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August
8, 1862 (Pittsburgh)
I rose early in the morning, opened up the store
ready for business, went to breakfast, came back and waited for Mr. House
to come in when I informed him of my intention to take service in the
Army of my Country. He offered no objection. I then arranged my affairs,
went to the Office at No. 2 St. Clair Street, signed the enlistment papers
and was immediately sworn into the Pittsburg Heavy Artillery...
August
14, 1862 (leaving Pittsburg)
I do not think myself really a coward and can't
say that I am afraid or that I regret having decided to take a part in
the crushing of this Rebellion. But on this occasion my thoughts are sad
and apprehensive. Will I live to meet all of my kind friends when this
war is over and must I fall a victim to the ambitions of these infernal
Rebels? Some of us undoubtedly are taking our last fond gaze at the Smoky
City. If we fall may we fall with honor and may our lives purchase Peace
for our survivors.
August
24, 1862 (Fort Delaware)
We were aroused early by the shrill notes of the
bugler playing Reveille, got up, washed at a large cistern and after making
such a toilet as we could we were marched to the quartermaster's department
and furnished with camp equipage, went out to a very nice grassy spot
where we pitched our tents and divided ourselves into eight messes.
August
26, 1862
After getting breakfast and eating heartily of it,
I took my first stroll around the island and I find it is a very pretty
place. Afterwards I came back to the camp and went to work to get dinner.
We got fresh beef and beans today. Some of the boys brought me some very
fine peaches from the famous Jersey orchards.
September
19, 1862
Weather still fine. We drew our coat, pants and
blouses today. The City of Norwich landed 1,800 Rebel prisoners, miserable,
filthy rascals they are.
September
21, 1862
At about 8 a.m. a large steamer ran into No. 3 Wharf
and discharged a cargo of Johnny Rebs. I was detailed for guard duty for
the first time and I was about as awkward as I could be, could scarcely
come to shoulder arms, having never been on drill in my life. However
with a good supply of cigars and plenty of shade I got through with it.
September
27, 1862
Got my second turn at guard duty on the river bank
and got along pretty well until 1 o'clock at night when in the dark I
fell off a narrow plank into the river, lost my gun and cap, knocked another
man's gun into the river and lost it. At 2 a.m. I was back at my post
and stood until 9. Got my own gun out of the river, went to quarters where
Boggs and I had a little fuss but nothing but a little swearing was done.
I had to work all day getting my gun cleaned up.
October
5, 1862
Have been about the tent devouring fruit and reading
all day. About 11 p.m. went over to the hospital to watch over some of
the boys who are sick, found Vance almost dead. Crumrine and Granny delirious,
had to be either tied down or held in bed, Young is equally wild but not
so strong and boisterous, McMyers also wild, John Thomas very sick but
not crazy, many of the other boys sick but not so bad as these. The disease
is typhoid fever probably induced by eating so much fruit and lying on
the damp ground. At about 1 a.m. poor Vance died.
January
1, 1863
Came off guard at 9 a.m., was very tired and sleepy,
tried to get sleep, but the noise prevented it. Read until noon, was then
detailed to go with six others to take the dead body of Tharp to Delaware
City. We deposited the body in the Dead House then went to the Whiskey
House and took a drink. We wanted to stop a while on account of New Year's
but Lt. Young couldn't see it and we were marched on board the boat and
had a pleasant trip. Got up a dance in quarters and were happy until Taps
sent us to bed.
August
28, 1863
Started for Wilmington on board the G. Ralph at
7 a.m., arrived at 9 a.m., got breakfast then went out to look for fun.
Found the ugliest woman I had ever met. Took dinner with Mrs. Bryan. News
came in of the surrender of Fort Sumter and Wagner's Island and the citizens
had a jollification. We called on the ladies, called first at Bradies
(good time) then at Gettys, Boyd's, Ayers, got our rations then started
for the depot. Got into conversation with the captain of the guard to
avoid being asked for papers.
January
1, 1864
There is not much going on today. I am inside most
of the day playing cards. Went down to Mrs. Patterson's at 8 p.m. Some
7 or 8 Irish girls are there, a dozen boys and two fiddles, we conclude
to be jolly, went to dancing, kept up till morning but had two quarrels
and came near to bursting up. The wind is blowing at a fearful rate and
it is the coldest night of the season. I went out at 2 o'clock and stayed
until 4 then went back to the party.
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