Miscellaneous Manuscripts Collection Gibson, S.J., 1867-1944 Library of Congress bar code 0 009 058 679 8 ON (C he Union 1864 Ac.D.R. D1785A S. J. GIBSON Diary (Corporal in the Union Army) 1864 Ac. D. R. D1785A Dedication Little Book; may you gather, Notes of chance events, and Weather; And when the year has rolled its round, May no blank leaves in thee be found. S.J. Gibson Co. B 103rd P.V. Plymouth, N.C. To his Wife Mrs Rachel A. Gibson Sherrett P.O. Armstrong County Penn DAILY POCKET DIARY FOR THE YEAR 1864: FOR THE PURPOSE OF Registering Events of Past, Present or Future Occurrence. CALCULATED FOR ONE YEAR. New-York PUBLISHED ANNUALLY BY KIGGINS & KELLOGG, Publishers, Booksellers, Stationers, AND BLANK BOOK MANUFACTURERS, 123 & 125 WILLIAM STREET, Between John and Fulton. 1864. Contents. Almanac, Counting House Calendar, Banking, Table, a Blank Space for Memorandum for every day in the year, Cash Account for each Month, Annual Summary of Cash Account, Bills Payable and Receivable. (columned page) January, 1864. Moon's Phases. Last Quarter 2d. 2h.43m. M. New Moon 9d.2h. 49m. M. First Quarter 15d. 6h. 10m. E. Full Moon 25d. 5h. 6m. E. Last Quarter 31d. 7h. 21.m E. Day of the month, Day of the week, Sun Rises h. m. Moon Rises, h. m. 1 Friday 7 25 4 43 morn 2 Saturday 7 25 4 44 0 10 3 C 7 25 4 45 1 11 4 Monday 7 25 4 47 2 16 5 Tuesday 7 25 4 46 3 21 6 Wednesday 7 25 4 47 4 27 7 Thursday 7 25 4 48 5 29 8 Friday 7 25 4 49 sets 9 Saturday 7 25 4 50 5 45 10 C 7 24 4 51 6 51 11 Monday 7 24 4 52 8 15 12 Tuesday 7 24 4 53 9 27 13 Wednesday 7 23 4 54 10 37 14 Thursday 7 23 4 55 11 45 15 Friday 7 22 4 57 morn 16 Saturday 7 22 4 58 0 49 17 C 7 21 4 59 1 53 18 Monday 7 20 5 1 2 53 19 Tuesday 7 20 5 2 3 49 20 Wednesday 7 19 5 3 4 41 21 Thursday 7 18 5 4 5 28 22 Friday 7 18 5 4 5 28 23 Saturday 7 17 5 5 rises 24 C 7 16 5 7 6 13 25 Monday 7 16 5 8 7 9 26 Tuesday 7 15 5 9 8 5 27 Wednesday 7 14 5 11 9 3 28 Thursday 715 5 12 10 1 29 Friday 7 13 5 13 10 59 30 Saturday 7 12 5 15 12 0 31 C 7 11 5 16 morn. February , 1864. Moon's Phases. New Moon 7d. 1h. 14m. E. First Quarter 14d. 8h. 28m. M. Full Moon 22d. 0h. 5. E. Day of Month Days of the Week. Sun Rises. h.m. Sun Sets. h.m. Moon Rises h.m. 1 Monday 7 10 5 18 1 4 2 Tuesday 7 9 5 19 2 6 3 Wednesday 7 8 5 20 3 0 4 Thursday 7 7 5 21 3 59 5 Friday 7 6 5 22 5 3 6 Saturday 7 5 5 24 5 51 7 C 7 4 5 25 sets 8 Monday 7 3 5 26 7 2 9 Tuesday 7 2 5 28 8 15 20 Wednesday 7 0 5 29 9 26 21 Thursday 6 59 5 32 10 34 22 Friday 6 58 5 32 11 41 13 Saturday 6 56 5 33 morn. 14 C 6 55 5 34 0 44 15 Monday 6 54 5 35 1 43 16 Tuesday 6 53 5 36 2 37 17 Wednesday 6 51 5 37 3 26 18 Thursday 6 50 5 38 4 9 19 Friday 6 49 5 39 4 47 20 Saturday 6 47 5 41 5 21 21 C 6 46 5 42 5 53 22 Monday 6 44 5 43 rises. 23 Tuesday 6 43 5 45 6 57 24 Wednesday 6 41 5 46 7 55 25 Thursday 6 39 5 47 8 53 26 Friday 6 38 5 48 9 53 27 Saturday 6 37 5 49 10 54 28 C 6 36 5 49 11 57 29 Monday 6 35 5 50 morn. July, 1864 Moon's Phases. New Moon 3d 7h. 23m. E. First Quar. 11d. 10d. 55m. E Full Moon 19d. 1h. 40 m. M. Last Quar. 25d. 3h. 50m. E. D. of M. Days of Week. Sun Rises h.m. Sun Sets h. m. Moon Rises h. m. 1 Frid. 4 31 7 35 2 39 2 Sat. 4 32 7 35 3 30 3 B 4 32 7 35 sets 4 Mon. 4 33 7 34 7 48 5 Tues. 4 33 7 34 8 24 6 Wed. 4 34 7 34 8 56 7 Thur. 4 34 7 34 9 25 8 Frid. 4 35 7 33 9 53 9 Sat. 4 36 7 33 10 21 10 B 4 37 7 33 10 49 11 Mon. 4 38 7 32 11 18 12 Tues. 4 39 7 32 11 51 13 Wed. 4 39 7 31 morn. 14 Thur. 4 40 7 31 0 26 15 Frid. 4 41 7 30 1 10 16 Sat. 4 42 7 29 2 1 17 B 4 43 7 29 2 59 18 Mon. 4 43 7 28 rises. 19 Tues. 4 44 7 28 7 31 20 Wed. 4 45 7 27 8 10 21 Thur. 4 46 7 26 8 47 22 Frid. 4 47 7 25 9 23 23 Sat. 4 48 7 25 9 59 24 B 4 49 7 23 10 33 25 Mon. 4 49 7 22 11 11 26 Tues. 4 50 7 22 11 52 27 Wed. 4 51 7 21 morn. 28 Thur. 4 52 7 20 0 38 29 Frid. 4 53 7 19 1 27 30 Sat. 4 54 7 18 2 20 31 B 455 7 17 3 13 August, 1864. Moon's Phases New Moon 2d. 9h. 37m. M. First Quar. 10d. 1h. 1m. E. Full Moon 17d. 8h. 40m. M. Last Quar. 24d. 1h. 8m. M. D of M. Days of the week Sun Rises h. m. Sun sets h.m. Moon Rises h.m. 1 Mon. 4 56 7 16 4 10 2 Tues. 4 57 7 15 sets 3 Wed. 4 58 7 14 7 28 4 Thur. 4 59 7 13 7 56 5 Frid. 5 0 7 12 8 24 6 Sat. 5 1 7 11 8 53 7 B 5 2 7 10 9 21 8 Mon. 5 3 7 9 9 51 9 Tues. 5 4 7 8 10 25 10 Wed. 5 5 7 6 11 4 11 Thur. 5 6 7 5 11 51 12 Frid. 5 7 7 0 morn 13 Sat. 5 8 7 2 0 44 14 B 5 9 7 0 7 1 44 15 Mon. 5 10 6 59 2 52 16 Tues. 5 11 6 58 4 5 17 Wed. 5 12 6 57 rises. 18 Thur. 5 13 6 55 7 19 19 Frid. 5 14 6 54 7 56 20 Sat. 5 15 6 53 8 33 21 B 5 16 6 51 9 11 22 Mon. 5 17 6 50 9 53 23 Tues. 5 18 6 49 10 37 24 Wed. 5 19 6 47 11 24 25 Thur. 5 20 6 45 morn. 26 Frid. 5 21 6 43 0 15 27 Sat. 5 22 6 41 1 9 28 B 5 23 6 40 2 5 29 Mon. 5 24 6 38 3 1 30 Tues. 5 25 6 36 3 57 31 Wed. 5 26 6 34 4 52 January, Friday, 1. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning succeeds a very stormy night, I lay expecting every moment, my frail canvass tenement would be knocked about my ears; the day passes off with hilarity & various amusements, common for Holidays. The saddest affair is the murder of Miss Emma Blout, her body was found this morning near this place. SATURDAY, 2. Plymouth, N. C. This morning the coldest, of the season. to day I am detailed for guard Corps. of 1st relief. the day passes off quietly; recruiting for the Volunteer Vetern corps is going on lively. I believe 1/2 of the 103rd P. V. will again reenlist for 3 yrs more Write a letter to my. wife. SUNDAY, 3. Plymouth N.C. This morning cold but pleasant. Still on Guard Corpl. 1st relief, Countersign last night "Sugar Run" relieved at 9 A.M. attend preaching. Reenlisting in the Volunteer Vetern Corps. still goes on. I am "on the Fence' & hardly know which way to fall. I am tired of War, but our cause is still good & I hardly feel like giving up the contest. Still I have a duty to perform at home. January, MONDAY, 4. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning gloomy & threatens rain. There is nothing new to record to day. Enlisting in the Vol Vetern Corps still goes on. I hardly know what to do for the best; I am tired of soldiering & would like to return to private life. I believe at least a majority of the 103rd will reenlist. TUESDAY, 5. Plymouth N.C. this morning gloomy & wet. this is the 5th of Jan. the last "day of grace allowed for reenlisting. I feel better since I got "off the fence." I may rue that I did not reenlist, but, I will not sell myself for $400.00 to shield lazy lousy, Shirkers at home. WEDNESDAY, 6. Plymouth N.C. This morning cold- spend part of the day at regimental Head Quarters. Visit Regimental Hospital, there is nothing of interest to note to day, recruiting in the Volunteer Vetern Corps. still goes on I would like to have a furlough, but I will not reenlist for one, there was a small mail this morning. January, THURSDAY, 7. 1864. Plymouth, N.C. This morning succeeds a stormy night rain sleet & snow. to day I am detailed for duty Corp of Provost Guard. there is nothing new to report to day. there are 5 prisoners in jail; one Negro, on suspicion of murder, one political prisoner & three soldiers for misconduct. "Hilerno" FRIDAY, 8. Plymouth N.C. This morning succeeds another cold & stormy night. Still on Provost Guard till relieved by new guard at 9 A.M. the ground is covered with a sheet of ice, and it is both difficult & disagreeable getting about. this day one year ago, I took shipping at Norfolk Va. for Beaufort N.C. SATURDAY, 9. Plymouth N.C. This morning more pleasant. Still quite cold, & the ground is all covered with a sheet of ice. there is nothing new to record to day. all is quiet, write a letter to Father P.M. attended the Funeral of W. W. Cochran member of Co. C 103rd P.V. who died in hos of Chronic Diarhoea. evening a boat arrives bringing a much wished for mail. January. SUNDAY,10. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning cold but pleaasant. first thing in order is Sunday Morning Inspection to day the Rev. Mr. Rowley the future Chaplain of the 103rd P.V. was introduced to sa. regt. to day. I am detailed for duty. Corp of Provost Guard. there is nothing new to record. Mail goes out today. MONDAY, 11. Plymouth N.C. This morning cold and ground hard frozen. but morning pleasant. relieved from Provost guard at 9 A.M. feel rathe unwell to day. This P.M. there was a review of the Veterns of the 103rd 101st & 85th N.Y. Inf. there was a "Right Smart" show of Strength. Still I could only be a spectator. TUESDAY, 12. Plymouth N.C This morning cold damp and chilly, there is nothing new to record to day. Morning went to Picket line to Market. To day we draw our outfit of clothing for Jan 1864 the examination of men for the vteran volunteer service is in progress to day. WEDNESDAY, 13. 1864. Plymouth N. C. This day damp and disagreeable; Spend most of the day in writing, making out a new requisition for clothing for Co.B. 103rd also; in making out the enlisting papers of the Vetern volunteers of Co.B. 103rd 36 in number. to day Co. B's Photograph was taken, but not good. THURSDAY, 14. Plymouth N.C. This morning rainy & disagreeable. Glad that I am not on duty although this day was my turn for duty. but I am exempt being considered upon daily duty settling up the old accts of Co B. 103rd P.V. This the night of singing attendance sm.all. FRIDAY, 15. Plymouth N.C. this morning more cheerful & the sun shines out bright & warm for the first time in many days. I am very busy to day making out invoices of ordnance & Ordnance stores & receipts of clothing, camp & Garrison equipage. All is quiet to day. this night again the night for singing. January, SATURDAY, 16. 1864. Plymouth, N.C. This morning cold but pleasant. there is nothing interesting to record to day. the absorbing topic of the day is "re-enlistment in the Vol. Vetern Corps. I have been engaged nearly all day with the pen, settling Company accounts. I am Glad I did not reenlist Evening pleasant. No mail yet. SUNDAY, 17. Plymouth, N.C. This morning pleasant. Nothing unusual. Sunday morning Inspection first thing in order, then Go on duty Corpl Provost, Guard there is nothing worth recording to day, there is a funeral of one of the 2nd N.C. Vols to day. evening pleasant, MONDAY, 18. Plymouth N.C. this morning very rainy & disagreeable. Still on duty Corpl. of Provost Guard, relieved at 9 A.M. and spend the balance of the Making out the "Muster out" and "Muster in" rolls of Co. B.s Vetern Volunteers 103rd P.V. I am tired of writing so much when it is the duty of another, January, TUESDAY, 19. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning, cold with High wind; Was engaged nearly all day in making out the "Muster Out." & "Muster In" rolls of the Veterns of Co. B. 103rd P.r. five of the former & four of the latter, & yet I am not sure that it is not all lost labor, There: I hear the whistle of the long expected mail boat. WEDNESDAY, 20. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant by the arrival last night I am in receipt of a letter "Uxoris". the mustering officer is here. to day to Muster int U.S. service the Vetern Vols. of Co. B. 103. I may regret that I have not re-enlisted, but as yet I am glad I did not. There is already much dissatisfaction. Write a letter "Uxoris" THURSDAY, 21. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant again I am busy with the pen all day. I fill up 26 blank Descriptive, and 29 blank Discharge papers, I would not want the regt. to reenlist very often if it always causes so much trouble. the expedition that went out last night returned to day; they had a brisk skirmish at Hartsville, One man killed January, FRIDAY, 22. 1864 Plymouth, N.C. This morning clear all is quiet as usual. I am engaged to day settling the accounts, and filling blank discharges of the Veterns of Co. B. 103rd PV. I am tired of this business. This evening I attended a concert of the "Le yric" Club. I think it might safely be called a "bore" SATURDAY, 23. Plymouth, N.C. This morning pleasant. all things about in "Status quo" Today I am engaged as usual with the pen settling up the accounts of Co. B 103rd. I am glad the company is not reenlisting everyday, if I have the settlements to make. Evening Mail but little news. SUNDAY, 24. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant, as usual Sunday morning first thing in order then attend preaching by the chaplain of the 103rd P.V. the forms according to the Episcopal Church, rather much formality I think, this evening the 15th & 16th regts Connecticut troops arrive to relieve the veterans. January, MONDAY, 25. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This Morning pleasant & day fine & warm. I am still engaged in posting up accounts for Co. B. I am in hopes I will soon be through, the 15th & 16th regt. Conn. Vols have arrived here to take the place of the Veteran troops soon to go home. I would like to go too, but, 3 years seems long! TUESDAY, 26. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant & day fine all remains quiet in this department. the most absorbing topic is Re-enlistment; I would like to Re-enlist but, I think there are others who have never tried their hands who have as a good a right to come out as I have, & I do not like to substitute myself for them. Wednesday, 27. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant. & day very warm for this season of the year. This morning visited the camps of the 15th & 16th Regts, Conn Vols. P.M. Get a picture taken cost. $1,00 Evening the Expedition. returned bringing in a large lot of cattle, Sheep & &, by the late arrival we have a small mail, January, THURSDAY, 28. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant and day immoderately warm for this season of the year. This is the day for Artillery practice upon the forts, the atmosphere is very dense, & the Echo. comes reverberating back with deafening effect, almost as loud as first report. No news. Friday, 29. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant, to day I have not much to do, everything is quiet, take a long walk to the camp of the 15 & 16th Conn. Vols. evening there is a grand concert in the M.E. Church for the benefit of the N.C. Soldiers wives, there is a very large congregation at 8 P.M. comes a detail for an expedition to go to Windsor, Burtie Co NC Saturday, 30 Plymouth N.C. This morning I am detailed as Corpl of Provost Guard. My first duty was to Escort 4 Prisoners from Jail to Head quarters & thence to camp. all goes well till about 2 P.M. when there was an alarm of fire, and it was discovered that the quarters of the 12th N.Y. Cavalry, were on fire, the fire was in dangerous Proximity to the Magazine but, skill & bravery saved all but three houses. Evening the expedition returned with 4 Soldiers & 5 Rebel citizens prisoners of war, January, SUNDAY, 31. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning gloomy & foggy. Still on duty as Corpl of Provost Guard. the late fire rendered it necessary to be more than usually, watchful, but no further damage need now be apprehended. When I ought to have been relieved I am again detailed as Corpl of guard to remove the prisoners taken yesterday to Newberne N.C. there are 4 soldiers & 5 Civillians. at dark anchor at Roanoke Isl. February. MONDAY, 1. On board the transport. Eagle at anchor Near Roanoke Island N.C. Morn. weigh Anchor at 3 A.M. but soon have to cast again on account of fog. again at 8 A.M. get under weigh, day pleasant & every thing goes on well. but our craft is slow and we do not arrive at Newberne till 10 P.M. do not come to land. Our outposts are all driven in & desultory cannonading goes on. TUESDAY, 2. On Board the Steamer Eagle. at Anchor in Newberne Harbour N. C. at 8 A.M. the writer and his guard of two men conduct the 9 prisoners under our charge to the provost Marshals Office. glad to get rid of them, everything is excitement the, guards about Newberne have been relieved by the Fireman & citizens & all available men sent to the front, this morn about 2 AM. a party of about 300 Rebs boarded the Gunboat Underwriter & after making most of the crew, prisoners fired her & blew her up. Treachery on board February, WEDNESDAY, 3. 1864 Newberne N.C. This morning, the ball opens at daylight. Fort Totten takes the lead, but after a few rounds, drawing no reply; all again becomes quiet Prisoners are being brought in by squads & many are coming in & giving themselves up voluntarily. Go to the front, to see the prospect of the fight but I think the Rebs. have "dug;" News has just arrived that the Rebs. have taken & destroyed Newport Barracks & scattered the 9th reg't Vermont vols. THURSDAY, 4. Newberne N.C. this morning all is quiet, to all appearance the Rebs. have retreated Prisoners and Deserters are still being brought in. last night I had a good bed to sleep in the first I have had better than the floor, without even a blanket since I left Plymouth last Sunday morn. the exposure I have had has brought on a return of the Fever & Ague, but the proper medicine will soon bring me all right, FRIDAY, 5. Newberne N.C. this morning pleasant, all quiet Slept in a good bed in Foster hospital Still no prospect of transportation the promise is always "Tomorrow" "Tomorrow. " in company with my guard Underhill & Snow visit the wreck of the Gunboat Underwriter, the more I think of this affair the worse I hate it, Visit the Stanley Hospital & Cedar Grove Cemetery Evening it is rumoured the Rebs have again appeared. Ft. Totten is Shelling the woods. February, SATURDAY, 6. 1864. Newberne N.C. This morning pleasant all is quiet; I think we have all great reason to be thankful that the threatened storm; which found us all unprepared, to meet it has blown past, & has done us no great harm. The writer is still awaiting transportation to return to Plymouth. Visited Ft. Totten to day. it is a very strong work, at night quarter in Stanley Hospital. Write a letter "Uxoris" SUNDAY, 7. Newberne N.C. This morning pleasant, all quiet at this place, but report says that the Rebs have returned to Newport N.C. to day attend preaching in the Presbyterian Church, at 4 Oclock P.M. take transportation for myself & 18 men on the Steamer Charleston for Roanoke Dis. 150 Ms. Eve. & night Pleasant. MONDAY, 8. On Board the Steamer Charleston at Roanoke Island N.C. transfer my squad of 18 men to the Steamer Massassoit, lying at the wharf, then go ashore to deliver my dispatches. at 8 A.M. get under way for Plymouth day pleasant & voyage beautiful arrive at Plymouth at 4 P.M. all is quiet & lovely, glad to get back once more receive a letter from my wife, February, TUESDAY, 9. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant all things remain nearly "in statu quo." part of the 16th Ct. Vols are encamped on the left of the 103rd spend most of the day in washing & cleaning up after my nine days absence. Evening Dress Parade, at night a boat arrives bringing a small mail. WEDNESDAY, 10. Plymouth NC This morning pleasant, no alarm last night There is nothing new to Chronicle to day. the boat just arrived from Newberne reports all quiet there, the weather here is delightful, & almost gives me the "Spring Fever" to day Henry Cambre. Co. K. 103rd P.V. died of Chronic Diarhoea, THURSDAY, 11. Plymouth, N.C. This morning very pleasant but quite cold. there is nothing new to record to day, every thing is quiet & lovely, there is nothing new from Newberne, there is a large mail to day but I received nothing but the Sat. Dol. Chronicle, this is the day for Artillery practice on the forts, the Flagship Miami also tries the range of her guns. February, FRIDAY, 12. 1864. Plymouth, N.C. this morning cold but pleasant, everything is quiet & lovely to day, spend most of the day reading Ancient History, there is a good deal of dissatisfaction getting among the "veterans" on account of not getting home on furlough according to agreement, Evening dress Parade, SATURDAY, 13. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant there is nothing new to record to day, everything is quiet in this department I am tired of this dull monotonous life. I long for something more exciting & yet when I can help it I do not like fighting; write a letter to Rachel, evening a boat arrives bringing the mail. & the 2nd Mass. Arty. SUNDAY, 14 Plymouth N. C. This morning quite pleasant, by the last arrival we have but little reliable news, everything is quiet around Newberne, two companies of the 2nd Mass. heavy Artillery have arrived to relieve the troops stationed in the Forts around Plymouth, to day I am detailed Corpl. of Camp Guard 3rd relief, there is nothing worth recording to day, Februrary, MONDAY, 15. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This Morning I am still on guard Corpl of third relief the Countersign last night was "Prague" there is no alarm everything quiet & lovely, weather still continues smoky but pleasant. relieved at 9 Oclock AM. P.M. commenced to rain & gets cold and disagreeable, Glad I am not on duty. TUESDAY, 16. Plymouth N.C. This morning cold & windy. day variable I have nothing important to record. the companies detatched from the Old Brigade & doing duty in the Fts around Plymouth are to day relieved by the 2nd Mass. Arty. The Steamer Thos. Colyer arrived to day with Gen. Peck, but his business is not yet known. WEDNESDAY, 17. Plymouth N.C. This day is pleasand but cold & succeeds a very cold night. It is just two years to day since I left home fo. "Dixie" & the war What I have seen & suffered since, I then would have considered beyond human endurance, There is nothing new to day. Co. B. gets a requisition for clothing filled to day. Evening Dress. Parade February, THURSDAY, 18. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning cold & cloudy, to day I am detailed Corpl of Provost Guard, the guard consists a Sergt. two Corpls & 24 men, there are 9 prisoners of War, & 4 Fed Soldiers in prison to day. 6 Rebs were sent to Newberne on Board The Steamer Eagle, all is quiet at night there is quite a fall of snow. FRIDAY, 19. Plymouth N.C. This morning there is about 3 in. Snow on the ground, the first snow that has been sen this winter in this part of N.C. last night the Provost Guard made a descent upon a house of Ill fame, & arrested & four soldiers and lodged them in Jail, relieved from guard at 9 AM, day still continues cold. SATURDAY, 20. Plymouth, N.C. This morning succeeds a very cold night, there is yet considerable snow upon the ground. an unusual sight in this section of country. there was a small mail to day but little news. I do not see much sign of getting away from this place very soon, to day there was a boat arrived loaded with Comissary stores & provision. February, SUNDAY, 21. 1864. Plymouth, N.C. This morning more pleasant; as usual the first thing in order is Sunday Morning Inspection then attend preaching there was a full congregation, P.M. Write a letter to Brother George. Evening "Dress Parade at night attend preaching. every thing is quiet & lovely. MONDAY, 22. Plymouth N.C. This day is the anniversary of the birth of the Illustrious "Father of his Country" the Great Washington, the day was properly celebrated. an address was Delivered by Rev. Mr. Billingsly Chaplain 101st P.V. also in the evening speeches were made by Rev. Mr. Dickens Chap. 16th C. V. and Rev. Mr. Morrow. Ch. Com. All quiet. TUESDAY, 23. Plymouth N.C. This morning all is quiet the Gunboat Southfield came in this Morn the first time she has been here since the fuss at Newberne, There is nothing new to record to day, I feel ill to day, I fear th Ague & Fever is going to take hold of me again, Evening have a severe chill & afterward the fever, Evening all quiet, February, WEDNESDAY, 24. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning Pleasant, Reader. I feel considerably ill this morning, I have had a severe turn of Fever & Ague. I would pity the Devil if he had the Fever & Ague, not that I have any love for that much talked of Enemy of Mankind, but I hate to see anything suffering, this evening the Steamer Eagle brought a large Mail. THURSDAY, 25. Plymouth N.C. This Morning Pleasant, feel very ill to day, I am forced to do to day what I very much dislike, that is report myself upon the sick list, but, a soldier has to do many things he does not like. Marked off duty, receive a letter from My Wife & several from the other corespondents. FRIDAY, 26. Plymouth N.C. This morning Pleasant, rested tolerably well last night, but still feel quite unwell, engaged all day to day in making out the muster rolls of Company B. 103rd P.V. This morning there arrived another small mail. there is a Mustering Officer here to day Mustering in the Veteran Vols of the 103rd P.V., All quiet, February, Saturday, 27. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant, last night I had a singular dream, but like Nebuchadnazer's I have nearly for gotten it. I have been engaged all day, in Making out the Muster rolls of Co- "B," 103rd P.V. I am getting more & more tired of the service every day. Never settled but constantly changing. A man never knows himself. Sunday, 28. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant, this is Sunday but there is no sunday in the army, business must go on as usual. I am still engaged at Co. B's Muster rolls. I wish I had a painter that could paint thoughts and & feelings I would get mine painted; but I would not like to see the picture, for I know it would be any thing but pleasant, the 103rd as a regt. Go on Picket to day Connecticut Monday, 29. Plymouth N.C. There is no excitement to day except that this the regular Muster day "for Pay" the 16th C.V. were mustered early in the morning, the 103rd P.V. in the P.M. another month has passed, it seems to me but a dream, since I was at Newberne N.C. at that, time just a month ago; besieged by the enemy, I can now count the balance of my term of service by the months, not now quite 7 months, evening threatens rain March, Tuesday, 1. 1864. Plymouth N.C. this morning pleasant, all is quiet in this vicinity but the reports from Newberne are that the Rebs have again attacked that place but the report lacks confirmation, if they have at- tacked Newberne again they must mean to do something, Evening Dress Parade as usual. Write a letter to N.M. Crawford of expedition. Wednesday, 2. On Board the Steamer Massassoit. at Anchor in Chowan River near Gatesville N.C. the Gunboat Bombshell with 1 Co. of N.C.U.Vols. on board has been cut off up the Chowan River by Rebel batteries on shore, the Gunboats Southfield & Whitehead are sent to her relief. Yester. eve the Southfield busted her rifled 100 pdr. Parrott. to day at noon the Boats again open & drive off the Rebs. and at 4P.M. the Bombshell comes out with flying colors. (return) Thursday, 3. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant, last night about 10 P.M. the expedition returned from the Chowan river withe the lost Bombshell. the escape was a narrow one, but we did not lose a man and had only three men wounded & those by accident, this is thursday the day for Artillery Practice upon the forts and as I write the booming of cannon shakes the ground evening a dispatch brings news of another attack upon Newberne the 16th C.V. & the 101st P.V. ordered off at 9 P.M. March, FRIDAY, 4. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant last night at 9 Oclock the 101st P.V. and the 16th C.V. were ordered to pack up im- mediately to leave. I suppose for Newberne this throws all the duty for defence of this place upon the 103rd P.V. & 85th N.Y.V to day the 16th C.V. QM. followed the regiment. Receive a letter from home & answer it forthwith. SATURDAY, 5. Plymouth N.C. This morning Detailed for Camp Guard, but change off for Picket, day variable; Thunder showers. but otherwise pleas- ant weather; have command on the Lee's Mill road Johnston post. No. of men 5, orders are very strict to hold no communication with any one beyond the lines. reports of Rebel spies around. Countersign "Snow Hill." all quiet. SUNDAY, 6. On Picket. this morning Lees Mill road. Night was very dark, wet & disagreeable orders very strict. no fire allowed & we suffered a good deal with cold. no alarm & no signs of an enemy. relieved at 10 A.M. return to camp. miss both Sunday Inspection & monthly inspection & I am not sorry. Evening "Dress Parade" & at night attend Preaching. "It may cost something to serve God; It will cost more not to serve him." March, MONDAY, 7. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant. It is just 1 year ago to day since the 101st & 103rd P.V. were ordered to make a raid through Hyde Co. N.C. and Such a raid. I never want to see another such. to day all is quiet & lovely. there is no new order. no news from the troops that left this place lately. Evening "Dress Parade" as usual. TUESDAY, 8. Plymouth N.C. This morning rainy & disagreeable, but soon clears up, a fine day. a 9 A.M., there comes a detail for about 50 men 2 sergts & 4 Corpls from the 103rd & about the same No from the 85th N.Y. we go to Edenton, N.C. under escort of the Gunboat Whitehead land without opposition & find the town full of Rebs, who skedaddle, Evening return to Plymouth, No loss & no gain. WEDNESDAY, 9. Plymouth, N.C. This morning pleasant, there is nothing new to record to day. by the arrival last night there is a report that the enemy are advancing on Norfolk Va, with a heavy force variously estimated at from 5000 to 30000 men & from 30 to 40 pieces of Arty. from what I heard at Edenton yesterday I believe there is some truth in this report. "Eve. Dress Parade." All quiet, another expedition March, THURSDAY 10. 1864 Plymouth. N.C. this morning rainy and very disagreeable keep within my quarters all. thank fortune I am not on picket to day. but I know well how, to Sympathize with those who are; Well boys you have my sympathy. & when it is my turn I will take the weather as it comes Write let. to sergt W. B. Cowan. FRIDAY, 11 Plymouth N.C. this morning still rainy spent most of the day solving a question for the "Ingenious" Quest. How many acres in a square field enclosed by a row of shillings (1 inch in dia.) on all four sides, that shall have an acre enclosed for every farthing or 48 [shillings for] acres for every shilling in the row, Ans. 19.008 Ms, on every side. or 231,234,600,960 Acres. Big field that. SATURDAY, 12 Plymouth, N.C. this morning pleasant, all is quiet as usual. by the arrival of the mail to day I receive two letters from my wife & one from Brother George. Write forthwith in answer to my wifes let. Eve .I am detailed for a night expedition on the Massasoit up the Chowan Rover, land near "Cola Rain", & take on a large lot of Cotton & tobacco, no interruption, landed about midnight. March, SUNDAY, 13. 1864. On board the U. S. Steame Massasoit, started from a point on the Chowan River near Cola Rain, N.C. about 4 O'clock A.M. enter the Roanoke River about daylight. And arrive at Plymouth about 7 A.M. feel as if I had "been out" last night, attended preaching, Subject "Quench not the Spirit," evening have a relapse of the "Fever & Ague." MONDAY, 14. Plymouth N.C. this morning pleasant, I feel considerably the worse for the wear, There is nothing new to record to day, this morning there were 7 or 8 Rebel Soldiers brought in as prisoners of war from Burtie Co. N. C. this day two years ago the U.S. forces captured Newberne N.C. & this day one year ago the Rebs. tried to take it back but failed. TUESDAY, 15. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant, there is nothing new to record to day, the Gen. Comdr. at this post is said to have made his last visit to Edenton N.C. before going north, from the signs of the times I think there will soon be a change in the status of affairs at this place. to day Co. B. draw new clothes from the U.S. Gov. evening have another shake of the Ague & Fever. March, WEDNESDAY, 16. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning quite cold & ground white with snow but soon clears up a fine day. This morning I am detailed Corpl of camp Guard; feel considerably unwell the Ague still has the "upper hand" on on me, all remains quiet, Countersign "Williamsburgh" THURSDAY, 17. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant. relieved from guard at 9 Am. This morn we had a job. something like Hercules: cleaning the "Aegean Stables" clearing out quarters. there is nothing new to day, there is a report of the Cavalry having a small scud today but the story lacks confirmation; eve Dress parade at night preaching Sub,"Signs of the times" FRIDAY, 18. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant. There is but little that is new to record to day, every thing remains quiet; to day it is said the Rebs sent in a Flag of truce but the object of it has not yet transpired; the authorities are busy filling old vessels to sink & blockade the Roanoke River. This evening the 101st regt. returned from Roanoke Island, there is a small mail but little news, March, SATURDAY, 19. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant, to day an affair is brought to light which reflects no great credit upon the 103rd but I am glad the blame falls upon the right ones, "petty larceny" is a low lifed business & appears to be a growing evil with many men. thank God I was not raised on plunder, & have no desire to begin now. SUNDAY, 20. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant. first duty in order "Sunday Morning Inspection" Then detailed to go upon Picket, Post the reserve on the Achor road. there is nothing new all is quiet as usual, & the weather pleasant. the Countersign. "Mechanicsville this morn. recd a let. from my Wife. MONDAY, 21. On Picket; reserve post, Achor road near Plymouth N.C. This morn at 4 A.M. go along the whole picket line. found the sentinels all upon the watch like good Soldiers. morn very stormy & cold. relieved at 9 AM & return to camp spent most of the remainder in the embrace of "Morpheus" nothing new. March TUESDAY 22 1864 Plymouth N.C. this Morning succeeds a stormy night & there is about one inch of snow on the ground and all day it continues to storm and sleet, I suppose this is our Equinortial storm & a terrible one it is I am glad I am not on Picket to day the day is so stormy I cannot get out to hear any news. WEDNESDAY 23 Plymouth N.C.. This morning not stormy but cold & some snow on the ground P.M. I am detailed to go on H.Q. Guard Corpl. of Guard there is nothing new to record at about 8 P.M. the steamer Gen. Berry arrives withe the 16th C.V. on board & later the Pautuxet arrives with mail THURSDAY 24 Head Quarters 103rd regt P.V. this morning still on H.Q. guard morn. pleasant last night there was considerable alarm upon the Picket line but I believe there was no cause this is the day for artillery practice upon the forts evening the late snow has nearly all disappeared. [next page] March FRIDAY 25 1864 Plymouth N.C. This morning cold and again threatens rain there is nothing new to record to day there is some apprehension of an attack at this place but as yet I see no signs of danger The 16th C.V. again to day pitch tents upon their old camping ground on our left at night very stormy. SATURDAY 26 Plymouth N.C. This morning succeeds a very stormy night God pity the Pickets & men on guard to day more pleasant but very windy this A.M. Co Drill in the Manual of arms P.M. go outside the Picket line for wood rather risky work that evening all quiet as usual Windy SUNDAY 27 Plymouth N.C. this morning pleasant last night one of the prisoners of Co. H. 103rd R.D. arrested for pilfering slipped his hopples & made his escape probably to the Rebs. the guards on post are now under arrest for neglect of duty attend preaching to day Rev. Billingsley and at nigh by Rev. Dickson 16th C.V. at night a boat arrives but I have not [?] March, Monday, 28. 1864. Plymouth. N.C. This morning pleasant, Detailed for Camp Guard but change off for, Picket. today the detail from the 103rd is broken up, & a part, sent on all the leading roads. the writer & nine men Picket the right of the Wash. road; orders very strict and some apprehensions of attack, Countersign "Union City" Tuesday, 29. On Picket on the extreme right of the washington road near Plymouth N.C. this morning at 4 o'clock A.M, ordered to pass along the lines to the "reserve post" & see that sentinels were all doing duty, & all fires out. found everything right. relieved at 9 A.M. I think I was very fortunate to have good weather, for it has rained hard the greater part of the day, eve a boat arrives. Wednesday, 30. Plymouth N.C. This morning succeeds a stormy night, and Gen. Whiskey seemed to have the command of the camp, and some of the "Boys" got very noisy. by the last mail I recd a letter from my Wife. & a package of clothes &&. evening brings the long expected Paymaster, still [stormy] weather. March. Thursday, 31. 1864. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant. The heretofore welcome Paymaster is here, but the curses bestowed on him are not only loud but deep, for he is not fulfiling his contract with the "veterans" nor doing justice to others. Morn. & evening Drill, at night attend preaching. April, Friday, 1. Plymouth N.C. This morning all is quiet. at this time last year I was on Picket at the Railroad bridge near Newberne N.C. & was startled by the enemy guns opening upon Washington N.C. There is nothing new to record today. I believe the payment of the "veterans" is going on. evening rainy & disagreeable. Saturday, 2. Plymouth N.C. This morning, I am detailed to go on Picket Corpl. of guard. The morning is cold rainy and disagreeable and I think it rather hard to have to go on duty before my turn, to allow the "veterans" to get their pay & "Bounty" while I do not even get my monthly pay. & all because I will not re-enlist. Our post is the reserve on the Achor road continues to rain all day. April, SUNDAY, 3. 1864 On Picket, Reserve post . Achor Road Near Plymouth N.C. morning still cold cloudy & disagreeable, no excitement last night, Relieved at 10 A.M. and return to camp. There is a small mail & papers of the 28th bring news of the Rebel raid & destruction of Paduca Ky. by the Reb. Gen Forrest. MONDAY 4 Plymouth N.C. This morning cold and disagreeable. 7 years ago I was in Wheeling Va. what changes since then. there is no news to day, the "Grapevine Telegraph" seems to not be in working order to day. the payment of veterans still goes on, every thing "quiet along the lines". Eve. rain. TUESDAY, 5. Plymouth N.C. This morning succeeds a very wet & disagreeable night & still it continues cold & unpleasant. today I have been reading a pamphlet entitled "The Marches of Wessells Brigade." In reading the criticisms of the author upon the actions of Gen. Spanola at Swift Creek. on the 9th of Apr. last. I am reminded of the story of the gnat, upon the Bulls horn. April, WEDNESDAY, 6. 1864 Plymouth N.C. This morning still cold & disagreeable, to day I am detailed as Corpl. of Provost Guard. There are at present seven prisoners confined in jail over whom the Guards have to watch. There is nothing new to day, all is quiet as usual, evening the transports "Samuel" & "Eagle" arrive with Mail & &. THURSDAY, 7. Plymouth N.C. This morning more pleasant than usual. Still at the head quarters of the Provost Guard, relieved at 9 A.M. by the late arrival I receive two letters one from Bro. Geo. & the other from Mrs. S.J. Gibson P.M. Brigade drill. The 103rd P.V. the 85th N.Y.V. 101st P.V. & the 16th C.V. in line, Drill long & severe. FRIDAY, 8. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant. There is nothing new to day. Everything remained "in Statu quo" Co. Drill one hour in the A.M. & Brigade drill in the P. M. Drill is very severe. Several sentences of Courts Martial were read this evening among others that of friend I.S.M. a fine of only $10.00. Evening a small mail. April, SATURDAY, 9, 1864 Plymouth N.C. This Morning cloudy & threatens rain. There is nothing new to day, the dull routine of Military duties goes on as usual. This day one year ago, the 103rd P.V. were on the march between Newberne & Washington N.C. and about 4 PM we had a brisk skirmish at Swift Creek SUNDAY, 10. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant but succeeds a stormy night; the usual Sunday Morning Inspection first in order, attend preaching A.M. Chap. 16 16th C, V, P.M. at preaching in "Grace" Church Chap. 103rd P.V. Another day is gone. I think we are highly favoured & ought to be thankful for the privileges we enjoy & the quiet allowed us as Soldiers. MONDAY, 11. Plymouth N.C. Morning pleasant to day I am detailed Corpl of Camp Guard but change off for Picket post. the Reserve on the Achor Road, there is nothing new or exciting, the Countersign "Ghent" "Grand Rounds" about midnight, night cold and no fires are allowed. April, TUESDAY, 12. 1864 On Picket; Achor Road; Reserve post near Plymouth N.C. passed rather an uncomfortable night; cold "Terra Firma" for a bed and broad canopy of heaven for a covering, all remains quiet, relieved at 10 A.M. and return to camp. P.M. rain, evening "Eagle" brings a Mail. WEDNESDAY, 13. Plymouth N.C. This morning quite pleasant; all is quiet as usual, there is considerable activity at present strengthening the fortifications around this place the available strength of the forces at this place consists of the 101st, 103rd PV., 85th N.Y.V. 16th C.V., 24th N.Y, Arty. Co. B. 2nd N.C.U.V. 3 Cos 2nd Mass Arty. & the Gunboats, in all about 50 guns. P.M. Drill, Scribo Uxoris," THURSDAY, 14. Plymouth N.C. This morning pleasant. hear heavy cannonading toward Washington N.C. but as this thursday the day fixed for Artillery practice. I think it nothing more than practice, A.M. Arty, Practice upon the forts around Plymouth & Co. Drill. P.M. Brigade drill. from 2 till 5 O'clock. April, FRIDAY, 15. 1864 The first half of April is nearly gone. It seems to me like a dream time flies swiftly & were it not for this little book, I could hardly believe so much time had flown. there is, nothing new today, no Drill AM, P.M. went out for Brigade Drill but rain coming on return to quarters, Mail, Saturday, 16. This morning threatens rain: am detailed as corpl. of regimental H.Q. guard: May heven forgive for I have indulged in some hard language today; but I cannot repress my indignation there is not a nigger or a horse in Plymouth that does not fare better than the soldiers on guard. Eve Mail, recd. a letter, Uxoris, Sunday, 17. Plymouth N.C. this morning still on duty as Corpl of H.Q. guard. If Christ our Saviour lay in a manger, I have come a little lower for I lay last night on the floor of one of the stalls for horses, & of course got the benefit of the wholesome (?) effluvia arising therefrom. relieved at 9 A.M. attended preaching A.M. & P.M. & at night or 4 P.M. we are attacked by the enemy who tried to take ft Gray by storm. repuls April, MONDAY, 18. 1864. Plymouth N.C. last night almost continual skirmishing was kept up. the Rebs seem determined to have Ft Gray. but so far have been repulsed with considerable loss & the loss of one piece of Arty, they have so damaged the U.S. Gunboat Bombshell. that she after retiring out of action sunk at her landing. our skirmishers hold their ground at 8P.M. the Rebs open their batteries in front and a terrific bombardment follows and keeps up all night. our losses not heavy. H. Cline Co. G killed Tuesday, 19. Plymouth N.C. Morning comes after a night of terror. the Rebs are before us, behind us & on each side of us, they have carried Ft. Wessell on our right.& turned its guns on us. their "Ram" has sunk the G.B. Southfield & driven off our fleet. Now we are "gone up" unless [we] get reinforcement, but we will die "game" Bombardment continues all day. work under a galling crossfire all day, & at night Co. "B" have to go on picket. the night is made lively by bursting shells and the sharp rattle of musketry. our code is "Right smart Blue" WEDNESDAY, 20. Our Flag still Floats defiantly, but we cannot hold out much longer the Rebs have got all their Artillery in position and have carried the forts on our left. just at day light the ball opens. I am on Picket in front of the works. My chance for getting in looks rather blue. at 7 A.M. the enemy have gained the town & are now in our rear. We form & advance to drive them out then commences a most terrific street fight. At 8 A.M. a parley, Uncon. Sur Dema No. Sur. come & take us at 10 A.M. our flag is lowered. We are Prisoners of War. April, THURSDAY, 21. 1864. Near Plymouth N.C. This morning finds the Old Brigade all prisoners of War. So far we have been well treated, or as well as Prisoners could expect. our casualties are not heavy. I do not know the exact No. the Enemy loss is much greater than ours, but how much I do not know at 10 A.M. four days rations issued to Prisoners & at 12 PM. get under way & march about 15 ms. FRIDAY, 22. This morning finds the old Brigade still Prisoners of war, our condition is far from being comfortable, but still it might be worse, it is the first time for me to be under arrest either in civil, or military life. I would like to know the losses on both sides, but I cannot find out. March all day, but not very fast, roads, very dusty. Encamp near Hamilton. SATURDAY, 23. This morning feel considerably "Old" and feet very sore, but I will wear them off & then walk upon the stubs before I will complain March till about 10 A.M. & then go into camp near Hamilton. Encamped in a grove on about 2 Acres of the sandy soil of N.C. with the broad canopy of heaven as our only covering. We are guarded by the 35th regt. N.C. I must say though I despise the Rebel cause, I like some of their men, they use us well. April, SUNDAY, 24. 1864. Near Hamilton N.C. this morning pleasant, but not so our condition. We are prisoners of war, & as such I suppose we may as well put up with our lot* without grumbling. about 10 A.M. we are ordered to move forward, the hardest sight yet is to see the enemy picking out Deserters for execution I only saw six. March till near sundown & then go into camp. at night rain makes it more disagreeable & no shelter. MONDAY, 25. Within 11 ms of Tarboro, N.C. Morning warm. move early, & arrive at Tarboro about Noon. Now I wish I was to take prisoner again. I would prefer to be Killed rather than be captured, & killed by inches, and starved to death. the Enemy treat us perhaps as well as they can. they do not barefacedly rob us of our private effects, but they charge 100 prices for everything they sell us: We draw 1 pt. of corn meal, & 1/4 lb meat, slim living. TUESDAY, 26. Tarboro N.C. This morning pleasant but Not so the condition of the "Old Brigade." We are guarded by the Halcom Legion, S.C.V. and although I despise the cause for which they are fighting, Still I admire the honor of many of their men. Money is a Mockery. Every man sets his own value upon what he trades, today, about 1/2 of the Prisoners are sent further South, all the U.S. troops, the 103rd still remains I wish I was my Fathers Dog April, WEDNESDAY. 27. 1864 Tarboro N.C. Still a Prisoner of War, but I am not ashamed of it. overpowered as we were by more than five times our number, our supports the Gunboats either sunk or driven off & no retreat, it is just one week today since we have been prisoners, & I suppose we have been as well treated as prisoners ought to expect. This day is intensely hot & no shelter from the sun. had a shake of Ague. THURSDAY, 28. Tarboro N.C. This morning at 3 A.M. aroused from my bed on Mother earth by a shower of rain, well it will at least lay the dust. We are still encamped in a field at the south end of Tarboro Bridge, and guarded by the Halcom Legion S.C.V. however I may despise the cause for which they are fighting still I admire their candor, evening draw rations of corn meal & meat, corn meal & no way to prepare it. hard living that. FRIDAY, 29 Tarboro N.C. this morning pleasant first thing in order is Breakfast then Pack up to leave. cross Tar River on bridge, take passage on cars at 10 A.M. cars nothing but old baggage cars. 46 men on a car, cars run slowly. arrive at Goldsboro, N.C. at 4P.M. our condition is anything but comfortable. we can neither sit, stand, or lie. cross the Neuse River bridge at 5 P.M. the bridge burned Dec. 16th, 62. at goldsboro draw three "Hard Tack" each + a little meat. continue to travel but slowly nearly all night. now I would want to live a Prisoner always. April, SATURDAY, 30. 1864. Wilmington N.C. Arrive at this place after a long & dreary night run on the cars. cross Cape Fear River on Steam Ferry boat. the Smouldering embers of a most destructive fire are just dying out. It is said that the loss is not less than 10 millions dollars worth of cotton & other property. about Noon go on board cars on the Wilmington & Manchester R.R. distance 190 miles. we are so thickly crowded we can scarcely either sit stand or lie. May, SUNDAY, 1. This morning a little rain on the cars as a Prisoner of War. arrive at Charleston S.C. about 10 oclock A.M. the day is intensely hot & water not to be had scarcely at all. change cars for Savannah Ga. the change is but a "leap out of the pot into the fire" the cars are open flats & the sun is intensely hot. cross Ashley River at 1 P.M. also Stono & cooper Rivers, distance from Charleston to Savannah 106 ms. evening heavy rain, change cars within 3 ms. of Savannah Ga. at 9 P.M. MONDAY, 2. Last night had a sleep 100 ms. long. there are only 35 men besides the guards on each car & we are not so much crowded as we have been, we are somewhere on the road between Savannah & Macon Ga. the general appearance of the state of Georgia is more like of Penna than the Carolinas. cross Oconee River about Noon. arrive at Macon Ga about 3 P.M. this is to all appearance a flourishing place. again at 5 P.M. on our way to our destination arrive at Andersonvill at 9 P.M. & go into camp on the sandy soil. May, TUESDAY, 3. 1864. Andersonville Ga. This morning pleasant, but not so pleasant our condition, we are still prisoners of War. at 9 A.M. we are counted and divided into messes. and then sent to Military State Prison, the prison is about 18 Acres in extent, surrounded by a Stockad about 15 ft. high. mounted by Sentinels & commanded by Artillery. Water plenty. WEDNESDAY, 4. Military State Prison. Andersonville Georgia. This morning cold. Still a Prisoner of War, the No of Prisoners at this place is near 11 thousand and the condition of many of them is horrible in the extreme, but this is the mens own fault to a great extent, who seem to be to lazy to do anything for themselves Day very warm, I Pray God for deliverance THURSDAY, 5. Military State Prison Andersonville Georgia. last night there was considerable excitement, & this morning it is said that several Prisoners escaped from Prison by digging a tunnel under the stockade, the Prison Embraces about 18 Acres, Surrounded by a stockade 15 ft. high, guarded by Sentinels & commanded by artillery, it is shocking to humanity to see the condition of some of the Prisoners, they are liberally rotten with dirt & vermin, & dying like sheep. May, FRIDAY, 6. 1864. Still a Prisoner of war, in Rebel Military Prison. Ga. My own individual condition is not so bad, but "Monstrum Horiendum" the condition of the Majority of the Prisoners is Horrible beyond description, almost naked dirty, & polluted with vermin. I am told that as many as 900 have died within the last six weeks. I pray God for a speedy deliverance from this worse than Hell. SATURDAY, 7. Military Prison, Andersonville Georgia. Still a Prisoner of War, and if I was to be taken again I would prefer to die fighting rather than to be taken & killed by inches, I suppose there is an average of 25 men daily carried out dead, if our Government does not soon get us out of this place, there will be but few to take out. there is rumour of more fighting on the Rapidan but we cannot get the truth. SUNDAY, 8. Sunday morning is but little observed in any part of the Army, but much less in a military Prison. & if I did not keep a Diary I would not know how time passes. There is a good deal of talk about Parole & Exchange but I do not know whether there is any truth in the rumour. I pray heaven it may be true, anything before this Hell on earth. day very warm rations corn bread & a little meat. I think I will never more grumble at U.S. grub May, MONDAY, 9. 1864. Military Prison State of Georgia; still a Prisoner of War. last night I suffered a great deal with cramp in Stomach, caused by the miserable corn bread we have to eat; our rations consist of a small piece of corn bread and a little meat. for coffee we brown meal for a substitute. there is a rumour of hard fighting near Richmond, Va. but we cannot get the truth; there good prospect for exchange before long I think TUESDAY, 10. This morning cloudy & threatens rain. I wish it rain & wash away some of the filth of this Prison or "Hell upon Earth." the condition of many of the men here is miserable in the extreme, but much of their misery is the result of their own carelessness, & laziness, & now they are dying off like rotten sheep. I hope that the day of deliverance is not far distant. We get no news. WEDNESDAY, 11. It is just three weeks to day since we have been prisoners of War, & a doleful three weeks it has been, to the old Brigade two of our number have since died & many more soon will die unless speedily delivered from this worse than hell. I do not know what others will think of our capture, but for my part I am not ashamed; hemmed in as we were & overpowered we fought as long as there was any hope. I hope all is for the best, There is considerable rain to day. May. THURSDAY, 12. 1864. Now Reader I wish I could give you a description of our condition as Prisoners of War, but I cannot. Words fail me to give anything like a correct idea of our situation. There are about 11,000 of us encamped upon about 10 Acres with a stream of running through the centre, within the last 6 or 7 of weeks over 1000 have died our corn bread ration is large enough, but our meat ration is getting smaller & "beautifully less" every day. no news. FRIDAY, 13. Still a Prisoner of at Andersonville, Ga. Military Prison, there is nothing new to record to day. it is said that a number of Prisoners from Danville & from Dalton, Ga. brought in to day. Sometimes I think the prospect for exchange is good, but still I cannot see why this delay. I would like to trade myself for a Reb. & I promise never more to grumble at U.S. fare, Ever pleasant. SATURDAY, 14. Reader there is any amount of rumours afloat, but I regard mere rumour as not worth the breath that tells it, let alone the ink that writes it but one thing is I think certain & that is that the Rebs are getting the worst of it, for they are so quiet. to day there were a small lot of Prisoners brought into the "Bull Pen" Some from Dalton Ga. & some from Newborne N.C. I think it highly probable that our Flag waved over Dalton Ga. May, SUNDAY, 15. 1864. This morning would be pleasant if we were permitted to enjoy it without restraint, but we are prisoners of War, huddled into this "Bull Pen" enveloped with smoke & dirt so our condition is anything but comfortable. To day the Guard shot an old Man for going beyond the "Dead Line" killed him, he had but one leg; & I believe he wanted to be killed & put out of misery, for he knew the orders, MONDAY, 16. Military Prison Andersonville Georgia. this morning cold, but the day gets warm enough, the condition of many of the men here is horrible in the extreme. I hope we have not long to stay in this miserable place. If Government does not do something for its Prisoners. I don't see how it can expect much from them in time to come. "Malum in se" TUESDAY, 17. It is just one month to day since we were attackacked at Plymouth N.C. and an eventful month it has been to us. Still we are by no means as hard up as many who were here before us. Last night a number of Prisoners made their escape by digging under the stockade; to day a number of "Yankee" prisoners were brought in, who report the Federal forces in possession of Dalton Ga, there appears but little hope of I finding relief from this place. May, WEDNESDAY, 18. 1864. This morning pleasant. and the birds sing as gayly as if all was well; how much I envy their happiness! if I were Metamorphosed into a bird I would not be long in this "Bull Pen" this Hell upon Earth. there is very little to encourage, & the little we do hear cannot be relied upon. the day is intensely hot & no protection from the sun. The orders to the Guards are very strict. THURSDAY, 19. I am glad to record the transactions of another day, for if we ever get out of this Prison, everyday brings our deliverance one day nearer, the sun is intensely hot to day & nothing to break his almost [vertual?] rays. To day I paid $4.00 U.S. Money for less than 4 qts of flour, costly living that. I think, exchange of prisoners will soon commence FRIDAY, 20. Military Prison Andersonville Ga. There is but little to record to day we are shut out from news, or rather shut up in this miserable Bull Pen. the sun is intensely hot & no protection from its rays, save our blankets spread upon poles. the 3 poles & 6 little forks cost $2.50 U.S. Money, there are 4 of us in one tent & there is just room enough for us to lie down & it is just high enough to sit on the ground. May, SATURDAY, 21. 1864. Military Prison Andersonville Georgia, Still a Prisoner of War; & as such my condition is not the most pleasant; to day about 500 more prisoners were brought into this infernal "Bull Pen" I now think there is but little chance for exchange soon; at least not till the Spring Campaign is over; to day I worked hard digging a well; depth 12ft. water plenty; SUNDAY, 22. This morning early, before it was light there was a fuss in camp, caused by a thief trying to rob some of the "Boys" he was caught his head shaved, & he was very roughly handled, to day the 7th rest. P.R.C. was brought in as prisoners, the sick the prison Hospitals(?) have been moved out to make room for the living, this day is intensely hot. "Scribo Uxoris" MONDAY, 23. Well another day is past, and we are still prisoners of war, with no prospect of a speedy deliverance. I still have good health. a boon above all price, with men in our condition. Foster & McKee are quite unwell to day. This evening there are a large squad of several hundred Yankees brought in to the "Bull Pen". O God forbid that any more be brought to this infernal place. May, TUESDAY, 24. 1864. Reader I have nothing of importance to record to day. I sometimes become almost discouraged; but when I walk out; I am soon cured: for where I see one man better off than I am; I can see 100 who are in a much worse condition; this day is intensely hot, and nothing but a blanket to shelter us. WEDNESDAY, 25. This morning pleasant after a refreshing shower last night. The day grows warmer. There is but little news but what there is is sufficient to assure us that the Rebels have met with serious reverses of late; I think there were some more Yankee prisoners brought in to the "Bull Pen" to day. The guards appear to be unusually vigilant to day. THURSDAY, 26. This morning succeeds a night of rain. many of the men in this prison are in a very uncomfortable condition, without shelters lying on the ground & in the mud their condition could scarcely be worse this morning I breathed air outside the Stockade, I went to assist some of the sick. I read the Macon Daily to day. it reminds me of whistling to keep up [?]. May, FRIDAY, 27, 1864. Military Prison, Andersonville, Ga. this morning a little before day there was considerable fuss in camp. Lynching some of the "Raiders" or camp thieves; there seems to be [a?] dread of something bad among the Rebs. Today the news augers well for our side. Today I paid $1.00 for 1 qt of flour. & $1.00 for 8 small spoonfuls of salt & $1.00 for an orange. All U.S. money costly living that. SATURDAY, 28. I have but little to write for this day. The "Grapevine Telegraph" is working today, & there is any amount of rumour about Federal success, but rumour I will not write. There was a small squad of 100 or perhaps 150 Yankees, brought in today. Their news is not very favourable they were captured near Atlanta Ga. SUNDAY, 29. Reader I have but little to write about today. as prisoners of war our condition is growing worse & worse every day. Only imagine 18000 men huddled together in a "Bull Pen" or stockade, containing not more than 12 acres & nearly 1/4 of it a swamp & then you can have but a faint idea of our situation. Today something over 1000 more prisoners were brought in their news is not of much account. May, MONDAY, 30. 1864 Military Prison Andersonville Ga. This morning cold but day gets warmer. feel rather unwell today. our condition is getting worse every day today a large number of Yankee prisoners were brought into this place. I suppose there are now nearly 20,000 prisoners in this prison. Rations short & only corn bread [to?] eat & sometimes a little rice at that. TUESDAY, 31 This day is the 2nd anniversary of the Battle of "Fair Oaks" Va. our condition we then thought hard enough. but it was nothing to our condition as prisoners of war. today about 30 more Yankees were brought in, but their news is so unsatisfactory & conflicting I will not second it. I hope & pray for deliverance from this prison (of starvation). June, WEDNESDAY, 1 The month of June commences under very unfavorable auspices to the inmates C.S. M. P. Ga. Still I live in hope that the time for exchange is arriving nigh Today there was a very hard thunder shower & the way the water swept down the hill through & over our frail tenements was terrible. Today perhaps some 400 or 500 prisoners were brought here. no news June. THURSDAY, 2. 1864. C.S.M.P. This morning succeeds a disagreeable night. It is not only our misfortune to be Prisoners of War, but when it rains we have but very little shelter. But I know I ought not to complain, for where there is one man better off than I am, there are at least 100 men not half so well off the day is intensely hot, there is but little encourageing news. FRIDAY, 3. Morning comes after a night of thunder & heavy rain: My tent leaks overhead and my "Terra Firma" bed is overflowed but soon dries off; being sandy, but still I know I ought not to complain; for there are many in this Prison who have to stand out in the storm & then lie down in the mud for the night. There is nothing encouraging; today more Yankee Prisoners were brought in, Eve, more rain. SATURDAY, 4. This day almost continual rain and sometimes very hard: Our condition! Well I cannot describe it; words fail me: but only imagine 20000 men shut up in a small camp [?] of about 12 acres one third of which is swamp, with mud and filth everywhere & then you have a better Idea than I can write. today I breathed air outside the stockade: I went out with a wood squad; every man has to cook his own rations, today about 30 more Yankees were brought in. June. SUNDAY, 5. 1864. This is Sunday morning: but only for this little Book I would hardly know it. there is no difference in days here; the same work; is to perform on Sunday as on any other day; it requires much of the time to prepare our meal rations; today we are informed that R. Buford, Co. B. 103rd PV. died in the Reb. Hos. this is the 2nd out of 44-1 since May 3. MONDAY, 6. This morning pleasant: but very warm: feel considerably unwell today: caused I think by the miserable rations upon which Prisoners are fed in this Miserable abortion of a Corn-fed-eracy: but I think it will not last long, today there are any number of stories about the Reb. Gen. Johnston's defeat. at Marista Ga. but as usual nothing reliable; Eve more rain. TUESDAY, 7. This morning feel quite ill. Diarhoea & Debility, but I think I will soon be better, the day is intensely hot. & we suffer accordingly; today there are about 200 more Prisoners brought in to this Prison. I am sorry to another man brought into this miserable place. only to suffer all that human flesh ever suffered. this evening there is heavy rain, & none of us can do better than lie on the wet ground. June, WEDNESDAY, 8. 1864. Military Prison Andersonville Ga. This morning, gloomy and foggy. My individual condition is bad enough but not to be compared to the condition of many men in this camp. I have got the Diarhrea checked, and to day I feel tolerably well. the day is intensely hot, I spend part of the time studying Algebra, a few more Prisoners are brought in. no news. THURSDAY, 9. Still in this Hell-upon-earth of a Prison. our condition is daily growing more disagreeable as the weather grows warmer, three out of four of my mess. are sick and I would be sick too, but it wont do. Reader, I will here give a list of some of the ruling prices of this place, rice per bw. $64.00 U.S. currency; wheat flour $64.00 per bw.. salt $128.00. eggs, $4.00 per doz: Molasses $12.00 per gall. P.M. rain FRIDAY, 10. Military Prison Andersonville Georgia, "Whenever I take my walk abroad; How many poor I see; "What shall I render to my God, For all his gifts to me: Not more than others I deserve, Yet God has given me more." For I have health while others Lie, And pine away and die [*No changes to day.*] June, SATURDAY, 11. 1864 There is nothing new to record to day. The same dull monotony of Prison life has to be enacted over again. There is a world of suffering in this camp. Soldiers naked without protection from the almost vertical rays of the sun: unwholesome food and no medicines, our condition could hardly be worse. Write a letter to My Wife to day. SUNDAY, 12. To day is the holy sabbath: but there is no Sabbath here; O Liberty; Law and Order thou canst not be appreciated till thou art once lost. There are 20000 men cooped up in about 12 acres of space, surrounded by a high stockade, mounted by sentinels and commanded by Artillery; the Heavens of brass overhead, and no sign of vegetation far or near; God hasten Deliverance MONDAY, 13. This morning most disagreeable; cold rain every day in the so called Confederacy but makes our condition worse; lying on the wet ground in our wet clothes; and one half the men already sick. and you can scarcely imagine a worse case; the rations issued to the inmates of this Prison consists of a ve[ry] limited portion of boiled rice and a little meat the day continues cold wet and disagreeable, feel considerably ill, but its no use to compl[ain] June, Tuesday, 14. 1864. This is the 14th consecutive day that it has rained and for the last three days the sun has scarcely been seen, a more gloomy prospect I think has seldom fallen to the lot of man. it is just six weeks to day since it was our misfortune to be brought here. how much longer it impossible to tell. rations boiled rice & meat & very limited at that. Wednesday, 15. This day still gloomy & rainy. the sun struggled hard to dissipate the mist but could not get through. I need hardly repeat that the condition of a majority of the Prisoners in camp. Sumter, Ga. beggars description; Many of the men have have given up & become abandoned and desperate. To day about 1100 more Prisoners were brought here; their news appears rather favorable. Thursday, 16. This day still continues cloudy & gloomy with a little rain. I hardly know what to write for this day. I sometimes become almost discouraged but when I walk out and see so many in worse circumstances than I, I try to become contented. If I could have but three words from my wife & daughter assuring me that they were well; I would be satisfied; I would rather march three days & fight one out of every week, than be in this filthy "Bull Pen." June, Friday, 17. 1864. This day appears to be the great father of wet days. I am beginning to hope that it will soon "clear up cloudy" & set in for a general rain. this is only the 17th day it has rained without missing one day. this may seem like making light of things; but a man may as well laugh as cry over such matters. there is no change or at least none for the better in our condition Saturday, 18. This morning succeeds another night of rain; and the day continues showery. I suppose I need hardly repeat that I think our condition as Prisoners is about as bad as has commonly fallen to the lot of man, at least 7 men of the 103rd that I know of have died since we have been here. J.P. Erwin was to day robbed of about $100. More Prisoners are brought in. Sunday, 19. This is Sunday but alas! there is no Sunday here. this day is warm & comparative clear but the P.M. is somewhat showery. it is said that a man was killed last night by falling into a well; to day one of the guards fired upon a man over the "Dead line" missed him, but wounded two other men in their tent. there is no news to day our prospect for release looks slim, rations for tomorrow 1/2 qt Boiled rice & a little meat (2 oz) June, MONDAY, 20. 1864 This morning I was spectator to a Pugnacious encounter between two soldiers who ought to have thought their condition already miserable enough however they showed no “science” & were to weak to hurt each other; & after about 10 min. they shook hands: friends; & called it “evens.” Today I paid $2.00 U.S. money for a tin can that would not hold a gallon, to make mush in: A.M. fair; P.M. very wet. “O me miserum” TUESDAY, 21. I have nothing new to record to day. Morn cloudy but day gets very warm, & I thought we would one day without rain, but about 4 P.M. there is considerable rain; to day I went over the brook. If there are any worse gambling Hells this side of Pandemonium than I find here, I don’t want to find them; at 9 P.M. draw rations of scalded meal & rotten meat. WEDNESDAY, 22. Passed a sleepless night, thinking on the helplessness of our condition; & the unfeeling cruelty of the enemy in whose power for the present we are. The guard fired on a man for no apparent cause except to gratify his fiendish malice: the cries of the wounded man still haunt me; Brave Secesh! go to, & boast among thy fellows. I too have murdered a Yankee; but beware; your turn may come: then don’t ask quarter of me. June, THURSDAY, 23. 1864. Military Prison Andersonville Ga. there is no change in the condition of the inmates of this miserable place. But I think hope is beginning to dawn. I think two or three weeks will work a change for our good, the day is very warm: there are more prisoners brought in to day; Well the more comes in the more likely will Government try to get us out. FRIDAY, 24. Idem Loci: I have nothing new to record to day except, that everyday seems but to make our condition more miserable; the day is intensely hot; there are a few more Prisoners brought in to day; We did not draw yesterdays rations till 10 A.M. to day, & then took breakfast & dinner under one, on corn mush & a little meat. there is no reliable news to day. SATURDAY, 25. There is nothing new to day; except that there appears to be a little improvement in the rations issued to us Prisoners; to day we had fresh beef, & rice soup for dinner, & corn bread; To day I was out with a squad of men for wood. It seems to be a relief to get out. the air is so much purer. Vegetation tries to flourish; but bears the marks of the iron heel of War. Guards, accommodating & friendly. June, Sunday, 26. 1864. Military Prison, Andersonville Ga. another Sunday has dawned upon us in this crowded prison, death is too common a visitor here to be much noticed unless he invades our particular circle; it is not certainly known, but it is highly probable. M.J. McKay, of "B." Co. is dead; his place is filled by another. Read the 1st & and last Books of the New Testament today. Eve. More "Yanks" arrive. Monday, 27. Morning pleasant to those who are in a situation to enjoy it. But for myself, I am considerably unwell, but I think it will not last long: the day is intensely hot; and much sickness prevails; thirst of men in a place where the sun's rays fall only 6 1/2 degrees from the zenith, & no protection from his rays and so crowded that you can hardly pass. Eve. again more prisoners are brought in. Tuesday, 28. Military Prison, If this is not Hell itself it must be pandemonium; which is only Hell Gate, Heaven forbid I should ever see a worse place, the day is intensely hot in the A.M.; P.M. there is a heavy rain, the prisoners are so crowded it is next to impossible to pass. Men are dropping dead on all sides; to day Corp. J.B. Stewart, Co. A. 103rd P.V. died. Eve. 350 more prisoners are brought in. God pity them. June, Wednesday, 29. 1864. It is just 10 weeks since we have been prisoners of war; Morn. comes and goes, "but comes and brings no day," at least no day of deliverance for the Prisoner of this horrible prison; Every day there are a lot of new stories concerning exchanges, but they but lying gossip. This day not so warm as usual, still more prisoners arrive. Thursday, 30. Credit to whom credit is due; and when the Rebs do that which is right; I am willing to give them the credit; to day they have cleared out the "raiders" or camp thieves and robbers who have cursed this prison camp & robbed & murdered many an unfortunate man. I hope they may hang them higher than Haman but hanging is much to good a fate for them. July, Friday, 1. To day all the detachments from 48 to 98 inclusive were moved into a new prison; this gives those who remain room to breathe without breaking over the "Dead line" A detachment consists of 270 men divided into three messes of 90 men each. the writer is in Detachment 44, 1st mess. this day is very hot. there is no encouraging news but camp gossip not worth the breath that tells it. July, SATURDAY, 2, 1864 Military Prison Andersonville Ga. to day I witnessed Suffering enough to melt the heart of a Stone unused to seeing suffering I hardly know which to blame most. the relentless cruelty of the Rebels, or the perfidy of the Gov. of U.S. for deserting its soldiers in the hour of trial; and keeping back the exchange of Prisoners. To day the Hottest yet. SUNDAY, 3. There is no change in our situation except that since we are not so much crowded the usual morning roll call has been resumed; there is no surgeon's call this day & the sick must wait another day for treatment; as in dry weather all signs of rain fail, so all signs of exchange appear to fail in our case. There are plenty of vague rumours but no reliable news. MONDAY, 4. This the 88th Anniversary of our national Independence; we are doomed to spend in a Rebel Military Prison; There is quite a stir going on since yesterday reorganizing the different Detatchments said to be with a view of exchange; but I have no faith in what I hear; there was no grub issued at all yesterday & to day not 1/2 will draw grub, have nothing but a little mush; to day there is very heavy thunder & rain. July, TUESDAY, 5. 1864 There is nothing new to chronicle today; the air is somewhat cooled since the heavy thunder of yesterday; I feel a good deal discouraged today; The prospect for speedy deliverance from this thraldom of a Prison is not very flattering; Still I know as long as I have my health I ought not to complain; A great deal of sickness now prevails; & no care for the sick; No news: WEDNESDAY, 6. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed; because his compassions fail not, They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness; The Lord is my baptism saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The Lord is good unto them, that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Is it good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord, [Lam.?], 22nd to 26th transcribe awhile a Prisoner of War. Andersonville Ga, today more prisoners arrive. THURSDAY, 7. O sacred Privilege of American Citizen's once sacred; but now trampled upon by Traitors in arms; But has it come to this; has the U.S. Gov. no power to protect its citizen Soldiers when unfortunately in the hands of the enemy; or has it abandoned them as not worth notice? forbid it Heaven; last night & to day I know of at least five more of the 103rd P.V. who have paid the debt of nature. Day very hot, many are sick & no relief but in death. July, FRIDAY, 8. 1864. This morning we are shocked; (if it be possible to shock our blunted sensibilities) by the death of Robt. Seaton Co.J. 103rd P.V. also word that D.W. Jordan Co. B. 103rd died in Reb Hos." Monstrum Hoerendum", there soon will be none of the 103rd to tell the tale. this day about the hottest yet. More Prisoners are brought in, A. Guiher arrived to day, read much History of Rebellion J.T. Headly. SATURDAY, 9. Spent most of this day reading the History of the Great Rebellion by J.T. Headly, Tried to act the part of the "Good Samaritan" but what can a man do in our condition; the sun is intensely hot to day, but in the evening there is very heavy, rain, cooling the air very much; More Prisoners arrive to day: - report Sherman at Atlanta: (Premature) SUNDAY, 10. This morning feel somewhat ill; passed an uncomfortable night; Still where one man in this Prison is better off than I. 1000 are not half so well off, Tongue nor pen can portray the 1/100 part of the suffering at this place; & the pitch of human Desparity is extreme; I don't believe 1/2 the Prisoners know that this is Sunday & for myself, I am often indebted to this little book, which I try to keep posted up, more Prisoners arrive; more rain. July, MONDAY, 11. 1864. Military Prison; Andersonville, Ga. My heart is sad: Today I witnessed a Tragical scene; which Heaven Forbid! I should ever see the like again, six men of the "Raiders" taken out June 30th were hung by our own men; with the concurrence of the Reb. authorities One of them broke through the guards; but was recaptured & placed upon the scaffold; another, when the drop fell, broke his rope & fell, but was instantly strung up again; a solemn warning to all TUESDAY, 12. There is nothing new to record to day; The tragical scene at the execution of the "Raiders" yesterday. still haunts my mind, I hardly know what to think of it. - That they were guilty and deserved their fate I have no doubt. & their example must have impressed itself upon their friends not soon to be forgotten, but their fate was a terrible one. To day about 300 more prisoners are brought in. there must now be 30000 men here. WEDNESDAY, 13. There is nothing new to day; the same dull monotonous scene of Prison camp goes on as usual; the same relentless cruelty of the Rebs shows itself every day; to day, it is said two men were shot by the Guards & one of them killed; I heard the reports of the guns but did not go to see: I feel ill to day on account of overtaxed exertions; (Gouphar), for the last 84 days & nights. I have had no better bed than Mother Earth but to day I secured the soft side of a board July, THURSDAY, 14. 1864 Military Prison: Andersonville Ga. This morning for exercise sake I take a ramble across the brook; I suppose there are nearly if not altogether 30000 Prisoners in this camp; and during the early hours of morn, the smoke from thousands of little fires over which the unfortunate men cook their meager corn rations gives the camp the appearance of the Bottomless pit. & it is little better; FRIDAY, 15. Grim Death has made another raid upon Co. B. 103rd P.V. the victim this time was Wm D. Woodruff who died about 1 O'Clock this A.M. also, Meyers of Co. E. 103rd is dead. I feel considerably better today, paid 60 cts. for two small biscuit & a little onion. Write a letter to my wife; the day is very warm. All quiet & no news. More Prisoners; Saturday, 16. I love my Country & my Government & I believe I am as loyal as a man can be; but will put upon record that I do not like the policy of the present Administration. I do not like an Administration that will not protect its citizen Soldiers when unfortunately Prisoners of War. The everlasting Nigger must be protected and the Soldier may take care of himself. This seems to be the policy pursued. Eve no News. July, SUNDAY, 17. 1864 It is just three month today since the Old Brigade was attacked at Plymouth N.C. Since that time I suppose we have seen about as rough usage as has commonly fallen to the lot of men. Since I have been a prisoner I have had reasonably good health; but I am afraid I am taking the scurvy; fat meat & meal & no vegetables it is no wonder; a few more Prisoners from Atlanta Ga. are brought in today, news unimportant. MONDAY, 18 To see a few men still striving to do a little good in this apparently God-forsaken place is like the few scattered Oases of the Great Desert of Sahara. Last night I attended preaching in the Stockade; (Subject) "Fight the good fight of faith" attendance large & attentive; There is nothing new to day. The same routine of Prison life goes on. rations corn meal & a little molasses & meager at that; TUESDAY, 19. O Liberty! A sound once delightful to every American Citizen! Thou canst not be fully appreciated till thou are once lost, here we are in this miserable prison; the Heavens of brass overhead; the "sandy soil" beneath, under an almost tropical sun, and no protection from his rays except perhaps a blanket spread out on a few sticks; our meager morsel cooked, or maybe only warmed over a few splinters for wood is scarcely to be had; then imagine our condition. July, Wednesday, 20. 1864 It is just three months today since we have been prisoners of War. during that time many of the Old Brigade have died & many more will soon follow unless speedily relieved. I count myself pretty tough but prison life & fare are more than I bargained for. My joints almost refuse to perform their office; The Rebs seem to be uneasy today & are throwing up Fortifications around as if afraid of a Raid. May it come quickly. THURSDAY, 21. This morning I feel considerably unwell. threatened with Diarhoea. the most dangerous disease to which we are subject in this miserable Prison; The Rebs seem to be very uneasy about something; and are working like beavers fortyfying; they evidently anticipate danger from some quarter; This day is intensely hot; Rations to day coarse corn bread & molasses. FRIDAY, 22 When I was taken Prisoner Apr. 20th I had in my possession $94.00 U.S. Currency; I have lent out $15.00. I yet have $60.00 the balance of the $94.00 I have spent mostly for wood, salt, soap, flour, beans,&; & &; but I suppose the $60.00 will not now last, for since I am sick, I cannot bear the sight of the rations we draw, & .25 to .35 cts apiece for biscuit soon runs away with money. To day go out to the Doctor, guards shoot two men for crowding out to fast, even more prisoners arrive. July, SATURDAY, 23. 1864. To day I still feel considerably stiff & unwell. & threatened with Diarhoea, my mouth, and the glands of my throat are very sore. & I have no appetite; To day I got another $20.00 bill broken & soon good by to it; I lent J. Foster; who is sick, $2.25 additional to the $19.00 which I have already lent him; To day it is rumored that the Commissioner of Exchange: have come to terms; God grant it may be true; SUNDAY, 24. I am not so stiff to day; nor so much threatened with Diarhoea; but my mouth is very sore: & the glands of my throat considerably swollen, paid .50cts for two small biscuit: I can't bear the sight of corn bread: This day is cooler than usual; It is still rumored that Exchange has been agreed upon & will take place soon. it can't take place to soon for me: MONDAY, 25. I still feel very unwell; the scurvy is getting a pretty good hold on me: my mouth is very sore & I have no appetite to eat the miserable rations we have to subsist upon. One day there appears to be some prospect of a speedy release from this torment of a Prison The next day none; I will not yield to discouragement; but I know if I am destined to outlive this calamity; it will be by a speedy release, eve no news. July, TUESDAY, 26, 1864 To day I feel somewhat better, but still far from being well; my mouth is still very sore; but my appetite is somewhat better, there is nothing new to day, vague rumour is ever busy; but rumour I will not write, I suppose I need say nothing about rations, it is still coarse corn bread & a little meat or else Molasses; Evening sets in rainy; O God hasten Deliverance. WEDNESDAY, 27 The killing of a Yankee by the Rebel Guards is to common an occurrence to excite much comment, but my heart sickens at such cruelty; some of the guards it seems would rather fire than say "Stand back." to day I went out to see the Doctor for the scurvy, to day paid 30cts for an Irish potato that would not weigh two ozs, evening threatens rain. More prisoners arrive. No News THURSDAY, 28 I am not a believer in dreams; but I had a singular one last night which has oft been repeated; it may mean something, or it may mean nothing; I thought I was in a steamboat in a deep & muddy river, the water ran wildly; I thought the Boat I was on was sinking & I sprang from the hurricane deck upon the hurricane deck of another Boat, which to my horror I found was also sinking, springing from this upon some pieces of broken wreck, I got safely to shore, dry shod, while many of my comrades went under; (rain) July, FRIDAY, 29. 1864. There is nothing unusual to day. The Rebs still seem to be uneasy as though they anticipate danger; they are still busy throwing up rifle pitts; I still feel considerably unwell; the scurvy is still holding on to me. Tough I suffer nothing in comparison to what others suffer; To day a large No. of Prisoners from Shermans army arrive; Day very warm. SATURDAY, 30 This morning I feel considerably unwell my joints are very stiff and almost refuse to perform their functions. I am more crippled than a man at 60 years of age ought to be, I have also a racking pain in my head; Subsistence; corn meal gruel; the corn bread issued is of the coarsest kind; and the meat is not fit for the stomach of an alligator. SUNDAY, 31. This is Sunday; but as usual there is no Sunday wherever military operations go on. the "Johny Rebs" are very busy all day to day, fortifying as though they anticipated trouble of some kind at this place. I feel considerably better to day; If deliverance comes soon; I feel as though I might yet weather the storm; Rumours are favorable; I pray God they may be true. Goodby to July. August, Monday, 1. 1864. Last night, I attended preaching within the stockade; the night was very dark; but the meeting was animated & lively; Subject, "Wherefore seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of Witnesses && To day a Reb Chaplain preached to the prisoners; he told them to be of good cheer. that exchange was agreed upon, God grant it may be true; Eve. rain; Tuesday, 2. Another day is almost past; and I am always glad at the close of a day while in this miserable prison; for if ever deliverance comes each day brings it one day nearer; To day there was a terrible thunder storm several trees were struck near the Stockades & the camp was deluged with rain, paid $1.00 for eight small potatoes not as large as a hens egg. Wednesday, 3. I wish I had a gift of Homer or Virgil that I might describe some of the sufferings of many of the unfortunate inmates of this miserable prison; spent three hours in the heat of the day trying to get Foster taken out to the Hos. & then had to carry him back to quarters, to repeat the operation tomorrow. Eve. feel very ill being over-taxed this morning; More Prisoners are brought in; eve. threatens rain. August, Thursday, 4. 1864. This morning the sick anticipating the prospect of getting out to the hospital went to the gate early in the morning, and when the street leading to the gate was crowded there with sick & dying men; instead of taking them out to hos; they must return to quarters to die; to give the miserable ration wagon place; the rations consist of only miserable boiled rice, more Prisoners are brought in to day Friday, 5. I do not know what to think of the appearance of affairs; sometimes I am inclined to believe that deliverance is near; & again I can see but little to hope from this day is very hot; the sick are being removed but very slowly; this evening some 50 more Yankee Prisoners are brought in; O God Grant us speedy Deliverance. Saturday, 6. I am 31 years old to day; but I am more broken down & my joints are stiffer than they ought to be at 60; It is a hard place to celebrate a birth day; in a military prison where a man cannot call his life his own to day I saw one of the guards shoot a man through the head killing him instantly; O cruel enemy! Your turn may come sooner than you think. Yesterday James Richie Co. B 103rd P.V. died, this makes the 5th August, SUNDAY, 7. 1864. In my early youth, I used to observe the Sabbath with a holy reverence; at least I always abstained from worldly pursuits; and generally attended preaching; but this I owe as much to Prior teaching of Parents; and force of custom as to any innate instinct; but custom long indulged in becomes natural; But here shut up in Prison I am often indebted to this little book to know how time flies. How else could it be? MONDAY, 8. This morning warm & day cloudy rumours are rife about exchange. but as usual only sensational; spend most of the day reading the life of the Illustrious founder of Pennsylvania Wm. Penn, Evening heavy rain deluging camp & making existence about as miserable as it well could be made. O May God Hasten the day of deliverance: Thanks for a return of comparative Health. TUESDAY, 9. Military Prison Ga: The most remarkable feature of this day was the the terrible thunder and rain storm almost sweeping the camp away; the stockade was swept down in several places; here was a good chance to get out. But Johny Reb. saw the mischief as soon as the prisoners did, the alarm guns were fired; and very soon opposite each breach stood a wall of muskets; Well Johny it does me some good to see you get wet. August, WEDNESDAY, 10. 1864. Passed a restless night; clothes all wet & disagreeable; & this morning is still very disagreeable; add to this a hungry Belly. For our merciless captors sieze on every pretext to cut off the rations; & yesterday's rain formed one good enough for them. My breakfast consisted of corn mush and water. P.M. the weather is intensely hot. eve, heavy rain. THURSDAY, 11. Gloomy morning succeeds a night of thunder & rain: very disagreeable. Death has called upon another victim from Co. B. 103rd. the victim was D. Ross. Poor fellow! he is better off than many of his survivors; day continues showery; making it very disagreeable for the sick who are without shelter or medicine or treatment & have no hope of relief, except in death. Thanks for continued comparative health. FRIDAY, 12. I don't know for whom I am keeping this Diary; I still have hope that I will yet outlive this misfortune of being a Prisoner but I am not made of iron; still I consider myself pretty tough: I have got the better of the scurvy again. & am now in tolerably good health, & will try to keep my head "Above Water" but, I am seeing my dream verified every day: by seeing scores of my fellows carried out dead. Eve. no news. August, Saturday, 13. 1864. Camp Sumter Andersonville Ga. Military prison; There is nothing new to day, the same miserable routine of Prison life goes on; The Rebs seem determined to starve what they cannot otherwise kill; the ration of not more than two ounces of beef, and a very limited portion of coarse corn bread; Mortality is daily on the increase; I am told it reached 115 to day. Sunday, 14. There is nothing new or reliable to day some sensationists are presistent in their efforts to keep up rumours of immediate exchange, But I cannot see the foundation for their hopes, still I hope they may be right; the 16th regt. Ct. V. have lost a man every day this month; Mortality is fearfully on the increase. Bought a pair of tolerably good shoes to day for 50 c. Monday, 15. Hot nights; and Hotter days come on apace And who shall hide us from the suns broad face Cold death increases the sickness will not erase, And here we lie; God knows, with little ease, From Starvation; Pestilence and Prison Good Lord Deliver us. This is the day the Gossips would have exchange commence, but as yet I see no signs for the better, but every day but makes our condition worse. August, Tuesday, 16. 1864. "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick, but when the desire cometh it is a tree of life." Prov. 13-12th. I hope the desire will not be long delayed but that deliverance may soon be vouched safe to us, for our condition is about as miserable & helpless as it could well be. To day Jao. Reece Co. B. 103 P.V. died this makes the 7th for Co. B and the 50th for the regt. since Apr. 26. Wednesday, 17. "If thou faint in the day of adversity; thy strength is small;" Prov. 24-10th. But the sights of human suffering we hourly witness are enough to make the stoutest heart faint. This day is terribly hot, & mortality is fearfully on the increase; & our reduced rations are not near sufficient to subsist life, paid 25c for 1/2 gall unsifted corn meal; & never did I relish mush and water better. Thursday, 18. There is nothing new to day in the status of affairs in this torment of a Prison; the day is intensely hot and men are dropping dead on all sides; Mortality is on the increase I still retain a reasonable share of health & strength; & many thanks to the good God for it I will still hope on & I will never yield to discouragement; but the prospect for speedy deliverance is small; Oh how much I wish the hot season was over. August. FRIDAY, 19. 1864 What we sometimes regard as a misfortune & fret over as such; sometimes turns out to be for our greatest good. Had I got a furlough last fall when it was promised me I might have been captured without having a cent of money as it was I had almost $100.00 & next to a Merciful Providence I believe I owe my life to this single interposition. "Without money; Without Friends," in this awful place. SATURDAY, 20. There is nothing new in the status of affairs in this miserable Prison, the rations which we have to subsist upon are barely sufficient to keep soul & body together; indeed a man in perfect health could not subsist upon them. Spent most of this day washing & working with I. Foster. he is now as helpless as a child, it is a heavy charge; Eve rain; A few Pris. arrive SUNDAY, 21. This is, or rather ought to be sunday; for there is no Sunday here; the day is disagreeable & rainy; The suffering of many of the Poor victims is indescribable John Foster still lingers, but little but life remains of him, he is as helpless as a child, I have tried to do all for him that I could, Our rations consists of "Corn chinck" alone and very limited at that, paid $1.00 for a medium [?] rails for wood to cook with. August, MONDAY, 22. 1864. Another day is numbered with the past; I am glad that it is so; for although it brings us one day nearer to our Eternal home; it also brings one day nearer to deliverance from this horrible prison; that is should deliverance ever come; and to very many it can only come in death; There are no changes to day; the weather is intensely hot. TUESDAY, 23. This day is intensely hot; and the suffering of the unfortunate sick is terrible in the extreme; There is no changes in the state of affairs in this miserable Prison; A few more Prisoners have been brought in, their reports are favourable, but hope is long deferred; makes the heart sick, and I am about as sick of this place as a man can be WEDNESDAY, 24. I hardly know what to write for to day, the prospect still looks gloomy; but, I suppose we may as well hope on, and quietly 'bide our time. This day is the beginning of the last month of my 3 yrs enlistment. To day G. W. S; O. S, Co. B. 103 P.V. was taken out to be sent off. I know not where; perhaps for exchange. This day has been most intolerably hot. August, THURSDAY, 25. 1864. If Purgatory, Pandemonium; or Hell itself be a worse place to be in than this is Good God deliver me from either. The sun is intensely hot; so it is only the "sleep death" to sleep in day light, & at night the tormenting moschetoes; & the pitying moans & cries of the sick & helpless for help almost drive one mad: Still "Nil Desperandum" FRIDAY, 26. I used to consider myself a man of feeling & some principal; but want, privation & abuse have made me selfish & more like a Devil than a man & ready to quarrel with any man, but if want will make the Hind forsake its calf why not make man desperate. Our condition is about as miserable as it could well be; and no prospect for better. SATURDAY, 27. This morning at 4 O'clock A.M. Died John Foster of Co. B. 103rd Regt. P.V. his disease was Dysentery, and affection of the lungs. I attended him in all his illness he has lingered long and suffered much & fell a victim to Rebel cruelty & want of medical attendance and want of the most common necessaries of life; I assisted to carry his remains to the "Dead House" ... all a Prisoner can do August, SUNDAY, 28. 1864 I feel sad today to think that one of our Mess has been taken from us, but I hope his condition is better [off] than ours. John Foster & I have been together, ever since he entered the service: now nearly two years. I always found him the same true man. I have his Due bill for $19.00 borrowed money & I expended on his account during his last illness $5.00 total $24.00 day pleasant. Eve no news. MONDAY 29 This is the day the Northern Democrats are to hold their national convention in Chicago Ill. I anxiously await their decisions; what a contrast there must be between their pomp & condition and the condition of the unfortunate imnates of this miserable Prison? There is no news of importance but starvation is staring us in the face "right smart" & mortality increases. TUESDAY, 30. To day my much esteemed Friend Frank G. Parmer 7th O. Cav. Died; my acquaintance with him was limited; but sufficient to appreciate his moral & intellectual worth but grim death is no respecter of Persons. There is nothing new to day the same dull routine of Prison life goes on, rumours of speedy exchange are again rife but I have little confidence in them. P.M. ver. warm. August, WEDNESDAY, 31. 1864. This day I had considerable difficulty to keep my larger entrails from devouring the smaller ones; or in other words, I have been considerably pinched with hunger, all day; the rations we draw for 24 hrs. would not make more than one meager meal for a healthy man; this day is not so warm as it has been; No change in affairs. Farewell Aug. September, THURSDAY, 1. This morning quite cool; I do not see how some men who have scarcely any clothes can stand it; I have plenty of clothes and still I often suffer from the extremes of heat by day & cold by night; The prospect for a speedy release from this place again looks bright; but I have been so often deceived with Prospects, that I have no faith in anything I hear. FRIDAY, 2. Military Prison. Andersonville Ga. Spend most of this day studying Algebra; as the weather is now somewhat cooler than it has been I find more amusement in mathematics than in aught else; and while others break their hearts and die fretting about their hopeless condition I try to be contented & make the best of what means I have at command, evening No news. September, SATURDAY, 3. 1864. This morning cloudy & threatens rain, the day is somewhat cooler than usual. & as the weather gets cooler my head grows clearer for the study of Algebra, with which I am now trying to pass the time, but much of the time hunger pinches me a little to hardly, to day Rumours are favorable but I have lost all confidence in rumour, P.M. a little (rain SUNDAY, 4. This is sunday; but as usual I would hardly know it were if not for this little book; the day is very warm not much behind any day in Aug., the usual camp & Prison scenes go on as on other days. I am considerably exercised to keep hunger away, I find that on an average I have spent 24 cts per day since I am (a Prisoner MONDAY, 5. There is but little that is interesting to record to day, the day is intensely hot, there are various rumours about the exchange but as usual not worth repeating; there has been some hard fighting in the vicinity of Atlanta Ga. I think it highly probable the "Yanks" now have possession of Atlanta, Eve perhaps 200 Yank Prisoners are brought in September, TUESDAY, 6. 1864. This morning all is quiet in this Prison Camp; the day is very warm; P.M. there is a brisk slower of rain, spend part of the day in remodeling my tent, and part of the day studying Algebra; Eve it is said that Exchange commences tomorrow & soon the report is confirmed by orders from Reb head quarters for the 1st 18 detatchments to be in readiness to leave on short (notice WEDNESDAY, 7 This morning camp is jubillant over the prospect of speedy exchang from this torment of a prison; as Prisoners begin to leave the cheers that rend the air is deafening; I suppose about 3000 men have gone & the Prospect for a General Exchange is now bright; O Glorious day! my turn has not yet come but; I wait in hope. THURSDAY, 8. This morning at 1 A.M. all is bustle & excitement; I now believe the long wished for-day has come & that the General Exchange of Prisoners of War has commenced at least it is an exchange from this Prison either to another & perhaps worse one; or to the "Federal Lines", at noon another train load of Prisoners are ordered out, our turn has not yet come but in hope I Patiently wait. September, FRIDAY, 9. 1864. While all was quiet & no exchange going on I was contentented, because I could not help myself, & might as well be contented as to fret, & I was clear headed to read or study anything but now that exchange is going on, & all is excitement, I am restless; the day seems immoderately long, & I long for the order to "Pack up" To day it is rumoured that Richmond has fallen SATURDAY, 10. This morning the shrill whistle of locomotives as train after train arrives & departs loaded with prisoners; announces that exchange still goes on, It is Just 4 months & 20 days since the 103rd P.V. were taken prisoner; since that time some 80 men out of about 400 have died, or about 20 per cent, Co B, have lost 8 out of 56 or 1/7 of the whole, Awaiting orders anxiously. SUNDAY, 11. After recording the transactions of yesterday; or about sundown Detatchment 96 gets orders to pack up & be ready to leave immediately; just at dark to the number 1380 men we are packed into 23 box cars, 60 men to a car, and are soon on our way, arrive at Mason Ga about 2 A.M. and there remain till nearly daylight; then again on our way arrive at Augusta Ga. about 4 P.M. receive marked kindness from many of the citizens of Augusta, particularly from one Thos. Gibson, & a lad named Henry McWalters. September, Monday, 12. 1864. This morning at daylight we are about 23 ms from Augusta crowded 60 men of us into a car; we cannot either sit stand or lie comfortably & sleep is out of the [con?t] & we are getting very tired. Guards not very accommodating, & sometimes we suffer for water. Cars run slowly, but we arrive at Charleston S.C. about 3 P.M. both citizens & soldiers treat us with as much respect as Prisoners could expect, camp upon Fair ground Tuesday, 13. A Prisoner of War in Charleston S.C. Last night and this morning the hours are made lively by bursting shells from Federal Batteries upon Morris Isl. We are not under fire but the city must be an uncomfortable place to live in at this time. I am badly “In the woods” just now I cannot understand why we are brought here; I like the change however; for since we came here, we have been well treated. Wednesday, 14. Charleston S.C. This morning comparatively quiet except an occasional shot between the Morris & James Isl. Batteries; at daylight 1500 prisoners were taken off. we know not where, there still remains in this camp something over 5000 men; we are not in any Prison, but simply under guard; & the guards appear to be gentlemen we are now organized into detatchments of 1000 men each subdivided into 100, as, rations long coming & but very limited. Nothing encouraging. September, Thursday, 15. 1864. Charleston S.C. Still under guard as Prisoners of war; I cannot understand why we are here; to all appearance there is but little prospect of exchange for sometime yet; I like the change of location; & I think this a healthy place. our "grub" is of the best quality, but a little short in quantity yester' eve I was chagrined to see about 250 men accept the Rebel offer to go out & work at "Anything" they maybe set at, today an occasional shell falls in the city. Friday, 16. This is the sixth anniversary of my Marriage That the reader may perceive the painful contrast between my present circumstances and those of six years ago; when I led to the altar of Matrimony a blushing bride. Imagine a Prisoner of war, strictly guarded; subsisted upon raw rations, 4 spoonfulls of beans, 4 of rice, 2 of cornmeal, 4 of hominy; & 1/4 lb of raw beef for a days rations & not a splinter of wood to cook with. for supper tonigh 2 spoonfulls of flour & cold water mixed Saturday, 17. Charleston S.C. this morning is made lively by the booming of heavy guns upon Morris Isl. the bombardment continues all day; the shells set the city on fire about noon; but by 4 P.M. the volume of smoke diminishes & the fire seems to be stayed. I have for a long time thought I would see Charleston, but I did not think it would be as a prisoner of War. I like the change from Sumter; the Guards are Gentlemen, our grub is of the best quality; but a little deficient in quantity September, Sunday, 18. 1864. Charleston S.C. This is sunday but instead of the usual quiet of sunday; our ears are greeted by the deep tones of heavy artillery upon Morris Isl. throwing shells into the city many of the shells burst at an elevation of 25º to 30º, & to appearance they are near to us; but the time the sound requires to reach the ear is about 17 sec & the dis over 3 ms Eve rain. Write a letter to my Wife. Monday, 19. Charleston S.C. This morning our condition is anything but pleasant, about 2 A.M. there is a heavy shower of rain, & our camping ground being low & level we are completely overflowed. to day I have been very busy raising the ground under my tent to prevent another overflow, the bombardment of Charleston still continues; Our rations more abundant & of a good quality. Eve threatens more rain. Tuesday, 20. Charleston S.C. It is five month to day since I have been a prisoner; our condition at. present is very uncomfortable we are nearly overflowed with water and still it rains; I am chief commissary of a mess of 20 men & to distribute 4 or 5 kinds of rations by the spoonful to the men is no small job. Heavy cannonading is heard to the left of Charleston. Probably on Sullivan's Isl. Eve more rain. September. Wednesday, 21. 1864. This morning our camp is almost overflowed with water, 1/4 of the men have no shelter; and the other 3/4 might almost as well be without as to have covering overhead; & lie in the water; except the low level camp. I like this place much better than Sumter; our grub is of a first rate quality and gaining in quantity; Bombardment of the city continues many of the shells burst at an elevation of 25º to 30º Thursday, 22. Charleston S.C. Last night there was considerable bombardment of the city but this morning everything is quiet & continues comparatively quiet all day. Gossip, says negotiations for exchange are going on, but I have no confidence in rumour; the day is dry & warm & camp is becoming more comfortable. I like this place much better than Sumter. Friday, 23. This day finishes my three years enlistment in the U.S. service; but it is my misfortune to be a Prisoner & I suppose I will have to serve a while longer. This day is pleasant & warm & very quiet, it is said there is a Truce to day. I hope it is so, & that it may lead to an exchange at 6 P.M. the booming of cannon is heard; I suppose the truce is at an end; I long to hear the result. Evening pleasant. September, SATURDAY, 24. 1864. This morning pleasant. but occasionally a shell drops into the city of Charleston but as the day wears away everything becomes quiet. rumors is busy but not worth repeating. This day three years ago; Co B. were sworn into the service of U.S. when we first took the field we were over 100 strong, now there are only 40 of us together. Where are the others? Alas! Sunday, 25. Charleston S.C. This morning colder than usual. Morning pleasant and dry. there is nothing new there has been no shelling since 7 a.m. I like this place much better than Sumter. We are strictly guarded; but only upon an open fair ground; & the scenery is delightful, & the guards gentlemen. Monday, 26. Last night there was almost continual bombardment of the city; the fire bells rang all night; & to day there is considerable firing. The day is pleasant, & were it not that we are strictly guarded; we might have more enjoyment. Thank fortune we are not guarded by stockades & walls; but only by a line of sentinels about 20 yds apart. Write a letter to Thomas Gibson, Augusta Ga. Rations of poor quality & sufficient for 2 meals a day. September Tuesday, 27. 1864. Charleston, S.C. This morning pleasant. This day six years ago I was in Butler Pa. I little thought at that time that I would now be a Prisoner of War, but since we came to this place prisoners life is not so bad. We are only guarded by a line of soldiers about 20 yds apart, our grub is good but sometimes a little short. there is a good deal of shelling today. Wednesday, 28. This morning pleasant; this is ration day again; we draw two days raw rations beans, rice wheat flour corn meal & hominy salt & soap. We draw a small quantity of fresh beef daily; our grub is of a good quality, & a great improvement on Sumpter. There is no news that I know of to day & I am glad of it; for I am treed of false reports. Considerable firing to day. Thursday, 29. Last night there was almost continual firing from heavy guns into the City of Chasston, the time from seeing the flash of the gun till the sound reaches the ear is about 37 seconds & the distance about 8 ms. our camp is N.W. of the city & nearly in a line with the guns. but fortunately forms beyond their range. but the shells come shrieking apparent near & burst in the heart of the city. Eve pleasant, no news. September, FRIDAY, 30. 1864. Charleston S.C. This morning I feel sad; I am not sick: but something whispers me "all is not right" I fear there is another move on hands; I feel as if we were "Not out of the woods" yet. My mess mate and brother-in-law C. K. McKee is quite ill & sinking fast; to lie in camp & be sick is but to die, & a Reb. Hos is only another name for a "Dead House", Good by to September & still a Prisoner. October, SATURDAY, 1. 'Tis as I feared; this morning a little before day, 1500 men are ordered to be read to move immediately; it is raining hard & everything is wet & disagreeable; but when a Ball or Bayonet is the result of remonstrance I suppose. its no use to grumble. McKee is is too ill to go, & I must leave him, I gave him my blanket & $6. more than I ought to spare, take cars at 9 A.M. and arrive at Florence S.C. about sundown. SUNDAY, 2. Near Florence S.C. This morning finds us in a very uncomfortable condition clothes wet & on the cold wet ground, but that is nothing to a soldier, soon we are up & in motion, half a mile march brings us to the long dreaded "Bull Pen" luckily our detatchment is 1st hund of 1st thousand & we are the first to enter; & so get the advantage of position, wood &&, nearly kill myself carrying timber to secure enough to erect a tent, & to cook &&, October, MONDAY, 3. 1864. Near Florence S.C. this morning I feel considerably sore in my joints & bones, on account of overtaxed exertions yesterday. I have secured enough stuff, to fix up a tolerably comfortable shelter, & wood enough used with care, to last two months. I feel almost discouraged at the prospect of wintering in this place, certain of both freezing & starving to death. TUESDAY, 4. This morning I am chagrined to see a large number of fellow Prisoners accept the Rebels terms & go out to take "The Oath", I know our condition is a dreadful one, & enough to make the stoutest quail; but I like to see men of Princip[a]le & "Game". While I get enough to make one meager meal per day & a rag to wear I will not think of such a thing. Our Government is very cruel to leave us to be driven to the last resort. WEDNESDAY, 5. In the infernal "Bull Pen" this morning 1500 more prisoners are brought in from Charleston; & among them S. M. C. by him I learn that C. K. McKee has been a great deal worse since I last saw him; God pity him, I am sorry I cannot be with him, but I am not at liberty to do as I would like to, there is a great deal of misery already in this camp, the guards killed a Pris. this morning; rations this evening very small & coarse. Beans, Meal, & a little beef. October, Thursday, 6. 1864 Near Florence SC. This morning pleasant, but not so our condition, there is already a great deal of misery in this camp & as the season advances, Suffering must increase because the men are without shelter from the weather & many of them almost naked. I hardly know which to blame most. the cruelty of the Rebs or the Perfidy of the U.S. Govs in leaving us here to suffer. Friday, 7. This morning succeeds a stormy & rainy night, We drew no rations till after dark last night, & the storm coming on it was impossible either to issue or cook, so we have to lie down not only wet but hungry to spend the night, this day there is quite a large number carried out dead & dying; & quite a large number went out to take "The Oath". Well. I cannot much blame them, I hope I may never be brought to such terms. Saturday, 8. This morning quite cold; Old [Bose?] as seen to be coming: I am but a fellow Prisoner & & sufferer, but I still retain tolerably good health. & I have tried to take good care of it. I have also exercised a great deal of caution, neither buying anything I could heft nor selling anything, so I still have plenty of clothes & a little money; to which singular good fortune next to Providence I owe my life, J. H. Crawford is ill to day, he is failing fast. October, Sunday, 9. 1864. This morning succeeds a very cold night, there is some frost on the ground, many a brave man lies stark & stiff in death, not just frozen, but without clothes, shelter, or fire they lay down & perished. To day some 1500 more prisoners arrived from Charleston, S.C. From they report I think it doubtful whether brother C.K.M. still lives or not. Day continues very cold. Monday, 10. This morning, very cold, there is considerable frost. I did not suffer much from the cold, but thank a Merciful Providence I owe to my continued good health & cautiousness my life. & my comparative comfort. There is nothing new to day, our rations consist of flour & corn meal & salt. Last night some 8 or 9 of the 103rd took "Trench" leave. Good speed. Tuesday, 11. Military Prison. Near Florence, S.C. I feel sad to day. I don't know why; I am not sick: but the Prospect before us looks so gloomy. I dread the thought of approaching winter & I am much better prepared to stand it than many others. Thank God for continued good health, a boon above all price; Long may it be continued if I am to be kept a prisoner; God Pity the sick, for no one else can. October, WEDNESDAY, 12. 1864. Military Prison Near Florence SC. this morning pleasant, I cannot tell why, but I feel the "Blues" awfully to day; I have a bad cold but otherwise I am well, but the prospect looks so gloomy I am almost out of heart, but its no use to fret, far better try to be contented: When I see so many around me in worse condition than I, I feel thankful it's no worse with me. THURSDAY, 13. I feel the "Blues" to day. I know not what to do to pass the time; I feel more than half unwell; I have a bad cold & the prospect is so gloomy; the Prison we now are in is but a rough stockade about 12 ft high, on the outside is an embankment of earth about 8 ft high & on this the sentries Beat about 20 yds apart. The 5 runaways from the 103rd were brought back today. FRIDAY, 14. To day I feel like one fed upon "Hope deferred" till it has culminated in disappointment, & left me away out in "deep water," I have been so often deceived I now scarcely believe in anything, I can see no other way than that we are "elected" for the winter which will seal the fate of 1/2 the men in this miserable Prison, I feel ill to day. I have a bad cold, rations are again growing short & no prospect for to [day?] October, SATURDAY, 15. 1864. Military Prison. This morning I feel considerably unwell, & our condition is anything but pleasant; Still my condition is not nearly so bad as many others; Chas McLung O. S. Co. E. is very ill he will scarcely survive this night, others are equally as bad but hard sights are too common a thing, to be much noted Eve, I feel better; Weather very pleasant. Sundown & McLung is dead! SUNDAY, 16. This morning pleasant, but not so the condition of this miserable prison; as usual there is no sunday here; I hardly know which to despise most, the cruelty & Perfidy of the so called Rebel government; or the Miserable [Abolition] Policy of the gov. of the, U. S. Which is causing 50000 freemen to languish & die in Southern jails & Prisons; God Grant us a speedy change of Policy. MONDAY, 17. This day there was a large number perhaps 200 men went out to take the Oath of allegiance to so called Southern Confederacy, I always regarded Slavery as a great evil; but [Abolitionism] war, as a far greater evil; & since I have seen the effects of [Abolitionism] I hate the very name of it. & if I ever [come out of this scrape, I will teach my children to hate it] (No rations to day) October, TUESDAY, 18. 1864. This morning rainy & disagreeable. & I need hardly add that our condition is not a very pleasant one. I am in a deep study to day I can hardly bring myself to believe that the Gov. of the U.S. is so lost to honor as the sacrifice the lives of 50,000 freemen in Southern Prisons; for the sake of a few hundred niggers, & yet I fear it is so. WEDNESDAY, 19. This morning pleasant; to day I am busy all day trying to get up some kind of "Winter quarters." I have not quite made up my mind that we are going to be left here this winter & yet I can see but little to hope from. The plan of my quarters is half cave & half tent. About 7 X 8 to accommodate 4 men. THURSDAY, 20. This morning pleasant, to day there are a few blankets issued to the most needy of the Prisoners, about ,04 of the men will thus be relieved, there is no news to day everything is quiet, but the Infernal "Canters" of the Contraband Nigger, When ignorance makes men as happy and contented as slaves appear to be, it is foolish to be wise. October, FRIDAY, 21. 1864. Military Prison Near Florence S.C. This morning quite cold there us nothing new to day; this is the dullest place for news I ever was in; even "Sensation" stories are scarce. I need not say, I am dreadfully tired of Prison life, O for Liberty! once more, instead of this detested, -worse-than-dogs-life; SATURDAY, 22. This morning pleasant; But we the unfortunate inmates of this miserable "Bull Pen" are not in a way to enjoy anything, to day all the convalescents from the Prisoners hospital were brought into the stockade & among them C. K. McKee whom I had given up as dead. Looking tolerably well. Evening quite cold, no news. SUNDAY, 23. This morning is quite cold; but as I had the benefit of three old & well worn blankets, I did not suffer much from the cold, our berth consists of the soft side of a number of rails, with a few boughs laid on them, & an overcoat over all. Reader would you like to be in our place? this is Sunday; but there is nothing to indicate here, O God: hasten the good day of deliverance, from this Prison life. October, MONDAY, 24. 1864. This morning pleasant, Roll call is very early or about sunrise & we are obliged to stand in ranks 3/4 of an hour & then to be told we are to draw no rations for the day, but we got a little rice & molasses, there is no unusual stir in camp to day, prospects look very slim, eve pleasant, TUESDAY, 25. Passed a restless night, night cold, no fire & the soft of a number of rails to lie on, & then envy our condition who will, to day is quite a day among the Rebs, they have a grand review; Madam Rumour has got up another exchange story, but she cannot fool me, I only hope she tells truth, but will believe only when I see. WEDNESDAY, 26. There is nothing new or exciting to day, morning is cold, but day gets warmer, clouds & threatens rain. I am well, but the sights I see hourly, almost makes me sick of life in this miserable condition; the "Johnys" have removed the artillery from the angles of the stockade, they are issuing clothing sent by the U.S. Sanitary Commission to the most needy of the Prisoners. October, THURSDAY, 27. 1864. This morning pleasant & warm but threatens rain, there must have been some "French" leave taking last night as there was considerable firing & "halting" there is nothing unusual going on to day, the Rebs. are issuing Sanitary clothing to the most needy of the Prisoners, to day the 4 runaways from Co. A. were brought back evening rain. FRIDAY, 28. This morning succeeds a stormy night, wind & rain, I need not say our condition is "more than" miserable; & yet I am better off than a majority of the Prisoners, to day I bought a pair of drawers from a lucky fellow who did not need them, I paid him $1.25 for them & yet I know I am indebted to the heaven sent Sanitary commission for them. eve pleasant. SATURDAY, 29. There is considerable frost this morning & many a poor miserable wretch lies stark & stiff in death, having perished for want of shelter & proper clothing the The Heaven sent Sanitary commission is doing a great deal of good but cannot relieve the 1/10 part of the sufferers. I have secured a shirt, a pair of drawers & a pair of socks though at a cost of $2.95, this day is beautiful & warm. Beef, meal & beans to day October, Sunday, 30. 1864 Confed. Military Prison Near Florence S.C. I used to hail the return of Sunday & keep it as a day of rest, but since I have been in the army I have seen but little difference in one day above another; & in this miserable Prison I would scarcely know the days of the week, were it not for this little Book. Monday, 31 This day there is due me from the U.S. Gov. one years soldiers pay & allowance, I would willingly give it all & $500.00 more to get out of this miserable place, I would be willing to start as I did 10 years ago without 25cts in my pocket, but it's no use, we will have to abide our time. November, Tuesday, 1. November the 1st & still in the "Bull Pen". I am almost out of heart; there are five of us in one tent; & four of them are sick; I alone am able to do anything & between cooking & attending to the rations, roll call, && I have but little time to repair our quarters & the weather is getting cold. There is nothing new or exciting to day, & the prospect of anything good for us is very poor. November, Wednesday, 2. 1864. Reader I have no language to express the misery of our situation; to day it has hardly ceased to rain, & it is a very cold rain; the miserable victims of abandoned friends, & Rebel Barbarism. Half naked & without & any shelter except the dark canopy of heaven suffer terribly this night will kill scores in this miserable Prison; Thursday, 3. To day it has hardly ceased to rain hard all day. & it is very cold. I am almost discouraged. I have to attend to the distribution of rations to a mess of 20 men. in my miserable hut of a tent are three sick men one of them J.H.C. entirely helpless, & apparently near his death. O cruel Rebels & more than cruel U.S. Gov. thus to abandon men to their sad fate. Friday, 4. To day at 5 P.M. Died James H. Crawford of Co. B. 103rd P.V. of chronic diarhoea, another victim to Rebel Barbarism, & abandonment by the U.S. Gov. which as a soldier, he served faithfully & deserved a better fate, he has been ill a long time, & suffered much I attended him in all his illness, & did all I could for him in the circumstances under which we are placed, he died as he lived, a Christian. November, SATURDAY, 5. 1864 This morning clear but the coldest of the season; I am busy to day cleaning up & getting things in order after our late sad bereavement. My heart is sad when we were taken prisoner there were 4 of us in one mess, now there are but two. I found on Harvey's Person a diary for 1864 & a small sum of money $3.75 his other effects are not of much account. Descriptive lists of prisoners taken today. SUNDAY, 6. Military Prison, near Florence S. C. This morning there is a heavy white frost. many poor unfortunates perished with cold last night; but the day is clear and warm, the Rebs. are again recruiting from the disaffected Yanky & Foreign Prisoners who are willing to run the risk & take the Oath of Alliegence to the Reb. Gov. MONDAY, 7. This morning threatens rain but soon clears up a fine day; there is nothing new to day; spend most of the day repairing & washing clothes. fortunately for me I am tolerably well supplied with clothes enough to last me another year before I will be as destitute as many of the prisoners. I Pray God I may not be called on to wear them out in the so called Confederacy. November, TUESDAY, 8. 1864 This is the day of the Presidential election in the U. S. when it is to be told who is to conduct the Ship of State for the next four years. I hope the right man will be chosen & I hope his first act may be a release of the Prisoners of War. There was a kind of election held here in camp result about as 3 to 1 for [pe?] Present incumbent A Lincoln. WEDNESDAY, 9. This morning pleasant; roll call as usual there is nothing new or encouraging to day, Gossip still talks of exchanges, but I cannot see the prospect. If many of us are to come out of this alive it will be by a speedy release; Confed. money to day sells $12 for $1 in U. S. or about 6 1/4 cts in gold O God hasten our speedy deliverance from Prison THURSDAY, 10. Confed. Military Prison near Florence S. C. last night was a long & wearisome one to me. & to day I am somewhat indisposed I am not sick; but I am almost discouraged at the prospect before us, I want to be a man loyal to my Government but I would like a little better protection from that Government, when unfortunately in the enemy's hand, the miserable Nigger must be protected & the unfortunate white no matter November, FRIDAY, 11. 1864. Confed Military Prison near Florence S. C. This morning cold with a little sleet. & ice but soon clears up. There is nothing new to day, another victim has been added to the list of Co. B. 103rd the victim was sergt. S. M. Criswell, this is the 12 victim for Co. B. besides 2 doubtful & 2 missing out of 56 when captured Apr 20th almost 30 per cent. SATURDAY, 12. This morning quite cold; there is no unusual excitement to day; the day is fine and the camp is dry & clean, but the drifting sand makes it rather uncomfortable, many complain of short rations but for my part I get enough such as it is. it is now Some ten days since we have had any meat. Corn meal, molasses, rice, flour & "grit" [comp] & beans are what we draw. SUNDAY, 13. Morning cold, all quiet; I have a touch of the "Blues" again, I have just been think -ing how in days agone I used to enjoy a sabbath morning; in the land where sabbath & sanctuary privileges were respected; But now it is my sad fate to be a prisoner of War; in a place where one day is not esteemed above another. God Hasten a speedy return to that happy place November, MONDAY, 14. 1864. Confed' Military Prison Near Florence S. C. this Morning about the coldest of the season; considerable frost & ice around, the suffering of many of the unfortunate Prisoners is terrible in the extreme; Thank my good fortune, I have plenty of clothes & suffer but little from the cold, there is a great deal of "Exchange" Gossip, but nothing reliable. TUESDAY, 15 There is nothing unusual going on to day; the morning is cold but the day gets warm & pleasant. there is any amount of "gossip" about the prospect of ex- change & where there is so much talk, I think there must be some foundation; at least I hope it is so, but I will leave large room to doubt, to day some 35 citizen sailors are brought in. WEDNESDAY, 16. If ever man was tired of living in "durance vile" I am, I have no language to express my thoughts & feelings; shut out from ever -ything but the light of day we know but little of what is going on; I Pray God for speedy deliverance from this torment of a prison life; to day the prospect is that we will get a little meat; yesterday we had nothing but coarse meal & molasses. November, THURSDAY, 17. 1864. Confed' Military Prison Florence S.C. this morning pleasant & warm, the principal incident of this day was the bringing into prison a large number of Yanky Rebs, or in other words the Yanks' that lately took the Oath of Aleigance to the Rebs. I think their return augurs well for a speedy exchange, No news reliable, FRIDAY, 18. This morning foggy; but pleasant & day warm; there is nothing unusual going on to day. C. K. McKee went to the Hospital to day; I hope he has bettered his condition but I am afraid he has changed a bad for a worse, a Reb Hos. is only another name for a "dead horse" "Mallum in se" No news to day, SATURDAY, 19. Morning warm but threatens rain; soon blows up windy & cold with some rain; there is nothing new or exciting that I know of, it is now pretty certain that President Lincoln has been re-elected by a very heavy majority: it is said he has called on another large reinforcement of men to end up the rebellion, hope it may soon be knocked. November, SUNDAY, 20. 1864. This morning succeeds a wet & stormy night, & the day continues cloudy, to day I recovered a pair of shoes, stolen from C.K. McKee, & restored them to him after considerable difficulty; the news of to day appears rather favorable; the western army appears to go just where it suits them, there is still rumours of exchange; MONDAY, 21. The principal feature of this day is that it is fearfully stormy & rains hard all day; many of the frail mud tenements in this miserable Prison fall down frequently burying the unlucky occupant in the ruins; The Chivalrous Rebs. keep back the rations; leaving their helpless victims to starve; eve. gets very cold. TUESDAY, 22. This morning the coldest yet, high wind, The suffering of many of the Prisoners is terrible in the extreme; between starving & freezing to death our chance looks slim; I do not suffer as the majority do; for I still have a little money & can buy, visit the so called Hospital its appearance I cannot describe, words fail me, 4 P.M. & still no sign of rations November, WEDNESDAY. 23. 1864. Confed' Military Prison Near Florence S.C. This morning very cold; ground all frozen; & many a poor helpless Prisoner stark & stiff in death. sun shine out but its heat is scarcely felt, about 4 O'clock P.M. the rations (& the 1st. since Sunday) come in, & consist of 1pt. corn meal & 1/2 pt rice to a man, big allowance after 8 days fast. THURSDAY, 24. This morning still very cold & ground hardly frozen, to day I bought 1/2 bw, sweet potatoes; at a cost in confed of $5.00 in U.S. scrip $0.75 the rumour is that the Rail-roads have been torn up by the Yanks; & communication cut off from supplies, rations to day consist of about 1 pt corn meal & a little salt this comes down pretty tough. FRIDAY, 25. Morning still very cold, ground covered with frost; to day all the Prisoners on the west side of the branch are ordered to the East side & then the whole camp are ordered to the west side again & counted as they passed over the bridge in two ranks; the rations to day consist of about 11 spoonfuls of rice to the man, & neither salt nor aught else November, SATURDAY, 26. 1864. Military Prison; this morning still quite cold; but the day gets warm & pleasant; to day I visit the hospital & assist such as I could assist; the suffering of many of the Patients is terrible in the extreme not 1/10 of those unable to help themselves will ever get well, God forbid I should ever have to go to a Reb. Hospital SUNDAY, 27. To day all is bustle & excitement in camp, It is now certain that the Parole of the sick in this camp & Hos. is in progress; yesterday 50 men out of each ward & 5 nurses were Paroled & to day all the sick & disabled of the 1st thous. were taken out; I hope it will go on till this prison is evacuated; Feel very unwell to day & warm, MONDAY, 28. Passed a sleepless & restless night, & still feel quite ill; but think it will not last long; the parole of the sick still goes on, the 2nd thous. are being taken out to day. the hospital is nearly cleaned out; the prospect is fair, but I do not flatter myself. I never was one of the lucky ones. one train load left this morning. This day is very warm for November November, TUESDAY, 29. 1864. Confed' Military Prison; Florence S.C. This morning warm & pleasant, at daylight another train load of paroled Prisoners leave for exchange, & about 800 Prisoners most of them Paroled men were sent in; Co. B. has lost another victim, Jno. Jones, this makes the 15th. The Parole is suspended for two days. WEDNESDAY, 30. This morning very warm & pleasant; there is nothing new to day; there is "sick call" to day to fill up the hospital again; there is no further news about the Parole, but I think it will soon be resumed, to day I bought $10.00 "Confed'" for $1.50 US; rations to day consists of 10 sacks meal & 4 of beans to the thous. men, December, THURSDAY, 1. This morning a little colder than the Preceeding, but still very pleasant for december; to day I got my shoes repaired; there is nothing unusual to day; the west side of the camp was marched over to the east side; & then the whole camp (that is all the Prisoners) was marched to the west side and again counted; rations to day about 1 1/2 pt coarse corn meal & a little salt. December, FRIDAY, 2. 1864. This Morning pleasant; there is but little that is new or interesting to day; the last train load of Paroled Prisoners were brought back to day; It is reported that the Rail-road is cut by the "yanks" between Charleston & Savanna; & communication for the time being suspended. SATURDAY, 3. Military Prison near Florence, S.C. this morning pleasant, but not so my personal situation, I am quite unwell, threatened with diarhoea; To day we try to repair our miserable quarters & get a fire-place made, our rations to day corn meal grit & a little salt, paid 25 cts for a small loaf of bread for supper as I cannot bear the corn. SUNDAY, 4. This morning very pleasant for this season of the year, last night the guard shot a man of the 16th [CT?] Vols; I suppose to have it to say that he too, had murdered a yanky; To day the usual rigmarole of marching from side to side of camp and counting is to be done again, fell very ill to day. December, MONDAY, 5. 1864. This morning quite cold; with some frost on the ground; I feel considerably ill to day; the bloody Diahroea is pretty hard on me; to day the Parole of Prisoners is going on, this evening a train load left for exchange, I hope it will be kept up till all are released; rations to day corn meal only; TUESDAY, 6. This morning very pleasant and day fine; there is no unusual stir in camp to day; I am still considerably ill; withe either the Piles or the Diarhoea; the allowance of rations for to day consists of 2/3 of a qt. meal, & 6 spoonfuls of molasses; evening the report is that Parole & Exchange is to be resumed tomorrow, WEDNESDAY, 7. Morning rainy & disagreeable but quite warm; passed a restless night, suffered much from Diarhoea; the Parole goes on to day; the sick & convalescents are being taken first, the division has reached the 7th thous. at this rate it will soon reach the tenth thous., evening, pleasant & warm, I still feel quite ill to day. December, THURSDAY, 8. 1864. This morning colder than the preceeding. This day is the third Anniversary of my unfortunate enlistment; I did not consider it unfortunate till since I have been a Prisoner; Today the 10th thous. were ordered out & the sickest picked out; I am not surprised that I was not chosen: I never was a "Lucky one" FRIDAY, 9. Morning quite cold; feel quite ill to day; lost my two old partners, Snider & Swartz; yesterday the former Paroled the latter; has secured more comfortable q'r's, I take in two others & still keep up the number, to day I Paid $5.00 "Confed" for a head of cabbage, the Parole still goes on; they are culling the thous again. SATURDAY, 10. This morning cold windy & disagreeable; there is nothing of importance going on to day, the Parole seems to be temporarily stopped, reason given "want of transportation; I feel very ill to day the diarhoea is getting a pretty good hold of me; I am getting quite weak; evening not so cold & threatens rain. December, Sunday, 11. 1864 This is Sunday; but there is nothing to indicate it here; the morning is very disagreeable, & succeeds a tempestuous night of thunder, lightning and heavy rain; I am still afflicted with diarhoea; to day the usual routine of numbering the camp is to be done rumours this evening very favorable. Monday, 12. This morning very cold; ground frozen hardly; it is said a number of the paroled men outside awaiting transportation froze to death last night; I am still very much afflicted with diarhoea, I do not have scarcely any rest night nor day every thing is very still in camp. since the parole has been postponed. Tuesday, 13. Confed. Military Prison. This morning, not so cold, I am still very severely wrought with Diarhoea I get some medicine today which may do some good; O God I pray for deliverance from this torment of a prison; relief for the sick can come but in death. There is neither care, nor sympathy for the sick here. December, Wednesday, 14. 1864. This morning quite pleasant; rested tolerably well last night & feel a little better this morning; Again the parole has been resumed, 1000 men are to be paroled; Have I a chance? At 3 O'clock the 10th thous, is ordered up to be examined; I am "One of the "Lucky ones" to day, I am the 4th man from 1st hund Thank God! My prayer is answered; Breath freely. Thursday, 15. In Bivouac near Florence, S.C. It was my singularly good fortune to be paroled yesterday & although we passed the night in the open field without even a blanket (for the Rebels would not allow us to bring away anything; still the absence of Rebel Guards makes us breathe easier. the Prospect is good; at 4 p.m. to the number of 1000 men. Pack into 12 cars; & are off for Charleston S.C. Friday, 16. Charleston S.C. At last we are at Charleston and wished for morn. comes; last night I rode on the top of the cars all the way from Florence to Charleston distant 104 ms; I had not even a blanket. & I thought sometimes I would freeze; arrive at 8 a.m. and immediately go on board the Rebel "Flag of Truce" boat; for transfer to Federal lines; put on board the Federal steamer "New York" & afterward to the steamer Geo. Leary. Thank God we are under the jurisdiction of the "stars and stripes," at 4 p.m. start for Pt. Royal, arrive at 9 P.M. December, SATURDAY, 17. 1864. Port Royal Harbour, S. C. On board the Hos. Steamer George Leary There are 350 men on board mostly sick; & the writer is far from being well - but is detailed as nurse for third watch, the crew of the vessel spend most of the night coaling, Morn, pleasant & warm, to day cast away all our old dirty clothes & receive new ones. Thank God the U. S. Gov. is able to care for us. eve anchor off Hilton Head for the night. SUNDAY, 18. Hilton Head S. C. on board the steamer Geo. Leary. Morning somewhat Foggy. at 6 A.M. steam up for Fortress Monroe Va, & Now O God, we entreat thee to be propitious & grant us a prosperous voyage; & bring us safely to our desired Haven; there are only 140 soldiers on board the others went aboard the "Illinous" all things work well; a swift running vessel & a smooth sea & plenty of every thing. MONDAY, 19. Atlantic Ocean, on board the Geo. Leary. so far we have been blessed with prosperity & fair weather, & a smooth sea, but very few get "sea sick" Of all men in the world I think we have reason to be most thankful for our merciful deliverance; I ought not to forget to mention the kindness of both Officers & crew, nurses & all; we could not have been better treated; at 11 A.M. passed Cape Hatteras. Cape Henry at 8 P.m. & arrive at Ft. Monroe at 10 P.M. December, TUESDAY, 20. 1864. Hampton Road Va. on board the steamer Geo. Leary: Arrived last night at 10 P.M. after a safe, pleasant & very quick voyage of 39 hrs. from Hilton Head S .C to this place: Morning quite cold; all quiet & but little to note; Old Ft. Monroe still looks Familliar; Transferred to the steamer "New York" for Parole Camp Annapolis Md. Thank God we are still mercifully preserved. at 8 P.M. start for Annapolis Md. WEDNESDAY, 21. Left Ft. Monroe on the good steamer New York at 8 P.M. yesterday en route for Annapolis Md. night cold & stormy: voyage successful; arrive at Annapolis Md. at 7 AM. this morn; soon we are taken ashore, the sick to the hospital, the well to the bath house where after a warm bath, we are each presented with an entire suit of new clothes, then muster for pay, & furlough. God be thanked. THURSDAY, 22. Head quarters Parole Camp Annapolis Md. This morning very cold. ground covered with snow & ice; Aroused before daylight to give in upon oath our description lists to get our Furloughs, at 9 A.M. all who are able to walk are marched to Parole Camp dis, about two miles from city. camp very beautiful place. weather extremely cold; mustered for two months pay, & commutation money for rations at $0.25 per day during imprisonment. feel much better to day. December, FRIDAY, 23. 1864. Parol Camp, Annapolis Md, This morn. still very cold & the thin & shattered condition of the Paroled prisoners can but poorly stand it; to day we sign the Commutat[ion?] rolls; & I receive a check for $60.00 or, 25 cts a day from Apr. 20th to Dec. 16th 1864, We are all big with expectation of soon getting our Furloughs to visit out Friends at home, O Happy day. SATURDAY, 24. Parol Camp, Annapolis Md; This morn. cold but pleasant. The first thing in order this A.M. is to sign the "pay rolls" for two Months pay; I think we are the most fortunate set of men in the world & of all men should be most thankful; P.M. I receive from U.S. Paymaster $36. being the allowance due my rank; today the last of the 10th thous. exchanged arrived, SUNDAY, 25. December, MONDAY, 26. 1864. TUESDAY, 27. WEDNESDAY, 28. December, THURSDAY, 29. 1864 FRIDAY, 30. SATURDAY, 31. MEMORANDA. Plymouth N.C. Jan. 1st D, 1864 This, the first day of the new year 1864 finds us as well situated as soldiers ought to expect at a time like the present; we have witness another year of bloody unnatural war, another page in History has been turned, Memoranda. CASH ACCOUNT - January. Date. Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT - February. Date. Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT - March. Date. Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT - April. Date. Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT-May. Date. Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT-June. Date. Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT - July. Date. Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT - August. Date. Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT - September. Date Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT - October. Date Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT-November. Date Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT-December. Date Rec'd. Paid. CASH ACCOUNT-Summary. Date | | Rec'd. | Paid. January. February. March. April. May. June. July. August. September. October. November. January-BILLS PAYABLE. Date | Name | Dolls. | Cts RECEIVABLE February - BILLS PAYABLE. Date. Name. Dolls. Cts. RECEIVABLE March - BILLS PAYABLE. Date. Name. Dolls. Cts. RECEIVABLE April-BILLS PAYABLE. Date. Name. Dolls. Cts. RECEIVABLE. May-BILLS PAYABLE. Date. Name. Dolls. Cts. RECEIVABLE. June-BILLS PAYABLE. Date. Name. Dolls. Cts. RECEIVABLE. July-BILLS PAYABLE. Date. Name. Dolls. Cts. RECEIVABLE. August-BILLS PAYABLE. Date. Name. Dolls. Cts. RECEIVABLE. September-BILLS PAYABLE. Date. Name. Dolls. Cts. RECEIVABLE. October - BILLS PAYABLE Date. Name. Dolls. Cts. RECEIVABLE. November - BILLS PAYABLE Date. Name. Dolls. Cts. RECEIVABLE. December-BILLS PAYABLE. Date. Date. Name. Dolls. RECEIVABLE. Date. [*2.12.2831.157*] [*2.12.2831.157*] Transcribed and reviewed by volunteers participating in the By The People project at crowd.loc.gov.