The following journal laid away in the attic of a home in Dewitt, Michigan, until recently. It was handed over to Terry Hartner, a neighbor of the homeowner with the understanding that he would do “the proper thing, including having it transcribed and eventually depositing the original in a local historical society or museum. It has never been published before and I’m humbled that Terry selected Spared & Shared as the medium for sharing the journal’s contents with the American Civil War enthusiasts community.

The journal was kept by Grover B. Wixom (1828-1864), the son of Benjamin P. Wixom (1797-1868) and Sally Ryal (1803-1884). Grover’s parents moved New York State to what is now Farmington, Oakland county, Michigan, at least a decade before Michigan was admitted as the 26th state in the Union. Despite the primitive and rural environment in which Grover was raised, he somehow managed to acquire an education as evidenced by his superb handwriting and credible composition. When he was 24, Grover married Ellen Harger—their marriage certificate in Oakland county indicating the union took place on 22 September 1852. The couple had four children that we know of—Franklin (b. 1853), Flora (b. 1855), Arvilla (b. 1857), and Willie (b. 1859)—all less than ten years old when Grover left his plow and answered Lincoln’s call for volunteers in the fall of 1862.

Being in his mid-30’s at the time he enlisted, the cavalry must have seemed a more attractive alternative to the rigors of foot soldiery. And so it was that Grover joined other young and middle-aged men from his area to enlist as a sergeant in Co. G of the 5th Michigan Cavalry on 15 August 1862. The regiment assembled and drilled at Camp Banks near Detroit until early December when they were transported by train to Washington D. C. by way of Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. It is with this journey that Grover begins his journal. Grover’s daily entries are not bounded by prescribed limits as are often found in pocket diaries. He may sometimes use an entire page of more to chronicle his daily activities and observations and there is an attempt to make the entries interesting—as if he intended to send the journal home to his wife. There is only one gap in time which was a three week period in the first part of January 1863 when we learn that Grover had been in the regimental hospital suffering from pneumonia. Due to the limitations in number of beds, he was returned to duty by late January but his health seems to have been permanently impaired following this confinement. Incredible detail is provided on the staff, facilities, and daily routine of the regimental hospital that readers will find interesting, however.

Once returned to duty, we are informed that the “rough” weather of January through March 1863 characterized by periods of snow and rain, freezing and thawing, leaving such miserable and muddy conditions that little drilling by the troopers in the use of their newly issued weaponry could be carried on. These same conditions are those that plagued first Burnsides’ and later Hooker’s Army of the Potomac just 50 miles further south as they attempted to bring the war to a speedy conclusion by carrying on a winter campaign. In late February, Grover rode with the regiment to Falmouth on a week’s excursion that appears to have accomplished little or nothing but fatigue the men and their horses. Following this trip, Grover again had a relapse in his health. We learn that he suffered from diarrhea, a perpetual cough and headache, erysipelas, and a severe pain in his side. By the end of March, as his regiment readied for a march, the company surgeon ordered him to remain behind and check himself into the Lincoln General Hospital in the District of Columbia. Here the attending surgeon cupped Grover’s left side which offered little apparent relief. While a patient there, Grover provides an excellent description of Lincoln Hospital and the Sisters of Charity that attended there.

The journal ends abruptly on April 5th 1863 shortly after Grover was advised that he and other patients from Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana would be transported to a hospital in Cincinnati. This may have been a measure taken to free up beds in the hospital for the anticipated campaign that Hooker hoped to launch on the Rappahannock in early May. In any event, we don’t know what happened to Grover between this date and when his muster records indicate that he died of pneumonia at Lincoln Hospital on 16 March 1864—almost a year later. Did he ever leave the hospital? Did he ever return to his regiment? More research is needed to answer these questions.

Transcription

Saturday Dec. 6, 1862—Camp Banks near Detroit. This morn found us with everything packed and ready to start for Washington. At ten o’clock in the forenoon, we marched out of camp and proceeded to the depot and near twelve o’clock took the cars for Toledo where we arrived at four in the afternoon. Here we waited for cars to be brought from other stations and were treated to hot coffee. At eight o’clock, took the cars for Cleveland. There not being room for the whole company, I was sent to one of the other cars with a part of the company.

Sunday, December 7, 1862—Arrived at Cleveland about daylight this morning. Only stopped long enough to wood and water and started for Pittsburgh. The road runs a little east of south. About noon we crossed the Ohio line into Pennsylvania. Here the country begins to be quite rolling and by the time we reached the Ohio River, it became very rough. the Ohio River is here about twenty rods [110 yards] wide and is a very nice stream of water. There were several river boats on the river—some of them were aground. The river is very low on account of the dry fall and summer. The railroad follows close along the river from here to Pittsburgh. The country being very rough as soon as we leave the river, some of the bluffs extending up almost perpendicular. The country is covered with hills and rocks and mountains and is scarcely inhabited except by a few who lived by mining coal. We saw several scows loaded with coal on the river. The road winds along the edge of the river; sometime there is scarce room for the track between the bluffs and the stream and there the rock have been blasted out so as to make room for the track.

We arrived at Pittsburgh at four o’clock in the afternoon and were treated to a good supper by the inhabitants. The supper was prepared in a hall large enough to accommodate the whole regiment at this place. We overtook our horses. They started one day before we did. At six o’clock, took the cars for Baltimore. We had two large trains of cars to convey ourselves and horses. The railroad runs nearly east from here. The night was cloudy and we did not have a very good opportunity of seeing the country. We passed through several tunnels, one of which is said to be nearly one mile in length, worked through the solid rock.

Monday, December 8, 1862—Daylight of this morning found us in the mountains between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. Some of these hills are nearly one mile in height, covered with scrubby pine and oak timber, the road runs through these hills until it reaches a small branch of the Susquehanna River and then follows down the valley of this stream until it reaches the river and then follows close along the banks of the river to Baltimore. We were twenty-four hours in going from Pittsburgh to Harrisburg—a distance of two hundred and fifty miles.

About sundown we passed Harrisburg. The city was on the opposite side of the river from us and appeared to be a very nice town and showed off to good effect in the setting sun. Just before reaching this place, the hills and rocks began to disappear and the country becomes more level and has the appearance of being a very good farming country. By daylight the next morning, we reached Baltimore.

principalTuesday, December 9, 1862—Found us getting out of the cars in the City of Baltimore at daylight in the morning. We washed at a small, clear running stream of water by the side of the street and then formed in column and marched about two miles through the streets of this very beautiful town, having a good opportunity of seeing the principle streets. This is the most beautiful city I ever saw. The streets are kept very clean and the buildings have a very neat appearance. There is a horse railway traversing the principal streets and the streets are nicely paved. Long before we reached this town, we began to see the camp fires of the soldiers stationed along the railway to prevent the road being destroyed by the Rebels and secesh inhabitants.

At one small stream we stopped on the bridge to water and the guards told us that was the first bridge burned by the Rebels in Maryland at the commencement of the war. Every few rods we saw a guard stationed along the road and very often saw small cabins covered with dirt in which they slept and cooked their provisions. Some of these men said they had been on this duty one year and a half. We remained at the depot all day waiting for an opportunity of going on to Washington, all of the rolling stock of the road being employed in carrying soldiers to Washington. There were several regiments here that were to be moved before ours.

At about nine o’clock in the evening, we took the cars for Washington. They were open stock cars with seats around the outside and across the middle to sit on. The night was very cold and we had only gone ten miles when we were stopped by a train in front of us which had run its engine off of the track. We had to wait until nearly daylight before the engine could be got on and then we had to run very slow as there were several trains in company. The night was very cold and we were obliged to build fires by the side of the track of fence rails. We burned the fence for about eighty rods [440 yards].

Wednesday, December 10, 1862—Daylight of this morning found us on the road to Washington. The country from Baltimore to Washington is rolling but not rough, timbered small and scarce. there are many small cedars scattered over the improved lands apparently left for shade. There are no good buildings in sight along the road, being mostly old brick houses that looked as if they were fifty years old and were frequently surrounded by cabins which were used by the negroes for their quarters. Fences [were] poor—made from old rails and sometimes of ditches. Saw some wire fence. Saw guards stationed all along the road and every few rods passed small cabins which were used by them to cook and sleep in.

About ten miles before we reached Washington, saw a small blockhouse built near a bridge to protect it from being destroyed by the Rebels. Arrived at Washington about ten o’clock. Stopped at the Soldier’s Rest, got our dinners, and then marched out about one mile east of the City to our camping ground. Just before sundown, our tents arrived and we pitched them and laid down to sleep, tired and worn out with our long journey. ¹

¹ This journey from Detroit, Michigan, to Washington D. C. was described in a letter by another member of the 5th Michigan Cavalry that I published on Spared & Shared 23 on 10 July 2024. Unfortunately the identity of the trooper has never been confirmed. Perhaps it was Grover? See—1862: Unidentified 5th Michigan Cavalry Trooper to his wife.

December 11, 1862—Were busy arranging our camp and taking care of our horses.

December 12, 1862—Our saddles and horse equipage arrived today. Our living here now is very poor and hardly enough to prevent our starving. The men complained some.

December 13, 1862—Camp near Washington. In the morning went with the sick to the hospital tent. My face and hands were swollen and the doctor said I had been poisoned. When I returned, we were ordered to pack clothing and blankets and examine our horse equipage and have everything ready to march at a moment’s notice. The weather is fine—warm, pleasant days. Clear and cold nights. We expected to receive orders to march every moment all day but at night were ordered to unpack our blankets and go to bed in our tents as usual but were ordered to pack them again by daylight next morning.

December 14, 1862—Sunday. Packed our blankets and clothing again early in the morning. At nine o’clock, assembled for company inspection. At one o’clock, assembled for church. And at four, assembled for dress parade, all on horseback—this being the first dress parade with our horses. We’re expecting to receive orders to march all day but were disappointed.

December 15, 1862—Monday. The weather continues pleasant. the camp is rearranged and our company is to take rank as the fifth company. We removed our horses to our new position in the regiment. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania which was encamped about eighty rods to the north of our camp have received marching orders and started for Fairfax Court House this morning. They were sent forward in place of our regiment, having been longer in the service and having their arms.

The news from Fredericksburg is that the fighting is still continuing and that the most desperate fight of the war is now being in progress. The baggage of the Sixth Michigan Cavalry arrived on the ground today and our camp is being newly arranged to accommodate them on this same ground.

December 16, 1862—Tuesday. This morning was woke up about three o’clock by the wind and rain, Our tent was an old one and the rain wet through and there were no trenches around them and the water ran under and wet our blankets. the weather is colder and our clothing wet and we suffered from cold. But about noon the sun came out and the wind dried our clothing. In the afternoon, we received orders to move our tents to our new position and received new tents in place of the old ones. The night was cold and the ground froze hard.

December 17, 1862—Wednesday. I went over on to the [ ] ground and bought a small sheet iron stove for one dollar and put it up in our tent to warm us by these cool nights and mornings and to cook by. Corporal Morton ² went down to the City today. They saw a great many of the wounded and sick soldiers coming in from Fredericksburg. There were over one thousand of them came in today. The news from Fredericksburg is that Burnside has been repulsed in his attack on the Rebel fortifications near Fredericksburg and has recalled his forces to this side of the river with considerable loss.

² Corporal Chauncey Morton of Co. G was from Greenbush, Michigan. He was taken prisoner at Gettysburg and died a POW at Richmond on 13 December 1863.

December 18, 1862—Thursday. The weather is pleasant. Warm sunny days and clear, cold nights. Was occupied in arranging our tent and stove. Wrote a letter home today. Had dress parade at four o’clock in the afternoon. Weather clear and pleasant.

December 19, 1862—Friday. Warm pleasant days and clear, cold nights. We’re occupied in policing the grounds in front of our tents. Corporal Morton sick with the flux. The news from the City is that there are twenty-eight hundred of the sick and wounded in the City from the late Battle at Fredericksburg. Parade again.

December 20, 1862—Saturday. I was detailed as sergeant of the guard today. There are only nine posts in camp and these are to guard hay, wood and other things on the camp ground. There are no guards around the camp. Saw one of our rifles for the first time this morning. ³ The weather is clear but pretty cold for his place.

³ The rifles issued to the 5th Michigan Cavalry before Jan. 5, 1863 were referred to as Copeland Spencers, 1,200 of these guns were ordered by Col. Joseph Copeland to arm his 5th Michigan Cavalry. The Copeland Spencers saw a lot of field use in hands of their original cavalry owners into 1864, when they were largely replaced by carbines. 

December 21, 1862—Sunday. Came off guard this morning. Weather pleasant. Not so cold as yesterday. Was not on duty today. Had no preaching this Sabbath. Looked for a letter from home but was disappointed.

December 22, 1862—Monday. Went out on drill in the forenoon and again in the afternoon on our horses both times. This is the first drilling done since we left Banks Barracks. Weather clear and cold. The ground is quite dry, being dusty drilling. There were forty sabers and pistols delivered to each company today.

December 23, 1862—Drilled on foot with saber and pistols in the forenoon and on horseback without saber and pistols in the afternoon. Went out on dress parade with saber. Weather warm and pleasant. Went out to dress parade without overcoats. Comfortable. The Seventeenth Pennsylvania Cavalry [commanded by John Irvin Gregg] which left here a few days ago for Fairfax Court House lost their baggage train by having the guerrillas capture it from them on the road.

December 24, 1862—Wednesday. There was no drill in the forenoon. The officers all went down to the city and Corporal [Chauncey] Morton and myself went over to the cemetery which is about one half mile south of the camp. There are a great many vaults in which are buried many of those who lived in the time of the revolution and their descendants, besides many Representatives in Congress who have died here at the Capitol. There are many very nice monuments. Some of them bear date nearly a century old. The graves are many of them covered with a small evergreen vine and many of the shade trees are dear and are all green now in the months of coldest weather in this climate. The walks are many of them paved with heavy hewed stone. There are some new graves and some were being dug now. the weather is warm and mild. We had drill in the afternoon on horseback. the ground is dry and dusty drilling.

December 25, 1862—Thursday. This is Christmas and no drill today. Thomas Ingersoll ⁴ died this morning in the hospital where he was taken last Sunday. He died quite sudden, not being thought dangerously sick by the doctor until a few minutes before his death.

⁴ Thomas Ingersoll of Co. G, 5th Michigan Cavalry, was from Perry, Michigan. He died of disease on Christmas Day.

December 26, 1862—Friday. Went out to drill on foot with sabers in the forenoon and on horseback in the afternoon. An escort of a corporal and eight men went with the remains of Thomas Ingersoll to the Soldier’s Home—a distance of five miles. The number of his grave is three thousand, one hundred and seventy [3,170].

December 27, 1862—Camp Copeland. ⁵ Saturday. Went out to drill with sabers on foot in the forenoon, Lieutenant [George W.] Townsend acting as captain as he has ever since Tuesday morning, Captain [William T.] Magoffin being unable to act having very sore eyes. In the afternoon, went with a number of men over on to the hill north of the camp about half a mile to get posts for the picket rope. Had a very good sight of the City from the top of the hill. Also of the river. Went out on dress parade. Lieut. Seymore acting as Adjutant. From the commencement of this journal until the present time, the writing was first dome with a pencil and then re-written with a pen at leisure.

⁵ The 5th Michigan Cavalry went into camp on East Capitol Hill, one mile from the Capitol Building and next to the Lincoln Hospital. The site was named Camp Copeland after the regiment’s original commander.

January 19, 1863—After three weeks interruption, I again commence my journal having been confined to my bed in the regimental Hospital by a very severe attack of pneumonia followed by erysipelas in the face from the 27th of December to the present time. I am able to go out doors but have not been discharged from the hospital. I have received the best of medical treatment while here which has enabled me to go through the most severe and painful illness I ever experienced. There has been one death in the hospital since I came here and occurred this morning. The man’s name is Axford. ⁶ He was Captain Gray’s servant. His disease was pneumonia. He came from the vicinity of Pontiac. He was here only three days, being past help when he went to the hospital.

⁶ John Kinney Axford was in Co. A, 5th Michigan Cavalry. He died of illness on 19 January 1863.

theJanuary 20, 1863—Tuesday. The weather is quite cold and blustery today and I am confined to the hospital. There is a good deal of excitement among the inmates of the hospital today in consequence of the announcement by the surgeon [John P. Wilson] that one of the sick men had the small pox. This man has been here several days and we all have been exposed to this fearful disease. The surgeon was unable to determine his disease until this morning when the disease showed itself in a manner not to be mistaken. The man was sent to one of the City hospitals and all of the men who had not been vaccinated at Camp Banks were now vaccinated, myself among the rest. This man’ bed stood close beside mine and I shall in all probability have the small pox.

January 21, 1863—Wednesday. This morning it is raining hard and the wind blows almost hard enough to blow over the tents. It has rained and blown all night. The hospital is composed of three wall tents set up so that the ends touch and are fastened together so as to form one tent and will accommodate sixteen persons and leave one tent for the use of the steward and surgeons where the sick of the regiment come every morning to be prescribed for by the surgeon. The man that died Monday morning is to be buried today. Captain [Wellington W.] Gray telegraphed home to see if his friends wished his remains sent home and received no answer, He will be buried in the soldiers’ burying ground which is three or four miles off.

January 22, 1863—Thursday. The rain continued all through the night and is till raining. The wind blows cold and hard and we are all obliged to remain in the hospital tents all day. the mud is getting deep and it is very bad getting about. We are quite comfortable here, the hospital being warmed by a furnace running along under the floor of the tents. The furnace is made by digging a ditch and then placing sheet iron over it. The ditch commences at one end of the tents and runs the whole length of the tents with a chimney at the opposite end to give a draft to the smoke. The fire is built in the ditch under the sheet iron. By this arrangement, the hospitals are kept warm and comfortable and we feel quite contented this rough weather.

orJanuary 23, 1863—Friday. The rain has ceased and the weather is warmer than it was yesterday. We are all kept at the hospital and will be until it is known whether we are going to have the small pox or not. It will take several days yet before we know for certain. We are getting tired of this confinement and also of our food which consists of beef broth with some bread crumbed in it and a small piece of bread and meat which we eat out of our hands, Sometimes we get coffee and bread with sauce spread over the bread instead of butter over. Miss Meriweather—the woman who makes our breads—brought me some pancakes with molasses on them and some baked potatoes and a small piece of meat on a plate and a cup of tea for which am very thankful.

⁷ I feel certain that the “Miss Meriweather” was actually Mrs. Margaret (Allyn) Merryweather (1831-1880), the wife of Charles Merryweather (1828-1918) who enrolled as a private in Co. B, 5th Michigan Cavalry but was promoted to Hospital Steward. Charles and Margaret emigrated from England in 1857 following their marriage the previous year and settled in Holly, Oakland county, Michigan, where Charles was employed as a surveyor before the war. Among the letters of Surgeon Addison Ray Stone (1828-1888) in the Bentley Museum at the University of Michigan are two letters written by the Merryweather’s—one by Charles and one by “M. Merryweather, who writes as through he was a member” of the regiment (though not on the roster). Stone was the assistant surgeon of the 5th Michigan Cavalry in 1862-63. See: M. Merryweather.

January 24, 1863—Saturday. The weather is warmer than it has been for several days before and the rain and wind is drying up the mud. We are still at the hospital with no prospect of being discharged for some time. I am getting quite tired of this confinement and quite anxious to get out where I can see what is going on. The surgeon refused to give me permission to go to the quarters this morn. There is one surgeon, one assistant, two stewards, and three attendants and one man to do washing and one woman to make the beds and help take care of the sick. She also does the cooking for the surgeons. The surgeon visits us every morning and evening and sometimes at noon. The assistant surgeon prescribes for the sick of the regiment who come to the hospital every morning and visits those that are sick in their tents. The first steward keeps the books of the hospital and sees to getting provisions for the hospital and attendants. The second steward deals out the medicine according to the surgeon’s prescription and has charge of the medicine generally and the three attendants take turns in giving the medicine and taking care of the sick. The first one of the attendants is called the ward master and takes charge of the clothing of the sick and all of the hospital furniture and bedding and gives the medicine and takes care of the sick eight hours in twenty-four, commencing at eight o’clock in the morning. At four o’clock in the afternoon, the second attendant takes charge of the sick and gives medicine for eight hours. At twelve midnight, the third attendant takes charge of the sick and continues until eight in the morning when the first attendant takes charge again.

January 25, 1863—Camp Copeland near Washington. Monday. The weather continues warm and pleasant. I am still at the hospital. My health is improving and if I escape the small pox, will soon be good again. I have been walking out around the hospital tents enjoying the pleasant weather and feel quite well except I am very weak yet. Went out to the cook fire and eat dinner today noon. Miss Meriweather brought me in a nice breakfast this morning—pancakes and molasses, some nice beef and potatoes, and bread on a plate with a knife and fork to eat with. Besides the persons mentioned yesterday, there is one man to cook for us and two men who have charge of the ambulances. Each one of them has a team and a heavy spring wagon for moving the sick and wounded on. They are now kept busy in bringing provisions and other necessary things from the City here. They go down almost every day and fetch up something from the Sanitary Commission. They brought up fifty pairs of socks, fifty pairs of gloves and mittens, several pairs of slippers for the sick to wear on their feet when in this hospital. The gloves and mittens are for the men to wear when they walk out. These are received from various charitable societies, Our sheets are all from the Soldiers’ Aid Society at Detroit. We also receive considerable dried fruit and berries from various charitable societies but have no way of cooking it. All of our cooking is done over a fire in camp kettles out doors and in rainy weather. the fires are almost put out with rain. Miss Meriweather cooks some of the fruit over the stove for us sometimes.

January 26, 1863—Monday. The weather is warm but hazy and the air feels as if there would be rain. I am still at the hospital. There is no signs of any one of us having the small pox yet. Company K have been detailed as an escort to Gen. [Silas] Casey on a reconnoissance south and have gone off with him this morning. Colonel [Joseph Tarr] Copeland has received the appointment of Brigadier General and his brigade consists of the Michigan Fifth and Sixth Cavalry and he is ordered to report to General Casey and belongs to Casey’s Division.

This afternoon the surgeon gave me permission to go to our company quarters and sign our pay rolls. We are expecting to draw pay up to the first of November. The first two companies got their pay today.

January 27, 1863—Tuesday. Commenced raining about daylight this morning and has rained a little all day. There were two very sick men brought to the hospital last night and as there is a scarcity of beds, two of us were discharged and I am again at our company quarters again feeling pretty well and very thankful for all the kindness and attention of the physicians and attendants. They have been pretty strict about diet but I think it has been a great help in restoring the health of all of the patients in the hospital. The company have been called out to receive their pay and have not returned yet as it is raining. I have requested Lieutenant [John] Gunderman to receive mine and I am staying at our tent and writing and keeping warm and dry instead of going out in the rain. Weather continues warm.

January 28, 1863—Wednesday. Continued raining all night and is snowing this morning and continued snowing all day with a heavy wind. Snow melting as fast as it falls. It is very muddy around the tents. Got Mr. [Nathaniel] Russell [of Co. G] to tap my boots today.

Lieutenant Gunderman received a letter from Ellen last night and brought it down to me. She says that she has written me five letters and has not received an answer to any of them and wishes him to write to her and inform her what is the matter with me. I wrote one letter to her two weeks ago last Monday and again one week ago last Monday and was looking for an answer from her. Also wrote to Jack [brother John R. Wixom?] two weeks ago last Tuesday.

January 29, 1863—Thursday. Continued snowing all night but the snow melted almost as fast as it fell. There were about three inches of snow on the roof of the stables this morning but not so deep on the ground. The snow is melting all day and makes plenty of mud around the stables and tents. I have been quite sick since my return to our tents caused by taking cold in my face and head. This cold, stormy weather has been pretty hard on me. My cold has caused neuralgia and I have had very little sleep the last two nights but am feeling better today. Have walked out a little.

The captain [William T. Magoffin] came down to our tent and brought me twenty-six dollars in money which he received of the paymaster pay day for me.

January 30, 1863—Friday. The weather was colder last night & the ground is frozen some this morn. The weather is pleasant today but the air is cool. There is plenty of mud around the tents and stable. Wrote a letter home to Jack today. Wrote to him two weeks ago last Monday and have received no answer yet. My health is better. Am feeling quite well today. Went over to the hospital this morn and got an excuse from duty for today. Mr. [Nathaniel] Russell went down to the City yesterday and got a frying pan and we cooked our supper last night and this morning in our tent and make out a good meal. Have received no letters from Ellen yet. Shall feel much disappointed if I do not get one this week. No war news today.

readyJanuary 31, 1863—Saturday. The weather is warm and pleasant today. The ground froze some last night but is all thawed out now. Went over to the hospital and got excused from duty today. The company was ordered to be ready for regimental inspection at nine o’clock in the morning but have been waiting all day and have not been called out. I received a letter from Jack last night after I had written to him again but before I had sent the letter to the office, he sent me five dollars in money which I wrote to him for nearly three weeks ago. He wrote that my family were all well as they had lately heard from them. Our friends in Oakland were all well. There is no war news of any importance. Am looking for a letter from Ellen today.

February 1, 1863—Sunday. The weather is warm and pleasant. My health is improving. Went over to the hospital and got excused from duty again today. Went to the stable and found and cleaned off my horse. it has been five weeks today since I had seen him. Found him looking very well. Yesterday about four o’clock in afternoon, received orders to pack up and be ready to march at a moment’s warning. Packed up and waited until bed time and then went to bed. In the morning, packed up again and waited for orders to march. The order came for Company D and K to march and the rest of the regiment to unpack and remain. The supernumerary horses were sent over to the veterinary surgeon.

February 2, 1863—Monday. Went over to the hospital this morning and got excused from duty for today. The regiment were out for regimental inspection in the forenoon. They were inspected by the U. S. Inspector’s Office. The men have ben grinding their sabers this afternoon. I have shaved for the first time since we left Camp Banks. Got Mr. [Martin] Blackford [of Co. G] to do my washing. Thought I would do it myself and brought one pail of water and felt too tired. the weather is pleasant with sunshine but the air is chilly. Got a letter from Ellen last night. The folks at home were all well. Sent her an answer this morning and also the Morning Chronicle to Mr. Howe. No war news of any consequence. Bean soup, beef, and bread our dinner.

February 3, 1863—Tuesday. Went to the hospital and got excused from duty for the day. The weather is cold and blustery and there is no drill today. In the afternoon the rifles were distributed to the men of our company. We now have Spencer repeating rifles, Colt’s revolving pistol, and each of us have a saber. The rifles shoot seven times not without stopping to load. The pistols shoots six times without loading which gives us thirteen shots without loading. But so much heft of our equipments will be likely to fatigue us on long marches. We have lightened our load by fastening our sabers onto our saddles. We also have the cartridge box for the rifles and one for the pistol.

February 4, 1863—Got a pass to go to the City today. Went down to the City on foot about ten o’clock. In the forenoon, went to the U. S. Hotel for Corporal [Albert] Smith ⁸ with a watch to be repaired and then came along back on Pennsylvania Avenue. The avenue will not compare with Jefferson or Woodward Avenue of Detroit. There is an old and shiftless appearance of the buildings. There were plenty of people thronging the streets—many of them were military officers and soldiers besides a great many who appeared to be travelers looking about to see the town and public buildings. There is no wholesale dry good and grocery establishments as there are in most other towns. The government business is all that make any business here that I can see. Went up to the Capitol Buildings. They are an immense pile of granite and marble. The whole length of the Capitol is seven hundred and fifty feet and the hight of the dome is two hundred and sixty-four feet from the base. The wings are finished up for the Senate and Representatives. There are an immense number of smaller rooms. The central part of the building—or rotunda—is in one vast hall, the walls of which are covered with paintings and adorned with sculptures and lighted from the dome which is covered with glass. This part of the building is still incomplete.

⁸ Corporal Albert Smith of Co. G, 5th Michigan Cavalry was killed at the Battle of Gettysburg later in 1863.

February 5, 1863—Thursday. The weather is cold and blustery with snow. The snow has fallen all day and the wind blows it into every crack and crevice of our tents and reminds me of home. We have been busy in cleaning our guns and revolvers. Were ordered to be ready to march this morning and prepared ourselves for a tramp but were again disappointed. But Company E has gone off somewhere on a scouting expedition. I got me a new military vest yesterday when I was in the City and also a neck handkerchief. Wrote a letter home to Ellen today to let her know that I had sent her twenty-five dollars in money by Express.

February 6, 1863—Friday. The snow storm of yesterday turned into rain before night and rained all night and until the middle of the afternoon today and then cleared off clear and cold. Company K returned to camp today. They have been down to Fairfax Court House on picket duty. Company E went out yesterday to relieve them. We are still looking for orders to march. There is no war news of any consequence. The brevet lieutenants of our regiment are all removed. They have their choice to take their position as first sergeants or resign and most of them will resign and go home. I have no news from home this week. Shall look for a letter tomorrow.

February 7, 1863—Saturday. The weather is very cold and the ground is frozen hard but the sun comes out clear and warm and thaws. The afternoon was warm as spring and reminds me of sugaring. The weather is such as we call good sugar weather in Michigan. We are very agreeably surprised by the paymaster coming on to the camp ground and paying us all off up to the first of January and also by being ordered to prepare for a march with cooked rations for three days. As the order did not come until late in the afternoon, the cook was nearly all night in cooking and the men in fastening their sabers to their saddles and packing their blankets. Rations were boiled beef and bread.

February 8, 1863—Sunday. We were all waked from our sleep at about four o’clock in the morning by Lieutenant [John] Gunderman ordering us out to feed and get ready for the march. I am detailed to remain in camp and take care of the horses and camp equipage as the regiment is only going out to be gone six days. There are thirteen men left under my command and most of them are not well enough to stand the fatigue of so long a march. My health is improving but I do not feel strong enough for this march and the exposure I should be subject to. About noon, one of the men returned and said his horse had tired out. The weather is very fine—warm sunny days and clear cold nights—being good sugar weather.

February 9, 1863—Monday. The weather continues pleasant and has the appearnce of spring. I have taken up my quarters in Lieutenant Gunderman’s tent at his request before he left and am all alone. He had in his care several boxes of cartridges and there were also his trunks and camp equipage, clothing, bedding, &c., all of which were in his tent and he wished me to see to it until his return. Several of our men came to me and left their money with me and the name of their friends they wanted me to send their money to in case they were killed before their return. Company E has returned from Fairfax Court House this evening. We have been scanted in our provisions by the companies. They took almost everything eatable.

February 10, 1863—Tuesday. The weather continues clear and pleasant with some wind and the mud is drying up some. We have had no news from the regiment since they left. Today is the day for drawing our rations for the next five days. We draw rice, sugar, molasses, coffee, pork, candles, soap, vinegar for five days, We also draw beef three times in five days and bread every day. Each man draws one loaf of bread per day weighing twenty-two ounces. We are called on to furnish two guards every day from our company. There are scarcely enough men to take care of the horses and do the cooking and furnish the men for guards. W[illiam] J. Smith [of Co. G]—the man who returned when the regiment left—has not been in camp today.

February 11, 1863—Wednesday. The weather is warm and pleasant in the forenoon but in the afternoon commenced raining and rained gently until night. Went over to the hospital in the morning with the sick and had a large boil lanced which had troubled me several days and nights. Slept very little last night, the boil—or rather abscess—was in my right arm pit and I have not been able to use my right arm much lately. W[illiam] J. Smith was not on the campground last night or this morning but a little before noon I saw him in one of the tents and sent Corporal [Charles] Wait [of Co. K] to take him to the guard house for being absent from camp without leave. Sold some beans and coffee which we had on hand more than we could use. Also had more rice than was needed but could get but three cents offered.

February 12, 1863—Thursday. Just as I had got to bed last night, was somewhat surprised by the arrival of our regiment in camp and had to get up and leave the lieutenant’s tent and go down to our tent and arrange it and our beds for myself and the men who tent with me and help put out the horses. The men were very tired having ridden about forty miles this day and wet and cold as it had rained nearly all the afternoon. They had been up into the Shenandoah Valley and as far as the Shenandoah River. They represent this as being a very wealthy section of country and told of plantations where they stayed over night and the two regiments of horses and men found plenty of forage for the night on one plantation and still left plenty of wheat, oats, and hay stacks for another night’s forage. They saw but few men. There were plenty of women and wenches, the white men having been forced into the rebel army and the Negroes having gone to the Union armies or been taken off by the Rebels to work on fortifications. They captured nine Rebels—mostly officers. One captain had several thousand dollars in confederate money with him They came suddenly onto him and he crawled into a hay stack where he was found by some of our scouts. They also took forty or fifty good cavalry horses. There were some good Union men among them and the Negroes were very willing to give all information they could. Saw none of [J. E. B.] Stuart’s famous cavalry although his scouts were all scattered over this portion of the country. They gave our men plenty of room. They were accompanied by one regiment of Vermont Cavalry.

February 13, 1863—Friday. The weather was cloudy in the morning but cleared up before noon and the afternoon was warm and very pleasant. The men were busy in cleaning up their arms in the forenoon. Went out and fired off their rifles. In the afternoon we signed our clothing rolls and I went down to the City and only stayed long enough to get two lengths of stove pipes. Went up to the Capitol to get a military map of Virginia but could not find any. Went out through the west grounds of the Capitol. They are nicely laid out with walks and shade trees and fountains and furnished with seats. Got back to the campground just as the regiment was going out to dress parade.

February 14, 1863—Saturday. The weather continues warm and pleasant and the mud is drying up some. I was sergeant of the police today. Had very little to do. Sent two men up to the hospital to do police work up there such as cutting work for the surgeon’s tents and fetching water for the use of the hospital and to do the cooking for the sick. In the afternoon, sent two men to cut wood at the Major’s tents and two to relieve those at the hospital and near night was called on for all the men under my command to help unload the wagon trains which had just come in with provisions and feed. Was looking for a letter from home today but was disappointed. My arm is still very lame by the boil.

February 15, 1863—Sunday. The weather is warm and raining in the morning and continued raining until afternoon. Was warm and cloudy in the afternoon. Received a letter from home. The folks were all well. They had not yet received my letter of fifth yet. Had just received mine of the first. There are no war news of any importance. Corporal [Chauncey] Morton is sick with some disease of the head—probably a cold. Corporal [Gabriel] Anderson is not well. Has not been on duty since his return from the raid into Virginia. My arm is getting better and will soon be so as to report for duty again. Wrote a letter home so as to have it go out in the morning’s mail and reach home by Saturday’s mail. My letters are a long time in getting home.

February 16, 1863—Monday. The weather is warm and pleasant. Had saber drill in the forenoon and drill with the rifles in the afternoon. Corporal [Chauncey] Morton still continues quite sick. Went up to the hospital in the morning with the sick. In the morning had coffee and bread for breakfast, At noon had beans and boiled beed and bread. For supper, fried some beef in the tent. Had coffee and bread. This is a fair specimen of our living. Once in a very long time we have potatoes but have had none since I came back from the hospital. Sometimes have boiled rice. Draw more rice than we can get cooked or sugar to sweeten. The sugar is mostly used in the coffee. No war news of importance.

February 17, 1863—Tuesday. Went out to roll call last night for the first time since my return from the hospital and again this morning commenced snowing about daylight and continued all day. Snow three or four inches deep at night. Went over to Lieutenant [Ebenezer] Gould’s tent as a witness in court martial—John O’Neil [of Co. G] for taking his horse out and running him until he was nearly spoiled.

There was an Act passed one or both houses of Congress ordering the enrolling of all men in the loyal states capable of bearing arms last night. Fried our beef again this morning. Had coffee and bread so there was no cooking done except in the tents all day. Stewed a few berries, fried some beef for supper. Had no dinner.

February 18, 1863—Wednesday. Commenced raining in the forenoon and continued all day, thawing off the snow which was four or five inches deep in the morning and making plenty of mud. Had our squad clean out the manure from behind their post of the stable in the forenoon. Early this morning before the rain had commenced to soften the snow, saw a cutter and horse pass our camp. The horse had sleigh bells on and reminded me of home. This is the only sleigh I have seen this winter. Fried some pork in our tent and got some coffee at the cook fire. Had a few berries left from our supper last night and some molasses and bread for breakfast. Bean soup and bread for dinner. Not yet supper time.

February 19, 1863—Thursday. Was still storming when we got up in the morning and continued storming nearly all day. [Nathaniel] Russell and myself went out and tried our revolvers. This is the first shooting I have done in the U. S. Service. Got a letter from Ellen by the afternoon mail. The folks were well and also the neighbors. There is no war news of importance. had beef and bread and coffee for breakfast. Bean soup and bread for dinner and coffee and bread for supper. There is rumors of our being ordered to march again before long. The horses are being shod and we are preparing our arms and equipments so as to be ready when the order come which may be any day.

February 20, 1863—Friday. The rain had ceased when we got up this morning and the wind commenced blowing and we spread out our blankets on the roof of the stable to air and dry but the wind soon blew so hard that we were obliged to take them in to keep them out of the mud. Corporal [Chauncey] Morton and myself sent a package home by Express to our wives which contained some ivory articles consisting of a spool stand, needle cushion, needle case, thimble case and thimble, and bracelet. Also sent $25 in money and he sent $20. The package was valued at $48. Got a letter from [cousin] Sarah Wixom. Our folks were well in Farmington. Sent a letter to Jack yesterday. Bread, coffee, bean soup for dinner. Coffee, bread for supper.

February 21, 1863—Saturday. The weather was warm and had the appearance of spring. All of our horses which needed shoeing were taken to the City to be shod. Went with them. The shop is at the farther side of the town. Passed the Treasury Buildings and the President’s House—the latter is a very handsome but plain house and is surrounded by pleasant and nicely laid out grounds. There are a great many workmen employed in the government shops. The one we had our horses shod at had fifty-four forges in it and nearly two hundred men. The mud in the streets near the shops is from six to twelve inches deep over the pavements and was almost impossible for footmen.

February 22, 1863—Sunday. There was considerable snow on the ground when we got up and snow still falling and continued all day with a cold, severe northeast wind which kept us in our tents all day and at night the snow was about six inches deep and still snowing. Company D and H returned from Poolesville [Maryland] in this storm today. They have been up there about three weeks. Their business has been to catch the deserters who are leaving our armies at Fredericksburg and Harper’s Ferry. Saw Nodiah Ward who belongs to Company D. He told me of the death of Lieutenant [Henry] Foote of his company who died while the company was out at Poolesville from exposure and fatigue. His remains were sent home.

February 23, 1863—Monday. The night was very cold and windy but this morning the sun came out bright and clear and the snow commenced melting but there was still much snow on the ground at night. Companies D and H were accommodated in other tents all through the regiment as their tents did not arrive in time for them to pitch them before night and they pitched them again today. [Levi] Gibbs and myself rode our horses to water in the afternoon and then rode around by the battery tents which is about eighty rods north of ours. There is a very large apple orchard along the road. The apple trees do not have that thrifty growing appearance which our northern orchard have and the peach trees have a slender appearance.

February 24, 1863—Tuesday. The weather is pleasant with clear, cold night and warm sunshiny days. The snow has melted away some but there is three or four inches of snow still left on the ground. We have no drill nor dress parade this several days back on account of the snow and mud. Are expecting to move as soon as the weather and state of the roads will permit. There are no war news of importance. Asked for a pass to go to the City to see G. A. Webb who is at the Mansion House Hospital. Have to speak for a pass one or two days before hand. Our horses are recruiting after the late raid. The horses and men were very much fatigued and have hardly recovered yet. Had my hair cut today by Wesley Howell—one of our privates [in Co. G]. No news from home.

February 25, 1863—Wednesday. Camp Copeland near Washington. The weather continues warm and the snow has mostly melted. The ground was frozen very hard this morning and the weather is what we would call good sugar weather at home. Have had but very little to do for several day back as there has been no drill and we only have to take care of our horses. We were cleaning our arms today and getting ready for general inspection and muster which will be next Saturday and is the regular day for mustering for pay which we do every two months. Fried our own beef this morning. Had bread and tea for the first time since we came into this camp. Had bean soup and boiled beef and bread for dinner and tea and bread for supper. No news from home.

February 26, 1863—Thursday. The whole camp was waked up at midnight and ordered to prepare for a march. We were busy until near daylight in packing our blankets and getting our arms and rations ready and feeding our horses. Commenced raining soon after we got up. About daylight we mounted our horses and the whole regiment fell in to column and commenced our march leaving a few men to take care of the camp. Went through the City, crossed the [Potomac] river on the Long Bridge and marched up to the camp of the 1st Virginia Cavalry where we were joined by the 6th Michigan [Cavalry] and a part of the 1st Virginia Cavalry and a part of the 5th New York [Cavalry] and 18th Pennsylvania [Cavalry] making in all between twenty-five and thirty hundred mounted men. The rain continued falling nearly all day and wet through our pants and run into our boots. We continued our march in the rain going through Alexandria and followed the turnpike which is macadamized on to the Fairfax Court House, passing several military encampments.

The Village of Fairfax which surrounds the court house has been a flourishing country village but is now nearly destroyed by the soldiers who have ben quartered in it since the war and the fence all along the road where we passed has been burned by the soldiers who have camped along the road for cooking their rations. We continued our march until we reached the village of Centerville where we stopped for the night. We had no tents with us and the ground was covered with two or three inches of melting snow and was soon trod into mud three or four inches deep. We fed our horses grain which we had carried with us and made a fire adnn boiled our coffee and made such preparations as we could for passing the night, having only hard tack and coffee for our supper and no place to lay or even sit down except on our saddles which we had taken off our horse. About midnight the rain which ceased during the evening commenced again and continued until near daylight when it ceased and we were ordered to prepare to continue our march.

February 27, 1863—Friday. Were ordered to take three days rations for ourselves and horses and continued our march following the turnpike towards the village of Warrenton between three and four miles from Centerville. We crossed Bull Run which is a very rapid stream between two and three rods wide and son after came to the scene of the Bull Run Battlefield which extends along the turnpike for two or three miles. After crossing Bull Run we turned int one of the large fields beside the road and formed in close columns while our scouts went forward to reconnoiter. This field is part of the ground on which the Bull Run Battle was fought and the ground was almost covered with cannon balls and shells and grape shot.

After halting about half an hour we continued our march. All along the road for two or three miles could be seen shells and shot and the trees were all scarred and limbs broken off and some trees one foot in diameter were broken entirely off by cannon balls. For a long ways the roads are lined by the graves of the killed. Some of the dead were covered so little that the rains had washed the earth off and we could see the clothing and boots of the dead and bones were scattered over the ground which had never been buried or had been washed out by the rains. The dwelling houses have all been burned leaving the chimneys standing which are always built of stone and on the outside of the houses. In every direction can be seen these huge stone chimney which look as if they would stand for years as monuments of the once happy homes which they served to make warm and cheerful. The horse and Negro quarters are still left and generally surround the place where the dwelling house used to stand. The inhabitants—both black and white—have mostly left the country, only a very few remaining and no signs of farming, the fences being all torn down and burned up.

We continued our march following macadamized road on to the village of Warrenton which is about eighteen miles west of Centerville and where we expected to find [J. E. B.] Stuart and his rebel cavalry but were disappointed.

Warrenton appears to be a flourishing country village of several hundred inhabitants and has escaped the destruction which has overtaken most of the small towns of this portion of Virginia. We charged through this place and finding no enemy, continued our march several miles south and west of this place and encamped on a large plantation which had been left by its owner. Here we found dry ground and plenty of rails to make our fires of and also a flock of sheep and we helped ourselves to mutton. We saw no inhabitants about here but put out pickets so as not to be surprised by any enemy lurking about here. This portion of the country has been owned by large planters and the plantations comprise several thousand acres of land and you cannot see the buildings on the next plantation. The country is slightly rolling and the timber in the first place was chestnut and oak, but has been mostly used up and is now timbered with small thrifty pines from five to eight inches through which has grown up on the old exhausted tobacco lands which have been left to grow up through these small pines.

February 28, 1863—Saturday. We were waked up before daylight and after feeding our horses and cooking our coffee which each one did for himself in a pint cup which we all carried, continued our march in a southwest direction across the country, paying little attention to roads but crossing plantations and riding through wood as best we could. The men commenced scouring the country riding up to the houses and helping themselves to anything they saw and searching them for concealed firearms and rebel soldiers. Almost the first house searched we found two soldiers concealed in the cellar which we took prisoner and also several others in the course of the day and some fine horses. The houses along the road we passed today have not been burned and the fences are still standing. Our horses commenced giving out during this day’s march and many of them were left along the road, their riders taking fresh horses which we had seized of the Rebels.We were now marching in the direction of Falmouth which is on this side of the Rappahannock River and opposite Fredericksburg where the late battle was fought and where our men were repulsed with the loss of several thousand killed. When we had arrived within eight or ten miles of Falmouth, we began to pass military encampments and were scarcely out of sight of one before we came to another and passed the camp of the Michigan 3rd and 5th, but I did not know it at the time. When we were within three or four miles of Falmouth, found many soldiers busy in cutting down the small pines which were hauled to Falmouth for wood by six mule teams. The road was almost impassable for the mud caused by these wood teams passing over the dirt road.

We arrived at Falmouth a little before sundown and passing through the village encamped nearly one mile east of it near the railway station where we drew forage for our horses but it was so late before our horses were fed and the men were very tired that we lay down to sleep without drawing rations for ourselves. I found a very good bed on a large pile of oat sacks filled with oats near the quartermasters tent and had a good night’s rest in spite of the rain which commenced falling about midnight, Most of the men lay on the ground and were soon wet with the water running under them. I had my oil cloth over me and kept nearly dry. This was our third days march and we had had very little rest on the road marching until late in the evening and starting very early in the morning.

March 1, 1863—Sunday. Did not get up very early this morning. It was a damp rainy morning and I felt very tired. My feet and legs were very much swollen and could not get my boots on without much trouble. The village of Falmouth lays close to the river and nearly one mile above Fredericksburg. The river is fifteen or twenty rods [<100 yards] wide and very deep and rapid. there is a level piece of ground each side of the river and extending from it 80 or 100 rods and then raises gradually up to a height of from 50 to 100 feet. On this gradual raise is the rifle pits and on the heights are their earthworks. These could be seen from where we were camped quite plain and with a small field glass could be seen very plain. We could see their pickets.

As the men and horses were very tired, our officers thought best to remain here over Sunday and recruit. We drew three days rations for men and horses and about noon the sun came out and we went a short ways up the hill and spread out our blankets to dry as most of them had got wet by the last night’s rain. Were busy in the afternoon in cleaning our guns and revolvers and sabers and getting our horses ready for tomorrow’s march. Toward night heard where Uncle Isaac Wixom’s regiment lay. They were only three miles north of where we were camped. Saw some men from his regiment who said that he was well but it was so late in the day that I had not time to go up and see him. Camped on the hill where we had spread our blankets and had a good night’s sleep.

March 2, 1863—Monday. Albert Norris, [Martin] Blackford, [Marcus] Bentley, and myself were called up long before daylight, fed our horses, packed our blankets, and started for Washington about daylight, leaving several horses which were used up. Sent several sick men home by railway to Aquia Creek and then by water to Washington. Had only gone one or two miles when two of Company H’s horses mired down in the mud at the crossing of a small stream. the men took off their saddles and left them. All along the road for many miles were camped regiments of infantry and artillery and we passed one large pontoon train. These were large open boats loaded in heavy wagons and are used for bridging streams in the way of the army.

Passed Stafford Court House which is a small village. The court house is a small stone building, the lower part of which is used for a jail. At noon, stopped where a New York regiment were camped and fed our horses and eat our hard tacks and then continued our march. Soon after crossed a deep, rapid stream bridged by placing two open boats in the stream and anchoring them and then laying on stringers and plank. Near the middle of the afternoon. I fell out of the ranks to fix my pack and was overtaken by Albert Norris who told me his horse was tired out. I rode forward, overtook our company and got a horse belonging to one of our men we sent home sick, and took him back to Norris, but before I got back he had unsaddled his horse and left him, saddle, blanket, and all. There had more come up with us, the other men belonging to our company who’s horses were very tired and I though it best to ride slow and overtake the company after they had camped for the night and we continued our march slowly until dark when we stopped and made a fire and boiled our coffee, broiled our pork on the end of a sharp stick, and eat our supper and then continued our march. But we soon came to where some pickets were stationed and soon after to others and we were halted every few rods and thought best to camp for the night which we done by taking possession of a deserted house which stood by the side of the road and where were stationed two pickets. Found a good place to sleep in the upper part of the house and had a good night’s rest. Were waked up in the night by the report of guns along the road where we had come and were told in the morning that the pickets had been fired on about one mile back, the ball passing through his overcoat.

March 3, 1863—Tuesday. Got up early this morning and fed our horses and got our breakfast and were joined by several others who had camped near where we did. Continued our march and in going five miles came to where the regiment had camped. They had two or three hours the start of us and as our horses were nearly used up, we had to go very slow and then had to leave some of our horses and saddles. We told the pickets stationed along the road where they would find them. After going six or seven miles farther, we crossed the Occoquan river at a place called Wolf Run Shoals—the river five or six rods wide—and we forded it as there was no bridge, the water being up to our horses sides and running very swift. On this side of the river, found a regiment of infantry camped here. We stopped and fed what grain we had left and then continued our march for Fairfax Station. The road is crosswayed nearly all the way with small pines which cover the ground most of the way. Arrived at the station about four o’clock in the afternoon and drew grain from the quartermaster of the station and fed our horses and then continued our march for Fairfax Court House where we arrived about dark. Drew one day’s rations for ourselves and horses and went out of the village nearly one mile where we stayed at a barn owned by a northern man who had lived in this country seventeen years. Found a good place to sleep in the hay mow but slept very cold as the night was very cold and the ground was froze hard in the morning when we got up. Found our horses all right.

March 4, 1863—Wednesday. Fed our horses and got breakfast at the house where we had ordered it the night before, this being the first time I had set down at a table or eat a meal of victuals in a house since we left Camp Banks. Got a pass from the Provo Marshall at Fairfax Court House for all the men with men being nineteen and started for Washington, the distance being seventeen miles where we arrived about the middle of the afternoon. The men and officers expressed some surprise as they were afraid we had been taken prisoners by the rebels. We had been absent from camp six nights and seven days and have seen much of the eastern portion of the state which has the appearance of once being a wealthy portion of country but had seen its best days before the war commenced and was fast returning to its original uncultivated and wild state. Much of the soil has been exhausted by poor cultivation and long continued cropping with tobacco and other exhausting crops. The original timber has mostly been used up and the fences have nearly all rotted down and large portions of this country which was once cultivated have been left to grow up to pine. The road from Falmouth to Fairfax runs through an almost deserted and worthless country grown up to pines from four to eight inches through which has once been tilled and there are many large apple orchards and some very large cherry trees are seen growing among the pines. Saw cherry trees along this road from one foot in diameter to two feet and noticed one two and a half feet in diameter among the pines.

The country along the road from Washington to Fairfax, Centerville, and Warrentown is moderately rolling and has the appearance of better cultivation than some other portions we saw but the buildings ere old-fashioned, standing sided to the road and the roof running down over a low piazza or stoop with a huge stone chimney standing on the outside of each end of the house and the roads before the war were lined by very large locusts and tame cherry and other shade trees which have been cut down and burned up by the soldiers as well as the fences and many of the houses and there only remains the stumps of the shade trees and those huge fireplaces and chimneys which once surrounded their dwelling house.

March 5, 1863—Thursday. We were busy in cleaning our arms which had got some rusty by being out in the rain. The men and horses were very sore and stiff after our long march and the horses required much care to recruit them and get them ready for use again. Sergeant [John S.] Borden [of Co. G] is sick with the mumps and I have to act as veterinary sergeant in his place although I am not very well myself. The company were very much surprised by the arrest of Sergeant [Noble S.] Hammond [of Co. G] ⁹ and his brother by the City authorities for removing shrubbery from the Congregational burying grounds. Our camp grounds are very muddy caused by the recent rains. Found a letter from home in camp which had arrived while we were out and also Ellen’s likeness which she had sent.

⁹ Sergeant Noble S. Hammond was from Essex, Michigan. He served as Quartermaster Sergeant in Co. G. He was killed in the Battle of Brandy Station on 11 October 1863. His brother was John K. Hammond of Co. G. He was taken prisoner at Buckland’s Mill, Virginia, and died a POW. The Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan has a collection of four letters written by Lt. George W. Townsend of Co. G, 5th Michigan Cavalry, one of which mentions Sergeant Hammond being arrested for stealing statuary from the Congregational Cemetery, sending it home marked “shrubs.”

March 6, 1863—Friday. Rained some today and the mud is getting very bad around our tents. We were much surprised by the appearance of an article in the Chronicle stating that Sergeant [Noble S.] Hammond had been arrested for stealing statuary instead of shrubbery from the burying ground and it was found by examining his letters from home—that he had sent five pieces of statuary home since we had been at Washington, some of which he had taken from private residences surrounding the City. He had been sending by Express to his residence in Essex shrubbery and plants for his green house and had occasionally sent these pieces of statuary as he could confiscate them. Ellen wrote to me in the letter which I got yesterday that she had received the package of ivory which I sent her but no money.

[Missing pages]

March 11, 1863—Wednesday.Were called up before daylight and ordered to prepare for a march. There were only 40 or 50 men and horses of our company fit for use. Was snowing some when we got up but soon cleared off and the sun came out and the day was a pleasant one. I was not able to go out and remained in camp. Our officers were all on the sick list and Lieutenant [Henry] Starkey of Company H was placed in command of the company.

March 12, 1863—Thursday. The weather is cold and blustery with snow squall. Heard from the regiment. They were at Fairfax. Am acting as 1st Sergeant. Sent the mail on to Fairfax by one of the sergeants of Company C who had returned with a message and was going back to Fairfax tonight and also acting as Commissary Sergeant.

March 13, 1863—Friday. Corporal [Chauncey] Morton and myself went to the City today to the Express agent about the money we sent home. he said the company was not liable for money sent in that way but would try and look up the money. Also went into the Patent Office to see the sights. Saw many curious models and inventions and the printing press on which Benjamin Franklin worked as a journeyman printer when in London and also a bureau and set of china dishes and many other things once belonging to General Washington. They were taken from the house of the rebel General Lee at the commencement of the war. The china ware was a present from General Lafayette to Miss Washington. Also saw Gen. Washington’s treasury chest.

March 14, 1863—Saturday. The weather is clear and cold. Froze hard last night. Clear and pleasant today. The regiment returned about noon today. They had only been out to Fairfax and remained there and sent out scouts as far as Ashby Gap [in the Blue Ridge Mountains] and up into the Valley of the Shenandoah but found no rebels except small scouting parties, some of which they took prisoners.

March 15, 1863—Sunday. The weather was pleasant in the morning but in the afternoon stormed. Had inspection in the morning. Got a letter from Ellen by the afternoon mail. Folks were all well except Flora. She had fell and hurt herself. Was ordered to prepare for dress parade. No war news of any importance. A rumor of the capture of several thousand rebels on the Yazoo [in Mississippi].

March 16, 1863—Monday. Snowed in the forenoon. Snow three or four inches deep. Had no drill. There is a rumor of the evacuation of Vicksburg by the rebels. Had no cooking done except in the tents. Hard bread today—the first since we have been in camp here. Draw hard bread to carry with us in our haversacks when we leave camp for a raid on the Rebels. Am acting Veterinary Sergeant in the place of Sergeant Borden who is sick with the mumps.

March 17, 1863—Tuesday. The weather is warm and pleasant. The snow is melting and we shall have mud plenty again. Had saber drill in forenoon on horseback and rifle drill on foot in the afternoon. Was out on drill myself. Have a very bad diarrhea and am not able to be around much. The news is good from the Mississippi. We have captured twenty-six Rebel steamboats and several thousand prisoners. They are leaving Vicksburg.

March 18, 1863—Wednesday morning. Put my name on the sick list and went over to the doctor’s and got excused from duty today. My diarrhea continues very bad and am confined to my tent. The weather cloudy and has the appearance of rain. Baked some potatoes in the ashes of our stove. these are the second mess of potatoes we have drawn since I came from the hospital. No war news today.

March 19, 1863—Thursday. The ground was frozen very hard this morning andn it has been a cold air all day. the sun came out in the afternoon and thawed some and then is plenty of mud again. Today’s Chronicle gives an account of a successful raid by General [William W.] Averill across the Rappahannock taking eighty prisoners and a large number of horse and driving the Rebs back four miles where they were supported by fortifications. There is in today’s Chronicle an account of Professor Nutting’s joining the Southern Confederacy at the commencement of the present war. He was professor of music and a leader of the regimental bands. The members of the band were reduced to the ranks and the professor’s wife and family who were to have been supported by the Rebel authorities were left to suffer and two of his children actually died of starvation and want and finally his wife was passed through over lines and sent to her friends in Michigan by the charity of some of the Union officers, This professor is the son of Prof. Nutting of the lad’s seminary adn his wife is the daughter of the late Lieutenant Foote of Co. H of our regiment who died a few weeks since at Poolesville where he and his company were on duty at the time. Miss Nutting was the school mate and friend of my deceased sister Elvira and an old acquaintance of my own.

March 20, 1863—Friday. The weather continues cold and rough. Froze some again last night. cold north wind today. Had saber drill again in the forenoon on foot and on horseback without saddles in the afternoon. Am getting some better of my diarrhea. Am not able to go out on drill yet but think I shall tomorrow. Went over to the doctor’s tent again this morning and got some medicine. No news from home today.

March 21, 1863—Saturday. There was two or three inches of snow on the ground and still falling when we got up this morning but the storm turned into rain in the afternoon and rained until night. I am some better of the diarrhea but am feeling quite unwell with what appears to me to be erysipelas. My face and eyes are somewhat swollen and also my feet and legs and my hands are some swollen also.

March 22, 1863—Sunday morning. Camp Copeland. The weather was foggy but soon cleared off and the sun came out and this is one of the pleasantest spring days we have had in a long time. Our camp ground is very muddy but a few days like this will soon dry up the mud. Had inspection today. Was looking for a letter from home but was disappointed. I am feeling some better today yet have some headache and feel very weak. Have lain in the tent all day.

March 23, 1863—Monday. The weather is not so fine as yesterday. It’s cool and cloudy with wind which is drying up the mud some. Have hung our blankets out to air and cleaned out our tent and thrown them open to dry. there has been no drills today. Am troubled some with diarrhea yet and my feet and legs continue swollen. Slept very little last night. Felt distressed for breath. Have some cough nights.

March 24, 1863—Tuesday. Was waked up before daylight and ordered to feed and pack our blankets and get ready for a march. After breakfast, were all supplied with hats and ordered to wear them whenever we left camp, Soon after this, heard a report of a gun or pistol and saw a crowd collecting in front of our line of tents where Company I were camped and on inquiry found that one of Company I men had been accidentally shot. the ball entered the lower part of the body and lodged on the opposite side near the backbone and will probably prove fatal. After this the men were ordered out to drill on foot with sabers and after drill were ordered to prepare to march and to be ready at two o’clock in the afternoon at which time they left camp. Myself and a few sick men were left to take care of the camp.

March 25, 1863—Wednesday morning. Was raining when we got up and had rained most all night. Soon cleared off and the sun came out and has the appearance of being showery. There is a rumor in camp that our regiment and most of the cavalry around Washington are to be joined by ten thousand mounted men from Baltimore and that all of our available cavalry are to be concentrated and are to cross the Rappahannock and try to route Stuart and Lee who are reported to have a large cavalry force in a fortified camp on the other side of the river. I am acting as 1st Sergeant now, Lieutenant [George W.] Townsend is here in camp with us, his health not being good enough to allow him to accompany the company. Got orders to prepare to move our camp and sent off the company’s desk and papers, looked over our horse equipage, and packed all of the saddles not wanted to ride on.

March 26, 1863—Thursday morning. The weather is cloudy and cool. Went over to see the doctor this morning and he says that I must stay in Washington at the General Hospital until my health is better. There is no order for moving yet but we are packing and getting ready and will probably move the camp tomorrow to Fairfax. The man who was accidentally shot the other morning died last night. John H, Hammond who had been confined in the Old Capitol Prison with his brother for stealing statuary from the cemetery has been released and returned to camp last evening. His brother has confessed the stealing and clears John from all knowledge of the crime he is accused of. The regiment is at Fairfax and have sent todays mail out to them. I am feeling some better today but get but little rest nights on account of a very severe cough. I have had my Descriptive List made out today. Sent a letter home.

March 27, 1863—Friday. The weather is very pleasant and spring-like today and the mud is drying up very fast. We still remain in camp and have not received any orders to move. I am expecting to remain in the General Hospital and have had my Descriptive List made out and signed. Have had no news from home for two weeks and fear our folks at home are sick. The war news is more favorable and active preparations appear to have commenced in all the Union armies. The regimental commissary says that they are ordered to be ready to move tomorrow morning at eight o’clock. Late in the afternoon, part of the regiment returned to camp from Fairfax. They came to assist in moving the camp. None of our company returned. They were out scouting. Took down most of the tents and folded up in them the clothing of the men.

March 28, 1863—Lincoln Hospital, Ward No. 14. Saturday morning was raining and had rained nearly all night. Got up at the sound of the bugle and called the roll and reported to the Adjutant. Hiram Sturgis [of Co. G] stayed with me in my tent last night. After reporting to the Adjutant, got breakfast and packed up my blankets and clothing. Still continued raining and we thought there would be no order to move camp today but about nine o’clock the order came to saddle our horses and I had not been informed whether I was to accompany the regiment or to go to the hospital but soon after an orderly came for me and told me I was to accompany him to the hospital and he said there were eight men more who were to go with me, only one of whomI was acquainted with and his name is [Ransford Clarence] Comstock and belongs to Company F. The hospital is only a few rods from our tent. Found good quarters, washed and put on clean clothes which was given us by the ward master. Sent my clothes to [ ].

March 29, 1863—Sunday. The weather is clear with rough drying wind and is drying up the mud caused by yesterday’s rain. My health is about the same as it has been for some time. There are sixty patients in this ward, some of whom were wounded at the Battle of Fredericksburg. They are all doing well and none of them are dangerously sick.

The Lincoln Hospital consists of 21 buildings situated in the form of a common drag with the center occupied by the dining and cook rooms and sutler commissary buildings with several other buildings occupied as barracks for the soldiers who guard the hospitals. Each one of these hospital buildings constitutes a ward and has a surgeon and ward master. All of the inmates of these wards who are able go to the dining room for their meals. We had meeting in our ward at three o’clock this afternoon.

March 30, 1863—Monday. The weather is clear and pleasant and has a spring-like appearance. Went over to the old camp ground his morning. There were a few of the men there yet. There were not teams enough to carry all the baggage and some of the men are left to take care of the camp until the teams returned. They were loading up when I was over but could not get all the baggage on this time. Don’t know whether they all went today or not. Sent by Sergeant [John S.] Borden to have my letters re-mailed to me here as they will follow the regiment and I shall not get them unless someone mails them to me. Wrote to Sergeant [Chauncey] Morton yesterday to re-mail them but hear that all of the well men of the regiment have gone south on a raid and was afraid he would not be in camp. My health is about the same it has been for several days back. Have some pain in my chest and back. My feet and legs are not swollen much more now.

March 31, 1863—Tuesday morning. The snow was two inches deep and still snowing but soon turned to rain and continued raining all the forenoon and melted off the snow and the day has been a cloudy, stormy cold day. Some of the men in this ward have been furloughed home. They left here this morning. They were from Connecticut and their furloughs were for twenty days.

All the medicine given here is in the care of one of the sisters of charity who are constantly in attendance during the day and carries to each one his medicine at the proper time. They wear a long white apron which extends down to their feet and reaches nearly around the body and have on their heads a large white sun bonnet of very peculiar shape with their hair combed back and a white handkerchief tied around their heads so as to conceal their hair. Each one of these sisters wear two long strings of large wooden beads with a small cross.

April 1, 1863—Wednesday. The weather is cold and rough with north wind. The ground was froze some this morning. I am feeling about the same I did when I came in the hospital. The surgeon ordered me cupped on my left side which has pained me ever since I was in the regimental hospital. The cupping was done this afternoon. The operation is not a very painful one. Went over to Ward No. 13 this forenoon and saw Lorin Peet [of Co. G]. His health is about the same as it has been.

April 2, 1863—Thursday. The cold north wind of yesterday stil continues and is drying up the mud very fast. This cold rough weather keeps me confined to the hospital building, My side feels pretty sore where i was cupped yesterday. I have a very severe headache much of the time which prevents me from reading. Had the misfortune to lose my gold pen into the case and cannot get it out until I go to the City.

April 3, 1863—Friday. The weather is warm and spring-like. The sun and wind is drying up the mud very fast. My health continues about the same. Have a good deal of headache. I have had no letters from home yet and feel very anxious to hear from there. have not heard from the regiment since they left here. There is no war news of any consequence. All the men in this ward are doing well and most of htem will soon return to their regiments.

April 4, 1863—Saturday. The weather is rough and windy but not as cold as it has been for several days. Carried our beds all outdoors and aired them and scrubbed the floors in the forenoon. The doctor has just been in and ordered [Ransford C.] Comstock and myself to be ready to start for Cincinnati, Ohio, at three o’clock in the afternoon of Monday next. All of the Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana men are to go with us.

April 5, 1863—Sunday. There was several inches of snow on the ground and still snowing and blowing and drifting. There were places around the hospital buildings where the snow was drifted two feet deep. Commenced thawing towards night. Had no meeting in this ward today. Are expecting to start for Cincinnati tomorrow. Have received no news from home yet.

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