Harry H. C. Kay Diary, 1861
given to me by Mother
Harrie
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H. H. C. Kay's
Book From
Yellow Creek,
Bedford Co
Penna
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Wednesday 24. Beautiful morning writing some fixing up business. A.M. went to Hopewell. Rained some. Not much spirit there. Concluded to leave the Company, came up home. Got James Fink's wagon [?] James. Ezra took Steele & Self. came to Bedford in spring wagon got to Bedford about 7½ Ock found great & intense excitement Joined the "Bedford Company". Left Bedford 20 min. of 11 Oclock, got to Yellow Creek 2 A.M. Col Sam Tate came with us. Boyd Kay (Harrys Boy) is quite ill retured 3 AM
[margin: Company leaves tomorrow.]
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Diary Apr. 24 1861.
Thursday 25 Beautiful day Morning a cloudy Got up late. Ate breakfast and began to prepare to leave. time arrived got out the horse & bade Bro Thomas & family adieu got down to Mothers, soon prepared our clothing soon to bid farewell to friends & home. bade dear Mother Good-by—perhapse to meet no more on earth & battle with the storm & strife of Bella horida Bella. I have no gusto & yet not a spark of dread. My country calls I go, because I love her. Got to Wm Smiths 10½ Oclock. Bade them goodby & left 12½ came across to
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Apr. 25 1861
the road to wait on the Company. Joined them. Sped on to Hopewell 2 Ock. Many persons saw us away from there. It was there & then we bade a final adieu and soon the "Iron Horse" bore us away. Got to Safton soon Took our first soldier's supper. The car was very full. Got some new cars, got to Huntingdon at dark. had an other sup & then stowed away in a small car for Harrisburg, slept some on our road not much some of the Company Drunk. Got to Harrisburg 2 Oclock at night stayed in the car mixed up every way 4 Oclock A.M. marched us to the "Jones House" some
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Apr 26 1861
laid down on the floor others ran round I was on the street hunting my baggage. That is the way I passed my first day & night in "Soldier's life"
Friday 26 Beautiful morning Harrisburg brisk & lively, passing good humor. After breakfast took a walk was at Harrises Grave, Capitol &c saw troops plenty drilling, at our hotel, lounging about running to & fro. Some excitement about the arrangement of the Company. 2 Oclock P.M. formed ranks to march to the Captiol to be sworn. All took an oath by raising the right hand about the
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same time were handed our uniforms. Marched around to the arsenal got our guns. Joined Genl Negley's regiment from Pittsburg marched to the cars to leave for York Pa in old coal cars, a rough ride I tell you. Boys in good spirit. I suffering very much with bad cold. Influenza. Got to York 7½ no beds. Nothing to eat Some of baggage stolen my shawl, Ezra's coat &c Brother & Self went to the tavern also D. T. Steele. I was sick
Saturday 27 Fine morning cloudy, but pleasant very unwell. Ate nothing since yesterday morning had got no
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Apr 27 1861
dinner in Harrisburg, layed in quarters until P.M. when I was dispatched to Head Quarters with a messenger for Lieut Maps he being sick on returning met the Company going to Camp Scott. returned to the Quarters put men on guard over the ones remaining. went back to "Fremont House" from that to Camp Scott to see the Captain. Took him with me to York, also Wm B. Bill & I slept at a hotel retired late.
Sabbath 28—
Pleasant morning cloudy raining some at times not cold went to Camp morning found plenty of life
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Apr 28 1861
Soldiers merry. Took beakfast in town, got up late, made out our messes. I with Mowery Helms next I served as "Quartermaster" Brother Ezra was appointed Evening I took some men with me to guard some hay for us to bunk on Got some hay—also our York friend presented us with some clothes for we had no blankets I slept without gave my mess to the Captain ate supper late, layed down early
Monday 29—
Day warm sun shining Took late breakfast—
Morning got a call from Head Quarters
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Guards. I was called was engaged most of the day placing camp[?] guards. hard work. Much walking. Saw Frank Snyder, D.T. Steele lost his pocket book Have not found my shawl yet. Was up all night relieving guards, no blankets quite cold
Tuesday 30—
Fine day. Cloudy, 9 Oclock was taken off duty, layed down & slept. ate breakfast. Began raining about noon rained until 2 Oclock. went to York Wm P.B. & I. Wm was drilling in regimental form, got in
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Apr & May 1861.
6 Oclock P.M. was writing evening. Not very well, bad cold. Got some medicine layed down & slept very well
Wednesday May 1st 1861.
Got up early. Had the diarrhoea. Morning washed in the Captains tent Great contentions among the Soldeirs & Officers. Went to drill on the commons out of camp. Got in about noon no wood to cook dinner men hungry. I bought some pies cakes. drilled P.M. Evening Lieut Mapps & self went to town got some butter pickles &c Begged some blankets I got 2. I bought Lieut Mapps' shawl for 2.00 slept with
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May 2d 1861
Wm P.B.
Thursday 2—
Beautiful day but cool morning called the roll went to drill drilled A.M. P.M. also went to the commons with the regiment. Genl Negley a noble looking man, got in evening tiered feel sore & blistered Morning got a letter from S. E. Pilkington wrote one home tried to get out to town afraid I cannot Evening Captain Filler, Wm P.B. Mower & self went to town Got in late Got our blankets
Friday 3—
Morning cool cloudy, were out drilling Morning A.M. went to the commons to drill began raining
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May 4th 1861
All got wet came in wet dried our guns. wrapped up in our blankets wet & cold poor dinner bean soup & bread, evening Wm B & self went to town & stayed over night Poor boys layed out all night water in the quarters.—
Saturday 4. Snowing & raining still snow 3 inches deep some places. remarkable weather morning came to camp our Company marched down to the old "Machine Shop," our first quarters. P.M. wrote some in quarters changed clothing, also Bro Ezra—
Evening stayed at the Wheatfield as did night before took some ice-cream Had a fuss with our Irishmen put them under
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May 5th 1861
Sunday 5—
Morning fine sun shining mud drying up. fixing up our quarters. Great contention & disatisfaction too. Much drinking among the officers—Night went to town quartered in old "Machine Shop" Wm P. B. & self slept in Hotel bill over night $2.00
Monday 6—
Beautiful morning sun shining 11 A.M. Began to rain got very muddy through the rain & mud we fixed up our tent got some boards put in a floor & made a place for cook & quartermaster not well Evening W.B. & self
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May 6th 1861
went to town Saw B. C. Ross. Came in on Saturday Asked for some money but he was wanting all Stayed over night in town at a tavern down street. slept in although stinking little lousy bed. Got up late bad cold head ache came to town They sent an especial guard after us. did not see them I was detailed as Corporal of the guard for the day. I was not on duty Cleaned my gun Captain Filler was not in camp all day drunk in town. Evening stayed in
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camp slept pretty well not very well some diarrhoea at night
Wednesday 8—
Got up early cloudy morning rain by times. drilled a squad before breakfast P.M. went to town, returned soon. Stewart Elliot came to camp was pleased to see him Regimental drill 2 Regt Brass Band playing all the time. Evening great life in camp. mud drying off fast, air cool, flying clouds layed down early. Got up 9 Ock. calling of the Roll. Bowls much constipated did not sleep well.
Thursday 9. Beautiful day sun rose beautifully & set synonomously. Early morning Wm B & self went
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to town to buy some rations, not being enough in camp. Company turned out to drill I did not had a severe cold & headache. P.M. All men turned out to be inspected by physicians. wanting on our uniforms. D. T. Steele was put in the Guard House for going to sleep whilst on guard Wm T. Filler had a guarrel with Gates. talked of putting him in the guard house, put one of our dutchmen in.
evening very pleasant very lively in camp feel much than I did Am out of money. Goes hard am in great suspense looking for some from home. Also looking for sisters down. Am writing this by candle light think Ill go to town
did go to town
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Friday 10, 1861
Friday 10 Beautiful morning Scarcely got our breakfast until Jacob Barndollar came into camp. What a pleasure! told me sister Rebecca & Mr Philips came to town on their way to classis at Jefferson I put on some clothing & went to town found sister at Mr Ruby's noon began to rain rained all afternoon Saw Stewart Elliot, took him to see Sister Jacob B. left in 4 Ock train for home. I with Lieut Wm P.B. went to Mr Ruby's to see Sister & Mr P. took tea with them evening went to Camp Scott very muddy Bro Ezra stayed at Mr Ruby's
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May 11 1861
Wm P.B. & self went back to camp. slept as usual on our bed of straw bad cold
Saturday 11 Beautiful day sun shining & clear. Got up pretty early (at firing of the cannon) took my breakfast came to town saw Sister & Mr P. spent part of the morning at Mr R. they started in the morning's train for Jefferson went with them to the depo. Came back went to camp took dinner no news of importance more than prospects for fighting getting greater. Wanting us to enlist for 3 years or during the war, our Company will go most of them at all events.
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May 11th 1861
PM got a letter from James containing $5.00 All well came to town P.M. Telegraphed to home to Hopewell waited a long time for a reply from Harrisburg to know the rates, am writing the Telegraph office
Came to camp could not get in stayed over night in town at Mrs Mather's tavern good bed & breakfast .75
Sabbath 12—
Beautiful morning, got up late cold some better pain in my jaw. Came to camp found all right were dividing shoes morning about 10½ Ock Alex Boon John W. Beam & self went into a meadow to wash took a good wash
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Diary 12 1861
sun shining beautifully seems like home sat by the side of the little running stream & wrote in my diary. Came in found all lively. Gov A. G. Curtin came to camp to review the troops was in a buggy rode back & forward before the troops with his hat off good looking man not large but good size left 5 Ock came across in an express train from H. stayed in camp one night slept with Lieut Mapps, coughed nearly all night—evening rained some
Monday 13—
Morning fine a little cloudy by times. P. M. rained all the time rained at night, thundered
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May 13 & 14 1861
lightened all night made quarters very wet at night had a big spree I the only sober boy Captains & Lieuts all joined in singing songs &c. retired 11½ Oclock. still raining
Tuesday 14—
Got up in a hurry. Jno A. Gump & Dibert came in awoke us up Just got in having rode all night came in morning train Also J. B. Williams & lady. Went down town saw them Brought me a box full of cakes, meat pies & every thing good, sent by Sister R L Mrs Armstrong & all sisters & James
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May 14 1861
got it to camp by express wagon P.M. went to town to meet sister Rebecca & Mr P. they did not come Mr & Mrs Williams left in noon train for Baltimore Mrs W. presented me a Testament for which I shall ever be greatful. returned P.M. had Regimental drill 6,000 or 7,000 turned out paraded the street, regiments leaving for Washington Evening P. Margaret Simon States & Ish Baughman came in. Wm P. B. & self went to town got some ice cream. Came in returned late was writing to S.E.P. got a letter from her today.
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May 15th 1861
Wednesday 15—
Morning fine got up early. had squad drill very hungry slow about breakfast. Went to town A.M. to meet Sister Rebecca & Mr P—stayed in town until 12 Ock. Came to camp stayed in camp until evening went out to meet the 6 Ock train it had passed through did not see sister.
Got our likenesses taken Gump & Dibert left in the evening train Mr Margaret & States still here evening came up found great fuss in camp some drunk put some in the guard house—Ezra & I took supper in quarter
[margin: Mr & Mrs Ruby came to camp inquired for us—saw them & had a talk very pleasant.]
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master's bunk P.M. & States saw the fuss, returned late
Thursday 16—
Beautiful day drying the mud off fast got up early had squad drill & dress parade evening also Regimental drill 9 Ock A.M. on our way home from drill a buggy with a span of horses ran of ran through the regiment hurt some of the soldiers one mortally. Some badly frightened they ran the buggy against a tree & tore loose, dont know where the horses ran to. Came in layed down & slept wrote a letter home Evening went to town went to [?] saw Captain wanted to
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May 16 1861
get the news Came up was writing some in my diary. Wm P. B. dry I also feel like leaving the Company. retired late
Friday 17—
slept with Lieut Mapps. Got up early Beautiful day. Company drill W.B. slept in Headquarters. Regimental drill 9 Ock A.M. [?]manded by Col Rowly Genl Negley being absent. Got in 12 Ock PM Wm P.B. & self went to town to get our boots mended found an acquaintance in the shop, relative of Wineman returned went on dress parade 5 Oclock P.M. Evening got our cartridge boxes & belts. Slept in quarters
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May 18th 1861
Lieut Mapps built a bunk retired after singing some songs in Head quarters.
Saturday 18—
Beautiful morning sun shining got breakfast late went out on the plank road sat down was writing in my diary Soldiers passing & repassing very pleasant all "Gay as a marriage bell"
P.M. was out on Regimental drill. had a splendid one road dusty. got in [?] Afternoon went to town with Wm B. evening had Company drill Lieut Mapps reported to Col. Rowley they wished to dis[?] him he was much down got supper late Wm PB. & self slept in his bunk
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May 19th 1861
Sabbath 19—
Beautiful morning, clouded up P.M. got cool. Many turned out on dress parade I did not Col Tate cut my hair, drummed a man out of camp for stabbing another. suppose he will be imprisoned. It looked hard Esqr Bender & Baughman came into camp I was writing a letter & in my Diary. P.M. began to rain was writing evening stayed at home in quarters rest went Church rained all night did not get wet
Monday 20—
rainy morning rainy most of the day quite cold
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May 20 1861
Lieut Wm P.B. is sick got the fever. Helm drunk & acting the fool. took him to the Hospital 10 Ock A.M. rained on P.M. took Wm B. to town I was at quarters. Helm called the roll 9½ Oclock P.M. men cross said he would put me on a train Maj Washebaugh in camp
Tuesday 21—
Beautiful morning cloudy, mud drying up fast I went to town to see Wm B. Came back was appointed Corporal of the guards. at noon was dismissed, went to quarters P.M. was out on dress parade.
Wednesday 22—
Beautiful day Regimental drill 8½ A.M. Gen Negley & Col Rowley both absent
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May 23 1861
Maj Mellinger drilled us & took command. Soldiers escaping through the guards. was in town Bro Ezra took our clothing to get washed.
Thursday 23. Beautiful day, sun shining. Drill A.M. Wm P. B. & self went to town took a walk to the cars he looking for his Father but did not come after that went to the Machine Shop &c. Saw Geo W. Black walked about the town with him steeling apples. [?] got a letter from home Evening went to camp & a great many soldiers breaking by the guards Head Quarters sent a
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May 24 1861
guard after them about a dozen broke past them I was in Head Quarters & saw the fun. Men scattered here & there all over the fields with guards after them walked about the camp Thos Ritchy of B. R. stayed in camp I slept in T. Poormans bunk. after being in Capt Fs quarters & went out. Put an extra guard over our quarters. reports of a man going to come through our quarters to steele, but did not.
Friday 24—
3 Oclock AM Brothers James & Thomas came
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to camp awoke me up Glad to see them indeed they went to town got breakfast & came up to quarters (James) I went down town & met Thos stayed around until the Regiment came out to drill. All went to the commons & looked on at the manoeuvers. got into camp about 10½ A.M. Wm P.B. Bro Ezra & self went to town great restrictions on soldiers. got us out through the Commissaries department by a pass from Gen Winkorp[sic] per Geo W. Black. Got out came to town went to
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the cars spent the time until 4½ Oclock P.M. in town Wm B. trying to trade watches P.M. news came of the death of Col Ellsworth & the surrender of Rebel troops (1000) great indignation
Boys brought
another box from town. sent it to camp by express. We got marching orders to be ready left wing of the 12 Regt left some say to join the 6th. 5 Companies. James & self went to town stayed over night Thos stayed in camp—
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May 25th 1861
Saturday 25—
Raining in the morning Regt left 6 Ock A.M. I was writing in the tavern in my diary.
Evening was on Regimental drill. Had a quarrel with the captain Night went to town with Brothers. Came in after the pass word was out got in at last—
slept with Lieut Mapps & Barndollar.
Sunday 26—
Beautiful day seems like home Brothers James & Thos being here. Brother Thos & self went to town came back about 1 Ock PM 12th Regt left camp—expect to leave soon
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I layed down & took a sleep got up Brother Thos got into bed to we had a good brotherly talk. Good news Genl Butler took Norfolk with 9000 troops under his command. Cecessionists surrendered 20,000 troops 600 of our men killed different reports every day. Evening Brother Thos E. P. Jno Moon went to town went to the hotel down at the railroad, got in 10—wromped until 12 Oclock
Monday 27—
Beautiful day got up & began to prepare to send
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my clothing home with my Brothers. got breakfast late. began to rain some. A.M. went to town to get our likeness taken & get gum blankets Brother Thos bought them for us. got four likenesses taken & prepared to see the boys away who left in the noon train P.M. went on dress parade & two of the Regiments left 2 & 3. we escorted them down sight was grand in all a thousand leaving & our boys down under to think we did not get to go fearing we will have to stay here The shaking of hands
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May 29 1861
& many sad good goodby's that past. got back to camp Brother Ezra & self took a walk out the plank road. Captain drunk.
Tuesday 28—
Beautiful day Morning had a regimental drill Noon our blankets were brought up from being marked. P.M. had company drill & also dress parade. evening came to town no good news more than I go into head Quarters if we stay here—
Wednesday 29. Beautiful day many ladies in camp I lost $2.50 in gold Evening
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Brother Ezra & self went to the country to see some ladies [margin: milk maids]
P.M. washed our clothing—
Thursday 30—
Beautiful day. On Company also Regimental drill. Moving our things from Lieut Mapps quarters to Capt. Fillers head Quarters Evening went to town got in 9 Ock retired 10 P.M.
Friday 31—
Beautiful day. got up late slept on a cot with Lieut Mapps in the large house (Head Quarters) Company also Regimental drill 8½ A.M. I was left guide. Got in 12 A.M. got dinner late was writing some P.M.
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to S.E.P. slept some P.M. Mapps hurried us out on Company drill had dress parade 6½ P.M. I went to Post office Evening was talking to Lieut Hinton
Evening Capt Filler was sober & in good humor retired 10½ P.M.
Saturday June 1st 1861
Beautiful morning looks like rain got up early went on Regimental drill 5 Ock A.M. Came in took breakfast went to see Col Rowley invited me to take a seat &c came to quarters was writing in my diary Evening dress parade Also saw Col Rowley told me
[margin: saw a darkey from Carlisle brought love from sister]
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May 2d 1861[sic]
to come to Head Quarters tomorrow (Sunday) Monday for certain.
Evening went to town took H Drunning with me went down street got a boquet went to Lieut Smith's lecture of wild scenes of the west, some of his own personal adventures, with bears Kit Carson &c.
Got in 9½ Oclock my foot sore being rubbed with my boot. slept poorly with Lieut Mapps.
Sunday 2—
Beautiful day. Evening looked like rain did rain some night before.
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Morning Thos A Rowley told me to come up I went but did not need me before tomorrow. dress parade, also preaching in camp our Regiment all present Came up were dismissed P.M. dress parade 5½ Oclock P.M. Also a funeral of a soldier of the 12th Regiment was sent away dead to his friends at Bermingham This is the 4th that has died in camp Evening went to preaching in town (Lutheran) Capt Filler (Officer of the day) I can write passes as I please & for whom I please got in good time had the pass word.
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Monday 3—
Fine day sun shining went to head Quarters, Morning saw Col Rowley when there Cousin Jane came Uncle Hays & Jacob Eppley came in I went down & saw them were glad to see me. Made arrangements with Col Rowley to go with them home. Brother E.P. & self went down town about 1 Ock P.M. Uncle Hays took dinner in our quarters went to the hotel changed our clothing started for Newberytown about 2 Oclock. had a walk & ride in a tilberry Cousin Jane & I rode &
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walked together Uncle & Brother E.P. Mr Eppley came in another wagon found all on getting here about 6½ Oclock P.M. took supper sat on the portice & took a walk with Cousin Morris & Mr Arnold & Mr Eppley Came back & cousin Adda went home I walked along retired 12 Ock P.M. Morris & I slept together.
Tuesday 4—
Raining morning rained until 12 Oclock after tea went out calling at every house in town did not see Maggie Eppley. She was away
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started for York in a wagon about 3 Oclock P.M. Morris brought us 9 miles we walked the remainder of the way before we got to York heard that our Regiment had left Ezra got much excited I did not believe it. Got to York found they had went to camp got our supper found a Seargent who was detailed to bring three men in that went back Bro Ezra & self stayed over night in town at K[?] hotel
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did not sleep well cars awoke us.
Wednesday 5 Cloudy rained some by times got up early went to camp got our breakfast, stayed in camp a while. went to town to find Capt. Kean went back to camp saw him. Counted haversacks & belts. Got a cartridge box & belt. Came to the cars. got a pass from Capt Kean got my men in and started rode pleasantly along, talked to the conductor. got to Harrisburg about 12.40 A.M. stayed in H—until 1.40 P.M. lost two of my men but found
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them in time to start both drunk got them into the cars two Ladies got in also verry pretty I could not help but catch their eye sometimes…..
Got in Chambersburg 4.30 P.M. did not stop in Carlisle rained all day. Cars much crowded. Met Wm P.B.at the cars, also Mr Cleaver, Rev. soon got out to camp reported my men to their Capt & then to take a look at the camp that was called Camp Rowley. our quarters were a few boards lying on the ground, which were some nailed on the top of a board fence that we tore down. others in horse stables & stalls that had been used in time of a fair
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June 6th 1861
Early in the evening layed down our bed of straw & blankets, were soon asleep
Thursday 6—
Raining some Morning misty & cloudy. soon ceased raining Regimental drill morning. Was sent with guard to town to bring in all the men got Cook & Bowman. had a big time to bring them in went back the second time. saw H King G. Black Wm P.B. brought my men up soon. News of two of the picket guard got shot by a man riding by—arrested several traitors some excitement in camp
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expect to move every day, on to Harpers Ferry writing in my diary at noon P.M. was in camp, turned out on Company drill & also Regimental drill. Evening pleasant running foot races around the fair g[?] some money but I was writing home P.M. retired late got a letter from R. Philips
Friday 7 Beautiful morning out on Comp drill before breakfast by Lieut Barndollar. Major Sauson & Brother Thos King David Over came to Chambersburg to see the "Taylor Guards" P.M. Sergeant Bowman & self went to town to see Miss Washabaugh & mail
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some letters also saw Mr Wampler. Guard brought Bowman & self back to camp. James & Jacob Barndollar Wm Masters & Joseph Bender came in to see us. Rained in the evening Over, King Major Sauson & Brother stayed over night with us did not sleep much. report of Rebel Spies being about Morning about 4 Ock awoke us up with alarm of to arms. All got up in a bustle Regiment formed in haste & after some manoevers dispersed
Saturday 8—
Beautiful morning very foggy all got fresh & lively
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after dress parade was laying about low Evening was out on the ground running foot races got a letter from Sadie R. Came to quarters to read it Capt Filler came back Evening a meteor rolled throug the heavens & burnt out.
Sabbath 9—
Beautiful day verry warm. laying about the camp most of the day early in the morning Thos Mellow & self went to the Sulphur Spring to wash. Messrs. Barndollar Masters & King went
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over to the spring. Boys made a man to represent Jeff Davis hung him on a pole Evening went to town Came back with Alex Mower played off drunk to get by the guard. Barndollar & Masters went home. retired late was writing in my diary.
Monday 10 Beautiful day verry warm Morning got orders to prepare for inspection Boys went to bathe I went after them. Came back got to packing up my knapsack turned out about 11. After inspection Boys & self took all our guns down to the [?] and stacked them. Capt Jno Bowers was discharged
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June 10 1861
Filler came up from town saw the guns there made a great fuss. went to the Col & reported the Company. I also saw him. Brought our guns back and had a great fuss Evening turned out on dress parade & got orders to leave & go to "Camp Braidy" Mr Philips & Sister R. came to camp Evening Helm & Brother Ezra & self went to town saw Sister & Brother P had a pleasant turn on the guitarr. Saw Capt Filler down town did not speak to him Came in 12 at night talked to the guard
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June 11
Tuesday 11—
Beautiful morning preparing to leave packing up—
layed about the quarters until 11 A.M. got a pass from Capt to go down town to see Sister Rebecca. our Wagons being already loaded went to Mr Wamplers found Sister there. Also Miss somebody a verry pretty little lady. went to Grenwatts took dinner went with sister & ladies to the cars. saw them off. came back with the ladies on my way out to the camp found the Regiment had moved went Camp Mullen & self brought them into "Camp Braidy" had a great time getting out, got into camp
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evening got to pitching our tents evening were jumping & taking exercise our tents whitening the surrounding country was put on guard at night (Corporal) had to awake the men every two hours.
Wednesday 12—
Beautiful morning cloudy pleasantly cool. do not feel very well feverish & nervous. dress parade I was lying in my tent writing got marching orders of the strictest kind. Sealed at that will prepare to day take 3 days rations. orders to leave at daylight I coppied General Orders P.M. Helm & self went to town with a baggage wagon
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June 13th 1861
after unloading our boxes went to the Franklin House took a spaniel dog to send to Bedford. got a rope took him to Blacks for Phil Sauson to take to Bedford Evening came back to camp in a wagon got in 8½ Oclock. saw Sergt. Maj Callow had a long talk with him sitting at the root of a tree. Helm & Phil Sauson slept on our blankets at the root of a tree.
Thursday 13—
Slept well, got up early to start on our march bustle about the camp. Wm P.Barndollar got shot through the thumb by the discharging of a pistol Also E. B. Ramsey with the same ball through the hand caused quite a confusion
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June 13th 1861
both got very sick after dressing the wounds. Ramsey concluded to go home bade us all goodby went to town came back again because of Captains not sending his discharge to Chambersburg—
Did not start until P.M. 2½ bagan to haul down our tents soon ready had a severe headache. formed line & started 3½ on a march toward Greencastle. Day very hot Marched double quick most of the way feet got very sore boots hurt them much. Many gave out and fell in the rear got to a clover field* about 4 Oclock no wagons there or tents layed down on the grass after coming
[margin: *called Camp Lee.]
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in from washing bathing and getting some good water & eating a little cracker & fat beef. Much revived. Came back began to pitch our tents. I concluded to lay down on a tent. after laying a while got up & went to Mapps tent layed there over night did not sleep well. got cold in the night. Evening Lieut Mapps & Capt Filler had a quarrel were going to fight. Lieut Homs stood of Capt Pattersons Comp stood between them. I went & told them for the respect of themselves & the Company to stop such work. retired late.
Friday 14—
Beautiful morning but cool heavy dew boys scattered all about the camp got up early
[top margin upside down: slept on our arms at night]
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did not feel much sore, was writing in my diary at the fire whilst the rest were cooking breakfast. 10½ A.M. got a pass from Col Rowley. Got a horse went to town (Greencastle) to get a pair of shoes for my boots had rubbed my feet in blisters went to town on an old roan mare with the Dr of our Regiment in town saw the assisting surgeon of our Regt became acquainted with Tip Fletcher in Ziglers Store. Came in put on my new shoes went to the spring to wash Capt got his flesh brush
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June 15th 1861
stolen. Came in got supper Lieut Mapps wanted me to go to town with him had dress parade I was watching the companies drill Evening got news of the Cecessionists having left Williamsport burnt the bridges & fled, was writing in my diary evening, Col Rowley came into the tent Jolly old fellow Capt. Patterson is well got an order to leave for march on tomorrow morning 7 Oclock A.M. and expect to be in warm work possibly to Richmond
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June 15th 1861
Saturday 15—
Beautiful morning. got up went to the spring to wash & fill my canteen Came in ate a dry cracker & fat meat. Got to packing up preparing for march. about the time we were striking the tents a train of Cavalry went by I taking notes whilst sitting in a field along side of our camp and shortly afterward another. Doubledays men who had been in Fort Sumpter. soon again more passed and again the artilery commanded by
soon again a brigade of volunteers with baggage wagons all amongst
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the train Baggage & all things in regular order with Pattersons Life guard in the van. our brigade with the Regulars waiting for the train to pass by partly we went in the center. Rhode Island troops that were encamped back passed us. the sight perfectly grand some seventeen thousand men all pushing on to the seat of war. News came this morning of the troops at Harpers Ferry leaving there when hearing of our troops advancing against them, fancy could not picture to imagination the sight, the rolling of the heavy canon wheels the bustle of the wagons all is present men moving
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on steadily to the conflict in anticipation "gay & happy still". And again another comes. "and the cry is still they come." All eager & sanguin waggons now all silent for we are near the enemy and no sound of music is heard except the bugle-man to give us warning when to start & hault left Camp Lee about 9 Oclock A.M. Marched on steadily very hot perspiration flowing like rain. still we march resting frequently On the way set foot on the soil of Maryland about 12 Ock and with a whoop had a great fuss about getting
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water it being so hot and being loaded down with knapsack gun belt &c &c. Got into another clover field about 3½ Ock P.M. on the way one of the Lieut of our Regiment shot himself in the foot when going to shoot another man After stacking our guns I layed down against the fence to rest until the wagons came up some went for water Got supper and layed down to sleep slept well in "Camp Mapps."
Sunday 16 Beautiful day some clouds flying rained a heavy shower in the morning being verry After breakfast got
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June 16th 1861
hasty orders to march as there were some 6,000 Rebel troops not far off and were fighting soon struck our tents & were on our march 11½ AM marched through the Potomac, waded it as the bridges had been burned by the rebel troops before leaving Came across the Maryland line & loaded our guns ready to meet them encamped about 3 miles in Virginia in a barren field on the same ground on which 140 mounted Cavalry had been a few days before but had
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June 16th 1861
left. pitched our tents on high ground. troops passing all afternoon evening wrote some letters to be sent home to Pa to be mailed. Col Tate just got into camp. Got orders to move morning & to cook rations for next day. I coppied a list of the names to put men on duty to help the Quartermaster
Writing in my diary in the evening. Also some letters Slept well
Monday 17—
rained in the night Morning cool. Struck our tents & packed up to start after all was loaded formed a
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Company stood in rank Moved forward a pace & halted, and after standing & laying about in great suspense got order to pitch our tents on the same ground. the cause of the delay was owing to an [?] of Rebel troops being near at Martinsburg, Va. Some of the batteries in advance came back & crossed the river to relieve some weak points back laying in our tents & Richard Pilkington Clem Miller were put under guard for getting some chickens soon released Pleasant evening was in Capts tent talking
[margin: Regulars left P.M. for Washington & we to go tomorrow report of troops from the south assembling there]
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& using plenty of big words late at night our provisions came in two wagons being out of meat entirely cooked our meat to march next morning by daylight. Got to bed 12 Ock at night
Tuesday 18 Beautiful morning verry cold slept well got up in haste at daylight packed up our things for marching. ate no breakfast but some coffee that I got to drink. After pulling down our tent started as we supposed for Washington moving very carefully we in the rear prepared for an attack at any moment marched on our back track for Washington. Came to
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June 19th 1861
the Potomac about 9 Oclock A.M. plunged into the raging water & crossed once more our Regimental Band stopping in the middle of the river to play "The star Spangled banner" & after that "Yankee doodle." One of the most sublime sights I ever witnessed the thrill calm notes of the bugle rolling along the winding banks of the noble river and reverberating on every breeze still less distinct but pleasant Whilst thousands stood in its waves & on its banks eagerly catching every note as if in every heart
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there seemed to be a wish to meet the enemy on that verry spot and loth to leave Virginia in the rear. And oft did our memory revert to Camp Hitchcock so lately deserted some 3 miles to our rear. Some 20 minutes landed us safely on the Maryland shore with wet clothes but lively hearts Marched on through Williamsport and close by in a cloverfield we run in. ordered to pitch our tents and immediately countermanded. then great confusion for a few minutes owing to some other brigades of this division having come in it being
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an alarm that we were fighting and had been defeated they came to our rescue. the evening about 10 P.M. the picket guard gave an alarm when some 100 guns were fiered successively when the cry of "to arms to arms" wrang through the camp and in a moment all were out after some confusion we formed a regimental line when the fiering ceased all ready to meet the Rebel band. Soon the fiering & the whistle of musket bullets ceased & we layed down with guns by our sides & cartridge box all about so in a moment we could
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be ready. slept quietly until morning and that was our first important alarm.
Wednesday 19—
Beautiful morning all anxious to find out positively concerning the alarm of last night some excitement in camp during the day. Our Company & company of "Shield Guards" detailed to go on picket guard at night All went out during the day shoot off our pieces P.M. went to see a Cecessionist that had been taken prisoner he swore at the guard about him & fained crazy.
Evening our Company left for town to get our orders & be placed, went to town &
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stayed there some time. About 7 evening started toward the Potomac expecting to cross & meet the enemy on the opisite side. Knowing there were some 200 Cavalry there (mounted) were placed along our side of the river but did make any alarm All expecting an attack to night. every man slept on his arms.
Thursday 20. Beautiful day Morning came in from guard. took breakfast layed down & slept. about 8 Oclock A.M. mounted horsemen came in sight having heard them in the night as soon the rebel troop made their appearance
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our men began to spy them through the glass and the home guards with our men began to fire on them, did shoot a horse or two & also a man. as soon as fiered on they scampered back to the woods. from town could see men working in their shirt sleeves which we supposed were throwing up entreanchments for field pieces. sent to hagerstown for Doubledays artilery and we began to throw up embankments.
P.M. about 6 Oclock fiering closed and all was calm but still expecting an attack tonight doubled
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the picket about the camp Evening I was writing in my diary. About 2 Oclock P.M. Thos & George Steele came to camp directly from home, brought us news of all being well at home Glad to see them.
Friday 21. Beautiful day quite warm. Not much of importance going on. About noon went to town on a pass from Col Rowley. saw the cannon and also the peace where the entreanchment was being dug, came back to camp with Mr Crawford & Lieut Holms. tried to write P.M. but could not for interruption & noise. Evening beautiful moonlight and the [?]
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of the evening called to animation all the feelings of which an admiring being is possessor and as we sat before the tent & beside our marker on a huge rock of limestone and sang "I'll hang my harp on the willow tree" brought to memory the scenes of the past and late in the evening I retired to rest and the band played the sweet tune of "Home Again"
Saturday 22. Beautiful day verry warm Morning was put on as Corporal of General guard. was busy all day slept some by times Cecessionists made their appearance several times during the day & our
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June 23 1861
men fired on them at the distance of ¾ miles made them retreat. At night our were alarmed by the fiering of the Rebel pickets had all our men to arms. Slept well on my blankets on the ground at the guns—
[margin: our men put on duty to dig at the entreanchments]
Sabbath 23. Beautiful day and blowing a nice breeze sun shining warm Was teasing Mapps & he ordered me out his marker I was writing some letters in the afternoon. Changed my mess with Col Tate had much fun. Col Rowley & Ajutant Kenteon came to Capts quarters with a vinegar bottle, had
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June 23 1861
them drinking of it. day passed off pleasantly & Kenteon spoke of a storm after a calm—Evening turned out on dress parade & just as the band was playing the men began to break from the regimental line & alarm of the enemy all was confusion for a moment & then we formed a line in its proper place by that time the word came the Rebel troops had crossed the river higher up & were aproaching The whole brigade was out & soon the road was lined with troops after marching forward 10 mile got command to hault haulted & turned back it being a false alarm. Marched
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June 23 1861
by the left until we unmasked & then went to quarters. Slept on our arms at night expecting an attack. Geo & Tho Steele came to camp today & spent most of the time with us. retired in good time.
Monday 24.—
Beautiful morning John Barndollar & self went to the river to bathe. Came in got our breakfast, Ajutant gave me his watch to repair I looked at it but saw I could not repair it without tools, gave it back to him. O. C. Ramsey & self got a pass from Col Rowley went to town got some spoons knives & forks, butter &c
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June 24th 1861
Came back to camp. went down to the Lock to a store got some more spoons &c came to camp got our dinner. P.M. was sleeping some. A.M. was writing. wrote to S.E.P. while in town. Evening got the Battery all ready & word came to the camp of that kind when the men congregated on the hill to see the result presently the crowd about the canons began to disperse with bustle & soon a cloud of smoke arose. Which was lighting the match. Then instantly a dense cloud of smoke arose the flame burst out in front some fifty feet & with a sound that jarred the verry earth the mighty gun sent forth its
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June 24th 1861
contents to the destined spot. Close by a house in the distance situated on an elevation a mile perhaps away about which had been seen the loitering rebels doubtless taking notice of all we did and when quietly engaged eating their supper in the shade of the building before spoken of there came a mighty crash a jar a thundering sound and that was the destiny of the mighty gun's ball. and soon another followed & again and again until seven shots were fiered then the anxious wondering to know the result no news came. evening had an argument about
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June 25th 1861
drill. retired late.
Tuesday 25—
Beautiful morning but cool nights & days warm. Air feels comfortable. first news after rising was the result of the canonade 5 men killed & 3 men wounded had Company drill morning & afternoon was sitting beneath a shade tree writing
News of 2 Regiments having gone through Bedford on to Cumberland P.M. Jno Barndollar & self went to town, got some things to eat. Evening went on dress parade. Nothing of importance occurred during the day all was brisk & lively during the evening retired
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June 26th 1861
early. After roll call I was fooling the men by calling the roll.
Wednesday 26—
Beautiful day sun shining out wind blowing all day which made the day pleasant during the the men were busily engaged planting pine & other shade trees by night the encampment was like a grove. was about the tent most of the day.
Morning went out target shooting. P.M. went to town to get some butter &c. The evening had dress parade. Some Cecessionists were seen about the skirt, canons ready to open fire
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Evening, the Band was playing & every thing lively sitting in the mess writing in my diary. Morning copied general orders—
Thursday 27—
Beautiful morning our Company reported to the Col by Lieut. Holms for making noise aft. talked sitting in Capts quarters got orders to go to work at the battery. was hauling sod. whilst resting, Lo! in sight what comes a flag of truce borne by 3 men on horseback, officers we found on their approaching near they lowered down upon us and soon an officer rode to meet them and soon another
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until three had gone, and for some time they stayed until one returned & bore the message to Genl Patterson it was for a cessation of hostilities until fall by wish of Jeff Davis. returned to quarters 12½ P.M. after dinner Brother E.P. Ramsey, Renn, Moon self & several others went to the country saw some women. Also got a good mess of cherries that was a treat I tell you. John Moon & I went in to bathe, twice for today hurried in away from picket guard. got in time for dress parade some of the Companies turned out in their drawers. Capt Filler came from Chambersburg
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retired in good time Mapps got too much whiskey in the whole company cross at him he put Alex Boon in the guard house.
Friday 28. Beautiful day but warm some clouds flying writing in my diary Morning have a sore foot hurt it when bathing yesterday. Wm Martin came to our tent and I went with him to his took a good smoke of the pipe. then we started for the country walked about 1¼ miles to a farm house up the canal. Got a mess of cherries and talked to the old woman a while Came back in the evening and went on dress parade. evening retired in good time after a chapter in the testament. Brother E.P.K.
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in quite a lively mood smoking his pipe. Rained in the night
Saturday 29 Beautiful day cloudy by times cool in the morning were aroused up just at daylight with cry of "Pack-up" "packup" & "strike tents" something verry surprising for we all expected to remain here some time but soon all was packed up and ready formed into Company with knapsacks on our shoulders. got orders to form the regimental line on the opisite of the field that we were to march in front. The rumor was that the enemy had crossed both sides of the river and were marching on us & that Genl Negleys brigade was fighting down
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the river & we were going to retreat to Hagerstown. soon our regimental line was formed but Alas! instead of us marching in front we got orders to "stack arms" and off the other regiments moved we eagerly wishing to follow but no orders came and soon we saw the other regiments mount the heights at "the Battery" ready for defense and anxiously we waited but no enemy came. soon men began to scatter off to town & lie down in the shade. Brother E.P. Bill Martin & Moon & I went to town got some bread & butter having had no breakfast or dinner also stole some mackerel & begged a pie went out to a shade tree & sat down & ate the
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fish & pie. had much fun whilst eating the raw fish but thought it good. thus we lounged about most of the day waiting orders the other regiment (16th) came back to camp about noon. All the wagons remained packed up except to get something to eat no one knowing the cause of the delay. Evening looked like rain. did not pitch our tents but laid them on the ground & crept under it. passed the evening very pleasantly talking to the men in the company alone & smoking the pipe
Sabbath 30. Beautiful Raining morning & rained on until afternoon was writing
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letters & laying in the tent A.M. Thos Steele & Geo S. came to our quarters during the day. P.M. got orders to go on picket guard at night. have nothing to eat, provisions having run out, all but some horsemeat. went to town (Sabbath as it is) got some butter tea &c. came in took some supper about 3 Oclock P.M. left for our posts got out to the country about 2½ miles stacked our arms and some laid down on the grass & others of us went to the country for cherries but did not get any. at the approach of twilight, we "took arms" quietly & were posted (it raining) I wish some others was on the out post, did not dare put on my gum blanket it being too white
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evening verry dark all watching eagerly for the approach of an enemy but no one came. about 11 Ock A.M. word came for us to report in town 1 Ock P.M. and that we would cross the Potomac at 3 Ock. soon—too soon all the picket was drawn in and we concentrated at our headquarters in the woods formed into line verry quietly all the time watching a bright light in direction of the camp. And as we moved forward toward the camp, saw it was there, and on coming in found all busy cooking but verry quiet, our boys asleep that were in camp. found out that the brigade was going to leave on two days cooked rations & take no tents or
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July 1st 1861
wagons. we to remain & guard the camp—to which we objected Capt & I went to see the Col got him to let us go along. also had to see the Ajt & Genl Cadwalader began to prepare for the march without any thing to eat. awoke up the men to take in the arms that were stacked out side it began to rain. took our guns into the dry aroused up about 3½ Ock to march on empty bellies got into line.
Monday July 1st 1861—
Daylight dawned & found us in regimental line ready waiting for the word "forward" layed on the ground & walked about & smoked our pipes &c about 8 Ock got orders to go back to quarters I was writing in my diary
[fragment:
July 1st 1861
Pilkington James
Pilkington Richard]
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April 1861
Expenses $—
Friday Saturday Sunday
Monday Tuesday 9.00
For Hopewell Company "
Apr 26 Comb &c .25
" Badge Treated some .50
" 27 Beds & medicine .35
" Mending Boots .50
" 27 Book on Tactics 1.25
" Something .50
" 26 For Pistol 11.50
" 28 For cigars .07
" To D. T. Steele .50
" 29 For Paper Treat &c 1.00
" For Jacob Peck's Shirt 1.37½
" To Frank Horn Cook 1.00
" For Tin Cup .03
" For medicine .10
May 1st For pies & cakes .12½
" Cigars .5
" To Gates .25
" To Horn Cook 1.00
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Expenses May 2d 1861
May 2 Butter &c .50
" Lieut Mapps Shaver 2.50
" 3 Butter Medicine oil 1.00
" To buy drum 1.00
" 4 To Sam Tate 1.50
" Jacob Peck .30
" Bill over night 2.00
" Paper &c .50
" Brother Ezra 2.50
" Frank Poorman .50
" to others .50
" 5 Jerry Brown .15
" Ice cream .50
" 6 Frank Poorman 1.50
" Medicine & Ice cream 1.00
" Postage for Boy .10
" 7 Cakes & F. Poorman .20
" 8 Mail letter .05
" Telegraph & Bill over night 2.25
" 13 Postage Groceries .50
" To Ezra .50
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Expenses June 61
May 14 Groceries .50
" 15 To Ezra .50
" for likeness &c 1.00
" 16 For letter &c .25
" Jacob Peck .25
" Lieut Mapps. Paid .50
" For mending Boots .25
" John Moon .50
" 25 Wm Barndollar .25
" Express .25
" Socks .12½
" 27 Treat .10
" Wm P. B. .25
" Lost in gold 2.50
" Lightning gust .18
" 28 down town .55
" Milk .02
" 31 Letters .07
June 2 Lemon & vinilla cream .65
" To Church .16
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Of Wm P Barndollar .20
" " .25
" James E Kay 5.00
" James " in box 1.00
" Bro Ezra 2.50
" 25 James E Kay .25
" " " .50
" Thos J. Kay .50
" 27 James Kay 5.00
June 4 E. P. Kay .60
" 6 " " .06
" 10 Sister R .25
" 14 Wm P.B. 2.00
" " " 1.00
" 21 O.C. Ramsey 1.00
" 21 " "
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Capt. Morrises letter, and also his men.
May some better John Peat able to be about
Corporal Elliotts discharge
Comp C, Corporal White tell him that Charley is not better but Sargeant wrote home, deliver news.
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15308) | DL1365 | Diaries | 1861 |
Tags: Alcohol, Anger, Animals, Artillery, Business, Camp/Lodging, Clothing, Death (Military), Desertion/Deserters, Discharge/Mustering Out, Drilling, Excitement, Family, Fighting, Food, Gender Relations, Guard/Sentry Duty, Guns, High Morale, Hygiene, Illnesses, Injuries, Jefferson Davis, Love, Marching, Medicine, Nature, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Railroads, Religion, Rivers, Spies/Espionage, Supplies, Telegraph, Weather, Work
People - Records: 1
- (5336) [writer] ~ Kay, Harry H. C.
SOURCES
Harry H. C. Kay Diary, 1861, DL1365, Nau Collection
