Battle of Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863

William Owen’s First Diary

This diary was lost on the battlefield at Chancellorsville, Va., on May 2, 1863. It was found by a Confederate soldier, Robert T. Douglass, of Co. F, 47th Virginia Infantry. In 1867, after the war, Douglass sent the diary to Owen.

Wm Owen, Co K
86th N York Vols.
bought in camp near
Fredricksburg, Va.
Jan 1, 1863

If this book should ere
be found by friend or
foe please send it
to my parents.
Address
John Owen
Jasper
Steuben Co.
N.Y.

January, 1863

Jan 1. New years finds me on picket on the north side of the Rapahanock. Had some serious thoughts of home and friends far away. Oh where will next New Years find me. Posible in eternity.

Jan 2. Relieved from picket ten A.M. and returned to camp, dont feel very well.

Jan 3. Feel some better. Mustered for pay by Sergeant Cal Chapman, the weather cold.

Jan 4. Stayed in camp all day. Hark I hear that mournful sound of the drum which tells me that another of my fellow soldiers is being borne to the silent grave.

Jan 5. Warm and pleasant. Grand review by Maj. Gen. Burnside, the most splendid sight that I have seen in the war.

Jan 6. Stayed in camp all day. Attended prayer meeting in the evening. God is with us and who ever be against us.

Jan 7. Warm and pleasant. Stayed in camp all day. Battalion drill in the afternoon. Good news from the South West. Reported capture of Vicksburg by the Union forces.

Jan 8. Clear and cold. Battalion drill in the afternoon. Nothing of importance going on. David Hush of my Co. (K) discharged. A devil he was. I do well knowing he was nothing but a devil.

Jan 9. Clear and cold. Inspection of arms and quarters by Maj. Gen. Stoneman. Wrote letter to John Shawl. Sent for a box of _______.

Jan 10. Heavy rain all day. Washed some clothes, dont feel very well, almost sick. Read a letter from Cousin EO, he at the convalescent camp, Alexandra and getting no better.

Jan 11. Stayed in camp all day. Went in the woods with my friend M----Homes of Co F. had a season of prayers and talked of the subject of religion. Attended meeting in the evening sermon by the 122 PA Chaplain.

Jan 12. In camp all day, warm and pleasant. Battalion drill in the afternoon. Read a letter from the first Free Will Baptist Church, Cameron, to which I belong.

Jan 13. Went to the woods, cut wood in the forenoon. E. DeForest of my (Co. K) cut two of his fingers off with an ax. Edward Butter of the same Co. discharged, wrote letter to Cousin Melissa in the afternoon.

Jan 14. In camp all day on police duty for cleaning the streets. Warm, appearance of rain. Reported evacuation of Fredricksburg by the Confederates.

Jan 15. In camp all day. Very heavy wind. Inspection of arms and quarters also a review by Brigd Gen. Whipple, attended prayer meeting in the evening. Mr. Harletine Co. F certified that his soul had been born anew to God.

Jan 16. In camp all day. Recd orders to march at an early hour tomorrow morning. Orders countermanded. Attended prayer meeting in the evening, felt some of the love of God in my heart. Wrote letter to Cousin EO.

Jan 17. In camp all day. Clear and very cold. recd orders to be ready tomorrow at one P.M. of the following day. Played a small game of ball, recd a letter from Sister Hannah, all well at home. God be thanked.

Jan 18. Another lonesome day spent in camp. Orders for marching at one P.M. defered for 24 hours, by order of Maj Gen Joseph Hooker. Such are the Sabbaths that the soldier spends away from home, friends and church.

Jan 19. Warm and pleasant, Orders for to march at one P.M. defered again 24 hours. Went to the woods with Sargeant Seely to cut some wood. Battalion drill in the afternoon.

Jan 20. Cold, appearance of snow. Orders to march at one P.M. everything packed up, line formed. Gen. Burnsides order tells us that we are about to meet the enemy again and requests us to be cool & firm. Vocifferous cheers for Gen. Pratt as also by his request for the American Union.

Jan 21. Have not left our old camp yet, last night rained all night. Orders to be ready to march at daylight but have not yet started on account of the rain. Took up our line of march ten A.M. marched about three miles through the woods and encamped in the same.

Jan 22. Still raining, dont feel very well. Went to the woods with my friend Sergt. Merring talked with him on the subject of religion. Had a season of prayer. Would not promise to go on with me for fear he might breake it. D. Cook of my Co. K discharged.

Jan 23. Still cloudy and mist or rain. Appearances of the army going back to their old camp. Took a walk with my friends James Smith and Gilbert Akley had a season of prayer at three P.M. . Fell in line and marched back to our old camp.

Jan 24. In our old camp agen, all right. The boys all busy fixing up their tents. The Rebs say the fighting postponed. Burnsides army stuck in the mud. Recd our pay, four months. Inspection of arms by Col. B P Bailey.

Jan 25. Another lonesome Sabbath spent in camp. Feel quite well. Inspection of quarters by Brig Gen Pratt. Attended prayer meeting in the evening. Felt some of the love of God in my heart.

Jan 26. Moved our camp about two miles & pitched in the wood. Feel some better. Recd ___of the government rumor that we are to take winter quarters here. James Orvis of my Co (K) discharged.

Jan 27. Worked at my tent all day building it up with small poles. Major Gen. Burnside resigned his command. Maj. Gen. Joseph Hooker takes command of the Army of the Potomac.

Jan 28. Snowed hard all day. Hard day on the soldiers. Oh when will this war release and return to my home where I shall have shelter in snow stormes. Rumor that the Army of the Potomac is to be divided.

Jan 29. Snow about a foot deep. Worked on my tent all day, have it nearly completed.

Jan 30. Snow all ___. As much equaly as deep as the snow yesterday. Went to our old camp, came back finished my tent. Paid ten cents for three apples to the New Hampshire sutler.

Jan 31. Went on picket on the north side of the Rapahanock. The weather warm and pleasant but mud deep. In the evening had season of prayer with my friend Lieut. H. B. Seely.

February, 1863

Feb 1. Yet on picket, went in the wood with my friend Melvan Homer of Co F. Found a large rock which overlook the stand of trees, kindled a little fire, read in the bible had a season of prayer.

Feb 2. Still on picket. Our lines run nearly east & west. & protects the right wing of our army. Agen retired so that ____ _____ with my friends. Gilbert Asheley, ______ Simons read in the Testament. Asked each other questions after which had a season of prayer.

Feb 3. Relieved from picket ten A.M. and returned to camp. Read a letter from Sister Oripa also one from Cousin A Owen. Answered sisters letter. Order for granting furloughs read as dress ____. Very cold.

Feb 4. Stayed in camp all day, made a ___ to my tent. The Rebels made a raid across the river (Rapahanock). A colonel and one hundred prisoners said to have been taken by our forces.

Feb 5. In camp all day, recd a letter from my friend Wm. Hillborn and one from my Dr. father informing me that he had sent me a ____. Also recd a letter from my old friend William J. Kellog or rather it was a ____.

Feb 6. Rained almost all day, stayed in camp. Read a letter from Cousin E.O. He still at the convalescent camp and not getting any better.

Feb 7. On guard duty at the commissary department. Wrote a letter to my parents. Fear not little flock for its your fathers good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

Feb 8. A very pleasant day spent in camp. Reread a letter from my friend George Wilder in the evening. Attended prayer meeting, felt some of the love of God in my heart.

Feb 9. Weather pleasant, washed my clothes, wrote a letter to my friend Charles Wilder. Ambrose Ingram of my (Co. K) discharged also Daniel Strand.

Feb 10. In camp all day, dont feel very well. Grand review by Maj Gen Sickles.

Robert....Robert Doggett.

Feb 11. Stayed in camp all day. Washed my clothes went out on Brig drill and were driven in by the rain. Wrote a valentine.

Feb 12. Went to Stoneman ______ to look for a ___. Brig drill in the afternoon, in the evening went out with some of my friends for a season of prayer.

Feb 13. On fatigue duty for cutting wood for the company. Wrote letter to sister Hannah. Brig drill in the afternoon.

Feb 14. Clear and but cold. Battalion drill in the afternoon. Went over to Stoneman switch with my friend D. F. Countryman. Wrote letter to my friend F.S. Hubbard. Charles Vaughn of my Co (K) died ten P.M.

Feb 15. Stayed in camp all day, wrote a letter to B.C. Wood,also sent one to Mr. Vaughns folk informing them of the death of their son. In the evening attended prayer meeting in Capt. Bakers office!

Feb 16. Attended the burial of my comrad Charles Vaughn. Took charge of the event. The chaplain of the 122 P.A. Vol. said the funeral services, thus another of my fellow soldiers has passed away. Thank God for his goodness to me.

Feb 17. And yet how unworthy I am. How soon I forgot that my brother has fallen. In camp all day. Snow about three inch deep and yet snowing. In the afternoon had a lively time snowballing with my friends.

Feb. 18 Wrote letter to Cousin E.O. Also to Stephen Vaughn. Rained hard all day, the water about two inches deep in my tent. Have to dip it out to keep it out of the fireplace. Evening ten P.M. and yet raining.

Feb 19. Still raining-the mud is running miserably deep. Feel rather down-hearted in the evening had a prayer meeting in my tent, felt some of the love of God in my heart.

Feb. 20 Clear and pleasant, drew one pair of pants, one pair of shoes, one pair of sox. Went away from camp with my friend (Malvern Horner) had a good old fashioned____ _____ farewell address to his Brigd.

Feb 21. Recd letter from Cousin E.O. informing me that he had got his discharge. Brigade drill in the afternoon. Wrote letter to E.O. also one to Wm. Hill reborn. Capt Warner recd ten days furlough.

Feb 22. Another Sabbath spent in camp. Snow fell last night about a foot deep this Washingtons birthday. Was celebrated by firing of cannon.

Feb 23. On fatigue duty for cutting wood. Snow deep, weather cold. J. Bailey of (Co K) buried. Thus another of my fellow soldiers is gone! Behold what manner of love the Lord has bestowed upon me. Wrote valentine to Mary.

Feb 24. Went to Stonemans switch with my friend Will Stewart also to the Brigade Commissary purchased a beef heart for twenty five cts. wrote letter to Capt. J W Warner. Orders to be ready to go on picket at 7 A.M. tommorrow morning.

Feb 25. Fell in line and started for the picket line 7 A.M. Arrived on the line 12 N. Immediately after we were posted the Rebbels made a charge upon our lines. 124 N.Y. of our Brigade fired on them and they turned back. Our loss was one killed and one wounded and forty cavalry taken prisoners.

Feb 26. Yet on picket, raining hard. All quiet along the lines. In the skirmish yesterday our Brigade took three prisoners, One Capt-one sargt and one private.

Feb 27. Still on picket-warm and pleasant. Stopped in tent with friend. _____ passed the day off by reading my bible. I feel rather lonesome.

Feb 28. Relieved from picket 11 A.M. Returned to camp, found a box there sent from home. Had a fine feast of bisquit butter & honey. Read a letter from my father.

March, 1863

Mar 1. And so winter has gone and the first day of spring has arrived. Stayed in camp all day. Read letter from R G Wentworth also from S. Vaughn. Wrote letter to R G Wentworth. Attended prayer meeting in the evening at Capt. Bakers office. Wrote letter to __________.

Mar 2. A warm and pleasant day. Worked at cleaning the street. Had a good visit with an old friend from the 35 N.Y. Vols. Tried to get a pass to visit the 107 N.Y. but the Col would not approve it on account of drill tomorrow.

Mar 3. Rained a little so that we had no drill. Obtained a pass of ______ Col Chapman for myself and friend Wm Stuart to visit the 107 NYV on the following day. Attended prayer meeting in the evening at Segt Blanchets office. Felt the love of God in my heart.

Mar 4. Went to the 107th Regt, NY with my friend W Stuart to visit some friends from. Samuel Kinney all right had a good visit. Stayed all night, weather clear and cold.

Mar 5. Returned to camp, my friend Samuel Kinney came back with me. Stopped at Brooks Station and found another old friend, J K Robinson of the 35th Regt NY Vols. My tent mate, L ___ went home on furlough. Capt came back to the Co. from home. evening attended meeting. Sermon by Chaplain Holt Oh Lord revive thy work.

Mar 6. Went on picket on the north side of the Rapahanock and about three miles from camp. In the evening went in the wood with my friend Melborn Homes of Co F and had a season of prayer, rained some through the night.

Mar 7. Yet on picket, everything quiet along the lines. Detailed on a communication line in charge of a relief of thirteen men. Weather rainy and somewhat disagreeable but here I find that I am too apt to find fault with the weather which God rules.

Mar 8. Still on picket, cloudy and rainy. Spent the day in reading my bible and talking and praying with friends. In the evening attended prayer meeting in the wood. Only five were present but God was faithful to his promise.

Mar 9. Relieved from picket at 12N and returned to camp. Found Charles____ very sick. The general health of our Regt not very good. Recd a letter from Cousin Melisa in the evening wrot the same to Sister ____.

Mar 10. Stayed in camp all day. Wrote letter to Sister Margaret. In the evening attended prayer meeting in the chapel. One of Co K expressed a desire to become a Christian. If the Lord be for us who can be against us.

Mar 11. In camp all day. Inspection of arms by a Capt. of Brig Gen Whipples staff. In the evening attended meeting in the chapel. Sermon by Chaplain ____ ___. Oh Lord revive thy work.

Mar 12. Stayed in camp all day. Co drill in the forenoon and battalion in the afternoon. Wrote letter to the 1st Free Will Baptist Church in Cameron, to which I belong. In the evening attended meeting in Chapel.

Mar 13. Stayed in camp all day. Co drill in the forenoon, in the evening attended meeting in Chapel, sermon by our chaplain (____). ___present your bodies a holy sacrifice unto the Lord.

Mar 14. In camp all day, review by Brig Gen Whipple, ordered to be ready to go on picket tomorrow morning at seven AM. Wrote letter to Cousin Melissa _____. Weather pleasant.

Mar 15. Everything all ready and went on picket seven AM. Such are the Sabbaths that the soldier is obliged to spend away from home and the church. Oh Lord bring this unnatural war to a close.

Mar 16. Still on picket, snowed a little, recd a letter from my old friend (F S Hubbard) also one from Mr. Vaughn. Evening went in the wood with my friend Segt H B Seely and had a season of prayer.

Mar 17. Yet on picket. Heavy cannonading about ten miles up the river. Stonemans cavalry said to have crossed the Rapahanock and fighting the enemy. Nineteen prisoners sent to our lines.

Mar 18. Relieved from picket in the AM and returned to camp. Reports that we have taken six hundred prisoners in the PM. Wrote letter to B CWood. James Crole my tent mate returned from home on furlough.

Mar 19. In the AM was detailed on a court marshal as witness for G L Peck of my Co (K). Court adjourned twenty four hours. PM grand review by Maj Gen Sickles, wrote letter to Mr.Vaughn and the same to Cousin E O also wrot to the editor of morning star for book.

Mar 20. Went to Col Bormans head quarters as witness on trial of G L Peck. Snowed hard near all day. In the evening attended meeting in Chapel. Sermon by Chaplain Watts, wrote letter to---

Mar 21 Stayed in camp all day. Wrote letter to----, rained most all day. Evening attended a debate, was one of chief dispudents. Question resolved that hatred is stronger passion than love. Decided in my favor (The negative).

Mar 22. Attended meeting sermon by Chaplain Watts. In the PM attended an organization meeting for our Regt. 22 enrolled their names, 12 desired the ordinance of baptism. In the evening attended meeting, wrote letter to ___Hubbard.

Mar 23. On guard at Commissary department. In the PM attended debate. Question resolved that the oppresion of the soldier makes more sorrow than slavery. Evening attended meeting, sermon by Chaplain Watts.

Mar 24. Stayed in camp all day. 170 men went on picket-out of our regt (86 NY). Wrote letter to a friend in _____. Evening attended the Va Phila_____, which was organized by the boys of my Co (K).

Mar 25. Went about two miles from camp to get a load of wood. Wrote letter to Sister Hannah. Attended prayer meeting in the evening. Read letter from ____NY.

Mar 26. On camp guard. Recieved letter from Sister Margaret, answered the same and sent a dollar in money to her. In the evening attended the Va Philanathien. Question for debate, resolved that _____punishment should be abolished. Decided in favor of the negative.

Mar 27. The boys returned from picket. Wrote letter to Annie _____. Evening attended prayer meeting in Chapel. Oh how good it is to serve the Lord and feel that you have an inheritance with him.

Mar 28. In camp all day. Rumor that the Army of the Potomac is about to make another advance across the river. (Rapahanock). Interesting news from Tennessee.

Mar 29. Attended meeting in the AM, sermon by Chaplain Watts. In the PM attended the _____ also the ordinance of baptism. Was attended by Chaplain Watts, seven here baptised. Evening attended meeting, sermon by said chaplain. Feel the love of God in my heart.

Mar 30. Inspection of arms & quarters in the AM. PM had a grand review by Govener Berry of ___. Evening attended meeting in the chapel. Recd a book, life of Eld. John Colby.

Mar 31. Went about three miles from camp after wood. Evening attended meeting, sermon by Chaplain Watts. Truely God was with us and who can prevail against us. One backslider reportedly return to his fathers house. Thank the Lord!

April, 1863

Apr 1. Took a walk with my friend Mr. Pierce. Talked on the subject of religion. Evening attended meeting,sermon by Chaplain Watts. Three backsliders expressed a desire to return to their fathers house, where there is bread ___ to spare.

Apr 2. Went on picket about three miles from camp. Feel rather poor in body but my soul is alive unto God-thank his name for his goodness unto me, so unworthy as I am.

Apr 3. Still on picket. Weather warm and pleasant. Afternoon had a sweet time of communion alone with my savior in the wood--evening attend debate.

Apr 4. Still on picket. Went in the wood with my friend Gilbert Ashley, read in the bible, had a season of prayer. Evening had a sea. of prayer with my friend Asa _____. Thank God for praying friends. Snow fell about 8 inches deep.

Apr 5. A dismal morning of snow, deep and still falling fast. ____ that ____ incident to the soldiers life. Relieved from picket and returned to camp. Evening attend meeting, sermon by Chap. Watts. Had a heavenly time.

Apr 6. Attended conference meeting in the AM. Wrote letter to Sister Hannah. Received letter from sister Orisa. Evening attended meeting in the Chapel-sermon by Chaplain Watts. Feel the love of God in my heart.

Apr 7. Was inspected by the President of the United States. Weather cold. Evening attended meeting in Chapel. Sermon by Chaplain Watts. Surely the Lord is with and who can be successful against us.

Apr 8. Grand review by the President (Lincoln). Over fifty thousand passed in review before him. It was a splendid sight. Ladies on horseback with the Maj Generals. Evening attended meeting. Sermon by Rev. Mr. _____. ____ of the American ___ society.

Apr 9. Stayed in camp all day. Weather very pleasant. Evening attended meeting in the chapel. Sermon by Chaplain Watts on the pleasantry of the Christian faith. One more of my fellow soldiers are gone. (died last night).

Apr 10. In camp all day, very pleasant . Evening attended meeting in chapel. Sermon by Ch. Watts (funeral sermon).____ man that is born of woman is of few days full of trouble. Read letter from-----.

Apr 11. Division drill (or show fight). Had picture taken and sent to sister Orisa. Detailed to go on picket tomorrow. Went out in the evening with my friend ____ had a season of prayer. Read letter from Cousin Will, answered the same.

Apr 12. Went on picket-Such are the Sabbaths that the soldier must spend. Very warm, appearance of rain. evening rained.

Apr 13. Yet on picket. Clear and pleasant. A reconoitering party sent out to attack the enemy. General movement anticipated soon. Our army in the finest condition & best spirits that it has been since the war commenced.

Apr 14. Yet on picket. The army all under marching orders with eight day rations. Soon we expect to meet the enemy and may the Lord go with us for the sword of the Lord is mighter than of Gideon.

Apr 15. Relieved from picket at 11 AM and returned to camp. Rained hard all last night and is raining still. Am very well soaked. Evening attended meeting, four of my comrades started to serve God. Thanks be to his holy name. Wrote letters PM.

Apr 16. _____ no complete marching order. Received pay of the government $52.00, paid by Major Oakley. Wrote letter to Sister Margaret. Received letter from the First Free Will Baptist Church.

Apr 17. Inspection of arms in the AM. Three of the boys of my Co(K) went home on furlough. Sent $52.00 to John Shawl, also $25.00 to father. AM division drill. Saw the baloon up viewing the Rebbel encampment.

Apr 18. In the AM wrote letter to Sister Orisa. At one PM attended meeting, went out with my friend Charles ____. Had a good talk. Brig ___ drill in the PM. Weather pleasant.

Apr 19. Attended meeting in front of the Co. tent. Sermon by a stranger, Chaplain __ ___. In the PM attended meeting at the same place. Sermon by Chap. Watts, evening had a season of prayer with my friend James Smith.

Apr 20. AM went to Stonemans Switch. __ined some report that Gen Segil has taken Gardensville. Evening attended meeting in hospital tent. Had a good time, felt the presence of God. Several ____for prayers.

Apr 21. All the boys but forty ____ gone on picket. Stayed in camp all day. Wrote letter to my old friend Albert Hubbart. Charles Brown of my Co (K) ______. Evening attended prayer meeting in Capt. Bakers office.

Apr 22. The boys yet on picket. Stayed in camp all day. A lonesome time. Evening attended meeting at the Christian communion. Three large tents now filled. A---member stayed for prayers.

Apr 23. The boys still on picket. Rained hard all day, stayed in camp. Evening attended prayer meeting in Capt. Bakers office.

Apr 24. The boys came in from picket. Still raining. Obtained a pass and went to _____creek to look after Charles Brown (a deserter). Reurned to camp.

Apr 25. Went to the river to view the Rebbels with my friends Gilbert ___& _____. In the end of a large brick building counted forty ____ball holes. PM wrote letter to First Free Will Baptist Church, Cameron. Read letter from Cousin ___.

Apr 26. AM attended meeting in front of the Col tent. Sermon by Chaplain Watts. Blessed are the people whose God is the Lord. PM attended social or conference meeting. Evening after _____ in the hospital tent. Sermon by Chap Watts ___ and the word grew & multplied. Excelent sermon.

Apr 27. AM grand review by Maj Gen Hooker. Very warm and pleasant. Some of the troops moving. ______ went home or started for home. Evening attended prayer meeting. Received orders to be ready to march at AM early hour on the following day.

Apr 28. Everything packed up ready to march. Fell in line at two P.M. and took up our line of march. Marched about eight miles down the river and bivouaced for the night. Weather wet & rainy.

Apr 29. Still cloudy and rainy. Cannonading present seven AM. Marched about one half mile and formed line,____ tents. PM on guard. Reported hard fighting on our right.

Apr 30. Hookers order tell us that the Rebbels have got to come out of their entrenchments and fight or fly before us. Took up our line of march one PM and marched till one in the evening. Fifteen miles, prayers said.

May, 1863

May 1. Took up our line of march 7AM. Marched about 6 miles and stopped for dinner. Left knapsack and marched to the battlefield. Terrible cannonading in the afternoon. We not engaged. Evening marched back to our knapsacks, two miles. Saw number of prisoners.

May 2. Fell in 6 AM marched toward the battlefield, formed _____ and stopped. Terific cannonading in the lines.

William Owen’s Second Diary

April and May, 1863

Apr 28, 1863. Struck tents 8 A.M. and broke camp, marched about seven miles and encamped near Belle Plains. evening rained.

Apr 29. First & sixth army Corp crossed the river. Cannonading at 7 A.M. Hooker fighting on the right at Belles Forde.

Apr 30. Took up our line of march about 10 miles up the river to reinforce Gen. Hooker & encamped near Hartwood Church.

May 1. Marched at six A.M. crossed the river 12 N marched 8 miles. Halted near the front of our army. 5 P.M. went to the front & formed in line of battle, terrific cannonading.

May 2. Marched about three miles and engaged the enemy at 5 P.M. Lost no men of our Reg. Our Corps fighting nearly all night.

May 3. Day broke with a terrible thundering of artillery and musketry. 8 A.M. went into the battle, was wounded in the shoulder slightly. Left the field. Brother Cortland killed or taken prisoner.

May 4. Went to the hospital, thence to Falmouth Station. Took the cars & went to our division hospital.

May 5. Stayed at the hospital. E.F. Deforrest of my Co K came here wounded, is now dead, wrote letter to my parents.

May 6. Still at the hospital over 1000 wounded at this hosp. Lt. Williams of my Co K came here wounded in the arm. The army recrossed the river and came to old camp.

May 7. Came to my company, found the boys all tired out and but a few left.

May 8. Stayed in camp, wrote letters A.M. Gen Whipple died of wounds received in the late.

May 9. Stayed in camp, wrote letters. Nothing of importance going and pretty lonesome time.

May 10. Attended meeting front of the Colonels tent. Sermon by Chaplain Watts. Left what shall & under unto the Lord for his ____ unto me. Evening attended service meeting in the grove.

May 11. Reviewed by Maj. Gen Sickles comdg our Corps (3).

May 12. Marched to division head quarters to hear the announcement of the death of the Rebbel Gen Stonewall Jackson as announced in the Richmond papers.

May 13. Inspected by Col Ellis commander of our brigade.

May 14. Stayed in camp all day. Wrote some, nothing going on.

May 15. Went on picket. Weather is very warm and pleasant. Evening attended prayer meeting in the wood. felt the love of God in my heart.

May 16. Still on picket, all quiet along the lines. Warm & pleasant. Nothing of importance going on.

May 17. Still on picket, another pleasant but seemimgly idle Sabbath spent away from friends and home but God is ___ to me.

May 18. Relieved from picket and returned to camp. Went to Stonemans Switch. G.W. Newman of my Co K died of wounds and fever at ten oclock last night.

May 19. Went to the division hospital. Carried the remains of my friend G.W. Newman to the embalming office. He died of wound in the foot & typhoid fever.

May 20. Moved our camp a few rods & built on new ground. Very warm & pleasant. Good news from Mississippi, great cavalry raid. PM wrote letter to my friend W. M. Deck.

May 21. On guard & ____ to build a guardhouse. Read letter from J.N. Reynolds, he sick at the Fort ______ hospital. Heard from brother Cortland.

May 22. In camp all day. Very warm & pleasant. Evening attended prayer meeting in the open air or in Gods own temple & feel his presence.

May 28. Report that the Rebs are trying to recross the river. Wrote letter.

May 29. Warm & pleasant afternoon. Battalion drill. Received a letter from my old friend A. W. Hubbard. Evening attended prayer meeting. Detailed for picket.

May 30. Fell in line & went on picket six A.M. about four miles to the picket line. P.M. wrote to my friend. P.M. very warm,appearance of rain.

May 31. Another Sabbath spent on the picket line. A very pleasant day. Afternoon went to an old farm house stayed a few moments & returned.

June, 1863

Jun 1. Another month has gone. June the 1st has ___find me on picket all night & writing letters.

Jun 2. Relieved from picket 12 N & returned to camp. Very warm & dust thick. Wrote letter to my old friend A.W. Hubbard.

Jun 3. Washed some clothes. PM battalion reviewed, letter from an old friend. Evening attended prayer meeting. Felt the love of God in my heart.

Jun 4. Orders to fall in line & be ready to march by day brake. Fell in and stacked arms. P.M. wrote letter.

Jun 5. In camp all day. Inspection of arms by Maj Lansing. Heavy cannonading _____ about five PM in the direction of Fredricksburg.

Jun 6. Received pay of the government, wrote letter home. Fell in line at five PM & marched 16 miles & lay down on our arms for the remainder of the night.

Jun 7. Took up our line of march ten AM marched 17 miles & bivouacked for the night near Bealton Station. Tired and foot sore. Such are the Sabbaths of the soldier.

Jun 8. Marched about five miles and bivouacked for the night in a piece of wood near Ellis Forde.

Jun 9. Took up our line of march at day light. Crossed the river at Ellis Forde & commenced fighting the enemy. Sharp fighting all day. We successfully drove the enemy five miles & then withdrew across the river.

Jun 10. Marched about five miles & camped near Bealton Station. Saw several Rebbel prisoners about seven hundred left this station for Washington.

Jun 11. Lay in the shade all day. Great many camp rumors, evening attended prayer meeting in the woods, felt the love of God.

Jun 12. Stayed in camp til 4 PM. Took up our line of march. Marched four miles & bivouacked near Rappahannock Station, wrote letter home.

Jun 13. Stayed in the woods near Rappahannock River all day. Worked on rifle pitts all night. Tired & sleepy. Read letter from Cousin Millie.

Jun 14. Fell in line & marched about 15 m iles & bivouacked at Catlett Station. Dont feel very well.

Jun 15. Fell in line at 6 AM marched about 12 miles, very warm. Several of the boys marched till they fell deaf & tired out & fell out of the ranks for the first time.

Jun 16. Marched two miles & stopped in the Bull Run rifle pitts. Had a wash in the Bull Run creek. Evening attended prayer meeting. Reported rebbels in Md. & Pa.

Jun 17. Marched three miles & encamped at Centerville. Very warm. Rebbels reported to be marching on to Harrisburg.

Jun 18. Stayed in camp at Centerville all day. Very warm. All the troops nearly tired out.

Jun 19. Fell in at one PM, marched 8 miles through the rain-dark & mud. Stopped at Gum Springs at ten in the evening.

Jun 20. Still remain at Gum Springs. Pitched our tents. Detailed for guard but did not have to go on dress parade at 6 PM

Jun 21. Marched about one mile & encamped. Evening attended prayer meeting. Rained some.

Jun 22. Fell in at __PM & marched about two miles & camped in the woods. Many camp rumors. A fight expected near here.

Jun 23. Still in camp at Gum Springs ___ of the regt out on pickett. Evening attended a prayer meeting.

Jun 24. Still at Gum Springs, warm & pleasant. Have received no mail in more than two weeks. Evening attended prayer meeting. Had a good time.

Jun 26. Marched 8 miles & camped at Point of Raer. Still raining. About tired out & our regt detailed 1 AM provost duty.

Jun 27.. Took up our line of march at three PM. Marched 7 miles and bivouacked at Jefferson. Got a good warm supper at an old farm house.

Jun 28. Fell in at five AM, marched through Middletown & Fredricks City. Such are the Sabbaths of the soldier.

Jun 29. Fell in at day brake, marched 16 miles. Passed through Woodsborough & _____ville. Camped in the wood for the night.

Jun 30. Fell in at three PM, marched 7 miles & bivouacked near Emmittsville. Rained some, very warm & hard marching. Report Vicksburg taken.

July, 1863

Jul 1. Fell in at 12N, marched 13 miles & bivouacked near Gettesburg. Sick & rode in the ambulance for the first time.

Jul 2. Fell in line soon after day light. Went in battle 3 PM. Fired five rounds & was wounded in the side. Same ball wounded my comrad.

Jul 3. At the division hospital, heavy cannonading all day. The Rebbels fell back in the afternoon. I.W. Winsmith & J.B. Fisk died of wounds.

Jul 4. Still at the hospital. Fighting still going on. Rebble Gen Longstreet taken prisoner. Rained hard. Wounded being brought in very fast.

Jul 5. Still at the hospital. Wet & rainy day. The Rebbels in full retreat toward the Potomac.

Jul 6. Still at the hospital. Went to an old farm house got some bread. Over 10,000 Rebbel prisoners have been taken in the late engagement.

Jul 7. Moved our hospital up on a hill. Ladies came in to see the wounded. Wrote a letter home. Two dead bodies floated down the creek this morning. The wounded suffering.

Jul 8. Still at the hospital. Wet & rainy day. Wounded suffering very much.

Jul 9. Clear & pleasant. Will Stewart of my company failing very fast. Took ease of him best I could.

Jul 10. Still at the hospital. Very warm, the citizens remaking wills. Everything for the wounded, taking ease of Will.

Jul 11. Still in the hospital in Addams County Pa. My friend Will Stewart died early this morning.

Jul 12. Still in the hospital at Addams County Pa. Some of the wounded were sent away. Another battle the militia defeat the Rebs.

Jul 13. Still at the hospital in the wood.

Jul 14. Left the hospital and went to Gettesburg. Prayed in the church used for a ___

Jul 15. Took the cars for Baltimore arrived at McKims mansion hospital about ten in the evening. Great riot in New York.

Jul 16. Still in the hospital at Baltimore, a very pleasant place. Have a view of almost the entire city. 7,000 prisoners taken at Port Hudson.

Jul 17. Still in the hospital at Baltimore. Wrote letter to Brother Cortland.

Jul 18. Still at McKims hospital Baltimore. Wrote letters. Gen Mead recrossing the Potomac in pursuit of Gen Lee.

Jul 19. A warm pleasant morning but how many in the last few days have passed away & I am yet spared. What miracles ____ of God. PM attended church in the dining room.

Jul 20. Still at the McKims mansion hosp. Doing well, very warm.

Jul 21. Obtained a pass & went to town. Got a good dinner of ham & eggs. Bought a _____.

Jul 22. Still at McKims mansion hospital.

Jul 23. Obtained a pass & went to town, bought a bible, ___.

Jul 24. Obtained a pass and went into the burying ground. The most splendid one I ever saw. Very warm & pleasant.

Jul 25. Stayed in the hospital all day. Two men died, weather very warm.

Jul 26. Went to see the ____. Grand sight. Afternoon attended meeting in the library room.

Jul 27. Obtained a pass & went to town A.M. Nothing going on. Lonesome business staying in the hospital.

Jul 28. Stayed in the hospital all day. Read and wrote letters. Small fright at Mains___ Gap, enemy repulsed.

Jul 29. Got a pass & went to burying ground & ____ ____. Wrote letter.

Jul 30. Stayed in the hospital all day, read & wrote. Reported capture of Fort Wagnor.

Jul 31. Obtained a pass and went to town. Very warm weather.

August, 1863

Aug 1. Stayed in the hospital all day. _____is getting along finely.

Aug 2. Stayed in hospital all day. In the PM attended meeting in the dining room. Thank the Lord for so many favors & blessings.

Aug 3. Obtained a pass to town- Reported defeat of Stuarts cavalry. A general engagement expected & ______.

Aug 4. Went to town.

Aug 5. Went to town, very warm. Received letter from Sister Margaret.

Aug 6. A day of thanksgiving and prayer appointed by the President of the U.S. for our late victories.

Aug 7. Went to town. Received letter from Cousin Melissa.

Aug 8. Stayed in hospital all day, wrote letter to Cousin.

Aug 9. Stayed in hospital. In the PM attended meeting in the dining room. Ye every one that ___ rain ye to the waters to drink.

Aug 10. Done nothing but read. Report that Gen Grant is to take command of the Army of the Potomac.

Aug 11. Went to work in the dining room. Army of the Potomac to be reorganized. ___ things are ___ and ___.

Aug 12. Very warm, the themomitor is 98 degrees. Received four letters from the Regt.

Aug 13. Obtained pass & went to town. Saw my friend Charles Hubbard. He came to the hospital with me.

Aug 14. Worked in the dining room all day. Seadrid came in with everything for the wounded to eat. Very warm.

Aug 15. Stayed at the hosp all day. Received letter & very hot weather.

Aug 16. Stayed at the hosp all day. In the afternoon attended meeting in the dining room.

Aug 17. Stayed in hospital all day. Received letter. Just two years to-day since I enlisted. One year in all and then will be free.

Aug 18. Obtained a pass and went to town. Nothing of any importance going on.

Aug 20. Went to the straglers camp to see my friend Charles Hill. Sent book to Cousin Melissa.

Aug 21. Worked in the dining room all day. Fancy town ladies came in with ___ for the soldiers.

Aug 23. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked. Who can know it? The ___ search the heart & try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways and awarding to the ____ his doing.

Aug 26. But the Lord is with me as a mighty, terrible one. Therefore my persecutors shall stumble and they shall not prevail. They shall be greatly ashamed for they shall not prosper, their everlasting ____shall never be forgotten.

Aug 29, 30, 31. Peace be unto you and Silas can be in heaven even when they are still into the inner prison, their bodies scouraged with many ___ and their feet ___ the stocks. The martyrs find more rest in their flames ___. Their persecutors in their ___ & ___ they foresee the flames they escape.

September and October, 1863

Sep 1. Christians see the ___ of all things and the ___ of things above.

Sep. 20. Attended meeting in the Hartford ___ Church, Baltimore Md. Thank God for these blessings.

Sep 26. Attended meeting in the evening. Report of the northern and ___ ___.

Sep 27. Attended meeting in the forenoon and evening at the M.E. Church Hartford___.

Sep 28. Come unto me all ye that are weary & heavy laden and I will give you rest. What a ___ ___ is this.

Sep 29. Examined and prepared to return to my Regt. Attended meeting in the Hartford ___ Church. Several ___ at the alter has prayre, a good meeting.

Sep 30. Left McKims Mansion Hospl, came to Paterson Park hospl.

Oct 1. (Rev. R. Spencer Vinton) Chaplain McKims Mansion Hosp. Still remain at Paterson Park Hospl.

Oct 2. Still at Paterson Park

Oct 3. Left Paterson Park, took the cars and went to Washington. Stayed in the soldiers retreat overnight.

Oct 4. Took the cars at ___ for Alexandra, arrived in camp. Convalecent at 12 N. Saw brother Carl found him pretty low.

Oct 5. Stayed in camp convalescent all day. Wrote letter to my parents evening & attended meeting.

Oct 6. Stayed in camp all day, attended prayer meeting in the ___ commission chapel nine AM.

Oct 7. Stayed in Camp ___ all day. Evening attended meeting in Christian Commission Chapel. Finished reading my bible through.

Oct 8. Stayed in camp & wrote letters. Got order to be ready to leave in the morning. Bought a pair of gloves.

Oct 9. Took leave of my brother Carl and marched to ___ three miles back. Took the cars for Culpepper.

Oct 10. Left my camp and orders to pack up for march. Fell in line at 12N marched one mile and halted. Read over night. Read the annointment of Lord.

Oct 11. Took up our line of march 10 AM Marched 14 miles near the two rivers. Forded the river 12 Oclock at night. ___ ___ and bivouacked for the night in the open field.

Oct 12. Went on picket along the Rappahannock. Fighting almost all day ___ the river.

Oct 13. Fell in at daybreak without any breakfast, marched double quick all day. Had a skirmish with the Rebs about 4 PM. Soon routed them, lost no men. Marched on until came to ___ & camped.

Oct 14. Fell in at daylight and marched about 20 miles and put in at Centerville. Hard fight in our rear. Rebs beaten. Took five pieces of artill. and 300 prisoners.

Oct 15. Fell in at daylight and marched 8 miles and camped at Fairfax Station. Fighting still going on with the cavalry.

Oct 16. Stayed in camp, saw a deserter from the 5th Mich Vol shot to death. The whole division paraded to witness the scene. A terrible sight.

Oct 17. Gen Sickles takes command of his old corps. Inspection of army by Maj. Stafford 20th Ind Regt returned from N York, joined our brig. Evening attended meeting.

Oct 18. Stayed in camp at Fairfax Station all day. Meeting in the AM and evening two started on the road to ___.

Oct 19. Fell in at daylight & marched to Manasas Station for diner. The rebs falling back. Marched about 2 miles farther and camped for the night.

Oct 20. Fell in at 6 AM and marched about 18 miles, forded two creeks and bivouacked for the night near Greenacre: hard march, went on picket.

Oct 21. Fell in at 7 AM . Marched 10 miles and went into camp near Callett Station, all they boys nearly worn out.

Oct 22. Stayed in camp all day. Evening attended meeting. Sermon by the Chaplain of the 22nd Regt.

Oct 23. Stayed in camp. Had inspection of arms by Capt. Nash. Evening attended prayer meeting in the hosp tent.

Oct 24. Stayed in camp. Cold and rainy all day. I wish this cruel war were over but God must choose the time.

Oct 25. Detailed on camp guard. All fair and pleasant day. Orders to march. Fell in after dark, marched a few rods & camped again.

Oct 26. Relieved 10 AM, stayed in camp. Called up from in a sweet sleep at 11 oclock at night. Marched about two miles & camped in the wood.

Oct 27. Remained all day near cedar run. Some cannonading in the direction of Moal-run shoals.

Oct 28. Layed out a camp moved a few rods & pitched tents. Wrote a letter to Sister Orisa & ___.

Oct 29. Fell in line at five in the morning. Marched about three miles to work on the rail-road but did no work. Evening attended prayer meeting.

Oct 30. Worked on the railroad shoveling dirt on the track. Another Union victory achieved by Burnside in the south west.

Oct 31. Worked on the rail way PM. Mustered for pay by Major Stafford. This time is ___away on the ___ ___ and another month gone.

November, 1863

Nov 1. Fell in line about 7 AM and marched about 6 miles & joined our brigade at Bealton Station. Prayer meeting sermon by 2nd U.S. Sharpshooters chaplain.

Nov 2. Stayed in camp near ___ ___. Went in the woods and cut a load of wood. Wrote letter to my parents. Read letter from ___.

Nov 3. Stayed in camp all day. Drew five days rations. Evening attended prayer meeting. Had a good time. The Lord is with us. One soul testified that he had found the savior.

Nov 4. Stayed in camp. Had inspection at 9 AM. PM wrote letter to Corpl Miserva. At Battallion Brigade drill by Gen Ward from three till five. Eve. attend meeting.

Nov 5. Stayed in camp all day. Battallion drill in the forenoon. Brigade drill afternoon & evening attended experience meeting.

Nov 6. At Brigade drill in the afternoon, in evening attended prayer meeting. The Lord is with us & who can be against us. O that were a better Christian.

Nov 7. Fell in line at daylight, marched ten miles & crossed the river at Kelly Ford. Sharp fighting, several Rebbel prisoners taken, the Rebs fall back.

Nov 8. Fell in at 8 AM, marched about five miles and bivouacked at Brandy Station. Cannonading all day. The Rebs falling back. 1300 prisoners captured.

Nov 9. Stayed in the woods at Brandy Station untill 6 PM. Fell in, marched about two miles and bivouacked in the wood. Had a good nights rest, all which we are in debt to our maker.

Nov 10. Moved a few rods & put up tents. A ___-the rest detailed for picket. Wrote letter. Weather clear & cold.

Nov 11. The detail for picket returned to camp; got orders to put up winter quarters. Evening had a prayer meeting with the boys of our ___ company.

Nov 12. The boys all busy building winter quarters & wrote letter in AM. Evening had a little prayer meeting.

Nov 13. Stayed in camp all day. Washed some clothes & received a letter from friend Prescott. Evening attended prayer meeting.

Nov 14. Stayed in camp at Brandy Station all day. Very warm & pleasant weather. Orders to not be troubled about winter quarters just yet.

Nov 15. Rainy & wet. Heavy cannonading commenced about 7 AM in the direction of Culpepper. Orders to be ready to march at a moments notice, did not march.

Nov 16. Grand review of our Corps (3rd) by Maj Gen French, commanding with staff and some foreign officers. Evening attended prayer meeting.

Nov 17. Remained in camp all day. Read, prayed and meditated upon many things attempting the destruction of the soldier in camp.

Nov 18. Detail of 75 men of our Regt. to build corduroy road.

Nov 19. The day of the great celebration at Gettesburg. Evening attended prayer meeting.

Nov 20. On Brigade guard. Rained some through the night.

Nov 21. Company drill in the AM. Rained hard most all day.

Nov 22. Sunday morning inspection ten AM. Attended meeting at the sharpshooters in the PM. Evening attended prayer meeting.

Nov 23. Stayed in camp all day. Inspection of arms & ammunition by Colonel Priggins. Eve received orders to be ready to march at 5 PM.

Nov 24. Rainy & wet, all packed up & ready to march before daylight. Still raining at 7 AM, fell in line, marched a few rods. Order contermanded, returned to our old camp.

Nov 25. Company drill in the AM in the PM stayed in camp. Evening attended prayer meeting.

Nov 26. Fell in line at 7 AM, marched ten miles. Crossed the Rapidan at ___ Ford just dark & stopped for night.

Nov 27. Fell in at 7 AM , marched about 6 miles. Went into battle about _ PM. Fired 40 rounds, lost five men of my Co(K) wounded. drove the Rebs back some south & held our line through the night.

Nov 28. Fell in a little before light, followed the retreating enemy all day hard ___ all the AM. Rained hard, very mudy, marched ten miles.

Nov 29. Stayed in the woods closed in mass all day. Skirmish firing all day. Cannonading towards night. Orders that we should charge the rifle pitts at 5 PM.

Nov 30. Fell in at 7 AM. Battle opened, heavy firing of the artillery. Our Regt went on the skirmish-line, drove the Rebs half mile, lost two men wounded. Fell back & resumed our position of the day before.

December, 1863

Dec 1. Stayed in line of battle all day. ___ ___ rifle pitts. Fell in soon after dark, marched all night very fast, crossed the Rapidan just before light at Culpepper Ford.

Dec 2. Fell in soon after daylight, marched all day & all night. Arrived in our old camp at 5 oclock in the morning. Tired, hungry & no rations.

Dec 3. Stayed in camp all day, tired & worn out & rations short. Straglers coming in all day. Called up in the night to march, did not go.

Dec 4. Stayed in camp. The afternoon the division was paraded to witness the execution of a deserter! A hard sight.

Dec 5. Fell in about two PM, expected to march. The Brigd was closed in ___. Stayed about an hour & returned to camp.

Dec 6. Stayed in camp all day. Our chaplain returned from home. Also Col Lansing returned from Elmira. Evening attend prayer meeting in my tent. Cold weather.

Dec 7. Fixed my tent, washed some clothes & evening attended meeting in the commissary tent, a heavenly time.

Dec 8. Stayed in camp all day. Wrote letter home, evening attended prayer meeting in Co. B tent.

Dec 9. Troops all building up winter quarters. Cold & clear weather. Drew ___, wrote letter to friend Tresmouth.

Dec 10. Stayed in camp all day. Wrote letter to Sister Margaret. Evening was detailed for picket.

Dec 11. Went on picket post with 4 men of Company G. Cold day, rained a little.

Dec 12. Still on picket. Orders issued for granting furloughs. Evening rained hard, such are the evenings of the soldier.

Dec 13. Relieved from picket-11 AM & returned to camp. Attended meeting: very pleasant: attend prayer meeting & wrote letter to the church.

Dec 14. Stayed in camp all day. Wet & mudy weather. Did but little of anything.

Dec 15. Worked on my tent with my three friends & tentmates Gilbert Aeler, Asa Cross & James D. Smith.

Dec 16. Completed my tent. Evening attended prayer in the commissary tent. Had a heavenly time. The Lord is with us.

Dec 17. Received pay of the government $32.90. Rained hard all day. PM moved into my new tent.

Dec 18. Stayed in camp. Three boys of my Co(K) reinlisted for three years. About 80 of my Regt reinlisted.

Dec 19. A large detail of the Regt went on picket. A severe cold day, washed some clothes in PM.

Dec 20. AM attended meeting in commissary tent. PM wrote letter to my sister Orisa, cousin MJ Owen. Evening attend prayer meeting in commis. tent

Dec 21. Pickets returned to camp. My friend & tent mate Asa Cross taken very sick with lung disease. Eve wrote letter to my friend C. Wood. J. Revere of Co G died.

Dec 22. Stayed in camp & took care of my friend Asa Cross, who is very sick. PM the Brgd was out on drill. Some serious thought of reinlisting in the U. S. service.

Dec 23. Early in the morning went to the Lieut. office & put my name down to reinlist on conditions that the Regt want. My friend Asa not better.

Dec 24. Stayed in camp. Took care of my sick friend Asa. News of the victory achieved by Gen Aurel. Great quantity Rebel stores burned or destroyed.

Dec 25. Stayed in camp. Took care of my sick friend Asa Cross, he getting better. O how thankful we ought to be for life & health. God grant that we feel so.

Dec 26. My sick friend still getting better. PM went to the woods after firewood.

Dec 27. Attended meeting in the commissary tent. ___ by Chap. Watts. My sick friend getting better. Evening attended meeting.

Dec 28. Stayed in camp all day. Had a severe foot ___. Had it drawn by the steward of the 124 N.Y. Regt.

Dec 29. Stayed in camp, helped to make and ___ muster rolls. Eve had prayere meeting in my tent.

Dec 30. On brigade guard. Sergeant of guard relief of 21 men. Very mudy & bad traveling but tis better than we deserve. No reason to find fault.

Dec 31. Relieved from guard at 8 AM. A very wet rainy day. Mustered into the U.S. service for three years or during the war. Thus I am sacrificing the prime of my life for my country but God be thanked that I have that privledge. Duty calls & duty speaks louder tones than pleasure.

Memoranda

Thus 1863 has gone, is numbered with the past. How full of blessings has my pathway been shown during the past year. Who but Almighty God could have brought me safely through so many dangers and when I look back over the past year how little I see that I have accomplished for my heavenly master. O God help me to devote the present year to thy service more than I have the past. Grant that I may be instrumental through thy son, Jesus Christ in leading some of my comrades to thee. And now as I have solemnly held up my right hand to serve my country for three more years honorably discharged. To thee O God help that I may also serve thee better than I have during the three past years. Help me to forget the past & look forward to the future. Help me to begin with the new year to consecrate my life more & more to thy service. Thanking thee for the innumerable & untold great & most bountiful miracles bestowed upon me through the past year. Help me to ever be ready to uphold thy cause & speak in defense of thy cause wherever & under whatever circumstances I may be placed and to discountenance sin & vice of every form & encourage virtue & religion. This is what I earnestly desire & pray O God & wilt thou grant it for thy Sons sake. Amen

20 Roberson P
21 Routs A
22 Sabner Dead
23 Schidy A
24 Walker Dead
25 Williams A
26 George A
27 Pinckard P
Northern neck of Va.

I have roamed Virginia over
and many places met
But for loveliness and lots of fun
Give me the Northern necks yet.
My country calls. I must obey,
and from my native land away.
But ere I go sweet one, I ask
Of thee a simple friendly task
that you remember me.

William Owen’s Third Diary

William Owen, Co K 86th NY Vols.

1864

Jan 1, 1864. Another new year has commenced & finds me in camp near Brandy Station, Va. & in good health. Thank God for it and may He grant that this year may be spent in doing much good. ___ may discountenance drunkenness, profanity & sin of every form and encourage virtue & religion. P.M. had a season of prayre in my tent with my friends in fullfillment of the covenant made one year ago to-day.

Jan 2. Went on picket about five miles from camp & near Culpeper. Very rough & hard moving. Arrived on the line about one PM. At five PM was relieved by the 184 NY Regt to go to camp & get pay. Arrived in camp eight in the evening.

Jan 3. First Sabbath of the new year. Attended meeting in the commissary tent. Text & AM the God. Was called out of meeting to get pay. Evening attended experience meeting, had a good time. God was with us & did bless.

Jan 4. Stayed in camp all day. Snowed hard. Wrote letter to my friend Prescott Mc Minde. Evening detailed for picket.

Jan 5. Went on picket near Culpeper, arrived on the line about ten AM. Was on reserve. Very cold weather.

Jan 6. Still on picket, received letters from home. Also one from Mrs. D Hilborn. PM answered the same.

Jan 7. Relieved from picket ten AM to go to camp and prepare for home. Marched to Brandy Station, took the cars 8 PM, road all night. Arrived in Washington at daylight in the morning.

Jan 8. The regiment marched from the long bridge to the soldiers retreat & stayed through the day. Went out to town doing some trading.

Jan 9. Took the cars ten AM for Baltimore, arrived there soon after dark. Stayed in the soldiers retreat through the night.

Jan 10. Marched to the Northern depot-took the cars ten AM for Elmira. Road all day, passed Harrisburg that night. Road all night, very tired & sleepy.

Jan 11. Arrived in Williamsport at day break. Road all day & arrived in Elmira four PM. Marched through the city. Did not meet with as hearty a reception as we expected. Stayed in the city hall through the night.

Jan 12. Stayed in Elmira all day. Done some tradeing.

Jan 13. Took the cars at Elmira for Cameron. Arrived in Cameron twelve N. Walked home, arrived home three PM. A hearty welcome! Thank God that he has permitted me to meet with my friends once more. May I ever give Him all the praise.

Jan 14. Went to ___ ___ ___ father. ___ on Hunts Hill. All things seem strange as I again mingle in civilized society, but enjoy myself very much. Tis God that has blessed me & permitted me to ___ with my friends & loved ones.

Jan 15. Visited my sister for the first time in two years.

Jan 16. Visited my friends the Hubbards PM. Attended covenant meeting for the first time in nearly three years. Had a good time, the Lord blessed my soul.

Jan 17. Attended church on old south hill. Enjoyed myself very much. How good the Lord is in ___ bringing me unworthy creature back and more to the society of my friends & loved ones.

Jan 18. Took leave of my friend George Knapp & went home. PM went to Woodhull with my father, saw some of my soldier friends. Had a good visit at Mrs. Warners. The remains of Capt John Warner were brought home.

Jan 19. Took leave of my friend Solomon Wildrick. Called at Mr. Lyons-also at Mr. Andress. Also at Mr. Walraths, also at Mr. Stuarts. Had a good visit! Enjoyed myself very much. God be thanked.

Jan 20. Visited my friend Joseph Reynolds. Was also at Grandfathers & evening attended spelling at my old school-house. Happy thoughts of the days that I used to spend here when a small boy.

Jan 21. Went to Jasper to visit my friend Gilbert. Did not come as promised. PM returned home. Evening went to my brothers. Stayed overnight.

Jan 22. Went to see my friend A Simonds & did not find him at home. PM returned home with my sister. Had a pleasant ride. Evening attended an R Fakey supper at Nelson Perys. Had a pleasant time. After supper went to Jasper, arrived three in the morning.

Jan 23. Went to my old school house, returned to my brothers with his team. PM went home. Saw two of my cousins, evening returned to my brothers, visited Mr. George Wentworth with my brother ___ his ___.

Jan 24. 5th Chapter of Ephisians, part of the 14th verse. Wherefore he sayeth, awake thou that sleepest & rise from the dead. Attended church at Jasper. Funeral sermon by Rev. Mr. Powell, NE Church. PM attended same church. Funeral sermon of one of my fellow soldiers by Rev. Mr. Rassen of Presbyterian Church. A good sermon from the aboved named.

Jan 25. Went to Mr. Andresses, stopped at Elias Jones in the AM. Took dinner & then returned home. Warm & pleasant, the snow all going off. Evening set up with the corpse of Mrs. Hilborn. My grandfather died nine oclock, thus death surrounds us on every hand. But what differeth it to us if we are only prepared.

Jan 26. Attended the burial of my Captain (John Warner) at Woodhull. A great crowd of people took charge of the escort. Marched into the street after which Capt. Barton took charge the prosession, passed off finely. Evening attended visiting party at the Bartons.

Jan 27. Attended the funeral of my grandfather, thus one is passing away after another. But a few short years and we shall all be gone. May God grant that our last hours may be peaceful as this man. O how bright ___ light to pass over Jordan. God have all the praise.

Jan 28. Visited Elder Stuart in the AM. PM visited at Mr. Luicks; evening went to my brothers, stayed all night. He that loveth abundance shal not be contented with increase.

Jan 29. Stayed at my brothers through the AM. PM prepared for the danations. Eve attended danation. Visit at Mrs. Seach. Had a splendid time. Industry, honesty and temperance are elements of contentment.

Jan 30. Returned home from the danation. Visited with my friend A Simons. PM went to Mr. Hubbards, saw my old friend Asa. Evening attended singing school.

Jan 31. Attended church on South Hill. Sermon by Elder Jacob Stuart. Text came unto me all ye that labor & are heavy laden & I will give you rest, for my yoke is easy & my burden is light! A good sermon.

February, 1864

Feb 1. Went to Westfield, Pa. Stopped at Froupsburg, went to the ___, left the center 9 AM, arrived at my sisters six PM.

Feb 2. Stayed at my sisters all day. Evening took a ride broke any carriage, returned to my sisters.

Feb 3. Went to Westfield got a new pair of ___ made returned to my sisters 12 N. Feed my horse, got dinner. started one PM for home. Arrived at Mr. Crosbys 7 PM. Stopped for the night.

Feb 4. AM visited my old soldier friend Symmes Sergeant. PM returned home. A pleasant time. Thank God for a home & so many friends.

Feb 5. AM helped my father draw wood. PM went to Jasper to the Corells. Evening went home with my friend Sargeant & visited at Mr. ___.

Feb 6. Visited Miss Stuarts school. There is an even tide in human life. A season when the eye becomes dim. The strength decays, when the winter of age begins to shed upon the headriffts prophetic snow. The spring & summer of our days soon pass away & with them not only the joy they knew but many of the friends who bestow them.

Feb 7. AM attended church at Hampshire. Text- surely theres no enchantment against Jacob ___ is there any divination against Israel. According to this line shall it be said of Jacob & of Israel What hath God wrought? PM returned home.

Feb 8. Visited my friends Mr. Perrys also Hattie Kapps school. Evening returned home. My friends Wm. Hillburn & ___ Jerne visited me.

Feb 9. I will write a few thoughts in another diary. Wonder if I can write one thought that can benefit anyone. Wish I could. Today has been ___ with storms and sunshine. The evenings pleases with sweet ___ which I praise next to the joys of a heavenly Fathers smile. It is this with life ever changing. Here is at the place I can rest enough when there are no mere mortals that need assistance to do their lifework. May you ever have strength from God and the consolations of His smiles to cheer you wherever you are is the wish of one who feels interested in all that is good.

Feb 10. Went to Bath with brother John, Cousin Melissa & M.G. Saw my friend S, returned home. Evening attended singing school. Had a good time.

Feb 11. Went to Mr. Walraths from there to brother Johns. Had visitors, went to see ___ about his farm.

Feb 12. Went to Era Thomass to get a wagon. PM returned to my brothers. Evening had a party at fathers house.

He who conceals his opinion has nothing to answer for.

Feb 13. Went to Jasper for the reception dinner. Had a good time. Eve a time long to be remembered.

Feb 14. Went to Westfield Pa to see my sister. PM attended meeting, eve attended meeting.

Feb 15. Reurned home by way of Era Thomases. Saw Cousin Nancy. PM arrived safe at home. Saw my uncle. Eve. went to brother Johns. Speaking without thinking is like shooting without taking aim.

Feb 16. Went to Bath with Daniel Wilder. PM took the cars for Elmira, arrived 6 PM.

Feb 17. Went to the American Hotel with my father, saw Captain Shimney, thence to the Williams Pa depot. Ten AM took the cars for Cameron one PM. Went to Cameron Hills visited the school. Evening went to Dr. Mitchell.

Feb 18. AM went to ____ville for dinner at the hotel. PM took the cars for Elmira.

Feb 19. AM in Elmira. Took the ten oclock train for Bath. Arrived in Bath five PM with my friend James D Smith. Evening attended meeting at the NE Church. Good meeting, several come forward afar ___.

Feb 20. Went to ___, stopped at the hotel got there, heard some sweet music. Returned to Bath nine AM. His form thine eye ___ angle smile for many years & may not see but wilt thou not sometimes ___ while my dearest friend remember.

Feb 21. 11PM left Bath for home. Arrived at eleven AM. Stayed at home until five PM & returned to Bath. A pleasant visit but I fear not very profitably spent day for Sunday God forgive me if I have done wrong.

Feb 22. AM Stayed in Bath. PM went two miles above ___ to see some friends. Stayed all night, returned to Bath in the morning.

Feb 23. Went to Liberty Corners to see some friends, had a splendid time. Enjoyed it very much.

Feb 26. Spent the day in Elmira until five PM. Took the cars for Baltimore. Rode all night. Passed through Williamsport & Harrisburg. Arrived in Baltimore at eight AM.

Feb 27. Arrived in Baltimore at 8 AM, went to Colonel Bliss HDI, applied for transportation, got it at 4 PM & took the 5 oclock train for Washington. Arrived in Wash. 7 PM. Took my squad of men to the soldiers rest, stayed overnight.

Feb 28. Applied for transportation at Head Q of the soldiers retreat. Got the same & took the train for Brandy. Arrived at Brandy three PM. Found that our division had gone across the Rapidan on reconnisance. Also the sixth & first army corps gone. Thus commenced my Sabbaths again in the army.

Feb 29. Stayed in camp all day. Wrote letters. How different my life now from that at home. Enjoyed myself. Evening went away out of camp into a large field, had a good season of prayer with my friend James D Smith.

March, 1864

Mar 1. Stayed in camp all day, wrote letters. Cold rainy weather. Sorrowful thoughts of the boys that are out on reconnissance. But thus it is with the soldier. All kinds of storms but we do not propose to find fault. Only hope this war may sooner terminate in the restoration of our union & we once more become a united people.

Mar 2. Stayed in camp all day, wrote letters, read. The regt returned to camp from their reconnissance. No news of importance. A very pleasant day. The boys all in good spirits.

Mar 3. Stayed in camp all day, wrote letter to Sister Hannah. A very pleasant day. Absence. O, absence by thy stern decree, how many at heart lights ___ once is filled with doubts & fears. Thy days like ___ do seem weeks. Thy weeks slow, months we deem moveing, Thy months long ___ ___.

Mar 4. Moved our camp to that of the 20th Indiana Regt. Have good quarters. 7 PM went to the US Christian Commission, got some reading matter. Evening attended meeting there, had a good time.

Mar 5. AM stayed in camp, wrote letter to my friend Symnes. PM helped to ___ seats in the Christian Commission tent for meetings. Tis not all of life to live or all of death to die.

Mar 6. Attended meeting at 11 AM in sermon by our chaplain of a ___. Evening attended meeting in the Christian Commission tent. [next sentence illegible]

Mar 7. [First entry illegible] Our boys came out even. Wrote two letters.

Mar 8. Stayed in camp all day & busied myself by reading. Evening was detailed for picket.

Mar 9. Went on picket at 7 AM. Arrived on the lines at eleven AM about three miles from camp. This is my first duty since my return from home. Seems old fashioned as though I had been soldier before. A very pleasant day.

Mar 10. Still on picket. A wet dismal day. Carried rails for fire. Read some in my testament & Burryans, Pilgrims, Prayers and thus the day passed off. No news of any kind.

Mar 11. Still on picket and yet raining. Received three letters. Who, who would live always away from his God

Mar 12. Relieved from picket at 11 AM & returned to camp. Evening received letter from Sister Orissa.

Mar 13. AM a grand review & inspection of our division. Such are the duties that the soldier have to perform on the Sabbath. Evening attended meeting in Captain Bakers tent. Had a good meeting.

Mar 14. Stayed in camp. PM had division drill. Quite a number of ladies present to witness the drill. Drilled three hours.

Mar 15. AM went out on company drill. PM had brigade drill from two till four. Pleasant weather & still times not much fancy___going on, for war times. Who, who does not desire peace? We shall have peace but it must be on the right terms. The restoration of the union.

Mar 16. Had a grand review of our whole corps (3) by Maj Gen French Comdg. It was a grand sight, some five or six females passed by with the generals staff & everything passed off finely. The review was on John Miner Botts farm. Returned to camp at three PM. Evening attended our prayre meeting, had a good meeting.

Mar 17. Had company drill in the AM & brigade drill in the PM. Engaged in a ball-play & I had a fine time. And the days are swiftly passing.

Mar 18. Company drill in the forenoon & battalion drill in the afternoon.

Mar 19. Company drill in the AM. No drill in the PM. Evening received a letter from my old friend ___.

Mar 20. Brigade drill in the AM. PM wrote letter, evening attended meeting in Captain Bakers tent.

Mar 21. AM did some washing for myself. PM Batt. drill. knowing anything without reason is like seeing without eyes.

Mar 22. Company drill in the AM, Brigade drill in the PM. The most pleasant companions in the world are pleasant thoughts.

Mar 23. Arose in the morning and found that the snow had fallen through the night about one foot deep. Had a fine time snowballing through the day. The weather quite warm and pleasant and the snow is melting very fast. Virtue unites and preserves while vice seperates and destroys.

Mar 24. Went on picket. A warm pleasant day. The snow going off very fast. PM went to a farm house, had quite a respectful visit with the Southerners. Engaged a canteen of milk for breakfast the next morn for thirty five cents. It would have been cheap at half the money. Good union people I guess not!

Mar 25. Still on picket. Snowed and rained in the evening. Our corps constricted. We put into the 2nd Corps.

Mar 26. Still on picket. Beside myself in reading a book entitled The Higher Christian Life is excelent book and O that my life might correspond with it.

Mar 27. Bright and fair with all the blessings of an infinetly good God resting upon me. O for a closer walk with thee. A heart from sin set free. A light to shine upon the road that leads me unto thee. My God my all and is all.

Mar 28. Company drill in the AM. Battalion drill in the PM, wrote two letters.

Mar 29. A grand review anticipated on by Gen Grant. Marched almost out on to the ground. Commenced raining, order was countermanded and we retired to camp. Rained all day & night. Evening attended prayre meeting in the company. Had a good time. God blessed us with the outpouring of his spirit.

Mar 30. Stayed in camp all day. Done nothing; Good business if poorly followed. Evening attended our general prayre meeting.

Mar 31. Moved our camp about two miles & camped near the railroad near Brandy Station. Quite an eventerment about putting tents.

April, 1864

Apr 1. Fixed up my tent, wrote letter. Rained all the afternoon. Nothing exciting or entertaining going on.

Apr 2. Stayed in camp all day. Rained hard, very mudy & nothing of importance going on.

Apr 3. Regimental inspection by Colonel Lansing commanding regt. It was in AM. Attended meeting in chapel. Sermon by the [the rest is illegible].

Apr 4. Stayed in camp all day. Wrote letter to my sister. [the rest is illegible].

Apr 5. Stayed in camp all day, still rainy with ___ ___. Evening had company prayre meeting.

Apr 6. Stayed in camp all day. Went and cut a load of wood for the company. Fair weather and more. The 6th of April, how fast the time is passing. Here I am this evening seated in my little tent with my friend Asa Cross. A bright little fire is burning in the day fireplace and all is compartively quiet around us. Probably this will not be for long.

Apr 7. Stayed in camp [rest is illegible].

Apr 8. In camp. Battalion drill in the PM. Wrote letter to ___. Received three letters all from my sisters. A very pleasant day. Evening wrote letters. Read my first copy of the morning star.

Apr 9. Stayed in camp all day. Forenoon cut a load of wood. Detail for 150 men for picket duty. Rained hard all day, almost a flood to night. Wrote an order to Rev D. M. Graham, Portland Maine for the Freewill-Baptist Quarterly. My candle is most exhausted and am going to bed.

Apr 10. Company inspection at 9 AM. Attended meeting at eleven AM. Sermon by the chaplain of the 124th Regt. NY Vol. Evening attended prayre meeting.

Apr 11. Regimental inspection by Major Stafford at 9 oclock AM. A very pleasant day. PM had a fine game of ball. Evening attended the debate. Question discussed. Resolved that the Rebbel property should be confiscated at the end of the war and given to the Federal soldiers. Decided by the president of the meeting (Capt. Baker) in favor of the afermitive.

Apr 12. Stayed in camp all day. The boys returned from picket AM. Evening attended prayre meeting.

Apr 13. Grand review by Maj Generals Mead, Hancock & Buterfield. Evening attended prayre meeting. My friend Peter Osborn was there, just arrived from Elmira. Had a good meeting, enjoyed myself well.

Apr 14. Battalion drill in the PM. Received pay of the government. The greater part of the men have ___ this evening.

Apr 15. Inspection of arms & acquitments By Capt ___. PM battalion drill. Detailed for picket duty. Evening attended meeting.

Apr 16. AM Went to Brandy Station and expressed forty dollars to my father. Also expressed forty dollars for me & friend Asa Cross and one hundred dollars for Captain ___. PM returned to camp carrying very much. Evening attended prayre meeting in the chapel. Had a very good meeting.

Apr 17. Inspection at ___ by Brigd Gen Hazel at 11 AM. Attended muster in the chapel. Sermon by Chaplain Bradner of the 126th Regt. PM a communion was on. Also 4 of my friends were baptized by Rev. Mr. ___(chaplain) of my regt. Evening attended prayre meeting, had a good meeting.

Apr 18. AM inspection by Brigd General Marsh. PM brigade drill and dress parade. See deserters from the Rebbel army pass by here almost every day. Pleasant but quite cool weather. Evening wrote.

Apr 19. AM had inspection by Maj Stafford. PM wrote letters & rebbel deserters coming in every day.

Apr 20. AM stayed in camp. PM brigade drill. Evening attended prayre meeting in the hospl tent. Had an expedient meeting, the Lord blessed us. One man sick in the hospl.

Apr 21. Brigade drill in the afternoon [next sentence illegible].

Apr 22. A grand review for Liet Gen Grant of the 2nd army corps. Saw the general for the first time. Gen Mead was also present with ___ other Maj Gens.

Apr 23. Stayed in camp all day. ___ ___ pleasant but very windy to-day.

Apr 24. Went on picket ___ Stevensburg. Arrived on the line at 11 AM. Had ___ of six pvts. W warm and pleasant day but rained all night. Forty five rebbels came in. Said there was any amount of them over there ready to ___. My God grant this it be.

Apr 25. Still on picket. Relieved from the line & came back to the grand reserve at 12 N. Report that the rebbels are moving up the Shennandoah Valley. The time for active operations is nigh. May God give me strength to ever do my duty, for him is my trust.

Apr 26. Returned to the line from the reserve. Stayed on the line until ___ then returned to the reserve.

Apr 27. Returned from picket and returned to the camp. Joined the camp. Our little tents now set up over the ground seems like old homes. How changeable is the life of the soldier. Received letter from Cousin Alanya also from my friend Chas. Wood.

Apr 28. Stayed in camp all day. Battalion drill in the PM. The Colonel had the photograph of the Regt. taken. We expect to march soon, very cool weather for the time of year. Evening everything lively through the camps. The boys having all kinds of sport. Some throwing others up in the air and catching them on a woolen blanket when they come down. Every one seems to be happy.

Apr 29. AM had a ball play. PM division drill.

Apr 30. AM went out shooting targets. Myself, took 8th ___ or shooting. PM stayed in camp, mustered for pay.

May, 1864

May 1. Inspection at 9 AM by Brig Gen ___. 11 AM attended meeting in the ___. PM attended prayre meeting. Evening attended prayre meeting.

May 2. Stayed in camp all day. A terrible wind & hail, quite poor weather.

May 3. Stayed in camp. PM battalion drill by Major ___. Got orders to be ready to march at 11 PM. Marched all night.

May 4. Reached the Rapidan at ten AM. Crossed the same at Ellis Ford. Marched very fast, arrived at the old Chancellorsville battle field at 2 PM. Stopped for the night ___ me ___ yesterday that we were engaged in the terrible battle on this ground and I was slightly wounded. It is most covered with graves of our ___ comrads. God is truly good in sparing me through so many battles & dangers since that time. To Him be all the praise.

May 5. Took up our line of march at 6 AM. Marched 15 miles and went into battle at three PM. Fought all the PM, drove the enemy some distance through the woods. Lost a very few men of our Regt. Charles B. Hilborn of my co. was wounded. God blessed me in the fight & I felt even there like praising his name. Stayed in line of battle all night, the ground covered with killed & wounded. The wounded crying for help. A terrible scene.

May 6. Opened fighting the enemy at daylight. Charged them through the woods, drove them all the AM. PM the 9 army corps on our left broke and the Rebbels surrounded us. Marched out by the right flank through a perfect hail of bullets. PM engaged again, most terrible musketry I ever heard. Rebs charged our breastworks & were repulsed with terrible slaughter. On line of battle all night. God is merciful still. Merring, Barber & Lanning of my (K) wounded.

May 7. Stayed in line of battle all day. At five PM fell in and marched about four miles and countermarched and resumed our old position. Reported that Richmond is taken. The Rebbels are falling back.

May 8. Fell in at day ten AM. Marched about five miles. Fighting still continues. Was detailed to go on the skirmish line. Stayed on pickett all night. Very warm weather. A great many of the boys marched until they were sunstruck and dropped down like dead men. Such are the Sabbaths of the soldier but thank God we are soldiers in a good cause.

May 9. Advanced our picket line about 1/2 mile ten AM. Was relieved from picket and reported to our brigade. Drew some rations, marched about two miles. AM were drawn up in line of battle. Hard fighting with artillery. PM heavy skirmishing until about six PM. Rebs fell back & we ___ about three miles. Crossed the Paumanky river. Thank God for life and health.

May 10. Fighting commenced early in the morning and lasted until dark. Took a severe shelling and Capt. Stone of our regt killed and Capt. Rimin severly wounded at about 7 PM. Was formed in line and charged the enemy breastworks & was taken prisoner. Loss very heavy in the charge.

May 11. Was marched to army headquarters. Artillery fighting all day.

May 12. Remained prisoner at arm. Headquarters, several prisoners brought in.

May 13. Still remain at Gen Lees HDQR.

May 14. Stayed at army H Quarters. Dull is a prisoners life.

May 15. Fell in at about three PM. Marched about 10 miles and stopped for the night.

May 16. Marched very hard all day. Waded creeks, tired and footsore. Marched barefoot in the PM.

May 17. Marched very hard. Reached Gardensville at one PM. Night very cold and had no blanket. The worst night that I ever spent soldiering.

May 18. Remained at Gardensville until about dark. Took the train for Lynchburg, rode all night.

May 19. Arrived at Lynchburg at ten AM. Marched about one mile out of the town and camped in the field. Had a good wash.

May 20. Took the cars at Lynchburg for Dansville. Rode all day and all night. Very tired.

May 21. Arrived at Dansville about ten AM. Went into a large brick prison.

May 22. Took the cars at 7 AM, passed through Dansville, Greensborough, changed cars at the latter place. Passed through Jamestown at sun down. Rode all night, arrived at Charlotte at day light and changed cars.

May 23. Changed cars and took the Charlotte & South Carolina railroad. Passed through Chester S.C. about 12 N. PM passed through Winsborough and near Seangletown. Changed cars just dark at Columbia. Rode all night.

May 24. Arrived at Ambery ten AM. Crossed the Savannah river into Augusta, Georgia and changed cars. A fine shower. Rode all night, very tired.

May 25. Arrived at Americus, Ga 2 PM. In prison with about 1600 men. Said to be a sixteen acre lot. Very warm.

May 26. In prison and what shall I write. Nothing to do but read my Testament and think of home and the happy time that I enjoyed there. And of when this cruel war will be over and I with the rest of my comrades be permitted to return to those we love most dearly. God grant that the time may not be far distant.

May 27. Still in prison and nothing to do but live in hopes of a pleasant life in the future. Very hot weather.

May 29. A bright Sabbath day spent in a gloomy prison.

June and July, 1864

Jun 1. Took charge of a detatchment of ninety men to draw rations.

Jun 6. Sick in 593 John Morgan, A. McCormic, Birdsell, A. Gross

Jun 7. Sick of my detatchment: B. Gammins,2, H. McCarmine,4, S. Allen, 2, M. Edwards,4, B. Lombard,4, P. Murphy, E. Gifford, M. Figmor, M. Burke.

Jun 8. Sick in detatchment: Henry Fincke,H. McCarmine, A. Gross

Jun 9. Sick in detatchment: H. McCarmine, A. Gross.

Jun 10. Sick in detatchment: H. McCarmine Wood detail: .Stead,Kay,Giger,Brown,Miller,McCray, Bink,Sealing,Bisley,Collins,Cook, Cogswell,Atchinson,Rogers. July 13. We the undersigned do solemnly promise never to speak of anything that we have no business.

Jul 22. We the undersigned solemnly promise never to speak of any thing we have no business to: Wm Owen, H.A. Pierce, A. Allen, J. Evers, Wm. Bloomfield, J. Brown, M. Stowe, Dion, Dodge, Clough, Hillborn.

Jul 29. George Thurston died in Camp Sumter.

August, September, October, 1864, and miscellaneous entries.

Aug 1. Heard a sermon by a Methodist minister from Florida. He also read in the Macon paper (copy from the N.Y. Herald) that an aggreement that would affect a speedy exchange had without a doubt been made. Good news to us.

Aug 2. A few prisoners came in from Gen. Shermans army. Report a terrible battle fought on the 28th of July in Atlanta. Terrible shower in the PM.

Sep 7. Three detatchments went out of the prison on their way to our lines for exchange also some sick.

Sep 8. Some more prisoners left for exchange as we expect.

Sep 13. Left Camp Sumpter in the morning at sun rise. Took the cars for I do not know where.

Sep 14. Arrived in Augusta early in the morning.

Sep 15. Arrived in Kingsville.

Sep 16. Arrived at Florance, went into the prisoners camp.

Sep 17. Slipped the guard with ___ of my friends and am now on my way to our lines. May God prosper us.

Sep 18. In the woods living on sweet potatoes and beans. Traveled all night.

Sep 19. Stayed in the wood all day. Traveled all night.

Sep 20. Stayed in the wood all day and traveled all night. Met an old colored man who proved to be our friend and gave us a good supper and bread to carry with us.

Sep 21. Stayed in the wood all day and traveled all night. Rained hard.

Sep 22. Stayed in the woods all day and traveled all night, rained very hard.

Sep 23. Stayed in the woods all day. Traveled all night.

Sep 24. Stayed in the woods all day. Traveled all night.

Sep 25. Stayed in the woods all day and traveled a part of the night.

Sep 26. Stopped in a peace of woods all day. Traveled all night.

Sep 27. Stopped in a peace of woods all day. Came very near being discovered by a man hunting. Evening set out on our travel, only traveled part of the night.

Sep 28. Stopped in the woods all day and traveled all night.

Sep 29. Stayed in the woods all day and traveled all night. Lived high to-day on raw potatoes, cabbage and sugar cane.

Sep 30. Stayed in the woods all day and traveled all night. Passed through Charlotte and around the Danville rail-road.

Oct 1. Stayed in the wood all day and traveled but a short distance during the night on account of the dark and rain.

Oct 2. Stopped by a haystack through the day and night.

Oct 3. Stopped in a peace of woods, rained hard. Ventured to approach a house and found that they were union people. Was treated very kindly by them (seems like home).

Oct 4. Stayed in the woods all day. Evening went out to look for meat and potatoes.

Oct 5. Stayed in the woods all , was treated very kindly by the union ladies. Evening took our leave of our friends and started on our journey, with all the information that they could possibly give us. Also a four haversacks full of bread and potatoes.

Oct 6. Stayed in the wood part of the day and traveled through the woods part of the day. Rained very hard.

Oct 7. Reached the Catawba river early in the morning, river very high from the recent rains. But set to work and made a float of rails with grape-vine withs and floated over. Traveled all night.

Oct 8. Stayed in the wood all day, came very near being retaken. Started out on my journey and was taken prisoner before going two miles. Treated very kindly.

Oct 9. Was taken to Simonton, about 17 miles. Rode in a bugy. Put in jail. Treated very kindly by the people of the jail.

Oct 10. Took the cars at Simonton for Salisbury. Passed through Charlotte. Arrived in Salisbury at eleven PM. Was safely landed in the Salisbury prison. About ten thousand prisoners in the prison.

Nov 25. A brake made in camp by the prisoners. Several killed & wounded. Myself wounded very slightly on the arm. But very few if any made their escape.

Feb 22nd [1865] left Salisbury Prison, Feb 27th arrived in our own lines & exchanged. Friday the 4th left Wilmington on the steamer Rebeka Barton. Friday the 10th arrived at Annapolis Md.

January 27th, 1865. My friend Henry A. Pierce went to the hospital. Very sick.

S.T. Pierce, Norwich, Schenango Co. N.Y. My beloved brother in Christ (Henry A. Pierce) died February 7th, 1865 in prison at Salisbury, N.C. As he lived so he died. A faithful Christian trusting fully in Christ & having perfect peace of mind.

These diaries were transcribed by Lee McKewen.