Albert H. Kingman Diary
A H Kingmans
property Co E
Berdans 1st Regt.
U.S.S.S.
Nov. 1st 1862
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Day Book
[expense account, illegible]
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Clothing turned in since
April 15 1863. $
10 Woolen blankets 7.20
Pr legings 1.25
2 over coats a $9.50 19.00
1 pr mittens .25
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[continued cash account, much stricken and faded]
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Nov. 1862
2 On the march for Harpers Ferry comes S by E & S by SE Sunday
Monday
3 Found us on top of the Blue ridg hunting rebs. found the place where they had been & some apples & vegetables, turkees & chickens &c at farm house on top
4 very pleasant. We came off the mountains & camped in the valley below found a few potatoes for supper
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1862
4 The name of the valley we encamped is called "Goodan valley" The soil is very good & the timber is almost entirely hard wood consisting of black walnuts. Hickory, whitewood is not very pleanty but oak is very pleanty. recd two days rations this m'ng with orders to be ready to march at daylight 9 oc a.m. mounted guns
5 p.m.
Expect to move today Cold frosty night Sold my gloves for 5 dollars [faded]
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Nov 1862
6 Started towards White plains found me some nice turnips which sliced up with potatoes and a little pork and a sprinkling of peper we were well fed
7 Started at daylight 4 or 5 ms to this place White Plains around about 8 a.m. cold snow storm commenced immediately on our arrival & looks like will last all night The place is on the road to [faded]
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Nov 1862
8 Camp in the meadow Cold & freezing Letter with cap from cousin L. R. Whittle & N.
9 Commenced a letter to Nellie. Encamped 2 ms from Warengton Start again soon
10 [faded]
Encamped near Warengton about 3 ms from [faded]
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Nov 1862
10 reports at Trenton where his family is [faded] he is entirely relieved from command of the army Drew a new blanket cost me 1.57
We have just been out & bid Gen McClellan good bye [faded] A. E. Burnside [faded] that it is for the best [faded]
12 Encamped near Warengton still, camp rough I to sleep awhile. Going to drill. Looks like rain
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Nov 13 1862
Gen. Porter has been relieved of his com'd We may as well make up our minds for a severe winter campain Wrote to L. R. Whittle
14 Recd a paper from H.M.K. He is at the State Bank Dubuque Town
16 Wrote to E.D. Rice
We were reviewed by Gen Hooker yesterday The army is on the move again. Expect to move soon.
19 Marching towards Fredricksburg 10 to 14 miles distant
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Nov 1862
21 Cold stormy night Very mudy this m'ng. Did not move yesterday nor yet today 12M
22 Clear cold morning March at 8½ oc a.m.
23 Left camp near Heartwood at 4½ yest.
Camped nearly 4m S. E. of last camp. Had just one hard tack since yest we ate corn for a living Foraging is the order. Honey poultry, figs beef, mutton & vegetables came in last night
25 looks like rain
26 raining hard all night
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Nov 1862
27 Thanksgiving at home. Fasting is the order of the day here. Some [?] are very short of hard bread & everything else. Going to write to L. A. Severance Recd a letter from her today Wrote camp H. M. Kingman
29 Been down to see 2nd 9th & 6th N.H. Regts Found some boys going home & some sick & others still in the Reg's. Saw Rev Mr Harelton he gave me a very nice pr of drawers
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Nov & Dec 1862
30 Went over to see Mr Brown at the 6th N.H. yesterday Gave me mustard & he is well & has a good place in medical Dept.
Going to write to L.R.W.
A letter from home
Dec 1st A letter from N She is at home.
Dec 3d Cold & blustering
" 4 Cold wind nights
" 7 Very cold made a fireplace in tent yesterday Has thawed but very little today 2 p.m. Sent Nellie a letter yesterday
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Dec. 9 1862
Choping spike timber; 200 of us S.S. Very pleasant day. Had three very cold nights. has thawed but very little during day. Our fireplace works very nicely
10 Drawing rations most of the time preparatory to marching in m'ng.
11 Bombardment of Fredricksburg commenced at 6½ oc a.m. We were ready mch at daylight 1 p.m. but little cannonading now
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1862 Nov Decr
but pretty constant City on fire in several places Very pleasant day
13 We are before Fredricksburg Va. Some of our troops are on the other side of the river. Cold frosty nights & windy days. Sunday 14 Nov Terrible fight before F.burg. rebs held the hights beyond town & killed off our men terribly. hardest battle I ever saw. We did not go most of the N.H. Regt went
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14 Decr 1862
Our Reg. went over this m'ng. left me behind sick with cold & toothache. Pretty quiet today along the whole line.
15 Stoped in the city last night. Got a slow fever still keep about & do duty. Our folks are taking the wounded out of the city.
15 Our picket just out of the city
16 Stayed out on picket until past 7 this mng when nearly all of
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Dec 16 Con 1862
our troops had left the city. We then started for the upper bridg came through the main part of the city.The buildings all badly torn to pieces by shot & shell from both sides. Rained some in morning making terrible slipery walking We had come back to our old camp found all O.K. except the chimney was partly down. I am terribly tired. pulse up to nearly over 100 all the time
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Dec 17th 1862
Wrote to mother.
20 Signed pay roll for four mos. pay this eve. My fever is leaving.
23 Weather milder
24 Mail bag containing mail from this Reg. stole last night. Bot some tea &c for Christmas
25 Found cousin G. Boyle in Watermans Battery. Says the 15th Conn. is out here.
27 Went yesterday to see cousin G. He has a letter from Ada L. & Anna at home. well as usual—Two no's "Laws of Life" from mother
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1st Jan 1863
Just returned from a reconnoisance up to ____ & Kellys fords. Drove the reb pickets in captured 5 or 6 & killed two negrows & wounded a man axedentally Returned today. Had a wet cold night the first night. Cold & clear today. bot some potatoes & sausages of a Conn farmer coming back A letter from home Father in Boston at work.
sent me some money $1.00 & [faded]
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Jan. 1863
1 We found the 2nd Reg. of S.S. encamped close to us when we got back They have got reduced very much. They have the most reasonable Sutler there is here, sells pipes &c as cheep as in Wash.
3d Very cold morning. Wrote to G. H. Richards Started a letter home
4 Chas Thatchers box has come. sent for it 5 weeks since
5 Sent a letter to Jos. B. Abbott. 244 F Street Washington D.C.
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Jan 5th 1863
Two mos. Ledger come started Jan 3d & 10 ult.
8 General review by Burnside. Tryed my skill at making fritters with flour & saleratus very good Cold & looks like snow Recd. our green suit today consisting of cap, coat & pants Recd letter from father acknowledging the rect. of the 30 dollars which I sent.
9 A letter from L.R. Whittle
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10 January 1863
Wrote to L. R. Whittle Commenced raining
20 Recd letter from N. M. Boswell & one from G. H. Richards last evening. Started from our old camp bag & baggage.
21 Came near the bank of the Rapehannock waiting for the pontoon bridge to be put across the river Seigles men are near Franklin, are close I suspect we are to cross the river tomorrow drive the rebs.
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21 January 1863
Rained all last night & most of today. About 5 p.m. Road terrible mudy The ground was frozen about 3 inches but is nearly out now Terrible times ahead
22nd Cloudy all quiet Terrible mudy, everything stuck in the mud
23d Letter & papers from home. "Gazett" from N.H.
25 Encamped near R.R. 2 ms S. of old camp
30 Wrote home
Feb 2 Just got our tent
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2 Feb'y Con. 1863
fixed up in great shape & living more comfortable than in any other camp & now we have got to move back near our old camp ground. We leave here tomorrow
3d Bitter cold & squally No moving camp today I hope
4 Moved camp very cold & ground froze
5 Very cold last night
6 Snowing turned to rain. Trying to put up shanty. Terrible bad work
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5-6 Feb. Con 1863
ing but have to keep buisy with or without tent to keep any way comfortable.
6 Rained all night Got shanty covered & bunk put up so that we slept very comfortably. Recd letter from L. R. Whittle yesterday with nine stamps Evening, recd a letter from E. D. Rice Had not heard from me since my letter of Nov 16th
Feb 7 Very pleasant Come to see G. B. & ground (over)
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7th Feb. Con 1863
Thatchers new axe & my hatchet. George & Charlie are well. It is said the 9th Army Corps has gone to Fortress Monroe.
7 Cars carrying troops towards Acquia creek all day—9th Army corps
11th Cloudy looks like snow. Our two Regts have been divided into 4 Batts. We are in 3d Bat. Eve, rained or snowed all p.m. Wrote to L. R. Whittle
13 Wrote to Elsina
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14th Feb 1863
A letter from Mother Persis "Duck" & E.D.R. yesterday A paper today "Bellows Full Times".
16 Started out on a scout at 8 a.m. I was on reserve picket west of Falmouth.
17 Snowed all day Looks like rain. 6½ or 6 inches damp snow.
18 Commenced raining last night. Rained all day 19th On picket post from 11 to 1 oc. On four times. Rained every time. The post
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19 Feb. Con 1863
was in the thickest part where the wet snow was constantly falling. Couldnt lye down when off post it was so wet. Builded large fires & dryed ourselvs what we could between whiles Had to walk (or wade) about constantly to prevent chilling. Just cold enough to stiffen the wet snow a little. Brot up some soup bread & sugar from camp last night. Started back to camp about 1 p.m. Never saw such mud
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except in Virginia. Had to wade over shoes in many places. Came cross it as much as possible
20th Very fine day. Wrote home yesterday
22 A letter from mother & Persis containing 10 stamps Commenced snowing last night, is now about a foot deep (2 oc. p.m.) & still snowing a little Will probably rain soon The different batteries have been firing salutes of 32 guns in honor of
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22 Feb & Mch 1863
Gen. Washingtons birthday.
25 Sent E.D.R. a letter Ordered out at taps to go to the picket lines where we were before. Our cavelry were driven in today
26 Rained hard all a.m. & most all night
28 Returned to camp. Seems like geting home again
Mch 1st Good sermon from Chapln of 110 Penn A letter from E.D.R.
3 Took a bugle yesterday.
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Mch 1863
3 Recd Sentinel from Persis.
5 Paper from Boston Sent to father for B-flat pipe for bugle & new mouth piece
7 A letter from L.R.W. yesterday, all well as usual. The boys all went out on picket & guard duty yesterday mng. Thatcher & a lot others gone to do guard duty for a working party on Potomac bridg. Showery like April
8 Recd letter from H.M.K. R.B. Thomas is in 53d Regt.
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Mch. 1863
13 Sent letter home. Got picture taken Sent paper to E.D.R.
15 Recd letter from E.D.R. yesterday & answ. it today Sent picture Wrote to cousin H.M.K. the 14th Thunder with hail today
19 Wrote to father yesterday & to Geo. today. G. is in 40 Ohio at Nashville Tenn. He is bugler now
20 Snowing
21 About two inches now
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Mch. 21 1863
20 Paper from father
21 Still snowing slowly
23 Recd a good long letter from cousin L.R.W. Saw Col Berdan & asked him if buglers were expected to carry a gun & he said no
24 The boys go picketing. Cousin L. R. Whittle sent me some (18) stamps wants my picture
25 A letter from L.A.S. Very fine April weather. Made me a lamp yesterday to burn me pork in (in the shape of lard) works well. Made of a milk
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Mch. 1863
25 can holding 1 pt. with a tin tube & cotton rag for wicking, make a very cheep & good light.
27 Recd a good long letter from folks at home ie Mother, P. & S. containing two oil silk bags to put tea &c in. Charlie Quint is at Tylers Head Quarters. He is in the 34th Mass. Hatty is at Sterling in the hotel yet.
28 Recd a little box from father containing a very nice German silver mouth piece for my bugle with a B-flat crook
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28th Mch Cont 1863
Wrote to cousin L.R.W.
30 Wrote father yesterday Bugler of the guard today The two Regs had gone out on review today. Very warm & pleasant A paper from cous H.M.K. yesterday.
31 Snow & rain about 3 inches of wet snow on the ground at 7½ 1 a.m. P says H. is in Reads Hotel Sterling Center Mass
2 of Apr. Wrote to H.M.K.
3 Recd letter from E.D.R. She is going send me her picture & I guess Ps too
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April 1863
3 Grandma is ill. The boys have gone on picket again. Recd a letter from L.A. Severance all the friends except Mr & Mrs Harwood are well. Charlie S.s wife has a nice boy Wm Nichols has come back to the Co. today. Captain Austin mailer. Capt.is going to resine.
4 Cold morning Dont see any [?] yet
5 Five inches snow on the ground, thawing fast
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April 1863
5 One year ago this day the attack on York Town was made. A time never to be forgotten by the 1st Regt S.S.
8 Grand review by the President. the most powerful of all earthly potentates just at present & still he is a plain good man—& Gen. Hooker Strong rumers in the N.Y. Herald from rebel sources by way of Fredricksburg that Charleston S.C. is in our possession
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April 1863
9 Wrote to L.A.S. The President & Gen. Hooker reviewed this & two other Corps yesterday. Army looks well.
10 Recd 5 papers 3 from father & Mr Vanburen 2 from cousin L.R.W.
11 The Boston Journal of the 30 ult. says the Gov of N.H. has written to the President to have us (the 3 N.H. Cos.) transfered to the N.H. 2nd Our officers say the paymaster is here
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April 1863
11th but has got pay off some 15 Regts besides ours & will not pay us for a week yet. Recd letter from father Is pretty well. plenty to do but low wages. The cost of my mouth piece was $1.25—crook $1.50—postage fifty cts.
12 the Boys gone on picket Very pleasant April weather with frequent showers
13 Good long letter from sister Hattie. She is well is stoping at Reeds Hotel Sterling Centre Mass
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April 1863
14 Recd orders today to be ready to mch with three days rations in haversack & five in knapsack tomorrow morning. There is an extensive reconnoisance by cavelry just now I should judge from appearances & we are to be ready for immergencies
15 Greatest rain storm of the season commenced last night rained steady til about 3½ o. p.m. today Boys all in
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April 1863
15 They do say the paymaster is here.
16 Written to Hattie Packed five days rations & am ready to mch. dont expect to go today. Father says my mouth piece &c. came from Graves [ink blot] &c No 18 Harvard place Boston Mass
17 Got paid off this evening
18 Got picture taken & sent it home. A letter & picture from E.D.R. Bellows Falls Vermont
20 Boys on picket this mng
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27 April 1863
Another grand review by Gen Hooker
28 Expecting orders to march any minuit with our 8 days rations all packed
29 The ball has opened We left camp yester pm They are laying the bridg I guess by the noise
3 oc p.m. The bridge laid without the loss of a life & but little opposition so those that helped lay it say.
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30 Apr & May 1863
March up towards the right. Camped about
4 a.m. May 1st
Started again about five traveling N of W
May 3d Terrible battle last night & today we hold the same position we did yesterday morning after fighting with very much success various battles. Our Rgts (S.S.) have done nobly.
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May 5 1863
At 3d Div Hospital watching on wounded Some fighting with various success.
7th Our army has all gone over & left me at the hospital with the wounded We are near the river. A very excellent young clergyman who has been taking care of the wounded is with us. Not a Sergeant left. Expect the ambulances every minuit The rebs can come &
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take us all if they choose many of the wounded were rebs, some 40 in all. We are indebted to the sanitary commission for pleanty of dry fruit, farina, beef soup &c without which we should have went short of fare for the wounded as well as ourselvs The Chaplains name is "J. H. Twitchell 2 Reg Excelsior Brig" Two of our men have died since coming here
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7 May 1863
The name of this place is [?] Stafford Co. Va
10 We are in our old camp again From 15 to 20 pr ct of our number killed or wounded. I left the hospital on the pm of the 7th with the ambulances containing all the sick & wounded there was left at that place. Never saw such terrible going. Must have killed many of the poor wounded boys
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10 May Con 1863
Found a letter from father, one from home containing Ss & Ducks pictures & one from cousin Lucinda. Father is quite lame with carbuncle on leg Just recd letter from E.D.R. Wrote to Mrs Wm Metcalf
13 Wrote cousin L R Whittle
15 Wrote E.D.R. Boys gone on picket
18 Letter from L.S. & [?] Charles has a ball in his knee
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16 May 1863
Good news from the West—"Vicksburg [?]invested" Hail's Batry in our possession so say the papers yesterday & today. A letter from Mother Sunday All well as usual.
29 Wrote to father
30 " " Mother & P. & cousin Myrtle A. K.
" " " H. M. Kingman
A letter from cousin L. R. Whittle
June 5 Rebs made cavelry go on our knes yesterday
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June 1863
7 hear that our boys S.S. took 300 of them. Very hot & dry
7 Paid off today Recd fifteen dollars & fifty six A letter from father & his picture in it. Health good. work enough.
11 Brok camp at 5 pm tents & stuff—Good by old camp A letter from P. Nellie is going to be married I think
12 On the road to Ellises Ford or Warrenton. Camped in corn field
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June 1863
13 Marched about 25 miles yesterday Consequently every one is lame & sore today. Lying in the woods near Rappahannock Station
14 Our boys have gone down the railroad towards Warrenton & left me in charge of our Reg. who are sick
16 Camped last night in the first Bull Run battle ground. Yesterday was a day to be remembered. We were marching
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16 June 1863
hard & fast & the heat was overpowering Men fell out that never thought of it before many men were killed by sun stroke. Some 200 in all the army. The army is on the move for some where dont know where. all sorts of rumors. No one probably knows. Speaking of the heat I didnot suffer near as much as I have many times. Partly owing to my using jinger in my water & eating
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16 Con June 1863
but little. Our Orderly Sargent Carr suffered badly Carr had to be brot in to camp Several others of the Co. fell down from it but were promptly attended & got over it.
17 Encamped a little way from old Bull run ground ocupying brest works thrown up by rebs two years since. Every thing seems to be geting out of this.
18 Moved up hear near Centreville yesterday
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18th June 1863
The order has come to resume drill same as before we started. Our cavelry has been out & taken about 150 prisoners, a Maj & a Capt. today, Rebel straglers . Recd a lot of mail yesterday 9 papers for me
20 Marched to this place called Gum Springs. Got here about 12 at night amid a furious rain storm. Went today to a farmers & bot hoe cake & got pleanty of cherries & a tolerable dinner
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21 June 1863
Broke camp at 9½ am & still waiting (12M) orders to march. Cannonading towards Snickers Gap going on at intervals Wrote to E.D.R. yesterday
23d Still near Gum Springs. Moved camp twice since wrote last. Our boys took 7 Gorillas yesterday It is said they have been hanging some of our men & that they will have to be hung. Very comfortable weather. No mail for some time
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26 June 1863
Marched 30 ms yesterday. Crossed Potomac at Edwards Ferry on pontoon 100 rods long. Came up the canall to Mohoxy river & camped in a cornfield rained all night. slept well in spite of it. marched up to railroad today & camped here 1½ ms from Point of Rocks. fine farming country Better than the vally of Connecticut
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26 June 1863
Have all the cherries I wanted & good a good dinner. Still rainy. got terrible wet last night. Crops which cover most of the farms consisting mainly of corn & wheat look finely. Just commenced harvesting wheat
28 Camped last night in this place near Middletown. The best of farming country. Farm houses & barns as good as in N.E. & the people as neet.
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28 June 1863
Passed through town of Jefferson Md yesterday A very pleasant place & good looking women enough in it but few men.
29 Camped near Fredrick last night. The country we passed through yesterday is tollerably covered with wheat & corn excepting a little grass Never saw such fine crops of wheat. the people say it is uncommonly good The farmers & all are very good to soldiers giving us many things
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29 June 1863
We (buglers) had a good supper of bread & butter & cream & ham. Letter from cousin L.R.W. & Wm Metcalf last eve.
30 Marched through & camped near Taneytown Md. last evening. The town met us with cheers & flags waving. Stoping for water today. I suppose Soldiers never passed through here before as the inhabitance flock arround to see us.
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2nd July 1863
Camped on the battle field of yesterday last night. at Getisburg Penn. The ball has opened again at 6¼ a.m. Comfortable but dusty. Came from Emitsburg yesterday. It was very wet all day. All out cooking up a little ham today.
2nd NH Brig'd is here.
3d Terrible battle yesterday. Gen. Sickles lost a Co. Col & Maj of the 24th N.Y. were killed & Lieut Col wounded. Our S.S. boys began the fight & got scattered badly.
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3d July 1863
We were ordered (some 6 of us that got togather) to stop with the pack mules. The rest of the buglers got up & left us, so I am in the rear with them still. Sharp artilery fight this mng. Dont hear any thing only an occasional gun now. Both Regs S.S. bad cut up & scattered. Most of the fighting was on the N. & W. of Getiesburg. Loss on both sides severe
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3d July 1863
Rebs tryed very hard to turn both right & left but reenforcements came in season to save us from a terrible defeat. The Penn Reserve came up about 5pm & turned the tide of battle McClellan is expected this p.m.
5 Pretty quiet yesterday A skirmish yesterday mng showed that the rebs had moved back 9 ms The report now is that they are falling back to Antietam. Our troops are trying to get there
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5th July 1863
before they do. I am stoping at the 3d Corps hospital where there are some 30 of our Reg. wounded two of our Co. Robins & Rand pretty bad. Benj Ruffle is here wounded through right side just under the arm, not seriously I hope. Expect to move from here tomorrow Our boys hold Gettiesburg.
8 Wrote home. Am at Div Hospital as nurse of [faded]
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14th July 1863
Still at hospital. No mail yet. Good news from west. Vicksburg is taken Surrender unconditional. 18000 prisoners. Mead has the remains of the Virginia army in a "tight place" where they will be obliged to fight or surrender
Our prospect looks brighter. Our Regts wounded are looking well generally
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14 July 1863
Picked blackberies this p.m.
16 Wrote to Dr J. C. Jackson Elgie Vincent died today
17 Removed the boys to a spot nearer the Dr. & sent two of us nurses to other wards. I am in ward 18 with three other nurses. Six wounded to a tent.
20 Got Thatcher into one of the big tents. He is very weak & sore with rhumatism. Another of our boys died—H. O. Higly. leg ampu
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20 July 1863
tated but not soon enough to save him. Our forces have accomplished much the past 4 weeks Vicksburg is ours Port Hudson is taken Morris island is ours Consequently fort Sumpter must soon be ours again. Rosecrans has drove Brag out of his strong holds & taken 4000 prisoners. These with 7000 at Port Hudson 31000 at Vicksb'g & many
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20 July Con 1863
thousands taken at various other places swells the number to seventy odd thousand including Pemberton & very many other officers.
21 My tentmate Chas Thatcher died yesterday a.m. from a wound recd in battle & from Rhumatic fever. Wrote to his sister today.
25th One of the Commissioners sent by N.H. has taken
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Thatchers things & is going to see that they are delivered to his sister.
The wound of our Regt have gone away today. Gains & _____ have gone with them to some hospital Some to Felidelphia Pa. They were all doing well & very glad to go. The boys are all [?] in the tent where I am except one 40 N.Y.er. All badly
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26 July 1863
wounded but doing very well. 6 in all. Very warm but not so scorching or sultry as it was last year at this at Harrisons Landing. Haven't recd anything by mail since I came here.
30 Three boys gone to general hospital about four ms from here L Orwig Henry Crawley Henry Barnwell the others doing well
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31 July-Aug 1863
beries pleanty as ever they were at Harrisons Landing last year but although it is very hot. Recd papers from Dr J. C. Jackson.
5 Letter from Albert Bosworth C. Hatchers sisters husband. One from Dansville N.Y. Lost my purse & its contents Sat over ten dollars.
6 Very hot. Moved 7 more of our wounded on
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6 August 1863
stretchers today. I am going to help carry the rest in the morning I suppose
7 Entered a tent in third div. of Gen Hospital at Gettysburg On duty from 5 oc a.m. to 8 p.m.
7 Thatchers brother come to see where Chas'es body Hon. L Mason took his things
10 Done night the first three nights. One day
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alone from 9 pm to 5 am.
13 Recd letter from home—all well. Mother says sister Harriet is married. the first marriage in our family. I presume her name is Mrs. Joseph Lawrence. Wrote to mother & E Williams Wrote to Sarah the 10th inst. Changed again—in nursing I am on 12 out of 24 hours & move to
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Aug 22nd 1863
Left nursing & am cooking in the vegetable department Recd letters from m. & P. all pretty well. Dwite Chase is dead Died from neglect on the day of the latest battle. Keene left two boys here & Capt H. Metcalfs Orderly sargent Chas
24 Package from home & letter from Persis
25 Letter from E.D.R. Wrote to her Mattie H. Wm Metcalf day before yesterday
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27 August 1863
Two whole years have I served my country faithfully. I suspect that I am out of a job here at Gettysburg Genl Hospital as my name has been cut off of the list of cooks with about 40 others & I dont cair to go to nursing again Expect to go to Regt. soon
28 Camp Tyler Baltimore Md. 12M Just arrived Started from Gettysburg yesterday p.m.
29 Finds me in Camp Tyler near Baltimore Stoped at
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29 Con 1863
Hanover Junction six hours. Took a trip out into the country to S[?] valley. found the people very kind. got a good supper & some more to take with me. We left H.J. at 10 p.m. & came on to Baltimore This is a camp of distribution. Found Lieut G. [faded] here. am in his Co. Dont know anything how long I may stop here. Going on guard today so as to get a pass & go to city to see A. Cromby. He is in bisiness at 337 Balto St
B has over 250 000 inhabitants
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1st Sept. 1863
Cold nights & hot days Not much news. Fort Wagner holds out yet Suppter is not ocupied by our troops yet though it is untenable for the rebs…We were mustered for pay yesterday I get no pass yet. Have the promis of one in the morning
9th No pass yet. Went to church last sabbath. Took dinner & supper at A. D. Crombies. Spent the day very pleasantly. Not the first letter as I [faded] have since I have
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9th Sept. 1863
been here. Gilmore is going to bombard Charleston S.C. with Greek [?] shells weighing 26000 lbs. He received his orders from the Pres. Throws his shells from 5 to 7 miles. can throw clear over the city
10 Rebel accounts saying forts Wagner & Gregg are ours
11 Papers confirm the news of yesterday & say
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32/ Sept. 1863
11 that Chatenooger is taken by our boys also Knoxville Ten. & Cumberland Gap with 2000 prisoners.
15 & no pay yet. All seem to think we shall be soon. Went down to see the friends Mr. & Mrs. Crombie she is better but not very stout yet. I see by the papers that ft Moultry has run up the white flag. The rebs are said to be retreating towards Richmond where it is supposed they will maintain their defenses
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33/ September 1863
16 It is understood that the main part of the army of Va is going south to reinforce Charleston & other places.
22 Corp. of Guard today A. H. Kingman
21 Wrote to P.R.K.
23d Recd letters from Persis, Hattie, cousin Lucinda & Wm H. Metcalf Heard from Persis last week. George & Charlie are safe & well A letter from father & mother Wrote to Hattie & cous Lucinda Whittle.
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34/ September 1863
23d Poor cousin I pitty her her deeply. She has lost little Johnnie by diptheria, that scurge that has carried off so many in New England the past season.
Oct 3d Nothing more from my furlough which I have been waiting for ten days. No news from home. We call at Camp Sigler. recd two months pay last Wednesday. About 100 more came here from Gettysburg Wednesday E. Whitecomb among them of Co E 1st U.S.S.S.
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35/ October
12 Recd a letter from Persis saying L was gaining slowly. Also one from cousin L. R. Whittle. She is very sad & lonely since the death of little Johny Kimball.
18 Went to church with cousin S. G. Cromby & family. Heard the best sermon I have heard since left home.
28 Cold frosty morning the first frost I have seen this season
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36/ October 1863
25 Recd a good long letter from Aunt Lue Whittle & her picture [?] seven ms from Philadelphia north of Gettysburg the home of ___ Priest
29 N.Y. boys all gone home to vote—10 & 15 days furlough
31st Merryland boys gone home to vote—5 days furlough. Lieut. Nickerson & Orderly Sergty G. L. Brewster are gone
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37/
7 December 1863
Here we are at Brandy Station Va. waiting for our trial. Have just recd. my knapsack & bugle. Got a letter from Dr. Brennan Speaks well for me. Also one from Persis & one from mother Sallie is getting fat & strong again. P. says E.D.Rice has been very sick. Also a good letter from A D Crombie.
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38/
11th December 1863
My courtmarshal is coming off. Very cold weather & rainy.
1 oc p.m. My Judg Advocate name is Lraing & the name of our Council is Maj Randl of the 2nd S.S. Cap Marble of our Reg. is on my court marshal also Cap Walkinsham, Sweat, Cannon
Dec 11 wrote to Persis & mother
14th Finished up my trial dont know how they will decide it but shall soon I hope.
18 Terrible mudy. Rained two days past, not out of guard house yet. Bridg this side of Fairfax destroyed by rebs.
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39/ December 1863
18 Prospect of moving to the other side of the Rapehanock on account of scarcity of wood here. The rebels got our mail again besides taking a large quantity of soft bread & other commissary stores so I hear
23d E. Whitcomb & I were returned to our company He has $60. taken from his pay for absence without leave so Lieut Davis says also says that A.H.K. is honorably acquitet. A letter from mother
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40/
23d December 1863
All well at home. A letter from G. mother says well & comfortable
Recd. a letter from cos. Mattie, E.D.R. & Lydia Severance. E. has been very sick of Typhoid fever but is or was well the 15th ult. &
25 Recd a nice letter from sis Harriet containing her picture for which I have been waiting the past year nearly. it is a very good one, was taken last summer before she was married Wrote to her
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41/
26 December 1863
Got a good long letter from sis Persis today & some papers.
27th Letter from J Runkle Wrote a letter to Hattie & P. & mother J. Sturtivant. Got cold in my shin where I galled it & with a bad cold came near setting me into a fever
29 Leg got so I can work some. Tent most ready to go into.—5th Mich Vols. gone home, having reenlisted for 3 more years
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Jan 2nd January 1864 \42
A letter from Lieut J W Sturtivant—Still in Pryor & Marshals office at Washington DC.
4th Capt W. G. Andrews & Austin A___ got back to the Co. Have been home on furlough. About 6 of our Co are going to reenlist for three years more. Cram, Spencer, Benj Kelly, Wyatt not sure of any more. Not many "veterans" from this Regt. Bogart has enlisted as chief musician
5th Two inches snow fell last eve.
8th Letter from cousin "Mattie" & paper from A. D. Crombie last evening.
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43/
8th December 1864
January
Three inches snow. Boys all out on picket Very cold morning. Leg most well. J. B. Botts has forbid our getting moved on his place so we have to get it the best way we can seeing his is the only wood in here. Five boys going home from this Co having enlisted as veterans. Cous M says father's health is poor & her father has been sick. Her health is none of the best at present.
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44/ January 1864
10 Struck tents to move camp. J. M. Botts dont want us to burn up his wood so we must move & build winter quarters once more. Quite cold & clear. 2 inches snow ground frozen five or six inches. Going to move three miles or more.
Evening—Our Brig'd has moved into a nice piece of wood about 2 miles away. Very pleasant place. ground is frozen but little. Leg has done pretty well.
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45/ January 1864
12 Getting up a pretty good shanty of hickory Have to wait so much for tools that we get on but slowly. My tentmates are E. Howard & J. Tailor. Very pleasasnt weather but not warm enough to take the snow off
13th Built fireplace of mud & stone. Got a letter from E.D.R. now Mrs Henry Hutchins married 3d of Dec. last. Sent me a piece of wedding dress
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46/ January 1864
13 Also a long letter from Cous. H. M. Kingman He says his father & family are out there & like it well uncle Marshal is Treas. for the Key City Mill & doing a good business H. says cousin R.E. Graves will go into business in Chicago. Julius is now cashier of the bank there in Dubuque.
15 Wrote to Persis & J. Runkle.
17 Wrote to cousin Mattie K.
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47/
18 January 1864
Wrote to H. M. Kingman
19 Rained hard last eve To be inspected by the Gen Wrote to L.A.S.
20 Recd our Co. Memorials today. They contain the names of each of the Co & the number of battles & skirmishes we have been in as a Co. togather with the names of the first Regimental officers & all the promotions in or from the Co. to the time of [?]
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48/
20 January 1864
Run battle
22 fine day two "Journals" (Boston) father yester
The Generals of this army have made arrangements to have the army supplyed with canisters at $1.55 pr gal
23 Boys on picket
25 Very pleasant
26 Eagling has returned to his Co. (I) Is not well. Al Nelson of Co. D. Eagling says Chas. Nye John Rand & Robertson are at Convalesent Camp E.D.R.
28 Wrote to Mrs H. Hutchins
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49/
29 January 1864
Got 3 papers last eve from Persis. Says my memorial has got home
Feb 3 Thundershower this eve. cooler tonight
My leg stab continues to trouble me some Suspect we shall have to draw green pants tomorrow
4 Four papers from Boston—Boston Journal
5 A letter from cousin H.M.K. says Elbridge is cashier of the larger bank in Chicago that of S Sturgess Son at a
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50/
5. Con. February 1864
salery of $5000 per an. Thinks she was well and soon will send me papers.
6 Revilee at 5 a.m. Long roll at 4 p.m. Considerable firing at the L. of us cannonading & musketry kept up til 9 oc p.m.
7 All quiet. our boys that went to the fight got in very tired about ten oc. p.m. Rained prety steady all day & night of the 6th making it very bad for them. They say the rebs had
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51/
8 Con. got a bridg across the Raperdan & were building winter quarters on this side. Our boys drove them back & took about 600 of them prisoners. haven't heard all the particulars. Our (Reg) boys did no fighting I didnot go with them on account of my leg is not gaining much Can get about on it tolerable well now A "Springfield Reporter" from P. day before yesterday & a Times [faded]
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11th Feb. 1864 52
We have got three new buglers now.
Co F. thinks they shall certainly get out of the army in June. I hope we may too. Wrote to Mrs R Severance this eve. Got two Boston Journals.
12 Bogart started for home last night, expect him back the 17 of Mch the Capt is going to try & get his Co. some passes to vote for Gov. the 4th of Mch.
The buglers are pretty well played out with sore lips except myself.
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53
14 February 1864
Had to play alone for Guard mount for the first.
Recd an "American" from A.D. Crombie containing some particulars of the late fight. It was intended as a blind to draw the troops from Richmond & succeded. Ben Butler to attack R. on one side while Mead attacked the other with cavelry & infantry but the plot was divulged by a deserter & they failed. We intended to sack the city for
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Feb. Con 54 1864
14th our men imprisoned there & return. The rebs account mentions the taking of no prisoners from this army. We took a few—some 40 or 50.
16th Had orders to be ready to march at a moments notice last eve, to support the picket lines, casued by a movement of the rebs. on our right. Snowed & rained last night making it mudy. cool today. The veterans of the 4th Mich. returned this p.m. My leg hasn't got well yet but not much trouble in getting about on it
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56 Feb 1864
17th A letter from mother & Persis father is at home not being able to work Has moved his bench to "Chickerings"
18 A letter from cousin L.R.W. & a paper from cousin H.M.K.
19th Wrote to cousin James Whittle. Cousin L is in Boston with Ralph. R's eyes trouble him badly cousin is not very well
20 We got paid of today except me ie all our Co
24 Been over to the 12th N.Y.V. Co. C to see G. L. Banister
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February 1864
26th Regt. out on Brig'd drill John M. Botts'es buildings are on fire—burning good Dry & windy.
27 Wrote to Cous Mattie K
28th Revilee at 4 oc this morning. Going to march Sounded long roll at 5½ Went to Dr. yesterday again He cauterised the sore on my leg & gave me a preperation of potash &c to cleanse my blood. the first medicine I have taken from the Dr since I came into the servise.
They are going to leave us sick & convalesents to guard camp I suppose.
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58 March 1864
1st Hear no sound of fighting. Understand that our Corps is not far from Culpeper. Rained all last eve & all day today Snows a little this eve. Just cold enough to ice the twigs of the trees & bushes over. The boys didnot take any tents many of them & they must suffer. I shall expect them in tomorrow as they took only 5 days rations with them. four days since they went out tomorrow
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59
3d March 1864
Boys came in yester p.m. J Runkle of the 15th N.Y. Regt. Co. A. stoped here and staid over night with me. His Corps had to pass our camp going to theirs. He is Color Corporal now. was terrible tired the way being quite mudy & his Corps had about 20 miles to march. they were 8 ms beyond James City ours stoped near the city. They had but little fighting the Cav. run into an ambuscade & had to cut their way out
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60
which they did in good shape I hear. that was about all the fight there was done. They all had a pretty rough time on account of the wet & cold
4 Recd. letters from Wm F. Metcalf, Mrs H.H., Cousin L.R.W. & mother. Father has been very sick again is some better. Rest of the friends are so so. Willie says Hurd is Col of a Colored Regt.
4 Got letter from D.C. & also one from Mrs
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61
March 1864
4th Con
R Severance & a note from Lydia. Friends in Claremont are well as usual.
D.R. Calef says business is good now & pays well. Thinks I had better not enlist again. says there is but one in 500 that stay in the service as long as I have.
I wrote to Persis Rice for the first time.
5 Looks like rain this mng Wrote to Wm Robinson 119 Camden St Baltimore
Wrote to mother.
6th 100 men of our Regt for picket.
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62 1864
March
8 Wrote Mrs R Severance & Lydia. Rainy today.
9 Very warm & pleasant
10 Very rainy all day Wrote to Mrs E.D.H.
Wrote to W F Metcalf of the 9th N.H. Co I now at Camp Convalescent Camp Nel[?] Ky
(In ans. to his of the 25 ult.)
13 Division review. Did not go on account of leg. It is healing. Been cauterized three times. Dr. says Sanitary have been inquiring for me. Should like to know what they want
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23d Marcy 65
1864
the Regt. if possible. I dont see why it cant be done The officers many of them are willing & ready to help. Snow fell here last night to the debth of 9 inches. good sled snow.
Learning to play The Yankee Boy on cornett.
24 J Taylor has got his discharge papers of the Dr. Has got to take them over to Div. Head Qrs today. Bascom & E. Pearly have been recommended for the Invalid Corps. Frank P. Cram has his discharge Had just been promoted to Srgt. Maj. He is to have a Commission
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in some N.H. Regt I understand Very pleasant day snow melting fast. Gen Thomas to review the army today. He has taken command of the army of the Potomac I hear.
25 Recd a call from Mr Ammiston, A D Crombies partner of Baltimore yesterday p.m. Said Mr Cromby had been very sick as well as little Jennie.
26th Rained yester p.m. & evening. Wrote to Chas. C. Dinsmore yesterday He is in Washington
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26 Mch 1864 67
in the 1st Artil. Batt. H. 11th Vt. Vols. Fort Slocum. Quite mudy. The mts. are still robed in white
27 A letter from A D Crombie containing a letter from Cous. H. M. Kingman H & his father have been trying to get me a permit to go home on account of fathers being very low I wrote to P. today to have justice of Peace send for me &c He & uncle M. are very kind, just as they always are.
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68
[overwritten: Price of clothing fallen since last of Dec 1863]
Prices of different articles of clothing
Caps .56
Dress coat 7.21
Pants 3.35
Blouse (lined) 3.14
unlined 2.40
knit jacket 2.70
" shirts 1.40
Drawers knit .28
Sewed shoes 2.05
Pegd " 1.48
Overcoat 9.50
Woolen blanket 3.60
Rubber " 1.65
Leggings 1.25
Socks .32
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69
Clothing a/c Commencing with May 1863
1 Pr shoes 2.05
" socks .32
Aug" Pants 3.55
" Shoes 2.05
" Blouse (lined) 3.14
Sept. Socks .32
Oct. Ocoat 9.50
1864 20.98
Jany Oil blanket 1.50
" pr pants 2.50
Feb " socks & pants .26
" " Green pants 2.50
" " shoes 1.50
Mch 9 " socks .26
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70 Mch 28th 1864
The Capt recd. two letters today with other documents from Washington which I think will procure me a leave of absence so that I can go home and see father & attend to what ever is absolutely necessary. Uncle M. & cousin H. Kingman letters will do the right thing for us I hope.
30 I see by the Springfield Republican (Mass) that my old schoolmate J. Q. Wheeler is dead. that makes three of the very best boys of Keene N.H. that have died
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30th Con. Mch 1864 71
since I came to war.
Edward & Chas. Boyce & Q. Wheeler. all school fellows of mine
31st Moved camp. Joseph Haynes & I tent in Co street have a very snug little shanty of about 7 by 8 ft. We ocupy an old rebel camp that was built last fall. there seems to have been no law or order about the building of shanties they face all ways having little or no street & such chimnies I never saw. We lye near the railroad & Brandy Station. No wood near. a slow drizl of rain
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72 Mch. 1864
31 A letter from P. says father does not gain any. She is trying every possible means to get us home. Says Geo. is to take a furlough next May or April. June. She says William Long was killed at the steam mill by the bursting of boiler. He suffered terribly from scalds & bruising. Another one of the best boys I ever knew gone. He was very kind & waited on our folks like a brother P. says.
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3d April 1864 73
Another long rain. Our camp is a perfect mud hole. Coming off cold
A letter from Persis—informing me of fathers death Is to be buried this p.m. R. E. Graves is there in K. Thinks he can get me a discharge.
My furlough has been back to the B. twice to be corrected so I shant get it before next week
5th Got a letter from P.R.R.
6th first pleasant day we have had this week. A letter from Wm F Metcalf says the 9th A.C.
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74 Apr. 6th Con. 1864
is coming back to join the army of the Potomac soon Thinks he shall come with his Regt. (9th N.H.) They are coming this week he thinks Wrote a few lines to P.R.
9th My furlough has come back approved for 15 days Raining fast all day. Going to start in the mng.
10 Started for home. Bridg gone. got as far as station at noon. expect to start soon as bridg is done
11 one o clock pm not started yet. 3 bridges gone. hope to get off
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11th April 1864 75
at seven oc.
12 9 oc a.m. on board cars expect to start in few minuits.
Saw Lieut. Gen Grant yesterday at Culpeper. He is the most unassuming officer I ever knew Just as willing to do me a favor as any of his staff apparently. Nothing to distinguish him from any officer except his buttons & two large silver stars on each shoulder
Started for Washington at last. road terrible.
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76 April 1864
16 Safe at home Got here evening of the 14th Came right on from Washington Sent Capt. M. S. Andrews Power of Attorney to draw my back pay The paymaster left Washtn. the next morning after the eve of my arrival there So I was just too late to get any pay. But went see Mr A D Crombie at Baltimore & he very knobly lone
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77
me some money Strattons next Wednesday.
19 Have got the paper most made out making me administrator of fathers property. Buried father today. He did not look natural. We have bot a five dollar lot cornering on Auntie Willsons. Cousin J. K. Graves has sent mother a check for $100.—He as well as all the friends are very kind.
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78 Apr 19 Con 1864
Uncle Henrys wife sent mother a five-twenty bond for $100. I had a letter from Geo. saying he had reenlisted & would be at home next May or June. Mr W. P. Wheeler & Mr Fabrair have sent in an application & an affidavit to get my furlough extended 15 days more expecting to go to Oakdale tomorrow Cousin Julie & her husband are in town
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Apr 19th Con/64 79
She is looking very well, so is he.
Visited uncle Elias yesterday
Cousin R. E. Graves went to Beufort in ship "Arago" about the 10th inst.
20 G A home from Boston
25 Have been chosen Administrator of fathers estate. Have got right through. found things all right in Boston. friends all well. Cousin Mattie is gaining flesh has left the shop. Uncle Sid helped all he could with plans
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80 Apr 25 1864
Miss Jones was very kind. She didnot charge father anything from the time he was sick. We owe her & Mr Vance very much for their kindness to father.
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Capt Christ
[faded]
Days rations for 100 men
Coffee 8 lbs scorched
Sugar 156 lbs
Potatoes 100 lbs.
Rice 10 "
Candles 1¼ "
Soap 4 "
Peas 8 qts
[upside down]
J. Runkle 15th N.J.V. 85
Co. A Wortsville
Hunterdon Co. N.J.
D.T. Hardey Persis father
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84
Watch cleaned
Teeth filled
Tea pot
Hatchet, Bottle
Inkstand, mouthpiece
Wool shirt collars
Syring—Memoranda
Razor, Soap
FreeMasons
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15317) | DL1148.002 | Diaries |
Tags: African Americans, Ambrose Burnside, Battle of Fredericksburg, Camp/Lodging, Children, Clothing, Death (Military), Family, Farming, Fighting, Food, George B. McClellan, Hospitals, Illnesses, Joseph Hooker, Mail, Marching, Marriages, Nature, Payment, Photographs, Picket Duty, Reinforcements, Religion, Rivers, Thanksgiving, Weather, Work
People - Records: 1
- (5342) [writer] ~ Kingman, Albert H.
SOURCES
Albert H. Kingman Diary, DL1148.002, Nau Collection
