William H. Grape Diary
Co A Purnell Legion
Wm H Grape Baltimore
Donington
Donington Vermont
Segt Wm H Grape
Co A Purnell Legion
Maryland Volunteers
Baltimore Company Capt Wm Gibson
[?]
Segt Wm H Grape
Baltimore
Maryland
Segt Wm H Grape
Co A Purnell Legion
Md Vols Wm H Grape
Baltimore
Segt Wm H Grape
Baltimore
[name repeated numerous times]
Wm H Grape [numerous]
Wm H Grape Esq
John Smith
Saml Jones
John Decker
Monday, April 18, 1864.
G A W Bone
Loyld Richland County
Wisconsin
26th of
February 26th 1865
Paroled at Goldsborough NC
Got aboard the steamer Starlight on Friday 3rd March
Arrived at Annapolis on the 8th/64
Sunday, April 24, 1864.
Wm H Grape taken prisonor on the Weldon RR on the 21st of August 1864
Wednesday, April 27. 1864.
Wm H Grape 137 East Monument St Baltimore Md
Monday 2 [May]
Left Baltimore in 10 ck train for Washington
arrived at Washington at 11½ Ock
Left Washington 4 Ock
cost 6½ $ for wagon
arrived at Piscataway 9¼ Ock
16 miles
Tuesday, May 3, 1864.
Left Piscataway 7 Ock
arrived at Liverpool Point
3 Ock 38 miles
Paid 6$ which I owed
borrowed 50ct
4ct in pocket
Wednesday 4
Drill at 3 Ock went out in boat and got 42 herring everything look green and lovely wheat here
Thursday 5
our Company was inspected by one of Genl Wallace Staff Officers pronounced a fine Company had charge of guard went on patrol after blockaders caught none
Friday, May 6, 1864.
got in off patrol 5 Oclk AM
eat breckfast and took a nap untill 9 oclk
company marched target shooting in afternoon I hit it once would have hit a man in leg
Saturday 7
clean up day
nothing happend of any account
went in bathing first time this year
Sunday 8
had inspection in the morning
was pronounced in good condition
went on patrol at night did not catch anything
Monday, May 9, 1864.
come in off patrol at sun rise
30 of us went over to Aquia Creek to help get off some wounded of Grants Army
Tuesday 10
went across the river took off two familys saw two Rebels on the bank fired at them they run we did not hit either of them
Wednesday 11
Capt Gibson went to Baltimore on Court Martial
on patrol to night raining hard
Thursday, May 12, 1864.
Came in off patrol 5 Oclk this morning had a bad night of it did not mind it thought of the brave boys in Grants army who have been fighting these ten days
heavey fireing all day across the river
put up a tent too hot in quarters
rainy part of day
Friday 13
Raining all day
Still fighting across in Virginia
on guard to day
large bodies of troops moveing down the river transports going down with well men and comeing back with wounded
Saturday 14
moved in our tent to day first rate quarters I do not know how long we will stay here
heavey fireing across the river getting nearer Richmond
Sunday, May 15, 1864.
Raining most of the day
large numbers of troops moved down the river
on picket to night
Saw good news in papers Grant [?] Lee hope the war will soon be over
Monday 16
Came in off patrol 5 Oclk this morning did not see anything
Leut Reinicker sent 7 negro boys to Washington who had been liveing in camp the last week I hope they will get through safe
Tuesday 17
Expected to get [faded] to day but did not get [faded]
On guard to day
Wednesday, May 18, 1864.
Left this place (Liverpool Point Md) about 10 Oclk in a steam boat for Alexandria arrived here about 1 Oclk then marched to the Soldiers Rest where we are to wait further orders
Wrote home to Mother
in good spirits to day
Thursday 19
Our regiment has been staying here (Soldiers Rest Alexandria) we do not know where we are bound have a nice time here
Took a look at the Marshall house where Elsworth was killed
Friday 20
Sent dress coat book and blanket home by Adams Express
The regiment got new guns to day
Sent my watch home by Mc McLean (Leut McLeans brother)
Saturday, May 21, 1864.
received a letter from home and wrote an answer to Sir
Our regiment left Alexandria with the 3rd Delaware and the 94th New York under Genl Lockwood arrived at Belle Planes about 6 Oclk
Saw a good many wounded from our army I also saw some Rebel prisonors
Sunday 22
pitched our shelter tents at this place (Potomac Creek) about 1 mile from Belle Planes
a great many rumors afloat do not believe any of them
our regiment got orders to cook six days rations, do not know where we are going
been very warm had a shower of rain. Leut Reinicker got watch and other things from his dead brother
Monday 23
Each man got 60 rounds of cartridges
Left Belle Planes for Fredericksburg at 4 Oclk PM had arrived in Falmouth at 9 Oclk PM and bivouacked for the night had a hard march of it distance was about 12 miles over a rough road
I commence to see rough time now feel well and in good spirits and ready for the fray
Tuesday, May 24, 1864.
crossed the river at Fredericksburg at 7 Oclk AM and marched about 12 miles this was the hardest march I ever was on the day was very hot and men fell out of the ranks dead Leut Reinicker of our Company fell with sun stroke but is now getting better we have stoped here for the night
Wednesday 25
resumed the march this morning our orders are to report to Grant arrived at Bowling Green about 10 Oclk AM not as hard marching as yesterday our brigade reached Waights Tavern about 9 miles from our lines we pitched tents for the night
many wagons about here
Thursday 26
saw part of Sheridans Cavalry just returned from the great raid in the rout of Lees army they look worn out
saw the whole train of the 6th corps pass here toward the rear dont like it. all right though I suppose in the 5th Army Corps under Warner
been in camp all day
Friday, May 27, 1864.
Struck tents 8 Oclk AM and marched about 15 miles towards the Pamunkey River we had a hard march many men falling out the ranks I kept up with the company all the time never fall out the ranks yet. I think we are Grant is makeing a flank movement
encamped about 26 miles from the Pamunkey
Saturday 28
took up the line of march this morning at 5 Oclk marched untill about 11 Oclk and took a rest resumed the march again passed through Ayletts Town 14 miles from where we encamped last night turned to the right and marched about 4 miles where we are now encamped for the night, very warm to day
Sunday 29
struck tents this morning at 5 Oclk and got to the Pamunkey River about 10½ AM where our corps (5th) crossed last night
we are with the Army to day Maryland Brigade on the hill to our right saw some of the boys in front of the enemy picket among our Brigade in line of battle
Monday, May 30, 1864.
Bivouacked last night in front of the enemy. Gen Warren advanced the 5 Corps this morning skirmishing all along the lines our regiment joined the Maryland brigade under Col Dushane
under fire to day 7 of our regiment wounded
heavey fighting on our right drove the Rebels our regiment behaved splendid
Tuesday 31
Threw up breast works last night worked untill 1 Oclk AM was not troubled last night by the Rebels our regiment went on picket about 3½ Oclk PM
Heavey fireing on our left
Wednesday, June 1
on extreme picket post skirmishing
Rebels pickets within 200 yards of us
boys are popping away at them wherever they can see one very thick wood in which we are posted
heavey fireing all along the lines the Rebels are slowly falling back we are fighting every day
Thursday, June 2, 1864.
advance last night this morning threw up breast works had a little coffee this morning the first for two days had not a chance before to make any
raining all day very bad on us boys
heavey fireing all along our line no general engagement yet
Friday 3
raining all night got wet through
This morning our company with C & D an K were ordered to charge the Rebel rifle pits we took them with a yell our company lost 4 men my poor friend Harry West was killed
Saturday 4
Takeing a rest this morning
wrote a letter to Harry West sister in regard to his burial and the manner in which he was killed. cut a head board for his grave. wrote a letter to Mother giveing her bad news. She will both sorry and glad to hear from me
in the entrenchments all day
Sunday, June 5, 1864.
Laid behind our entrenchments untill dark when we were ordered to pack up and leave. we evacuated our position without the least noise and march to Cold Harbor where we arrived about 12 Oclk midnight
The Rebels charged our empty breast works but the bird had flown
we are making a flank movement
Monday 6
Sent Harry West things home to his mother by mail
Laid out on an open field last night
been laying in camp here
(Cold Harbour)
Tuesday 7
left Cold Harbour about 3 Oclk PM
our regiment went on picket at
Allan Mills a nice place
plenty of water
this is the place where Stonewall Jackson flanked McClellan in 1862
Wednesday, June 8, 1864.
had a fine chance to wash our clothes and I improved the opportunity. I am in good order to day.
The boys are all washing to day
nice time here to day nothing to do
heavey fireing near or about dark
we are on the extreme right of the Army
Thursday 9
At Allans Mills to day was not relieved last night
very heavey fireing last night
One of our boys (Hen Songblatt) shot through the foot to day
Left Allans Mills at dark marched to our Brigade about 2 miles lay in the open field all night
All quiet along the lines today
Friday 10
Our regiment pitched tents to day our whole Division is encamped herex (Cold Harbour) takeing a rest
our regiment was reinforced by two companys of the Purnell Cavalry who are dismounted
x Spelt (Cold Harbour) I think
Saturday. June 11, 1864.
Struck tents 4 Oclk this morning and took up the line of march for the Chickahominy. We (2nd Divn) marched untill 12 Oclk noon when we stoped about 12 miles on the road. We crossed the Yooha[?] R Road during our march
encamped for the night near the Chickahominy (Paul Church)
Neary mail came today I got no letter
Sunday 12
Laid encamped around Paul Church all day expect to move about six oclk to night
been very quiet to day
Left Paul Church about 6 Oclk PM and marched untill midnight when we stoped on the banks of the Chickahominy
Monday 13
crossed the Chickahominy at daybreak this morning at daybreak and marched about 2 miles where we stopped for coffee
Staid here all day. at dark took up the line of march towards the James River
stoped at midnight and laid in field for the night
Tuesday, June 14, 1864.
feel bad and sick to day
Started on the march at daybreak this morning and marched towards the James River stoped on a field about noon to get dinner Expect to move every moment but have staid here all day.
Our camp is 1½ mile from Charles City Court House and about 3 miles from James River
another flank movement
Wednesday 15
We are encamped on the same spot that we were yesterday
We are out of rations, expect the wagons up today no hard tack to eat. I keep in good heart for such is the fortunes of war
Received rations about 5 PM
took a good supper
feel much better than I did this morning one time today I hardly could walk
Thursday 16
struck tents early this morning and marched to the James River which we crossed about 9 AM (our regiment on the George Weems)
We are now on the south side of James River another left flank movement
marching all day we are on a forced march the roads are good but dusty
[faded]
Friday, June 17, 1864.
Marched all day yesterday and all last night. came up with the enemy at daylight this morning
Heavey skirmishing in our front been marching 24 hours steady Our Army is within a mile or two of Petersburg expect hot work tonight advanced forward in line of battle about six oclk. had to sleep on the open field last night
Saturday 18
had to sleep on the behind the breast works last night
advanced early this morning
now occupy the 2nd line of Rebel works
advanced farther on this afternoon
I am on picket to night our picket line was drawn in at dark. had a good nights rest behind the breast works
Sunday 19
Received a letter from home this morning very glad to hear from George wrote a letter home this morning We have been laying behind our entrenchments all day
had a quiet day to day
received a letter from Miss West in reference to her dead brother
had a good nights sleep last night
got 4 days rations last night
Monday, June 20, 1864.
Not been much fireing along the lines to day I expect we will have hot work before long not much fireing last night
We have had an easy time today Heavey artillery fireing at sun down last night it lasted about 1 hour
had another good nights rest again last night not much fireing after dark
Tuesday 21
Not been much fireing along the lines to day so far all has been still
There is a movement going on in our Army as things should not be so quiet along our lines
Our regiment has been lying behind breast works close to the Rebels works we can see them
all quiet along the lines last night
Wednesday 22
Nothing much doing to day We have been in our breast works
Some arbitrary fireing about 4 Oclk PM. Heavey fireing on our left
getting in the rear of Petersburg plenty of troops in our front to day. one division of our Corps marched in our front last night and put up breast works
our Brigade moved to the left last night to support the 2[faded]
we returned at 12 oclk midn
Thursday, June 23, 1864.
Laid behind our breast works untill about 4 oclk PM when our Brigade was ordered to march to the left to join the Six Corps We marched to the left and went into a thick woods we came out of there about 11 oclk and put up in an open field untill morning
Friday 24
Not much doing today on our part of the line
Heavy fireing on our right by Burnside
Our brigade has made another dusty march Stoping in woods to night
working at breast works all night
Saturday 25
Working away this morning dug a hole this morning to protect me from the Rebels shells
Laid on on the reserve all day received orders to be ready to march at dark Our brigade relieved another brigade on the outer works we came out here about 8 PM heavy fireing
Sunday, June 26, 1864.
Our brigade lies in the works about 300 yards from the Rebel works
We are in a tight place to day. if a man puts his head above the breast works he will run a chance of being shot. bullets are flying past us all the time I am in a little hole
It has been very hot to day
got two letters from home
Monday 27
Wrote a letter home this morning
it has been very hot to day the sun shining down on our heads it is bad out here in the entrenchments
not much fireing to day some by the skirmishing forces and some [?]. To night there is mortar fireing on our right we can see them droping shells in the Rebel works
Tuesday 28
Nothing much doing to day it has been cooler to day than usal we had some rain last night I now have charge again of drawing rations which make me have more business in the rear I do not that it is any safer
drew rations last night. can not get them out here in day time on account of Rebel sharpshooters
Wednesday, June 29, 1864.
Lay behind our breast works all day not much fireing along the lines it was not so hot to day as usal this is the fourth day that we have been out in these works We have fixed our coverd way to get out here so it is not so dangerous
The Rebels cannot see us so well as before
Thursday 30
This is muster day and I expect to be mustered for four months pay. We were not mustered but I suppose it is all right it has been very warm to day
I drew rations to night and was up half of the night giveing them out
not much firing to day
Friday, July 1
We had a quiet line to day not much fireing untill after dark. It has been very warm all day.
I have not been so well to day as usal to night I feel much better
sharp fighting on the right to night
Saturday, July 2, 1864.
This has been a very warm day the heat has been oppressive
there has not been much fireing along the lines today
we have fixed our works much stronger to day
we have a much stronger breast work than before
all quiet to night
I need rations to night
Sunday 3
Rather cooler to day than it was yesterday. put our breastworks in first rate order the men can move about in them without being shot. We have agreed with the Rebels not to fire at each other so there is not much danger of getting shot. It is no use to be all the time firing at each other, it does no good
Monday 4
Cloudy this morning and cool I wish it would rain to day
this has been a very quiet day
The Rebels showed skirmishers to day more than usal. We still keep to our agreement not to fire at each other more or less
artillery fireing all day
I thought much of home to day
Tuesday, July 5, 1864.
took a good wash to day put on clean clothes feel much better to day better than I have for some time
Drew rations to day and gave them out at sun down
I feel much better to night
we are in the breast works yet and I expect we will remain in them for some time
Wednesday 6
We have had a quiet time to day not a shot has been exchanged between our pickets and the Rebel Artillery firing is kept up most all the time both the Rebels and our boys get up on the breast works to see the effects of the fireing
Mortar firing was kept up all night it is a grand sight
Thursday 7
It has been very warm to day
Heavey artillery firing to day
some of our brigade was wounded by our own shells one of Co C of our regiment was shot through the heart by a stray bullet this morning
saw good news in the papers of the sinking of the Alabama
all quiet at night
Friday, July 8, 1864.
Very warm to day gave out rations this morning about time I was getting a letter [faded] this afternoon they shelled us for an hour our bullets [faded] supplyed I got a letter from home
all quiet to night along the lines
Saturday 9
Sent a letter home to day [faded] all quiet along the lines Artillery [faded]
Sunday 10
Up nearly all night getting rations [faded] the Rebels were [faded] this morning but [faded] our Corps is going [faded]
all quiet along the lines to night.
Monday, July 11, 1864.
All quiet last night but much firing by Artillery not much [faded] was heard [faded] from Maryland [faded]
Tuesday 12
gave out rations this morning [faded] prisonors [faded] today [faded] Artillery [faded] orders last night got fresh meat [faded] enemy
Wednesday 13
It has not been [faded] now and then a [faded] flies past us but does no harm that I know of. I do not like the idea of the Rebels being so near Baltimore I would like our brigade to go there
up half the night drawing rations
Thursday, July 14, 1864.
The weather is pleasant to day
two or three men were hurt this morning by rebel shells and [faded] us with mortars [faded] picket firing on our right but our pickets keep still
Rockets are going up on both ends of the lines
sharp firing most of the evening
Friday 15
To day has been quiet cool
I thought we would have had some fighting at night but all is still so far
Mortar firing all day so far no general engagement but there is a mortar battery close to us opend on the Rebels and blew up a caisson makeing the Rebs scatter
Saturday 16
To day has passed off as usal with a mortar dud in the afternoon
there was heavey firing about dark by both sides it was Artillery of all kinds I am in good helth the boys are building bomb proofs under which to get when the mortars open
Sunday, July 17, 1864.
We had inspection this morning our arms are in good order
I am getting tired of living in these earthworks. Good news from Maryland the Rebels have left the State
up most all night expecting the Rebels to attack us they did not attempt it all was quiet to day on our part of line
Monday 18
Do not feel very well this morning
the Rebels threw their mortar shells in among us this morning but it did us no harm the shells bursted in our works
We expect to get relieved to night where we will go is hard to tell. the boys are building bomb proofs
Tuesday 19
We were not relieved last night. it is raining this morning. it has been very disagreeable all day the rain comeing down and the mud is awful. while the Rebel mortar shells make a fellow uneasy
not raining much to night
Wednesday, July 20, 1864.
Cloudy this morning I expect we will have more rain
Picket firing along on our right and mortar firing all along the lines as usal heavey on right got a letter from Mother was very glad to hear from home received first 15 dollars from home our Company is under command of Leut McLean. Capt is sick
Thursday 21
This is a beautiful day
wrote a letter to Mother
it has been very quiet to day
not much firing to day
wrote a letter to a friend
I feel right well to day
Friday 22
Saw Genls Grant and Meade this morning this is the first time I ever saw the Commander in Chief
We had quite a fight on the right of our Corps it lasted about two hours what the result was I dont know
Saturday, July 23, 1864.
Put up a bomb proof for Major Jung
not much firing to day
drew three days rations to day
Mortar firing as usal
feel quite bad to day am dirty and have not a chance of washing myself however I intend to go to the rear to morrow and take a wash
Sunday 24
Took a good wash all over and put on clean clothes every thing on me is
clean
two men of our Company were wounded to day by a mortar shell (slightly) it was a narrow escape the shell penetrated a bomb proof in which three had taken refuge and only wounded two Norris and Frisby
Monday 25
We had a heavey shower of rain last night I had a bad night of it
all quiet to day untill after dinner when the Rebels opend with their mortars and threw a good many shells in among us
nobody hurt that I know of all quiet at night
Tuesday, July 26, 1864.
It has been very warm to day so far I expect more rain
One of our boys (Charles Jenkins) received a commission from the Government to go as Leut in a Negro Regiment at N Orleans
drew rations to day
put up a bomb proof
Wednesday 27
It has not rained yet it is very warm
Not much firing along the lines expect in the night
Leut Walles of our regiment was wounded by a stray bullet
it looks like rain. I am fixed all right for rain
Thursday 28
Cloudy this morning
I strengthened my bomb proof early this morning after dinner rumor said we were to be moved out of the trenches
at dark we got orders to pack up as we were going to be relieved
we were relieved to night
Friday, July 29, 1864.
We were relieved last night about 10 Oclk we marched to the rear about 1 mile and bivouacked for the night.
we have been in trenches 33 days. We encamped about 1½ miles in the rear. we are fixed up first rate
expect to stay some time
Saturday 30
At 2 Oclk this morning we were ordered to pack up and be ready for a fight Heavey firing all along the lines
We blew up a Rebel fort and then charged their line and took a first line of works. the 9th Corps done all the fighting this morning it was over at 10 AM we left for our camp again.
Sunday 31
Our Brigade is encamped in the rear of our lines
I reported sick this morning and took four pills
heard a sermon by Rev Mr Herd this afternoon which was good
Monday, August 1, 1864.
Laid around in camp all day not much adoing
Report says we are to be paid off soon I hope it will be the case.
wrote a letter to George telling him about the fight which happend on Saturday
Tuesday 2
Not much doing to day
we have been encamped here for a few days how long we will stay here it is hard to tell
Wednesday 3
We were ordered to pack up this morning about 10 Oclk
we marched out in the entrenchments on the extreme left of the Army. our picket line is about 10 yards from the enemys pickets
we expect to have a fight to night. expect a fort of ours to be blown up by the Rebels
Thursday, August 4, 1864.
We were not attacked last night neither was the fort blown up. we were up most of the night
it has been very warm most of the day it is cooler this afternoon not much adoing to day all quiet along the lines not much firing bad news in the papers about last saturdays work
Friday 5
Very warm this morning
expect to be paid off in a few days
We moved our brigade to the left for the purpose of digging breast works the Rebels saw us and opend on us with shot and shell some few were hurt in our brigade
Saturday 6
We moved into the breast works which we put up yesterday the Rebels opend on us again but did no damage as we soon got under cover
all quiet towards night
Sunday, August 7, 1864.
The Rebels have not fired at us since yesterday morning
not much doing to day
the Rebels fired a few shots on the right of us but none towards us
I feel first rate to day
Monday 8
It has been very warm to day. we are encamped on the edge of a wood I drew new clothes today received a letter from George very glad to hear from home
Tuesday 9
Nothing happend of any interest during the day. We had a heavey shower of rain this afternoon.
I wrote to George. I also wrote to a friend
Wednesday, August 10, 1864.
It is very cool this morning
not anything doing to day
there are many rumors in camp about us going to Baltimore and Maryland
We expect to be paid off soon I think it is most time the paymaster was comeing this way
Thursday 11
We were all roused up last night by shells bursting in our camp we had to care the tents and get behind the breast works nobody got hurt. the Rebels were shelling a working party in front of us part of our brigade were paid off our regiment will not be paid off for some time
Friday 12
Not much adoing to day
We were not disturbed last night
drew rations this afternoon
it has been very warm all day
the whole brigade has to go on fatigue duty to morrow morning at 4 Oclk
Saturday, August 13, 1864.
The Rebels threw shells in among us all last night
the most of them came in our Company hurting nobody
Most all the brigade have gone out to work only guards left behind as I am draw sergeant I am in camp to draw rations John Stenner returned to duty He was wounded on the 3rd of June
Sunday 14
Had inspection this morning
The paymaster paid our regiment off this morning
I received 107$. it is raining to day
drew two days rations rumors of a move. Sent 80.50 cts home by Mr King
Christian Commission agent who is to take home all the Md Brigade's money
Monday 15
Got orders to pack up about 2 Oclk this morning
we marched back to our old camp ground in the rear. A regimental sutler has arrived with a good stock
It has been raining very this afternoon We are cleaning up for inspection which will be tomorrow
Tuesday, August 16, 1864.
Laid in camp all day
nothing doing our whole Corps is laying back on reserve something will happen pretty soon
Got orders to be ready to march 2 ock tomorrow morning. I donot know were we are going
Wednesday 17
We were awakend about 2 ock this morning but did not march. we are all ready to march at a moment notice
It has be raining most all day. got orders to march again to morrow
Thursday 18
Marched this morning at day light marched to the left untill we got to the Weldon rail road and commenced to tear up the track our brigade advanced with the rest of the division we met the Rebels and had a big fight we held our ground
Friday, August 19, 1864.
Our brigade was in the thickest of yesterday fight and hurt a great many men our regiment lost a large lot of officers and men our Company lost 7 men wounded and one missing supposed to be killed. we had another fight to day the rebels charged our works but we drove them back
Saturday 20
It has been raining for the last week. we are laying in rifle pits the water is a foot deep in some of them the Rebels did not make an attack to day our regiment went on picket to night
Sunday 21
Early this morning the rebels attacked our lines it was a compleat supprise on us pickets they captured 6 of our company I was one of the number
Monday, August 22, 1864.
I with some 50 more prisonors were brought to Petersburg last night we were sent to prison in the lower part of the town we received rations this evening which were good better than I expected we are treated so far very well the Rebels are not so bad as some people say
Tuesday 23
I had a good nights rest last night
We left Petersburg to day in cars for Richmond we arrived in here after dark and were quarterd in the Libby Prison
Everything is very dear down here in Dixie. bread 1$ per loaf
I feel well thank God
Wednesday 24
We were marched through the streets of Richmond then across the James river through Manchester and then on to Belle Isle where we are now quarterd there is 3500 prisonors here
I am in charge of No 64 squad of fifty men. We get pretty good rations
Thursday, August 25, 1864.
We have no tents yet. it is very bad here we have to sleep in the open air and stay in the sun all day part of the men have tents. we get corn bread bacon and ham. I can make out. our sick are all taken away rumors of being paroled which I expect are futile. it is going to rain to night. I will take like a man as I have no covering
Friday 26
It rained very hard last night we had to stay out in it but this is the fortunes of war. after it was done raining I laid down and sleeped all night. it is very warm to day. some of the men were shot last night trying to escape the officer in charge of us threatened not to give us any rations untill we gave up a man who struck one of the guards
Saturday 27
We got our rations late last night I do not know whether they found the man or not. one man was shot dead last night by a guard wrote a short note home to Mother I also sent a list of names of men in my regiment who are on the Island
rained last night I got wet I expect to get tents for my squad tomorrow I feel well and am in good spirits
Sunday, August 28, 1864.
Last night was clear and cool I had a good nights rest. We have no tents yet. the sun affects my head. I have felt very bad to day we received our usal rations to day. I can make out on what food I get. I do not know when we are to be exchange. no prospects of an exchange. I saw some 2000 more prisonors come into Richmond
Monday 29
Rained last night and we had to lay out and get wet I do not feel the effects of it yet but I cannot stand the hot sun through the day and rain through the night
2100 more men came on the Island to day. we have now 5700 men here now we are very much crowded no tents yet
Tuesday 30
Last night was very cool and I did not sleep well after midnight
the squads were consolidated and I am in charge of No 32 which contains 100 men our ration of soup is cut down one half we can make out on what we get
Wednesday, August 31, 1864.
Did not sleep well last night it was very cold we have no tents yet. it is very hot through the day and cold through the night it is telling on me there was a fire in Richmond last night createing quite an alarm it has been very warm to day rumors of an exchange are in camp. I hope they are true
Thursday, September 1
Last night was the coldest yet the men suffered very much it has been very hot I am in hope of being exchanged soon We expect to get tents tomorrow I feel very well but I am getting tired of being here Some of the men hold prayer meetings every night. It will be warmer to night
Friday 2
It was warmer last night than it has been for some time it has been very hot to day and I think we will have rain very soon. my squad got tents to day we have them pitched and we are all right more rumors of an exchange
Saturday, September 3, 1864.
Had a good sleep last night it looks like rain this morning I did not suffer with the sun so much to day it rained part of the day but our tent came in first rate. I am getting sick and tired of this place I feel weak I hope to stand it out
Sunday 4
It rained some last night a great many are without tents poor fellows I pity them We were all counted this morning this is a hard place some of the men have seen to be glad they are here gambling and stealing are going on. there are exceptions however some of the men hold prayer meetings every night which are largely attended
Monday 5
Had a good nights rest last night more rumors of being paroled we all had to turn out this morning and be counted. it is very hot to day and I do not feel very well. I think some men escape every night I am to get extra rations
Tuesday, September 6, 1864.
It rained very hard last night but we had a good tent and were all right some of the poor fellows were without tents and had to lie out in the rain I got my extra ration to day we were all turned out again to day it has been raining all day it is quite chilly to day
Wednesday 7
I feel first rate this morning extra rations make one all right I hope to stand it out untill I am exchanged or paroled I had three men sick out of my squad this morning which I carried to the Doctor who is quite a gentleman. He attends to the sick every morning. it is very cool of nights. I wish I had a blanket
Thursday 8
We all were turned out this morning it was very chilly last night but I had a good nights rest. We were kept outside most all day without anything to eat. we at last got our whole days ration at one time. it is raining this afternoon and the boys who have no tents received some wood which quite clever of the Rebels. it is a drizzling rain to night and chilly
Friday, September 9, 1864.
We were all turned out this morning and were kept out all day some 20 of the boys made an attempt to escape but were foiled on account of some of our own men telling were they were hid they hunted out of the bushes by the guard. another hour and they would have been all right
Saturday 10
We were all turned out again to day and counted. the officer in charge of us is fireing the camp in order to crowd in more prisonors. there are about 5400 of us here now some are sent to the Hospital every morning. the sick are attended to very well. I get plenty to eat but there many poor fellows who go hungry
Sunday 11
We had to turn out for about 1 hour this morning to be counted again I am not as well to day as I have been it is very hot through the day and cold at night. it hailed to day during a storm some of the men are without tents much talk about going away from this place
Monday, September 12, 1864.
We had to go through the same treatment to day that we did yesterday It has been much cooler than it has been and I feel the want of a blanket very much. I have heard of the fall of Atlanta and Fort Morgan and I would like to see our papers very much how long we are to suffer here I do not know I do not feel well
Tuesday 13
To day we were not turned out and had the pleasure of being in our tents out of the sun I have felt very sick the last 24 hours I hope to be well soon. We get wheat bread now a half a loaf per day with ¼ pound of bacon and a gill of bean soup.
Wednesday 14
We did not have to turn out to day
I do not feel well to day I do not know what is the matter with me I hope I will be well soon. all the Maryland boys whose term of service has expired were called out and gave their names I did not go out
Thursday, September 15, 1864.
We were all turned out again to day. I went out this morning and gave the time of my enlistment which was August 1861. I do not know what they intend to do I hope they will send us away from here. an address by Mr Auld to the people of the South was put up in here to day for us to read. the Rebels want to send us away but our Government does not want us
Friday 16
We did not have to turn out to day my extra rations were stoped to day some of the men draw in two or three squads and the officer hold us sergeants in charge responsible for it. we are trying to fix matters right but it is a hard thing to do I am not well. the nights are cold
Saturday 17
We had to turn out this morning again and be counted just like sheep I cannot see what is the cause of them turning us out so often. they put some lime through the camp which was very good I feel very sick
Sunday, September 18, 1864.
Another Sunday and here I am a prisonor and sick how I wish that I could get away from this place. it is raining to day and I feel gloomy I feel worse to day than I have for some time. we had to turn out this morning. it is a perfect jam every day to get out first and then another jam to get in
Monday 19
I feel first rate to day. I hope I will continue to recover my helth. one of my squad went out side and took the oath of allegiance to the Rebels. He was not much account. about 200 men have taken the oath since I have been here
Tuesday 20
I am all right again haveing recovered from my spell of sickness I very seldom get my extra ration which was promised to me by the officer in charge of us there is a great many sick here now men are beginning to feel the effects of this place
Wednesday, September 21, 1864.
To day is one month since I was taken prisoner I hope we will not have to stay here another month. we get fresh beef now instead of salt pork. bacon is the best for us. I donot get my extra ration any more. I have a great deal to do and get nothing for my trouble I feel as well as usal. O for liberty.
Thursday 22
To day has been cloudy and rainy but I feel better when it rains as the sun affects my head we have to turn out every morning rain or shine I borrowed 10.00 ten dollars to day from John Faringer I can get along first rate now. it is going to be an awful wet night and some of the men have no tents
Friday 23
Raining all day it is awful here when the weather is wet. I feel first rate and am getting along very well since I have been able to buy something to eat some of the boys in my squad are very sick and will be sent to Genl Hospital
Saturday, September 24, 1864.
I received three extra rations to day haveing sent three men to the Hospital so for one day since I have been on this Island I have had more than I could eat. it has been raining all day and I had to go out in the rain with the sick and to draw rations it cleared up before night and I dried my clothes it is going to be cold to night. I feel very well in good helth again
Sunday 25
Another sunday finds me here yet what a beautiful day it is cool and clear what a pity that 5000 men should be confined in this small place deprived of all liberty. it was very cold last night. this has been a fine day and how I wished that I was home to enjoy a good dinner but I am in good spirits and I am makeing out all right, but I hope to get away soon
Monday 26
We were all turned out this morning to be counted we have to go through this every day rain or shine a great many men a getting sick and are being sent to the Hospital in Richmond. when we first came here there were 5700 men on this Island now we have but 4700. 1000 men have left for one cause or another
Tuesday, September 27, 1864.
This has been a fine day and makes me feel sad to be confined in this narrow enclosure with so many men without liberty to go anywhere. a great many men go out of this place sick daily some 30 or 40 every day. there are none go unless very sick I donot feel well to day I went to the Doctor and got some pills
Wednesday 28
The pills I took yesterday did me a great deal of good and I feel very well this morning two of our men hid themselves while we were out this morning (they buried them in the sand) some body in camp told on them and the poor fellows were found and a guard put over them for punishment. some of our own men are worse than Rebels
Thursday 29
We had to stay out most of the day while they put up more tents things look like we were to stay here all winter I hope we will not stay here much longer we could hear the booming of cannon to day very plain I think there was a scare over in Richmond yesterday
Friday, September 30, 1864.
The Rebels have artillery planted on the hills around our camp ready to let into us in case of a break by the prisonors. 700 more Yankee prisonors arrived here to day from Libby Prison we now have 5300 men on Belle Island Heavey firing all day near this place there must have been hard fighting close to Richmond. the weather looks bad I expect we will have rain very soon
Saturday, October 1
We were all turned out this morning it is very cold and rainy. we all got wet through it is awful no fire no blankets and no change of clothes to put on this has been the most gloomy day since I have been on the Island everybody is wet and hungry
heavy firing near Richmond
Sunday 2
Last night was not as cold as I expected it would be. I laid down all wet and had a good sleep it looks like more rain and we are all turned out again to be counted and I expect to get wet through again. we all in camp without getting wet we received corn bread to day as rations
Monday, October 3, 1864.
It looks like rain this morning we all are out again we have to turn out every day. one of the men was shot last night by a guard while walking in the camp. the Quarter Master here was sent to Castle Thunder for robbing us of our rations. we expect to fare better now some more Yanks came in here to day about 600 I think. we now have 5900 men on this Island it is crowded.
Tuesday 4
It is raining yet we have had bad weather for the last five days I do not feel as well as I have for some days past I am very weak two squads of men were sent from here to day 1100 men all together I do not know where they are gone they were not paroled report says we are all going to Georgia and N Carolina
Wednesday 5
I feel better this morning another squad of 500 went this morning early I expect we will all go soon. 450 men were sent off this afternoon we have more room in camp since the men have left. I expect to go off tomorrow or next day report says we are all going to Georgia
Thursday, October 6, 1864.
900 more went last night it will be my squads turn next about one half have left the Island some 500 men left this afternoon I expect to go off to night it much better for us since so many have left we get more to eat I would like to stay awhile yet
Friday 7
700 of us were taken off early this morning and put aboard the cars for Salisbury expect to get to Danville to night the cars are crowded 10 of us in one car we have two days rations with us some of the men missed their rations
Saturday 8
We arrived at Danville at daybreak this morning one half of the men were taken out of the car that I am in. we lay here all day expecting to start for Salisbury
Sunday, October 9, 1864.
We left Danville last night about sun down. some of the boys are trading all their clothes and extra things I have not traded anything yet. we stoped for the night at Greensboro and received three hard tacks
Monday 10
We took the cars again this morning for Salisbury (50 miles) and arrived here at 7 oclk in the evening makeing four days rail road travel to get here I traded all my buttons off for something to eat on the way I feel well
Tuesday 11
I had no sleep last night it was too cold and I have not had much to eat for two days only three crackers we received a half a loaf of bread this afternoon the weather is warm to night
Wednesday, October 12, 1864.
I had some sleep last night we had wood given to us which made us a good fire last night I made some coffee out of green corn this morning. We got bread and meat this morning it is not quite as cold this afternoon as it has been I feel very well
Thursday 13
I had more sleep last night than I had since we have been in Salisbury We have no tents and the weather is getting cold. I do not know what I will do this winter. there is more than 7000 men and 200 officers confined in this place we got rice soup to day
Friday 14
The weather is not as cold as it has been I had a good nights rest last night. I am getting used to living this way but it will tell on me I never expect to do much active service after I get out of my imprisonment we did not get our rations untill night
Saturday, October 15, 1864.
This morning is the finest I have seen since I have been in this place. I am allways hungry. I feel very well, but I am falling away every day, so I live to get home once more I will be satisfied We received molasses and fresh bread to day for rations which was very good we have only received meat once since we have been here
Sunday 16
Last night was quite warm and I had a good nights rest. there is some six or eight men die every night and I expect more to die than that when the weather gets colder. my clothes are wearing out fast I do not know what I will do. I feel very well one of the Officers was shot dead by a guard
Monday 17
I did not rest well last night it was very cold all night We received our rations early this morning. it has been quite warm to day I think we will have a pleasant night of it to night
Tuesday, October 18, 1864.
I had a good nights rest last night we do not often get [faded] for it is so cold of nights and I have [faded] of a blanket. The weather is quite warm to day Our rations are late to day we have not had anything to eat since yesterday morning. We got bread to night. 36 hours without anything to eat
Wednesday 19
Last night was warm to what it has been and I sleep well this morning I feel very well some 12 die every day poor fellows away from home and none to care for them all the officers left here today where they are going I do not know some 300 more prisonors came her to day I feel very well
Thursday 20
I had a [?]good nights rest last night we received meat and bread to day. I feel very well and hope to stand it out
Friday, October 21, 1864.
I sleeped in the large factory which is in this place. slept well and had a good nights rest. the building is packed full of sick men I do not think I will stay up in the factory again unless [faded] on or very bad weather we get our rations [faded]and I am not so hungry
Saturday 22
Last night was quite warm and I had a good sleep the boys [faded] they are digging [faded] water is scarce. I have not [faded] rumors of an exchange but I have given up all hope. hope Uncle Sam has not forgotten us
Sunday 23
I suffered more last night from the cold than any night since I have been a prisonor to day has been one of the finest I have seen since I have been in Salisbury I feel very well
Monday, October 24, 1864.
I had a good sleep last night and feel very well. we have no shelter yet some of the men are without shoes and stockings a great many die every night we do not get our ration regular we have to wait 36 hours sometimes before we get anything to eat.
Tuesday 25
I staid in the building last night and had a good sleep we got one tent for our squad of one hundred men we received one pint of flour to day for a ration I made bread in the ashes water is hard to get I can hardly get enough to drink I am dirty and cannot wash
Wednesday 26
The weather looks like it is going to rain or snow. I feel very well we are very late getting our rations to day I suffer very much with hunger. I thank God that I am in good helth
after dark and nothing to eat
Thursday, October 27, 1864.
We did not get any bread untill 10 Oclk last night. to day is a rainy miserable day and the most of the men are without shelter it is most awful here to day men die off like sheep. I feel well thank God. I hope that I may live to get home once more we received flour this afternoon it is raining very hard to night
Friday 28
I had a good place to sleep last night. there was many a poor fellow who had to stay out in the rain 600 more prisonors came in last night. we got beef this morning. all day has past and nothing but a small piece of meat and half pint of rice no bread yet we may get some to night. I feel hungry
Saturday 29
We got nothing more to eat yet there is nothing here to give us there is too many men here for them to feed I do not know what we will do it gets worse every day we got only a small piece of meat and a pint of rice soup there is no sign of bread or flour I feel weak and hungry
Sunday, October 30, 1864.
I had a good sleep last night but it was on an empty stomach we got a pint of flour to day which is the pint for three days This is a beautiful Sabbath day O how I would like to be free and within my own lines once more. I must suffer on untill exchanged
Monday 31
I passed the night very well this morning went to work around camp at my trade I get extra rations for working I feel better to day although I find I am not as strong as I would wish I expect after two or three days to feel stronger to night I get my extra rations that will make me all right
Tuesday, November 1
I felt first rate last night after working all day and getting my extra ration one of the men of our regiment Scarborough died last night He belong to Co D. I have been to work to day. I received my ration at dark
Wednesday, November 2, 1864.
This has been a gloomy day it has been rainy and is very cold a great many men are dying between 30 and 40 died to day I worked part of to day. I received my extra ration to night
Thursday 3
I had a dry place to sleep last night it is rainy to day I am at work. we did not get our rations (extra) to day it is raining very hard to night it is very bad here to day I expect many a poor fellow will die of exposure. I feel very weak my shoes are giving out
Friday 4
I had to sit up most of the night it was an awful night I got my extra half loaf of bread this morning. I am at work to day it looks like rain to night we were turned out of the building it is to be a hospital I have no place to sleep to night
Saturday, November 5, 1864.
I got in a tent last night and had to sit up the most of the night. I had some sleep. I went to work this morning and feel very well to day. I am out to work. some 500 of our men took the oath of Allegiance to the CS and enlisted in the Army I hope I will be able to stand it out without doing that
Sunday 6
I had a good sleep last night in my tent although it was cold I get twice as much as the other men to eat and yet I am hungry to day is warm and pleasant
Sunday 13
I have been outside the camp all on parole of honor I washed my clothes and myself I feel much better after working all the week I get plenty to eat but I have no good place to sleep
Friday 25
I have a good time working outside this afternoon a break was made by the men inside a great many lost their lives some of the Guard were killed
Saturday, November 26, 1864.
One of my best friends died last night his name was John Tennant poor old fellow He was indeed a martyr to his country
Sunday 27
I feel very well to day I am at work outside every day except Sunday I have to day to wash there are nine of us carpenters working we are makeing barracks for our own men I have been makeing bedsteads for our sick I could not find out how many of our men were hurt or lost friday a great many I think
Sunday [December] 4
This is a beautiful day just like summer at home I have been very sick the last few days with head ache I feel better to day and I hope I will feel quite well by tomorrow The men in camp only get quarter rations hardly enough to keep life in them
Monday, December 5, 1864
13th February
Members of Co A PL
who have died in Salisbury Prison
Corpl John Faringer
Private Joseph Allen
Charles Jean
left John Armiger at Raleigh very sick could not carry him any further
Sunday, December 11, 1864.
To day is a disagreeable wet day we have had a snow storm I have been out in the carpenter shop the poor fellows in camp have suffered very much during the past week many a poor fellow has gone to his last home it is awful here 40 and 50 die every night I am in good helth but my shoes and stockings are very bad
Sunday 18
The weather has been milder the last few days. I have suffered very much with pain in my legs I saw the Doctor and he gave me some liniment to rub them they pain me yet but I think they will be better soon. the boys of my Company look bad but none of them have died I hope all of Co A will live to get home
Tuesday, December 20, 1864.
My Mother Charlotte Grape
George S Grape
John T Grape
Sophia E Grape
Cornelia A Grape
Wednesday 21
Charlotte Jane Grape
Georgeana Grape
Wm H Grape
Mrs John T Grape
Agie Grape
Saturday 24
Baltimore City State of Maryland
Wm H Grape Grape
Sophia E Grape
Cornelia A Grape
Monday, December 26, 1864.
Was paroled from prison on Sunday the 19th February by George Booth AAG on General Bradley T Johnson staff a clever fellow
Tuesday 27
I arrived in my own lines on the 28th February makeing it 6 month and 7 days prisonor in the Rebel lines
Memoranda.
194 Harford Avenue
August 28th 1864. This beautiful Sabbath day dawns on me a prisonor of War. Oh! for liberty for freedom. O for the cruel war to end. to see 3600 men on this barren place guarded by men of the same race who speak the same language it makes me feel sad. truely this is a hard sight. yet we must suffer on for the common good
. . . . .
October 30th 1864 Finds me a prisonor here in Salisbury O when will that happy day come when I shall be set free where I can have my liberty and get plenty to eat I suffer very much here from hunger this fair Sunday in my own native city everybody and everything is happy while here everything looks sad and gloomy men suffer and die with no kind mother nor loveing sister to minister to their wants. O God spare my life that I may return to my home once more. that I may lead a different life I will if spared lead a good life to what I have lead.
Memoranda.
List of names of men of Co A killed and wounded on the 3rd June 1864
Private [?]
W. H. H. West
John J. Budd
John T. Harper
John J. MacIntosh
Wounded
x George French
Wm Courtney
George Lee
Jacob Houck
John Stenner
John Gibson
wounded on the 9th June
Henry Long in foot
wounded on the 18th June
John Gorman in the arm
wounded on the 24th July
by a mortar shell
Corporal Norris slight
private Turly do
John Gorman died at Washington from the effects of his wound
x since died at hospital
Memoranda.
John Stenner returned to his Company recovered from wound received on 3rd June 1864
Wounded in the fight of the 18th of August
1st Sergeant J T Booker
private James Dryden
F Fieldhouse
Wm Peregoy
James Grissom
James Armiger
Wm H Kirby
taken Prisoners out of [?]
August 18 to 21st 1864
private James Adams 18th
Segt John Armiger 21st
" Wm H Grape "
Corpl A A Murray "
" John Faringer "
private Joseph Allen "
James Hanson "
Charles Jean "
F Kimble "
John Vinger "
Memoranda.
[lists of names, faded]
[list of debts or expenses, faded]
DATABASE CONTENT
| (15279) | DL1709.001 | Diaries |
Tags: African Americans, Ambrose Burnside, Animals, Artillery, Atlanta Campaign, Burials, Business, Camp/Lodging, Cards/Gambling, Cavalry, Chores, Clothing, Courts Martial, Crops (Other), Death (Military), Discipline, Engineering/Construction, Enlistment, Executions, Family, Fatigue/Tiredness, Fear, Fighting, Food, Foraging/Theft, Fortifications, George B. McClellan, George G. Meade, Guard/Sentry Duty, Guns, Home, Honor, Hospitals, Hygiene, Illnesses, Injuries, Low Morale, Mail, Marching, Medicine, Missing in Action, Money, Nature, News, Newspapers, Oaths of Allegiance, Paroles/Paroled Troops, Payment, Philip Sheridan, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Railroads, "Rebels" (Unionist opinions of), Reinforcements, Religion, Rivers, Robert E. Lee, Rumors, Sadness, Ships/Boats, Supplies, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, Trading, Training, Ulysses S. Grant, United States Government, War Weariness, Weather, "Yankees" (Confederate opinions of)
People - Records: 1
- (3863) [writer] ~ Grape, William Hamilton
SOURCES
William H. Grape Diary, DL1709.001, Nau Collection
