[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F, 25th Massachusetts, currently assigned to the Commissary Dept. on the steamer “Admiral”]

Rained hard last night. I slept with
Phineas again. Slept first rate. Came
down to the New York this forenoon and then
got the boys to row me to the New Brunswick
again. The Col of the Tenth told me to go back
to the regiment, but I thought I would go and
see the Adjutant General. he was on the Spaulding
so I went over with the mate, and he told
me to stay here to-night and there would be an
order come from headquarters for me to-
morrow, so that I shall leave right if at all
and I feel that God will direct my steps
as He sees best for me, He has thus far
led me on most mercifully, and I feel that
He is a Kind Father to those that put their
trust in Him.

MSS 11293

[from the diary of Sgt., Z. Lee Gilmer, Co. B, 19th Virginia Infantry (Albemarle Rifles)

The malitia is the
main topic of conserva-
tion through camp. “I
wander what the Legisla-
ture will do” &c [we hear?] (words obscured by ink blob)
every day. “Tomlins bill is
the best” & so on; for months
past the Vols have been very
much dissatisfied at the cou-
rse they have taken with
the malatia & it has not
been provided for yet the
Vols have been treated shamefuly
If they had have been
rightly delt with every
man would have reinlis
ted. Gen Beauregard left
here (Camp Centrevill)
yesterday for Ky the
Army of the Potomac was
very anxious to go with
him but he took none
he is much the most
popular General we
have we have had bad
weather now for about a
month straight ahead.
it has been shocking & yet
continues so. the roads are
almost impassible

Centreville Feb. 1st. 1862.
Dear Pa –
In the Dispatch of the 30th
ult. I have just seen the military bill
of the Senate in which occurs the
clause “Volunteers for the War may
select their arm of the service or
words to that effect. I have therefore
thought proper to address the enclosed
paper to the state authorities.
By this means I think my success
probable. A number of the Artillery
Companies of Va. go out of service
in the spring and as I am early
in offering my Company they may
give me one of the vacated batteries.
Will you do me the kindness to
have the paper presented as soon
as possible to the Adjt. Genl. in the
event of the failure of that sent
to the Sec’y. of War. I write in haste
Most Affectionately
Your Son
Jno. W. Daniel.

John Warwick Daniel, 1842-1910, University of Virginia law school, noted orator, and U.S. Senator

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 158

[from the diary of Daniel D. Logan, younger brother of Thomas M. Logan, and Sgt., Company B, 1st Special Battalion (Rightor’s) Louisiana Infantry]

Saturday – Jany February 1st 1862
Rain again today – no roll call
at Reveille – no drills – Went to town
today for the mail in the Ambulance
Mr Ross & Emmett accompanied me –
It was rainy and wet, but we protected our-
-selves by using India rubber coats – we
returned to camp at 4 o’c – I went to Miss
Galts, & left my shirt with Old Mary
[-] to get the mildew out – Went to
Head Qrts, & brought back all the furloughs
that have been sent to Yorktown from our
battalion – none granted – my application
among the number. Rec’d a letter today from
Norvell at Greenplains – some from Jackson by
Henry Brown who returned from N.O.
today – Beat Harry two games chess tonight – this
tournament stands 1 for him & 2 for me. I have
won all the other tournaments played – Retun’d
at 11 tonight – Mr Ross presented the mess with
some smoking tobacco today

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 6154

[from the diary of Charles Hay on leave from the 23rd Ohio]

                                       Beaver Co. Pennsylvania, Jan. 31st., 62
     I got on board the cars yesterday morning at
6 o’clock at Holmesville, Ohio, and fully expected
to be in Wheeling, Va., in 12 hours thereafter, and in
all probability would have been, had it not been
that on my arrival at Wellsville, Ohio, I suddenly
changed my notion, at the same time changing my
course of travel, going from Wheeling, instead of towards
it.  About the time I expected in the morning
to be in Wheeling, I found myself at my uncle’s
some five miles west of New Brighton, after a railroad
ride of 138 miles, and a hard walk of 8 more.
Having never been here before, the family were total
strangers to me, and I was obliged to introduce
myself.  I found them all well and hearty. ~~ I went
to a spelling about a mile off last night, and saw
some specimens of Pennsylvanians, & their conduct, which I
hope will not admit of a general application.
The country here is quite rough and broken, but if I
mistake not, it is a healthy locality. ~~ The weather
is just cold enough today to be pleasant, and the bit of
snow which fell a night or so ago, is fast disappearing
beneath the mild rays of the sun.

[transcription by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13925