March 1 - March comes in like a lion, a cold storm of wind and rain. Camp excessively muddy. Rode to hospital in p.m. About 11 are sick. Had a pleasant supper of corn bread and coffee. Wrote home. Sherman advancing successfully in Mississippi.
March 2 - Our forces serve advancing into the Confederacy from various directions. Gen Smith's cavalry expedition from Corinth, Smith has failed and returned. Letter from Ella. Mother still sick. Went to [Tennessee] river bank and saw Decatur [Alabama] and the rebels. Fair day and mud drying.
March 3 - Fair day and drying mud. Had an industrious feeling and desire to improve the time and my mind. Went to hospital and studied. Talked with a man very low. Supped with the doctor.
March 4 - Windy day. Struck by a question in Chaplain's manual "Have I this day labored to improve my mind?" Must not trifle with news papers and strolling. Felt like a fisher of men as I went about camp. First lilies of the season.
March 5 - From great depression and indolence could hardly brace my mind up to write my sermon but persevered. War K[?] and all feel somewhat depressed. Mails backward.
March 6 - Lovely day. A.m. near our camp a large congregation from 43rd and 63rd regiments and 111th Illinois, mostly [?] 63rd. I preached on fall of man. Quite inspiriting. 2 other chaplains present. P.m. rode 7 miles and preached to Col. H's company.
March 7 - At 4 p.m. our regiment, the 63rd and 111th set out for the mouth of [Little] Limestone Creek [Tennessee]. Some difficulty in crossing the river. Dr. Rose and I slept in an ambulance near the bank.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
22-29 February 1864
Feb 22 - Fine weather continues. Left on cars and enjoyed the ride. Columbia [Tennessee] a pretty place. New bridge on R.R. at about 11 o'clock. Reached Prospect. Old letters there from Columbus and Elyria.
Feb 23 - Lovely day. Had quite a long consideration of the question of continuing chaplain. Think I will be very active in it till fall and then resign (d.v.) but after that go out part of the time for the Christian Commission.
Feb 24 - Still fine. Left early and camped one mile S. of Athens Ala. Our journey north and back has made me much better acquainted with the officers than formerly. Fifer wants my influence for promotion.
Feb 25 - Breakfast before day, and at noon camped about 3 miles from Decatur at junction on Nashville and [?] and Charleston R.R.s. Heart almost sinks in view of long monotonous absence from home. "Take no thought"
Feb 26 - Lovely weather. Wild geese flying northward. Hearty. Brought provisions and utensils from neighboring plantation. Feel some reaction after change and visit. Troops singing and warm sun in middle of the day. Fort commenced.
Feb 27 - Studied on sermon and tried to get acquainted with new recruits. Officers calling in make considerable hubbub. The 111th Illinois a fine regiment arrived and encamped near us.
Feb 28 - A shower in a.m. prevented church. 63rd OVI arrived and encamped near. Had a little meeting with negro prisoners in p.m. and preached to our regiment at 4:00.
Feb 29 - Rainy and muddy all day. Hardly went out. Busied myself in writing letters and moving into the large tent. We have a store now and are quite comfortable. A kind letter from mother. Reflected some time about getting a captain's or major's commission but concluded to do my best where I am.
Feb 26 -
Feb 23 - Lovely day. Had quite a long consideration of the question of continuing chaplain. Think I will be very active in it till fall and then resign (d.v.) but after that go out part of the time for the Christian Commission.
Feb 24 - Still fine. Left early and camped one mile S. of Athens Ala. Our journey north and back has made me much better acquainted with the officers than formerly. Fifer wants my influence for promotion.
Feb 25 - Breakfast before day, and at noon camped about 3 miles from Decatur at junction on Nashville and [?] and Charleston R.R.s. Heart almost sinks in view of long monotonous absence from home. "Take no thought"
Feb 26 - Lovely weather. Wild geese flying northward. Hearty. Brought provisions and utensils from neighboring plantation. Feel some reaction after change and visit. Troops singing and warm sun in middle of the day. Fort commenced.
Feb 27 - Studied on sermon and tried to get acquainted with new recruits. Officers calling in make considerable hubbub. The 111th Illinois a fine regiment arrived and encamped near us.
Feb 28 - A shower in a.m. prevented church. 63rd OVI arrived and encamped near. Had a little meeting with negro prisoners in p.m. and preached to our regiment at 4:00.
Feb 29 - Rainy and muddy all day. Hardly went out. Busied myself in writing letters and moving into the large tent. We have a store now and are quite comfortable. A kind letter from mother. Reflected some time about getting a captain's or major's commission but concluded to do my best where I am.
Feb 26 -
15 - 21 February 1864
Feb 15 - Awoke in Louisville. Sent letters to Ella and Mr. Dibble. Passed through canal - an expensive but paying work. Down the beautiful Ohio. Wrote to Mother.
Feb 16 - Lent out library books to men. The cold weather crowds the cabins. Laid up on account of wind at Carrolton Ky. for 12 hours from 2:30 a.m. Some men got on shore and behaved badly. One man had his face cut. [Below is an old picture of a steamship on the Ohio River at Carrolton Kentucky]
Feb 17 - I have been much interested and benefited in reading "Recreations of a country parson."* Evening reading on Japan. Distributed papers and books. Wrote 3 letters. Entered the Cumberland River. [19th century view of the Cumberland River at Nashville, TN below]
Feb 18 - Passed Clarksville Tenn. in a.m. Fine R.R. bridge part destroyed. [Below is view of Federal troops stationed to protect bridge (obviously unsuccessfully) which is seen in background].
A pleasant looking town. Saw two wrecks of steamers burned last year by [?]. High cliffs on shore. The river narrows. Late in the evening reached Nashville. [Below is a view of the Nashville waterfront in 1865]
Feb 19 - Disembarked early. Got reading matter from Christian commission. Saw the State House. Smaller but finer interior finish than the one at Columbus. Saw former home and monument of ex Pres. J. K. Polk, house of John Bell. Nashville a fine town on high rocky ground in a fine country. [below a view of the TN statehouse in 1863]
[Below is Polk Place, the home of former president James K. Polk in downtown Nashville taken about 1880. His grave is to the right in the photo]
Feb 20 - Take day board with Mrs. Jones 69 Sumner St. Much pleased with Messrs Atkinson and Smith agents of Christian Commission who have meetings of soldiers in barracks. Much dissipation here. Saw Richard Rapf. His wife a fine woman I think.
Feb 21 - Had a meeting in barracks a.m. and p.m. Attended Episcopal church in the eve. Old memories revived by sitting in the choir. New recruits are coming in. I have learned some lessons from agents of Ohio commission here. Lovely weather.
* Written by Andrew Kennedy Hutchinson Boyd and published in two volumes in 1862 by Ticknor, Boston.
Feb 16 - Lent out library books to men. The cold weather crowds the cabins. Laid up on account of wind at Carrolton Ky. for 12 hours from 2:30 a.m. Some men got on shore and behaved badly. One man had his face cut. [Below is an old picture of a steamship on the Ohio River at Carrolton Kentucky]
Feb 17 - I have been much interested and benefited in reading "Recreations of a country parson."* Evening reading on Japan. Distributed papers and books. Wrote 3 letters. Entered the Cumberland River. [19th century view of the Cumberland River at Nashville, TN below]
Feb 18 - Passed Clarksville Tenn. in a.m. Fine R.R. bridge part destroyed. [Below is view of Federal troops stationed to protect bridge (obviously unsuccessfully) which is seen in background].
Feb 19 - Disembarked early. Got reading matter from Christian commission. Saw the State House. Smaller but finer interior finish than the one at Columbus. Saw former home and monument of ex Pres. J. K. Polk, house of John Bell. Nashville a fine town on high rocky ground in a fine country. [below a view of the TN statehouse in 1863]
[Below is Polk Place, the home of former president James K. Polk in downtown Nashville taken about 1880. His grave is to the right in the photo]
Feb 20 - Take day board with Mrs. Jones 69 Sumner St. Much pleased with Messrs Atkinson and Smith agents of Christian Commission who have meetings of soldiers in barracks. Much dissipation here. Saw Richard Rapf. His wife a fine woman I think.
Feb 21 - Had a meeting in barracks a.m. and p.m. Attended Episcopal church in the eve. Old memories revived by sitting in the choir. New recruits are coming in. I have learned some lessons from agents of Ohio commission here. Lovely weather.
* Written by Andrew Kennedy Hutchinson Boyd and published in two volumes in 1862 by Ticknor, Boston.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
8 - 14 February 1864
Feb 8 - Unfortunately spoke too cuttingly to wife in a.m. She felt badly. O thou false tongue. I had hoped to have not the least word of difficulty while at home. Professing to leave . Eve took wife to concert of Alf Ha[?]ord violinist.
Feb 9 - Mrs. Ely gives about 25 books for our camp library. Walked a.m. to Mr. Humphry's to try to stir up the old man on church and spiritual matters. A pleasant call and dinner. P.m. read scripture to wife's grandmother in her sick room.
Feb 10 - Took a sad farewell at daylight. At Grafton by 8:30 and Columbus at 1:30. P.m. attended to various business. Eve at [Trinity Episcopal] church with mother. I feel more sad at parting then I did a year ago.
Feb 11 - Fine day. A.m. with Col. Swayne to Camp Chase. Enjoy visiting and talking at home. Bought a hundred dollar bond of Henry. Took saddle to Burdells.
Feb 12 - Some children in the vicinity have scarlet fever. Charles Ridgeway has lost a child. Also Mr. Huntington. Distributed 70 testaments among our men.
Feb 13 - Many of us feel homesick. A certain member of our family is too severe in his strictures upon officers and soldiers. P.m. left on cars for Cincinnati. Got there in the night.
Feb 14 - Remained on the cars till late in the morning. Moved to the [?] about noon. I had a headache. Left in steamer Norman about 4 p.m.. Fine boat.
Feb 9 - Mrs. Ely gives about 25 books for our camp library. Walked a.m. to Mr. Humphry's to try to stir up the old man on church and spiritual matters. A pleasant call and dinner. P.m. read scripture to wife's grandmother in her sick room.
Feb 10 - Took a sad farewell at daylight. At Grafton by 8:30 and Columbus at 1:30. P.m. attended to various business. Eve at [Trinity Episcopal] church with mother. I feel more sad at parting then I did a year ago.
Feb 11 - Fine day. A.m. with Col. Swayne to Camp Chase. Enjoy visiting and talking at home. Bought a hundred dollar bond of Henry. Took saddle to Burdells.
Feb 12 - Some children in the vicinity have scarlet fever. Charles Ridgeway has lost a child. Also Mr. Huntington. Distributed 70 testaments among our men.
Feb 13 - Many of us feel homesick. A certain member of our family is too severe in his strictures upon officers and soldiers. P.m. left on cars for Cincinnati. Got there in the night.
Feb 14 - Remained on the cars till late in the morning. Moved to the [?] about noon. I had a headache. Left in steamer Norman about 4 p.m.. Fine boat.
1 - 7 February 1864
Feb 1 - Weather rather mild. Read and did errands as usual. Object to giving tea and coffee to Lucius. Eve with wife at Mrs. Ely's*. Asked her for a few books for our regiment. Reckoning for past year $75 not accounted for. Spent $900.00.
Feb 2 - Fair a.m. but [?] in eve. Have my mind made up to re-enter the rough scenes of camp life when the time comes. P.m. had teeth filled. Eve reviewed communicant list with Mr. Starr. Deducting the absent etc. reduced the number to 66.
Feb 3 - A light snow and wintry. P.m. talked with Mr. Wallington about his nephew John Gardner 7th OVI who after passing unharmed through several battles received his death wound at Ringgold* in November. He was converted.
Feb 4 - Self and wife had our teeth refilled. Eve at Pres[byterian] prayer meeting. Felt as an outsider when Mr. Wilbur mentioned two members going away from our number.
Feb 5 - At home. Dewitt's suit vs. estate of S[ebra] Howard [Ella's father] began in court. Mr. Keith testified that he had heard Mr. Howard assume the guaranty of the bonds which Dewitt had made. I think a mistake. Eve took Aunt and wife to court.
Feb 6 - Judge's charge seemed favorable to us but they brought in a verdict for plaintiff. Enjoy visiting the humble members of my former flock. Grieved to see my wife fasting.
Feb 7 - Preached and held communion at our church a.m. Eve got on well at Baptist Church. Mr. C and W O Howard went with me. Too much irritated in morning about wife fasting.
* The Ely family founded the settlement of Elyria in 1817. This Mrs. Ely was the wife of one of the Ely sons since the wife of the founder, Heman Ely, had died before 1864.
* Read about the battle and see some pictures here http://www.civilwaralbum.com/atlanta/ringgold1.htm
Feb 2 - Fair a.m. but [?] in eve. Have my mind made up to re-enter the rough scenes of camp life when the time comes. P.m. had teeth filled. Eve reviewed communicant list with Mr. Starr. Deducting the absent etc. reduced the number to 66.
Feb 3 - A light snow and wintry. P.m. talked with Mr. Wallington about his nephew John Gardner 7th OVI who after passing unharmed through several battles received his death wound at Ringgold* in November. He was converted.
Feb 4 - Self and wife had our teeth refilled. Eve at Pres[byterian] prayer meeting. Felt as an outsider when Mr. Wilbur mentioned two members going away from our number.
Feb 5 - At home. Dewitt's suit vs. estate of S[ebra] Howard [Ella's father] began in court. Mr. Keith testified that he had heard Mr. Howard assume the guaranty of the bonds which Dewitt had made. I think a mistake. Eve took Aunt and wife to court.
Feb 6 - Judge's charge seemed favorable to us but they brought in a verdict for plaintiff. Enjoy visiting the humble members of my former flock. Grieved to see my wife fasting.
Feb 7 - Preached and held communion at our church a.m. Eve got on well at Baptist Church. Mr. C and W O Howard went with me. Too much irritated in morning about wife fasting.
* The Ely family founded the settlement of Elyria in 1817. This Mrs. Ely was the wife of one of the Ely sons since the wife of the founder, Heman Ely, had died before 1864.
* Read about the battle and see some pictures here http://www.civilwaralbum.com/atlanta/ringgold1.htm
Friday, December 2, 2011
28 - 31 Jan 1864
Jan 28 - Beautiful weather, but little war news. Recruits are being raised and sent to the field and about 10,000 Ohio troops are reported as re-enlisting. Eve a pleasant hour at Pres[byterian] prayer meeting. I spoke. Mended clock in p.m.
Jan 29 - Cloudy and raw air. P.m. went to Mr. Northrup's and Gay's. Eve Mr. Charles Howard came. The two brothers are here to see to the suit about being brought by R.C. Dewitt vs. Estate of S[ebra] Howard. Eve at Mr. Redtons.
Jan 30 - Studied etc. Settled [?]'s unfortunate affiar at Mr. W's shopkeeper. Am doubtful sometimes as to my duty about calling on parishioners. Reading Lynch's Dead Sea and Jordan*.
Jan 31 - Preached a.m. in our church. Mr W. O. and C[harles] Howard, Mother and Ella at church. Eve same at Methodist Church. I preached. Vestry accepted my resignation today. Talk of getting Mr. French*. Mourn my spiritual apathy.
* Narrative of the United States' expedition to the river Jordan and the Dead Sea by William Francis Lynch. Published by Lea and Blanchard 1849
* Rev. William C. French was rector of Christ Church, Oberlin from 1858 to 1874. He was born about 1818 in New York. His wife's name was Mary. She was born abt 1820 in New York.
Jan 29 - Cloudy and raw air. P.m. went to Mr. Northrup's and Gay's. Eve Mr. Charles Howard came. The two brothers are here to see to the suit about being brought by R.C. Dewitt vs. Estate of S[ebra] Howard. Eve at Mr. Redtons.
Jan 30 - Studied etc. Settled [?]'s unfortunate affiar at Mr. W's shopkeeper. Am doubtful sometimes as to my duty about calling on parishioners. Reading Lynch's Dead Sea and Jordan*.
Jan 31 - Preached a.m. in our church. Mr W. O. and C[harles] Howard, Mother and Ella at church. Eve same at Methodist Church. I preached. Vestry accepted my resignation today. Talk of getting Mr. French*. Mourn my spiritual apathy.
* Narrative of the United States' expedition to the river Jordan and the Dead Sea by William Francis Lynch. Published by Lea and Blanchard 1849
* Rev. William C. French was rector of Christ Church, Oberlin from 1858 to 1874. He was born about 1818 in New York. His wife's name was Mary. She was born abt 1820 in New York.
22 - 27 Jan 1864
Jan 22 - Studied etc. Eve called at Mrs Goodman's and Hoyle's and with wife. Feel uncommonly drowsy. No dyspeptic troubles now.
Jan 23 - Thawing and mild. Studied considerably. Evening at [St. Andrew's Episcopal] church [pictured below]. Heard choir practice. Talked with William Bruce on church matters. Says he tried to re-establish the prayer meeting but failed.
Jan 24 - Mild, thawing and sloppy. Fair attendance in a.m. Preached on John 14:15. P.m. read in Owen. Enjoy his treatise on the person of Christ. Eve at Methodist church [pictured below]. Offered prayer.
Jan 25 - Milder. Walked, read and wrote one or two letters. Evening Mr [?] O Howard came to attend to a suit bought by R. Dewitt against the estate. Mrs Eades [Ella's grandmother] recovering.
Jan 26 - Fair, mild weather but very muddy. Enjoy talking with citizens. Reading Owen and miscellany. Doubt whether to take my wife to Columbus at close of furlough. Eve called at Mrs Williams and Kellogg.
Jan 27 - Same weather as yesterday. Reading and writing. At Mrs Packard's eve. Took tea and staid evening at Mrs Hoyle's with wife. It seems lonely there compared with the former large family.
Jan 23 - Thawing and mild. Studied considerably. Evening at [St. Andrew's Episcopal] church [pictured below]. Heard choir practice. Talked with William Bruce on church matters. Says he tried to re-establish the prayer meeting but failed.
Jan 24 - Mild, thawing and sloppy. Fair attendance in a.m. Preached on John 14:15. P.m. read in Owen. Enjoy his treatise on the person of Christ. Eve at Methodist church [pictured below]. Offered prayer.
Jan 25 - Milder. Walked, read and wrote one or two letters. Evening Mr [?] O Howard came to attend to a suit bought by R. Dewitt against the estate. Mrs Eades [Ella's grandmother] recovering.
Jan 26 - Fair, mild weather but very muddy. Enjoy talking with citizens. Reading Owen and miscellany. Doubt whether to take my wife to Columbus at close of furlough. Eve called at Mrs Williams and Kellogg.
Jan 27 - Same weather as yesterday. Reading and writing. At Mrs Packard's eve. Took tea and staid evening at Mrs Hoyle's with wife. It seems lonely there compared with the former large family.
15 - 21 Jan 1864
Jan 15 - Study some on my sermon. Wife's grandmother, Mrs Eades is quite sick with pleurisy. Evening wife and I had quite a pleasant evening at Mr. Gates with Mr and Mrs Boner.
Jan 16 - The thin snow is thawing. Studied on my sermon. Feel a little better of my cold. Elyria seems very quiet.
Jan 17 - Went with wife to our church in a.m. Got on well in preaching on the water of the fountain of life. A fair attendance and met friends after services. Eve went to Methodist church.
Jan 18 - Quite a snow storm in p.m. Did errands and called at Judge Doolittle's office*. Read papers on memoirs of John Owen. Wrote to parents and to Oren.
Jan 19 - A tremendous snow-storm all last night and all day until about 4 p.m. No R.R. trains have passed either way. Much drifted snow from house to gate. Uniform depth of about 2 feet 3 inches. Piled by wood house as high as my chin. Exercised in shoveling it. Reading J. Owen and Lafayette.
Jan 20 - Shoveled snow considerably. Read in Lafayette etc. Have friendly talks with citizens on army matters. Enjoy playing with Lucius. No mail or papers from Cleveland for two days on account of snow.
Jan 21 - Mil and thawing a little. A good deal of sleigh riding. R.R. accident near Painsville this week. Several killed and injured. Eve at Pres[byterian] meeting. Did me good. Our little boy is a great comfort.
* Charles H. Doolittle was born 20 October 1814 in Middlebury, Vermont. He was educated at Middlebuty College. He moved to Ohio in 1840 and married Elizabeth Kemp on 25 Dec 1842. Their Daughter Mary J. Doolittle was born in 1845. The Doolittles moved to Elyria in December 1850. Charles was elected a Justice of the Peace in 1851 and a Probate Judge in 1858, an office he held until 1867. He suffered an illness and became an invalid, but recovered and re-established a law office in Elyria in 1873. He was elected a magistrate in 1874 and held the office until his death on 10 January 1890. Pictured below
Jan 16 - The thin snow is thawing. Studied on my sermon. Feel a little better of my cold. Elyria seems very quiet.
Jan 17 - Went with wife to our church in a.m. Got on well in preaching on the water of the fountain of life. A fair attendance and met friends after services. Eve went to Methodist church.
Jan 18 - Quite a snow storm in p.m. Did errands and called at Judge Doolittle's office*. Read papers on memoirs of John Owen. Wrote to parents and to Oren.
Jan 19 - A tremendous snow-storm all last night and all day until about 4 p.m. No R.R. trains have passed either way. Much drifted snow from house to gate. Uniform depth of about 2 feet 3 inches. Piled by wood house as high as my chin. Exercised in shoveling it. Reading J. Owen and Lafayette.
Jan 20 - Shoveled snow considerably. Read in Lafayette etc. Have friendly talks with citizens on army matters. Enjoy playing with Lucius. No mail or papers from Cleveland for two days on account of snow.
Jan 21 - Mil and thawing a little. A good deal of sleigh riding. R.R. accident near Painsville this week. Several killed and injured. Eve at Pres[byterian] meeting. Did me good. Our little boy is a great comfort.
* Charles H. Doolittle was born 20 October 1814 in Middlebury, Vermont. He was educated at Middlebuty College. He moved to Ohio in 1840 and married Elizabeth Kemp on 25 Dec 1842. Their Daughter Mary J. Doolittle was born in 1845. The Doolittles moved to Elyria in December 1850. Charles was elected a Justice of the Peace in 1851 and a Probate Judge in 1858, an office he held until 1867. He suffered an illness and became an invalid, but recovered and re-established a law office in Elyria in 1873. He was elected a magistrate in 1874 and held the office until his death on 10 January 1890. Pictured below
8 - 14 Jan 1864
Jan 8 - A.m. went to members of the Sanitary Commission and told of the dirty cheerless barracks in which our men were. Think they will be impressed a little after we leave. From a technical defect in account could not get my pay. Eve march to ferry but the rest would not venture.
Jan 9 - Sharp morning. Marched again to ferry. Men on it an hour or two. I was chilly and had sick head ache. Too much ice to cross. Marched down off [at] New Albany [IN] and crossed. Felt better. Sleigh to Jeffersonville [OH]. Read "Edwards on the Sabbath*."
Jan 10 - Having left at 10 last evening we had a long ride to Seymour [OH] with we reached Sunday a.m. Not seeing the necessity of my travelling on the Sabbath I applied for leave to stop off but Wagar disapproved. Got on fine cars and were rapidly taken to Cin[cinnati]. There I felt very faint but got some meat.
Jan 11 - Dawn of a fine day found us rapidly nearing Columbus. How merciful God has been to us. Got home and washed up at noon. P.m. hear part of Brough's* inaugural. Have a very bad cold. Men getting furloughs.
Jan 12 - A.m. went for [Col.] Wagar [Swayne] but he could not get my pay here. He is nettled that the regiment's return is barely noticed here. P.m. had a sleigh ride. Eve felt very miserable from my cold. Discussion on grate.
Jan 13 - Weather moderating. Left at 4 a.m. but from delays we got to Grafton too late for the hack and I came on to Berea. My cold a little better. Evening got home same. Found Ella in rather healthier condition than for a year and a half past.
Jan 14 - Ella at my request had forwarded my overcoat to Columbus so that I miss it. Feel quite unwell from my cold. Lucius is quite pretty and pleasant. Mr and Mrs Boner called in at evening.
* "The perpetuity and change of the Sabbath" by Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758). You can read it here:
http://www.biblebb.com/files/edwards/sabbath.htm
* John Brough (rhymes with ruff) was the 26th Governor of Ohio serving from 11 Jan 1864 until 29 Aug 1865. He died in office of gangrene. You can read about him here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Brough Pictured below
Jan 9 - Sharp morning. Marched again to ferry. Men on it an hour or two. I was chilly and had sick head ache. Too much ice to cross. Marched down off [at] New Albany [IN] and crossed. Felt better. Sleigh to Jeffersonville [OH]. Read "Edwards on the Sabbath*."
Jan 10 - Having left at 10 last evening we had a long ride to Seymour [OH] with we reached Sunday a.m. Not seeing the necessity of my travelling on the Sabbath I applied for leave to stop off but Wagar disapproved. Got on fine cars and were rapidly taken to Cin[cinnati]. There I felt very faint but got some meat.
Jan 11 - Dawn of a fine day found us rapidly nearing Columbus. How merciful God has been to us. Got home and washed up at noon. P.m. hear part of Brough's* inaugural. Have a very bad cold. Men getting furloughs.
Jan 12 - A.m. went for [Col.] Wagar [Swayne] but he could not get my pay here. He is nettled that the regiment's return is barely noticed here. P.m. had a sleigh ride. Eve felt very miserable from my cold. Discussion on grate.
Jan 13 - Weather moderating. Left at 4 a.m. but from delays we got to Grafton too late for the hack and I came on to Berea. My cold a little better. Evening got home same. Found Ella in rather healthier condition than for a year and a half past.
Jan 14 - Ella at my request had forwarded my overcoat to Columbus so that I miss it. Feel quite unwell from my cold. Lucius is quite pretty and pleasant. Mr and Mrs Boner called in at evening.
* "The perpetuity and change of the Sabbath" by Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758). You can read it here:
http://www.biblebb.com/files/edwards/sabbath.htm
* John Brough (rhymes with ruff) was the 26th Governor of Ohio serving from 11 Jan 1864 until 29 Aug 1865. He died in office of gangrene. You can read about him here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Brough Pictured below
1 - 7 Jan 1864
Jan 1 - A very cold day. With regiment started for Ohio. Our breath froze upon our whiskers and the road was hard and icy. Passed through Pulaski [TN] and camped 8 miles North of it. Men have no tents.
Jan 2 - Rose early. Very cold. The adjutant is much used up by the march. Bread and meat are frozen in our haversacks. In p.m. camped within a few miles of Columbia [TN]. Had hay under our blankets. Quite comfortable.
Jan 3 - Not much like the Sabbath. Better to move than be still this cold weather. Passed through Columbia [TN] with music. Over Columbia [Duck] river in pontoon bridges. The weather is softening.
Jan 4 - Yesterday p.m. got Christmas boxes for the regiment from home. Almost all had a past on delicacies. Rode on cars to Nashville [TN]. At eve left there on box cars for Lousiville [KY]. Narrow escape from running off the track.
Jan 5 - A tedious cold ride. No stoves in cars. Kept warm at night under blankets. Jumped about to keep frost off. Snow on ground. Hear of men of the 39th regiment froze to death.
Jan 6 - Awaked at 2 a.m. Miserable from cold and in advance of regiment walked to Louisville hotel. Very cold weather and sleighing. How I enjoyed warmth and food after our trying journey. I hope I am thankful. Regiment has uncomfortable barracks. Read etc.
Jan 7 - Snowing almost all day. Sleighing in the streets. Rewrote my quarterly report. Read Olmstead's "American Farmer in England"*. Some good Christian thoughts in it. Visited the barracks. [?] more comfortable. Anxious to leave for home.
* "Walks and talks of an American Farmer in England" written by Frederick Law Olmstead (1822 - 1903) chronicles an 1850 walking tour of England which Frederick took with his brother John and their friend Charles Brace.
Pictured below
Jan 2 - Rose early. Very cold. The adjutant is much used up by the march. Bread and meat are frozen in our haversacks. In p.m. camped within a few miles of Columbia [TN]. Had hay under our blankets. Quite comfortable.
Jan 3 - Not much like the Sabbath. Better to move than be still this cold weather. Passed through Columbia [TN] with music. Over Columbia [Duck] river in pontoon bridges. The weather is softening.
Jan 4 - Yesterday p.m. got Christmas boxes for the regiment from home. Almost all had a past on delicacies. Rode on cars to Nashville [TN]. At eve left there on box cars for Lousiville [KY]. Narrow escape from running off the track.
Jan 5 - A tedious cold ride. No stoves in cars. Kept warm at night under blankets. Jumped about to keep frost off. Snow on ground. Hear of men of the 39th regiment froze to death.
Jan 6 - Awaked at 2 a.m. Miserable from cold and in advance of regiment walked to Louisville hotel. Very cold weather and sleighing. How I enjoyed warmth and food after our trying journey. I hope I am thankful. Regiment has uncomfortable barracks. Read etc.
Jan 7 - Snowing almost all day. Sleighing in the streets. Rewrote my quarterly report. Read Olmstead's "American Farmer in England"*. Some good Christian thoughts in it. Visited the barracks. [?] more comfortable. Anxious to leave for home.
* "Walks and talks of an American Farmer in England" written by Frederick Law Olmstead (1822 - 1903) chronicles an 1850 walking tour of England which Frederick took with his brother John and their friend Charles Brace.
Pictured below
27 - 31 Dec 1863
Dec 27 - Muddy, cloudy and rainy. Fair congregation in the morning, considering. P.m. Story of Moses and singing. Photograph of Lutie [i.e. Lucius] came. Eve p[rayer] meeting.
Dec 28 - Cooler but cloudy. Wrote to Mother and Ella. Called some in mess shanties. Feel well. A closing debate in eve. Considerable talk and excellent feeling about the expected furloughs. Some nervous, some fearful lest there be some slip between cup and lip.
Dec 29 - Fair weather. The veteran business absorbs almost every other interest. P.m. rode alone to the four mile trestle and at eve addressed some to blacks on their condition and progress. How eagerly they took the hymn books and tracts I had. Returned to Prospect a.m.
Dec 30 - Mustering commenced. 454 officers and men re-enter the service as veteran volunteers. A few assembled for our last prayer meeting at eve.
Dec 31 - In forenoon mustering officer came. A slave of strong drink, petulant, whimsical. Offended at some imaginary insult, he folded his papers and started off, but Col Swayne followed and got him back. Eve up very late and the room full of clerks tables and papers. It is dark and stormy weather but we have joyful anticipation of soon starting for home. Joy over one sinner that repenteth. What love and kindness this shows in the inhabitants of heaven.
Dec 28 - Cooler but cloudy. Wrote to Mother and Ella. Called some in mess shanties. Feel well. A closing debate in eve. Considerable talk and excellent feeling about the expected furloughs. Some nervous, some fearful lest there be some slip between cup and lip.
Dec 29 - Fair weather. The veteran business absorbs almost every other interest. P.m. rode alone to the four mile trestle and at eve addressed some to blacks on their condition and progress. How eagerly they took the hymn books and tracts I had. Returned to Prospect a.m.
Dec 30 - Mustering commenced. 454 officers and men re-enter the service as veteran volunteers. A few assembled for our last prayer meeting at eve.
Dec 31 - In forenoon mustering officer came. A slave of strong drink, petulant, whimsical. Offended at some imaginary insult, he folded his papers and started off, but Col Swayne followed and got him back. Eve up very late and the room full of clerks tables and papers. It is dark and stormy weather but we have joyful anticipation of soon starting for home. Joy over one sinner that repenteth. What love and kindness this shows in the inhabitants of heaven.
22 - 26 Dec 1863
Dec 22 - While the war continues I am willing to remain with the regiment. Perhaps it is my duty to do so. But my duty to my wife and boy and her wishes may conflict. I will therefore wait till I see her. Meanwhile encourage the men to re-enlist in an honorable, well-paid and not my hard service.
Dec 23 - Much stir about re-enlistments. I feel willing to go for a longer term. Indeed my master seems to need me if the regiment stays longer. This on next day went to Co. B [could be an R] & C 4 miles South with Col. Swayne.
Dec 24 - Chaplain Collins* here selling his book and making speeches. Eve society met but soon adjourned.
Dec 25 - Christmas day. Cloudy weather. Mr. Collins with me at dinner. Had a turkey. P.m. he made a patriotic speech to the men and I followed briefly. Eve a great dance by our blacks.
Dec 26 - Busy in study etc. Visited in the batteries. Distributed books in the regular one. Hard to collect thoughts, so much "veterans" business is done. Eve a good debate.
* Rev. Gamaliel Collins was born in Provincetown Massachusetts on 7 Oct 1816. He was ordained a Universalist minister in 1842. He served congregations in Massachusetts and New York until 1854 when he gave up pastoral work because of failing eyesight and moved to Philadelphia where he opened a "denominational and miscellaneous" book store. In August 1861 he became chaplain to the 72nd Pennsylvania Volunteers. At the battle of Antietam his horse was shot out from under him and Gamaliel received serious and lasting injuries from the fall. At the close of the war he was commissioned a chaplain in the regular army. He retired to Chatham, Massachusets where he died on 24 April 1891.
Dec 23 - Much stir about re-enlistments. I feel willing to go for a longer term. Indeed my master seems to need me if the regiment stays longer. This on next day went to Co. B [could be an R] & C 4 miles South with Col. Swayne.
Dec 24 - Chaplain Collins* here selling his book and making speeches. Eve society met but soon adjourned.
Dec 25 - Christmas day. Cloudy weather. Mr. Collins with me at dinner. Had a turkey. P.m. he made a patriotic speech to the men and I followed briefly. Eve a great dance by our blacks.
Dec 26 - Busy in study etc. Visited in the batteries. Distributed books in the regular one. Hard to collect thoughts, so much "veterans" business is done. Eve a good debate.
* Rev. Gamaliel Collins was born in Provincetown Massachusetts on 7 Oct 1816. He was ordained a Universalist minister in 1842. He served congregations in Massachusetts and New York until 1854 when he gave up pastoral work because of failing eyesight and moved to Philadelphia where he opened a "denominational and miscellaneous" book store. In August 1861 he became chaplain to the 72nd Pennsylvania Volunteers. At the battle of Antietam his horse was shot out from under him and Gamaliel received serious and lasting injuries from the fall. At the close of the war he was commissioned a chaplain in the regular army. He retired to Chatham, Massachusets where he died on 24 April 1891.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
15 - 21 Dec 1863
Dec 15 - Lovely morning. Rode to fort and bridge with Col Swayne. Finished letter to W[estern] Episcopalian. P.m. reading of a devoted and successful minister stirred me up. Went and prayed, devoted myself amen. New spirituality I feel. Praise to God.
Dec 16 - Mild, but cloudy and showers; very heavy rain at evening. Had a good p[rayer] meeting and a poor boys afterward at school. Called on Col. Noyes. A.m. [?]kend a window at chapel. Four good and affectionate letters from mother. A pretty good day.
Dec 17 - Cold and wintry but stirs the blood. High water carried off half the new R[ail] R[oad] bridge. Read some in L[?]g's Columbus letter from Ella. They had been robbed at night of a watch and some money. She had not been well but is all right again.
Dec 18 - Cold bright day. Wagar inventing hot air engine. Got on well in study. School in eve. Rode over at 3 to Mr. Motman's a citizen near. An excellent family apparently.
Dec 19 - Cold day. Ground frozen. Studied as usual. Eve presided at debating society. Feel at times a great longing to see my dear wife.
Dec 20 - A little more moderate. A.m. preached at chapel then with Brush left for Brown's Mill. Preached there by the saw mill. A number of officers and men present. Courteously received. Eve much interested in memoir of Adjutant Stearns, a Christian officer of 21st Mass[achusetts].
Dec 21 - Talked with a few on religion. Bought poultry etc. Got back to Prospect at 1:00. Wrote Ella. At eve a good society about re-enlistment. This is as good a field for usefulness as I have usually had.
Dec 16 - Mild, but cloudy and showers; very heavy rain at evening. Had a good p[rayer] meeting and a poor boys afterward at school. Called on Col. Noyes. A.m. [?]kend a window at chapel. Four good and affectionate letters from mother. A pretty good day.
Dec 17 - Cold and wintry but stirs the blood. High water carried off half the new R[ail] R[oad] bridge. Read some in L[?]g's Columbus letter from Ella. They had been robbed at night of a watch and some money. She had not been well but is all right again.
Dec 18 - Cold bright day. Wagar inventing hot air engine. Got on well in study. School in eve. Rode over at 3 to Mr. Motman's a citizen near. An excellent family apparently.
Dec 19 - Cold day. Ground frozen. Studied as usual. Eve presided at debating society. Feel at times a great longing to see my dear wife.
Dec 20 - A little more moderate. A.m. preached at chapel then with Brush left for Brown's Mill. Preached there by the saw mill. A number of officers and men present. Courteously received. Eve much interested in memoir of Adjutant Stearns, a Christian officer of 21st Mass[achusetts].
Dec 21 - Talked with a few on religion. Bought poultry etc. Got back to Prospect at 1:00. Wrote Ella. At eve a good society about re-enlistment. This is as good a field for usefulness as I have usually had.
8 - 14 Dec 1863
Dec 8 - Rained most of the day. Staid in the house almost all day. Wrote to Uncle L[ucius]* and parents. Discussions on raising a cavalry regiment. Eve I presided at the debating society when the proposed constitution was discussed.
Dec 9 - Pleasanter weather, more enlivening. Rode into country with Col. Herrick. Saw two old men. Roads very muddy. Officiated at funeral in regular battery. Eve a good large mail. Letter from Ella.
Dec 10 - Wrote some on a letter to Western Episcopalian*. Now regulate my food and have no trouble with dyspepsia etc. Quite a relief. Eve debating society. Many wish to reenlist in cavalry. Regiment paid off.
Dec 11 - Have evening school for blacks; does better than daytime.
Dec 12 - Rainy most of day. Studied and went out a little. Sometimes at a loss for out-door employment. No sick and no papers to distribute. Called on Mr. Fry.
Dec 13 - Cloudy in a.m. Rained most of night. Fair attendance at church and I explained the parable of laborers in the vineyard. Eve a letter from Ella. Some homesick but prayer meeting did me good. Taught contrabands. Rain all p.m.
Dec 14 - Cloudy and cool. Have too little outside employment. No reading matter to give - no hospital. Went and saw saw mill. Eve a real good debating society. Read the President's message and Proclamation offering pardon to rebels below the rank of Colonel in certain terms*. Major Parke here.
* Lucius Chittenden, brother to Richard's father Asahel, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1794. As an adult he lived in Washington Heights, NY. He married 5 times. His fourth wife was a Miss Lamson of Newburg with whom he had two children. His last wife, who survived him was Amelia Lockwood from Stamford CN who he married in July 1866. Lucius died on 21 December 1868 at the age of 74. His daughter Lucia married Frederic Charles Blenkinsopp Coulson , Grandson of Lord Byron.
* The Western Episcopalian was a journal of varying frequency published between 11 August 1853 and 25 June 1868.
* President Lincoln's proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction of 8 Dec 1863 can be read here: http://www.history.umd.edu/Freedmen/procamn.htm
Dec 9 - Pleasanter weather, more enlivening. Rode into country with Col. Herrick. Saw two old men. Roads very muddy. Officiated at funeral in regular battery. Eve a good large mail. Letter from Ella.
Dec 10 - Wrote some on a letter to Western Episcopalian*. Now regulate my food and have no trouble with dyspepsia etc. Quite a relief. Eve debating society. Many wish to reenlist in cavalry. Regiment paid off.
Dec 11 - Have evening school for blacks; does better than daytime.
Dec 12 - Rainy most of day. Studied and went out a little. Sometimes at a loss for out-door employment. No sick and no papers to distribute. Called on Mr. Fry.
Dec 13 - Cloudy in a.m. Rained most of night. Fair attendance at church and I explained the parable of laborers in the vineyard. Eve a letter from Ella. Some homesick but prayer meeting did me good. Taught contrabands. Rain all p.m.
Dec 14 - Cloudy and cool. Have too little outside employment. No reading matter to give - no hospital. Went and saw saw mill. Eve a real good debating society. Read the President's message and Proclamation offering pardon to rebels below the rank of Colonel in certain terms*. Major Parke here.
* Lucius Chittenden, brother to Richard's father Asahel, was born in Waterbury, Connecticut in 1794. As an adult he lived in Washington Heights, NY. He married 5 times. His fourth wife was a Miss Lamson of Newburg with whom he had two children. His last wife, who survived him was Amelia Lockwood from Stamford CN who he married in July 1866. Lucius died on 21 December 1868 at the age of 74. His daughter Lucia married Frederic Charles Blenkinsopp Coulson , Grandson of Lord Byron.
* The Western Episcopalian was a journal of varying frequency published between 11 August 1853 and 25 June 1868.
* President Lincoln's proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction of 8 Dec 1863 can be read here: http://www.history.umd.edu/Freedmen/procamn.htm
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