[from the diary of James Dinsmore Templeton, former musician and private in the 23rd Ohio]
Tuesday, Dec. 30, 1862
went to work
& finished the roof
of the sheep shed then
went over to the
old house for the
ax which I left
there yesterday
I intended to go to
Sav this afternoon
but it has been
storming, & Father went
to Ashland Eli came
home
Chandler Means & Jim
Culbertson came here
to agree about [?]
[?] but did nothing
A very large fall
of snow this afternoon
MSS 10547-bm
[from the diary of Mary S. Boyden, daughter of the Reverend Ebenezer Boyden, rector of Walker’s Church, now Grace Episcopal Church in Cismont, Va.]
Tuesday 30 Mr Cameron and Episcopal chaplain
from Maryland called in the rain today -He
has been absent from his regiment to recruit
his health, but, though not yet well he is return
=ing to it. He seems a man of not a great deal
of intelligence, but very gentle, sweet, & of earnest
devoted piety – We were much pleased with him
on the whole. Father returned with one of his
bad headaches.
MSS 4288
[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F., 25th Massachusetts]
Monday
Dec 29
Got paid off to day to November 1st
Got a check for twenty dollars to send home
It has been a very pleasant day. Geo. Kinsman
washed my clothes to day. Have been writing
some, went up to the doctors and got some cough
mixture as my cough is very troublesome
Wrote a letter for Geo. Kinsman this afternoon.
MSS 11293
[fromthe diary of Frank C. Fitzhugh, of Cutshaw’s Battery]
December Monday 29
Trim for Coat 2.06
8.18
$ 10.21
Tuesday 30
Albert Gentry
To 1 pock Knife .87
Our Battery moved to
Bowling Green
Wednesday 31
Moved 2 ½ miles below
Bowling Green
[The end papers notes are as follows:]
Keemright
To 1 A. Tobacco .10
To find the
surface of
a sphere
Multiply the
diameter of it
by 3.1416
The following names are noted with small purchase amounts:]
Robert Mills
John Mills
W. Holladay
A.B. Roler
W.F. Davis
Gasper Thompson
[Transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
[The intervening diary of Fitzhugh, if it exists, is missing. The diary picks up again in 1864]
MSS 4448
Camp near Guinea Station,
Monday morning, Dec. 29, 1862
I anticipated your request, my dear wife, by
writing my last letter somewhat int he style of a jour-
nal. I fear that the sameness of my life and its bar-
renness of incidents will not suit this diary corre-
spondence; yet events the most trivial in them-
selves will possess an interest for you on account
of their connection with your loving husband. It may
be thought by civilians that the soldier in the field
never lacks stirring news; but to the storm of battle
there generally succeeds a long calm, and the
present season increases the probability of months of
dull monotony to our army. Yet we are not without
rumors of change now. Last evening I heard that
Gen. Kemper advised a soldier not to build a chim-
ney, as we would move n a day or two; and it
was supposed that we were destined for the South-
side. That gave me food for charming fancies of
seeing my beloved, and enjoying some precious days
of her sweet society. But this morning brings another
tale, viz. that the Gen is seeking bricks for a chimney
of his own, and this sounds like a hint of winter-quar-
[page 2]
ters here. This is a favourable place for answering the
enquiry you make in behalf of Jno. Crew and other friends
about the time of my next visit to the Capital. I am
sorry not to be able to give a definite answer. Major
Otey of his own accord mentioned to me that I might
very properly spend a large part of the winter with you,
especially as the weather will often be unpropitious for
religious services in the camp. If I had unlimited
discretion in the matter, I would go now and then
without neglect of duty; but I dislike to make a
formal application for leave of absence, and send it
through all the usual channels, unless I have a special
and very satisfactory plea — one which can be stated
in an official document. I will pay Gen. K. a visit
soon, and converse on this subject, getting all the [light?]
and all the aid possible from him. But I can not
yet encourage hope in you or myself. You can not
exceed me in intensity of hoping for the early com-
ing of the day of our meeting. You can not think
of it more frequently, or anticipate it with greater
delight. I hold with you many and long conversations
in imagination, to be made real when bodily presence
admits. — But I must quit the enticing theme, and be-
[page 3]
gin my record of each day’s experience.
Christmas passed without disorder or drunkenness,
a subject of congratulation, though due more to the lack
of the wherewithal than to sobriety of spirit. Friday
morning, after breakfast and reading the regular
lessons in the Word of God, I finished my tract which
to anticipate, I sent off by private hand to-day.
I then took a long walk by myself, but not a lonesome
walk. As mention of these solitary walks will often oc-
cur, and as they are remarkable not for any scenes
or persons I meet, but only, if at all, for my own medi
tations, I may as well tell you now how my mind
is occupied during them. You walk in the city to visit
or to shop, and your eye and ear are kept busy: I
in these lonely woods for exercise, the stirring of the blood,
escape from company, and quiet thought. I do not
often study or constrain my mind to consecutive think-
ing; but give it the reins. Now it rises in prayer to
God; again it directs on some scriptural passage, per-
haps taking the direction of a sermon, but not always;
and oft it turns to my darling, and long it lingers on
the the pleasant subject, with fondness,m delight, and yearn-
ing. If you were ever so exacting, you would be satisfied
[page 4]
with the constancy and affection of my thoughts of you,
my most precious wife. — I returned in time for
dinner (2 or 3P.M.) and afterwards read a few
chapters in French. At even-tide, like Isaac, I went
out in the field to meditate; but no Rebecca lighted
off her camel or horse to salute me. One of the most nota-
ble features of our life is the length of the evening. Soon
almost as sunset, the dusk gathers about us, squatters
in the woods. We sit around the fire, talk or are si-
lent, without candle, lamp or gas. Astonishment is
expressed when I tell my comrades the hour, and
they accuse my watch of being too slow. But the next
evening they cry out against it as too fast. How often
twilight and dark are spent by me in imaginary visits
to my sweetheart, you can tell exactly by numbering the
days of our actual separation. Somewhere between 9 and 10
P.M. I go to my couch, sleeping warmly and refesh-
ingly, but not through the whole night, for on my bed too
you are in my mind and heart. Saturday
I was up early, bundling my baggage and eating break-
fast for a move. Our division marched about eight
miles; and we are no encamped four miles from Guinea
station which is twelve miles above Fredericksburg. I was
[page 5]
but slightly fatigued by the march. Hereafter direct
to “11th. Va. Reg.., Kemper’s Brigade, Picketts Division,”
without mention of Corps or locality. We are well situa-
ted as to woods and warmth, not very near water. I
was arranging my bed before dark, when Mike Clark
called out, “Ah, Mr. Granberry, you will stop pining
now.” And I did stop, for a letter was brought me
from my Ella, and a full week had passed since the
last. this was written the Tuesday before. I hope for
another to-day. — The Sabbath was a lovely day,
cooler than the weather had been for several days, but
only enough to h[?] the system. I enjoyed a short
walk immediately after breakfast, and read my bible.
About 11 A.M., the drum was beat for worship, and
a considerable company gathered on a convenient hill-
side. The sun kept them pleasantly warm, and they
listened with attention, but did the profit them being
mixed with faith? I preached on the first sentence
of the text of my sermon at Trinity: “Behold, now are
we the sons of God/” developing the same thoughts more
fully. I thought much of the happy season with which
you were blessed the Sunday before, and thanked God for
it. French furnished me again hospitable reading
[page 6]
I will finish the book this week. After noon I took a
walk, and called at the camp of the 18th, to see Capt
Irby, Ned Morse and other friends. That brigade, now
Garnett’s is not a quarter of a mile from us. The sky at
sundown was beautiful, and the moon shown on us
with mellow radiance. Not in vain, I trust, did
the heavens declare to my heart the glory of God.
Now Monday has come, and so soon as I read the
morning lessons, I set down to this writing.
I have omitted one sad event. Friday, late in the day,
I heard that one of our privates was delirious: he had been
seized with pneumonia the night before. I determined
to visit him the next day, hoping that he would then be in
his right mind. Early next morning he was dead. He was
from Campbell, a youth of nineteen years, the only support of
his widowed mother. — Stuart is on another big scout.
Hope we will hear good news from him soon. —
Blanche and Bettie must watch your words, and not forget
to tell me all the treason you speak. I am afraid that I will
become fond of the treasonable remarks, because they are the oc-
cassions of such sweet, living words when you write to me.
To little Blanche, and larger Blanche, and Bettie, and Annie
and all, I send my love (don’t tell it, but kiss it to the first
and to the rest you may give it both ways.) And continue [to]
yearn (but not pine) and hope fore me,
Your husband,
J.C. Granbery
[page 7]
Sunset of Monday. After dining, I walked about two
miles; and as I rested on a log, read your last letter,
looked at your likeness, and mused. I was refreshed
all the way back by the hope of a letter; but they
tell me that none came. The mail has hitherto
proved sure, though slow; and it is a comfort to
know that your letter is on the road. I will
fill another half-sheet with a notice of certain
points in your last. I have not thought that
you were reserved about your past life; but
you must never hereafter indulge the fear of
wearying me by talking about yourself. It can
not be egotistic to dwell on this theme to your
husband. — The extract from Adam Bede is
not less true than beautiful. When a youth feels the first
stirrings of the susceptibility of his nature to the passion
of love, he exercises it towards some girl, acci-
dent or beauty or sprightliness determining who,
with little judgment of fitness and substantial
merit. It is like the first flutter of the fledgling,
feebly going forth because instinct impels, very dif
ferent from the sustained and easy flight of the
full-grown bird. I remember speaking to you at
[page 8]
Spring Grove about the heart of Mid-Lothian
and the points of resemblance between it and
Adam Bede: though then I could not converse
very freely about them. The latter is not an
imitation; yet I think it was in important
respects suggested by the other. Did you men
tion specially Jeanie’s speech to the Queen
which she rightly termed true elegance ? It can
not be surpassed in pathos, beauty, truth.
If you agree, I will begin next Thursday
to read two chapters daily in Isaiah and one
in Matthew. The New Testament and the
poetical parts of the Old will correspond nearly
in time with the rest of the Old on this plan,
I think. Tell Mr. Crew that our army
is larger, and in better health and condition
than ever before God be praised! I see
in the Examiner of to-day a gloomy picture
of the sickness, real and probable in the future
of Richmond.
Again with love I sign myself your
devoted husband. J.C.G.
John Cowper Granbery, 1829-1907, former chaplain at the University of Virginia, chaplain of the 11th Virginia Regiment, and later a Bishop, Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
MSS 4942
Division Head Quarters
29th Decbr 1862
Ma chere ami
You doubtless think me remiss of my duty, on
my dilatory in replying to your appreciated letter of the 25th
ult. Little did you think that on the day you were writing
that I was on that day to receive a most enviable, because
comfortable, position. You are aware perhaps, that I have
been detailed by Genl McLaws to assist his brother in
the Quarter Master department. It is decidedly more
comfortable and agreeable one, although the duties are
at present very arduous. The Quarter master being a most
good natured man, took little or no interest in his business,
and having a procrastinating clerk before me, his papers
as a matter of course were behind hand. To get them
up was no little trouble, I assure you. It was like bring-
ing order out of chaos. It is for that reason that your
letter has remained so long unanswered, and not from
indisposition or indifference. I hope, in fact, know that
you will consider my excuse valid and not retaliate by a
long silence before replying. Will you?
You “people of the wilderness” have selected a peculiar time,
indeed, to trip it with “fantastic toe” and “leap with sylph-
like step o’er the dreary hours.” I am glad to know that you
[page 2]
were not one among the “gay and fantastic crew,” who, when
Providence is visiting us with such a severe chastisement
dares to defy him by thus misapplying the time he gives them
for repentance and to devote to Him.
I should like very much indeed to have been with you when
you had such agreeable company. I, however, found that your
society and that of your sisters, was as delightful as the
most fastidious could wish and doubt very much if that
of any other could add to my enjoyment more you did. Still
I know I would have enjoyed myself very much had I been
at Roseneath. I hope, as you do, that this unnatural war
may be at an end by next spring, and then I shall be able
to visit the haunts of Roseneath once more. Whatever may
be my opinion as regards the duration of this war and its
sanguinary character, still I trust and hope in that over-
ruling Power, to whom alone the future is revealed or fore-
seen, will bring peace to us soon and speedy. Some seem
to think that even now we are beginning to see our way through
and are sanguine of an early settlement of the existing troubles.
The article which appeared in the Examiner written “by a gentle-
man recently from the North” is too full of speculations upon the
all absorbing subject, and I think the at the first step pred-
icates his remarks upon a fallacy. I am not inclined to believe
anything at all that I hear unless witness by the evidenc-
es of my own senses, and then I am in considerable doubt.
[page 3]
Have you ever been visited by the soldiers. In other words
are there any camped near you – near enough to steal
your chickens, ducks, turkeys and burn your fence
rails. If so, I know that you have a most excellent
cause to dislike them. They are the grandest set of
rascals on earth. They are said to be almost, if not fully
as bad as the yankees. Since they have been here, my
opinion of some of our men is that, they are considerably
below par. What the Yankees did not steal from the
citizens of Fredericksburg our soldiers did. They acted
very shamefully in that respect, and much to their discredit.
I had intended to send you to day a plan of the
battlefield of this place, but have not got it finished.
As soon as I do, you shall have it. I moreover desired
to give you some account of the battle, but presume that
[you] have read a full & correct account in the newspapers. — Our
men have a new watchword as they enter the an engagement.
It is “come out of those over coats! I want them!” The C.S.
supplyies are of a very inferior quality, and little or no
comfort in them. — Our army is at present in status
quo, if we except the recent movements of Genl Stuart
in the enemys rear. He left here on Christmas morning
to make a raid. I hope that his men may be so
fortunate as to get some of the New Years present
which the Yanks were having sent to them. They
did I am told, capture several waggon loads, containing
[page 4]
wines of a superior quality, besides cakes, candies and so
forth. It is to be hoped that the General and his com-
mand may not be caught in his attempt to capture more.
We are going to give the Yanks considerable trouble
this winter, and if they persist in carrying ont this cam-
paign throughout the winter, with the intention to renew
it this coming spring, we will give them the soundest
drubbing which they have yet had. President Davis’s
proclamation in regard to the punishment to be inflicted
upon Brute Butler and his command seems to be accep-
ted by many of our men as an inauguration of a war of exter-
mination, and the black flag policy of warfare seems
to meet with their approbation.
Has cousin Matt sent my valise? When she does ask her
please to paste a card on it addressed to care of Maj
A.H. McLaws, A.M.of McLaws Division. I will be more
certain to get it. I would rather she would send it by
private hand. We have an agent in Richmond at the Post
Office, who if he could get the valise, would send it to
me as he sends the mail. His name is Mr Tiller. If she
as an opportunity of sending it to him he will forward it
to me. Tell her to be sure not to put herself to any trouble
or inconvenience, as I would not like to have her do so.
Have you any any[sic] ducks to spare, or eggs, butter &c. I might
get off on plea of foraging for Genl. McL., to pay you a short
visit. I hope though the next visit may be one of unlimited time.
What is it you “heard of me,” which you think I “would
like to know,” or did you only say it to try the extent
of my curiosity. I acknowledge that I have a goodly
quantity, almost as much as the fair sex. Let me know
what it is; tell me in your next.
Give love to Cousin Matt, and all of the family. Tell
me something of each of them. How is Miss Elena
progressing with the music. Write soon.
Sincerely your friend
James W. B[eaty].
Please give the inclosed letter to cousin Matt
Tell her she can destroy keep it until I call to see her.
[upside down in top margin of page 1]
If you have any old books upon which you place
no particular value, you can make a good disposition by
sending it to me. I am begging for something to read,
anything except a novel.
MSS 6830-d
Camp of Fifth Maine Regt Near the Rapahannock Va December 29th, 1862
Dear Father—I was verry glad to receive yours of the 23rd this morning
& I can assure you that I was glad to hear of your good health, But as I set writing
this to you the remains of one of the members of Company I this Regiment passed by
which is the first case of death by sickness that has happened in this Regiment
since leaving Harrisons Landing the health of the Regiment has been good since
we came from the James River & the time staid there we lost seven in one week
& you can see by that what A change there has been in the Regiment. Father this
Regiment has been in six pitched battles & every one of them I have been in &
returned safe out which I am thankful to the Father above & I shall continue
to do my duty as I have all along no matter who is in Command as I wrote before
I will close these few lines by putting in fifteen dollars as A new years present
From your truly & affectionate Son Joseph Leavitt
P.S. Please give my love to Brother & all the rest of the folks write soon
P.S. Tell Mr [Orie?] that I was over to the seventeenth Yesterday & Edward was
looking nicely I have not seen Daniel Shaw since I wrote last.
Letters of Joseph Leavitt of the 5th Maine and his brother George of the 5th New York were copied in a ledger by their father in the fall of 1865 as a remembrance of his boys both of whom died in the war, George at 2nd Bull Run and Joseph at Spotsylvania
MSS 66
[from the diary of the Reverend Francis E. Butler, chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]
Mon 29. Lovely day, three of our men died since 11 last night,
Called on Gen. Sumner about flag truce to get Townsends body –
very affable – soldierly man – Knew & remembered my bro. William.
Sent about sick to Gen.’ hospitals – wrote several letters to friends of
sick & dead &c. Like a day in Sept – but quite cool at night
letter fr. Mr H – Called again – He sd. “no ans. yet-“ There flags
of truce embarrass me. I want to open my guns this
moment on there a rifle pit – they are digging, but
can do nothing” – Attended battalion drill.
Called again on Gen S. no ans. yet. “Probably Comandg. officer
is ten miles in the interior”. We Sent to Aquia Creek for
Coffins – Came tonight. No mail – today, found some
Seriousness in hospital –
Capt. Stevens is rehearsing his exploits in Marine Corps
& under Col (now) Genl. Sumner.
Busy with letters to friends of dead. 9 oclk P.M.
just recd. orders for Sixty rounds & 5 days rations & be
ready to march at revielle – Whither? Lord
direct! I have ordered the graves dug tonight for the
three men to be buried early in morg –
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
[from the diary of Matthella Page Harrison, as transcribed at a later date]
Monday, December 29 – Cousin Evelyn and Mary Lee walked up to spend the day. Cousin John, courtney and mr. Jones were also here. No news from Winchester or of our army. We are cut off from the outer world.
MSS 9759
[from the diary of Captain William F. Hunter, Co. B., 97th Ohio]
Dec. 29th, ’62.
Started about 10 A.
M., forced the rebels back to
within about 2
miles of Murfrees-
boro, where we halt-
ed on the bank of the
Stone river.
[At the end of this volume of his diary Hunter has included the following notations]
“Jim”, Dr.
Fo – 1 Pr. pants
“ 1 blouse
“ – 1 pr. shoes
“ – 1 “ Gloves .75
“ – Comb .75
“ – gloves 2.00
Cr.
By cash $1.10
Price list for 1861.
Blankets $ 3.35
Blouses 2.75
Pants 3.50
Over Coats 8.50
Shirts 1.25
Drawers .40
Caps .75
Havre Sacks .32
Canteen .43
Shoes 1.94
Socks .26
Dress Coats 6.71
“Ah! never till life & mem-
ory perish
Can I forget how
dear thou art to me.”
[A big X is drawn through the above verse.]
W. F. Hunter’s.
Colt’s Revolver is
No. 199824.
W. F. Hunter’s
Watch is a double
cased silver watch –
curved lever – no. on
face 18724 – name Rail-
way time keeper.
On inside case same
name – no. 26388 – London
Arnold, Adams & Co.
Guns (15) turned
over, (& Cartridge Boxes, 45)
Dec. 2, 1862.
[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]
MSS 10547-bm
