Category Archives: Battle of Deserted House

11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Battle of Deserted House, Dix's Peninsula Campaign, Hanover Court House Raid, Suffolk, Virginia

1863-64 Diaries of Charles N. Walker, Co. F, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry

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This tintype of Pvt. William Harding of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry shows the uniform, the M1840 heavy cavalry saber, and the Colt M1860 revolver carried by its members. (The Civil War Image Shop)

The following pocket diaries were kept by Charles N. Walker (1842-1913) while serving in Co. F, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He served three years, from August 1861 to August 1864. He was the son of Delanis Walker and Catherine Keeney of Towanda county, Pennsylvania.

The 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry was organized at Philadelphia as an independent regiment, “Harlan’s Light Cavalry” originally. Most of the men serving in Co. F were recruited from Tioga county, Pennsylvania, or across the state border in upstate New York.

See also the 1863 Diary kept by Jared Fuller of Co. A, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. It was transcribed and published on Spared & Shared in May 2023.

Walker’s diaries are from the collection of Don Andrew and were made available for transcription and publication on Spared & Shared by express consent.

Transcription

January 1863

Tuesday, 1—Staid in camp all day. Was quite unwell.

Monday, 5—Went to the hospital sick.

Tuesday, 20—Drew five dollars sutler tickets. Bought this book, a portfolio cost one dollar. Am still in the hospital but able to go to town. Wrote to G. F. Ellison.

Wednesday, 21—Stayed around the hospital all day. Wrote to H. A. Guernsey. News of the capture of Arkansas Post and 3,000 prisoners. Wrote to Lydia Giles.

Thursday, 22–Rained nearly all day. Received a letter from Al and Annie Thompson. Wrote to Al. Phil Andrews came to the hospital today sick. No mail tonight.

Friday, 23—Bought a Waverly [Advocate] and read it all day, Nothing else to do. Am still in hospital. Eat 6 eggs for my supper and so did Paul Rimple and Bis[hop] Borden.

Saturday, 24—Received a letter from Em. Answered it and wrote Ike Townsbery. Went up to camp. Received an [Wellsboro] Agitator from Sate.

Sunday, 25—Received a letter from Juke. Answered it and wrote to W. E. Calkins. Stayed to the hospital all day. Very nice day. Enos Ackerly Co. He got a furlough for 20 days.

Monday, 26—Returned to camp today. Green, Co. D, 7th Confederate Cavalry was paroled and went away from the hospital.

Tuesday, 27—Signed the pay roll for four months pay. Rained nearly all day. Very muddy.

Wednesday, 28—Still rains. The paymaster did not come today but is expected tomorrow. It is raining very hard tonight. Coffee, rice, and bread and molasses for supper.

Thursday, 29—Went out on a scout at midnight and returned in the morning. Received pay at night. the whole regiment went out to fight the rebs.

Friday, 30—In camp all day. Fight going on at the Deserted House. Our troops come off victorious. All in camp.

Saturday, 31—Got my likeness taken. Very busy times about town. Greenbacks are plenty. Am on light duty yet. Received a letter from Em & Mother.

February 1863

Sunday, 1—Wrote a letter to Em. Went on company inspection. Got my likeness taken and sent it to Juke. Sent $5 to Ma.

Monday, 2—Went and saw J. Brady. he is well. Had an oyster supper. No news of importance.

Tuesday, 3—Snowed all night. Very cold. Went out on a scout to Holland Corners. Snow about 8 inches deep. No mail today. Rather tough scouting.

Wednesday, 4—Still very cold. Have sat by the fire all day. The snow has not yet gone off. Capt. gets leave of absence for 7 days. get me a pair of boots.

Thursday, 5—Capt. went home today. Still cold. No news of importance.

Friday, 6—Received a letter from Juke. Rained all day. Very muddy going. News of the blockade at Charleston being raised.

Saturday, 7—Received a letter from Em. Lieut. Palmer is officer of the day. Still muddy. Had the toothache all day.

Sunday, 8—Dress parade at ten a.m. Went to town. Wrote a letter to Em. Very nice day. Everything quiet.

Monday, 9—Detailed for police duty today. Very nice day. the Boys played ball nearly all day. received a letter from Sarahan. Bought a Frank Leslie [Illustrated].

Tuesday, 10—Dress Parade at 8 a.m. without arms. Went on a scout to Holland Corners. Did not get back until 10 o’clock at night.

Wednesday, 11—Wrote to Sarahan & Juke and sent a paper to Jane. Very nice day.

Thursday, 12—Detailed for regiment guard and picked out for orderly for Lt. Col. [George] Stetzel for one day. No mail today. Very nice day. Phil Andrews was put in the guard house today.

Friday, 13—Stayed around camp all day. received a letter from Al.

Saturday, 14—-Went on a scout to Carrsville. Had a good time.

Sunday, 15—Had a tooth pulled. Went to church. Received a letter from home. Wrote to Al and Ma. Sent a Waverly [Advocate] to Em.

Monday, 16—Stayed in camp all day. No news of importance.

Tuesday, 17—Rained all day. Stayed in camp. Capt. [Benjamin B.] Mitchell returned on the evening train.

Wednesday, 18—Detailed for fatigue. Rained all day. No news tonight.

Thursday, 19—No news of importance. Rained nearly all day.

Friday, 20—Doct. Borden & Mr. Far came down to see us. Got my horse shod.

Saturday, 21—Went out on a scout to Carrsville. Was on stable guard. Doctor and Mr. Far went on a scout with us. Received a letter from Lydia and a likeness from Juke.

Sunday, 22—Snowed some last night. Rained all day. Wrote to Ma. No news of importance.

Monday, 23—Doctor Borden goes away today. Sent a letter to Ma by him. Middling cold.

Tuesday, 24—Still cold. No news of importance today. Received three [Wellsboro] Agitators from Sate.

Wednesday, 25—Started on a three days scout this day at 3 p.m. Co. F, H, & D under command of Lt. Col. Stetzel. Marched 12 miles to Big Fox Church.

Thursday, 26—Marched to Gatesville and from there to Sunbury, distance of 30 miles. Stayed all night at Sunbury. Am orderly for Lt. Col.

Friday, 27—Received letter from Em and Jennie. Started for camp at sunrise. Went in advance to buy chickens for the Lt. Col. Arrived at Suffolk at 4 p.m. Was alarmed at 9 o’clock. Went out to the pickets but there was no show.

Saturday, 28—Mustered this morn at 9 a.m. by Col. Dodge, Am on stable guard today. Somewhat rainy. received a letter from Juke. Wrote to Jennie.

March 1863

Sunday, 1—Wrote to Juke. Rained nearly all day. No news of importance.

Monday, 2—Rained today. received a letter from Ma and Al. No news today. The ram Indianola captured by the rebs at Vicksburg by the Queen of the West.

Tuesday, 3—Co. F went on a scout to Carrsville. I was in the advance guard. the whole regiment went out to Franklin at midnight.

Wednesday, 4—Wrote to Al. Was on regiment fatigue chopping wood. the regiment came back tonight. they captured three prisoners.

Thursday, 5—Very nice day. No news of importance.

Friday, 6—Co. F went on a scout to Carrsville. Had a good time.

Saturday, 7—Received a letter from C. N. E. Calkins and H. A. Guernsy.

Sunday, 8—Wrote to Alice Bishop. Borden returned today from home. Thomas Depu came with him. Received a letter from Em & Olive. Received a kerchief from Ma.

Monday, 9—Went and saw Jerome today. Marched through town on review by Gen. Peck. No news. Tonight 4 companies on a scout.

Tuesday, 10—Rained all day. No news of importance.

Wednesday, 11—Was on regimental guard. Middling cold day. Co. H was on a scout to Carrsville. Corporal Smith, Co. K, was shot through the head by a guerrilla near Deserted House.

Thursday, 12—Nothing new today. Went on drill. Made two charges. Very nice day.

Friday, 13—Co. F & D went on a scout to South Quay. Drove in the pickets and returned safe and sound.

Saturday, 14—The 9th Army Corps has arrived at this place. No other news. Very fair day.

Sunday, 15—Wrote o Ma. Went to town. Inspection at 9 a.m. Dress Parade at sundown.

Monday, 16—Co. F received orders to get to Norfolk to relieve Co. M. Started at 2 and arrived at 12 o’clock.

Tuesday, 17—Stayed all night near Norfolk. Today the various details were made. I came to the city as orderly. Am orderly for the Provost Judge. Wrote to Warren.

Wednesday, 18—Went up to camp today and served two summons. one on James Street. The other on East Wide Water Street, No. 147. Went to the theater at night.

Thursday, 19—Went to the jail three ties with orders. received orders to return to camp. Snowed some.

Friday, 20—Snowed last night and all day. Went to the city on detail with three days rations. The weather being bad, we were sent back. Corporal D[avenport] and 5 men.

Saturday, 21—It has cleared up some today. the snow is going off. It was about 8 inches deep.

Sunday, 22—Went and took a ride with William Tompkins. Went to church in the evening.

Monday, 23—Went out to Kempsville on picket. Went to Prince Ann Court House on a scout. Bought two dozen eggs. Wrote to Ma.

Tuesday 24—Returned to camp. Received a letter from Jennie & Ma. Very nice day. Went to the city.

Wednesday, 25—Received a letter from Juke. Answered it same day.

Thursday, 26—Went to the city with the captain. Received orders for a scout. Went as far as Kempsville and stayed all night.

Friday, 27—Marched through the county of Prince Ann and picked up all the arms we could find. Saw some very nice young ladies. Stayed at Kempsville.

Saturday, 28—Marched through the county of Norfolk picking up arms. returned to camp in a drenching rain.

Sunday, 29—Received a letter from Al & Alice. Have a very bad cold. Fixed up my stable. Rather a cold day. There is two men here from Bradford visiting the Boys.

Monday, 30—Detailed with 4 of the Boys and Corporal Davenport to report to the Lt. Col. of 173rd Pennsylvania. Went to Prince Ann Court House. Stayed at Kempsville.

Tuesday, 31—Nothing of importance.

April 1863

Wednesday, 1—Did not get fooled today. Middling cold day. Have a very bad cold. Nothing new.

Thursday, 2—Went to the city with Captain. Very nice day.

Friday, 3—Wrote to Al. No news. Cold and rainy.

Saturday, 4—Went to the city and got my horse shod. Cold and windy today. Lay in the house all the rest of the day. Received a letter from Em.

Sunday, 5—Cold, snowy and wet this morning. Wrote to Jennie.

Monday, 6—Went on a scout to Blackwater. Marched over 50 miles.

Tuesday, 7—Wrote to Sate. Went to town and to the Express Office. News of the capture of Charleston, S. C.

Wednesday, 8—Detailed on fatigue. Building bake oven. Pay rolls came tonight. Went to the city with the team.

Thursday, 9—On fatigue. Got pay today. Lieuts. [David] Tears & [Philip] Palmer were here.

Friday, 10—Went to town. Bought a new neck tie and a pair of suspenders and 50 cents worth of stamps. Wrote to Em. Sent Ma $5. Went on a scout to Hodge’s Ferry.

Saturday, 11—Received a letter from Ma. Went on picket 10 miles from the city.

Sunday, 12—Still on picket. Got my meals to a neighbor’s house.

Monday, 13—Went to Sleepy Hole on a scout. Came into Norfolk with a dispatch. Staid in and Lyman Cole went out in my place.

Tuesday, 14—Went to the city and got my horse shod. Nothing new.

Wednesday, 15—Nothing new.

Thursday, 16—Went to Deep Creek with the Captain. Got wet. Sent Ma $45 by Express.

Friday, 17—Went up to Great Bridge with John. Put under arrest. Staid all night.

Saturday, 18—Came from Great Bridge with Irvine Arnot [Irwin Arnet].

Sunday, 19—Received a letter from Ma.

Monday, 20—Went out to David’s Mills on picket.

Tuesday, 21—Went out to the neighbors to see the girls.

Wednesday, 22—Nothing new.

Thursday, 23—The same. Received a letter from Juke.

Friday, 24—Went over to Mr. Peak’s and saw Martha Jane Brown. She is same.

Saturday, 25—Wrote to Juke adn staid around the church the rest of the day.

Sunday, 26—Went on a scout in the country to the Nansamond [river], breaking up boats.

Monday, 27—Went out riding with Miss Emily Howell. Had a very pleasant ride. Received a letter from Alice & Ma.

Tuesday, 28—Went up to Mr. Taylor’s and got acquainted wit htwo very nice young ladies.

Wednesday, 29—Came to camp with morning report. Baily went out in my place. Received a letter from Em & Alice. Wrote to Alice. Thunderstorm in the evening.

Thursday, 30—Went on a scout to northwestern branch, distance of 25 miles from camp. Captured a horse.

May 1863

Friday, 1—-Went to the [blacksmith’s] shop. Got my secesh horse shod. Before wrote to Em. In the evening, Sergt. [George W.] Tooker returned to the company. Today Charley Clark and Turner went to jail.

Saturday, 2—Went to Kempsville on picket with Corporal [N. M.] Davenport.

Sunday, 3—Came in from picket by way of the plank road.

Monday, 4—Stayed in camp all day. News of Gen. Hooker’s advance.

Tuesday, 5—Received a letter from Dora Howcell. Got me a Waverly [Advocate]. Went to the city on a pass. Went a fishing and did not get a fish.

Wednesday, 6—Wrote to W. E. Calkins. Rainy today.

Thursday, 7—Went to the city at night.

Friday, 8—Went to the city & got my bit fixed. Received a letter from Al.

Saturday, 9—Captain went to Old Point. Went to the city.

Sunday, 10—Drove the team up to Great Bridge for Ben received a letter from Alice. Very warm and pleasant.

Monday, 11—Picnic party went up the river from Portsmouth. Wrote to Al. Started on a two day’s scout. Went to Great Bridge and staid all night.

Tuesday, 12—Scouted about 30 miles out. Got some corn and ham. Returned to Great Bridge. Staid all night there.

Wednesday, 13—Returned to camp today. Very warm.

Thursday, 14—Received a letter from Em. Wrote to Ma. Thunderstorm in the afternoon. Moved stables &c.

Friday, 15—Went to the city.

Saturday, 16—Received a letter from Eugene Herring [Co. H, 45th Pennsylvania] . He is at Acqua Creek.

Sunday, 17—Went to the city and visited the burying ground. Called on Miss Nickels in the evening.

Monday, 18—Went on a scout to Blackwater. Fine day. Rode about 50 miles.

Tuesday, 19—Went to the city and got my horse shod. The Reverend Mr. Whittaker called on us in the afternoon. Played a game of ball with us.

Wednesday, 20—Nothing new. Went out calling in the evening.

Thursday, 21—Wrote to Em and Eugene Herring.

Friday, 22—Stayed around camp all day. Went in Mr. Ive’s field and got all the strawberries I could eat.

Saturday, 23—Went over to Portsmouth to attend a picnic but there was none there. Very warm day.

Sunday, 24—Inspection in the morning. Went out to see the gals in the afternoon.

Monday, 25—Went into the country after some men. Did not get them. Wrote to Alice.

Tuesday, 26—Wrote to Juke. Very nice day. Received a paper from Jennie.

Wednesday, 27—Received letters from Al, Alice, and Juke.

Thursday, 28—Stayed around camp all day. Very warm day.

Friday, 29—Went to the city in the daytime. Went and saw the girls at night.

Saturday, 30—Cleaned the yard up and went to the city.

Sunday, 31—Went out in the country 4 miles to church. Had a good sermon. Very warm day. Went out in the evening to see the girls.

June 1863

Monday, 1—Wrote to Al. Nothing new.

Tuesday, 2—Went to the city with A[delbert] D. Keeney. Received a letter from Eugene Herring.

Wednesday, 3—Received a letter from Em. Large fire in Norfolk in the evening. Went down to Mr. Nichol’s. In the evening, mounted drill.

Thursday, 4—Went to the city with the team. Stayed around camp the rest of the day. Mounted drill in the afternoon.

Friday, 5—Bishop Borden came to see us today. Stayed all night. I went to the city in the evening.

Saturday, 6—Bishop went to Suffolk today. Very nice day. Pay rolls came today. Signed the pay roll. Went on a scout.

Sunday, 7—Stayed at Great Bridge last night. Went out in the country about 20 miles. Returned to camp.

Monday, 8—Wrote to Em & Jennie.

Tuesday, 9—Some of the Boys went to Great Bridge and stayed all night.

Wednesday, 10—Went on a scout by way of Great Bridge. Stayed all night at the bridge.

Thursday, 11—Started for camp. Received orders to return on a scout. Did so. Went to Shingle Landing.

Friday, 12—Marched all night. Arrived at Blackwater at daylight. 77 officers got away from one of our boats and we are trying to cut them off.

Saturday, 13—Corporal July [?], H. C. Palmer, and myself went to arrest Mr. Baum. He ran into the woods. Received a letter from Ma and Al.

Sunday, 14—Went with Lieut. [Philip A.] Palmer after Baum. He was away but the ladies said he would be in in the morning.

Monday, 15—Mr. Baum gave himself up. Went up after him. One of the young ladies played on the piano for us. Mr. Baum came to the city.

Tuesday, 16—Went into the country with Lyman & Wilson Cole. Sergt. Ward came out with orders to gather up horses. Received a paper from Jennie.

Wednesday, 17—Marched through the country picking up horses. Came to Great Bridge at night.

Thursday, 18—Returned to camp today. Brought 81 horses in and turned them over to the quartermaster. Very warm and dusty.

Friday, 19—Went to town and got my horse shod. Received a letter from Alice. Wrote to Ma.

Saturday, 20—Received marching orders to join the regiment.

Sunday, 21—Co. K, 1st New York Rifles came to relieve us. Wrote to Ma, Juke, Alice and Al. Went to the city with the captain.

Monday, 22—Packed up . Went to the city. Joined the regiment at Portsmouth. Saw Emily Howell. Staid all night in Portsmouth.

Tuesday, 23—Took the boat for Yorktown. Arrived in the afternoon. Encamped for the night.

Wednesday, 24—Took the boat for White House [Landing]. Moved as far as West Point [on the York River] and anchored for the night.

Thursday, 25—Landed at the White House and started on the road for Hanover Court House. Captured some rebel pickets. Staid in the country.

Friday, 26—Moved on to the Court House. Captured a wagon train and 75 prisoners. Had a small fight.

Saturday, 27—Returned to the White House on the opposite [side] of the river safe and sound. Co. B’s 1st Sergeant [Richard McFarlan] was killed [at South Anna River, Va. on 26 June 1863].

Sunday, 28—Moved across the river and encamped on the bank of the [Pamunky] river.

Monday, 29—Wrote to Mam Al, and Juke and Emily Howell.

Tuesday, 30—Lay around camp all day. Received a letter from Ma.

July 1863

11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, Battle of Deserted House

Diary of Jared Fuller, Co. A, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry

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I could not find an image of Jared but here is a tintype of William W. Harding wearing the uniform of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. William served in Co. G. He holds a model 1840 heavy cavalry saber and has a colt Model 1860 Army tucked in his belt.(Union Drummer Boy)

This partial year 1863 diary was kept by Jared Fuller (1821-1900) who was 40 years old when he enlisted on 22 August 1861 as a corporal in Co. A, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. He was discharged for disability on 25 October 1863 presumably related to the failing eyesight he complained of in his diary.

The 11th Pennsylvania Regiment (108th Volunteers) was organized at Philadelphia by Colonel Joseph Harlan of Philadelphia as an independent regiment under authority of the Secretary of War, known as “Harlan’s Light Cavalry.”Most companies were from Pennsylvania, but Company A was from Iowa, parts of E and F from New York, part of I from New Jersey, and Company M was from Ohio.

In the 1850 US Census, Jared was enumerated in Colchester, Delaware county, New York. At that time, prior to his marriage, he was living in the home of his parents, John Fuller (1780-1856) and Perninah Langdon (1784-1873).

Just before and after his enlistment, Jared resided in Fort Dodge, Webster county, Iowa. He was married in 1854 to Sarah J. Beates (1828-1869) and was the father of four children. When he returned to Fort Dodge after the war, he held several local elected positions including county treasurer and county recorder.

[Note: This diary is from the private collection of Greg Herr and was transcribed & published on Spared & Shared by express consent.]

Transcription

JANUARY

Thursday, January 1, 1863—It is New Years. How oft I have looked forward to this time of the year with bright & joyous hopes but today I look at it with indifference. It is a dark hour for my country.

Friday 2—Still on picket. The weather is beautiful—almost like Spring. Days are sunshine & the nights clear & frosty. I wonder what is stored up in future for me. Time will show.

Saturday 3—We were relieved from picket today. Some excitement in camp that the rebels are approaching in strong force. General Corcoran commanding here. I saw him today.

Sunday, January 4, 1863—Company inspection. This morning the day was uncommonly fine. The 58th Pennsylvania embarked for Newbern, North Carolina. Success attend them.

Monday 5—A body of infantry left Suffolk for North Carolina today. The 13th Indiana Regiment bid farewell to Brigadier Gen. [Otis S.] Ferry. He paid his farewell address & departed for the North.

Tuesday 6—Everything quiet here today. News arrived here by the papers that the gunboat Monitor foundered at sea off Cape Hatteras on her way south.

Wednesday, January 7, 1863—Everything passed off quietly today. Two companies of our regiment wet on a scout toward Blackwater. The companies returned from North Carolina all safe and sound.

Thursday 8—Camp Suffolk. Our regiment is out on a scout, Started this morning. Weather cool with a little rain. No stirring news.

Friday 9—Camp Suffolk, Va. Last night at 12 o’clock news came that our pickets were driven in. Snow fell in the night. Cannon heard toward Windsor. Regiment out yet. All quiet in Suffolk.

Saturday, January 10, 1863—Camp Suffolk, Va. A rainy day. Boys still out. Rumor says the rebels are this side Blackwater from 8 to 15 thousand strong. Two rebel prisoners were brought in at 11 o’clock p.m.

Sunday 11—Camp Suffolk, Va. All quiet all day. Rather cool and cloudy.

Monday 12—Camp Suffolk, Va. Rumors of rebels in force hanging around us. G & K companies go on scout. Weather cold.

Tuesday, January 13, 1863—Camp Suffolk, Va. This morning A & H companies go out on scout. Heavy cannonading heard on James river. Company came in at 9 p.m. Brought in 6 or prisoners—guerrillas.

Wednesday 14—Companies D & E go out today on scout. South rains. Weather warm. All quiet at Suffolk.

Thursday 15—Camp Suffolk. Company B went out on scout. Dull times. All quiet and so much so as to be oppressive.

Friday, January 16, 1863—Camp Suffolk. Rainy day in a Va. camp & its accompaniments of mud.

Saturday 17—Camp Suffolk. Cold & windy but clear. Nothing going on to break the monotony of life.

Sunday 18—Camp Suffolk. Last night was the coldest we have had. Dress parade at 9 o’clock a.m. Company started on a scout 5 p.m. Returned 9.

Monday, January 19, 1863—Camp Suffolk, Va. A fine morning bright but cool. Dress parade at 9 a.m. The day passed quietly away. The papers tonight brings of a victory in Arkansas. 7,000 prisoners.

Tuesday 20—Camp Suffolk. Cloudy wind south east & rather cold. Went on a scout to Holland Corners. The rebels had barricaded the road. Returned at 3 p.m. Another scout got 2 prisoners.

Wednesday 21—Camp Suffolk, Va. Rained all last night. 2 companies went on a scout 2 hours before day light pay master in camp.

Thursday, January 22, 1863—Camp Suffolk. Wet & moist on account of irregulation of pay rolls. No pay yet. Two companies on a scout returned at dark. No rebels found.

Friday 23—Camp Suffolk—Wet & stormy. No scout today. The Army of the Potomac is on the move once more. May the God of Battles be with them.

Saturday 24—Camp Suffolk. Weather still moist but clearing off. A scout of two companies have gone out to North Carolina & the Dismal Swamp. Another of two companies gone on the same.

Sunday, January 25, 1863—Camp Suffolk. Clear & pleasant. All quiet in camp today. Seems quiet like Sunday. All are anxious to [hear] from the advance of Burnside.

Monday 26—Clear & pleasant. Companies A & H returned from North Carolina. Burnsides advance was impeded by the bad roads and storms of last week.

Tuesday 27—Camp Suffolk, Va, Cloudy. A storm is pending. Detailed on camp guard today. Afternoon a furious storm is now raging. No news of importance from the army.

Wednesday, January 28, 1863—Camp Suffolk, Va. Stormed all night. The paymaster in camp. The pay rolls have been signed for 7 months pay. Hooker supersedes Burnside in command.

Thursday 29—Camp Suffolk. Cold & stormy last night. Co. G went on a scout this side of Carrsville. They was fired on by rebels in ambush. Another scout went today. Found rebels at Deserted House.

Friday 30—A force of 7 regiments of infantry, 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry, 2 batteries artillery & howitzers left Suffolk at 10 last night. At 8 this a.m., drove in the rebel pickets after [we] opened on them with all our artillery.

Saturday, January 31, 1863—Deserted House 10 miles from Suffolk. The Battle [of Kelly’s Store] yesterday, was an important affair. The rebels 4,000 strong under Gen. [Roger A.] Pryor was driven across the Blackwater by our force under Gen. [Michael] Corcoran. Our loss was severe.

FEBRUARY

Sunday, February 1—Camp Suffolk. James [A.] Beach was buried today with military honors. He was a brave and gallant soldier & met his death in the discharge of his duty.

Monday 2—Camp Suffolk. Co. A went on scout, Our party went to Carrsville. No rebels here since the battle. Went over the battlefield. The picture was horrible.

Tuesday, February 3, 1863—Camp Suffolk. A terrible snow storm is raging today. It seems quite like an Iowa snow storm. The surgeons report of killed & wounded in late battle is over 100.

Wednesday 4—Camp Suffolk, Weather cold . Snow about 8 inches deep. Rather hard keeping warm. Tonight the moonlight shining on the snow & post would remind one of a colder clime.

Thursday 5—Cold & rainy. Nothing doing today but camp duties & as few of them as can be got along with. Bids fair to be stormy night. No movements now.

Friday, February 6, 1863—Camp Suffolk. Rained all last night. Snow has disappeared & its place supplied with mud. Went to the hospital. Our wounded doing well.

Saturday 7—Camp Suffolk. Cleared off last night. Very disagreeable weather. Nothing going on but Saturday’s police.

Sunday 8—Camp Suffolk. Weather clear and beautiful. Been to church today. Our chaplain preached in town. Subject of discourse—the cross scene.

Monday, February 9, 1863—Camp Suffolk, Va. Weather continues beautiful. Went to Norfolk on pass. Enjoyed the journey much. Williams of Co. A got his discharge. Went on train with me to Norfolk.

Tuesday 10—Norfolk, Va. Weather warm and springlike. Vigorous steps are being taken to organize African regiments in Norfolk & other places.

Wednesday 11—Camp Suffolk. Cold & Cloudy. 2 companies on scout. Drill of the recruits. Eyes still weak. Co. E went to South Quay. Drove in the rebel pickets.

Thursday, February 12, 1863—Camp Suffolk. Weather stormy with cold wind. Two weeks since the battle. The [battlefield] scenes have not faded or lost any of its impression.

Friday 13—Camp Suffolk, Va. Another sudden change this morning. Clear & cold. Wind northwest. Co. A on a scout. Went to Carrsville. Suffered much with my eyes. The rebels not been here for 5 days.

Saturday 14—Camp Suffolk. Clear and cold. Some ice to be seen this morning. Saw the regimental surgeon. Got excused from full duty. Visited 130 New York. Saw my friend John Barager. *

* BARAGER, JOHN K.—Age, 44 years. Enlisted, August 6,1862, at Ossian, N . Y . ; mustered in as private, Co. I, August 16, 1862, to serve three years; appointed corporal, September 3, 1862; wounded, date not stated, at Old Church, Va.; died of such wounds, May 31, 1864; also borne as John K. Barragher.

Sunday, February 15, 1863—Camp Suffolk. Weather begins to assume the appearance of Spring. Dress Parade 9 a.m. Went to meeting in town 11 a.m. No preaching. Went to the negro meeting at noon.

Monday 16—Camp Suffolk, Va. Weather pleasant. 3 companies of cavalry went beyond Carrsville. Drove in the rebel pickets. Two of our men dismounted by wires they stretched across the road.

Tuesday 17—Camp Suffolk, Va. Steady rain & cold withall. A detail from our company went to Windsor. Saw the rebel pickets there. All quiet along the lines.

Wednesday, February 18, 1863—Camp Suffolk, Va. Rained all night & still raining & cold withall. Almost enough to snow. No scout yesterday or today on account of the bad weather.

Thursday 19—Camp Suffolk, Va. Weather still unsettled. Mud knee deep. Our company & two more on a scout. Have not returned yet 9 a.m.

Friday 20—Camp Suffolk, Va. Cleared off this morning. The scout that went out last night returned at midnight. Found no rebs. The 9th Army Corps has arrived at Fort Monroe.

Saturday, February 21, 1863—Clear & pleasant. A battalion under Major [Frank A.] Stratton gone to Elizabeth City & 2 companies on scout. Looks like a storm.

Sunday 22—Camp Suffolk, Va. Snowed all night & this morning it has turned to rain. The anniversary of the day fills the heart of the patriot with hope. The spirit of Washington still lives.

Monday 23—Camp Suffolk. Cold & windy. No mail since Saturday. Two companies on scout. The command under Major [Frank A.] Stratton returned today with some prisoners.

Tuesday, February 24, 1863—Camp Suffolk, Va. Cold & clear. Got a letter from home. Glad to hear all well there. Some of the money sent had been received.

Wednesday 25—Camp Suffolk, Va. Clear & Springlike. Co. A wet on a scout as far as Beaver Dam Church. Saw no rebels. News of the investment of Vicksburg received tonight.

Thursday 26—Camp Suffolk, Va. Dark and cloudy. Threatening a storm. Company Drill on foot in a.m. No news of importance. Rather dull in camp.

Friday, February 27, 1863—Warm & showery like Spring. Scout went out early this morning. An alarm in camp. The cavalry ordered out 10 p.m. Went to the old battlefield.

Saturday 28—Camp Suffolk. The alarm last night was occasioned by a force of rebels showing themselves to our pickets but fled before our troops arrived on the ground. Mustered for pay by Col. [Charles C.] Dodge of the 1st New York [Mounted] Rifles.

MARCH

Sunday, March 1—Camp Suffolk. Rainy during the forepart of the day. Suffering with my eyes. Fear I shall lose their use forever. Cleared off towards evening.

Monday, March 2, 1863—Camp Suffolk. Clear and Springlike. An order issued this morning for grinding sabers. Looks like bloody work. Mounted drill 10 a.m. The Conscription Bill gives hope to the loyal.

Tuesday 3—Camp Suffolk, Va. Weather pleasant. Rather dull in camp. Two companies on scout. Rumors of a raid to be made by our regiment & some mounted infantry on some rebel post.

Wednesday 4—Camp Suffolk. Snowed this morning & rather cold. Our regiment went on scout with two howitzers & mounted infantry. The force returned having made a successful raid.

Thursday, March 5, 1863—Camp Suffolk. Cold last night. Ice froze thicker than I have seen in Pa. The sad news came last night of the loss of another of our ironclads.

Friday 6—Camp Suffolk. Rather cold but pleasant. News from Vicksburg rather conflicting.

Saturday 7—Camp Suffolk,Va. Weather pleasant. The Saturday’s policing on the grounds & preparing for tomorrow’s inspection.

Sunday, March 8, 1863—Camp Suffolk. Warm & showery like Spring. Regimental Inspection 4 p.m. by Major Gen. Peck. Went meeting. Heard the chaplain of 112th New York Vols.

Monday 9—Camp Suffolk. Clear & pleasant. Dress Parade 9 a.m. 4 companies on 5 days scout to North Carolina.

Tuesday 10—Camp Suffolk. Dark and cloudy. Co. A on picket duty for 1 week.

Wednesday, March 11, 1863—Camp Suffolk, Va. Stormed hard all last night with high winds. Went this morning with forage to the South Quay picket station with forage. Cleared off this afternoon.

Thursday 12—Camp Suffolk. Clear and rather cold. All quiet in camp. Evening Co. K returned from a scout. Had one of their men shot by a bushwhacker who made his escape.

Friday 13—Camp Suffolk. Batteries practicing at target. Co. K went out in force to revenge the death of Corporal [Levi] Lewis * by laying waste [to] the country.

* Levi Lewis, born October 16, 1841, was reared on the family farm in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The oldest son of Robert S. and Mary Lewis, he had an older sister, Lydia Rugar, and two younger brothers, Robert T. and Car. Levi voluntarily joined Company K of the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Sworn in on September 1, 1861, he was appointed corporal on September 9th and served primarily at Fort Monroe and at other camps in Virginia. He held the rank of corporal until he was killed by a sniper on March 12, 1863, at Suffolk, Virginia. His body and efforts were shipped home to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, on March 17, 1863. 

Saturday, March 14, 1863—Camp Suffolk. Clear & cold for the season and climate. 5 regiments of the army corps arrived here last night. The staff of the 28 N [ ] fetched up in our stable.

Sunday 15—Camp Suffolk. Still cold & dry. More soldiers are arriving.

Sunday 22—Camp Suffolk, Va. The snow is fast melting but oh! the mud. The band is now playing the dead march as the body of Lieut. Moody is being conveyed to the cars.

APRIL

Saturday 11—Camp Suffolk. The enemy have advanced upon us in force, driven in our pickets, and taken some of them. Our regiment went out toward night & engaged them and took two prisoners.

Sunday 12—Enemy seem to be preparing for an attack. No engagement as yet.

Monday, April 13, 1863—Enemy are all around us. A skirmish at noon on the Somerton Road. Enemy fell back.

Tuesday 14—Firing through the night by the gunboats. One gunboat reported disabled.

Monday 20—Camp Suffolk, Va. A gallant dash was made last night by the 89th New York & 8th Connecticut Volunteers across the Nansemond river, capturing 200 prisoners and a battery of guns. Loss small on our side. *

* “You have probably read about our taking the rebel battery the other side of the river, so I shall not need to say much about that. I was there of course. I fired my rifle 3 times. None of the boys fired more times than that, with one of our rifles, but those who had Sharps Rifles fired 5 times. Some of the boys fired none. One man of this company was wounded in his arm and leg but not seriously.” — Henry C. Smith, Co. E, 8th Connecticut Volunteers, 10 May 1863. [See: Henry Cole Smith Letters]

MAY

Sunday 3—Camp Suffolk, Va. Morning bright and beautiful. A large force went out on several roads to reconnoiter. Slight skirmishing on South Quay. Enemy in heavy force on Petersburg Road. Hard fighting. This force commanded by Major General Getty. Enemy driven back. Union loss 200.

Monday, May 4, 1863—Camp Suffolk, Va. As was thought by us yesterday, the enemy evacuated their position here last night and we are now pursuing them and taking many prisoners. [Leander] Chase of A Company, 11th Pa. Cav. took and brought in five prisoners and a sutler’s wagon.

JUNE

Monday 22—Regiment marched from Suffolk to Portsmouth.

Tuesday 23—Went on board transport. Arrived opposite Yorktown about sundown. Anchored in the middle of the river.

Wednesday, June 24, 1863—In York River opposite Yorktown on board transport. 2 o’clock afternoon received orders to move up the river within 10 miles of West Point.

Thursday 25—Arrived at the White House about 10 o’clock. Expecting to disembark. Saddles all stripped for a raid. Rebel pickets driven in. Two taken prisoners. Pickets and scout gone out.