Monday, June 19, 1865

Very pleasant.  Reached Baltimore at 6 A.M.

Sunday, June 18, 1865

Was up at 2 o'clock this morning and after taking a hasty lunch and bidding adieu to what there were left of Co. B, I started with 23 others for the steamboat landing.  Left Richmond at 6 o'clock in the Str. Georgianna. Passed Ft. Darling and the sunken reb Ironclads. Reached Ft. Monroe at 2 P.M.  took Str. Daniel Webster at 5 P.M. for Baltimore.  As usual the soldiers had no accomodations.  I slept what I could on the top of a water cask.

Saturday, June 17, 1865

Some cloudy and very warm.  We have at last got paid. Mitchell made an attempt to hang himself but was found and cut down in time to save his life.  He is deranged partially and thinks some evil is to befall him.  We have procured transportation and are to start for Baltimore tomorrow at 6 A.M.I have spent a large part of the day walking over the city.  Got a poor dinner for $1.00.  I got $188.75 today.

Friday, June 16, 1865

Still cloudy and warm.  Another day of disappointment.  All hands went downtown today expecting to be paid, but no!  We could not.  Must wait another day.  Went out in the country after noon and had a pleasant visit at Waltons.  Got a lot of blackberries and took a bathe [sic] in the pond then came into camp.  I am getting almost tired of citizens life if I must spend all my time waiting as I am here in Richmond.

Thursday, June 15, 1865

Warm and cloudy.  No rain.  All hands went down to pay musters today to get our pay, but to our disappointment the rolls were not in and we could not get paid.  So I must spent another day in the old camp.  Hiram and I went all round the city today to see what was to be seen of interest.  Three companies of the Regiment were paid today and start tomorrow for home.  I live in hopes that we may be paid tomorrow.  Am very homesick 

Wednesday, June 14, 1865

Very hot A.M.  P.M. showery  Went down to the city today with all the discharged men of Co.B. to see about our pay.  Found that we could not be paid until tomorrow so we won't get farther than to Boston Sunday next.  Shall try to beat home Thursday the 22nd day of June.  Wrote a letter to Mary today.

Tuesday, June 13, 1865

A.M. fair and very warm.  P.M. showery  Hiram G, Cyrus Cushman and I went to the city today and visited several places of interest.  Among them was the Capital.  We went up a loft and took a view of the city from the roof.  It was  a splendid View away in the distance could be seen the bluff (Drury)on which the renowned-»-Ft. Darling.  The old flagstaff that so long sustained the traitorous rag of the now defunct Confederacy is rotten and nearly ready to fall.  We took a book from the capital as a memento.  There was a Review of the Corps tonight in the rain.  The boys got back to camp at 9 P.M.

Monday, June 12, 1865

Cloudy and quite warm.  This the birthday of my freedom from military restraint.  24 men,I am among them, were mustered out of service and discharged this day.  I went out with Hi and picked my hat full of blackberries.  Took a bath in mill pond and came in at dark.  Don't expect to leave for home for several days for reason of not being able to obtain pay.  I go to bed tonight a CITIZEN.

Sunday, June 11, 1865

Morn. cloudy.  P.M. fair and warm.The great excitement of today has been the mustering out of the62 men and one year recruits of the 8th Regiment, but our Co. was not mustered by reason of the absence of the Officers.  I went out on a pass today but made but little stop as I expect to be discharged.  I think tomorrow will be my GREAT DAY.  I wrote a letter to Lot Young today.  Attended meeting at the chapel tonight and heard an excellent discourse by the Chaplain from the text "Be Ye Also Ready."

Saturday, June 10, 1865

Morn. cloudy.  M. fair  P.M. a heavy shower.  The 24th Corps were to have a Review today and all went down to the city when the shower overtook them and they stood there all through it and then came back to camp without the Review but not without a good drenching.  I have been at work on the papers today and have got them all done.Also some other writing on the Co. books.

Friday, June 9, 1865

Cloudy today but no rain.  I have been at work today on the discharge papers and have got them pretty well along.  Wrote a letter to Villa today.  There are no news to record today.  The boys are anxious to go home-

Thursday, June 8, 1865

Still hot, dry and sultry.  I have been hard at work on the muster out papers to get them fixed up.  Also have been fixing up things for my future successor.  I wrote a letter to Mary today.  Also received one from Villa.  Don't look for many more letters in the army.  I went out and had a bathe and went and got a lot of cherries.

Wednesday, June 7, 1865

Another very hot sultry day.  I learned that we are not to be mustered out now until sometime the first of next week as transportation cannot be obtained.  The mustering officer came up today and examined the rolls and discharges and pronounced them wrong so I have to make them all out over again.  It is no small job.

Tuesday, June 6, 1865

Some cloudy but quite warmI made monthly returns of camp and Garrison Equipage this morning.  Then went to work on Muster Out Rolls for the men who are to be mustered out under the recent order.  We learned that we will  be mustered out tomorrow.  It is the report that President Johnson has been assassinated.  I received a letter this morning from Frank and one fromMary Susan.  At 10 P.M. I retire for the night.

Monday, June 5, 1865

Still hot and sultryLounged around camp in the A.M.  and P.M.  went out in the country and filled my haversack with cherries.  Had pleasant chat with a goodUnion family in the country.  Saw the summer residence of Jeff Davis.  At least a place where his family used to reside during the war.

Sunday, June 4, 1865

Very hot and sultry.  I was detailed on guard today and after mounting guard and reporting to the guard house we were relieved on account of the extreme heat of the day.I went over to Brigade Head Quarters and did some writing.  Also attended meeting at the chapel.  Then in the evening wrote along letter to Miss Valentine.  Don't hear anything new about going home except the wild talk of the boys in camp.  Days pass heavily weigh at present as we are all anxious for the glad time to come when we shall go home and see the dear ones.

Saturday, June 3, 1865

Very warm and sultry.  I have done but little writing today In the P.M. went out with some of the boys and took a bathe Also went to a farm house and got a lot of nice cherries to eat.  Found the old man a well informed and well disposed man who made no bones of calling old Jeff by his right name,The Old Prince of Traitors and he expressed his belief that he would swing.  I wrote a letter to Mary today.

Friday, June 2, 1865

Fair and the warmest day of the season.  Have been an work all day on Co. papers.  Rec'd a letter from Villa which is the first since I left home in February.  The boys seem glad enough after prospect of soon going home.  My thoughts are now on home and I cannot think of what to write in a diary.  Commenced a letter to Mary today.

Thursday, June 1, 1865

Fair but very warm.I spent the A.M. writing for Lt. Phinney for which he paid me $2.00.P.M. Hiram and I went to the city and spent the day walking about the city.  Called on a family and had a southern Miss play the piano and ? talk secish.  An order came tonight to muster out such men as their terms would expire on or before October 1st, 1865 which embraces me.  We hope to go home soon.  I worked for Lt. Phinney till 11:00 and got for my days work $4.00.

Wednesday, May 31, 1865

Another very fair pleasant day.  I have been busily engaged part of the day with Co. books and papers.Wrote a letter to Mother Perry and Mary.  Went out on a pass into the country this P.M. with the Orderly and Hiram.  Had a good bathe in the mill pond then went to a farmhouse and got two quarts of cherries for 30 cents.  Came in and went to Brigade Head Quarters and made out returns of clothing, camp, and Garrison equipment for Lt. Ingalls. It is reported that troops are being mustered out of service in the 24th Corps.

Tuesday, May 30, 1865

A most beautiful day.I have been engaged all day on Co. books and papers getting things ready to wind up preparatory to going home.  I got some very interesting letters from Mother, Mother P. and Mary this morning and found time to write a long letter to Mother.  There is a report tonight that we are to leave for home in a few days which seems very encouraging to all hands.  We got the news today of the surrender of the army of Kirby Smith which completes the triumph of the Union army and promises that we may soon be home.

Monday, May 29, 1865

Some cloudy but pleasant - I spent the A.M. writing for the Co.  P.M. there was a Grand Review of the First Div. of 24th Corps by Gen. Gibbon.  Also Gen. Halleck and Gen. Ord and a large gathering of civilians.  I think Gov. Pierpont but am not certain.  I never saw troops march finer or make a better appearance generally.  The old 8th Maine did her prettiest and Col. McArthur seemed proud of her.  I could not help feeling a pride in the splendid marching and I almost felt that I would like to be a soldier for a trade for life.  But no- Give me home after all.

Sunday, May 28, 1865

For a wonder, we have had a fine day. Had an inspection at 9 A.M. in the Co. streets.  At its close I went out to church and heard a dry sermon by a Johnny minister by the name of Walker.  Spent a few hours in agreeable conversation with a Virginian by the name of Johnson who is a good Union fellow and a smart one, too.  Had a cordial invitation to take tea with a family by the name of Walton but did not.   There are all sorts of rumours afloat about our going home but I don't expect to go just yet.  Have not found much to interest or profit by today.  Have spent the day almost to no purpose.  Hope I may do better in the future

Saturday, May 27, 1865

Another cold rainy day.    I have kept my tent all day today pretty much on account of the wet and cold.  It is as cold as winter nearly.The papers give interesting accounts of the capture and confinement of Jeff Davis within the casements of Fort Monroe, Va.  The old traitor was placed in these the 22nd day of May, 1865 where he will have a good chance to reflect on his crimes.  I read a long letter from Miss Valentine today and one from Mary.  Very interesting, which latter I answered.  There is no excitement here now for any cause.

Friday, May 26, 1865

Heavy rain all day.  Wind N.E.  It has been so wet and cold today that I have kept my bed a part of the day to keep warm.  I have done some business, however, for the Captain.  Some think we are to leave for home very soon but I can hardly see the point yet though I think we may leave within the next month.

Thursday, May 25, 1865

Cloudy and windy with signs of rain.  I have been quite busy today making out papers for Thomas Marland who died in Richmond June 3rd, 1864.  Also making out a table showing the date at which the term of service expires of all the men in the company.  Rec'd a long letter from Frank this morning and wrote him one quite as long.  Our Col. fell from his horse last eve. and was hurt some but not dangerously.  We got all the particulars today of the capture of Jeff Davis in his wife's clothes.  It was a laughable affair.  He was at Fort Monroe at last accounts with his family under a strong guard.  Our regiment is fixing up in grand style but don't expect to enjoy it long.

Wednesday, May 24, 1865

Fair and quite cool and pleasant.  We were called in at thirty five minutes past 5 o'clock this morning to go down to the city and escort the 6th Corps through the city.  The whole First Div. of the 24th A.C. was there.  The 6th boys had just returned from Danville and looked a little rough but pretty robust and rugged.  While they were passing a bevy of colored children assembled on the sidewalk and sang various patriotic Union songs to the great amusement of the troops even to Generals.  Among the songs were "We'll Hang Jeff Davis on a old Apple Tree.”  More talk of going home.

Tuesday, May 23, 1865

Fair and beautifully pleasant.  I did some writing this A.M. and in the P.M. went out with Hiram and Stewart Walton to bathe and went to a farmhouse where I had a pleasant and agreeable conversation with the family who seemed quite intelligent and communicative.  They gave the best proof of being good Union people.  I wrote letters today to Mother Perry and Lot Young

Monday, May 22, 1865

Morning showery.  PM fair   eve. showery again with heavy thunderI have done but little writing today and not much else.  It is a time of general idleness here now.  I got a letter today from Lot Young, a very cordial one.  Last night was the most terrible rainy night I ever saw.  It was one incessant thunder shower from night till morning and old settlers here say there has not been such a freshet here for many years.

Sunday, May 21, 1865

Morn. cloudy. M fair  eve. showery with heavy thunderI attended church this A.M. with my Captain, Leuit., Orderly and several others at a church about two miles out from here. Heard a very good service from the text "How Shall We Escape We Neglect so great Salvation.”  The singing was of the most ordinary kind, drawled out after the style of South Carolina negro singing.  The church was a pretty building in a shady grove altogether a neat place of worship. Heard a good sermon from our Chaplain this P.M. at the Chapel.

Saturday, May 20, 1865

Fair till eve.  then showeryI wrote a very long letter to my wife today, also one to all the children.  In the afternoon I went out with a squad of men for wood and stopped at a farm house and got a dish of bread and milk.There is much talk of all troops being mustered out of service whose term expires before the 31st of October next.  I hope it is so with all my heart as I am all ready to go home.

Friday, May 19, 1865

Morn fair  P.M. cloudy Eve showery with thunderI spent the A.M. in camp  Had a Brigade inspection in the morning but it didn't last long.P.M. I went out on a pass with some of the boys to bathe wandered around some and called at a farm house where a little girl gave me a pretty bouquet of flowers.I got a letter from Mary this morning Also a pair of nice stockings.  I wrote a letter to the children tonight.Had a pleasant chat with the Chaplain this evening at theChaplain's Tent.  All is quiet here now.

Thursday, May 18, 1865

Very warm, fair and fineI have done but little work today and in fact there is but little to do nowadays.  We have turnpiked a beautiful street for our company grounds and have as neat a ground as we ever have had.I wrote a long letter to my dear wife today.  I would much rather have gone home and spent the same time in sweet conversation.  Hope I shall enjoy that treat ere long.We were ordered to get ready and go on Review today but it was soon countermanded which pleased the boys very much.

Wednesday, May 17, 1865

Still fair and very fine  Have had a lazy day today not doing but very little writing.Attended a prayer meeting in the Chapel this evening.  Was interested in the remarks of the Chaplain in which he compared the Christians in the army to the sturdy oak standing alone on a barren hillside which is rooted firmer and made stronger by each succeeding blast it encounters  - so the Christian, surrounded by hostile elements if faithful is driven to take deeper root in Christ by every assault from his spiritual enemies.  May my heart learn to trust in Jesus and may every blast shift me nearer and nearer to Him who has said Whosoever Cometh to Me I will Nowise Cast Out

Tuesday, May 16, 1865

Another very beautiful day.I spent the A.M. writing for the Co.  and in the P.M. Hiram, Ken  and I went out on a pass.  Had a good swim and picked a few quarts of as nice strawberries as I ever ate.This is the first anniversary of the Battle of Drurys Bluff, the hardest battle I was ever engaged in. I hope I may be at home before the next year rolls round.  Our Col. is ?? to fix up in style but is opposed to drills though we have orders to drill four hours each day.

Monday, May 15, 1865

Fair, warm and fineIt has been a busy and a perplexing day today though all the cares.  I have found time to write letters to Emily and Mary.  The Col. is making an effort to have this camp the neatest and prettiest one we have ever had and he is unusually particular in all its details.  We got the glorious news today of the capture of old Jeff Davis, the arch old traitor of infamous renown.  I hope he will receive his just reward.  No excitement here.

Sunday, May 14, 1865

Fair and very fine.It has been a busy day with me and with all the Reg't.  I had to clean up for inspection in the morning Then after inspection we were called in.  Marched on the Color Line where we fooled around several hours waiting to be relieved by Gen’l Gibbons when lo! nobody but Col Fairchilds came to see us.  Next came a lot of clothing and I must go and find what each man wanted and drew it and help issue it out to the men which used up nearly all the rest of the day.  There were two meetings in the chapel but I could not attend.

Saturday, May 13, 1865

A very warm pleasant day.I have spent most of the day in writing for the Co. Made out final statements, inventory of effects and descriptive lists of C. Morris and Rideout and sent them to the A.G.O.  Hiram and I have finished our tent and have moved into it tonight.  Have the Orderly and Ole Olsen with us tonight.The fifteenth A.C. has been passing us all day today with an immense wagon train of miles in length.  There is a rumour that all troops are to be mustered out who have less than eight months to serve but I don't credit the rumour.  Sgt. Inglis trusts me with $2.00 today as a special favor.

Friday, May 12, 1865

Cloudy and windy and cold.It rained all last night violently and this morn. is cold enough for winter.  Sherman's troops have been passing all day today.  It has been a busy day with the Co. building the new houses.  Hiram and I have built us a fine one.I had a falling out with Sgt. Hackett who is anything but a gentleman.  Have never been treated with so much unkindness by any man in the army as I have by Hackett.  His hand seems to be against every man and every man's hand against him.Finished a long letter to Mary today. Received one from her this morning full of interest

Thursday, May 11, 1865

A.M.  fair and warm.  P.M. fair most night till heavy shower  came up with thunder and lightening.  Rained violently all the evening. Gens. Sherman, Howard, and Davis passed here.  Their army has been passing here all day.  They are rather a rough looking set of fellows and evidently think they are the great heros of this war. I went out with a squad today to a mill pond and had a splendid bathe.  I have made out two new corps warrants for J. Shaw and Smart. I commenced a letter to Mary today but have not time to finish it. We are having a nice Chapel tent put up.

Wednesday, May 10, 1865

A.M. cloudy  P.M.  fair and coolI finished my monthly returns today and sent them away.  Sherman’s army was expected to march past here today but did not.  Gen’l Custer's division of calvary went past here today.  I saw Gen'Is Custer, Crook and Merritt.  The horses were pretty well faded.

Tuesday, May 9, 1865

Rained some last night and has been cloudy all day.  I have all day at work on the Monthly Returns and making out statements of property lost or abandoned.Sherman's army is across the river in Manchester and is to march through the city of Richmond tomorrow.  Hear no news of importance from any quarter.

Monday, May 8, 1865

Still dry and warm.I have been making out invoices and receipts today. Also some clothing receipt rolls and had the men sign them.  Wrote a letter to J.A. Caldwell today.I see by the papers that the 24th A.C. is to remain at Richmond for the present.  The boys feel rather disappointed as they all want to go home badly. Two of our boys went home on furlough today.

Sunday, May 7, 1865

Another fine lovely day.Received letters this morning from Lot Young, Mary, Mary S., Mary E.,and Arolyn.  They gave me much satisfaction.  After reading them and going on inspection I went to writing letters.  Wrote to Mary, Lot Young, Mary Susan, Emily and Arolyn Sleeper.    Had no meeting today by reason of the illness of the Chaplain.Hope he will be able to preach every Sunday in the future.  Oh!  How I want to go home.  It is more than tongue can tell.

Saturday, May 6, 1865

A very warm pleasant day.In A.M. started early this morning and went to the city Formed in two lines of battle one on each side of the street and remained there all day presenting arms to all the Generals and Cols who command brigades.  The whole of the 2nd and 5th Corps passed through which took the entire day.  Citizens of R. turned out in great numbers to witness the grand procession.  The troops were dusty and hard looking fellows.  I saw George Webber, Gil Dolly and Wes Emery.  These troops are to march all the way through toWashington where they are all discharged after having a grand review.

Friday, May 5, 1865

Rained some last night and has rained violently nearly all day in thundershowers.Our corps was to escort the Potamac Army through the city ofRichmond but after we had marched about half a mile on the way to the city in the mud and rain we were turned about as they were not to move today.I have mended my pants and written a long letter to my wife.There is a rumour that all the volunteers except Veterans are to be discharged but I don't credit it much.  No important news from any quarter.  All quiet here.

Thursday, May 4, 1865

It has been a very pleasant day.  Hi Sleeper and I have been to the city of R. today and seen all the sights to be seen around the city.  Visited the capital, prison,Castle MaMere,  cemetery, the residence of Gen'l Lee, and many other places of historic interest.  Went to the Falls just above the city which present quite a romantic view.  There are many old dilapidated buildings in R. that would be demolished instantly in any northern city as a public nuisance.  Came back just before night weary with my long  walk.  Saw at the cemetery the tomb of President Monroe and several other distinguished departed.  The burial ground is very pretty and the adornment on some of them costly.

Wednesday, May 3, 1865

Rather cool but fair and fine.I finished up my Ordinance Returns today and did some other writing for the Co. which kept me very busy all day.  All the boys feel confident that they are soon to go home but I can't see anything conclusive to the point.Had a very pleasant conversation with Sgt. Inglis relating to the aspect of our national affairs.  We came to the conclusion that there was a glorious future in store for us as a nation.May God give us wisdom to act wisely in this important hour of our country's history.

Tuesday, May 2, 1865

Quite a cold day.  Cold last night.I have been hard at work on the Ordinance Returns and other Co.writing.  Received a very cordial letter from Miss Valentine which I answered today.  Orders came today to grant furloughs at the rate of four percent of the privates and ten percent of the Commissioned Officers.  Two from our company are to go.Everything seems to look as if we would soon go home free men.  May the time soon come when we may enjoy once more the sweets of domestic life.

Monday, May 1, 1865

Last night rainy.  Fair today. Eve coolI have finished up my Rolls today and had a good resting spell all the afternoon.  Got the papers today giving all the particulars of Johnson’s surrender to Sherman.  There was also an article about soldiers being discharged and being sent home.  It gave us joy to think we will soon be on our way, probably within a month.  I borrowed $10 today of a colored man to be repaid next pay day.

Sunday, April 30, 1865

A very pleasant lovely day.  Can't help thinking much of home and wishing I could be there to spend the Sabbath in worshiping with my own people.  Our Chaplain gave us a lecture in open air.  Very interesting.  I wrote a long letter to Mary today but felt much more like going home and talking with her.  All seems to be going finely for the Union cause and we are in hopes an order may soon come to have us mustered out of service.  What a joyful day that will be for all of us who have been so long away from the homes so dear to us all.

Saturday, April 29, 1865

Morning rainy.  P.M. fair.  It rained quite hard nearly all night.Have spent the day working on Muster Rolls.  Worked pretty hard and got along finely.  A mail came this morning and I got one letter from Mary.  Our camps ground is thronged with all sorts of women, men and children trying to get a living by trading with the Yankees.  Some of them are very shrewd and drive sharp bargains and others are not so particular but all manage to live somehow.

Friday, April 28, 1865

Some cooler and windy but fair  I have at last got to work on my Muster Rolls.  Made out one and part of another today.  Got glorious news today that Booth the murderer is killed.  Harold taken.  And what is still better That Gen'l Johnson has surrendered his whole army on the same terms to Grant as Lee did.  There were several salutes fired in Richmond of a hundred guns each.  Joy beams in every countenance and things look as if we might SOON GO HOME.  We are still without mail.

Thursday, April 27, 1865

Another very pleasant warm day.  I have done but little today except to read, play checkers, rig up a table to get ready for writing.  We are deprived of mails for some reason and I feel lonely enough without my regular mail.  Arrangements have been made to let a squad of men go to the city each day undercharge of a Non-Comm officers and spend the day but I shall have so much to do I cannot go for some days to come.  We hear painful news of Gen'l Sherman's trying to make peace with Gen'l Johnson but Grant has gone to set things right.  Hope all will yet be well.

Wednesday, April 26, 1865

A very pleasant day.  Spent the night comfortably.  About 9 o'clock we moved on to our new campground and fixed up temporarily for we are in hopes not to remain here long before going North.  I have written to Mary and the children, also to Frank and Emily.  A great many of the Richmond women came onto the grounds to sell all sorts of food to soldiers.  Most of them show a want of education and refinement seldom seen in the North.  Hear no important war news from the war

Tuesday, April 25, 1865

Very fine warm day.  Our two divisions (1st and 2nd) of the 24th Corps started this morning at 9 o'clock to march through the city of Richmond.  All our colors were flying and bugles playing.  The 3rd division of our corps acted as escort to us.  The sidewalks were well lined with citizens of white and black complexions.  As we passed through the principal street the soldiers on both sides of the street with officers of all rank stood with arms at a shoulder.  It was very warm but we felt proud to march through the city that was so lately the capital of the defunct Confederacy.  We marched a short distance out of the city and went into camp.  Sgt. Inepeles and came to our camp.  I hope our marching is over.  Got letters today from Mary, Frank, Emily and Gracie.  Was glad to get them.

Monday, April 24, 1865

Fair but quite cold today.   Last night there was quite a heavy frost.  We camped on a hill in an open field where the wind had full rake and we suffered some with cold.  Started at 4 1/2 o'clock this morning and after a hard march of about 17 miles went into camp about 3 miles from the city feeling grateful enough for rest.  The boys have made their money fly at the Sutlers today as they were out of rations and had not seen a Sutler for several weeks.  The country through which we passed today was rather barren and deserted but the ladies came out to greet us as we passed much pleased to hear our bugles.

Sunday, April 23, 1865

Arose at 4 o'clock A.M.  Got a hasty breakfast and started at 5 1/2 o'clock.  Feet some sore.  Feel well otherwise.  Made pretty good time all day as it was cool and windy.  Passed through a small place about 7 A.M. called Arminia Court House.  The people turned out and stood in view while we passed with colors flying and Bugles playing  Marched about 21 miles and went into camp about 4 P.M. pretty weary and footsore.  We have only about twenty miles more to go before reaching the famed city of Richmond.  We have passed through a rich farming country today.

Saturday, April 22, 1865

Fair and very warm.  Drums beat at 4 o'clock to march.  We got ready.  Broke camp at 5 and marched about 18 miles in the forenoon.  It was hot and the boys grumbled freely but when the boys stopped for dinner and were told they were to go no further today they forgot all their weariness and good humour prevailed again.  We are now about 37 miles from Richmond by rail.  Some farther the way we shall go but we can make it in two days more.  We are marching on the line of the Danville and Richmond R.R.  We hear glorious news from the South and West on the war.

Friday, April 21, 1865

Morning rainy.  Mid day fair.  Eve Rainy.  We have been lying in camp all day today awaiting orders.  I have written a long letter to Miss Valentine and spent most of the remainder of the day reading the stirring news of the day.  We are living in a time of thrilling events.  It is an age one may well covet to live in if he acts well his part.  I saw Jesse Morgan of our town today.  Hear no new war news that is reliable though there seems to be truth in the report that Johnson has surrendered to Sherman

Thursday, April 20, 1865

Morning rainy.  P.M. fair and windy  Expected to march this morning but the rain prevented it so we have had a day of rest which is gratefully enjoyed.  Dr. Rowe and F.M. Foster visited us today.  Have written letters to Mary, Gracie, Mary Emile, Arolyn, Flora.  Have to borrow paper and envelope.  The camp is full of all sorts of rumours about the troops going home and going to Richmond, going to Petersburg, and going to Washington but I don't pretend to know or believe one word of these idle camp rumours.

Wednesday, April 19, 1865

Fair and very warm.  Started at 6 A.M. footsore and lame are all the boys.  Our brigade has the advance today.  Made good time and began to be pretty tired when we arrived at Burkesville at about 1:00 P.M.  Went past the R.R. station a short distance and camped in a piece of thick pinewoods for the night.  We found a large mail awaiting us.  I got letters from Mary, Gracie, Arolyn, Miss Valentine, Myra and a few lines from Florence.  Drew two days rations tonight.  Joe Cushman and S.C. Record came to see me tonight.  We were glad to see them.  Read all of the particulars of the death of the president.  Troop filled with sorrow mingled with indignation.

Tuesday, April 18, 1865

Fair and warm.  Started at 5 o'clock A.M. marched about 12 miles arriving at the pretty village of Farmville at noon where we stopped to draw two days rations and make coffee.  We then marched some four or five miles and went into a camp near a high bridge.  A splendid iron bridge having 21 spans of 60 feet each supported by vast brick pillars 160 feet high.  The rebs destroyed four spans.  We hear the painful news that Abraham Lincoln our president is dead.  Killed by an assassin in a theatre.  The nation must be in deep mourning for the loss of so great and good a man who filled so high a position.

Monday, April 17, 1865

Another beautiful day.  Turned out at 4 o'clock this morning.  Fried some fritters and packed up ready for a march.  Started at half past nine A.M. and made a hard march of about twenty five miles without stopping to eat from the fact that we had NOTHING TO EAT.  About 1 o'clock P.M. arrived at a R.R. station where we got some hardtack which pleased the boys very much.  Nothing of particular interest transpired through the day.  The Johnnys were thick as flies going every way with no one to molest them.  A sight good for the eyes.

Sunday, April 16, 1865

A lovely fair day. The civilians are crowding past us going to church.  Ladies wear their old fashioned pasteboard sunbonnets worn by ladies North ten or twelve years ago.  A large mail came today.  I got two letters from Mary, one from M.E. Sleeper, two from Frank, one from John K. and Maria, one from Millie Urick.  They cheered me very much.  We drew fresh rations today brought from Lynchburg consisting of flour and bacon.  Orders are to march at half past nine A.M. tomorrow.  We are glad to get out of this wilderness.  Had an inspection at 4 P.M. today.

Saturday/ April 15, 1865

Very rainy all day.  Rained all last of the night violently.  We are still lying here taking comfort as much as we can.  We are overanxious to hear from the loved ones at home and to know what is going on in the busy world.  We don't get a paper or letter and all feel anxious to go somewhere.  I got hungry again today and bought about two pounds of meal for 50 cents and a few dried apples.  No news of importance.   I go to bed tonight hoping for better things tomorrow. 

<added later>
President Lincoln died this morning at 7 o'clock and 22 minutes by a pistol shot fired last eve by an assassin.

Friday, April 14, 1865

Fair and very pleasant.  We still lie here while waiting for bread and orders.  No supper, no breakfast and no dinner.  

Hurrah!  Rations have come!  good.  We are alright now and I hope shall move soon.  Hi, Will and I went out to a house, bought soap and each a towel and washed us all over so I feel much better.  No mail has come yet. Don't hear any news but the boys are surmising all sorts of things in regard to peace.  We all feel the war is nearly over. I feel that God alone has wrought this great work and we ought to give Him his glory.  May we learn wisdom. 

Thursday, April 13, 1865

Morning cloudy  P.M. fair  It rained violently all night so the roads are horrible.  We have not a mouthful of anything to eat this morning and nothing in the Commissary.  We have been around where beef has been slaughtered and cleaned the tripes and boiled them to eat.  Also we have eaten raw corn and some have got a little fresh beef so we manage to keep alive.  I have written a letter to Mary and to the children but no mail has yet come though we look for it hourly.  I go to bed hungry enough but live in hopes of better times to come.

Wednesday, April 12, 1865

Some cloudy but no rain.  Was relieved from picket about noon.  No rations in camp or in the Commissary. Our boys have nothing but fresh meat to eat for two days.  The rain has made the roads so bad that teams cannot get up with rations.  We expected to march this morning but shall not probably go till we get something to eat.  Col. got a barrel of flour tonight for the Regt. which gave us quite a nice little supper.  The paroled Johnnys are going home by thousands.

Tuesday, April 11, 1865

Rained in the night and some all day today.  I have been copying off my pencil diary and am now on picket 2 P.M.  Some of our boys found the treacherous Rebs burying a cannon and reported it and a lot of men went out with horses and found 56 cannon buried with head and footboards and marked as if they were dead men.  They are not quite shrewd enough for Yankees.  I fear we may have trouble with these scamps yet for there is no honor in them.  It is reported that the prisoners (36,000) are to be paroled.  I hope not.

Monday, April 10, 1865

Rained last night and this morning.  Slept last night with Hi Sleeper.  The rebel army camped a short distance from here. Had 40,000 rations issued to them yesterday by Grant.  Has rained nearly all day.  We are still laying in camp resting from our weary march.  It seems a relief to feel secure when we lie down at night knowing we shall not be alarmed by the foe during the night.  Col. McArthur and Lt. Col. E.A. True came to the Regt. last evening, the former from a furlough t he latter from detached service.  Have no chance to send or receive letters yet.  Hope we may soon for I am anxious to hear from home and they must be to hear from us.  We are rather short of rations yet.

Sunday, April 9, 1865

A very fine warm day.  Started about 6 A.M. after eating two hardtacks and a cup of strong coffee.  Heard the good news this morning of the capture of a large train of cars (five engines) loaded with provisions for Gen'l Lee’s army.  12 M. sitting on a captured cannon, one of 43 captured yesterday by Maj. Gen'l Custer at Appomattox Station with five battle flags and 2 thousand prisoners. There was a fight this morning and report says Lee has got cornered and has raised a flag of truce and is now negotiating with Grant for terms of surrender.  Everyone is wild with excitement and hope.  IT IS A FACT!!  Lee has unconditionally surrendered about 2 P.M.  Came up with the Regt. today.  Glad enough to see them.  None of Co. "B" are hurt except Sgt. Young as far as we know.

Saturday, April 8, 1865

Cloudy but no rain.  We started at 2 o'clock this morning.  Have been traveling through a beautiful farming country and now resting at a beautiful village called Farmville.  8 o'clock A.M.  Called at a house and got some molasses.  They would take no pay.  About 500 Rebs were captured today and are marching on with us.  Called at a nice house found the woman in tears because she said "Your people have taken the last mouthful of food.  Every dish, knife, fork, spoon and in short everything  and they feared they should starve.  Such things disgrace our army.  Marched till 9 o'clock at night.  Then went into Park.  Made a good dish of coffee then turned in.  Regt. still ahead.  Hear no firing today.

Friday, April 7, 1865

Cloudy but no rain.  Started at sunrise past the scene of yesterdays battle.  It was a horrid scene.  The dead were still lying where they fell in their gore.  Saw a Reb. Col. and another officer rank unknown lying on the field.  The ground was literally covered with guns abandoned by the enemy.  Made a halt at Gen’l Sheridan’s Headquarters and saw their Sgt. Gen’l Ewell, Maj. Gen’l Gordon ... Gen'l Kershaw.  Also counted 30 battle flags, saw about 10,000 prisoners, the result of yesterday's fight.  Another fight going on today.  Hurah! here comes the 24th A.C Train 2-o'clock P.M. all right now shall follow this train till I find the regiment which is still ahead.  Have seen our G.M. and several of my Co.   Heard today that cousin J.A. Caldwell was killed. Crossed Lynchburg RR today.  Train came from Richmond.  Got Herald of the 4th.  Went into park and at 9 P.M. 3000 more prisoners taken today and 43 cannon, 35 battle flags.

Thursday, April 6, 1865

Morn. cloudy with sprinkles of rain.  Marched all night.  Stopped at 7 to breakfast in a large field where are thousands of wagons, artillery, ambulances and troops waiting for the Johnnys who are nearby said to be cut off.  It is reported that Sheridan has captured 150 wagons including Gen'l Lee's headquarters train.  Seven stand of colors and seven or eight cannon.  The order comes at 9 A.M. to hook up and start so we have no chance to sleep today.  Rebs commenced to retreat early this morn.  and our boys are in hot pursuit.  We crossed the Danville R.R. about 11 A.M. 95 miles from D.and 45 from Richmond.  P.M. heavy firing in front.  About sunset we come in sight of the battlefield, marched awhile by moonlight passed one sergeant lying on his back dead shot through the breast.  Went into Park at 9 o'clock P.M.