[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F., 25th Massachusetts]

Wednesday
Jan 28
Rainy all day. I read some and played
chess and backgammon some.  This evening
George and I talked over philosophy.  I have made
out Mortons papers for a discharge.  We got news that
Burnside has crossed the Rapphannock in
two places, and I hope it is true if it is Gods will.

MSS 11293

                                               Dingledale, Wednesday Eve
                                                               January 28th 1863
My Dear Cousin Minnie
                                    Excuse this, you may term it, pro-
cipitate reply.  Your eagerly looked for but dilatory
letter reached me this morning and now int he quiet
nocturnal hours I seat myself to communicated with my
much loved cousin. You tell me to write you a long letter-
this precaution was unnecessary and you admitted it
by using the term “usually.”  But, my cousin, why did you
not add force to the injunction by setting the example by
writing me a long letter?  Ah! I fear that you adhere too
strictly to the “lex talionis” — that you are too exact in meting
out the same measurement meted to you.  do I accuse
wrongfully?  If so, I sincerely beg pardon. and may you prove
eloquently prove the accusation false by writing me lengthy
letters on every occasion without reference to the size of min.
Now, my good cousin, I intend that the present epistle shall
stand clear of the charge of brevity for three distinct reasons-
1stly – because it is your request that it be lengthy – 2ndly –
because it is my desire to engage in a protracted epistolary
chat with you, and 3rdly – because I hope a long letter will
elicit one equally as long from you. — Disappoint me
not, – I pray you. —
   It is said that bashful lovers generally preface
their conversation by trite remarks on the weather – and
as this seems to be the universal & never-failing theme

[page 2]
on all occasions, I feel myself justified in resor
ting to it in the present instance by way of intro-
duction. The skies, the whole day long, have been sifting
upon us its fleecy product and the whole earth is now
covered with a wide “above expanse of vicious matter.”
Were it not that the snow melts almost as soon as it falls
it would equal in depth the snow of last week. –
We had begun to think until quite recently that the
power of the wintry monarch was broken for the present
season but he is now teaching us a different lesson-
I, at this moment, hear  his emissary, the winds, whistling
around the house & sighing through every aperture, and
they seem to say that the ice-crown’d despot will rule with
relentless rigor until the gentle wooings of Spring will lure
him from his throne. — Ah! this is the poetry of the stern
monarch’s sway – to sit by the cosy[sic]  fireside and listen
to the howling blasts as they sweep past your door – but
you have met with a chapter or two of bitter prose during
the last week – and so have I. – I am not particularly anxious
to turn over those frosty leaves again. –
  Since you were so kind as to give me an outline nar-
rative of your journey I will also do the same.  And
if I am a little more minute than you, do not think
I am so, to weary you. – I could have wished that you had
dealt more profusely in particulars.  To begin “ab initio”
where you left me penning those lines at a friend in
Drapers Valley. – I took up my lonely journey – (how much
more pleasant would it have been with a congenial compan-
ion) in the morning – reached Wytheville at noon – saw

[page 3]
Bill a few moments – and at night drew rein before
the door of Rev Hawkins’ hospitable house.  Tim was not
at home, but I was most agreeably entertained by the old
folks and especially the young ladies.  Indeed, one of
them made quite an impression on me, whereof, so strange
is the human heart, serious consequences may ensure. –
That man’s heart, like the [miser’s?] of Horace, is encased in
a shield of triple brass which is proof against the charms
of a beautiful woman!  On the morrow, a short drive
brought me to the door of Br. Mann’s school house. –
His school was not yet “let out” – and I spent the interval
in seeing how he practiced the pedagogue’s art.  You may
well imagine his surprise at seeing me for he had recd.
no intimations of m coming. – I found him surrounded
by about twenty five scholars off all sorts & sizes – among
which were several misses in their teens. – As this is the
school you are to take when Bro. M’s term expires it would
be well for me to give a minute description but I shall
reserve this for a future task. – At present, go with us
home to M’s boarding house and enjoy the kind hospitality
of its inmates.  Friday, the day on which you set out on your
travels, witnessed the furious clashing of the elements. –
Although I had intended in my proposed programme
to start homeward to-day – I was dissuaded from the under
taking by my friend & host, as well as by the storm which
represented to me in plain terms, if I did not wish to freeze,
I had better remain within doors. — I took the advice, went
with my friend to his school room in the morning – where
we remained till noon-  he dismissed his school after a

[page 4]
brilliant display of declamational oratory by the
urchins and we returned home to spend the evening
by the fireside in discussing “auld Lang syne” and
in – what do you think? – making matches – do not
mistake me now, – I mean Lucifer not matrimonial
(what a contrast in the two words) matches. – You
need not be surprised to see Bro. M. coming round some
of these days with a peddler’s pack on his back and
crying “matches for sale, matches for sale” a box for a dollar,
come and buy!”  But after witnessing his experiments in
the match=making line – I concluded that he had better
relinquish the art, satisfied that his abilities were better
displayed in giving the finishing stroke to matches which
ad passed through their incipient stages under the manage-
ment of other hands.  by the way, I suppose you noticed
an example of his handiwork in the “Lutheran” of last week –
Saturday was one of the bitterest days of the year.  It required
little persuasion to cause me to defer my return trip a
while longer. – did you not suffer travelling on that day-
I was much surprised when I learned that you had decided
to brave the storm on Friday – but on comparing notes with
the folks here I conclude that there were several degrees dif-
ference in the temperature between the sheltered valley of the Roanoke
and the airy summits of Smythe during those two days.
We (he and I) mounted our horses in the morning, cold as
it was, and made a circuit of a small scope of country –
passed by one of his new churches, an neat edifice, con-
trasting strangely with the antique structure close by, erected
in the times of Father Flohr the pioneer of Lutheranism

[page 5]
in Western Va.  I could not resist the inclination
to enter the old building and mounting the pulpit
clinging like a swallow’s nest to the wall midway between
the ceiling and floor. — a thousand fancies came rushing
into my mind during the brief period I stood there, where
the impassioned eloquence of the venerable Flohr had oft
held enchained the rapt attention of his audience, the
ancestors of the young race which now worships in the new
church – under the ministering of the “young preacher”.-
We dined with one of Bro. M’s parishioners.  After enjoying
the hospitable cheer of the farmer’s board and an hour’s
pleasant chat with the young ladies (one of whom is con
sidered quite handsome) by a blazing log fire, we went home,
and started that evening for Mr M’s former boarding house
in the vicinity of which he is to preach tomorrow.  We suffered
considerably on the way, it being intensely cold, but a roaring
fire soon brought vitality to our numbed limbs.-
On the next day I had the second opportunity of ever listening to Bro. M.
in the pulpit – According to previous notice he gave his
hearers a sermon on “Extortion”, the theme of the times, and
one which has been so much handled and battened about
that it has lost all novelty.  M. treated his subject well
and probably rendered the consciences of some of his hearers less
obdurate than before. – After services he read extracts from
the editorial in the “Lutheran” relative to its finances which
was responded to by the presentation of eleven subscriber’s
names. – Were all the other congregations in the church south

[page 6]
to do as well, the Editors would not have to resort to the
mortifying necessity of suspending operations.  I sincerely
hope this will not be the case.  What is the “Lutheran’s” circulation
in Augusta?  Can you not contribute your mite of influence
to its support there?  Before I leave Mr M. I must tell you that he
made me the bearer of his love to you, – now, do not prize it too highly or I will become

^ Sunday ever after church I proceeded on my journey
jealous. –
as far as Mr Hawkin’s. Of course I could not pass by this
place. Tim was at home this time.  After a repetition of the
same kindnesses I had recd. before, and, perhaps, the impression
above referred to being deepened somewhat, I bid adieu and
Tim & I drove to Wytheville together. – Here I tarried till the
next day (Thursday). – I took tea with my friend Dr Will and
spent the evening with Bell — Here I must tell you of a sin-
gular phenomenon which was made apparent in College a
few days before I got there.  It was a strange & unaccount-
able knocking or ticking which was heard regularly every
morning & evening in a post of one of the beds – a singular
place for a spirit to lodge itself. The girls who occupied
the bed first discovered it Thursday morning before day.-
They in the commenced asking it questions & were surprised
to find that it beat “rapped” regularly in response. – they became a-
larmed and called in Mr Roedel, but it was silent in his
presence. – Nothing could induce it to continue its rappings
whilst he was about.  I went in to satisfy myself on the sub-
ject, but failed to do so. – Mr Roedel things it may be at-
tributed to mesmeric influence – but the examination was so un-
satisfactory to me that I am unable to form an opinion in
regard to it.  I have heard nothing of it since I left.
I assure it has disturbed my dreams very little since I heard of it.

[page 7]
Tuesday, you remember well, and so do I. I have it marked
in my almanac – “weather indescribable combination of rain,
sleet,snow & storms” – It was decidedly one of the most un-
comfortable days I ever experienced.  The storm came full
in my face all day – as the sailors say I had “the wind in my
teeth” – and I know I had plenty of sleet & snow in my face
I think you did perfectly right in keeping close within –
doors on that day.
   A journey of two more days through the clogging snow
brought me home. – Upon arriving home I found  Pernia
quite unwell – she was suffering considerably with her throat
She is now nearly well. — There is a great deal of sickness
around here, especially amongst the soldiers.  The Court House &
Town Hall are crowded with the sick. I learned that the re were three
dead this morning and that several more were doubtful of recovery.
We have a soldier with us very low – He has the fever & his case I fear is
a hopeless one. – He is from one of the North Western counties & has a
wife & several children.  How distressing is it to see a man called
away under these circumstances. – Old Mrs Chapman left this world
on last Sunday after having suffered a great deal in it for a number
of years. –Capt Porter, Mr Grigsby’s father-in-law – died last week
His funeral was preached by Dr Bittle on Sunday last.
Mr Utz, the recent purchaser of “Waverly” died suddenly last night
Truly these afflictions admonish us to have our lamps trimmed
and burning – for we know not who will be the next victim
to the insatiable archer. –How blessed is the consolation of those
who love Christ – that though they may be separated on earth – though
one may be taken and the other left – there is the ever-abiding belief
that the good will meet & recognize each other in heaven. — This
I believe will be one of the chief ingredients in the cup of heavenly joy
Though there are some who doubt whether there is any such thing
as recognition of friends in heaven, I cannot & would not believe
otherwise & I think the doctrine is taught int he Scriptures –
It surely heightens our conceptions of heavenly bliss – and were it
removed from our creed, Faith would lose one of its strongest props

[page 8]
                                       on the subject
I have a beautiful scrap of poetry ^ which I clipped
from a newspaper not long since. — I enclose it for your
perusal – asking your sentiments on the subject–
      My brother David is sick in Richmond
and my father expects to start for him tomorrow
It is thought another battle will shortly occur near Fred-
ericksburg. –I hope our battling days are nearly over –
and we shall no longer be disturbed by rumors of an ap-
roaching battle. —
      Well “Cousin Minnie”, have you made the
acquaintance of “Sister Minnie.”? – If so , how do you like
her? – I am now being very much entertained by a pe-
rusal of Abbott’s “Napoleon Bonaparte”. – I borrowed the
work form the W.F.C. Library.
      I shall to-night read the tenth chapter of Luke.
Am I keeping pace with you?  Do you in pursuing these
readings – send a thought after him who sometimes, perhaps,
may scan the same lines at the same moment with yourself,
and breathe a prayer for his welfare?  I do not think it
wrong thus to aid in building each other up in the most
holy faith. Verily, we poor, feeble mortals need every extraneous
help we can find to assist us in ascending the mountains
of Beulah. – When I am conscious of having in my be-
half the prayers of a fervent, righteous believer, I feel strength
ened for the conflict.-
  I have now verified my intention of writing a long
letter – I have tried to interest you and render myself deser-
ving of a reply equally as long. – and I know that when
I throw myself on your benevolence I shall be rewarded,
Write very soon & you will render me happy—
                                  Yours Affectionately
                                                                          Porte

[in top margin of page 5]
You did not give me your first impressions of the Stone neighborhood – How do you
like Lizzie & Sue? – your partiality to [Joe?] I already know.  did you observe the school –
room which for one winter was the theater of my operations? And what think you of the natural
scenery of “Stone”?  And what did cousin Annie have to say? I know she was surprised to see
you. When does she speak of visiting Roanoke again? – She is one of my girls.–

[underlining in pencil at a later date]

William McCauley “Porte” ,, Co. E. 42nd Virginia “Dixie Greys” to his future wife Margaret Jane “Cousin Minnie”

MSS 14953

   Hd Qurs Taliaferros Brig.
     January 28” 1863.
My dearest Jennie
  We are having it now to the fulest [sic] extent.
It commenced snowing this morning at daylight
and has continued ever since & now at 12 M. without
any imediate [sic] prospect of its ceasing to day.  It is
a cold wet snow & as hard on the soldiers as it
can well be.  I doubt not it will effectually put
an end to all military operations, the mud will
be knee deep without a prospect of improvement to any
extent for a month.  And I suppose Genl Lee will
now grant me a furlough to go home & see my wife
and dear little children.  I intend to ask for
one any how.  I got no letter from you yesterday
and hence I conclude all are doing well.  I do hope
so any how.  And I wonder how in the world you
are getting along with all this snow.  It is bad enough
here, it must be a good dele [sic] worse in the Valley
where it is so much colder.  Stephen ought to get
out the sleigh & then you could easily keep up
communication with town.  I am consoled with
the reflection that you have plenty of flour & meat
& milk & so are not likely to star starve nor to
suffer for fire as long as Stephen & Billy can get to
& from Mr Liggetts woods.
 I look upon this snowstorm as a victory for us.
It has driven Burnsides back to his den & will keep him
there, I think, for one good time.  I was however of the
opinion that it was better for our cause to have another
fight this winter & strange to say looked forward to the
prospect with feelings of pleasure rather than other-
wise, for I thought another decided victory by our
army would certainly end the war.  But Providence

[page 2]
has ordered otherwise, and as I am firmly convinced
that God is with us, I most cheerfully bow to the
circumstances which controling [sic] operations here prevents
another conflict of arms, and I now hope & pray that
further strife will be postponed until the people of
the North will have determined that the war shall
end.  To us time is now everything.  The tone & sentiment of
the Yankey army is being felt at home & is beginning
to express itself in tones of thunder.  The cry for peace is
going out from all classes & it will soon be a cry
for peace on any terms not in their opinion disgrace-
ful & it will be no hard thing for them to say that it
is not disgraceful to acknowlege [sic] the independence of
a people who have so nobly & gallantly defended them
selves against an unjust tyranny.  I say time to us
is victory – if we can postpone a battle until April
I consider our destiny as settled in our favor and
most likely without a fight after that date.  I am
full of hope & confidence, let it come as it may.  I
dont in the least doubt or fear for the result if we
have another fight now or later.  I only want to a-
void any more blood shed if possible.  I dont want
to see any more of our brave men killed and I am
sick & weary of seeing heaps of slaughtered Yankeys.
I therefore pray for peace without further fighting, and
can see nothing to prevent such a consumation [sic] if our
armies are compelled or permited [sic] to lie still.  The
spirit of our men seems to improve daily, that of the
Yankeys seems to get worse, and so I say if we lie
still the sentiment of the Yankey army and of the Yankey
people will work out for us a peace.  fighting will
not tend a great dele [sic] to help this sentiment unless indeed
we should be overwhelmingly victorious.  The only news I
have to day is that the Artillery has all been ordered

[page 3]
back to Bowling Green.  Wednesday Evening.  I have just
received your note of the 26”, read it, burnt it, and
thought over it, and now find myself a little low
spirited.  Lizzie does not seem to improve as I expected.  I
did hope that to days letter would say she was much
better and I was hoping too, to hear of an improvement
in your health, in this I am also disappointed.  I hope
your next will be more full and satisfactory.  I am
by no means pleased with Newts apparent neglect.  I
think it is his duty to visit you once each day
any way, no matter whether the children need his
attention or not.  And I think too he might write
to me & let me know his opinion as to their situation
I know very well that I could not fail to extend
that much kindness to him.  As I have heretofore said
I know nothing at all about scarlet fever & dont
know whether the swelling about the neck is a bad
symptom or not.  Dr Campbell seems to think it is not.  I
cant for a day or two apply for a leave of absence &
to tell you the truth I will not get it if I do.  I must
select my time, and be very fortunate if I succeed.
And then again I cant get a leave for more than 15
day which will not give me over a week at home
I might spend this week with you & then be compelled
to leave you when the children were in a more crit
ical situation than when I got home.  I dont therefore
want to start home until there is a necessity for
it, and I must say your letters are not satisfactory.
If the children are in a dangerous situation you
dont say so.  If they are doing as well as could
be expected you dont say so.  Thus it is your letters are
not sufficiently satisfactory to make me satisfied
with their condition nor yet sufficiently unsatisfactory
to give me grounds to make an application for leave of

[page 4]
absence.  If in my application I say my children are
dangerously ill with scarlet fever, I say what I dont know
& really dont believe to be so, except so far only as chil-
dren with that disease may allways [sic] be in danger.  If on
the other hand I say my children are ill with scarlet
fever my application will be rejected & I will be cen-
sured for applying to go home at a critical time
on an insufficient reason.  The weather now is favorable
to an application of this sort & I hope to be succesful [sic]
when I do try.  We have news to day of rather a lively
nature, my courier just returned from Genl Taliaferros
Hd Qurs informs me that it is stated there that the Western
troops in Burnsides Army mutinied & positively refused
to cross the River on the 22d of this month.  I cant vouch
for the story, but am willing to confess that I will
not be surprised at such information.  You cant expect
the soldiers to fight when the State Govt & the people
at home are in favor of peace.  I am prepared for just
such news, but dont quite believe this because Burnsides
had another very good reason for not crossing, mainly the
rain.  And possibly he may have found out that he was
mistaken in his opinion that our army had been very much
weakened by sending reinforcements south & west.  It is true
we have sent some men south, but it is also true that to
day we are stronger than we have ever been at any time
past.  And if Genl Burnsides had crossed over he would
have found to his sorrow that we were too many for his army
but as I said before I am glad it has turned out as it has.
The Yankeys are whiped [sic] & we have lost none of our men.
I suppose his honor Mr Effinger has concluded to carry the
buttons for you, no matter if he does, he shall not escape pun-
ishment for sending you a rude message.  I am not saving
paper to write on tomorrow but I intend to put in an extra
half sheet.  I have a rude set of chess men which affords me amusement

[letter abruptly ends]

While the letter is unsigned, it was written by Edward Tiffin Harrison Warren, Colonel, 10th VA Infantry.
[transcript by John P. Mann, IV]

MSS 7786-g

     Camp near Fredericksburg
             Jan 28, 1863
              Dear Sister Harriet
                      When I wrote
to you last we were under
marching orders for what
all of us supposed would
result in a great battle
We marched about 3 P.M. and
took the position assigned to
us in the line We reached
the place on the banks of the
river about 9 P.M. and expected
to attack the rebels, as soon
as daylight the next morning
We were all ready: but the
great ruler of all had de
termined otherwise The fiat
of the Almighty had gone
forth there could be no
battle: About 10 P.M. it began
to rain and by 12 the storm
was upon us in all its fury

[page 2]
and for 24 hours it seemed
as though the elements had
combined at the direction
of their divine master to defeat
all our well laid plans
You may be assured the object
was accomplished We were
wet to our skins, Our rifles
were rendered useless by the
water: Our amunition was
soaked so that a large part
of it had to be thrown away
Our Pontoon Bridges got
stuck in the mud and
could not be moved. Our
artillery was rendered
useless from the same
cause: To give you a little
idea of the mud I would
simply say that 28 horses
were put on to one of our
cannon and could not
start it, and 80 horses

[page 3]
were required to draw
a load of crackers up to
the camp. the united strength
of a whole Brigade 5 regmts
was not enough to draw
one of our Pontoon trains
down to the river bank,
although it did not weigh
more than 5 tons: Such as
our condition; we waited
three days and finding
we could do nothing. Sigel
ordered us back to our old
camp, where we now remain
Another storm has set in
the mud is getting worse
I wish I could describe
this Virginia mud to you
but I cannot do it, you
must see to appreciate it
Gen Burnside has resigned
and Gen Hooker takes his
place. I do not believe he

[page 4]
can do any better than Genl B
Indeed I do not see how any
body can do anything here
with such going and such
weather: There are places be
tween here and Gen S quarters
where our horses cannot
touch bottom but have to swim
with their riders on their
backs you can judge for
youself how fast you can
move an army of 300,000 men
I cannot at this time write
any more I wish you would
send this to Phebe as I do not
get time to write to her
as often as I would like to
Meantime keep up good
spirits all will yet be
well. God rules in a
mysterious way his wonders
to perform: let us wait
and be patient. From your
     Affectionate Brother
                Josiah

——————————————-
                                Jan 28 1863
No 7
Camp near Fredericksburg
Dear Phebe
The government
has paid us for a little over
one months service which is
better than nothing although
it seems rather small bus-
iness considering that they
owe us six months.  I
enclose to you ten dollars
I wrote to Mr. Winship about
my boots, and directed him
to present his bill to ..P…
I do not know but you have
paid the bill.  If you have
not please ask P if he had
heard anything from Mr W
about them. I will not write
any more this morning all
well, it is snowing and is very
cold, yours always, Josiah

Josiah Perry, Co. K, 33rd Massachusetts

MSS 2215
                          

[from the diary of George W. Dabney, clerk of Campbell County]

28 Jan’ Wedn’
Snow last night and all to-day
ground wet – cold Th. 36° m.
Stripping Tobacco, & burning
hickory for ashes to put on meat –
Dr L. to see Jesse, is severe case  of
cold – left med – which gave –
Wrote [Pa?] & A.G. Hancock to send
by Lias, but weather prevents going
Wrote also by mail to D. Manning
about collection of clerks receipts –
Lias & cart kept fm going up to Town

MSS 3315

Fort Tillinghast Va Jan 18th/63
Dear Wife
Your welcome letter of the
22d Jan I recieved last night, I can imagine
how you looked and how the “sitting
room” looked when you were writeing,
I wish I was there this afternoon,
I am very glad to hear that you and
the children are so well, God grant
that you may continue so, I am
also perfectly well, and hearty and hope
to continue so,  My chills have left
me entirely, I took about a dozen
doses of Quinine, and it drove them
away quickly, I dont think they will
return very soon, if they do I shall
try them with more of the same
medicine, Quinine, I suppose you
know is made of Peruvian Bark, and
of course must be a good medicine,

[page 2]
We are having some very dirty
and disagreeable weather Yesterday it
rained all day, and this morning it
commenced to snow about two o’clk
and has been snowing all day, very fast,
it melts on the ground however, nearly
as fast as it falls, the mud is ancle
deep almost, it is now about the time
of year to have a good deal of rainy
weather here,–You ask me why
I signed my name to that bill, Why
shouldn’t I: You cannot collect it, if
my name is not signed to it unless
you send it back to me, I did it
to save trouble, can you not tear
off my signature, from the bottom
of the bill, can’t you make out ano-
there bill just like the one I sent you,
It makes no differance who makes out
a bill.. I have a duplicate of the one I sent

[page 3]
you, which is not receipted, I will send
you that if you want me to, but I
dont think there is any need of doing
so, I’ll do just as you say however, In answ-
er to your question (Have you not made the
bill rather large?) I answer, No! I have made
the bill just as it should be, and the amount
is what is lawfully due me, to say nothing
of interest, Again I say, if my name at the
bottom of the bill is, or will be, any imped
iment to you, in your undertakings, tear
it off, or make out another bill, I lose
none of Earps company, now that he is
Lieut., any more than I did before, I am
as familiar with him and he with me, as
ever, You want me to tell you truly how
I am, Well! I have told you truly in the first
part of this letter, and, is there anything I need
in Lynn, Yes! there is, but you could’nt send
what I most need. You would have to come

[page 4]
yourself and bring them, I mean my own
dear wife and little ones, I am very well
contented  however, to know that my dear
ones are in good health and are pleasantly
situated, and want for no food, clothing
or fire, as many poor soldiers dear ones
do, I thank God that we are as well situ-
ated as we are,–Those skins that I
wrote to you about, I have not been able
to dress very well, I dont know anything
about the business, and shall have to send
them as they are, next week, when I go
to Washington,  I have three of them, I
dont know as they will hardly pay for the
trouble, but I’ll send them to you if J.B.
will frank them, I dont think of much more
to write now, I’ll try and write again, Sunday,
Give my love to Father and Mother, and to all
friends, Kiss our darlings for me, and receive
for yourself, much earnest, and true love from Robert

[upside down in top margin of page 2]
Thursday Morn 29th
Still snowing very severe, about six
inches on the ground this morning,
looks as though it would storm a month
[last line illegible]

Sergeant Robert P. Mansfield, Co. M, 1st Massachusetts Heavy Artillery

MSS 1242

[from the diary of Captain Zachariah Heed, 91st Ohio]

JANUARY 28.
Fayetteville Va.  Jan   Wednesday morning   mud and rain, predominating   2 oclock P.M.  Still Raining,  8 Oclock P.M. all quiet but Raining.

29.
Fayetteville Va.  Thursday morning.  no Rain but wind is raising pretty freely.  2 oclock P.M.  cold and windy.  8 oclock P.M.  cloudy with wind, Indications of Snow.

30.
Fayetteville Va.  Friday morning.  Some Snow falling but is melting as fast as it falls.  2 oclock  colder.  8 oclock, P.M.  freezing

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 13406

[from the diary of Sergeant Robert Larimer, Co. C., 62nd Ohio Volunteers]

Wednesday, January 28, 1863

At anchor run into by gun
boat – sea raging & foaming –
cool & windy

MSS 38-129

[from the diary of Matthella Page Harrison as transcribed at a later date]

Wednesday, January 28th – Found the ground covered with snow this morning.  Little
Pollie Cary is quite sick.  I am very uneasy about her.  This is the deepest snow
we have had for years.  I fear the poor soldiers will have a miserable time.
Poor brother Archie.  God in his mercy watch over him and keep him well in soul
and body.

MSS 9759

[from the diary of Joseph Addison Waddell, former newspaper publisher and civilian employee of the Quartermaster Dept.]

 
[transcript by the Valley of the Shadow project]

MSS 38-158