leave unto thee, my Savior and my King. This afternoon wrote a letter to my beloved wife and children. Then went on guard again/
October 27th—Sabbath morning. Came off guard at 5. Went to bed till breakfast. Got up and washed and eat, then went to my tent and had prayer with Mr. W____ from Jamestown. We had a very good time of it. We had the presence of the spirit of God to view in our hearts with love towards Him. At ten, went to preaching. Came back and got dinner and then wrote a letter to my Father. At three went to preaching again. At six went to prayer meeting and we had a very pleasant time of it. The gracious presence of God’s spirit was shone to warm our hearts.
October 28th—Monday morning. Arose at five. It is a beautiful morning. Got breakfast at six. Fell alright this morning. Roll call at half past seven. Nothing new this day but usual dress parade and drill. Roll call at eight; went to bed.
October 29th—Tuesday morning. Got up at five. it is clear and a little frost. It was pretty cold last night but it is pleasant today. Went on guard at nine. Nothing new till evening when some of the boys raised a row but it passed off and no harm done. There was a man shot on guard tonight.
October 30th—Wednesday. Feel sleepy. There is no drill this morning and we had no drill till evening when we had Dress Parade and then company drill. The new recruits came in about 7. Went to bed about nine. Slept very well.
October 31st—Thursday morning up at five. Considerable [ ] in them recruits. We attached ourselves to the [ ] Grey’s, Capt. [James B.] Moore.
November 1, 1861—This day went to Harrisburg and was mustered into the United States service and seen the town. Came back to camp and then we dragged our overcoats. On guard today. It rained the most of the night.
November 2nd—It is still wet and it is cold and disagreeable. I begin to taste the sweets of a soldier’s life and it’s not very pleasant. Today I think a good deal about how my wife and children is getting along but I can still resign all unto the hand of an all-wise God to take care of them.
November 3rd—Sabbath morning. It is more pleasant this day than it was yesterday. We had prayer in our tent this morning and enjoyed myself very well. It is pleasant to read the bible and join in worship with those that have God.
November 4th—Monday. This day on guard. There is nothing of importance going on in the camp today. We had some fun to keep the soldiers breaking guard.
November 5th—Tuesday. Came off guard this morning. Sleepy. This day got our uniforms—one coat, pants, 2 shirts, 2 pair of drawers, two pair of socks, one pair of shoes. Nothing new this day.
November 6th—Monday morning. Got up at five and went to the commissary and got our rations for the day. It is raining this morning and we have no wood in the camp today and cannot get any. Have to burn coal and it is very cold but it is not our Colonel’s fault for he has not the command of the camp.
November 7th—Thursday. This day on guard. It is pleasant but cold. We are better supplied with wood today. I feel well thanks be to God for his goodness and mercy to me.
November 8th—Friday. Came off guard this morning. Feel well and enjoy camp life very well. I would like to see Susan and the children but have not repented coming yet. Our captain is the officer of the day and no drill today.
November 9th—Saturday. Camp police today. Nothing new today.
November 10th—Sabbath. This is a beautiful day. Went to preaching at ten. Had an excellent sermon by a young man from Pittsburgh. I feel to enjoy the presence of God this day in my heart. I am on guard today.
November 11th—Monday. Came off guard this morning. It is raining this morning but it cleared up at noon and it is warm and clear. Nothing new today.
November 12th—Tuesday. It is clear this morning. Up at five o’clock. Got breakfast at six and then went to the commissary for our rations. I am well and feel to rejoice in God, my Savior. Some grumbling about the rations but I feel satisfied with mine.
November 13th—Wednesday. Up at five. Feel well this morning. It is a beautiful day. We are moving our tents and policing our grounds and I am guarding our stuff. It is noon and no sign of dinner yet. Got dinner and put up our tent. Felt tired. Mr. Forrest looks sick today.
November 14—Thursday. Got up at five. Roll call at six. Then breakfast. Mr. Forrest no better. Called the doctor to see him. On guard today. Nothing new today. 35 of our men on guard tomorrow.
November 15—Friday. It snowed some last night for the first this fall here and it was wet and cold all day. Mr. Forrest is no better.
November 16—Saturday. Cold and windy today. Mr. Forrest is no better. Took him to the hospital and I stayed with him all day and night. Think he is better.
November 17th—Sabbath. It is still cold and windy. I think Mr. Forrest is a little better this morning. There is about twenty-five in the hospital and some of them is very bad. Nothing new in camp this morning.
November 18th—Monday. This morning is clear and more calm. With Mr. Forrest in the hospital all day. Thanks be to God, I am well and can still say that my trust is in Him for his mercy endureth forever.
November 19th—Tuesday. Still clear and beautiful. The air is refreshing. I am well and in good spirits. On guard today and wrote two letters—one to my wife and one to D. M. Beaty. Nothing of interest today.
November 20th—Wednesday. Came off guard this morning and feel sleepy and tired.
November 21st—Thursday. This is a fine day and there is nothing new of interest.
November 22nd—Friday. Still pleasant and warm but looks like [we are in] for a change. Company and regimental drill today.
November 23rd—Saturday. This morning it is raining and it is cold and disagreeable. On guard today. Cleared up at noon and was a fine evening.
November 24th—Sunday. This morning it is snowing and cold. There is no preaching in camp and it is hard to spend the Sabbath without some exercise.
November 25th—Monday. Got up at five. Stood around till breakfast and then went out on drill for an hour and then came and took dinner. Then regimental [drill] and after that dress parade.
November 26th—Tuesday morning up at five. Feel well. Morning drill and then went on guard at one. Nothing new.
November 27th—Wednesday. Sent to hunt for a deserter. Marched to the city and scouted around all day and did not find him. Came back tired. Got a bad cold.
November 28th—Thursday. Thanksgiving Day. No drill. Had a sermon today. Nothing of interest.
November 29th—Friday. Up at five. It is raining this morning. On guard today. Feel and realize the goodness of God in sparing my life and health this far notwithstanding my sins and folly. There was a death in our regiment last night and the funeral today.
November 30th—Saturday. Came off guard and this morning it is still wet and cold. Have the headache a little but feel well. Wrote a letter to A. Walker. Dress parade.
December 1st—Sabbath morning. Feel well today and it is cold. At noon it snowed. Had a sermon today by the chaplain. Did not hear much of it so could not enjoy the service.
December 2nd—Monday. Up at five. It is cold and frosty. Got breakfast. Was ordered to go to the city for two of our men that broke guard. Did not find them. Had regimental drill.
December 3rd—Tuesday. On guard. Today has been the coldest day that has been this fall. It froze hard. One of our regiment died today, the second death of our men.
December 4th—Wednesday. This day is some warmer. Nothing of interest but regimental drill.
December 5th—Thursday. Up at five. Regimental drill in the morning, at two, company drill, at four Dress Parade. Felt tired.
December 6th—Friday. This is a fine day. Usual drill and then our Colonel marched us out and marched us down to the river and then we got our dinner. Company drill and dress parade.
December 7th—Saturday. This is a very foggy day and the usual regimental drill and then we got our position in the regiment. we have the right center.
December 8th—Sabbath. Up at sun. Roll call at seven. Got breakfast and then wrote a letter and then went to church and back and closed a letter to my wife. Nothing else of importance till evening prayers and then went to bed.
[One week’s entries are missing]
[December 14th—Saturday] ….ton was all night on the road.
December 15th–Sunday. Got to Baltimore after a long and rough ride. I think that the government ought to provide better transportation for her troops. We got dinner there and then started for Washington. We had a slow and cold time of it. Got there about half past nine. Stayed there all night.
December 16th—Monday morning. Got breakfast and then started for Camp Allegheny. Got there and pitched our tents and slept on the ground.
December 7th—Tuesday morning. Felt bad. Had the headache and some sore throat but not bad. Drill today.
[Editor’s note: Several days entries are skipped in Samuel’s diary at this point. The regiment set up its camp on the Bladensburg Pike, near the toll gate. Considerable sickness had prevailed before leaving Camp Curtin, and the exposure of the men on the journey, confined in box cars without fire, contributed to increase it. The new camp, unfavorably located on low wet ground, and the inclemency of the weather while there, caused a still further increase of the sick list, and several died.]
December 18th—Wednesday. Nothing new or of much interest in camp today. There was a report that there was one of our regiment shot last night.
December 19th—Thursday morning. On guard this day. Nothing of interest today but the nigger scrape which I know nothing about—only hearsay. But the Colonel had him drummed out of the camp and he pretended to be almost killed but he was not much hurt.
December 20th—Friday. We had no drill today and nothing of much interest. Feel some anxiety about the family at home but I am still resigned.
December 21st—Saturday. We spent this day in doing nothing but we spent the day somehow. I got a letter from S. Loveland today and was surprised to hear that I had written home that he had sold his men.
December 22nd—Sabbath. This morning up at six. Roll call, then review and inspection. Spent the rest of the day in our quarters reading in prayers before going to bed.
December 23rd—Monday. It is raining this morning and it is cold and spitting snow this evening. Cold and windy—it blew all night.
December 24th—Tuesday morning it is still cold and windy but it is clear. Lieutenant [William S.] Ebberman arrived from Camp Curtin with the sick and the Colonel left for home.
December 25th—Wednesday morning. This is Christmas Day. Up at five and got breakfast at seven. Guard today. Nothing new or of interest today. Wish I was at home to eat dinner with my wife and children.
December 26th—Thursday. Day after Christmas. It is wet and disagreeable. Got orders to move our camp today.
December 27th—Friday morning up at five and got breakfast. Moved our camp today.
December 28th—Saturday. The Colonel came back today and some of our sick. Got a letter from my wife today and it done more good than my dinner.
December 29th—Sabbath. Inspection today and then went to preaching and heard a good sermon by the chaplain. from Romans 6th Chapter and 23rd Verse; “The wages of sin is death” ad it was a very plain and practiced discourse—one that was calculated to touch the feelings of any sensible man.
December 30th—Monday. On guard today and it is only five days since I was on before but I will not complain but do my duty as a good soldier.
December 31st—Tuesday. Up and breakfast at six and we had a review and mustered for pay today by a United States officer and we expect to draw some pay soon. This is the last day of the year and it is a most delightful day, It is warm and pleasant and as clear as a summer’s day and we have had no snow here since we came.
1862
January 2nd—Thursday. This is a clear and cold day and I have a very bad cough but I am still able for duty, thanks be to God for his goodness and mercy to me.
January 3rd—Friday morning it is clear and cool but pleasant. We have not got our pay yet and we are all out of money and stationery and tobacco and such things as that.
January 4th—Saturday. This morning there is a little snow—the first that has been since we came here but it was but a shift.
January 5th—Sabbath. It is clear and beautiful this Holy day but we are under obligation yo desecrate the day by the order of our officers as we have review and inspection on the Sabbath only. But our Colonel says that it is an army regulation.
January 6th—Monday. Last night it snowed about two inches which was the first that we have had since we came here.
Assigned duty as Hospital Nurse
January 7th—Tuesday. It is still cold this morning but it is clear and it got pleasant about noon. Went to the hospital this afternoon as a nurse at twenty dollars a month but it is hard work to wait on the sick.
January 8th—Wednesday. In the hospital twelve hours and there was two discharged today and some are worse and some are improving. Nothing new.
January 9th—Thursday. This morning is wet and foggy but it cleared up at noon and was pleasant till night. In my ward till midnight.
January 10th—Friday. Up at eight and got breakfast at nine and then run down to the quarters. Came back and wrote a letter to my wife. Then went to the hospital till twelve at night. There is some sick boys there but the most of them are better.
January 11th—Saturday. Up at seven. Eat at eight. Then went over to the hospital and seen the boys. Then went to the quarters. We got new guns today. Nothing else of interest. Clear today.
January 12th—Sunday. This is the day the Lord has made but it is not kept here as if it was the Sabbath. There is 16 in this morning and they was doing pretty well but I have thought this day of the goodness of God in sparing me thus far.
January 13th—Monday. It is cold and windy this morning and there was four brought to the hospital today and four left—two discharged and two sent to the General Hospital.
January 14th—Tuesday. The snow is about two inches deep this morning and it still snows but it quit about ten. I am in the hospital at noon and the boys are all better but two.
January 15th—Wednesday. It sleeted last night and froze on the snow and it rained today and froze. All day in the hospital as nurse. Two went to the city hospital. I feel well and I thank God for it.
January 16th—Thursday. It has cleared up this morning and it looks pleasant. I sleep about five hours a day now since I came to the hospital but my health is good, thanks be to God for it.
January 17th—Friday. wrote a letter to my niece Lori this morning. In the hospital at twelve. There was three sent to the city and the boys are all better. I feel well and in good spirits.
January 18th—Saturday. This morning it rains and is very muddy. I am still in the hospital and my health is good, thanks be to God for his mercy and goodness to me. I can still put my trust in thee.
January 19th—Sabbath morning. It is still wet and muddy. Up at seven and then got breakfast. Went into the hospital to see the boys. Wrote a letter to my wife. Then took dinner and went to the hospital. Nothing of interest. The men are all better.
January 20th—Monday. It is still wet and muddy. I feel pretty well this morning and the boys are all doing as well as can be expected. Walker came to see me today and he looks well and hearty.
January 21st—Tuesday. This day do not feel very [well]. I have a sore neck and I am very chilly and cold but hope.
January 22nd—Wednesday. Not any better but worse. I rubbed it with volatile ligament & still it is sore and my head aches and I feel very drowsy. Took some pills and went to bed.
January 23rd—Thursday morning. I am some better and hope that I will not be sick. Able to take my turn in the hospital again this afternoon and got along very well.
January 24th—Friday. I am well this morning and able for duty and my neck is better and I hope now that I am not going to have a sick spell, thanks be to God for His loving kindness and tender mercy to me notwithstanding my sins and shortcomings.
January 25th—Saturday. It sleeted and froze all night. This morning the ice and snow is about two inches deep. I am well and in the hospital. It is a pretty good place now for the sick now is quite comfortable. I got a letter today from my wife and a present of small piece of tobacco in it. I think the cost overrun the profit.
January 26th—Sabbath. Still at the hospital and we have more quiet times than at the quarters but still it is bad enough and it is hard to spend God’s Hole Day in such a place but still God is here as well as at home.
January 27th—Monday. It is warm and pleasant this morning. Still in the hospital and the most of the boys are doing well. Our pay has not come yet but the payroll is here for us to sign.
January 28th—Tuesday morning. It is raining and it is warm, just about like our March in Mercer county. I signed the payroll this morning but we did not get our pay today. I am well. It is near twelve at night on duty in the hospital.
January 29th—Wednesday. It is foggy and a mist falls this morning but it is warm. I am well and at the hospital. We got our pay today. Mine was $32.50 and it was very acceptable. Nine o’clock at night. On duty in the hospital and I think a great deal about home and my wife and children. Wonder how they are getting along but do not repine.
January 30th—Thursday morning. It is raining and very muddy. Went down to the quarters and heard that Lieutenant Cummings had fifty dollars stolen last night. I am well and able for my duty. I feel thankful for mercies past and willing to trust the same hand for time to come.
January 31st—Friday. This morning is more pleasant and I am in good health and spirits. Yesterday bought a watch for ten dollars. I am in the hospital and the boys are all doing well and it’s a good place and it is the place I believe for me where I can do the most good and I have the good will of all concerned—the doctors as well as men. I praise God that He has kept me thus far without sickness or pain of any kind. I have slept in the hospital for some nights past. Ten at night and still on duty.
February 1st—Saturday. The snow is about two inches deep but it is raining and the snow is melting fast. I am well and able for my rations. There was one of our company died yesterday in the City Hospital. He was about 60 years of age. Eight at night [and still] on duty and I still have reason to be thankful.
February 2nd—Sabbath morning. It is clear and beautiful. I thank God for his goodness and mercy to me through the week that is past and for the health that I enjoy at this time. I am in the same place yet. There is some curious case in th hospital but it takes all kinds of people to make a world. I spend my Sabbaths somehow but I can hardly tell how. We are doing nothing yet and it is so muddy that we cannot move or drill or do anything else. The most of the boys that are in my ward have had the mumps and taken cold. Mr. J. C. Brown was here today and I sent fifty dollars home to be deposited with Achse and Wick till I want to lift it.
February 3rd—Monday. It is snowing and it looks like winter. It snowed all day but the snow is only about three inches deep at night. There is nothing new in camp today. I am still in good health. It makes me think of home to see the snow. It makes me think about how my wife and children are getting along. I am in the hospital yet and I am glad that I have so good a place.
February 4th—Tuesday morning. It is clear and cool. Went down to the quarters and seem the company. Came back and wrote a letter to Walker and then eat dinner. In my ward again on duty and the boys are doing well.
February 5th—Wednesday. This is a clear morning and is pleasant for the time of year and was warm and pleasant all day. Nothing new today. I am well and on duty at the same place. I think that I will stay here as long as I can be useful.
February 6th—Thursday. This morning it is rainy and the snow is going away as fast as it can. Nine at night. I have just wrote a letter to Nancy Walker and I am on duty in the hospital. I have got so used to it that I do not get sleepy till about twelve o’clock,
February 7th—Friday. A fair day and I was down to the quarters and the boys are all well. The boys in the hospital are all getting along first rate. I wrote a letter to D. E. W. tonight and one today to Nancy Walker. I am well. Nothing new.
February 8th—Saturday. I am in good health, thanks to the giver of every good for health and every blessing that I enjoy. I am still with the hospital doing all that I can for the comfort of the sick. There is nothing of much importance going on at present. It is clear and warm today. I would like to be at home and spend the Sabbath with my family and enjoy one sweet day of rest.
February 9th—Sabbath. It is clear and pleasant this morning. I am in my usual health and still at the hospital yet and there is one discharged every day and about as many come as go. Noon in the hospital on duty. We have prayer here everyday by the chaplain, Mr. McAdam. He is a good man, I believe, and he labors hard for him but there is no Sabbath here or at least it looks like it. Men are at work chopping wood and teams hauling and companies out in full uniform with knapsacks on their back and guns on their shoulders for inspection. But still we have some time to think of God and his goodness.
[Editor’s note: The following three paragraphs in bold font are the only entries in the diary written in ink and they are written on pages out of chronological order with the rest of the diary. They were clearly written on Sunday, 9 February 1862, however, and I have inserted them here. These paragraphs are intended for his wife and I believe he must have mailed this diary home to her for safekeeping in mid-February when the diary entries stop.]
Sabbath night at ten o’clock. I am well and in the hospital on duty as a nurse and I think that Providence has opened up this place for me and I shall never shrink from any duty that I am called to perform if it falls in my power to do it. Before I came to the hospital our boys thought that it was certain death to go there but I am glad to say that there has not one died there since I went and there has been about fifty in there since I went there. Everything depends on good nursing and we have got good nurses in there now and the surgeon says that he is going to keep them.
We have prayers in the hospital every day by the chaplain so that we have some religious exercises but you would think that we were not much better than [ ] of heathen if you saw all that transpires here but still if we wish we can have some enjoyment. As long as I tented with my company, we had prayers in our tent every night and it is still kept up. We have some good men in our regiment adn there is some bad ones. We have got along very well so far. We have the name of being the quietest regiment that has been quartered in the District since the war commenced.
I have been scribbling some here and if you can read it, you can do more than I can. And I suppose that you will be tired of it before you get it read but if you do not think it worth reading, you can turn over to something better if you can find it and it is all about alike. I can talk a great deal better than write. You must excuse me for I write on my knee and am sleepy and nursing at the same time. — S. B. Beaty
February 10th—Monday morning. It is clear and frosty. Up at six and eat breakfast and went down to the quarters. They are going to have regimental drill—the first for a month, it has been so muddy. But it has dried up and it looks like April . It looks as if the winter was over. I am well and able for duty. I sold my watch for eleven dollars. The men are all doing well.
February 11th—Tuesday. It is cloudy this morning. There is nothing of interest here—only the drill and we are going to draw our new knapsacks and clothes. I am still in the hospital. I am well and I got a letter from J. A. Beaty today and it is snowing tonight but it is waning. I got a letter from Walker last night and he was well. The boys here are doing fine.
February 12th—Wednesday. It is clear and warm today. Returned my old knapsack and got a new one. I am well and doing as well as I can. It looks like spring.
February 13th—Thursday. This morning got a letter from William Lundy. The spring birds are singing and everything looks like as if winter was over. I am still in the hospital. Our camp is quite dry today. I am losing all my drill by being in the hospital but it may be best.
February 14th—Friday. It rained a little this morning and was cloudy all day and got cold towards evening. It was clear tonight. I am in my usual health. I am still at the same place and the health of the regiment is improving. We have a woman here as a cook now but it is not much of an improvement for it is still bread and meat and coffee or meat and coffee and bread. I think I shall never want any more coffee after I get home for I am so tired of it. Nothing new in camp today.
February 15th—Tuesday. It is snowing this morning and it looks as if it was going to be quite a snow. I am well at this time. We are still lying idle as a regiment and I do not think ever will do much. Then at night. I heard sleigh bells for the first time this evening. At ten we got orders this evening to cross the Potomac and report to General [Samuel P.] Heintzelman’s Headquarters near Alexandria.
February 16th—Sabbath morning. It is clear and pleasant and the snow is melting fast. At noon it is quite soft. It is about like some of our March snows in Mercer county.
According to newspaper articles published in December 1861, there were only four infantry regiments at Camp Curtin being raised at the time—the 57th Penn, the 101st Penn., the 54th Penn., and the 56th Penn. Only the first two of these were nearly full and about ready to be sent to the front. The only name of those mentioned in the letter than is recognizable is Lt. George Supplee who served as the 1st Lt. in Co. I, 57th Pennsylvania Infantry. I could not find any of the enlisted men’s names in this company, however. Perhaps their company was split up and reassigned to fill out the other companies. There was a Thomas Hamilton in Co. F, for example.
I could not make out the signature at the bottom of the second page—if in fact it is a signature.
Transcription
Camp Curtin [Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania] December 8th 1861
Dear Brother and Sister,
When I last wrote you I did not expect to address you again from Camp Curtin. The Colonel went to see the Governor and then he was ordered to remain in camp till each of his companies were filled to the number 83. We have now 11 companies in the regiment and by breaking up one, will fill the rest above that complement.
We were ordered out of camp yesterday and have to leave tomorrow afternoon or Tuesday. Where we are going, I don’t know, but will leave this week for certain. I have no particular news that would interest you. Since my last we had the painful duty of sending two corpses home out of our company and three out of the regiment. They were very rugged men when they first came. they all leave families behind them. It is still sickly. Five out of our company are in the hospital, two are dangerous, 12 others are unable to do duty.
Thomas Hamilton has been poorly for the last three weeks but is some better. [First] Lieut. George Supplee has had the quinsy. He took it the day after he came to camp, was very bad. He was taken to the city [and] is well now but looks slim after starving a week. Going home was the cause of it. The rest of us are well. Some are getting as fat as hogs. William Zah has gained 16 lbs. I have 8. So I suppose that you would not believe me if I did tell you that we did not get enough to eat. But a great many complain.
Last week William Zah and James Elbert and myself went in the mountains in pursuit of apples and persimmons. The latter I never heard of till I came to camp. They grow in the mountains and are cultivated by some of the farmers. They are larger than crab apples, are not good till they have been frozen once or twice. They they get very soft. They have a sweet taste. They are very delicious. The tree grows taller than the apple.
We saw the nicest farms and barns that I ever beheld. The barns look like some splendid mansions. Oh! but the farmers do hate the soldiers and not much wonder. Some of the soldiers draw more from the farmers than they do from Uncle Sam, particular in the line of chickens, turkeys, sheep, hogs, cabbage, potatoes, and all such dainties as these. But I must say to the credit of our company that they have not brought one thing into camp that was stole. But few can say that. Some of the boys boast that a rooster can’t crow within four miles of camp. Not infrequently will two or three boys of a company break guard and bring in 15 or 20 chicks and a couple of turkeys. It is diverting to hear some of the farmers tell their stories about the way they are treated by the soldiers. They told us “Dat when de come, we gives dem apples, and suppers, and den dey go away and steal mine chickens and gobblers already.” We got a good supper and were invited back.
We were all through the [illegible] the Capitol [of Harrisburg]. Oh! but this is a nice place. Here is where the rich and wealthy are buried. Monuments and tombstones are here that cost 4,000 dollars. We visited the Insane Asylum and was all through it. Oh! it would pay a man to go 200 miles to see this building. There are 258 inmates. Oh! but they are kept as nice and clean. No city hotel is kept nicer. They are very obliging. They do their washing by steam and heat the house the same way.
But I am spinning this longer than I intended. Simeon Cameron, Secretary of War, was in camp on yesterday and it is reported that he ordered this camp to be evacuated in two weeks on account of the sickness and that they need this camp in Kentucky more than here. I can’t vouch for the truth of this rumor but the Colonel has ordered us to be ready to [illegible].
Tombug? [illegible]
I will drop you a line when we stop. We have had very pleasant weather for the last week.
Spared & Shared 23 