Sullivan W. Gibson Diary, 1861
Walter J. Cush
Co. L.
130 N.Y.V.V.I.
Regt
———————————————————
Sullivan W. Gibson
Co D 130 Regt
NY Vol
———————————————————
Private
Sullivan W. Gibson
Co D
1st NY Dragoons
Merritts Brigade
Bufords Div
Cav
Army of Potomac
———————————————————
[1861 diary overwritten for 1863]
Saturday, March 23, 1861.
1862.
Tuesday Sunday 24
To day I commence keeping a diary of events, &c.
Wrote two letters to day and went on Com & Battallion drill. At night I went out on extra picket with the Company and had quite a good night of it.
Wed? Monday 25
Came off picket to day and did not go on Com drill. But went on Batt drill. Twas a fine day and quite warm To day a detail was made to remove the bodies of those men who have died in our Com.
———————————————————
Thurs. Tuesday, March 26, 1861.
Today was on fatigue on post Rosencrans under Lieu Flint. pleasant day but cool, returned in time for Dress parade and got a letter & paper from home and answered the letter in the evening
Friday Wednesday 27
Went on picket this morning and got on the reserve on the Franklin road Wrote a letter to grandfather. Had a tolerable time. The day was pleasant though cool
Saturday Thursday 28
Returned from picket and was ordered out in the afternoon to sweep the streets but it rained all the afternoon and part of the night.
———————————————————
Sunday Monday, March 29, 1861.
Was in camp and had a knapsack inspection and a general police of camp and quarters. In the afternoon had a rumor that the rebs were advancing in force but were not called out
Monday Saturday 30
No drill but a police and review and in the afternoon it rained. A rather cold day with chilly wind
Tuesday Sunday 31
Was detailed on fatigue and went across the drawbridge and cut wood for the hospital. Was cool and rainy. The 7th was paid to day and we expect ours tomorrow.
———————————————————
Wednes Monday, April 1, 1861.
Went on picket on the left hand outpost and had a pretty cold windy day of it Our com went out this night Two rebel deserters came in this night and gave themselves up. They were most handsome fellows
Thursday Tuesday 2
Came off picket this moring and signed the payroll In the afternoon a [?] wrestled and the officers all got drunk A very windy day and quite cool but pleasant.
Friday Wednesday 3
Went on fatigue this morning chopping for the hospital and returned at noon and got my pay $52 A very cold windy day Cos D C & F were paid only
———————————————————
Sat. Thursday, April 4, 1861.
Went on camp guard this morning on beat No' 6 Hanes and McGinty went on picket. A very cold windy day indeed and commenced to snow at night and snowed and blowed till morning
Sun Friday 5
Came off guard and staid in camp to day the snow melted off and at sundown it came off pleasant but the night was cold Twelve were taken off on scout out of this com
Mon Saturday 6
Got a pass and went up town and bought some white gloves a lot of paper and envelopes &c. The rest of the regt got pay to day
———————————————————
Tues Sunday, April 7, 1861.
Went on fatigue at the fort and had a pretty cool day but pleasant To night we were called up to put a [?] across the river as the officers were mostly drunk
Wed Monday 8
Went on picket this morning and came on the No 1 reserve A cool day and very cold night but pleasant
Thurs Tuesday 9
Came off picket and found the whole Brigade prepared to move and under orders. Took the things of Tims and boxed got the Provost Marshall [?] sent and then the express co would not take it
———————————————————
Friday Wednesday, April 10, 1861.
Now pickets were sent out this morning but soon we had orders to strike tents which we and with two days rations and everything packed got aboard the train and waited till they got all the baggage aboard when we were ordered back to camp and pitched our tents again
Sat Thursday 11
Graves & I went on picket fatigue to day and went down below town on the fort worked all day and when we came into camp found all Suffolk in commotion as the rebs had driven in all our pickets and we went and laid all night in the pits
Sun. Friday 12
About noon left the rifle pits and came on the drill ground across from camp where we lay all afternoon as reserve and dug a new rifle pit. We watched the rebs and our sharpshooters skirmish all the afternoon
———————————————————
Mon Saturday, April 13, 1861.
It rained all night last night and we were allowed to get in our tents without unharnessing and without sleep or lights. At 4 oclock we were aroused and laid on to parade ground all day watching the skirmishers At 12 pm we went to the rifle pits near fort Rosencrans
Tuesday Sunday 14
Spent all day lying in the breastwork near fort Rosencrans and saw quite a number of rebels. That night stood picket on the river bank and
Wed Monday 15
morning went and occupied a rifle pit on the right of the pits It rained all day and we lay there the next night The rebels seem to be getting or trying to get in our rear and we hear that they have disabled one of the tugboats
———————————————————
Thursday Tuesday, April 16, 1861.
Laid in the rifle pit all day and as usual there was some skirmishing done and at night we came to camp double quick and lay in quarters till 4 oclock when we got under arms
Friday Wednesday 17
To day we cleaned our guns and about 10 oclock 6 Cos of our regt 2 from the 99th and a few SS went across and engaged the enemy and between them we had a pretty hard time of it and [faded] 1 wounded and one killed we found lots of relics
Sat Thursday 18
To day we have staid in camp and swept it &c The rebels are much nearer than before and a man can hardly show his head above the breastworks
———————————————————
Sun Friday, April 19, 1861.
last night at 10 pm we were called up and 4 cos of us went across the river and dug a foothold on the bank where we stood all night to cover the darkies at work. To day we have laid still but expect to go out to night again
Mon Saturday 20
Last night we went down and lay in the rifle pits near post one and to day we are in camp again and the RSS firing away as ever and as usual many of the balls come clear into our camp
Tues Sunday 21
Last night the Com went across the river but I was excused by the Sergant on account of a cold headache &c The siege is about as usual to day and it is quite a chilly day
———————————————————
Wed Monday, April 22, 1861.
Last night I was excused again but the Com went out to the rifle pits It is rather cool today and cloudy. To day the most of our regt was ordered to the rifle pits to stay and went down at night
Thurs Tuesday 23
I remain excused by the captain and stay in camp while the Com has got their tents down to the pits. A pretty cool day
Frid Wednesday 24
To day the rebel SS are busier than ever although a cold stormy windy day The regt was ordered to prepare to march in light order at a moments notice but were not called up
———————————————————
Sat Thursday, April 25, 1861.
Last evening we could distinctly hear a rebel band play for 2 hours and some say they heard two. To day the Rebel SS are unusually quiet probably because it is so windy and cool
Sun Friday 26
To day I wrote home and to AC. The RSS were very quiet till just at sundown when they fired very rapidly and started yelling and firing We have heard they are to be shelled tomorrow
Mon Saturday 27
All is as usual to day The RSS are quiet and nobody knows what the siege may amount to
———————————————————
Tues Sunday, April 28, 1861.
To day I went down to the Com and pitched my tent to stay all night and the RSS doing as usual. Rained quite hard in the night
Wed Monday 29
Staid here with the Com.
Nothing going on SS unusualy quiet
Tues Tuesday 30
Lay with the Com in the pits
Nothing going on but everything as usual
———————————————————
Frid Wednesday, May 1, 1861.
To day the 99th went out and made an attempt to drive the rebels from their pits but they met far superior forces and were driven back with 10 of their men left on the field whom they went out in the night and got
Sat Thursday 2
To day things are quiet again except that they have been burying the dead men and there is some excitement about the affair. Wrote a letter home
———————————————————
Sun Friday 3
To day quite a force went across the drawbridge and drove the enemy back 3 miles. They were fighting till the afternoon and came in in the night. Our loss was quite large but I could not learn exactly we could see them coming & going
———————————————————
Mon Saturday, May 4, 1861.
Last night our men recrossed the river This morning it was found that the whole rebel force has left and our cavalry has brought in some hundred prisoners They say they went to resist troops on the Rappahannock
Tues Sunday 5
To day I went down to the jail to see the prisoners and saw some 200 of them a ragged dirty looking set
Wed Monday 6
As usual we lie here doing nothing and hear a great many rumors about the number of prisoners &c
———————————————————
Thurs Tuesday, May 7, 1861.
To day was spent as usual and we hear a great deal about Hooker on the Rappahannock but dont know what is true.
Frid Wednesday 8
It rained in the night and rains to day but we have been ordered into camp and went in about noon. I was left on picket but was relieved before dark and returned
Sat Thursday 9
To day the old routine of camp, sweeping &c. Coms in and we dont like it much we have heard of the Chancellorsville battle and expected to get news to night but no reports came in
———————————————————
Sun Friday, May 10, 1861.
Staid in camp and had the usual Sunday Inspection &c We dont get much news and are afraid things are going wrong on the Rappahannock
Mon Saturday 11
To day most of the regt has been digging sinks in to [?] and it is very warm. Went down and went in swimming at noon
Tues Sunday 12
Nearly the whole regt has been on fatigue down at the South [?] battery and worked hard and to night are very tired.
———————————————————
Wed Monday, May 13, 1861.
To day went on picket and in the afternoon 12 regts Inf 1 Cav and 2 Batterys went out on that road Had a good time on post as it was warm.
Thurs Tuesday 14
To day came off picket but was ordered to help sweep this whole camp which I did not like. No news yet either from our forces or from the Rappahannock
Friday Wednesday 15
To day was a fatigue on the fort and did a good days work. Warm and pleasant Bought a paper to night but no news Our men have had a skirmish and sent in 3 killed 5 wounded
———————————————————
Sat Thursday May 16, 1861.
At 2 oclock were waked up got one days rations and at [?] went and relieved a Com of the 11 RI who went out to Carsville We hear that they all are fighting out there and the trouble begin. We came in at sunrise and we rested most all day
Sun Friday 17
Went out on picket this morning on the Blackwater road and got on the outpost quite cool day but pleasant. Lees forces are at Carsville and taking up the railway.
Mon Saturday 18
Was sick in the night but came in this morning and swept the camp from front to rear. Wrote a letter home
———————————————————
Tues Sunday, May 19, 1861
Went out on post no 2 and had a very good quiet time on picket with no news. Our men began to run the railroad again to day and brought in 19 trains loaded
Wednesday Monday 20
Came in to camp and had nothing to do to day Wrote a letter to [?]. Went around some. We hear that our forces have fallen back to [?] House
Thurs Tuesday 21
Went out on picket again and came on the reserve on the Blackwater road. Had a tolerable good time. Very warm and at night came in 5 niggers from Petersburg most intelligent fellows who have been captured
———————————————————
Friday Wednesday, May 22, 1861.
Came off picket and went right on fatigue till noon Hot as usual, No particular news.
Sat Thursday 23
Went on picket and came on the reserve of post No 2. & very hot day and we have very small rations. Had a pretty good time of it. No news from the Blackwater.
Sun Friday 24
Staid in camp to day and washed myself and clothes. Saw the body of one of the 152 who drowned himself in the pond at night 20 of the Com were sent out to reinforce [?] and we had a tolerable time of it
———————————————————
Mon Saturday, May 25, 1861.
Staid in camp and many of the men were detailed on fatigue. The weather is much colder and it looks like rain
Tues Sunday 26
Went on picket this morning and came on the drawbridge road. Had a tolerable time of it and the force began to come in the 19th Wis came in on that road
Wed Monday 27
This morning early we were relieved by a detachment from the 11th RI and coming in found our regt had gone and followed them come out 3 miles and lying in the woods while the darkies tore up the track
———————————————————
Thurs Tuesday, May 28, 1861.
We lay where we did yesterday and were not disturbed. The weather is warm and we enjoy ourselves even better here than in camp
Friday Wednesday 29
To day I was on guard over to the [?] house and the regt lay as usual all afternoon where we came in. It was very dirty and after 2 oclock I went down and was let off
Sat Thursday 30
To day was on fatigue all the forenoon at the fort. It rained in the afternoon so that the fatigue was dismissed.
———————————————————
Sun Friday, May 31, 1861.
To day had the usual monthly knapsack inspection and stacked arms on lines Wrote a letter for John and sent home
Mon Saturday, June 1
To day I was not on duty except in cleaning the camp of grass &c It blew tremendously and filled everything with sand. We hear a good deal about our being transferred into cavalry
Tues Sunday 2
Was not on duty to day although 100 men are out of our regt Nothing much going on
———————————————————
Wed Monday, June 3, 1861.
To day I was sick and had a chill but enjoyed a tolerable nights rest expected a letter but got none 130 men on fatigue. On dress parade an order read for drill as usual
Thurs Tuesday 4
To day the whole regt went out on fatigue and light duty men had the choice to go on fatigue or guard I chose the latter and stood till morning. 2 deserters came in. They looked well. Terrible hot day
Friday Wednesday 5
To day stayed in camp and in the afternoon had a battallion drill Came off guard but had to drill
———————————————————
Sat Thursday, June 6, 1861.
Staid in camp to day and policed the camp for inspection at night were ordered to have 1 days rations and went out 3 miles and lay in ambush for the rebs till in am it rained hard and we got out
Sunday Friday 7
The inspection was postponed till 4 pm when we had inspection and parade and [?] got in the Guard house for being drunk.
Mon Saturday 8
To day am yet in camp. Had a morning drill but no afternoon drill owing to an inspection by the Medical Inspector. A very cold windy day for the season of the year
———————————————————
Tues Sunday, June 9, 1861.
Stayed in camp nothing going on Drilled considerable A windy day
Wed Monday 10
To day our whole regt went out on fatigue and we finished the south Quay Battery fort. Quite a warm day
Thurs Tuesday 11
To day I am supernumerary guard At noon got marching orders and marched out to the railroad and then marched back Another Cavalry man was killed last night by guerillas
———————————————————
Friday Wednesday, June 12, 1861.
To day I went on picket but the regt went out on the South Quay road with 4 days rations There were 9 regts Inf 2 Cav and some 3 Batterys. It was a hot day and many fell out of the 11th RI and came back. We heard nothing from [?]
Saturday Thursday 13
Came off picket this morning. We hear nothing from the force except a rumor that they have crossed the river. We had good living in camp to day. Another hot day went in swimming and washed my clothes.
Sunday Friday 14
Went on picket this morning and came on the same post as before. Quite a cool day for the season. 4 wounded men came in during the night The forces are near Carsville and have sent in for 3 days more rations.
———————————————————
Monday Saturday, June 15, 1861.
Came off picket and stayed in camp We got no particular news from the regt The day is hot indeed and the dust blows freely
Tuesday Sunday 16
Went on picket again and came on post No 2 and had very good time of it up the river bank Another hot day
Wed Monday 17
Came off picket and went up town Staid till dinner A very hot day indeed To night at midnight 2 of the bodies of our regt killed at Franklin came in Corp Skiff Co A and Booher Co B 21 were also wounded
———————————————————
Thurs Tuesday, June 18, 1861.
Went on picket again and was relieved at noon to go with the rest which layed in this returned with marching orders & for Pen. I think but dont know. Packed knapsacks and got ready to start but got orders for 3 am
Friday Wednesday 19
We are all ready to march at any time I was put on guard but relieved at 2 pm. We marched at 6 to the cars and left at dark for Norfolk At Norfolk we took transport to Yorktown and run through in the night arriving at Yorktown a little after daylight
Sat Thursday 20
We disembarked and moved up through the town about 2 miles and camped in a peach orchard a very pretty camp with fine water We pitched our tents and made a cup of coffee Went around some and bathed and wrote a letter home
———————————————————
Sunday Friday, June 21, 1861.
Staid in camp at Yorktown to day and had general inspection at 4 pm. We expect to march soon Have got orders to prepare to pack knapsacks and will take rations expect shelter tents Rained hard at night
Monday Saturday 22
Left Yorktown this day and marched to Williamsburg where we camp 2 miles this side of town. This is a much better country than Suffolk. Everything shows the marches and combats which took place along our route—slept sweetly
Tuesday Sunday 23
Laid here and drew 3 days rations and at 4 pm left for the force beyond here. traveled till 10 pm when we halted in a large field and laid down I think we are some 62 miles from Williamsburg Rested rather poorly as the ground was uneven
———————————————————
Wednes Monday, June 24, 1861.
To day we staid here as we waited till noon for orders and then it commenced to rain and we were ordered to pitch tents. We have not a very good camp but most excellent water. Wrote a letter for John Hermans brother & McGintys brother
Thursday Tuesday 25
To day left camp again and marched some 10 or 12 miles and camped again We made a quick march and it rained a good part of the country day. The country is good indeed for Va and in times of peace is beautiful
Friday Wednesday 26
This morning we left our camp early and in the rain and marched in the rain and mud some 10 miles to Cumberland Landing where we camped and drew 3 days rations and I was on picket night. Rained all night.
———————————————————
Sat Thursday, June 27, 1861.
Today we marched to White house Landing some 4 miles and camped in a very large plain and covered with troops. The landing is in sight and several gunboats also I went down and washed my clothes and myself
Sunday Friday 28
We lay here at the Landing and did nothing in particular but are preparing for an advance and troops are coming in all the time. A good many boys went berrying though it rained all day. We hear that Lee is advancing into Penn
Monday Saturday 29
To day we lay here and fired off our pieces cleaned them and held inspection I went down to the wharf and I see the gunboats They have got the cars running and troops are coming up yet. Rained to day again We got no news to day
———————————————————
Tuesday Sunday, June 30, 1861.
To day lay here and mustered. Had inspection and dress parade. Rained most of the day but we drew a days rations at night and got marching orders at 6½ am Some had Revilee at 3 am and left early in the morning
Wed Monday, July 1
To day we left early and the most of the force here and marched to near Bottamars Creek where skirmishing soon commenced. We lay in reserve while the skirmishers went on. One of the 5th PA Cav was killed and buried here We lay down and slept in line to night
Thursday Tuesday 2
Early this morning we went back to about 5 miles from White house and lay here offering battle. At night we went out on picket on a road down to the left. Almost all night the pickets were firing and there was some artillery firing but I think no one was hurt
———————————————————
Friday Wednesday, July 3, 1861.
To day we lay here and did nothing as Co A relieved us from picket in the morning. The weather is fine and we enjoyed ourselves pretty well We have got a good strong position and are ready for them if they will attack us
Satur Thursday 4
July 4th 1863. we lay here on the same ground playing old Sledge and cooking and eating We were to have a speech from the Major but it was said Genrl Keyes would not allow it. The Genrl gave us liberty to get drunk A rather lonesome fourth
Sunday Friday 5
We lay here yet and enjoy ourselves doing nothing. We were to have a sermon from a chaplain but it was broken up by the rebs driving in our pickets We have just heard that Genrl Lee has been defeated in Penn A [?] came and gave us [?]
———————————————————
Mon Saturday, July 6, 1861.
To day we lay here as before and move into the orchard daytimes and over the hill nights. Nothing is going on much
We get no mail lately for me.
Tues Sunday 7
To day our pickets were driven in again and we fell into line but were not attacked. A threatening day and at sundown it commenced to rain and rained very hard in the night wetting most of us
Wed Monday 8
This morning at 3 am we had Revillee and had orders to be ready to march at 5 am but did not leave till 10 when we marched 16 miles over horrible roads and in a heavy rain. We got word of the fall of Vicksburg
———————————————————
Thurs Tuesday, July 9, 1861.
Started at 6 am and marched to camp Wales before coffee and then marched on to Williamsburg where we arrived at dusk almost tired out A distance of 19 miles but our march of the day before hurt us so we could not stand much Slept well
Frid Wednesday 10
Left Wmsburg at 6 am and made a quick march to Yorktown arriving at camp at 1 pm completely fagged out. We in our Co were in the rear guard and it was hard to drive along the tired men at the point of the bayonet. Went down & watched
Sat Thursday 11
To day we packed early drew 3 days rations and got on the transport Columbia and left Yorktown about 4 pm for Washington
We almost [?] on the road to the transport as it was very hot. The boat is crowded.
———————————————————
Sunday Friday, July 12, 1861.
Continued on and about 4 pm reached Washington D.C. We disembarked and marched to the Baltimore Depot went to the Soldiers retreat and got a warm snack and got on the cars for Frederick city. It rained all night hard and we were in an open car
Mon Saturday 13
We were on the cars nearly all day and it rained steadily wetting our knapsacks and haversacks through. at about 4 pm we arrived at Frederick city where we disembarked and camped nearby and pitched tents for the night
Tues Sunday 14
We stay here and part of the regt is doing guard duty down town. One Co was left at Washington to guard baggage. We are glad to be in a friendly country once more the people here use us well
———————————————————
Wednes Monday July 15, 1861.
To day we are in camp and I went down and saw the town and also saw 450 rebel prisoners. This a pretty country and the city is beautiful indeed but a man without money is bad off for he cannot buy
Thurs Tuesday 16
To day I went and bought a canteen of milk and had some crackers and milk. At night we got marching orders and at dark started for Meads Headquarters and marched all night though it rained and we got perfectly sop wet
Friday Wednesday 17
We marched on to the Potomac in the rain and it was a hard march. We countermarched half a mile and camped. The 136 are going [?] Also the 9th [?] We pitched tents and rest of the regt went on marching to the [?]
———————————————————
Saturday Thursday, July 18, 1861.
To day we lay here near the river and at night went and got 700 cavalry [?] our Co only The forces are crossing the river all the time and we got orders to leave in the morning Our regt and the 136th are crossing
Sunday Friday 19
About 11 am we started out and were rear guard driving up the convalescents. A hot day and we were tired enough camp at night We made I should think some 12 miles through a rough country
Mon Saturday 20
To day we started early and marched some 18 miles by marching 6 miles out of our way I suffered more from heat to day than any other day this summer We went through a fine country
———————————————————
Tues Sunday, July 21, 1861.
To day contrary to expectation we lay here near Snickersville doing nothing but drawing rations I wrote a letter home also one for McGinty Most of the men confiscated some things to eat. A fine day
Wednes Monday 22
Staid in camp till noon when we struck tents and got ready to march and I was sick and marched all the afternoon with a severe headach and sick all over. We made some 8 miles and camped in a gap of the mountains
Thurs Tuesday 23
Revillee at 3 am and started at 6. I felt better and stood the march tolerably well. We made 15 miles and camped in the pass of the Blue Ridge mountains We got some beef here to night and it tasted good A very hot day
———————————————————
Friday Wednesday, July 24, 1861.
To day we lay here till noon and McGinty went and got some mutton At noon we struck tents and left and marched some 12 miles It was very hot and I suffered terribly from heat. Camped near Salem
Satur Thursday 25
We camped 2 miles north of Salem. Had Revillee at 3 am and marched at 6 and made a quick march to a mile beyond Warrenton in all 16 miles arrived at 1 pm A pretty hot hard march as we marched fast. Another hot day
Sund Friday 26
To day we lay here and enjoyed ourselves picking and eating berries We expect Co H along with our mail soon
The weather is fine. I was on guard at night over a supply train
———————————————————
Mon Saturday, July 27, 1861.
Went berrying in the morning and got a fine lot in the afternoon a dear comrade Alonso Hodges died. He had been wounded some time and had rode in the wagons which hurt him much
Tues Sunday 28
We lay here to day and do nothing except to bury Hodges which we did in the afternoon on a knoll near by. It rained in the night McGinty was on guard to day and I was yesterday
Wednes Monday 29
To day we lay here as usual and 4 of our Co were detailed to go to Washington with prisoners. Rained again in the night Weaver went on guard. McGinty went berrying with good success
———————————————————
Thurs Tuesday, July 30, 1861.
Lay here at Warrenton and did nothing. Expected to get hay but it did not come off got a letter from Morris Keith and answered it. Also wrote a letter for McGinty Rained to day
Friday Wednesday 31
Lay here as usual but got orders in the afternoon
A hot day and we were glad to keep the shade Drew 3 days rations and got ready to start
Satur Thursday, August 1
Assembly blew early and we prepared to march. I was detailed to help guard baggage and worked hard till 10 am when we started and marched to near the junction about 8 miles and camped No good water here
———————————————————
Sun Friday, August 2, 1861.
To day we lay near Warrenton Junction and did nothing except guard An awful hot day and I suffered very much in the sun Washed all over & expect to start somewhere to drill us all soon
Mon Saturday 3
Last night just at dark we started and marched to the railroad some 3 miles and camped till morning when part of the regt got on the train but our Co went afoot with the wagons to Union Mills passing the old battle field
Tues Sunday 4
Laid here to day near the old Bull run field and at night I went on guard A very hot day indeed The country is very rough and is the scene of a great deal fighting got a letter from Sarah
———————————————————
Wed Monday, August 5, 1861.
To day lay here and I was on guard till night. We loaded the baggage and started it on to Manassas and got orders to go at 2 pm the next morning Another very hot day Major Scott went to hospital
Thurs Tuesday 6
Had Revillee at 2 am and started for the Junction where we arrived about 9 am and prepared our camp in a pretty grove. A pretty good country in peaceable times. Another hot day
Frid Wednesday 7
Was detailed this morning for policeing and worked till noon on camp. Then went berrying and also traded some coffee for a little butter Saw some fine people from New Jersey
———————————————————
Satur Thursday, August 8, 1861.
To day did nothing much but received 2 months pay reserving $2 for Sutler spent 30cts to pay for knapsack paid my debts &c and had 25.50 left. Had dress parade at night
Sun Friday 9
Did nothing but police and had inspection Wrote a letter from to Sarah. Also got a letter from home A hot day. The Col drilled the officers on sabre drill
Mon Saturday 10
To day wrote a letter to Elias. We had officers & sargents drill and also a dress parade
On dress parade drill 4 hours [?] was ordered Another hot day
———————————————————
Tues Sunday, August 11, 1861.
This day was unlucky Got in the guard house early for saucing Corporal Reynolds. Drilled considerable. Was released from arrest in half an hour A hot day fixed my bunk
Wed Monday 12
To day I was on guard and stood at the spring No 2 The Maj and sutlers came in to day It rained hard in the night and I got wet Wrote a letter to Jane Kendall got no mail
Thurs Tuesday 13
To day came of guard and drilled a good deal. Wrote a long letter home Had an order read on dress parade enforcing greater strictness on details We are advancing rapidly in drill
———————————————————
Friday Wednesday, August 14, 1861.
To day we policed camp all over and drilled considerable, got a letter from home The folks are all well
Saturday Thursday 15
To day wrote a letter home At noon went after boards with the teams when Mosebys men 6 of them came down on us and cut 6 mules loose succeeding in carrying off 4 of them but did not hurt any of us though we had no arms
Friday 16
Sunday had no drill to day but a dress parade Had a good many promotions read. Bills 1st Lieut Co F Morey our 2nd Lieut Humphrey & Bishop sargents & Hibbard & Cronkite Corporals Got a letter from Morris Keith and commenced to answer.
———————————————————
Mon Saturday, August 17th, 1861
To day did nothing much but wrote to Morris Keith. A hot day
Tues Sunday 18
To day was on guard but after being out 2 hours was taken sick with running of the bowels headache and had to be relieved Was very sick all day and most of the night
Wednes Monday 19
To day was a busy day as we drew our clothing and colors. We also got 2 months pay in the afternoon and I wrote a letter home sending $5. We got good clothes. I drew pants jacket & blouse
———————————————————
Thurs Tuesday, August 20, 1861.
Wrote a letter for McGinty. Drilled as usual and had a splendid dress parade Had an order read requiring greater strictness in carriage and to have hair cut close & moustouche
Friday Wednesday 21
Drilled &c usual and had dress parade An order read on parade ordering the men to be divided into squads in charge of non commissioned officers I made 1.75 on selling some pies
Sat Thursday 22
To day the knapsacks came and I was detailed to help get them down and worked till nearly midnight. Went up to the station in the afternoon. A hot day
———————————————————
Sunday Friday, August 23, 1861.
Had Revillee at 4 am and inspection at 6 am No drill I answered a letter which I got from home the night before Knapsacks were distributed Mine came all right sent 20$ in my letter
Mon Saturday 24
Went on picket to day and stood near camp on the knoll under the tree. Had a pretty good time Stood 3 hours in the night Quite a windy day and a chilly night
Tues Sunday 25
Came off picket and drilled 3 hours It rained in the afternoon quite hard and was a very chilly night Drew bread rations Wrote a letter to Wm T Graves in hospital We do not hear from the men at home
———————————————————
Wednesday Monday, August 26, 1861.
To day drilled 2 hours and had dress parade I bought a paper with news of the smashing down of Sumpter A warm day but a chilly night
Thursday Tuesday 27
To day John went off and got some milk and a pie We drilled 5 hours and had dress parade Nothing particular happened to day Fine dry and cool night
Friday Wednesday 28
Came on guard and on post no 5 at the spring. Had a pretty good time and had a very light pleasant night We expect to hear of the fire at Sumpter every hour Got a letter from home
———————————————————
Saturday Thursday, August 29, 1861.
Drilled in the forenoon and had general police in the afternoon No particular news
Sunday Friday 30
Had an inspection and got the praise in an order [?] in fine order A cool day and very cold night. The 136th are now here
Mon Saturday 31
To day we mustered for pay and drilled as usual
A cool day no news
———————————————————
Tuesday Sunday, September 1, 1861.
Was on guard to day and came on provost guard at the station Had a good time and stood 3 hours spent 55 cts A pleasant day. A rebel deserter came in we guarded him
Wednes Monday 2
Came off guard and drilled as usual Also had dress parade. We had a promotion in our Co Reynolds P Hensly Wrote a letter home Got no news from Charleston
Tuesday 3
Drilled 2 hours as usual and bought gum for 25 cts Lieut Col went to Washington Capt [?] also went home No news at all from Charleston
———————————————————
Friday Wednesday, September 4, 1861.
To day we drilled 5 hours and had parade as usual. Raised a subscription to buy a purse & trappings for our Col. I gave .50 received a letter from home also one from Eliza
Sat Thursday 5
Drilled 3 hours and had general police A quiet day The Col came back also Capt Smith The Col brings good news We hear that we will have our horses soon
Sunday Friday 6
Answered Elizas letter We did not drill but had inspection and dress parade. A warm day Reported Sargent Reynolds but it did no good
———————————————————
Monday Saturday, September 7, 1861.
Went on guard this morning and was detailed as Colns orderly and had a pretty good time but was insulted by Q M Lawrence
Tuesday Sunday 8
Came off guard and drilled 3 hours Our carbines came They are Josslyns patent and the first ever issued The Col has got back but is going away soon
Wednes Monday 9
To day drilled &c as usual and heard that we should move tomorrow
———————————————————
Thurs Tuesday, September 10, 1861.
Had revilee early and started early and marched to Bulrun Creek and camped in a tolerable good place near the old battle ground
Frid Wednesday 11
Had no drill to day but fixed camp and prepared to go to Alexandria tomorrow.
30 out of the regt went down to see about the saddles
Sat Thursday 12
Started for Alexandria to get our horses I got there and started back with them 7 miles Got a pretty hard looking set of horses but perhaps good care will bring them up
———————————————————
Sunday Friday, September 13, 1861.
Came in to camp I rode all the day as I had picket last night. after we got in we drove stakes and tied the horses
Mon Saturday 14
To day they distributed the horses and I got a poor sorrel horse 7 or 8 years old Our Co had a pretty hard lot of horses any way and mine is about an average one
Tues Sunday 15
To day we cleaned up our horses and drew our equipments. I have got a fiery horse but a good one
———————————————————
Wed Monday, September 16, 1861.
To day we practised some with our horses and I went on guard came on stable guard and stood over our squadron had a midling time of it
Thursday Tuesday 17
To day we drilled 3 hours and had dress parade. Got orders to go to Catletts station but they were countermanded Commenced a letter home but my arm is to lame to write.
Friday Wednesday 18
To day it rained very hard and we had no drill call but drew our sabres. We get an excellent sabre light & bright We hear to night that our number is changed to 1st NY Dragoons
———————————————————
Saturday Thursday, September 19, 1861.
To day we drilled as usual. Our lesson was mounting and dismounting. I got no mail. Had a very cool night. We got news that our number is changed to 1st NY Dragoons
Sunday Friday 20
I was on guard but although it was sunday the regt drilled nearly all day I was a stable guard and it was a cold night but I did not suffer much. sent a letter home.
Mon Saturday 21
Was relieved from stable guard this morning and to day we had our first mounted drill. I got a paper and letter from home and commenced an answer Also wrote for John
———————————————————
Tuesday Sunday, September 22, 1861.
I was detailed and went off 5 miles to blockade a road but found none to blockade. Lieut Lawrence & Capt Godfrey & 15 men of Co C went out after Lawrences horse but instead of finding him had 9 of their no taken but 3 came in leaving 6 with the rebs
Wed Monday 23
To day I was on picket and at night stood guard over the mules. A scout of 230 men went out under command of the Maj and took 2 days rations. They were in search of the rebs who took the Co C boys
Thursday Tuesday 24
To day I was relieved from picket and drew our carbines and ammunition The scout came in bringing 3 prisoners and a few confiscated horses but they could get no news from the 6 men taken by the Guerillas
———————————————————
Friday Wednesday, September 25, 1861.
Went on guard this morning and was picked out to stand at the Cols and stood 8 long hours there. Drew out revolvers and equipments. Stood guard with carbines and sabres. A cold night and no sleep
Saturday Thursday 26
Was relieved from guard this morning and went on drill as usual. Had orders for a dress parade but countermanded.
Sunday Friday 27
Was detailed on guard but came on night picket. Had 3 hours drill and a dress parade In the evening went out about a mile and stood picket without any fire Twas pretty cold but we shivered it out
———————————————————
Mon Saturday, September 28, 1861.
To day drilled 3 hours with sabres & carbines in the morning and in the afternoon I had not commenced a mounted drill when the paymaster came and we were paid. I got $16
Tuesday Sunday 29
was supernumerary guard and was not called up Drilled 5 hours and the rest of the regt were paid. Sent a letter home with $10 and also wrote to Sarah
Wednes Monday 30
came on picket and went on the knoll west of camp and stood mounted picket. Had a tolerable time of it. Stood 4 hours in the night Three squadrons went out on a scout and returned at 9 pm
———————————————————
Thurs Tuesday, October 1, 1861.
Came off picket and drilled 4 hours mounted drill received a letter from home and answered it
Friday Wednesday 2
Went to the station on guard and the equinoxial storm came on A cold driving rain and hard wind stood through the day and night in the rain and was it cleared off in the night
Sat Thursday 3
This morning heard that guard mounting would not be till 1 pm and dried our clothes came off hot and I had an awful headache was relieved at 3 pm and went to camp sick and went to sleep
———————————————————
Sunday Friday, October 4, 1861.
Had a 3 hours drill in the forenoon and in the afternoon our Co was detailed to patrol between Manassas & Bristow Stations and went up and patroled that afternoon & night and guarded the station
Monday Saturday 5
was relieved from guard at the station at 3 pm and went into camp. Watered &c with horses and had stable call retreat &c Finished my letter to uncle Kirtland in the eve
Tuesday Sunday 6
To day we had 2 sabre & 2 mounted drills and in the afternoon tried our horses on standing fire They did well No mail yet Got our knapsacks pack to use on our horses
———————————————————
Wednes Monday, October 7, 1861.
Went on picket down on the road to the Bull run ground and had a pretty wet time of it as it rained all night and the next day. A scout came in from toward Bull run
Thurs Tuesday 8
Came off picket and found a letter from Aunt Nerisca and answered it in the evening. It was a good letter and enclosed one from a cousin of mothers
We expect to move soon
Frid Wednesday 9
Had drill as usual and I believe recd a letter from home
———————————————————
Sat Thursday, October 10, 1861.
did not have to go on picket to day but wrote letters to day
Sun Friday 11
Was on picket and got on the road over a crossing from camp where I had a tolerable time of it It was quite a cold night
Mon Saturday 12
Was in camp but had a drill in the afternoon. A pleasant day I [?] for the front every day
———————————————————
Mon Sunday, October 13, 1861.
Our Co went up to the station patroling and in the night got dispatches to the effect that the enemy is advancing on Meade and our army falling back slowly. Also got marching orders
Tues Monday 14
At 3 am the reg packed and prepared to march and at 7 am we were relieved and marched to camp got ready and went to B & toward Catletts; from there back to Bristow and near Gainesville camped for the night on outpost
Wed Tuesday 15
Left Gainesville went to our old camp and joined a Brigade of which our Col had got command; marched to the Bull run field and camped with Kilpatricks Div
———————————————————
Thurs Wednesday, October 16, 1861.
Left here and joined the army at Centreville camping with our brigade in the rear of Centreville about a mile stuck posts and drew a [?] and pitched tents
Friday Thursday 17
Staid in camp and wrote a long letter home till afternoon when we marched up to the field where we used to camp and drove in the Rebel pickets our squad was being deployed as advance skirmishers Rode back to camp in an awful rain getting in at 9 pm
Sat Friday 18
Got marching orders and left camp about 1 pm went to Manassas where we drove in the enemys pickets and had a brisk skirmish during the evening lost a mule and losing 3 killed & wounded and killed 7 of the enemy. I was with part of the Co detached as flankers and I was not in the charge but came up just as the firing ended
———————————————————
Sunday Saturday, October 19, 1861.
Last night formed in line and stood to horse near the station and in the morning staid here and buried the dead I found a captain & Lieutenant among the rebels Stood here all day and at night Stood to horse again My letter has not gone but yet drew a little fresh puff
Monday Sunday 20
Started out this morning and advanced to Bristoe without meeting anything and went on just beyond Bristoe our squadron went out on another scout and I acted as flanker till we went around 3 sides of the snare, joined the Brigade & we then found the enemy strong at Catletts
Tues Monday 21
Stood to horse last night and did not attack the enemy who had 3 Brigades of Conf just in sight of our advance Out before noon were ordered back to Bristow and from there 3 squadrons were detailed as pickets and went to our old camp at Manassas Station and stood picket on the Brookville road
———————————————————
Wednesday Tuesday, October 22, 1861.
Stood picket till afternoon and were relieved by the a regt of Regulars and came into camp at Bristow. Thursday staid on camp at Bristow and I was detailed on guard stood near the Cols and a part of the regt went out on picket again I went out after forage
Friday Wednesday 23
Got orders to move and I was relieved to get ready at noon and left at noon marched to Gainesville camped and I finished my guard trick Rained all night and McGinty went on detail getting forage and did not get in till 9 pm
Thursday 24
Rained as usual all day and we marched at noon for Manassas Junction and reached there at sundown over horrible roads As soon as we got to the junction 4 squadrons went down near to Union Mills and patroled on the RR that night very cold & windy
———————————————————
Sunday Friday, October 25, 1861.
Continued our patrol it being cold & windy and were relieved at sundown by the 1st Regulars came to camp and lay down without tents & slept well that night
Monday Saturday 26
Were busy pitching tents &c and got comfortable by night A part of the regt went out foraging At 6 pm got marching orders and left at 9 pm marched to near Bealton and camped at 4 am Of course rode all night very cold and windy
Tuesday Sunday 27
Remained in camp near Bealton and pitched tents &c The wagons went back to Manassas after forage &c Had good fires cooked and made our selves comfortable. It was cold and windy day My horse is quite lame
———————————————————
Wednes Monday, October 28, 1861.
Remained in the same camp to day and had a good time doing nothing
The weather is a trifle warmer
A large inf force is near us
Thurs Tuesday 29
Nothing particular occurred to day. Staid in camp and did nothing
Friday Wednesday 30
To day the regt all except the 4th squadron went on picket but I staid in on account of my lame horse At night received a letter from home and commenced to answer. The letter said they had just started my box on the 24th.
———————————————————
Saturday Thursday, October 31, 1861.
In the afternoon about 2 we got marching orders and packed everything I had just stood my guard out. The teams went with one load and came back in the night after the other After a good deal fooling we were ordered to stay all night
Sun Friday November 1
Marched at daylight and I rode Welshes horse Joined the regt at a place called Oak run and found them under marching orders. However pitched tent and stayed here all night. Had pickets out of course
Mon Saturday 2
Staid here in camp to day and drew rations &c. A pleasant day. Sent a letter home and I believe received one Signed for clothing Doc Purchase came in as he and Welsh had been taken by Guerillas & paroled
———————————————————
Tuesday Sunday, November 3, 1861.
Election day in N.Y.and a pleasant day in VA Marched at 9 am for Kelleys ford and rode one supernumerary horse and led mine. Marched to Morris Mills 6 miles from the ford and camped. Was detailed to take care of extra horses
Wed Monday 4
At noon were sent out on picket to relieve the 6th P.A.V. Found their picket in sight of the enemy camp on the river banks Could see them very plainly heard their drums &c. Had a pretty good time A pleasant day
Thurs Tuesday 5
Were relieved from picket and found the regt gone Followed them to near Bealton Station where they were camped. Found my horse gone and Briggs with him. Was on stable guard at night and stood 3 hours
———————————————————
Friday Wednesday, November 6, 1861.
Stayed here in camp till and I washed my shirt. Also wrote a letter home and I think I received one. Got some papers from home. Got orders to march in the morning early
Sat Thursday 7
Moved at 9 am past Bealton station and on the Warrenton road to near Warrenton where we took the left and went to Sulphur Springs and camped for the night. Recd a letter from aunt Nerisca
Sunday Friday 8
Marched early on the Culpepper road and about 3 miles from there drove in the enemys pickets and had a severe skirmish having some 3 men killed and 12 wounded. At night fell back a mile and camped stood to horse for the night
———————————————————
Monday Saturday, November 9, 1861.
Our regt was in the advance and we drove the enemys pickets out of Culpepper taking a dozen prisoners. Ours was the first and only squadron which entered the city Marched on to Rappahannock station and camped. Was on patrol to night
Tues Sunday 10
Marched at 8 am direct to Culpepper and camped just beyond there a mile Part of the reg went on picket but we staid and put up tents near Bufords Headquarters. Recd a letter from mother and answered it
Wed Monday 11
Remained in camp here waiting for supplies to come up. A pleasant day but cool The RR is coming through as fast as possible 2 squadrons were out on picket and relieved at night Came on stable guard
———————————————————
Thurs Tuesday, November 12, 1861.
Remained here and Briggs washed my drawers. Recd a letter from George stating his intention to enlist. Also got 3 papers from home. A pleasant day.
Friday Wednesday 13
Another pleasant day. Kept every thing ready and strapped on to and saddles and ready for action. Wrote a long letter to father in relation to George enlisting. Was on detail piling brush all the afternoon
Sat Thursday 14
Remained here and put on my drawers all and washed myself all over Rained all night Weaver was on camp guard Most of the tents were full of water
———————————————————
Sunday Friday, November 15, 1861.
Went out and followed the 6th PA regt [?]. Went clear to the Rapidan and drove in the enemys pickets having quite a skirmish. Came back to Cedar Mountain & stood picket. Our horses had nothing to eat
Monday Saturday 16
Were relieved by the 1st Regulars and came in off picket and fed our hungry horses. A cool day indeed. Were short of rations as indeed we have often been lately.
Tues Sunday 17
I went on camp guard and stood my 8 hours A fine day but cool I got no mail yet from home. Lieut Burr was officer of the guard & Capt Knapp has gone to hospital
———————————————————
Wed Monday, November 18, 1861.
Came off guard Weaver got in the guard house for leaving post and carried a rail half a day McGinty is also on guard A fine day
Thursday Tuesday 19
Weaver was relieved last night and went on guard again this morning At night Weaver ordered to go and patrol from Genrl Bufords to Col Davises Headquarters which we did all night Our squadron was all that went. Got a letter & paper from home
Friday Wednesday 20
Came into camp at Revillee and went on guard stood my 8 hours. The rest of the regt went out on picket and our squadron did all the guard duty. Lieut Alford was officer of the guard
———————————————————
Saturday Thursday, November 21, 1861.
Was relieved from guard and Weaver & McGinty went on A very rainy disagreeable day
Wrote a letter home Had a very sore boil on my leg but did duty
Sunday Friday 22
Had an inspection of arms rations &c I came on stable guard at night. The Col came here. Quite a chilly day and night Wrote a letter home
Mon Saturday 23
Went out on picket our squadron and detachments from each regt in the Brigade Relieved Col Davis pickets out on the James City road. Pleasant but cool and rained in the night. Firing was heard all day on the left
———————————————————
Tues Sunday, November 24, 1861.
Came off picket and staid in camp Got a letter and paper from home and answered it. A rather unpleasant day
Wednes Monday 25
Remained in camp while the remainder of the Regt went on picket Our squadron did they guard duty at night. I was detailed and went after hay being gone from 9 until 2 am and got 15 bales of hay
Thurs Tuesday 26
Got orders to leave early and at 9 am the regt got in and we went ahead to near Stevensburg and we camped for the night Had a very chilly night. Heard firing all day
———————————————————
Memoranda.
we have yet seen and we suffered much with cold. Froze very hard
Tues Dec 1st
Early this morning the reserve post began to come back across the ford. We were relieved about 2 pm and went over to the Fredericksburg pike and camped for the night in the woods.
The Artillery and baggage wagons have been falling back all day and we began to think perhaps the whole army may be falling back which we are slow to believe
Wed Dec 2
Had Revillee at 3 am and start 4½ am, marched across the river and on a bleak hill in the [?] dark drew 2 days rations of every thing except meat and then marched to Culpepper and camped making some 20 miles. Camped near the old camp
———————————————————
Friday Nov 27th
Memoranda.
Marched at 7 am to near Ellys ford on the Rapidan and went out on picket. Had a good place Heard firing all this day
Sat Nov 28
Rained in the morning and we left picket and crossed the river camped all in a severe rain storm Part of the regt went on picket. Fighting in front all day. I was on camp guard
Sunday 29th
Went out on the Chancellorsville road and found our pickets had just been driven in and several prisoners taken. Went within 2 miles of Chancellorsville and returned crossing the river and camped for the night. Had short rations & no mail. Fighting all day ahead.
Mon 30th
Moved across the river again and camped our squadron going on picket. The coldest night
———————————————————
Thurs Tuesday, December 3, 1861.
Laid here in camp to day and got up a pickel rope &c We hear that the army is falling back and we expect to hold the right here at Culpepper Wrote a letter home
Friday Wednesday 4
Continue in camp here and draw rations again. Also got some forage. A bad place to camp for wood and water
Saturday Thursday 5
Went on picket to day out on the Perryville pike and had a miserable time Capt Thorp had us pick horses &c. A very chilly unpleasant day
———————————————————
Sunday Friday, December 6, 1861.
The 1st [?] relieved us and we came into camp The 1st are always very slow in relieving us. Came into camp and pitched tents again The 5th squadron is down town on Provost Guard
Mon Saturday 7
Came on police guard and recd a letter from home Got papers and learn that Meales is again back to Brandy Station
Tues Sunday 8
Continue in camp and things are as usual. Hear that we will get pay soon A pleasant day
———————————————————
Wed Monday, December 9, 1861.
Went on picket 8 am near the other place and had another miserable time with Capt Thorp
Thurs Tuesday 10
Were relieved by the 1st and came into camp about dark and pitched tents Capt Thorp has arrived at the regt also Maj Smith
Frid Wednesday 11
Went on a scout to the Robinson river driving in the rebels pickets twice and got in at dark having marched 25 miles Got 2 months pay to night
———————————————————
Saturday Thursday, December 12, 1861.
Went on picket relieving the 6 P.A. Commenced to rain and rained hard all night Twas not cold Had 4 reliefs and good fires. Sargeant Dewolf was in charge at the post.
Sunday Friday 13
Were relieved from picket by the 1st [?] came into camp Found every thing all right. Groomed our horses and slept as usual. Forgot to say that before went on picket got two months pay
Monday Saturday 14
We did nothing much to day except to get some wood &c Recd a letter from home. A pleasant day but cool. Just at night Boots & saddles sounded and and we went out on a scout after Guerrillas without rations or clothing
———————————————————
Tuesday Sunday, December 15, 1861.
Continued on the scout and during the night suffered much from cold and marched to Jefferson and scounted around a gooddeal after Mosebys men but found them not and returned just at sundown tired hungry and cold
Wed Monday 16
Had all sorts of orders to saddle &c and after noon moved camp about a mile and pitched in regular order. Got a pretty poor camp ground but perhaps as good as it could be found It promises to rain but is cool
Thurs Tuesday 17
Rained a cold sleet all night and woke up and every thing covered with ice 17 new recruits came in last night and tis a pretty hard beginning for them Lewis More came in to day
———————————————————
Friday Wednesday, December 18, 1861.
Regt went out on picket yesterday but I remained in camp on guard. A wet cold rainy day. The recruits are all shivering around camp to day Boys came in from picket
Saturday Thursday 19
Sunday Friday 20
I was detailed on guard at headquarters yesterday and stood at Gibbses but the boys are busy putting up a tent and it is quite cold Came off guard
———————————————————
Mon Saturday, December 21, 1861.
This morning the regt went out on picket. I was with them. Had a tolerable time of it though twas quite cold
Tues Sunday 22
Came off picket and worked on our tent till night recd a letter and 2 papers from home And answered it It said that George had enlisted
Wed Monday 23
Continued to work on the tent and heard many rumors that we have got marching orders but got no orders Another cold day
———————————————————
Thurs Tuesday, December 24, 1861.
To day we stayed in camp and hear that we are to leave here tomorrow. The Inf are up here. Just af dark got orders to go on picket in the morning. Sent a letter home with $15
Friday Wednesday 25
Christmas day. Early got orders for picket, got ready and were then ordered to move camp Got ready when it was countermanded and at noon we went on picket at a ford on the Rapidan relieving 8th [?] Rebel pickets in sight Began a letter home Cool but pleasant
Saturd Thursday 26
A cool day. Stood within sight of the rebs and they fired at us The regt moved south Were not relieved till 9 pm when came back to the old camp and slept. Looks stormy
———————————————————
Sunday, Friday, December 27, 1861.
Packed up and moved camp to near Mitchels Station where we camped in a deep pine forest. Rained all day. Commenced to build barracks 200 feet long for a squadron of boys camp very muddy in the rain
Mon Saturday 28
Resumed work on the barracks though they are very unpopular with the men Rained hard all night & day and mud knee deep After noon went on detail to the old camp and carried lumber till dark when rode to camp in mud belly deep almost
Tuesday Sunday 29
Got orders to go on picket at 9 am Does not rain much this morning though it rained all night Went on picket near the Cedar Mountain Church A bad day and terrible night Had only 3 reliefs and bad posts. Feet wet all day as usual lately
———————————————————
Wednes Monday, December 30, 1861.
Thurs Tuesday 31
The last day of the year and it commenced in the night and rained all day so we did not work a cold driving rain. The mud is horrible and we can hardly walk around camp
———————————————————
Memoranda.
Friday Aug 8th I enlisted under Mr Wilkes in Capt Knapps Com
Aug 14th I went to Portage and was examined and excepted by Surgeon Kneeland as a soldier
Aug 15th returned home for a furlough of 4 days.
Aug 19th returned to camp at Portage
Aug 25th got leave of absence for two days and went home and returned before my furlough was up
From this time till the 6th of Sept and on that day for Washington
We stopped at Harrisburgh one night and one day and in Washington two nights and one day then started for Suffolk where we arrived just one week from the day we left Portage
———————————————————
Memoranda.
July Clothing drawn on second years account
1 [?] Jacket
1 " Pants
1 Blowse
1 woolen Blanket
1 pair drawers
2 pair socks
1 Ponchoe
1 pr boots
1 Cap
1 pr Pants
———————————————————
Memoranda.
Nov 4 & 5
Stood picket on the bank of the Rappahannock and watched the rebels on the othe bank as they moved around in squads. Some were mounted and some dismounted
Twas a very pleasant day indeed. The pickets are stationed within speaking distance but the Rebels hold Kellys ford and will not let us approach. They appear to be in force and doubtless have Artillery planted to command the ford. There was once quite a collection of houses here at the ford but they are about all deserted and ruined now. We can hear their drums beating Revillee & Tattoo very plainly also their bugle calls In the evening our men on post could hear them sing down at the ford so plainly that they could tell the music they were singing
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15318) | DL1396.001 | Diaries | 1861 |
Tags: Animals, Artillery, Boredom, Burials, Camp/Lodging, Clothing, Death (Military), Desertion/Deserters, Drilling, Family, Fatigue/Tiredness, Fighting, Food, Guard/Sentry Duty, Guerrilla Warfare, Hospitals, Hygiene, Illnesses, Injuries, Joseph Hooker, Low Morale, Mail, Marching, Money, Nature, News, Payment, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Railroads, Reinforcements, Religion, Rivers, Robert E. Lee, Rumors, Ships/Boats, Supplies, Weather, Work
People - Records: 1
- (5343) [writer] ~ Gibson, Sullivan W.
SOURCES
Sullivan W. Gibson Diary, 1861, DL1396.001, Nau Collection
