Alfred Elwood Diary, 1863
Alfred Elwood
from his sister
Sarah A Gibbs
Thursday, January 1,1863.
Oct 3rd 1862 took the sick to the Docks Drew fresh meat i had all i wanted Got 4 nothing new onley a drill all day which is nothing new to me now at night whent on picket took our posts at about 6 P.M. which was on the side of some woods a rite smart post it was to i wreckon i had 4 men and a Sargent counting myself on my post i had to stand picket 3 times, as long as the reagler time
Friday, January 2, 1863.
as ther was know more Sergeants to relefe hus but that is nothing wen you get broke in
the rebel picket wher about a mile from hus and you can bet we had to keep our eyes opened Cap Cramer acting Col i think he will be Magor before long then we will be without a capt i write this wile on picket came of picket Oct 5 6 P.M. in camp at last got my supper
Saturday, January 3, 1863.
and went to bed to sleep which i think i did Morning a large baloon was going hup and goes hup every little wile wen the weather will permit turned in for the night slept on the soft bed of bolivar heights which his composed of stones the ground is very stoney there but they are very small slept well got hup in the morning all right Oct 7 general inspection to day had to move all the tents to get them in line whent out on dress prade a good
Sunday, January 4, 1863.
many of the 140 Regt wher over to see hus they are camped about 3 miles from hus we had a disserter brought back of the 168 Regt the way we fix them is this way tie him to a tree wher every body can see him with a board in front of him telling what he his then wen the Regt is in line march him hup and down in front of the boys with two bayonets behind him and two in front of him all the close for that day
Monday, January 5, 1863.
Oct 9th through the day i whent down to the river washed all my clothes and they wher dun what i call prety good all around hus are hills or you may call them mountains for they are more like them than any thing that i know all around the woods is on fire they are clearing them off i think so that the soldiers can camp ther Friday Oct 10—raining in the morning staid in camp that
Tuesday, January 6, 1863.
day drew rations and and went on picket
nothing new on picket
Oct 11 1862
Morning on picket it raining all night got breakfast and then dride my clothes as well as i cud was releived at 7 Oclock in camp and soon after asleep Sunday Oct 12 fell in line for inspection of armes and wile in line had the rules and regulations of the armey wread to hus after that
Wednesday, January 7, 1863.
went out on dress prade and wile ther received the thanks of old abe for our late conduct of the fight of antitam
Monday Oct 13/62
got a pass to go to see the boys of the 140 Regt went about 4 miles around then found them they wher all looking well wile ther i lived in a Chatfield tent
Tuesday 14
nothing new to day but at night ther came an order to get
Thursday, January 8, 1863.
25 men and a sergant out of every Company in the Regt under armes and wready to march i was the Sergant out of our Company they took hus down to the Ferry stoped ther about 1 hour then came back all that walk for nothing
this is my first Campain
Monday, March 9, 1863.
The Regt out on picket it was my turn to go but having met with the misfortune of geting my ankle sprained which laid me hup for a few days Jennings & me received our barrel on the 8 of March Charles Howard 1st Lieut with hus wile the boys was out on picket we go out for three days togeather now lived high for a wile you can bet wrote home to tell them that i got my barrel every thing in it all right
Tuesday, March 10, 1863.
Put our plum pudding in boiling water which made it as good as wen first made the last thing for that day
Morning the boys come off picket drew fresh beef the boys had quite a talk with the rebels they would send little boats across with tobaco in & our boys would send som coffee back that was wat they wanted they spoke well of our men but are down on our officers
Wednesday, March 11, 1863.
one of the Dutch Company shot his finger of ther was 2 Rochester boys in the Rebel Army they wher on picket the same time we wher ther names was Bob Bradly & John Conners they wer members of the 18 Miss Regt. they looked well and say that they enjoy themselves
Morning of the 11 March
Rained all night cleared hup in the morning at night at Roll call got orders to sleep with our boots on also our cartridge box & our arm by our side in case
Thursday, March 12, 1863.
we wher atacked by Stwerds Cavalry which we thought would com before morning we hav a visiter to day from the 140 he goes by the name of Henry Berthrong drum Magor of that Regt
Morning wher ordered out by 4 Oclock to form a line of battle the report was that the rebels was a coming on hus we then stacked our guns & left them ther for the rest of the day had an inspection in the afternoon so every thing was quiet again but we got orders to keep in readiness for the rebels
Friday, March 13, 1863.
Morning wher called out to stand under arms from 5 Oclock till sun rise we have to do it every morning now Washed my clothes went in Stoddards tent had quite a gay time singing and talking that is the tent that we mostly meet in had a letter from home and one from Anna Atkinson Answered the boath And i received 4 Rochester papers and one Harpers Weekly drew fresh meat to day
Saturday, March 14, 1863.
Rained all day had [?] for dinner ther is a few ladys around camp and i tell you a Lady fare makes me think of home Bob Lester from the 140 Regt was over to see the boys to day
Lieu Dutton came back is furlough having expired he looks tip top had a few tracks given to hus to day which reminded
Sunday, March 15, 1863.
me of it being Sunday
Had a inspection of knabsacks haversacks and cantins wrather a dark day nothing going hon thought a great deal of home to day and the Dear friends i left behind i hav bin a fixing my things ready for a march for i heard that we shall move before long A number of the officers drunk to day
Monday, March 16, 1863.
on guard to day had 3 reliefs and nine men on a relief got along first rate the weather rather cold wrote a letter to Sara Gibbs and one to Sarah [?] Washburn drew the tent for one i sent it to boath of the above named persons know drill to day on account of the mud turned out the guard twise wile on guard to the field Officer of the day then went and [?] him the posts
Tuesday, March 17, 1863.
com of guard this morning cleaned my gun boiled a pot of beef and had som soup for dinner Most of the boys hav gon over to the Irish Brigade they are going to hav [word stricken] horse raising also a bag race for you see it is Saintpatrick day i suppose they will hav a good time i hav sent a number of drawings of my tent home
Wednesday, March 18, 1863.
heard som fireing on our right yesterday and to day i found out that it was at Kelleys ford we took 27 prisoners they belonged to the 2 and 4 Virg Regt Cavalry i went to see the prisoners they looked well they wher not dressed a like but they wher all able body men the tenth NY wher guard over them quite a number of our troops crossed the river at that point a little fireing to day
Thursday, March 19, 1863.
heard som fireing on our right and left we received five days rations to day which consisted of sugar coffee one day four days of tea corn meal rice molasses potatoes onions the other day Capt Cramer went home on a ten days furlough candles wher given out with the above i try to fill one side at a time so that it will com on about date i expect but it is hard to due it wile in camp
Friday, March 20, 1863.
mowed all day and night i went for wood through the day and i saw one of those black nigers trying to catch som birds i watched him for a wile and he maid out to catch one but that is all he will catch i think for wen the birds look at him they thought it was night so they traveled
Saturday, March 21, 1863.
nothing new i dont know what to write to fill hup but i will have to due that the boys are engoying them selves by snow balling one of our boys are going to be detached to the first Rhode island Battery for the remainder of his time if the one goes that is trying to go i think it will be a good thing for him his name his C Lawrence
Sunday, March 22, 1863.
Charles Lawrence as gon
wrather exciting in camp a fight with a niger a civilian gives the niger a kick wile he had the white man down then the lookers on went at the civilian he made good time in getting out of the way another fight to day with Lyons Crouch it was wat you may call a draw battle
the snow all melted to day received a letter Edmond Drane
Monday, March 23, 1863.
Hair cut to day
Promotions of Magor Pierce to Lieu Col. Lieu Col Powers to Col Capt Hogoboom to Magor was wread of on Dress Prade
James Hayden mended my boots i sold my old boots to C Howard Jennings gave me a pair of his he having two pair ball playing was all the go to day
know letter to day again
Tuesday, March 24, 1863.
skirmish drill to day we had an inspection to day heard som firing to day had a good game of ball report is around that we will move shortly twords Washington i dont think much of the report
raining now prety good wrote to Edmond Drane
Wednesday, March 25, 1863.
Rained all night stoped through the day begun again about dark
a forward movement expected soon missed drill to day was gon after wood that thing dus not often happen drew soft bread practising skirmishing drill now big i like the drill very much that is wen they is know enemy in front
Thursday, March 26, 1863.
ther was eight men out of our Company that went on picket som ball playing to day drew fresh beef and soft bread received a letter from Henry Wray and answered it sent him a drawing of my tent boath outside and inside had a little muss with Stiles about the fresh beef rations the pease i was giving him did not sute him
Friday, March 27, 1863.
last night ther was quite a skirmish on the right of hus in camp we cud hear the reports of the guns quite plain all the Regts around hus wher brought out in line of battle and for once the 108 lay still received a letter from A Atkinson and one from home
Saturday, March 28, 1863.
last night night ther was a skirmish betwen the rebels and our pickets all the Regements that lay around our Regt wher in line of battle and staid so for the rest of the night but for once the 108 lay still Washed my clothes rained all day and night nothing going on through the day
Sunday, March 29, 1863.
our Capt Expected back to day Lieut Dutton detailed to take charge of Company G
our first Lieut. on picket with 8 men and a Corpral of our Company so we wher left without any Commission officers
wrather winday to day inspection of armes to day it being Sunday which is about all the work of to day
Monday, March 30, 1863.
last night received orders to get ready for a reveaú by Gen French and to try to sustain the golden oppinion already formed of hus the boys com of picket the reveaú passed off all right last night i tended the the prayer meeting held in the Hospital tent ther was know Chaplain ther but Doc Ely took the plais of one every thing passed off very well
Tuesday, March 31, 1863.
Snowed all night but through the day it cleared off received orders to hold my self in readiness for picket the next morning for one day ther was 10 men and my self out of our Company wich made 10 men and a Sargent on this picket ther is know fires aloud so i cooked all my things before i started
Wednesday, April 1, 1863.
wher called out at 2 Oclock to get in line of battle for the rebels wher not far off staid so till 7 oclock then started for the picket line saw the great city of Fredericksburg once more very winday & cold to day whent on post at 3 Oclock staid on till 10 Oclock the next morning saw the rebels quite plain got som stone wile on picket to make a pipe out of
Thursday, April 2, 1863.
com off picket
the officer of the picket made all the pickets wate till they whr all in line then he put the 108 boys for rear guard som thing new that wile coming of picket he did that so as to stop the boys of the new Regt from straglin the new Regt is the 12 N Jersey but before we got through falmouth the 108 was a goin on the lead and
Friday, April 3, 1863.
the first thing that i new was the Jersey boys a laying around the roads they fell out by the dozens
fixing up the camp quite fine with pine bows with a arch in the cinter of every Companys street with the letter of the Company over the center of the arch our Company was moved to day to the extreme left of the Regt our Company his seckond in rank now
Saturday, April 4, 1863.
Detail for picket out of our Company of 9 men and a Corpral W Ross of our Company got his discharge started for home this morning
received a letter from Sarah the weather now his very windey and rather cold sent som things home by Lieut Hutchins on Brigade drill to day
Sunday, April 5, 1863.
Snowed all night and most of the day then turned of windey answered Sarah letter at night received a paper from home a number of the boys in camp whent to bed supperless the wind blew all our fine fixins around our camp down and more then that it blew down a tree which fell of Swicks tent
Monday, April 6, 1863.
turned out in our best clothes to be inspected by Old Abe as we thought but it rained all night which made the roads a little muddy so the inspection was put off till the next day
hav not received a letter for som time a number of them his due
Tuesday, April 7, 1863.
was reveued to day by the President of the united states had to march about 6 miles before we got to the plais the 13 Regt and 1[?]0 was ther the boys com off picket but they had to go to see Old Abe received a letter from Jennie Leach and answerd it
Wednesday, April 8, 1863.
quite a number of the boys of the Regt. turned out to rally on the Quarter Master but they made so much noise before they went that wen they got ther they found all the guard ther they made som noise and that was all it amounted to the ones that started it wher put under arrest
Thursday, April 9, 1863.
a game of ball betwen the Officers and the privets of our Regt
April 13
on guard went over to the 12 N Jersey with the Officer of the day with the grand rounds the countersine was briten received a letter from A Atkinson answered the same also the day before got one from Carrie Gibbs answered it to
Friday, April 10, 1863.
April 14
got orders to march with eight days rations five days in our knabsacks and three in our haversacks got all ready for the march and went out in dress prade with all our things on wrote to Samuel Robinson
Saturday, April 11, 1863.
April 15
rained all night and day which stopped all notions of marching
April 19
the boys com of picket wile they wher on a rebel soldier swam a cross the river to our side he reports that ther his 10 thousand rebel troops in the city now
Sunday, April 12, 1863.
April 20/1863
12 rebel prisoners passed through our camp i applied for a furlough of 10 days rained all night and day
April 21
on guard the countersine was salim i whent the grand rounds with the officer of the day Capt Merrell was the officer
Monday, April 13, 1863.
April 23
rained all day
nothing going
April 24
raining yet the boys came of picket soaking wet
April 25
Gregory and me had a strole through the woods looking for lorrel root did not find any but came across som grape vine roots had a talk with som of the pickets
Tuesday, April 14, 1863.
then started for camp came across a nice pease of pitch pine got in camp found the Regt out on drill
April 26
very fine day
inspection of armes knapsacks by Lieut Col Pierce
Wednesday, April 15, 1863.
27 of April
whent over to the 33 Regt to see Walter the Chaplain let me take is horse to go ther found Walter ther on guard is Regt was out on picket ingoyed my visit ther tip top got back in camp i found out that the Regt was under marching orders to start the
Thursday, April 16, 1863.
next morning by 3 Oclock with 8 days rations
April 28
took up our line of march about 7 Oclock marched about 4 miles then halted. it began to rain then so we put up our shelter tents staid hear all night through the night they detailed men
Friday, April 17, 1863.
from our Regt to do fatigue work
gave us one days rations so as to keep us with 8 days rations on hand
April 29
started on our line of march whent about 1 mile then we cud see the rebels quite plain they formed our Regt in 2 releif gave tooles enough for 1 releaf to work at a time
Saturday, April 18, 1863.
[two lines stricken]
Got through with our work then marched about 6 miles then camped in the woods for the night
April 30
rained all night started on the march with our wet blankets marched about 4 miles then halted till 4 Oclock then crossed the river marched through the woods all night
Sunday, April 19, 1863.
May 1st
lay all night on the mudey ground
started as we thought to go in the field battle field considerable fireing going on our Regt was detailed to go in
Monday, April 20, 1863.
skirmish after marching around for awile started back for the camp wher we staid the night before
then started from ther and whent on picket received 2 letters one from Carrie & one Nellie
May 2
heavy fireing began on our side just at sunrise
we wher kept on the reserve till 5 Oclock AM then started for
Tuesday, April 21, 1863.
the battle field
it was a fine moon light night got shelled hard a going on the field heavy musketry fireing going on all the time
our men took about 2 hundred prisoners to day
M 3
on the battle field battle started at day light our troops gave way then our Regt had a go with the enemy
Wednesday, April 22, 1863.
fired about ½ hour then we wher ordered off came of the field about ¼ of a mile hear we got shelled pretty hard then we whent from the front to almost to the bank of the river lay ther about ½ hour then wher ordered in front
again took our places the 2 line of battle close by our rifle pitts ther was 1 killed and 1 wounded out of
Thursday, April 23, 1863.
our Company
May 4
lay in the same plais we did last night fireing began early this morning about 10 Oclock the rebels made a charge on our brest works but wher repulsed took 1 rebel prisoner
May 5
lay in the same we hav the 2 nights back considerable
Friday, April 24, 1863.
fireing through the day about 11 Oclock at night we wher called hup to be ready to cross the river it was raining very hard at the time [stricken] so till [stricken] then we wher told we would not cross that night so we lay down to sleep again in the wet
Saturday, April 25, 1863.
ground with nothing over hus but a rubber blanket but wher called hup at 2 AM to cross the river as we cud not hold the plais every thing was dun very still
May 6
crossed the river about 7 AM and arived in our old camp at 11 Oclock soaking wet through lay down to sleep with nothing
Sunday, April 26, 1863.
hunder hus nor over hus to cold to sleep that night
May 7
[line stricken]
cleaning our guns and our shoes hup inspection of armes and amunition Detailed for picket Marched around by order of the Officer of the day
all night trying
Monday, April 27, 1863.
to find the right plais to post the men did not find it so we camped for the night in the woods it raining hard all night so ther was know sleep that night for hus that comes of having drunken Officers in command
May 8
Started again to find the picket line
marched around about 1 h then found the
Tuesday, April 28, 1863.
plais i had charge of two posts each with 1 Corporal and 4 privates on we took a number of prisoners and i got 2 good blankets got my breakfast in a house that was near the picket line i had corn cake an coffee and i made my supper of the same
May 9
did not get relieved
Wednesday, April 29, 1863.
somthing wrong the cause of our not getting relieved was that they made a new line of picket in side of our line and they cud not find hus so we had to stay ther all night but we came in camp early in the morning i bought a ham paid 10 cents a pound all the Regt on picket
May 10
very fine day our Chaplain came around to our tents and gave hus
Thursday, April 30, 1863.
som tracks whent to church out on the drill ground prayer meeting in the eaving the 14 Conn Band came to serenade Col Powers then Acting Brigadier
May 11
A beautifull day the report is now that we are going to move our camp
Friday, May 1, 1863.
May 15
moved our tents on the prade ground and then began to clean hup our old camp for the report is that we are going to move back again.
May 16
whent to work again at our old camp cleaning things hup got it about dun when we wher told that we wher going
Saturday, May 2, 1863.
to move out in the woods then started to clear of the pease of ground that was picked out for our camp
found it to be a nise plais then I went on picket
May 17
whent to church
our chaplain talked to hus for somtime and a very plesant time we had
May 18
Sunday, May 3, 1863.
Stoddard and Jennings and Cassidy and me hav pich hus a tent togeather.
May 21
on guard and wile on guard was brought hup as a witness in the triel of Sergt Stoddard
May 22
charges put in against me by Lieut Wickes for leaving the guard
Monday, May 4, 1863.
house wile on guard
May 24
had two pictures taken sent them off the same day
May 25
built a large bow house in front of our tent and the next one to it which is Corp Fairchild tent then we made [stricken] a table
Tuesday, May 5, 1863.
May 26
moved our beds so as that we cud get out of the tent at boath ends all finished
had Division drill
May 27
whent up again as a witness in Stoddard case had som hard questions put to me
Wednesday, May 6, 1863.
May 28
on picket on the third releif hav roll call every 2 hours
Lieut Wickes was the officer over our releif we whent on picket at 9 PM and was releived by 5 AM the next morning
May 29
wile on picket cud hear the rebels band play and wile on picket we wher told that the
Thursday, May 7, 1863.
Regt was under marching orders and ready to move at a minute notice
com of picket then was ordered out for inspection so as to be ready for a march the report is that the rebels are coming aross the river
May 31
very warm to day
nothing going on to day except Brigade
Friday, May 8, 1863.
drill and one more boy out of our Company is being Court Martialed his name is J Albro
May 31
was ordered to fall in under armes at 4 AM for ther was som fireing on the picket line
Detailed to go on picket in the morning
Saturday, May 9, 1863.
wile on dress prade ther was a number of promotions read off Lieut Dutton of our Company was raised to first Lieut and T Parsons from Quarter Master Regt to second Lieut in our Company
1 Lieut Wilbur of our Comp to be Capt of Company B, and a number of other promotions
Sunday, May 10, 1863.
June 1
on picket
Lieut Dutton officer of our squad on the 4 relief
June 5
heavy cannonading going on all day about ½ mile from our camp wher ordered to be ready to move in short notice then we wher told that we would march at 3 AM
Monday, May 11, 1863.
the next day
June 6
under marching
orders yet wher called out this morning under armes by 3 AM
Detailed for picket to start the next m in the morning
June 7
Stood on picket took every thing we had for we expected we would moove through the night
Tuesday, May 12, 1863.
wher put on the 3 releif whent on at 9 PM and com of at 3 AM
June 13
whent on picket and gust as we left camp the order came to be ready to
march at a moment notice wile on picket i fell in with a lady that came from Rochester my picket post
Wednesday, May 13, 1863.
was close to her house her husbands sister keeps the fancy store on State Street. she promised to take care of me if i got sick that is if i cud get to her house the balloon whent up but the rebels shelled it which made it com down mighty quick
Thursday, May 14, 1863.
June 14
orders to be ready to march in a moments notice considerable fun going on in camp such as throughing men hup in blankets
about 9 PM we took up our line of march and keep it up all night
June 16
i find that we are on the retreat
Friday, May 15, 1863.
halted about ½ hour to get breakfast
then started again as we thought for the march but wher soon put on picket just our company alone we are expecting to see the enemy every moment passed through the plais that goes by the name of Stafford court house camped about 7 PM in a large field hard march
Saturday, May 16, 1863.
it was there wher 4 men that droped down dead and a large number of men wher sun struck
June 17
took hup our line of march again at 3 AM marched to dumfries and ther halted to take somthing to eat the first thing time we hav had a chance to ford it a number
Sunday, May 17, 1863.
of times halted on the bank of occoquan ocoquan creek my feet are all blistered through half of my things are on [stricken]
June 18
started on the march again about 7 AM marched about 15 miles fell in with Walter and our Regt rested near wher they wher so i whent over with him and had
Monday, May 18, 1863.
a good cup of tea with him then started again i was compleatly tired out my feet all blistered halted for the night in som pine woods
June 19
rested to day so we staid in the woods started on the march again halted about 9 PM near centerville
Tuesday, May 19, 1863.
it rained all night hard had to lay on the wet ground with nothing over hus
June 20
i looked around the plais that we wher camped in and i found that near hus wher a number of breast works the order came to be ready to march by 12 AM started at the apointed
Wednesday, May 20, 1863.
time marched about 10 miles then rested for the night
at a plais called gainsville the rail road runs through the plais it was raining all the time wile on the march we passed through the old battle field of bull run in the graves wher the soldiers wher the dirt had bin washed off
Thursday, May 21, 1863.
and you cud see the hands & feet and ther was a number of skulls kicking along the road
June 21
ordered to fall in under armes for ther was som fireing on the picket line ther was a detail made out of our Regt of 70 men for picket and what was left was detailed as a support for
Friday, May 22, 1863.
the picket called up once in the night ordered to sleep with our belts on
June 22
lay in the same plais nothing new
i was detailed for the picket line at 4 PM put on post at 8 PM staid on all night ther was a little fireing going on took to the reserve
Saturday, May 23, 1863.
at 7 AM June 23
June 23
lay on the reserve ther was a large forse of our Cavalry that passed through hear yesterday and they came back to day they are trying to find Gen Lee & his Army relieved from picket at 8 PM
June 24
Lay still all day
Sunday, May 24, 1863.
June 25
Our pickets drove in received orders to be ready to move at a moments notice two trains of cars came in to day with supplies but they started back with them started on the march at the appointed time at 10 AM
Marched about 19 miles then halted for the
Monday, May 25, 1863.
night it rained all the time wile on the march and the night [stricken] fast march we stoped for the night at [?] springs
June 26
running all the time received our mail the first mail we hav received in som time started on the march again at 9 PM marched abouty 5 miles then halted to let the
Tuesday, May 26, 1863.
wagon train by then marched about 9 miles then halted cooked coffee then marched about 2 miles then halted as we thought then for the night but we wher soon on the march again crossed the Potomac river halted for the night at about 3 AM
June 27 Passed by [?] bluff and crossed the river at Edwards ferry
Wednesday, May 27, 1863.
June 27
started on the march again before going we received whiskey rations marched about 2 miles then halted started again by 3 PM marched through poolesville and about 5 miles further marched through Barnesville then marched on abouty 9 miles and camped for the
Thursday, May 28, 1863.
night near sugar loaf mountain
June 28
Marched through a number of small villages Marched about 15 miles camped about 7 PM for the night was detailed as a support for the picket all the Regt whent back about 3 miles to a plais called Buckeysville
Friday, May 29, 1863.
June 29
started from the picket line
marched about 4 miles then rested then started on again passed through a number of small towns one goes by the name of liberty halted at 12 PM onley 4 boys a keep up with the Company
we marched 31 miles
Saturday, May 30, 1863.
June 30
started on the march at 7 AM marched about 12 miles when halted to get the men togeather marched through Union town camped for the night gust on the out skirts of the town
July 1
Marched back through Union Town then through
Sunday, May 31, 1863.
Taneytown got the report ther that there was a fight going on about 12 miles a head halted for the night at 11 PM
July 2
started again by 6 AM the fight going on 2 miles a head at Getteysburg halted near the plais got breakfast
Monday, June 1, 1863.
then started for the battle field our Regt supported a battery at about 4 PM i got hit in the side
the Capt then told me to get of the field so i did
July 3
cud not find our hospital found it at last about 8 PM
Tuesday, June 2, 1863.
July 4
[?] staid in the hospital the Doctor told me to the battle going on hard
July 5
reported back to the Regt for duty started on the march after the rebels took the plais of the first Sergt we lost out of our Company 2 killed J Cassidy
Corp W Fairchild
Wednesday, June 3, 1863.
and 4 wounded Sergt J H Jennings
H Hartman
J M Morrice
Sergt Elwood
stoped for the night
July 6
it rained all night very bad walking received our mail
July 7
on the march again took the same road we came on halted at taneytown cud not go no further
Thursday, June 4, 1863.
for the want of rations we hav bin without rations 4 days gave out som flour to last till the wagons com up received our rations which made the boys feel better Lieut Porter was shot by an aid of the second Division for not obey orders
July 8
Marched to woodbury [stricken]
Friday, June 5, 1863.
ther we heard of Grants success
halted for the night within 5 miles within from Frederick City
July 9
Marched through Frederick and on the road we saw som of the 7 NY [?] and about 2 miles from Frederick ther was a rebel
Saturday, June 6, 1863.
spy hung he was hanging ther for 3 days we hav caught a number of them
crossed over the mountains then halted for the night
July 10
on the go again drew cartridges before starting marched through a number of small towns on the way halted
Sunday, June 7, 1863.
for the night but wher told to hav our things on and be ready for any thing at a moments notice for the rebels had onley left the plais wher we wher the same day at about 5 PM
July 11
on the go again
march through Warrengton the rebels had onley
Monday, June 8, 1863.
left the plais about 10 hours before sent out skirmishers on boath sides of the road had som of our batterys planted and we formed in line of battle lay still till night then moved closer to the rebels staid in a small peace of woods for the night
July 12
on the go again
fell back a little
Tuesday, June 9, 1863.
ways staid ther till about 12 AM then it began to rain fast and we moved our line of battle in front again was called up in the night to dig breast works got them dun at about 3 AM
July 13 expecting to hav a fight soon
Wednesday, June 10, 1863.
July 13
lay behind our breast works till about 4 PM then the order came to advance with the line of battle
lay within about a ¼ of a mile of the picket staid ther all night
considerable fireing going on on the picket line it rained all night
Thursday, June 11, 1863.
July 14
raining again
our men advanced advanced about ½ a mile then halted for the night
July 15
the rebels took in ther picket so we advanced found ther breast works they wher made just in the edge of the woods our men wher close on to them all day we took a number
Friday, June 12, 1863.
of them prisoners they marched so fast that a large number of ther men cud not keep up camped for the night in a small pease of woods it rained all night
July 16
on the go again
marched about 24 miles then halted opposite Harper ferry camped for the night on the toe path of the canal
Saturday, June 13, 1863.
July 17
Marched about 5 miles then halted at a plais called sandy hook took a walk up to a plais called Knoxvill
July 18
on the go again
crossed the river at harper Ferry again
marched about 8 miles in Virginia then camped near wher we camped last year when
Sunday, June 14, 1863.
we wher on the march. near wher we camped there was any quanty of blackberys to be got
July 19
on the go again
som of our men wher taken prisoners that whent to the town to get som bread
Marched about 10 miles then halted for the night
Monday, June 15, 1863.
July 20th 1863
on the go again
Marched about 14 miles then halted near a plais called Bloomfield
July 21st 1863
stayed still all day had inspection of armes and amunition and drew ration
July 22
on the march again
started about 12 AM
Tuesday, June 16, 1863.
halted for the night at ashbays gap near uppervill
July 23
was called up at 4 AM to get ready to start again
started on the go again at 5 AM
halted about 4 PM near Manassas Gap as a support for the 3 & 5 Corps they having gon on through the gap
Wednesday, June 17, 1863.
the order came for hus to advance we did and on a double quick
Marched about 7 miles then halted ther wher a number of wounded men laying on the side of the road
July 24, 1863
on the go again
Marched back to the old camp wher we lay the night
Thursday, June 18, 1863.
before our Cavalry made a dash on the enemy and took 1000 head of cattle 700 head of sheep &100 wagons
we are short of rations wher told by the officers that we would not get any bread in som time but we would get all the fresh meat salt & peper that we wanted
Friday, June 19, 1863.
July 25
started on our line of march at 5 AM
marched about 20 miles then halted for the night at white plains
July 26
on the go again
Marched through Warrington and then we whent to warington junction and halted
Saturday, June 20, 1863.
near ther for the night a very hard days march quite a number of officers & men out of our Regt fell right down wile on the road
July 27
we lay in the same plais did not move to day received one track
Sunday, June 21, 1863.
July 28
did not move to day
July 29
lay still to day to
July 30
lay still till about 6 PM then we started on our line of march keep a going till about 10 PM then halted for the night
Monday, June 22, 1863.
July 31, 1863.
on the go again
found a number of plaises in the road wher the rebels had througn rails in the way so as to stop up the road
halted for the night about 2 miles from the Rappahannock river
Tuesday, June 23, 1863.
August 1st 1863
was called up at 4 AM to be ready to march by 5 AM started at the appointed time marched back on the road we came on most of the way
the heat is excessive to march passed through bristlebury and halted ther for a wile staid hear all night
Wednesday, June 24, 1863.
August 2
lay still all day one sutler came up to us hear he had bin taken prisoner but our Cavalry took im back again
August 3
nothing new to day but ther is great talk of the pay master being around
Thursday, June 25, 1863.
August 4
somthing new to day we drew soft bread and more than that we got our pay for two months
August 5
we moved our camp to a little better plais
August 6
all still in camp nothing
Friday, June 26, 1863.
new
August 7
nothing going on
August 12
Lieut Dutton came back arrived hear about 10 PM
August 13
had quite a time with C Howard we
road on horseback to the Division Head Qrters got 2 canteens of whiskey
Saturday, June 27, 1863.
August 14
Moved my house and tented with Lieut Dutton
August 15
took up our line of march again
marched about 6 miles then halted for the night
Sunday, June 28, 1863.
August 19
lay still all day to day
August 25
wher paid two months pay
August 31
orders to be ready to march by 6 AM
started at the appointed time I was very sick so after marching about 6 miles i gave in
Monday, June 29, 1863.
then i got a pass for the ambulance so i road the rest of the way which was about 12 miles further then we halted at a plais called heart oak church
staid ther all night the Cavalry
Tuesday, June 30, 1863.
going out all night
at this time we wher onley about 5 miles from Falmouth
Sept 1
lay still all day nothing going on
Sept 3
lay still till about 3 PM then the order came to go back
Wednesday, July 1, 1863.
to our old camp so we started and arrived ther about 10 PM
Sept 8
we moved our camp about half a mile from the old camp ground i applied for a furlough
Sept 12
i received my furlough and started for
Thursday, July 2, 1863.
the R Road arrived thar about 9 Oclock arrived at Washington by 12 AM then took the cars for N York arrived ther at 6 AM Sunday
Sept 13
lay in N York till 5 PM then took the cars for Rochester arrived ther at 6 AM Monday morning
Friday, July 3, 1863.
Sept 14
then started for the shop saw the boys then took a hack for home
Wm Turley was with me he got wounded in the late battle arrived at home found things all right then i started for down town whent in the shop to see
Saturday, July 4, 1863.
Father found him all right
Sept 15
lay around the city till about 3 PM then took the stage for H[?] Falls Lieut M Donnal was going on the stage at the same time arrived ther all right then started for Duttons house
Sunday, July 5, 1863.
staid ther all night had a talk with old Crippen
Sept 16
at 3 PM i started for home once more arrived ther at 6 PM then took the street cars for Miss Hunters spent the eaving ther very well
Monday, July 6, 1863.
Sept 17
lay around the city down to the shop half the time spent the eaving at Miss Hopwoods
Sept 18
on the go all day spent the eaving at Miss Mullens whent on to see Lieut Graham found him doing well
Tuesday, July 7, 1863.
Sept 19
spent the day a calling on different ones
spent a part of the eaving at Wrays house and the other part at home the was quite a number of persons at the house
Wednesday, July 8, 1863.
Sept 20
started for the C church spent the eaving with Miss Clement
Sept 21
left home to join the Regt at 5.50 AM arrived at Elmira 12 PM staid ther till 4 AM the next morning then took the cars for Williamsport
Thursday, July 9, 1863.
Sept 22
arrived ther about 12 AM then took the cars for baltimore arrived ther at 7 PM staid ther 1 hour then took the cars for Washington arrived ther by 10 PM then put at the European Hotel
Friday, July 10, 1863.
Sept 23
got transportation of Capt Camp to Culpepper arrived ther at 8 PM then lay in the cars all night
Sept 24
i had to march then from Culpepper to the Regt found them to be on picket had quite a
Saturday, July 11, 1863.
time of finding the Regt about 8 PM the Regt whent out on a reconnaissance Plunket of our Company was wounded and a number of others in the Regt was wounded
Sept 25
on picket yet
relieved from picket about
Sunday, July 12, 1863.
5 PM then marched back to the rear about 3 miles then put up for the night
Sept 26
started over to the old camp to see Dutton found him but he looked bad
Sept 27
lay in camp
nothing going on
Dutton expecting
Monday, July 13, 1863.
to get is leave of absence to day
Sept 28
Dutton got is leave of absence he got two horses and i went down to Culpepper with him got a good dinner in that town
Sept 29
nothing going on in camp
Tuesday, July 14, 1863.
received orders to go on picket all the Regt lay on the river again the same as we wher before
Sept 30
on picket a little fireing going on 4 of us boys started to hunt through
Wednesday, July 15, 1863.
the woods for som fresh pork did not find any
Oct 1
on picket a little fireing going on sined the pay roll about 5 PM started for the camp found the pay master in camp expect our pay that night
Thursday, July 16, 1863.
Oct 2nd
received two months pay nothing more going on in camp to day
Oct 3
lay still in camp to day nothing going on in camp to day except high living
Friday, July 17, 1863.
Oct 4
all still to day whent to church to the Brigade H Qurs
Oct 5
lay still all day but expecting marching orders all the time the 6 Corps is coming to relieve hus about 7 PM just as i was eating supper
Saturday, July 18, 1863.
Walter came in my tent i tell you i was very glad to see him he staid with me all night
Oct 6
at 7 PM we started on the march halted for the night 2 miles this side of culpepper
Sunday, July 19, 1863.
Oct 7
lay still all day expecting to fix up camp tomorrow
Oct 8
rained all day so we lay still
Oct 9
we moved our camp a short way so as to get in shape
Monday, July 20, 1863.
Oct 10
drew 8 days rations and started on the march whent about 9 miles and we thought that we wher on our way back to the front halted ther for the night
Tuesday, July 21, 1863.
Oct 11
was called up at 2 AM to start on the march about 5 PM arrived at Bristow Station halted ther for the night drew cartridges
Wednesday, July 22, 1863.
Oct 12
started on the march again but this time we thought it was to the battle field marched back over the Rappahannock River this makes the 8 time we have crossed that river got on the battle field the Cavalry had a fight ther but we did
Thursday, July 23, 1863.
not get in to it, lay our blankets down for the night to sleep expecting a big fight in the morning
Oct 13
was called up to start on the march at 12 PM tuesday morning Marched till about 7 AM then halted for breakfast
Friday, July 24, 1863.
fighting going on a head the 3 Corps had quite a little fight after marching about 25 miles we halted for the night
Oct 14
Started on the march again after going about 1 mile the rebels fired on the skirmishers and with the artillery they open on the
Saturday, July 25, 1863.
collum our Regt was sent out as skirmishers we wher under the enemys fire som time and when the line was formed we started out to drive the rebels did so after fighting about 2 hours then came back to the colum and started on the go again
we had skirmishes on boath sides
Sunday, July 26, 1863.
of the road
all was right till about 4 PM then the fight started again our Regt was sent out again as skirmishers we had a hard fight of it lost one killed and 15 wounded out of the Regt we lay ther till about 10 PM then started on the march
Monday, July 27, 1863.
again marched all night and then halted for a few hours the other side of bull run creek. L. Sleecher wounded Co D.
Oct 15
sent out on picket all still till about 8 AM then the rebels came in sight our Regt was then put out as sharp shooters hard fighting
Tuesday, July 28, 1863.
going on all day
Oct 16
no rebels to be seen this morning we lay in the same plais som Cavalry came up from Washington and tride to cross the bull run creek but cud not make out
Wednesday, July 29, 1863.
Oct 17
lay a pontoon bridge across the creek so as the Cavalry cud cross they started over to try to bring on an engagement we wher ordered to pack up and be ready to move at a minutes notice
Thursday, July 30, 1863.
Oct 18
called up at 5 AM to pack up and be ready to move had to draw 10 days rations lay still to day after all received our mail at night
Oct 19
called up at 5 AM to be ready to march by daylight started on the march
Friday, July 31, 1863.
at 7 AM marched back the way we last came about 9 miles then halted on bull run mountain lay ther all night
Oct 20
on the march again Marched about 14 miles then halted for the night a hard day march had to
Saturday, August 1, 1863.
wade through water 3 times up to our waste i got som fresh pork
Oct 21
lay in camp all day near the plais called Auburn wher we had the skirmishes
Oct 22
lay in camp all day a in the afternoon
Sunday, August 2, 1863.
we had inspection then moved our camp to a better plais
Oct 23
started on the march again at 7 AM Marched about 6 miles then halted near Warrenton
Oct 24
received orders to stockade
Monday, August 3, 1863.
our tents for they thought we wher going to stay hear som time
Oct 25
all still in camp till about 5 PM then the order came to be ready to march at a moments notice
Oct 26
hav not moved yet they all still
Tuesday, August 4, 1863.
in camp til about 4 PM then we received the same orders of the day before
Oct 27
hav not moved yet had Brigade drill this morning
Wednesday, August 5, 1863.
Oct 28
started to build a log shantey had brigade drill to day rained this morning
Oct 29
got our log shantey up all right all finished but a fire plais
Saturday, August 8, 1863.
Oct 30
put a fire plais in the tent in whent good
Oct 31
was mustered for two months pay have inspection of every thing
Sunday, August 9, 1863.
Nov 1
nothing new going on in camp Lieut Howard to picket
Nov 2
nothing new to day but we are expecting the sutler up every day
Nov 3
all still in camp to day
Monday, August 10, 1863.
the sutler came up about 9 AM but would not sell till morning
Nov 4
got som things from the sutler and also som soft bread and other things from the Com Sg
Tuesday, August 11, 1863.
Nov 5
nothing going on to day
Nov 6
had Brigade drill to day had we made a new fire plais
Nov 7
nothing new to day received orders to march at day light started at the
Wednesday, August 12, 1863.
appointed time marched about 19 miles then halted for the night. all through the day ther was fighting going on a head
Nov 8
crossed the Rappahannock river about 7 AM the 6 Corps had quite a fight last night
Thursday, August 13, 1863.
halted for the night after marching about 19 miles
Walter was over to see me
Nov 9
Walter came over again
lay still all day
Walter was over to see me staid with me all the morning
Nov 10
started on our line of march again halted after going about 4 miles
Friday, August 14, 1863.
Nov 11
lay still all day
Nov 12
nothing new going on in camp
Nov 13
started to build a log shantey lay in our new house that night
Saturday, August 15, 1863.
Nov 14
Built a fine plais to our new tent and it was a good one got it finished that day
Nov 15
received orders to be ready to march at a moments notice
Nov 16
all still in camp to day
Sunday, August 16,1863.
Nov 17
Nov 18
Nov 19
Lieut Col Pierce and Lieut Graham came back to the Regt
Nov 20
was out to see the boys of the 140 Regt found them all in good spirits
Monday, August 17, 1863.
Nov 21
all still
Nov 22
all still
Nov 23
built a bunk in our log house
Lieut Howard on picket
Nov 24
about 12 AM received orders to be ready to march by day light and about
Tuesday, August 18, 1863.
2 Oclock AM it began to rain took our tents down all ready to march and then the order was countermanded so we put our tents up again
Nov 25
received orders to march again about 1 AM
Wednesday, August 19, 1863.
to be ready to move by day light started at the appointed time crossed the river rapidan about 4 AM marched about 5 miles further then halted for the night
Nov 26
started on our line of march about 7 AM
Thursday, August 20, 1863.
Marched about 5 miles then halted to load our guns
Marched about 2 miles more then we came on to the rebels Co E. and our Company wher sent out as skirmishers had quite a hot time of it staid out about one hour
Friday, August 21, 1863.
then came in hard fighting going on all day
Nov 27
fell in to line about 4 AM a little fighting going on the first Corps came hup in the night we advanced in line of battle about
Saturday, August 22, 1863.
one mile at 6 Oclock AM Nov 28
Nov 28
the rebels fell back fireing all the time our Regt was sent out as skirmishers about 5 PM it rained all day brisk fireing going on at the
Sunday, August 23, 1863.
skirmish line no sleep that night
Nov 29
was relieved from the skirmish at 6 AM then marched to the left of our line of battle. fighting going on all the time worked all night at
Monday, August 24, 1863.
building rifle pitts got them finished by 3 Oclock A.M. Nov 30.
Nov 30
ordered to be ready to move by day light left our brest works and marched about 1 mile then found the enemy
Tuesday, August 25, 1863.
in ther brest works then our Corps recd orders to be ready to make a charge on the enemys works we through of our knapsacks and wher all ready but the order was countermanded just at dark we started back to our old breast works
Wednesday, August 26, 1863.
Dec 1
lay still last night and all day till just dark expecting to fight though all the time but just at dark we started to fall back.
Dec 2
Marched all night and rested about 2 hours to get breakfast
Thursday, August 27, 1863.
then started on to our old camp arrived ther just at dark
Dec 3
got our tent hup and then ther was an order to move camp
Moved our camp to a plais about ½ a mile [faded]
Dec 4
lay in camp all still expecting to
Friday, August 28, 1863.
stay hear som time at night we wher called up to pack up but that did not amount to anything
Dec 4
all still in camp received whiskey ration
Dec 5
received orders
Saturday, August 29, 1863.
to march by day light started at the appointed time marched about 2 miles then halted at Stevensburg camped close by
Dec 6
our camp on the top of a hill very cold Jennings came back to hus hear
Sunday, August 30, 1863.
Dec 7
received orders to march by 9 Oclock AM marched about 1 mile then camped and i think it is for the winter
Dec 8
got som of our tent up every man in camp at work building log shanteys
Monday, August 31, 1863.
Dec 9
at work at our tent all day
Dec 10
got our tent about dun it is 5 feet high in the sides and 5 feet 6in at the back
Dec 11
an order came to the Regt
Tuesday, September 1, 1863.
to grant 10 days furlough to the men
Dec 12
nothing new in camp
Dec 13
a number of the boys of the Company hav applied for a furlough
Wednesday, September 2, 1863.
Dec 14
Dec 15
Lieut Howard started for home on a leave of absence Stoddard put under arrest for not obeying orders
Dec 16
the weather [faded] raining for a number
Thursday, September 3, 1863.
of days
Dec 17
all those in camp received 2 months pay
raining all the time
Dec 18
on guard it is very cold Hartman came back to the Regt
Friday, September 4, 1863.
Dec 19
came of guard this morning
Dec 20
nothing new going on
Dec 21
Dec 22
nothing going on but a horse race at Stevensburg
Saturday, September 5, 1863.
Dec 23
the sutler got 4 loads of goods up took a walk to Stevensburg to see if we cud get a door for our shantey we did get one and put it up as soon as we got back
Sunday, September 6, 1863.
Dec 24
made a table for our shantey Hartman on guard
Dec 25
Christmas day
i had for my dinner som breakfast i had som soft bread and butter along with my coffee with milk
Monday, September 7, 1863.
for my dinner i had som fride beef coffee butter and soft bread for supper i had the same as breakfast i got my boots mended
Dec 26
Tuesday, September 8, 1863.
Dec 27
recd orders to march by day light Marched about 5 miles then halted ther was onley 2 Brigade com out with us we came out hear as a support for the Cavalry started to work on our log shanteys
Wednesday, September 9, 1863.
again
Dec 28
No work on our log homes it raining all the time
Dec 29
got the frame work all up but cud not work on the fireplais on count of the rain
Thursday, September 10, 1863.
Dec 30
hard to work all day on our homes
Dec 31
rained all day cud not do much on our homes
Friday, September 11, 1863.
Jan 1, 1864
for dinner i had som pork sauges and soft bread the same for supper at night we got som bords for our house
Jan 2
made a floor in our shantey
Saturday, September 12, 1863.
Jan 3
to work fixing the inside of our shantey up
Jan 4
made a table and a door for our house
Jan 5
making stools for our house
Sunday, September 13, 1863.
Jan 6
Jan 7
detailed for picket snowed all day and night
Jan 8
snowing all morning
Thursday, December 10, 1863.
Libbie S Clements
Libbie S. Bolaver St
Clements
Bolaver St
Thursday, December 24, 1863.
$482
Friday, December 25, 1863.
1 canteen November 17/63.
Saturday, December 26, 1863.
Clothing for 1863
1 pair of drawers 0.95
1 " of pants 3.55
1 " of socks 0.32
Sunday, December 27, 1863.
drawn November 17/63
" " "
" " "
Monday, December 28, 1863.
January 1st 1863
List of Clothing
1 Pair Pants $3.55
Blous 2.40
Shoes 2.05
Shirt 1.40
Drawers 1.95
Cap 0.56
Forks 0.35
Memoranda.
The Battle of Antietam
Wedn 7 of Sept 1862
The Battle of Chancellorsville Sunday 3 of May but we lay under fire from the 30 of April till the 6 of May 1863
The Battle of Gettysburg July 2nd & 3rd 1863
Memoranda.
July 16/ Pair Shoes 2.05
July 18 " Socks 0.35
the Battle of Rap[faded]
Sept 24 1863
Memoranda.
the Battle of Turkey Run
Oct 14th 1863
The Battle of Bristow
Oct 14th 1863
the Battle of Blackmans Ford
Oct 15th 1863
the Battle of Mile run from the 26 of Nov to the 1st of Dec
Cash Account. January.
Received. Paid.
2.00 .50
Cash Account. February.
Aug 20th/63
The C. S. 2nd Brig will please sell the bearer 2 hams and one lb of coffee which I certify are for my own use
1st Wm T. Dutton
Memoranda.
wile with Lieut
C. S. 1.60
Sutler 1.50
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15167) | DL1845 | Diaries | 1863 |
Tags: Battle of Gettysburg, Clothing, Fighting, Food, Fortifications, Mail, Marching, Money, Payment, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Recreation, Supplies, Weather
People - Records: 1
- (5230) [writer] ~ Elwood, Alfred
SOURCES
Alfred Elwood Diary, 1863, DL1845, Nau Collection
