Robert G. Small Diary
[Battery]
Bruce Evans
4662 W. Centre
raining at dark & continued all night
Jan 21st
Called at daylight still raining & blowing. After considerable time spent in harnessing & waiting for orders, got started, proceeded a short distance & then took a short cut across fields.
The right section got along very well but the rest of the Battery got stuck in the mud bad. by putting from 12 to 28 horses on each piece & caisson got to the top of a hill, where we halted for the night; still raining & we are wet through but there is a large pile of cord wood handy, & we are having some rousing fires. it took us till dark to move 4 miles—terrible travelling
Jan 22nd
Remained in the mud at last nights quarters today
keeping big fires & thus managed to get our clothes & blankets dry—cleared off pleasant
Jan 23rd
Same place. The cord wood is nearly burnt, so I suppose we will make tracks for home. The Army is dragging slowly along through the mud back to their winter quarters.
Jan 24th
Left early on the back track went in camp near Falmouth Heavy travelling—all quiet
Jan 25
Left at 8 a.m. went through Falmouth & were saluted by the Johnnies across the river with Burnside stuck in the mud After paddling through the mud all day reached our old Quarters at W. O. Church tired, hungry & covered with mud
The Burnside mud march will probably be historical
Jan 26th
Camp at White Oak Church
Slept hearty & feel better
Jan 27th
Washed carriages & harnesses
Genl Franklins farewell address read to us, he being relieved
Jan 28th
Genl Joe Hooker put in command Army Potomac. At 4am commenced snowing & kept doing so all day. Very cold & we kept inside tents all day trying to keep warm
Jan 29th
Cleared up this morning about 6 inches snow fell
Jan 30th
Building stables
Jan 31st
Continue building stables
Nothing special
February 1st 1863
Stables finished today
Fair weather All quiet
Feb 5th
Usual camp duties since the 1st. today part of the 9th Corps left for Fortress Monroe
Feb 7th
Sergt French & Private Humbey left on a 10 days furlough
Feb 8th
Inspection at 2pm by Mac
Feb 9th
All quiet on the Rappahannock
Feb 10th
Raining all day—no news
Feb 17th
nothing of note since the 10th
We have bare back drills to give the horses exercise also the drivers. Snowing all day
Feb 18
Raining all day
Feb 20th 1863
Private Humbey returned from his furlough to day
Feb 21st
Went to Belle Plain landing on horseback for grain
Sergt French returned from his furlough—Pleasant & cool
Feb 22nd
Snow storm last night & a foot of the article lying on the ground this a.m.
Feb 24th
Copeland & Gunther went home on a ten days furlough—nothing special
Feb 28th
Mustered for Pay
March 2nd 1863
Went to the landing for grain roads in such a condition that the supply trains cant move for mud The distance is about 5 miles
March 7th 1863
Private Gunther returned from his furlough.
Copelands furlough extended
Mar 8th
Went to the Landing again for grain
March 10th
One year ago today the Battery made its first grand march to Fairfax
Mar 12th
A recruit arrived at the Battery named Longfellow, a son of the Professor at Cambridge—so it is said
March 13th
Mounted horses & started for the Landing for grain
Snowing & very cold
March 14th
After a short illness one of the artificers named John Pooler died today
March 15th 1863
Our Comrade John Pooler had a military burial near the old church at White Oak today his remains were placed in the grave on the West side of the old church
the 5th Maine Chaplain Officd & a detail of infantry fired a salute over his grave
"Pooler" was highly esteemed & his death is keenly felt by the Battery. Pleasant
Mar 16th
Drill on the Piece Pleasant
Mar 17th
Went to the landing for grain
Mar 23rd
Went to the Landing for grain
J. Copeland discharged—disability
Mar 26th
Raining all day
Mar 27
Inspection by Capt McCartney
March 28th 1863
Rainy today cleared up at sunset
Mar 29th
Inspection at 3pm by Major Tompkins
Mar 30th
Battery drill in the forenoon
Mar 31st
Raining all day
April 1st 1863
Still in Winter Quarters
at White Oak Church
Apr 2nd
rumors of moving
Apr 3rd
Review of 1st Div 6 Corps
by Genl Joe Hooker
April 4th
Commenced snowing at dark & kept at it all night
Apr 5
There is 4 inches snow on the ground this a.m. wet & disagreeable
April 6th 1863
Review of all the Cavalry & Flying Artillery at Stonemans Switch by the President
Orders for a review tomorrow
April 7th
Had a review to day
Corp Caswell reduced to the ranks for indecent language
Pettingell pro gunner &
Neale chief of Caisson
April 8th
H. S. Hall & Sergt McCartney leave for home on 10 days fur.
Apr 10th
Received a lot of new horses
Apr 11th
Commenced drilling our new steeds
Apr 12th
nothing of importance
rumors of moving camp
Pleasant
April 14th 1863
Orders this a.m. to pack up
Boots & saddles at 8.30 after
getting all ready to leave camp
The order was countermanded
Apr 15
Raining hard all day—same camp
Apr 16th
To day Sergt McCartney was
discharged for disability. Sergt Adams
promoted Qr master Sergt. Williams pro
Sergt and Wheeler gunner
Apr 18th
Reviewed by Genl Brooks
Apr 19th
Battery drill this a.m.
Apr 22nd
Bates & Hook on 10 days furlough
Apr 26th
Washed carriages & harnesses
Apr 28
paid off at 2 oclk this A.M.
Left camp at noon marched
within 2 miles of the Rappahannock
river where we remained all night in harness
April 29th 1863
At daylight moved to the north banks
of the river & went into park 1st
Div 6th Corps on the South side
having crossed during last night
remained in same position all day
Apr 30
Still on North Bank All quiet near us but Hooker giving battle on the right. Heavy firing on our left just at dark
1st Corps across farther down the river
May 1st 1863
Still on the north bank
Heavy firing on the right
Changed our position at dark & remained all night
Yells from the Johnnies and our bands playing on South side
no fighting in front of us
but expect it very soon
May 2nd 1863
In same position all day
at dark crossed the pontoon bridge to South side & went into park a short distance from the river. large fires on the Heights but all quiet. Bates & Hook returned
May 3rd
At daylight went to into position at the left of line we were supported by the 15th N.J. Regt Opened on the Johnnies for 2 hours they giving sending us their compliments in Minnie Balls—Wishing a more intimate acquaintance they charged in a body but were driven to their cover by Canister. Our support broke & run leaving us to fight alone—for want of ammunition we were obliged to fall back after giving a parting salute—by Battery
[top margin] Bennie Daniels & 3 horses killed by a 20 pounder
Ben Richardson wounded
making considerable smoke & getting away before the Rebs knew it. Orders to mount cannoniers & move on the double quick across the plain towards a ravine by which we were to reach the Hts in the meantime the Heights were taken by the 2nd & 3rd Divs 6th Corps. Reached the heights & went into position & remained all night
May 4th
Went into position early this a.m. near the centre of the line. Rebs shooting at us & we giving them a dose in reply
At 4pm a grand advance by the Johnnies. After holding them in check an hour we were forced to retreat owing to the want of support and ammunition recrossed the river at Banks Ford & went into park. After waiting for orders unhitched & unharnessed
had just stretched out for a snooze when the battery was shelled from across the river in front & on the flank
Every Shell bursting in our midst—Several horses got hit but none serious after standing it for 30 minutes got hitched in & left for more congenial quarters where we made camp for the night Heavy rain after turning in
May 5th
In camp near Brier Church
The Army making tracks for White Oak Church again
The loss in this battle has been very heavy on our side
Raining all day
May 6th 1863
Same camp at Brier Church
troops still on the paddle to their old Quarters
May 7th
Brier Church Warrenton turnpike
May 8th
Left camp at 6am on the back track—passed through Falmouth & made camp at 11am near our old Quarters
May 9th
Camp near White Oak Ch
Washed carriages & harnesses
Nothing special
May 10th
Same camp received 26 recruits from the 16 N.Y. Regt to fill up the quota of battery
The 16th Regts time having expired the men recruits were detached to our battery for the time being
All quiet along the lines
May 13th 1863
Policed camp & made things tidy. The Artillery Brigade 6th Corps under command Col Tompkins
May 19th
Same camp John Bell
Longley & Burnham went on furlough for 10 days
May 21st
Building shade stables to protect the horses from the sun Genl Brooks resigned & serenaded
May 22nd
Continue building stables
May 23rd
Reviewed by Genl Sedgwick
Genl Wright our new Div Genl
Serenaded to night
May 28th
Inspection by Col Tompkins
May 29th
Longley returned today
May 30th 1863
All quiet Signed the Pay Roll
May 31st
Same camp Wh. O. Ch
and no disturbance
June 1st
Paid for two month
June 4th
Called at 2.30 this a.m.
Harnessed & waiting orders to move remained hitched untill 10 oclock—countermanded
June 5th
Left camp at 9 oclk a.m.
Marched to our old position on the North Banks of the Rappahannock River & opened the ball by shelling the rifle pits recaptured by the Rebs on the other side. kept firing for an hour to give the pontooners a chance to lay the bridge Our troops went across & charged up the bank on the rifle pits
taking the Johnnies prisoner
June 6th 1863
Crossed the river for the 3rd time this a.m. went into position a few rods from the river Very quiet during the day
June 7th
Rifle pits blown up last night & sharpshooters at work
8th
Sharpshooters at it all day
heavy breast works being thrown up all along the line
9th
The Johnnies threw a few shells at us this afternoon doing no damage We are throwing up entrenchments to protect the battery
10th
Lively times with the sharpshooters working in entrenchments all day
Genl Hooker & Staff passed just at dark—no general engagement
June 11th 1863
Same position no excitement
12th
Just before dark a few shot were thrown at us no damage
13th
Recrossed to North side river at dark went into position on the banks to cover the bridge
Raining all night
14th
Everything having got across we left the river at daylight and marched to Stafford Ct. H & went into posish on the Falmouth road
remained all night
15th
Left this a.m. for Dumfries
A number of Sutlers upset
Very hot arrived at D at 3pm
& made camp for the night
16th
Left camp at daylight & after a hot days march got to Fairfax Station
June 17th 1863
Fairfax Station. Inspection
firing heard in direction Manassas Gap
18th
Left camp at 5am marched
to Fairfax & went into camp
19th
Same camp Heavy firing
near Chain bridge
Turned in our Knapsacks
20th
Left Fairfax at 11am
Marched over Centreville Hts across Bull Run at Blackburn Fd through Manassas Junct to Bristow Sta & went into position for the night
21st
Bristow Sta Heavy firing at
Thoroughfare Gap
22
Same camp—short of rations
25th
left camp at 7pm marched in the back track—raining hard
June 26th 1863
Left Centreville at 7am
marched all day over a rough road—Raining hard
27th
Called at 1am left at 5am over a rough road crossed the Potomac at noon on a pontoon bridge at Edwards Ferry went into camp near Poolesville Md
28th
Turned out at 1 this a.m. left at 5 passed through Poolesville Barnesville round Sugar loaf Mountain and made camp at Hyattsville
29th
First call at 2am left camp at 8am passed Monrovia Newmarket & Ridgeville to Sams Creek making 29 miles
made camp
30th
Called at 3.30am left at 6 passing through Westminster
Were treated by ladies with cakes & cool water. Nice place
made camp near Germantown Md
July 1st 1863
Camp near Germantown
Orders at 7pm to move
left at 10pm on the road all night
quite warm
2nd
Struck the turnpike for Gettysburg at 4 this a.m. kept on moving & reached the battle ground this PM went into park & stayed all night
severe fighting this PM
3rd
Firing commenced at 4am went into position at Cemetery Hill under a shower of shells but no one hurt. lots of prisoners coming in
4th
Still in position very quiet
occasional firing all day but no general engagement. The prevailing opinion is that the Graybacks are whipped
July 5th 1863
Relieved at 7am & went to the rear unharnessed & pitched tents. Orders to move lively for the Rebs had fallen back & we must push after. caught up with them at Fairfield threw a few shot & shell & made camp
6th
Up at 3am did not leave camp till 3pm passed through Fairfield, Liberty Mills marching till 2am when we made camp at Emmetsburg
7th
Turned out at 7am left camp at 8 taking the Frederick City Road got lost in a bye road & remained all night
8th
Reversed the Carriages this morning & struck the main road to Middleton over the mountain hard time for the
men & horses in crossing the mt made camp after midnight
July 9th 1863
Stopped near Middleton till morn then left & marched till 2pm passing through Middleton on to the South Mountain & went into camp near Brants Mill
10th
First call at 3.30am left early passed through Boonsboro S. Mountain & went into park at noon rested & then went in position on the right of the road about 2 miles from Funkstown
11th
Remained in position all day
12th
left our position at 1pm went through Funkstown to the left of the line where we encamped for the night
13th
In harness all day till dark
July 14th 1863
Called at 3am harnessed & ready to move at a moments notice. left at 10am marched to Williamsport & made camp
15th
Left Williamsport early & passed through Hagerstown Funkstown, Boonsboro & went into camp at 3pm one mile up the mountain
16th
Left camp at daylight passed Middleton Burkettsville Petersville & made camp 2 miles from Berlin. Raining
17th
In same camp 5th crossed into Va
18th
Same camp. Corp Devett reduced C. Burley promoted, Signed clothing roll
19th
Called at 3.30am crossed at Potomac into a made camp at 5pm
Wm White made Corp 5 detachment
July 20th 1863
left camp at 10am travelled slowly all day and went into camp at dark
21st
All quiet changed camp at noon
22
Left at 1.30pm marched 10 miles passed Uniontown & encamped at Rectors C Roads
23rd
left at 5am marched to Snickersville unharnessed started again at noon passed through Salem made camp at 10pm
24th
Started at daylight & marched into Manassas Gap halted at noon—countermanded & took the road leading to Warrenton made camp at dark
July 25th 1863
left at 7am marched all day over the mountains & made camp near Warrenton Plenty blackberries in the road
26th
Same camp—All quiet
27th
Washed carriages & harnesses
28th
Aired the ammunition
29th
All quiet along the line
30th
Showery this afternoon
31st
Same camp—all Quiet
August 1st 1863
Changed camp to day
2nd
Warrenton very hot & close
3rd
Nothing special
4th
all quiet—soft tack
August 6th 1863
Received 23 new horses. Hot
9th
Inspection & Drill by Mac—paid off
12th
Left camp at 5am
marched to the west of Warrenton 5 miles & relieved Batty M 5th Reg
13th
On picket near Sulphur Spgs
14th
on picket Sergt Longley gone to Washington
15th
Still on picket—all quiet
17th
Corp Harper reduced
18th
Folman promoted Corp
21st
Mac had a muss with one of the 98th Penn
22nd
Review by Col Tompkins
August 23rd 1863
Inspection & Review by Genl Howe
24th
On picket Jas N Dunn returned to the Battery after being gone for nearly a year
25th
Policed camp High wind at night
26th
Very cold Baked beans for breakfast Swift on the bbl for punishment all day
27th
Sergt Kenny confined to his quarters for disobedience
August 28th
Two years to day the Battery has been in service and whiskey punch has been served—A chippery crowd to night but all amiable
30th
Inspection & Review by Genl Howe
prayer by the Chaplain
Sept 1st 1863
On picket near Sulphur Springs
Grand celebration by the 119 Penn Regt The Officers mellow
6th
Review by Genl Howe & services by the Chaplain Sergt French commissioned Junior 2nd Lieut
7
Chase pro 1st Sergeant
Longley Serg. Humbey Corp
10th
Washed carriages & harnesses
Mac gone to Washington
12th
Heavy thunder shower this P.M.
Lightning struck a tree close to the Battery
15th
Struck tents & left camp at 4pm marched a short distance & went into camp for the night
Sept 16th 1863
left at daylight passing through White Sulphur Springs across the north branch of the Rappahannock wading Hard Run knee deep through Jefferson and making camp at 4pm 3 miles from Culpepper Warrenton TPike
17th
Called at 3am. Did not leave
22nd
Received two months pay
23rd
Considerable whiskey in camp
30th
Near Culpepper Review of 2nd Div by Genl Howe
Sergt Marear reduced & Sinclair reinstated
October 1st, 1863
Still in same camp
5th
Called at 3am & left at 5 marched 12 miles to the front & relieved the 2nd Corps on picket
October 6th 1863
Remained in camp till 4pm
advanced ½ a mile towards the Rapidan River & made camp
7th
Same camp All the wagons but a few sent to the rear
10th
left camp at 6pm marched till midnight very damp in park.
11th
After sleeping two hours started out at 4am on the road to Culpepper passing through at daylight, crossed the Rappahannock at the Station & made camp near river
12th
left camp at noon & recrossed the river in the direction of Culpepper again Skirmishing going on all the way, firing ceased at dark made camp
October 13th 1863
Fell back to the river again & crossed went into same camp of 11th inst rested two hours & left at 5am marched all day passing Bealton Station Warrenton Junct made camp at 10pm. Went through a Sutler
14th
left at daylight passed Bristow Station Manassas Bull Run & made camp at Centreville Heavy firing all day 3rd Corps engaged
15th
Left at 9am took the Dranesville road & went into camp at noon near Chantilly
16th
Same camp—all quiet
17th
Orders to hitch in when we hear firing
October 18th 1863
First call at 4.30am kept hitched in till 10am Then went after hay for horses
19th
Called at 4.30 & left at 7am going through Centreville over Bull Run & making camp at Gainesville Station
20th
Called at 3.30 left at 9am Reached New Baltimore at 1.30pm halted until 4pm then tramped to within 1 mile of Warrenton making camp 7pm
23rd
Near Warrenton washed our carriages & harnesses
24th
Raining all day Boots & Saddles at 5pm but no move
25th
Went into another camp 1 mile south of Warrenton
November 1st 1863
Camp near Warrenton
3rd
Review by Genl Sedgwick of the 1st Div 6th Corps. drill in afternoon
7th
First call at 3 & left camp at daylight marched to within 1 mile of Rappahannock Station The 1st Div charged in the rebel breastworks capturing prisoners & guns at dark the firing ceased & we made camp
8th
Called at 3am crossed the river at noon made 4 miles towards Culpepper went in position on a hill & remained
9th
Left our position early this a.m. marched 2 miles to the right & went in to park
10th
In same place until 3pm
Nov 11th 1863
Wellsford Ford Hazel Run Picket Post all quiet
12th
Building stables all quiet
15
Paid off to day orders to move at a moments notice
Rainy all day
16th
No move today
20th
Review of the Corps by Genl Sedgwick & Foreigners
23rd
Marching orders with 4 days rations all surplus supplys sent to the rear
26th
Did not move till today
left camp at daylight marched by Brandy Station & crossed the Rapidan river at midnight & took a rest
Nov 27th 1863
After two hours sleep were called up & left camp at daylight marched into the Wilderness where the 3rd Corps were engaged & at 8pm went into camp
28th
called at 1 & left at 2am after a mud march made camp near Robertsons Tavern Locust Grove
Skirmishing all day. Raining
29th
Called at 4am remained harnessed all day & at dark unharnessed & made camp
30th
Left at daylight went to the extreme right & went into position sent a few shots into the reb lines & they threw one at us Orders to cease firing at dark went to the rear in camp very cold
Dec 1st 1863
Called at 4.30 & left at daylight & went into position on the right centre where we remained all day, after dark retreated to the Rapidan river which we crossed at Germania Ford at daylight, marching all night
on Dec 2nd
After marching till noon we went into camp near Stephensburg where we remained all day & night tired out & very cold
3rd
Left this camp at daylight passed Stephensburg, Brandy Station & made camp 2 miles north of the Station at 1pm. Tired & hungry
4th
Camp near Brandy Station
Sergt Charters reduced for sleeping while having the guard
and "Marear" reinstated
Policing camp all day.
5th
Still in same camp & think we will go into Winter Quarters here Cleaning up all day—orders to move tomorrow
6th
Same camp—no orders to move
commenced to build brush stables to protect the horses
Dec 7th
Building stables & logging our tents preparatory to cold weather
Dec 8th
Still building stables
9th
Continue building stables
10th
We keep on building stables
New tents were issued
11th
And still building stables
December 12th 1863
Near Brandy Station Rainy
13th
Stables nearly finished
14th
Sergt Chase Privates Mills & Shimmy Heywood on a 10 days furlough
15th
Review at 2pm by Genl Meade & Russian Naval Offrs
17th
Mac on a 10 days furlough
Dec 21st
Veterans reenlisting for 3 years or during the war
22nd
Reenlisting still going on
23rd
Cutting logs for corduroying the stables
24th
Chase, Mills & Heywood got back from their furlough
December 25th 1863
Christmas but no turkey lots of whiskey in camp
27th
Nineteen Vets left for home on 35 days furlough
28th
Rainy all day no news
29th
Corduroying the stables
30th
Still at work corduroying
Capt Mac returned to day
31st
Rainy, mustered for pay
Speech by Mac on reenlisting promising to take all those that reenlist home &c &c.
Shall probably stop in this camp till spring if nothing serious occurs. We are quite comfortably housed eat our rations & are feeling well & hearty.
January 1st 1864
Another year has commenced & the war seems no nearer an end.
In Winter Quarters near Brandy Station
Very cold to night—Sutler arrived
Jan 4th
Commenced snowing at 10am & continued all day
Taylor, Daley & Muldoon court martialed read to Company
3rd Brigade 3rd Corps & 2 brigades of 3rd Div 6th Corps left here for Harpers Ferry
5th
Thirteen more Vets left for home on 35 days furlough
6th
Capt Mac left us on an unlimited furlough to recruit the battery.
7th
Went through the Sutler at night
& he packed up today & left us
we are very sorry that he is gone
Jan 8th 1864
Four inches of snow on the ground this a.m. nothing special
10th
Received a lot of new horses
18th
Since 10th have been hauling corduroy for stables
Raining to day all quiet
19th
Lt French left for home on 10 days furlough quiet
21st
Vaccination of the Company by Dr Clift—rumors of small pox
otherwise all quiet
26th
Washed carriages & harnesses
28th
lots of whiskey in camp
29th
Cap Hollis reduced to ranks
January 30th 1864
Lieut French returned
Cloudy & misty
31st
Sergt Longley, Barnes, Adams
Edwards & Marsh returned
February 1st 1864
Jack Isaacs returned
misty all day
2nd
Heaps of rum in camp
3rd
Burnham & Benham arrived to day
4th
Drivers drill. 7 Vets returned
Burnham pro Corp 1st Detachmt
5th
Corp Wheeler relieved at his own request, Burley pro 1st Corps Goodwin 2nd Corp 6th detach
3 more Vets returned
February 6th 1864
First call at 5am packed & ready to move at a moments notice
Heavy firing all day in the direction of Germania Ford at 7pm very heavy firing at 8pm all quiet for the night
7th
Did not leave camp last night
Heard firing early this a.m.
8th
Brandy Station—all serene
10th
12 Recruits arrived to day
11th
Four Vets returned
12th
Capt Mac & Lt Green returned
13th
All the reenlisted men have returned
nothing special
14th
Brigade review by Genl Sedgwick
Geo Barnard reenlisted & gone home for 35 days furlough
Feb 15th 1864
Inspection by Maj Tompkins
Condemning harnesses
16th
Lieut Federhen on furlough
17th
Very cold today
19th
Cleaning carriages for painting
20th
Painting the carriages
21st
Signed pay roll for 2 months
22nd
Washingtons birth day
No celebration—paid off
23rd
Corps Review at 1pm
24th
Drivers drill
26th
Orders to march tomorrow
with 5 days rations
Feb 27th 1864
Called at 5am left camp at 9am in light marching order passed through Culpepper and after travelling 15 miles went into camp at 5pm 1 mile from James City—no tents
28th
Called at 4.30 & left at 7am passed through James City & reached Robertsons River at 1pm went into park. at 5pm unharnessed & encamped for night
29th
Called at 5 this a.m. harnessed at 7am & remained so till 5pm in same camp—a rainy night
March 1st 1864
Called at 7 & harnessed at 10am
Rain & snow all day. Very cold
Everything frozen & we are wet through. No tents Same camp
unharnessed at 5pm & trying to keep warm
March 2nd 1864
Left camp at 9am on the back track went through James City & after a tiresome march reached our camp at Brandy Station at 6pm tired, dirty & hungry
3rd
A general clean up
4th
Washed carriages & harnesses
Lt Federhen under arrest
8th
Mac under arrest
25 New York men detached from the 16th N.Y. Regt left us to day to report to the 121st New York
12th
Nothing of interest since the 8th
Foot drills & quite rainy
Corp Pettingell reduced to ranks
March 13th 1864
Inspection by Capt Mac
14th
Oiled harnesses
15th
Lt Green on 15 days furlough
17th
Sherman pro Corporal 4th dtch
18th
At 5pm Boots & Saddles orders to move at a moments notice with 3 days rations countermanded at dark—all quiet
19th
Battery drill by Mac
20th
Inspection by Mac
21st
Right guns of right centre sections with all the non com's went out for target practice
22nd
Snowing all day 12 inches fell
April 1st 1864
On the 25th & 26th Raining on the 28th Battery drill & the return of Barnard, 29th Raining all day
30th Snowing at 7am clear at 8am received 24 new horses
today a Battery drill—snowing raining all the afternoon, snow during the night
4th & 5th
Raining all day
8th
Dismounted drill
Signed payroll
11th
paid off for two months
15th
Sutlers leaving the Army
one recruit arrived
18th
Corps review by Genl Grant
25th
Manual of the Piece
Jimmy Magee died last night
May 1st 1864
Genl Burnsides troops arriving at the Station
2nd
Turned in our tents & pitched the carriages coverings for shelter
Shall move very soon
3rd
Sergt Marear reduced, Corp Burnham pro Sergt, Lynch Corp
Orders to move tomorrow
4th
Called at 1am left camp at 4am marched by Brandy Station across the Rapidan at Germania Ford & went into camp 1 mile from the river at 4pm Fine day
5th
Up at 3 & left at 6am marched by section by Brigades of 3rd Div left section in position other sections in park. battle commenced at noon & lasted until after dark. marched to the front then returned to Artly Brigade in the rear made camp at 8pm Saw Grant & Meade
May 6th 1864
Called at 2am harnessed at sunup battle commenced at daylight raging fiercely until 10am being then very hot both sides ceased firing till 4pm then hostilities commenced & lasted till long after dark. just before dark the Rebs attacked our right & drove it back but a new line was formed was formed along the plank road Report that Genl Shaler & many of the Jerseys captured unharnessed at midnight
May 7th
Harnessed at 3 this a.m. & went to the front went into position behind breastworks on the right of line
In position all day—nothing but skirmishing going on at dark limbered up & marched back to the plank road a left flank movement being made all night march
May 8th 1864
Passed through Chancellorsville at daylight & kept on the move all day at 4pm caught up with the Johnnies at Spotsylvania C.H. at 5pm went to the front on the double quick but was not engaged. made camp at dark
9th
Up at 3am left camp at 7am
Went to the front again and opened with 8 [?] & shell—right section detached to dislodge some sharpshooters under direction of Genl Sedgwick. The left & centre sections busy throwing up breastworks & a lively time of it
Genl Sedgwick killed just before dark by a sharpshooter near the right section & Genl Morris wounded. Sedgwick was much thought of by his Corps & it was a sad blow & a great loss to the Army when he was killed
May 10th 1864
Up at daylight battle of Laurel Hill engaged all day fired over 100 rounds to each gun Lt Federhen & Burnham wounded early in the day Several horses killed relieved at dark & went to the rear in camp—Good news
11th
Called at 2am went into park move to the front to be able to move to any part of the lines when needed
remained in park all day
turned in at 8pm & slept sound
no general engagement today
reinforcements arrived
12th
Routed out at 2am battle commenced at daylight & lasted all day. We moved to the left of the lines & went into posish where we remained
May 1864
at 8pm turned in & at 9pm turned out moved two miles farther to the left & made camp.
Genl Wright wounded
13th
left camp at 2am moved two miles farther & made camp again & turned in for the night
at 10am harnessed & marched back to our position of yesterday
remained till 9 pm & then took up a tramp for a left flank movement travelling all night. Raining hard
14th
Still on the tramp till 9am then parked unharnessed fed & cleaned horses. Harnessed at 1pm & remained so all day till 8pm Sharp skirmish at 5pm Stopped here all night. the place is called Coventry—turned in early & slept sound till we were called the next morning
May 15th 1864
Called at 2am moved camp a mile unharnessed & washed carriages at 6pm left & moved to the front ½ mile then went into park & remained hitched in all night. Quiet
16th
Orders last night to have no more bugle calls. Called at daylight remained in harness till 5pm then orders to move back to the camp we left yesterday
17th
Coventry, all quiet, two pieces from each battery turned in making them 4 gun batteries we are joined by 4 batteries of the reserve making 12 batteries in our Brigade. at 8pm left camp moved two miles & halted in the road all night
May 18th 1864
Still lying in the road at sunrise countermarched & went to the support of the 2nd Corps Halted by Genl Grant & sent back to Coventry to go in camp
19th
Called at 4am and at 11am moved to the front 2 miles went in park on a hill at 2pm unharnessed 6pm harnessed 8pm unharnessed 9pm harnessed and moved to the right
20th
At 2am are in park at 8am went into position on the extreme right of the line. In position all day and all quiet in our front report that the Rebs are falling back
21st
Relieved at 9am & went into park at 4pm marched to the left on Bowling Green road then on Fredericksburg & Richmond telegraph road
Marched all night
May 22nd 1864
At 4 this a.m. went into position on the left of the road. at 7am marched back across the Nye River at Smiths Mills then to the left and at 10am went into park at Guineas Station at 4pm took a march again to Flippers Tavern & made camp at 6pm All quiet
23rd
Up at 2am left camp at 8am marched to the Mattaponi river by Mt Carmel Church made camp 1 mile from the North Anna river at 10pm fighting at crossings
24th
Up at 3am moved ¼ mile & went into park. Unharnessed at 8am and at 4 crossed the river at Jericho's Mills & made camp
May 25th 1864
Up at 3am started on the tramp right section in advance for two miles. laid in the road all day & at 5pm went into camp in the right cannoniers to the front with shovels & picks to throw up breastworks.
26th
Up at 2am went to the front in position behind our breastworks & remained till dark then marched back across the river. Roads very muddy & on the tramp all night
27th
At 4 this a.m. went into park at Chesterfield Station, at 7am on the tramp again till 2pm then made park till 4pm started once again marched 3 miles to Taylorsville and went into camp at 6pm
All Quiet
May 28th 1864
called at 2 & left camp at 6am crossed Taylors Creek Pamunkey River & went into park near the river. At 4pm marched 2 miles & made camp
29th
Up at 4am Harnessed & remained so till 5pm Harnessed again at 6pm & at 8pm made camp 1st Div & 2 batteries are on reconnaissance
30th
Up at 3am & left camp at 5am made 5 miles & went into park. at 3pm marched towards Mechanicsville & made camp at Oak Grove
31st
Up at 2am Harnessed & unharnessed all day turned in at 9pm & turned out at 11pm
June 1st 1864
left camp at 1 oclock this a.m. moved towards the left of the lines passed Old Church to Cold Harbor & went into park. At 4pm went into position at the front and commenced firing after sending 100 or more shots our troops made a charge & drove the Johnnies. At dark we advanced 300 yards & began throwing up breastworks At work all night—Quiet
June 2nd 1864
Cold Harbor no general engagement to day but lots of picket firing Sam Hook shot in the arm & sent to the rear. After dark the Rebs made two attempts to break our lines but were repulsed
Skirmishing
all night
June 3rd 1864
up at daylight ball opened at 5am fired 10 shots, heavy cannonading on the right
we lost 2 horses, at night quiet
4th
Cold Harbor In Position
no general engagement
5th
Skirmishing all day
worked on breastworks
after dark Rebs made an attack but were repulsed
David S. Morse killed
6th
Still in position at C. Harbor and working on breastworks
considerable skirmishing
heavy firing after dark
7th
In position all day, quiet
8th
Cold Harbor In Position
nothing very exciting
June 9th 1864
C. Harbor. The Johnnies sending us mortar shells occasionally
10th
Still in position Sharpshooters at work popping each other
11th
Infantry throwing up a line of breastworks in our rear.
No general engagement
12th
Cold Harbor. At dark this p.m. we went to rear line in position
Cannoniers at work leveling our old breastworks. all quiet.
13th
At 2 this a.m. limbered up & took the road for the White House then by Mt Era Providence Church across the Chickahominy River on a pontoon bridge at Jones Ford & went into camp 1 mile from the river. Quiet
June 14th 1864
Up at 2am left at 6am at 8am went into park near Charles City C.H. then moved across Herring Creek & went into camp at 11am 2½ miles from James River
15th
Up at 2am marched to the James River & went into park at Westover landing then moved to Powhatan Pt & crossed the river on the longest pontoon bridge of the war.
made camp 1 mile from river
16th
Up at 5am heavy firing up the river left camp at 8pm & kept jogging all night
17th
went into park at 6 this a.m.
watered, fed & breakfasted then started at 8am marched till 11am & went in park till
3pm then on the march till 5pm & made camp. orders to harness & proceed to the front & go in park
Heavy fighting on left after dark
June 18th 1864
Left at 9am & went into park
move to the left & front. Stopped until dark then went to the front—on the centre & reversed a fork for our guns. Working all night—warm work
19th 1864
We are within sight of the City of Petersburg & in position working all day on embrazures & platforms for the guns
no general engagement
20th
Petersburg no general engagement
An artillery duel this a.m.
a detail of of nigs throwing up a protection on our right to protect the guns from a severe cross fire Quiet at night
June 21st 1864
At dark this p.m. we were relieved by 18th Corps & then went to the rear & left marched all night
22nd
Crossed the Norfolk RR just at daylight this a.m. went into park at 6am on the left of the Jerusalem Turnpike remained all day & night 2nd Corps having it heavy
23rd
Called at 2am Harnessed at 5am remained till 5pm then went to the front on the extreme left & in position supported by 1st Div 5th Corps all Quiet
24th
In position all day, throwing up breastworks finished at 4pm & were relieved by 10th Mass Battery. then went to rear into camp
June 25th 1864
Up at 5am Harnessed & moved camp more to the left & front
Artillery Brigade in camp
26th
In camp all day, very quiet
Slight shower, heavy fighting on right
27th
Up at 5am & at noon relieved the 10th Mass Battery & took our position in the works we threw up a few days ago.
Heavy siege guns throwing shot & shell into Petersburg
28th
In position all day—all quiet in our front but heavy firing on the right
29th
Up at 3 this a.m. reviewed by Genl Wright. At 2pm left our position marched beyond our lines to the Weldon R Road at Reams Station & went into
position. Infantry destroying the R.R. all quiet
June 30th 1864
Called at sunrise remained in position till 4pm then moved back towards the breastworks & made camp within two miles of them
July 1st 1864
Remained in camp all day
2nd
Up at 3am & marched back to our position behind the breastworks relieved the 14th Mass Battery All quiet
3rd
In position but nothing special
4th
A donation from the Sanitary Commission pickled onions, dried apples cucumbers & lemon syrup
Still in position & all quiet
Very hot & a dusty time round about here
July 5th 1864
Infantry throwing up breastworks in our front
6th
In Posish 3rd Div ordered to Harpers Ferry all quiet
7th
In position nothing special
8th
At noon changed position to the advanced line Quiet
9th
Working hard all day as if for a long stop. at 9pm orders to move to City Point on the road all night
10th
At 8 this a.m. went into park 1 mile from the river at 11am changed park & remained
11th
Boots & Saddles at 4 this a.m. & moved to the landing. washed carriages & shipped them on
board the Steamer Hero of Jersey at 4pm & started down the river bound for Washington DC anchored at night
July 12th 1864
Up anchor at 3am passed between Fortress Monroe & the Rip Raps across Chesapeake Bay up the Potomac & reached Washington at 11pm & immediately disembarked
13th
Got harnessed & limbered up at 2 this a.m. marched through the city & went into camp at Mt Pleasant Hospital 7th St. at 5am Harnessed & marched to the rear of Ft Stevens & unharnessed off again at 2pm out of the defences through Tenleytown into the Poolesville Road marched till 9pm & then made camp
July 14th 1864
Up at 3am marched to Poolesville went into camp at 4pm
Johnnies safe across the river
15th
In camp all day
16th
Up at 4am marched to Nolans Ford & forded the Potomac river water waist deep made camp 7pm
17th
In camp all day
18th
Up at 4 marched down through Hamilton, Purcellville up through Snickers Gap & half way down the western side
The 8th Corps engaged
19th
In camp all day
Harnessed at 10am
unharnessed at 11am
All quiet to night
July 20th 1864
Up at 4 left camp at noon marched across the Shenandoah at Snickers Ford to within 2 miles of Berryville. At 9pm countermarched for Washington on the road all night getting through the Gap in the mts
21st
Went into park at 8am for breakfast rested two hours & started across the range of mts through Leesburg to Goose Creek made camp at 3pm
22nd
Up at 4am marched through Dranesville to Hunters Mills made camp at 7pm
July 23rd 1864
Up at 2am marched through Lewisburg, Ft Marcy across the Potomac on the Chain Bridge to Tenleytown & went into camp in the rear of Fort Gaines
24th
Rear Ft Gaines Paid off
25th
Same camp all Quiet
26th
Left camp at noon passing through Tenleytown, Rockville & 5 miles beyond making camp at 8pm All quiet
27th
Up at 3am marched till noon passing through Clarksville to Hyattstown
28th on next page
29th
up at 4 marched through Hyattstown Jefferson Petersville Knoxville Sandy Hook Harpers Ferry to Halltown Va and made camp at 6pm
July 1864
28th up at 4 passed through Hyattstown, Urbana to the left of Frederick made camp at 11pm near Jefferson
30th
Remained in camp at Halltown till 4pm then marched back to Harpers Ferry & were all night getting across the river
31st
Once more in Maryland
went into park at 3am near Petersville for grub & to feed & water horses off at noon passing through Jefferson & marching within 2 miles of Frederick City where we made camp at 7pm
August 1st 1864
In camp near Frederick City
2nd
Harnessed at 9am & moved ½ a mile then returned as the order was countermanded
3rd
Up at 3am marched to Buckeystown made camp
4th
Camp near Buckeystown
5th
same camp all quiet
6th
Left camp at 7am moved to Jefferson & went into park for 5 hours left at noon passing through Petersville Knoxville across the river at Harpers Ferry to Halltown again Went into camp at 9pm
August 1864
7th 8th & 9th
Camp at Halltown all Quiet
10th
Up at 3am started up the valley through Charlestown then by bye roads to within 12 miles of Winchester & made camp
11th
Up at 4am moved 5 miles & went into park at Opequon Creek, moved again at 2pm across the country & made camp at 5pm all Quiet
12th
Up at 4 marched by the way of Newtown, Middleton to within 2 miles of Strasburg & ½ a mile from Cedar Run
made camp at 9pm
August 13th 1864
Up at 4 moved to within a mile of Strasburg & went into park at 8pm returned to camp of last night
14th & 15th
In same camp all day
16th
left camp at 11pm marched back through Middleton, Newtown Stephensburg & at 8am
The 17th
went into park near Winchester for breakfast At 10am started again going through Winchester and went into camp east of the Opequon Creek Hard fighting by the rear guard all the way back
August 18th 1864
Left camp at 5am passing through Berryville to within 2 miles of Charlestown then made camp
19th & 20th
In camp near Charlestown
21st
At 11 this a.m. the Rebs attacked our pickets & we harnessed up lively & went into position in a cornfield, remained so all the afternoon at 10pm limbered up & started for the ferry passing through Charlestown and arriving at Halltown at daylight the
22nd
where we made camp at 11am orders to march & reinforce the 8th Corps on the extreme left
Skirmishing at the front
August 23rd 1864
Skirmishing all day
Unharnessed at 7am
24th
Same place Skirmishing at the front all day
25th 26th & 27th
Same camp Skirmishing
but no general engagement
28th
Up at 3am marched 2 miles beyond Charlestown & went into position
all quiet
29th
Up at daylight all Quiet
36 of the Battery men went towards home this afternoon their time having expired the 28th August 1864
Prices of Ingredients &c
Ivory Blk 5 cts
Oil V 3 "
Castor oil 3rd 90 " gall
Sorgum 50 " "
Paris White 3 "
Sal Soda 5 "
Boxes 3½ inch 14.50 5%
" 2½ " 9.00
" 2¾ " 11.00
Cod Liver Oil (Straits) .75 single gall
Receipt for P.B
20 galls Molasses
5 5/8 " C. L. oil
30 lbs O. Vit
144 " B. B
All of best quality
Mix Mol & oil well together then add the Vit gradually stirring all the time. After being well mixed add the bone Blk, gradually stirring long & well. After being well stirred let stand till cold
Work thoroughly with hoe or paint mill
From JHB
Galfor
4 " P.W. dry H.B Hard
20th
1 gall Trea
2¼ pts C.L.O.
1 ½ lbs S.A
7 1/5 lbs B B
80th
1 qt Mol
2¼ gills C.L.O.
6 oz S.A
29 " BB
160th
1 pt M
1 1/8 gills C.L.O.
3 oz S.A
14½ oz BB
DATABASE CONTENT
| (4127) | DL1806 | 189 | Diaries |
Diary of Robert Gardner Small, 1st Massachusetts Light Artillery, January 22, 1863 through August 29, 1864, re: Burnside's Mud March, Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, Battle of the Wilderness, Second Battle of Fredericksburg, Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse, Battle of Cold Harbor, Virginia
Tags: Abraham Lincoln, Alcohol, Ambrose Burnside, Animals, Artillery, Battle of Cold Harbor, Battle of Gettysburg, Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Battle of the Wilderness, Burials, Camp/Lodging, Cavalry, Christmas, Clothing, Courts Martial, Crops (Other), Death (Military), Disability, Discharge/Mustering Out, Discipline, Drilling, Duty, Engineering/Construction, Fatigue/Tiredness, Fighting, Food, Furloughs, George B. McClellan, George G. Meade, Guard/Sentry Duty, Guns, High Morale, Home, Hospitals, Illnesses, Injuries, Joseph Hooker, Laws/Courts, Low Morale, Marching, Nature, News, Payment, Picket Duty, Prisoners of War, Promotions, "Rebels" (Unionist opinions of), Recreation, Recruitment/Recruits, Reenlistment, Reinforcements, Religion, Resignations, Rivers, Rumors, Sadness, Supplies, Ulysses S. Grant, United States Sanitary Commission, Vaccinations, Weather, William T. Sherman, Work
People - Records: 1
- (4520) [writer] ~ Small, Robert Gardner
SOURCES
Robert G. Small Diary, DL1806, Nau Collection
