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.
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