Page 1:

John A. Bodamer
Sergt Co M 24 N.Y. Cav
2nd Brig. 3rd Division
9th Army Corps

John A. Bodamer
Buffalo
P.O. Box 4171 NY


Page 2:

Sept 26th, 1864
Today the working guard [squad?] threw up breastworks for two guns that the rebels have to bear on us.  They are afraid that the army will take them away from them.  Last night the rebels were frightened.  Some of our cavalry had got within four miles from the city.  We were to be moved to a place more safe.  I think the cavalry they saw was nothing more than some scouts of ours.  Sick sent to the hospital most every day.  The working squad are disgracing the Union uniform by making breastworks to slaughter us in case should our cavalry make their appearance in the vicinity we would make a ?????? on the guards and take their guns and fight our way out.


Page 3:

A young fellow not very – 15 to 13 years of age Shot a Sergt one evening while trying to get to the sink in a crowd.  The next day he made the remark that he shot a Yankee S–B, that would do for a brother he had killed in this war[?].  An other sentinal Shot another after shooting him he ordered him to halt.

Sept 25, 1864
Some 50[?] men went out to work at coopers and shoemaking in Richmond.  Now today the call for men to chop wood for the Island.  We get 1/4 loaf of bread twice a day.  In the morning we get 1/4 loaf bread and 1 ounce of fresh meat.  In the afternoon 1/4 loaf + Bean Soup about two gills the soup not fit for any hogs to eat.  The same bucket we use they use the same to feed their hogs out of.


Page 4:

[Sketch of a medal inscribed “24 N.Y. Cav. J.A. Bodamer” with “9" in the middle]

[Sketch of a medal inscribed “BENIGO NUMIRE[?]” with “M” in the middle]

[Sketch of medal inscribed “Benigo-Numire” and “J.A. Bodamer Co M 24 N.Y. Cav”]

Articles useful in camp
Soda
Salaratus[?]
Baking powder
Dryed currents
Do. Blackcurrents[?]
“ Cherries

[Sketch of box with three compartments marked “Salaratus” “Baking Powder” and “Sugar” underneath which is “Bin Box for Camp”[?]]


Page 5:

???? 6, 11th, 1864 3 weeks back.  Don’t Sum gone so Reord. [????] As they will see my Bellmoral Stockings. [????] 
She that tells all she She know’s will also tell what she dose not knows – Yorick.

???? of the 24 N.Y. Cav commencing Aug 7, 1864
Co M Chas H. Loveland wounded
Co A Stephen Chandler in arm
Co C Lt Brown face Aug 17
Co B Corp[?] Hicks Killed Aug 17
Co M L. Westfall[?] back Aug 16
Co M Norman Loveland Died Aug 11[?]
Co M BH Tallman Killed Aug 18
Co L Privt Tunny[?] Killed Aug 18
Co M Peter Sundown[?] wounded Aug 19[?]
Co M Jas Davis wounded ankle Aug 19


Page 6:

Rec’d Feb 8 [??] Lt L.H. Tucker .20
Feb 9 Lt. WW Cooke .25
Capt. Alberger 1.50 [crossed out]
Feb. 16 Capt Alberger .37 [crossed out]
Sergt Bannister .28 [crossed out]
Taylor .25 [crossed out]
Chas Sontag .28
Bannister .28 [crossed out]
Mar 6 Lt Tucker 10.00 [crossed out]
Bannister 2 socks 1.00 [crossed out]
Brown ?????? .35
???????????? .50 [crossed out]
Corp Cummer .50
J. Bannister 5.00 [crossed out]
Geo. Alexander[?] stamps .20
Jas Reed 10 stamps [crossed out]
Capt Alberger 1.50
??? 16 Capt Alberger .37

Miss Julietta E. Huffman
Pem Yank[?] Yates Co.
Box 355 N.Y.


Page 7:

?????????????
1 Over Coat 8.75
1 Jacket 5.30
1 Blouse 3.12
1 Pr Pants 3.55
1 Blanket 3.25
1 Rubber Blanket 2.48
2 pr Drawers 1.80
1 Pr Pants 3.55
Total 31.80

1 Haversack
1 pr Pants for Bannister 3.55
1 pr Socks do .32
1 Blouse for J.A.B. 3.12
38.79

Miss Lucy Quinn[?]
142 Perry Street
Ket E. Harsker[?]
Addie Hester[?]


Page 8:

Srgt Bannister
Co M 24 N.Y. Cav

Miss Campbell St. Johns N.B.

Jno Addison Bodamer
Co M. Buffalo

John A. Bodamer
Co. “M” 24 N.Y. Cav
Buffalo, NY

Capt D. Gazling[?]
Box 46 24
Buffalo, N.Y.

[Inserted at Page 8 is undated article from unknown, but presumably Buffalo-based,  newspaper discussing Bodamer’s diary and his prison experiences]


Page 9:

[Ripped page]

?????????
93 Eleventh St.
Buffalo, N.Y.

S.J. Ayer[?]
Wounded[?] E Co NY[?]

Jas Saunders
Ward 38 Mount Pleas
Hospital W. DC


Page 10:

[Ripped page]

. . . patria mori
It is ??? and glorious[?] to die for one’s Country

Dum vivimus – vivius[?]
While we live let us live

Benigo – numine
By the favor of Providence

Bella–horrida-bella
Wars hor???? of wars

Capt Alexander


Page 11:

Carbine
1876 [crossed through]

A word once uttered can not be recalled.  “Yorick”

Must write as soon as possible
Oliver Lezotte
Jordan, N.Y.

James O.


Page 12:

Buffalo Feb. 6th 1864

Starts for Auburn, N.Y.

Miss Campbell, St. John, N.B.

Miss E.L. Darrow
Gardners Creek[?]
St. John, N.B.
Care of A.A. Darrow if you like
now Mrs. Bunker

Hon James M. Humphrey[?]
Senator of 3rd Dist NY
Albany, NY

Geo V. Slocum
Box 1462 Buffalo, N.Y.

Edward B. Phillip
Box 2601 Buffalo, N.Y.

1 A Word once uttered can not be recalled

2 He that tells all he knows will also tell what he does not know


Page 13:

For Angle[?]
PO Bones[?]
Webster Dic
3 prs Socks
Little ??? Razor[?] for E. Cummer
Arnolds Ink
McFee[?] 1.00 Stamps
McFee[?] Ink Stand[?]
?????????
Pk Envelopes White ????
Pk Envelopes Bubl[?]
?????
Paper Note
Pants
Blue
Red
Paper ???????

April 11, 1864
Box P. Collins Siez 14
1 lb Fine Cut Chewing
Service Stripes for Tallman[?]


Page 14:

Feb 6th 1864
Arrived at Auburn, N.Y. and my first night in camp.  Slept very sound.  Dreaming [?].

Feb 8th 1864
Day cold + snowing in the morning.  Afternoon pleasant.

Wm Delong B
Bletzer B
??????  B
Vanentine[?] B
Wm Wright H

J.E. Bowan[?] 5.00

John Shields
alis[?] Johny McMullen in 97 N.Y. Vol


Page 15:

March 1st 1864
The weather cold.  Rain and snow.

March 4 - 1864
Sergt of Police.  Very pleasant.

March 5 - 1864
Relieved.  Commenced raining hard and Stormy.

March 8th 1864
Received a pass to Washington.  Returned at 3 ½ o clock.  A head of time.  Steam Raw & C. [?]

March 10th  1864
Rain – “But Comfortable”

March 11 - 1864
Rain.  More rain.  Capt Alberger & Wife goes to Washington.

March 12 - 1864
The day turns out pleasant and beautiful.


Page 16:

Corp Booth [?] ????
1st Relief
1 G.S. Reely[?] L
2 J. Mann[?] L
3 J.A. Wilson J
4 E Marsh L
5 A Thiebean[?] J
6 Gregory A[?]
7 J.S. Gordon[?] B
8 J Baum[?] J
9 Thos Green B
10 E. H. Edwards F
11 John ????  H
12 John Dinglass D
Jaaby B[?]
Miller G

Camp Stoneman D.C.
March 17, 1864
Sergt JA Bodamer


Page 17:

Corp. G. Valentine[?] ??
2nd Relief
1 Jas Patterson E
2 B Sampson[?] G
3 S Kr???r G
4 P Clare[?] ??
5 E. Monal[?] G
6 J. Lavigne[?] E
7 Wm Wright E
8 J Kimbal[?] C
9 B. Frader[?] C
10 Wm Feneey[?] K
11 S Chatten K
12 J. Herlman E [or C]
H. Demars K
B. ? Delong A

Camp Stoneman DC
March 17, 1864
Sergt JA Bodamer


Page 18:

?????????

3rd Relief
1 J. Chisian[?] ?
2 Wm Delong M
3 Jos Demars M
4 Geo Fisher[?] M
5 P. Demany[?] A
6 Wm Long H
7 ?? Haywood H
8 H. Hearrisen[?] H
9 P Callanhan[?] D
10 Wm Ballard D
11 M. Kane[?] D
12 S. Herlbett[?] H

Camp Stoneman DC
March 17, 1864
Sergt JA Bodamer

$15 Peter Miller
St???? Street
Buffalo NY [all crossed through]

(Dan Gone) [?]


Page 19:

O! Give me ?? the precious born[?],
That knows a change or evenings
That Shadows on the heart can rest
When thy bright star is gleeming.
Jula[?]

I love thee, and my heart will bear
The seal which thou hasth set forever;
That weaves the silk chain I ware
That death and death alone will sever
“Mac”

April 28th 1864
Received orders for marching to move at 4 oclock.  At 5 ½ oclock was ordered to pitch tents again.

April 29, 1864
Ordered to pack and be ready to march at a moment.  Commenced to march at 3 oclock and moved until 9 p.m.  Encamped near Fort Albany.


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April 30, 1864
Commenced to march at 6 am.  Marched to Baileys Cross and then we stopped ½ hour for Breakfast.  Then again commenced to march.  Halted for the night one mile beyond Fairfax Court House.

May 1st, Sunday
Commenced to march at 12 oclock.  “Very warm” Halted at 11 oclock for the night at Manassas Junction.  How natural.

May 2nd 1864
Commenced to march at 7 am.  Marched to Bristoe Station.  There halted with the intention of stopping for the night.  We had our tents all pitched and all ready for a nights rest when order came to pack up and march.  Hardly commenced our march before a rain storm set in.  Marched about two miles and halted for the night.  Ruff time for the night.


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May 3rd 1864
The day is beautiful.  No Hard Bread arrived at Warrenton Junction.  Encamped for the night.

May 4th 1864 [time ?????]
Orders to be ready to march in one hour.  Marched from Warrenton Junction to Rappahanock Station.  Distance 16 miles.  Very hard days march.  Blisters in my toes.  Encamped at 7 oclock P.M.

May 5th 1864
Was woke up at four oclock to be ready to march in one hour.  Breakfast[?] was ready in less than no time.  But did not march in two hours.  Then march down to Brandy Station.  Waited there for rations.  Started at 3 oclock.  Arrived within 1 miles and ½ of the Rappadan then ordered to turn back to encamp near a Stream.  I was about to lay down and sleep when orders


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came to cross the Rappadan.  Marched all night.  And a tough night it was.  Sleeping while walking.  About 5 oclock halted for further orders.  Here I stole about two hours Sleep.

May 6th 1864
Battle of Pine Plain
Was woke up by cannonading in front.  Was immediately ordered to move forward into ??? relieved by colored troops after remaining there about two hours.  Then received orders to move up and relieve the 6th Corps.  Heavy musketry on our left.  During the night several charges were made on our right.  Our regiment in the first line.  We expect some heavy fighting in our front.


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May 7th 1864
Battle of Pine Plain
The day cloudy but turned out pleasant.  The Confeds attack our Right.  Were repulsed with a heavy loss on their side.  Our Brigade threw up entrenchments in the morning finished them by noon.  About Seven oclock P.M. the Rebs made demonstrations on the left of our Brigade fell in all ready to give them a warm reception.  But they did not show themselves.  About 9 oclock P.M. the rebels commenced to cheer and we thinking that they were about to charge our breastwork and through some mistake the Regiment on our right sent a volley in the direction of the Rebs.  And then our men also commenced to fire – and our picket not in.  Picket frightened[?] to death.  About 11 oclock was ordered to leave our breastwork to follow up the Rebs.


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May 8th 1864
Sunday
Battle of Pine Plain
Day sultry.  Skirmishing with the enemy.  Marching towards Gordonsville.  Cannonading in front of our advance.  Halted near Hookers Head Quarters at 8 ½ oclock.  Chancellorsville Battle Field.  Cook coffee and had a good wash.  Moved again passed Hookers head Quarters taking the road for Gordonsville.  Encamped for the night about 1/4 mile from Hookers head Quarters.  Pass over part of the Battle Field in fron of the Chancellorville house.  The bodies lay all over half are no more than half buried.


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Monday May 9, 1864
Broke camp at 7 o’clock.  Marched about 4 miles.  Halted.  Prisoners came in that our Cavalry were attacked.  Our Brigade took position.  After remaining thus we were countered marched several times.  We were ordered to rest in place.  We were ordered in Picquet.  I went the rounds in the picquet line.  And a tough.  I had it take me about three hours to go to last post of our company.  Delivered my orders to Capt Brown.  Returned to the reserve.  Heavy musketry in our front.  Also during the night heavy musketry.  Had about three hours sleep.  Retired about 4 o’clock A.M.


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Tuesday May 10th 1864
Clear day.  Very warm.  Time 9 A.M.  By the sound of musketry + cannonading it seems that our forces are falling back.  Cannonading very heavy.  We expect to move forward to their assistance.  No doubt before night we will be in it before the close of day.  Not as yet are we engaged.  We are to be relieved of Picket Duty.  We don’t care much about being relieved.  Terrible cannonading.  We expect to go in the fight.  The fight is near Spottsylvania Court House.


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Wednesday May 11th 1864
Orders to move immediately.  Since 7 o’clock moved forward to the front drawn up in a line.  Supporting the 14th Mass Battery + the 2nd Main Battery.  About 4 o’clock our troops fell back so as to draw the rebels out but this it failed to do.  About two hours later our troops moved forward and took their old position.  The Batterys opened but received no reply.  Our line was formed on the left of the 2nd Main Battery.  There we were in line all night.  The weather rainy.  Wet sleep had we.  Not a great deal of fighting this day.


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Thursday May 12th 1864
Weather very damp, misty.  Co “M” was ordered to move forward to deploy as skirmishers in front of Meridrick Butler [?].  Have breastworks in our front.  Remained there all day + night.  About six oclock the Johnnies made a demonstration in our front.  Picquets fell back.  They were composed of 60th Ohio and 14 N.Y. Heavy Arty.  They did not stand fire well.  Our Colonel ordered them back.  Raining most part of the night and wishing myself most any wheres than here.  No firing during the night.  Two of our Scouts captured a Turkey + Guinnie Hens + Eggs.  How we did feast.  William Harrigan wounded in the right hand while in the Rifle Pit.


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Friday May 13th 1864
The day cool + pleasant.  Our company ordered in the skirmish line.  The boys commenced pecking at the Johnnies as soon as we had our position.  Remained there until about 5 oclock when the Johnnies fell back .  We followed them up to the woods.  We occupied the position there position which they held during the day.  Fredenburgh wounded during the skirmish.  Had one of his fingers shot off.  That skirmishing was lively for some time.  Was relieved for the night by Company “H”.  Returned to Hedd Qrs where we cooked our coffee.  Hardly had our coffee cooked before we were ordered to fall in and be ready to support a party who expected an attack on the bridge.  Layed all night on our arms and ready at a moments [notice].  Raining most all day + part of the night.


Page 30:

Saturday May 14th 1864
Were relieved by the Sixth Army Corps.  Soon after being relieved the Johnnies commenced.  But our men repulsed them nicely.  On the left our men took a Battery of Six Guns.  Our Regiment moved in the right and rear.  There we rested until night.  And there we had 5 days rations issued.  We did not get any sleep that night.  As soon as the rations were issued we received orders to move to the front and take position and take position in the rifle pits in the front.  Arrived there about Three o’clock and spread our blankets and soon asleep.  Some part of the night is was pleasant.  But as soon as we commenced raining and continued so until morning.


 Page 31:

Sunday May 15, 1864
Day cloudy + rain ???  Rested in our position until about Six oclock when our Battalion was moved forward to the breastwork in front.  This was the first night we had any sleep with out being disturbed for a week and more.  The night was foggy.  The moon shone beautiful after a while.  About six oclock the Fifth Corps formed and were to make a charge on the Court House but it was not made for some reason or other.


Page 32:

Monday May 16th 1864
The day cloudy.  The Johnnies did not disturb us hardly any.  There was some picket going on all day.  About six o clock Our Batteries on our right opened a brisk fire, but the Johnnies did not reply.  The boys were all in the trenches and all ready to give the Johnnies a warm reception if they showed themselves.  But they did [not].  Had a good nights rest.


Page 33:

Tuesday May 17 1864
The day cloudy and misty.  Nothing going on.  No fighting.  Every thing quiet.  At night our Regiment moved back to the second line of breast works.  Remained there all night.  During the night we shifted several times.  And laying down several times and each time routed out of sleep to move to some other spot.  A sleepless night. 


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Wednesday May 18th 1864
The [day] Pleasant + warm.  The Artillery opened early and a lively time in shelling.  And still shelling.  The rebels reply also lively.  The 49th was cut up Badly.  Move from the rifle pits.  And in the morning about 4 o clock moved to the left of the line.  Not any sleep.

Thursday May 19 1864
The day cloudy + misty.  At day light halted about two miles from our old position.  Remained there about two hours then moved forward some two miles.  Was drawn up in a line.  Our Regiment was on the 3rd line.  Remained in position some six hours after which we moved in the woods to our right.  On the second line of battle.  We are to throw up breast works.  The rebels threw three shells over our line.  Our batteries did not reply


Page 35:

so the Johnnies quit.  They could not see us in the position we were in.  So this accounts for the Johnnies not shelling us more.  Moved into the woods in the right and commenced to build breast works.  Worked all night.  The night was foggy.  “Out of Hard Tack.” 

Friday May 20th 1864
The day pleasant and warm.  Finished our breast works.  Supposed to be substantial to resist a charge by Infantry.  The day passed of quietly and nothing occurred of any account.  A beautiful moonlight evening.


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Saturday May 21 1864
The day Pleasant + warm.  The Mounted Rifles moved in the morning early for the front to build Earth Works.  At 11 oclock our Battalion was ordered to pack up and get ready for picket duty.  After countermarching several times we soon found out the road we were to take.  We march to the front about a mile or two when we were held as reserve for the skirmish line.  The Johnnies came down on our line and drove them back and then our boys rallied and drove them back.  Co C in the evening was ordered to the skirmish line for the [night?].  While laying in our position a rain then came up and lasted about one hour.


Page 37:

Sunday [May] 22 1864
Our Battalion was called to get ready for a move.  Our Battalion was in the rear guard.  Marched all day long.  Did not have time to take breakfast.  This was one of the hardest marches that I experienced for some time.  Halted for dinner.  While there on the right some of the 5th Corps engaged the rebels.  It only lasted about an hour.  After dinner marched all the afternoon.  During the afternoon I was taken sick.  Did not fall out until very near camp.  Sat along side the road until our Quarter Master came along.  I asked him for a ride.  He put me in one of the baggage wagons.  When aboard I soon fell asleep and did not wake up until we halted for the night.  Received a shower during the day.


Page 38:

Monday [May] 23rd 1864
Up very early and breakfast done with by six oclock + marched at G ½ oclock.  Marched at a reasonable gate until about 12 oclock when “they” commenced pushing us again during the hottest part of the day.  Halted at 3 oclock for dinner.  During the rest I had the luck to fall in with an ice house and secured some ice which went very good with “Sardines and Hardtack” Marched until dark.   About 4 oclock in the afternoon the firing commenced on our right + front 2 + 5 + 9th Corps were [????]   Our Div. march almost doublequick for the front but were not engaged.  Heavy cannonading on right.  The report was that we captured a train of the Confeds containing ammunition + Stores.  Marched some 24 or 25 miles.  Stopped for the night about two miles beyond Camun[?] Church.


Page 39:

Tuesday May 24 1864
North Anna River
Day Sultry + close.  Commenced to march at 9 am.  The marching was slow and stopping very often.  The reasons were that our troops were fording the river.  Our Regt commenced crossing 5 oclock.  The boys most of them had a good swim.  Our troops crossed without much opposition.  Our Regiment had crossed when the Con Feds commenced shelling.  We soon were in line and all ready for the enemy but did not come down.  Then we commenced building breast works.  We had commenced when a heavy rain + thunder storm set in + then the Con Feds attacked our picket line.  The troops were in line + ready for their reception but our skirmishers checked them.  The boys were drenched with the rain.  Slept on our arms all night.


Page 40:

Wednesday May 25 1864
At day light the pickets commenced firing + steadily kept up.  The day passed off quietly only picket firing.  I was detailed as Sergt of the Guard.  The [night] pass off quiet until about two o clock when the pickets on our left commenced firing and very lively for some time.  The troops soon were lin line expecting an attack from the Johnnies.  But the expected attack did not come.  Remaining in line for some time.  We layed on our arms for the Balance of the night and slept quietly for the balance.  In the fore part of the evening a thunder shower came up and gave us a good drenching.


Page 41:

Thursday May 26, 1864
Day Pleasant + cloudy.  Sun shine occasionally.  Day up to the present (3 oclock) everything quietly and not disturbed.  Our Batterly in the left threw a shell into the rebels to let them know that we still love.  The boys take advantage of the river and take a swim as often as they can.  In the evening it commenced to rain.  Received orders to strike tents + be ready to move immediately.  We were ready to move in ten minutes.  But did not move until dark.  We were not allowed to talk above a wisper.  Movement was slow.  The road muddy.  After recrossing the North Anna River we formed line of battle in the [brow?] of the river bank.  All ready for the Johnnies.  While on the move the picquets on our left commenced firing.  And I thought the Con[federates] had found out our movements.


Page 42:

Friday May 27 1864
We ordered to fall in fell in lively formed line of battle waiting for the Johnnies to cross the river.  Our skirmishers in the river bank commenced firing on the Johnnies as they came down on the bank.  Commenced marching.  March all day + most part of the night.  Encamp some where in Virginia.  But where you tell I can’t.  During the day we received orders to report to General Sheridan.  That made us feel good thinking that we were going to get our horses.  But the order was countermanded.  This did not settled on us very well.  Dare he that countermanded.  The march was a hard one.  Half the time we moved like snail + the other double quick.


Page 43:

March 25 Miles
Saturday May 28 [1864]
Commenced to March at 6 ½ oclock.  Marched until 2 oclock.  Halted for dinner.  Commenced our march again in half an hour.  The day warm + sultry.  Marching was very hard after dinner.  At night we march mostly double quick.  Halted for a rest and when ready for ago the boys hung back and did not like to go.  Maj Richards said that an order from Grant stating that we were to march three miles further for ration[?].  The we knew was not so as we had rations up to the 1st of June.  The boys commenced falling out and in a short time there were but few men left in the Regt.  I myself fell out with Bowman.  Cooked coffee + layed down for a sleep.  The night cool.


Page 44:

Sunday May 29, 1864
Woke up about 3 ½ oclock did not stop to cook coffee but made tracks for the Regiment.  Did not march far before we fell in with some boys of our Regiment who were stopping and cooking coffee.  Here Bowman + myself also stopped and cooked coffee.  After taking of our breakfast we started again for the Regt.  After going about a mile crossed the Pamunkay River.  Marched about three miles further.  Here we came into the Regiment just in time for our fresh beef.  The Regt was all ready to march when we got there so in a few minutes the Regiment moved off about three miles + formed line of Battle.  Our Dinner composed of “Hard Tack” Liver + not very good water.  3 men died last night on the march.  Over five thousand men layed on either side of the road completely played out.  The march was a wicked one.  Did not move during the night for once.


Page 45:

Monday May 30, 1864
Orders to be ready to move in ten minutes.  Did not have a very good sleep last night.  Cannonading on our Right.  Commenced throwing up breast works.  Had everything ready [when] we had orders to quit and moved further to the front as we drove the Johnnys some three miles.  We marched + halted every ten minutes.  At night we came to the position that wanted us.  Threw up breast works and quit at 3 oclock in the morning so finish the balance in the morning.  While at work on the breast works we had to fall in twice.  Our pickets commenced firing lively thinking that the Johnnies were on us.  But did not come.  Layed down for Sleep.


Page 46:

Tuesday May 31, 1864
The day pleasant + warm.  Cannonading on our right.  Changed position to our left about one mile.  Breast works had been partially thrown up by the 5th Corps.  This position our Regiment took and finished by us.  The 5th Corps boys says that we are a nuisance in driving them away.  In the afternoon the Regiments on our right were attacked by the Johannies, but did not get any advantage but got a Battery in position.  In this we had to build traverses to protect our flank.  In the night the rebels undertook to drive in our pickets but failed.  Drew one days ration during the night.


Page 47:

Wednesday June 1st 1864
Day very warm + Sultry.  Heavy fighting on our right while dealing out rations.  The pickets commenced firing.  We were in our Rifle Pit a minnie ball struck William Doyle in the head inflicting a some what bad wound and a narrow escape for him.  How the boys did scatter for the rifle Pits.  Just before dusk the 5th Corps made an attack on the rebels + drove them.  And the Con-Feds under took to brake through our line (9th Corps) but were handsomely repulsed with but a small loss.  Capt Brown + four of his men + nine of our Regiment was kill[ed]. [Note: Capt. Francis L Brown of Company “L” was wounded this day but recovered and completed the war].


Page 48:

Thursday June 2nd 1864               
Day warm. Moved to the left about 11 oclock.  Marched about 2 or 3 miles.  Left in front.  Formed line of battle.  Moved to a piece of woods.  While there I with six men was ordered to a piece of woods in our front.  Orders were to go through the woods + report any movement of the Confed and remain until I received orders to return to Regt.  Remained there about an hour when the Confed came down our Right.  After a little the 5th Corps skirmishers were driven in.  I with my men fell back also.  While in the rifle pits part of the 1st Battalion came in there having been driven in by the Johnnies.  There we were partly flanked + it was hot there for a spell.  The Regiment was ordered front into lines by platoons[?] order.  Come forward, boy walk out


Page 49:

like old Heros of a hundred Battles.  Then a charge ans secured the rifle pits before the Confeds.  The rebels charged the rifle pits three times + handsomely repulsed by our boys.  Our loss is over one hundred in Killed, wounded + missing.  Sergt Oswald was wounded as the Regiment advanced.  The Johnnies had a cross fire on the troops on the left.  A sleepless night.  During the night our boys of our Company on picket got mixed up in the Alabama troops.  Ginther had to clout[?] one to escape being taken. [Note: this is a reference to Private John Ginther of Company “M”, who was killed two weeks later on June 18, 1864.  Below this sentence Bodamer drew a rough sketch of the battle lines].


Page 50:

Friday June 3, 1864
Regiment laying behind breast [works].  A Rebel Battery came in our front and open fire.  At this two lines moved forward and under heavy fire.  Then our Batteries moved out + took position + open a lively fire + drove the Confed like sheep.  The shelling was heavy for a while.  We had two killed in our Regiment.  Solon Snow was wounded while laying in our rifle pits.  The rebels also made an attack on our line on the left.  The lines in our front were engaged most all day.  During the night the rebels changed their position.


Page 51:

Saturday June 4, 1864
The day warm + Sultry.  Our Brigade laying in the second row of breast works.  Here the rebels had a cross fire on us.  They used twenty pounders and with this they shelled us.  Solon Snow of our company was wounded by a piece of shell.  An other man in our Regt in the Right wing had his head taken off.  Last night the rebels moved from our front to our left.  We also countermarched several times.  Marched to the left about two miles and threw up breastworks finished them at 12 midnight ????? [Note:  this last sentence has a line drawn through it]  Moved to the left about two miles lay along the road all night.  It rained most all night.  A sleepless night.


Page 52:

Sunday June 5, 1864
The day warm.  Not a great deal of fighting.  The Con Fed throwing a shell occasionally into our lines doing little damage.  Also a stray bullet come over.  William Delong was wounded by a stray shot.  Moved about six o clock to the left about one mile.  Threw up breast works facing our rear.  Finished then at 12 oclock midnight.  Sergt of the first Relief and Eighteen men.  While at work in the front they became engaged.  It last about an hour.  It was heavy for a short duration. [Note: beneath this sentence is a rough sketch of the lines of battle].    


Page 53:

Monday June 6, 1864
Day warm + Sultry.  Nothing of any account transpired.  In the afternoon the enemy commenced shelling our position.  Our Batteries made no reply.  After shelling us about an hour or so they slacked in their fire throwing a shell among us occasionally.  One of the Lieutenants of the 2nd M[ounted] Rifles had both legs taken off by a solid shot.  He is not expected to live until morning.  His name is Morse. [Note: there was no Morse in the 2nd NY Mounted Rifles so this is likely a reference to 2nd Lieut. Jeremiah R. Morrison of that unit, who is listed as having been killed on June 6, 1864].  Our Battalion were sent on Picquet.  I was sent with ten men on the left of our line to connect with the 9th N.H. vol.  During the night we had no firing.  In the morning we see some but I ordered the boys not to fire.  But in our post four fired.  Spent an hour in posting the picquet.


Page 54:

Tuesday June 7 1864
Day cloudy and pleasant.  Early this morning the Conf Feds open with a Battery but receiving no reply soon shut up.  Was relieved by Sergt Reed and ten men.  In the afternoon about 5 oclock.  an order was to quit firing as a truce until 8 p.m.  But the ConFeds did not quit.  They kept crawling upon our boys.  When our boys see this they opened on them and kept it up.  Theodore Curtin was wounded in the right arm.  While on picquet Sol Waltz was shot through the foot, the doctor says that he shot himself.  He left the picquet line without permission.  In the afternoon shelling was hot and heavy.  Were relieved from picquet by the 14th H Arty, Returned to the breast works but found our works occupied by the 2nd M. Rifles.  So we had no position.  But this we did not mind.  We layed down and took a good, sound sleep.  Chilly during the night.

 
Page 55:

Wednesday June 8th 1864
The day warm.  The day passed off quietly until evening when the picquets got uneasy and commenced firing.  Lieut. Genet joined our company today as 1st Lieut.  This I think is not right but such is the way things go in this regiment.  Received orders to be ready to move at a moments notice.  During the night we were called into line twice which was caused by our pickets firing.


Page 56:

Thursday June 9th 1864
Day warm + Sultry.  Had a small rain shower hardly enough to lay the dust..  But it was refreshing what there was of it.  The day passed off very quietly.  This is the first day it was so still.  But this stillness does not mean nothing.  I think the Ball will open today or tomorrow.  Received orders to move at noon.  Our Regiment is assigned to a Brigade in the Third Division.  We were glad to hear this news.  So as to get out of the Red Headed Fox Colored Brigade.  Marched at dark to join our Division which was about one mile.  After walking around in the woods for some time we were crowed up to the breast works six and seven deep this put us in a good condition to fight.  Some picquet firing during the night.


Page 57:

Friday June 10th 1864
The day warm + Sultry.  This morning our Battalion started out which made us more comfortable.  H + D builded more breast works.  We improved our’s some.  Our side would throw a shell occasionally to let the Johnnies know that we still live.  The [Confederates] same time would return the compliment.  Friday was a very quiet and during the night we were not disturbed so we rested quietly.


Page 58:

Saturday June 11th 1864
Day warm + pleasant.  The rebels send in a shell once in a while to let us know that they are still in our front.  Last night we threw a shell every five minutes into their lines to let them know that we do not sleep all night.  Picquet firing occasionally.  Both parties do not seem to care a great deal about firing.  Once in a while a stray bullet will come singing through camp.  As yet none of our Regiment has been hit.    Retired about 9 oclock.  Little picket firing during the night.  I expected that we would be routedout[?] but as it was we were not disturbed and slept soundly.

 
Page 59:

Lt V. Bossiux
Comdg the Prison in Belle Island, Va

Sergt – Marks one that has full sway of the Island under the orders pf Lieut Bossie.  This Sergt Marks is one of our own men he has been here in the Island over a year.

Guards that do the Guard duty in the Island are men + boys from ages 12 to 15 and 50 to 70 years.

There was a Battalion of Richmond Guards mostly young men a great many from Alexandria Va.  There were some 45 of them Alexandria.  They were sent to the front in the 14th of Sept.  They said when they left they the Alex boys would be in W + A spending their greenbacks it is they ??? in tracks.


Page 60:

1. Wilderness May 6, 1864
2. Spottsylvania CH May 12 + 13
3. Bethesda Church June 2nd 1864
4. Cold Harbor
5. Petersburg, Va June 17 -
6. Do Do June 18 -
7. Do Do July 30 -
8. Do Do Aug 17 -
9. Do Do Aug 21
10. North Anna May 24

Chas A. Robinson
C “E” 56 Mass Vol
Hudson[?], NH

Col Smith Comdg
Prisoners at Danville, Va
Capt Baxton Asst

Sergt Jas Spencer
Co 179 N.Y.V. 9 C

Sergt Dwight Clark
15th N.Y. Cavalry


Page 61:

John Bannister 10
Chancey[?] Baldwin
Washing
3 Drawers 15
3 Shirts 15
3 pr Socks

Joseph Clouse
By Cash
“2" Day

Manly Bannister
Co. “C” 4 Regt N.Y.S. H.A.

Lt. John Bannister
DE Camp Genl Hospital
Pavillion No. 12 David’s Island
New York Har

Geo Zepp Co “B” 50th
N.Y.V. Engineers 2nd Corps

Lieut Bannister
Black[?] Rock Erie Co
Box 63 NY


Page 62:

[This page contains many different sums added together]   


Page 63:

Sept 29, 1864
Heavy cannonading in the direction of Fort Darling.  Last night the cannonading commenced and continued during the night.  This morning the cannonading commenced in good earnest hot and heavy.  This does me good to hear the cannonading.  Even in Richmond the people of R. got on top of the houses to see what is going on.  No grub expected until 8 oclock ?????  Today Union prisoners ????  They the rebels even made the men take off their coats + shoes, Hats, Pants and took Pocket books + greenbacks and photographs of Father + Mother + Sister + C + even Testaments and Bibles + Prayers but of the latter they are welcome if they only would read and Study.

Oct 3rd 1864
This morning they took pieces of tents away from the boys that were lucky enough to bring them through.


Page 64:

Thursday Sept 22, 1864
One of our men was taken sick last eve carried out and layed in a tent they called a Hospital tent.  But the hogs of the island had a free access into it.  The sick man layed there this morning when we were turned out to be counted he layed there gasping his last breath no doctor having visited him.  Such is the fate of many Union soldiers that is confined at Belle Island.

Sept 24
Boys put astray of a wood horse for punishment for thievery.  The old codgers that did guard duty here were sent to the front.  Convalesance soldiers are now doing guard duty in place of the old codgers.  The convalesence soldiers at least most of them allow themselves . . . are ... for Greenbacks.


Page 65:

John Bannister 10
Chauncy Baldwin
Wash
3 Drawers
3 Shirts
3 Socks

Joseph Clouse Cr
By cash
"2" Day

Manly Bannister
A C. 4 Regt. NYV H.A. [?]

Lt. John Bannister
DE Camp Genl Hospital
Pavilion No. 12, David's Island
New York Har.

Geo Zepp Co "B" 50th N.Y.V. Engineers 2nd Corps

Lieut Bannister
Black Rock, Erie Co, Box 63, NY


Page 66:

[Lots of figures]


Page 67:

Sunday, June 12, 1864
Day quiet and no fighting.  Moved from the breast works at 8 pm.  Marched all night and halted at 4 a.m. for breakfast and after pressed on our march.

Monday June 13, 1864
Day warm + Sultry.  March all day.  Halted at 9 P.M. for Supper.  Commenced our march at 2 am.

Thursday June 14, 1864
Day cloudy + cool.  Commenced our march at 2 A.M.  Halted for the night 3 miles from James River.

Wednesday June 15
Day warm and sultry.  Crossed the James River at 10 Oclock.  Marched all night.


Page 68:

Thursday June 16.
Day warm and sultry.  Marched all last night.  I was asleep half the time while marching.  Fell out early this morning.  Slept about 1 hour in a wagon shop.  Got coffee.  Started for a march.  Caught the Regiment about 8 o clock.  After arriving there we started with the Regiment.  Marched near Petersburgh.  Our Corps on the left of the city.  Our division engaged.  Had only eighteen men when we arrived at the breast works.  Worked nearly all night to strengthen our works.  The boys of our Div on our right carried the pits which the rebels occupied.


Page 69:

Friday June 17, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  9 am ordered to be ready to march.  Ira Pierce killed through Hip.  Serg Howe C "G" Killed Head.  Our Regiment charged on the Rifle Pits of the Rebels by some mistake or other in the night [or on the right].  We were repulsed with a heavy loss.  Our Regiment in this charge lost one hundred and one men killed wounded + missing.  Lt Cook wounded.  [A Reference to Lt. William Winer Cook]


Page 70:

Saturday June 18, 1864
Our Regiment made two charges first one through a piece of woods over an open field.  Here where our boys dropped like rain but we did not waver but went as far as the Rail Road Bank.  Here we rested for a few moments for a breathing spell then we again climbed the rail Bank.  This took us some time.  Then we made another charge over an open field through a creek and through a smaller one up a hill and held the hill some twenty minutes before we were drove back.  We had to fall back on account not being supported.  In this charge we lost a man Jon Ginther killed on the hill and [Edward J.] Powell wounded on the Bridge coming back.  Lt [Henry A.] Genet wounded coming back into the open field.  Cap [Morris H.] Alberger struck by a shell [???]


Page 71:

Sunday June 19, 1864
The day warm + sultry.  Today being Sunday everything was still only the skirmishers were engage.

Monday June 20, 21, 1864
Nothing of any account only skirmishing in our front.

June 22nd 1864
Day warm + Sultry.  During the day the Colored Troops cut arbitus for to lay in front of our breastworks.  At dark the men commenced to work in putting arbitus over the breastworks and otherwise strengthening the works.  While the party were at work the Johnnies fired into them.  Chet Snell [Charles Snell aka Schnell] wounded in face.  


Page 72:

Thursday June 23 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Cos "L" and "M" were on picket last night.  We had orders to move at three o clock this morning but we are still here and shall remain here all day.  25 of our boys were on picket in front of our breast[works].  At night a working parties of colored troops were at work building Redoubts for Romers Battery which was finished almost by day light.  The Johnnies must have been somewhat surprised to see in the morning the amount of work we did also.  Layed arbitees along in front of our breastworks.  Considerable of skirmishing during the day.  But it was nothing more than waste of ammunition.  While the working party were at work the Johnnies opened a lovely fire for awhile.


Page 73:

Friday June 24, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Heavy cannonading on our right and left.  They are just going in on their nerves.  Changed our position last night from right to left.  We had to lay low during the day and at night we would get out and strengthen it.  As we were cramped up [???] Did not feel very well in the afternoon.  One man in Co "I" was killed.  One man in picket was wounded in the hand.  Early part of the evening there was some skirmishing but no one hurt on our side.  We received orders to be ready to move at a moment's notice.


Page 74:

Saturday June 28, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Rain is wanted very much.  Most of the day passed off quiet until dark when our men put abitts in front of our works and while at work the Johnnies opened and we had a lively time for about an hour then again all was quiet.  Lay on arms all night.  Today the Sanitary Commission sent to our Brigade pickled onions sauerkraut + dryed apples.  The boys re????? the G.M.

Sunday June 26th 1864
The day hot + sultry.  On our right the Johnnies open their artillery.  Our battery replyed promptly and soon shut them up.


Page 75:

Monday June 27th 1864
Day very hot, and both sides lay quiet in their trenches.

Tuesday, June 28th 1864
Day not quite so warm as yesterday.  Our folks occasionally throw a mortar shell into the rebels works some of which the rebels sometimes reply.

Wednesday June 29, 1864
Day warm as usual.  Picket firing and the practice of mortars.  No one hurt on our side.  In the evening it looked like rain but it passed over.

Thursday June 30, 1864
Day warm as ususal no rain.  A little breeze sprung up in the evening is a draging[?] life.  Fire in Petersburg.  Our artillery upon the city.


Page 76:

Friday July 1st 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Two men of Company "H" shot by one ball.  One of them were killed and the other wounded.  Mortars open on the Rebels Redoubt.  The Johnnies met our boys out a ways and exchanged papers ????? since we have very little firing.

Saturday June 2nd  1864
Day warm + sultry + about nothing of importance ???? of any account.  Shelling by the mortars. 

Sunday July 3rd 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Nothing account.

Monday July 4, 1864
Day warm + sultry.
Batteries open and give the rebels a salute to let them know that this was independence of the U.S.


Page 77:

Tuesday July 5th 1864
The day warm.  A breeze that somewhat cooled the air.  Day passed quietly.  The Johnnys not caring about disturbing and we did the same.

Wednesday July 6, 1864
Day warm + sultry and lots of flys and all quiet in the Army of the Potomac.  Mortars play and trouble the Johnnies some.  The shells look nice at night.  Wrote two letters.

Thursday July 7th 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Artillery practice considerable during the day.  But no fighting.  Skirmishing at some points.  Received a ??? from Wippert Higgins ?????  Tow or three of our shells from


Page 78:

our Battery bursted in our lines but whether it hurt anyone I do not know.  Relieved rom the front line.

Friday July 8th 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Riged the tent built two works.  Formed dress parade at 2 o'clock.  While forming fighting commenced on our right + extended in our front.  We soon made them dust.  While forming on parade a shell passed through the Regt hitting two.  Lieut Bannister + Srgt Martin of C "H" Srgt Martin had his leg shot off + Bannister had his hand taken off.  This sad affair after laying off to rest to ???? men that shell was intended for some Genl Officer it passed over them + into our Regt.


Page 79:

Saturday July 9, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Nothing of any account occurred in our front.  No fighting.

I'm here, Mollie

Sunday July 10th 1864
Day warm + sultry and hot as hot can be.  The Johnnies throw a shell in our lines once in about every half an hour.  Our Batteries answer in return.

Monday July 11, Tuesday July 12, Wednesday July 13 -
In these three days nothing of any importance occurred.  A little firing occurred as ususal.  Picket firing at night as usual.  Shelling as usual.  No exchanging or trading allowed between the Johnnies.


Page 80:

Thursday July 14th 1864
The day warm + sultry.  Nothing of any account occurred in front of our Corps.  Digging and throwing of mortar shells.  Second Corps are leaving the old breastworks that the Johnnies threw up for the defence of Petersburg.  We are still in the reserve and hope that we shall remain so for some time.

Thursday [should be Friday] July 15, 1864
Day warm + Sultry.  Nothing occurred of recording.

Saturday 16th 1864
Day warm + sultry + dusty.  Called on Capt H. Climber[?] at "Meads" HQ.  Had a square meal.  Put me in mind of home.  Cannonading this evening was lively in our front.  See Billy Taylor.  Stray balls come in camp.


Page 81:

Sunday July 17 1864
Day warm + sultry + hot.  Nat Williams of the 94 N.Y.V. and Wm Gardner of the 44 N.Y.V. call on me after remaining here we called on Lieut Otten of the 179 N.Y. Vol.  Had dinner there after dinner we came back to our camp and had some singing until about eight oclock then the boys ???? to the respective commands.  A shell once in a while.  Hardly did I lay down to sleep when an order came to fall in with haversack + canteens to support the first line in an expected attacked by the Johnnies that was to be made during the night but it did not take place by day light this morning.  A heavy rain fell during the night.  Capt Alberger is taken very sick with a fever.


Page 82:

Monday July 18 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Went out to the front to support the first line as we expected the rebels would make an attack in our lines as such was the report of a deserter that came in our lines.

Tuesday July 19 1864
Rained most all day long and it was the best thing we have had for some time as we have had no rain for over six weeks.

Wednesday July 20th 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Received a letter from Bannister he gets on finely.


Page 83:

Thursday July 21, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Little artillery firing on both sides and little damage on our side.  In the evening there was considerable firing on both sides.  Our Regiment has orders to be ready to move at a moments notice as we thought we would have some work to do before morning but we did not have any work.  Shot was heard going over us most any part of the night, but no damage done as far as I have heard – In day we had our first drill since we left Camp Stoneman.  Was drilled by Capt Shallenback.  The maneuvers were Battalion movements.  The Johannies of late are getting very careless they don't mind who it hits.  Picket firing as usual in the evening.


Page 84:

Friday July 22, 1864
Day warm + sultry but no dust as the rain put a stop to that part for a few days to come.  This afternoon had another drill movement were in Squadron drill.  The boys done well considering all things.  While on drill the artillery on both sides open and had a short duel during the fray three solid shot passed through our camp.  One of the shot passed through the Colonels quarters passing over the head of the clerk sitting at the desk writing + passing through the desk and splintering some.  Cap Palmer who was laying on the bed at the time was wounded in the arm by a piece of splinter and that badly.  The shot also knocked down the Sergt Major tent + passed through Lieut Brown's tent and then it did no further damage.  Picket firing still going at nights.


Page 85:

Saturday July 23, 1864
Day warm and sultry.  Nothing of any importance occurred.  Shells go and come as same as usual.  The Petersburg Express runs the same as usual.  Company drill in the afternoon by your humble servant.

Sunday July 24th 1864
Day cool and pleasant.  Sunday morning inspection by Lieut Sullivan.  A few shells go and come as usual.  The Petersburg Express did not run today.  There must be some brake in the road.  It commenced to rain this evening.  Nothing notable occurred today.  The picquet firing as usual [at] night.  No one of late has been hurt in Picquet on our side.  Has a short sermon by one of the delegates of the Christian Commission.  This is the first sermon our Regiment has heard since we left Camp Stoneman DC. 


Page 86:

Monday July 25th 1864
Day cloudy and not warm.  Day passed quiet.  Shelling going on the same as usual.  Our men blew up one of the Johannies magazines.  Pieces flew in all directions.  At this our boys gave a harty cheer.  The Johnnies did not reply.  Last night one man of Co K was killed in his tent while asleep by a stray bullet.  But there must be some mystery about his case.  This afternoon we change camping ground.  But by this change we did not make much as we are still in range of the Johnnies guns and the ground is not a bit better that where we were.  Our picquets were relieved by other Regiments.  This looks as the story about going ??? Washington is about so.  Picket firing at night us still kept up, in the Horse Shoe they keep it up day and nights.  It is amusement I suppose.


Page 87:

Tuesday July 26, 1864
Day warm and sultry.  Broke camp + move up to the Brigade on the same ground our Brigade charged on the 17th of June.  The scene is somewhat different than that fatal day.  It does not look much like the same place.  Company have to do fatigue[?] duty but do no picquet duty.  This the boys do not like much.  If any they would rather do picquet duty than fatigue[?].  I don't blame.  Picket firing still going on night.


Wednesday July 27, 1864
Day warm + close.  Cloudy.  Orders to turnpike[?] Company streets.  This looks as if we intend to stay all summer.  But this don't suit me.  Orders came to get ready to move in one hour.  We moved in the extreme left and rear about five miles from our former place. 


Page 88:

Thursday July 28th 1864
Day warm and sultry + close[?].  Yesterday on the march I gave out – fell completely played out.  Henry Manning bathed my hands + head and soon brought [me] too.  The position we now occupy is a beautiful place.  I hope they will let us remain here until Petersburg falls.

Friday July 29, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Received orders to pack up to move immediately this in the evening about 8 oclock p.m.  Marched toward the right of the line halted in front of our old position.  Here we had to halt for further orders.  After remaining here about two hours then receive orders the have get ready at one oclock a.m. and be ready to march ar two oclock a.m.


Page 89:

Saturday July 30th 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Today Burnside's Corps made a desperate attack on the rebel works blew up their fort in our front.  The explosion took place at 4:20 am + then the artillery open at the same time.  1st Div 9 Corps made the first charge.  The niggers went in they went in splendid.  But when the Johnnies charged them they ran like sheep.  Then our Brigade undertook to make a charge but were repulsed.  Our Regiment did not get over the works.  The Johnnies charged and retook all they lost and we were drove back to our old position.  This is another of Burnside's splendid movements lost the day [or "lost heavy"] I say put the niggers out of our Corps as I do not want to be in the Corps they are in.  During the day I had sun stroke and taken to


Page 90:

hospital ??? during the night.  We did not lose a man when I was taken away but what occurred after that I can not tell.

Sunday July 31 1864
Day warm + sultry.  My first day in the hospital and a lonesome day for me.  The Chaplan preached a short sermon to the wounded and then he came and preached to the sick.  These hospitals will be lonesome days to me.

Monday August 1st 1864
Day warm and sultry.  My second day in the hospital and another long and lonesome day for me.  Srgt Clouse call to see me to make out a monthly report.  Lieut Gibbons wounded in thigh.  The bones broken leg has not yet been taken off.  It is a serious case.


Page 91:

Tuesday August 2nd 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Another lonesome day for me in the Division Hospital.  In the afternoon there was a burial service preached for 63 soldiers that had fallen in the battle of July 30th.  The band was present + Sergt Sullivan + Jas Stewart called to see me.

Wednesday August 3, 1864
Day warm.  Rain last night cooled the air + this morning it is pleasant but very warm in the afternoon.  Some firing going on in our front and another lonesome day in the hospital.

Thursday August 4th 1864
Day very warm + sultry.  Another day passed and still in the division hospital.  Not much firing going on in our front.


Page 92:

Friday August 5th 1864
Day very warm and sultry.  Day passed off quietly nothing going no firing of any account in our front.  Had sermon preach to us last night by the chaplain of the division and a few remarks by U.S. Christian Com. Delegate and it was very good.  Explosion on the right of the 9th Corps took place just before dark and the artillery opened on both sides + last about an hour or so.  What damage done I have not learned – The Johnnies blew up one of our forts but bo loss of life on our side.

Saturday Aug 6th 1864
Day warm and sultry.  Another lonesome day in the hospital.  Nothing occurred of any account.  Our regiment relieved from the picket line and encamped in the rear for emergencies. 


Page 93:

Sunday August 7, 1864
Day warm and sultry.  Came from the hospital to the Regiment and glad to get back.  Considerable mortar firing by the Johnnies, our side did nor reply.  Picket firing during the night.  Up all night talking our yarns[?] Fallon[?] and Clouse[?] and myself had great deal of fun relaying[?] over our great[?] adventures[?]

Monday Aug 8, 1864
Day warm and sultry.  The flys are very bothersome.  One can not enjoy a "nap."  Some mortar firing towards the cool of the evening and picquet firing at night.

Tuesday Aug 9th 1864
Day warm + Sultry.  C.H. Loveland shot him self through the hand and a very bad wound.  I think he will


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lose his hand.  Nothing else occurred for that day of any account. [Note: There was a Charles Loveland in Company "M" of the regiment but the soldier who shot himself that day was actually Harvey B. Loveland, also of Company "M"].

Wednesday August 10, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Nothing occurred that was notable.  Battalion drill at 5 oclock.  Codfish stew for supper.

Thursday Aug 11th 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Company drill in the morning.  A little cannonading by Romers Battery.  Lt Sandwick[?] + Mason of the 100th N.Y. Vol. Was here on a visit.

Friday Aug 12, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Sent home a revolver + ?????  Not of any account that was notable.  Mortar firing still goes on in both sides.


Page 95:

Saturday Aug 13, 1864
Day hot + unpleasant.  Our Regiment fatuiging[?] all day.

Sunday Aug 14, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Sunday morning inspection 23 men in inspection + about orders to ready tomorrow at 6 oclock precisely.

Aug 15th 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Our Regt on the picket line.  Came out last night during the night we had a rain we welcome it.  Wet night but at all I slept soundly.

Aug 16 + 17, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Rain + C nothing of any account notable.


Page 96:

Thursday Aug 18, 1864
Day warm and sultry.  Last night about 3 oclock the Johnnies opened there Batteries on our right and it extended along the whole line a lively time a shelling on both sides.  We lost one Lieut Brown wounded [Allen G.P. Brown] and Corp Hicks Co B killed.[Rufas D. Hicks].  We expected the Rebs were going to make a charge.  We were all ready to give them a goo reception but the expected charge did not come off.  Waited until morning but they did not come.

Friday August 19, 1864
Day cloudy + rain.  This morning the rebels open there guns and commenced shelling us.  Sergt B.H. Tallman [Benjamin H. Tallman] killed standing at my side.  Three men in C [company "C"] were wounded + one man killed


Page 97:

in Co "L".  The rebels commenced shelling as our Corps was moving out of the works.  We move to the left to support the 5 Corps.  We arrived there about 11 oclock.  The pickets commenced firing.  Our Division formed line of battle in double quick and advanced.  In double quick charged the rebels recapture the works that the Johnnies took from the 5th Corps.  Our Brigade took 150 rebels + 1 stand of colors.  Two men in my company was wounded Peter Sundown [aka Peter Soundown] + James Davis.  Several others received slight scratches but are with the company. 

Saturday August 20
Day cloudy + rain.  Build breast works.  Rain.  Picket firing during the night.


Page 98:

Sunday August 21, 1864
Day warm but cloudy.  Our Regt relieved the Picket.  We hardly got on the Johnnies made an attack on our right + left.  The Johnnies came in on us in three lines of battle.  Corporal Chapel, Sergt Reed, Almerine Chapel, Henry Manning, William Howard and myself were taken prisoner by the rebs.  Number of the boys fell in undertaking to go to the rear when the Johnnies came in on us.  Almost 400 men of ours was taken by the Johnnies.  Taken to Petersburg kept there until next morning when we was shipped to Richmond and taken Libby Prison.  Beastly old place. [Scrawled across this text in larger print is "In Petersburg Prisoner"]. 

[Note: Along with Bodamer's diary, the University of Michigan also has a letter dated September 5, 1864 to Gov. Horatio Seymour: "Headquarters 24th N.Y. Vol. Cav., Near Weldon R.R., Va., Sept. 5, '64, Horatio Seymour: Sir: I have the honor to inform you that Sergt. John A. Bodamer was sent on Picket Aug. 21st and for some unaccountable reason was not relieved with the Regiment and he was captures with the whole detail.  As there was not much fighting along the lines that day there is every reason to suppose that he was not hurt.  He was in excellent health and have been so for some time and was comfortably clothed when captured.  I am happy to take this occasion to compliment Sergt. Bodamer to his Father and Friends and to say that it has been our custom to use him in many places of responsibility, and trust and have always found that he was equal to the responsibility.  His universal good conduct in action and the excellent manner in which he has conducted his company of which he has been in charge during much of the time for the last two months has made him a favorite in the Regiment and his promotion has already been decided upon.  Should you hear anything direct from him I shall feel obliged if you will inform us of it.  I shall be happy to furnish you any further information you may desire at any time.  Walter C. Newberry, Lt. Col. Commanding."]


Page 99:

Monday Aug 22, 1864
Day warm.  My first day in Libby treated kindly.  Rain. [Scrawled over text is "Libby"]

Tuesday Aug 23, 1864
Day cool + cloudy.  Feel well in good health and spirits.  Corp Chaple + his brother were sent away.

Wednesday Aug 24, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Transferred from Libby Prison to Belle Isle.  Very good place.  We have tents to sleep in.  Better than I expected.  Our squad excellent[?] [Scrawled over text is "Belle Isle"]

Thursday Aug 25, 1864
Day warm + sultry. 

Friday Aug 26, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Had a good rain last night.  Slept well.


Page 100:

Saturday Aug 27 1864
Day cool + cloudy.  Nothing occured of any account.  Last evening I slept cool.  [Scrawled over text is "Belle Isle"]

Sunday Aug 28, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Day passed off quietly.  Some of the boys gamble.  I should think they would do better if they read in their testaments.  Nat. Williams of the 94th N.Y, also prisoner here.  [Scrawled over text is "Belle Isle"]

Monday Aug 29, 1864
Day warm and rained last night got wet through and very cold in the morning.  Very uncomfortable night had I.  [Scrawled over text is "Belle Isle"]

Tuesday Aug 30
Day warm + roasting.  At night I slept very well but toward morning almost froze.


Page 101:

Wednesday Aug 31, 1864
Day warm and hot.  Everything passed off quietly.  Boys rally in mad speculations [??].  Slept warm the first part of the night.  Towards morning almost froze.

Thursday Sept 1, 1864
Day warm and sultry.  Had a good cup of coffee with Manly Bannister.  The coffee went good after being almost froze.  Day passed off quietly.  Received a piece of melon from Bannister.  It tasted good.

Friday Sept 2nd 1864
Slept very cold towards morning a very heavy dew.  Had coffee + wheat bread for breakfast.  This is something unusual.  Received tents for our squad.


Page 102:

Saturday Sept 3, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Slept very sound.  A large fire in Richmond.  A prayer meeting.  Also some concert singing in different parts of the Island.  The boys amuse themselves so as to forget hunger.  During the afternoon were several fights took place between some of the 2nd Corps boys.  It seems that the boys cannot content themselves unless they have some fighting.  Prayer meeting held by some of the boys.

Sunday Sept 4th 1864
Day warm and cloudy.  All turned out to be counted.  Prayer meeting in the ev'g.  The boys begin to get sick.  I went to the doctor this morning.  I am very weak.


Page 103:

Monday Sept 5th 1864
Day very warm + sultry.  Nothing occurred of any account.  A few fights occurred.  In the evening a prayer meeting was held by the boys.

Tuesday Sept 6th 1864
Day cool and cloudy.  Five fights occurred early this morning.  Rallying on bread.  A heavy thunderstorm last night.  I did not get wet.  Turned out to be counted & see if anyone was missing.  Raining during the night.  Sick vomiting.

Wednesday Sept 7th 1864
Day warm and sultry.  Nothing up to noon.  Nothing of any account occurred noteable.


Page 104:

Thursday Sept 8th 1864
Day - warm
Turned out to have the camp fixed up and to be counted.  I was sick last night with fever.   Nothing occurred of any a/c.

Friday Sept 9, 1864
Day cloudy & misty.  Had coffee made of burnt crusts of corn bread and it was very good.  In the afternoon the sun came out hot.  We were kept out all day in a field in the sun.  Some of the boys while out undertook to escape by getting on a small island but were betrayed by some of our men.

Saturday Sept 16, 1864
Day warm and Sultry
Turned out early this morning to have the camp fixed.  Kept out all day sun very hot.

Sunday Sept 11, 1864
Day warm and sultry.  Turned out to be counted.  I believe everything came out alright.  Considerable squabbling about tents.


Page 105:

Monday Sept 12, 1864
Day warm and cloudy.  Turned out to have the camp fixed and to be counted.


Tuesday Sept 13th 1864
Day cold and uncomfortable.  Last night was very cold night.  A regular winter night.  We let our tent down on us so as to keep warm if possible  but towards morning we got cold.  Got up and run around to keep warm and to get the blood circulating.  150 men of our side took the oath of allegiance today + yesterday.  They are to be sent to Texas at least they are supposed.  Undertaking to secure our parole each sergeant of each squadron this afternoon and decided to take action in the proposed parole question of the Richmond Whig [???].  I representing squad No. 33.


Page 106:

Wednesday Sept 14th 1864
Day cool and cloudy.  Last night we had a rather cold night for sleep.  Let down the tent to keep warm but the dew was heavy and we slept cold.  Heavy cannonading in the direction of Petersburg.  Heard that Grant drove Lee five miles and he is now in the first line of defences of Richmond.  The cannonading was kept up to a late hour.

Thursday Sept 15, 1864
Day warm and sultry.  News this morning is very scarce.  No rumors afloat.  This morning the officer commanding the post is having the names of those men who's time is expired or will soon expire taken down the reason I cannot tell.  It seems as if a great number of the men's time is out.  As they got out by squads to have their names taken down.  What this will amount to time will tell.  Night chilly.


Page 107:

Friday Sept 16th, 1864
Day warm and sultry.  The night was very chilly and very uncomfortable sleeping.  Let down the tent to keep warm but a sleepless night.

Saturday Sept 17th, 1864
Day warm and sultry.  Turned out to be counted.  Remained out all the morning in the hot burning sun.  When I came back to camp I had a very bad headache.  No news of any cannonading in the direction of Petersburg. Richmond [??] Battalion that guarded us was sent to the front.  The old codgers now have to do all the guarding until they receive more citizens of the same stamp.  Men are still going out and take the oath of allegiance and are sent off.  This ???? [next few sentences too blurred to read]. 


Page 108:

Sunday Sept 18th 1864
Day cloudy and looks like rain [??] Turned out to be counted by the ?? Marshall.  Today we were given other tents but they were not as good as those we exchanged [??] Wrote a letter home and one to MSG [??] No news of any cannonading in the direction of Petersburg.  This is what was like today [??]

Monday Sept 19th 1864
Day warm.  Turned out this morning to be counted.  One of the boys was put on the ??? for punishment.  Heard that two Corps of Shermans army was at Deep Bottom also the 5th Corps of Grants army.  I hope this is true.

Tuesday Sept 20, 1864
Day very warm.  The news scarce.  Turned out as ususal to be counted.  Day passed off quietly until evening when all sorts of rumors were afloat such as Co to be paroled the 25th of this month or exchanged [??]


Page 109:

Wednesday Sept. 21, 1864
Day in morning warm in the afternoon cloudy and a cool wind blowing and before night the wind will blow rain.  Rumors that the prisoners in the Libby were paroled and that "we" in Belle Island are also soon to be paroled.  Rain last night leaks through the tent.  Considerable growling.

Thursday Sept 22, 1864
Day cloudy + rain occasionally.  A Rebel Lieut came in camp and wanted the Dutch and French to enlist with him offering $100 in gold.  This Lieut was a Dutchman.  The Lieut succeeded in getting (6) a few of the Germans and that's all.


Page 110:

Friday Sept 23rd 1864
Day cloudy and misty.  Turned out to be counted as usual.  Convalescent soldiers are now guarding here (Belle Island).  The Old Codgers were sent to the front. 

Saturday Sept 24, 1864
Day cloudy in the morning rain the afternoon cleared up and a cool wind blowing.  Friday we received stinking meat.  Rice soup for supper.  Heavy cannonading in the direction of Petersburg, Va.  These guards here at least some of them allow themselves used up [??]. 

Sunday Sept 25th 1864
Day warm - Last night we were visited with showers occasionally toward morning cold.  Turned out to be counted by an officer that comes from Richmond every Sunday for that purpose.


Page 111:

Monday Sept 26th 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Turned out to be counted.  Today we had to wait for our grub until 3 o'clock.  This is six hours with[out] any grub.  We got a 1/4 loaf of bread each meal.

Tuesday Sept 27, 1864
Day warm ans sultry.  Turned out to be counted.  Last night I had to run to the sink about a dozen times.

Wednesday Sept 28, 1864
Day warm + A free fight occurred yesterday on account of someone rallying on bread.  The fight became general so that guards had to come in an quell the mob.

Thursday Sept 29, 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Turned out.  Had out tents taken down with the intention of putting up new ones but did not.  So we will have to lay out doors tonight.


Page 112:

Friday September 30th 1864
Day cloudy.  In the afternoon rain.  In the afternoon some Five Hundred men were brought on the Island from the Libby.  Heavy cannonading in the direction of Petersburg.  This cannonading cannot be over about five miles from Richmond.  Since then the firing is before Fort Darling.

Saturday October 1st 1864  
Day rainy.  Turned out to be counted.  Kept out in the rain some time before they let us come in camp.  Cannonading in the direction.

Sunday October 2nd 1864
Day rainy.  Occasionally we hear a gun.  One man of my squadron was shot this morning.  The ball passed through his elbow.

Monday October 3rd 1864
Day cloudy.  Turned out.  Cannonading this morning.  A man shot this morning he was killed.


Page 113:

Tuesday Oct 4th 1864
Day warm + sultry.  Today 1100 men from the Island were shipped to some point South.

Wednesday Oct 5th 1864
Day warm and sultry.  500 men were shipped south.  500 men more were shipped this afternoon.  No cannonading today.

Thursday Oct 6th 1864
Day warm - cloudy.  The German that belonged to our squad died this morning.  500 men shipped early this morning.  H. Manning went off with this lot taking Sergt Reeds cup with him.  450 more are sent this afternoon south some where but where we do not know.  Some [??] to Salisbury, N.C. others think Georgia or still farther south.  All such rumors are afloat or to be exchanged.


Page 114:

Friday Oct 7th 1864
Started for some place South.  Salisbury, N.C.  Locked in the cars like cattle.  One hundred men were put in cars.  Arrived at Danville about 12 o'clock.

Saturday Oct 8th 1864
Day cool - Layed in the cars all night.  We could not sleep unless we stood up and slept.  This is one of the most miserable nights I ever spent while in Southern Con Fed.  Lay all day at Danville in cars to evening we were transshipped to other cars.  Lay still there some time.  About 7 o'clock we started on the road.  We were all night going 10 miles.  Here we lay all night.

Sunday October 9th 1864
Arrived at Greensboro about three o'clock the following AM.  Here we were put out of the cars and that night we received three hardtack each.  Here two of the men died.


Page 115:

Monday Oct 10th 1864
Day warm eveng cold and like to froze to death.  This was the first chance to sleep since Thursday last.  Arrived at Salisbury about 9 P.M. and soon arrive at the place of confinement.  Here we had to lay out doors without fire and like to froze.

Tuesday October 11th 1864
Day pleasant.  Night cool.  No fires to warm us and had no shelter what ever.  A rebel Capt yesterday took down the names of those men that gave up their money at Libby Prison.  He said that we should soon be paroled and that he was going to have the money refunded to the men again.  We did not get any grub until sunset.  This was going without anything to eat for four days.


Page 116:

Wednesday Oct 12, 1864
Day cool.  The night cold.  Nothing occurred of any account [??] Starvation stares us in the face.
Thursday Oct 13, 1864
Day warm.  Night very cold.  Three men died of cold.  Ralling going on in parts of the camp.  All sorts of rumors afloat in regard a Parole.

Friday Oct 14, 1864
Day warm.  Night very cold.  Last night seven (7) men died of cold an exposure.

Saturday Oct 15th, 1864
Day warm.  Night cold.  This morning I went with the Col [??] so as to be out of the cold weather + rain.  I think this is nothing more than anyone else would do.  Last night was another cold night but made out to stand it.


Page 117:

Sunday Oct 16th 1864
Day warm.  Night cold.  Capt Dave's 155 NY Vol. was shot by one of the guards with[out] giving any warning what ever.  The guards after firing coldly had his grin laughing and at the same time saying that there is one less "Yank" to guard.  The guard was soon afterward relieved and very likely promoted for gallant conduct.  A funeral sermon was preach by one of the officer. 

Monday Oct 17 1864
Day cool.  Night.  This morning we received for ration sorghum in lieu of meat.  This sorghum is a sort of molasses. 

Tuesday Oct 18 1864
Day warm + night cold.  Nothing of any account occurred.


Page 118:

Wednesday Oct 19, 1864
Day warm + I feel very sick.  More prisoners arrived here today.  Rumors that our cavalry are in possession of Danville Va.  Also that Petersburg has fallen.  This is good news and makes the men feel in good spirit.

Thursday Oct 20, 1864
Left Salisbury about 5 o'clock for Danville Va.

Friday Oct 21, 1864
Arrived at Danville about 8 [??] am.  Quartered in tobacco factory - Prison No. 3.

Saturday Oct 22, 1864
Rations are very poor.  Today received cabbage soup this was good.


Page 119:

Sunday Oct 23 1864
Day warm + night very cold.  No beef today bean soup.  Chaplain preached a sermon to the officers.

Monday Oct 24, 1864
Day cold + rain.  Feel very sick.  Night cold.  Sleepless night.

Tuesday Oct 25, 1864
Day warm night cold.  No beef today we fare no better than at Salisbury, N.C.

Tuesday Oct 25, 1864
Day warm night cool slept well.  Molasses in lieu of meat.

Wednesday Oct 26, 1864
Day rain night rain.  Do not feel very well.  Biscuits sell at $5.00 a doz., rice $2.00 lb, molasses at $45.00 a gall., blankets $100.00, whiskey $30.00 a canteen, apples $3.00 a doz, greenback $7.00 for one dollar, bread $6.00 a loaf of about (8 oz.).


Page 120:

Thursday Oct 27, 1864
Day rain night rain.  Today we received meat.  We receive meat about twice in seven days.  Slept very well at night was warm.

Friday Oct 28, 1864
Day warm night cold.  Meat today and bean soup.

Saturday Oct 29, 1864
Day cool night cold.  Received meat + soup.  Still very sick and bad cold.  Nothing of any a/c occurred.

Sunday Oct 30, 1864
Day cool.  Night cold.  Corn bread and that miserable.  Received meat.

Monday Oct 31st 1864
Day cool night cold heavy fog in A.M.  Today we received corn bread mix with a little wheat flour and that was sour not fit for a hog [or bug?] to eat.  Received meat.  Treatment here at Danville is horrible.


Page 121:
 
Tuesday Nov 1st 1864
Day and night cold.  Today no meat.  Bad soup in this soup there was Lights[?] Lung + Guts of the critter and also dung in the guts.  Now this is outrageous to be treated in this manner by the so called Southern Confederacy. 

Wednesday Nov 2, 1864
Day cold rain.  Night cold and rain.  Today we received a good ration of fresh beef.

Thursday Nov 3rd 1864
Day cold + misty.  Night cold rain.  A Captain of the rebels said that we were soon to be exchanged.  Received codfish in lieu of meat.

Friday Nov 4, 1864
Day cold night cold + windy.  Meat corn bread.  Nothing occurred notable.

Saturday Nov 5th 1864
Day cold windy night very cold.  Last night some of the officers dug tunnel but did not dig deep enough before they came out just in the guards beat and their escape was knock in the head.  More fresh fish arrived here at the prison 73 officers all told.  We have 400 officers confined in this prison on two floors.  This morning a search was made and all money taken from us if they found where it was.  The Rebels did not


Page 122:

get a great deal.  An hour afterwards the money was refunded.  Capt Baxton[?] commanding of the prison said that he would not be bothered with the money and watches as the guards would be trading anyway.

Sunday Nov 6th 1864
Day cold night cool + rain.  Last night it was very cold ice about 1/4 inch thick.  Codfish today and bean soup.  Sermon preached by the chap-.

Monday Nov 4 1864
Day warm + misty night cool.  Six Navy officers arrived here from Salisbury these are the ones that blew up the rebel ram.

Tuesday Nov 8th 1864
A election was held by the officers confined in prison No. 3 Danville Va for President + Vice President of the U.S.  The following is the result:  Lincoln 276, Geo B. McClellan 91.  Total 367.  Number of officers in the prison 309 [?? makes no sense].  The enlisted men numbering 2000 gave McClellan 466 [??] majority.  
 

Page 123:

Wednesday Nov 9th 1864
Nothing occurred notable.  Everything passed off quietly.  Wheat bread.

Thursday Nov 10th 1864
Received corn bread + fresh beef but no soup.  Today we heard that McClellan [carried] NY City by 40,000 maj. 

Friday Nov 11th 1864
Today we enlisted men that were with the officers in prison No. 3 were sent to prison No. 6.  This was done by Lt Rieley on the 2nd floor.  Slept very well in the new quarters.

Saturday Nov 12th 1864
The officer of the day said that there were 10 000 letters for the prisoners.

Sunday Nov 13th 1864
Day very cold.  Night very cold.  No letters as yet.  Corn bread + bean soup.  Some of the prisoners received letters from home.

Monday Nov 14th 1864
Day cold - night cold - corn bread.  Some of the prisoners received letters from hom and the Sergt says there are to be more in time.

Tuesday Nov 15th 1864
Day cold night cold.  Corn bread fresh beef + corn bread.

Wednesday Nov 16th 1864
Very cold night.  Cold.  Letters came in a few at a time.  Corn bread + bean soup.


Page 124:

Thursday Nov 17th 1864
Day cold night cold.  Corn bread + fresh beef.  The Sergt of the house brought no letters today.

Friday Nov 18th 1864
Day cool night cold corn bread + bean soup.  No news from any quarter.  This is a lonesome place.

Saturday Nov 19, 1864
Rain.  Nothing notable occurred.

Sunday Nov 20th 1864
Day rain.  Kirtyman [?] 94 NY Vol [possibly Lewis Kittleman of Company K] + John Myers 7 Ind. Vol go today to the hospital as nurses.  Cabbage soup.

Monday Nov 21, 1864
Day rain night rain cold night passed off very lonesome + long.  The day also drag heavily on.  Corn bread + soup.

Tuesday Nov 22 1864
Day very cold night very cold.  Today is the coldest day we have had this fal in CS.  Corn bread + bean soup.  No coal for fires no fire had we last night or today.

Wednesday Nov 23 1864
Day cold night cold.  Corn bread and fresh beef.  No soup. 

Thursday Nov 24th 1864
Day cold night cold.  Corn bread bean soup + fresh beef.  Day of Thanksgiving in the Northern States.

Friday Nov 25, 1864
Day cool night cold.  Soft bread + fresh beef.  Today three niggers were sent to the hospital these are the first sent before this they let them die in prison.

Saturday Nov 26th 1864
Day chilly night cold.  Bean soup + corn bread.  Rumor here today that our Government has sent us clothing and will be here in ten days.  We are in need of them very much and the sooner they come the better.


Page 125:

Sunday Nov 27, 1864
Day chilly + rain night cold.  Corn bread + fresh beef.

Monday Nov 28th 1864
Day chilly night chilly.  Corn bread + fresh beef.  A Court Marshal convened at prison No. 6.  To try Private – Val [or Wal] for stealing a ration of corn bread from one of the niggers he was sentenced to be tied up by the thumbs 2 hours each day for four days.  The sentence was fully approved by all in the prison and by the officer of the day.

Tuesday Nov 29, 1864
Day warm night warm.  Wheat bread bean soup fresh beef.

Wednesday Nov 30th 1864
Day warm night cool.  Corn bread bean soup.

Thursday Dec 1st 1864
Day cool night chilly.  The first day of winter opens beautiful hope the days will continue so until we are exchanged or paroled.  Corn bread + fresh beef.

Friday Dec 2nd 1864
Day chilly + rain night chilly.  Corn bread.

Saturday Nov [should be Dec] 3rd
Day cool night chilly.  Wheat bread + soup.

Sunday Dec 4 1864
Day cool night chilly.  Corn bread – meat larger ration.

Monday Dec 5, 1864
Day cool night chilly.  Wheat bread + bean soup.

Tuesday Dec 6, 1864
Day pleasant night chilly.  Corn bread.


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Wednesday Dec 7, 1864
[Blank]

Thursday Dec 8, 1864
[Blank]

Friday Dec 9 1864
[Blank]

Saturday Dec 10, 1864
Last night it commenced to snow.  It was one of the coldest nights thus far since in the Con Fed.

Sunday Dec 11
Cold - very cold.

Monday Dec 12, 1864
Cold - very cold.

Tuesday Dec 13, 1864
Day cold.  Night very cold.  Rumors of sending the prisoners to Salisbury N.C. on account of expecting a raiding party from Grant's Army.

Wednesday Dec 14, 1864
Day cool – night chilly – Rumor of sending to – Richmond – the prisoners at Danville Va.

Thursday Dec 15, 1864
[Blank]

Friday Dec 16, 1864
[Blank]

Saturday Dec 17, 1864
(Corn bread beef tea)

Sunday Dec 18, 1864
Day cloudy + chilly night cold.  Corn bread.  Exchange is still at a distance at least we think so.  But we have hope.

Monday Dec 19, 1864
Wheat bread potatoes + meat.

Wednesday Dec 21, 1864
Day cold + rain.  Night chilly.


Page 127:

Saturday Dec 24, 1864
Day cold – night cold.  Last night and night before last were very cold nights.  Potatoes are now played.

Sunday Dec 25, 1864
Day cold + cloudy - night chilly.  Christmas in Prison No. 6 Danville.  Wheat bread + canned beef + chopped wood for fire to keep warm.  Gary Dimmer [?] in awful [?] in Court Marshall.

Monday Dec 26, 1864
Day cold - night cold.  Corn bread + hard tack in lieu of meat.

Tuesday Dec 27, 1864
Day cold – might cold – corn bread.

Sunday Jany 1st 1865
Day cold – night cold – Sun shining pleasantly but very cold – Still in Danville Va Prison No. 6.  Corn bread and cow [?] beans for our treat.  Thus we commence our New Year in Rebledom.

Wednesday Jany 4th 1865
Day cold – might chilly.  Monday cold – Tuesday cold + snowing – Tuesday wheat bread – Sunday wheat bread – no sign of meat.

Saturday Jany 7th 1865
Day cold – night chilly corn bread and cabbage soup.  Bread is one pound larger on account of not giving us any meat.


Page 128:

Sunday Jany 8th 1865
Cold + chilly,

Monday Jany 9th 1865
Day cold.  Night chilly + rain.  Wheat bread + fresh beef.

Tuesday Jany 10, 1865
Day chilly + rain night chilly corn bread – soup.

Wednesday Jany 11, 1865
Day chilly night chilly wheat bread + little bean soup no receive wheat bread on account of the River Dan being high – and the mill cannot grind corn meal.

Thursday Jany 12, 1865
Day cold – night chilly.  Wheat bread and bean soup.

Friday Jany 13, 1865
Day pleasant night chilly.  Wheat bread and nothing else.

Saturday Jany 14, 1865
Day cool night chilly wheat bread meat.

Sunday Jany 15, 1865
Corn bread and nothing else.  A fire in Danville Va opposite our Prison No. 6.  The guards were somewhat frightened and the officers formed double guard around the prison for fear of a brake.

Tuesday Jany 24
Corn bread and nothing else.  No meat and no sign of any.  Occasional get corn meal and Lord knows what will become of use if we are kept on this food.


Page 129:

Sunday Jany 29, 1865
Day cold night – chilly the last three days has been the coldest days we have this winter yesterday we received bean soup.

Monday Jany 30, 1865
Day warm night chilly.  Went out to work to pack medicine for the Johnnies.  They ship the goods to Charlotte, N.C.  Receive bacon + hoe cake for rations.

Tuesday Jany 31, 1865
Day warm night chilly.  Again out to work this is good exercise for us does one good to go out to work after being confined in prison six months.  We also receive 2 rations of whiskey a day.

Wednesday Feb 1st 1865
Day pleasant night chilly.

Thursday Feb 2, 1865
Day cool night chilly.

Sunday Feb 12, 1865
Today we received blankets from our government.  Nearly all the men in Prison No. 6 received blankets.


Page 130:

Feb 19, 1865
Left Danville Prison No. 6 for Richmond Va – Stop in Pemberton Prison.

Feb 20, 65
 In Pemberton Prison detailed at Head Quarters make out parole papers.

Feb 21, 65
Left Pemberton Prison for the Flag of Truce boat – arrived in lines about noon.  March three miles across to Eikens Landing where we to our boats for parole.

Feb 22, 65
Arrived at Parole Camp about noon where we were fed.  A good wash and new clothes and now I feel bully and all ready for any work.


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[Blank]


Page 132:

[Blank]


Page 133:

[Blank]


Page 134:

JohnGrierson from Co G 14 NY H. Art. – Postvill, N.Y. Cat [?]

Geo W. Tremain Co H 45 Regt Pa Vol Farmington, Tioga [?] Co, Pa.

Jas. O. Spencer from Co D 179 NY Vol East Randolph, N.Y. Cat [?]

Geo. W. Harvey Co H 14 NY H. Art, St. Cloud Minn.

Chas. A. Robinson Sergt Co E 56 Mass Vol Hudson, NH

E.G. Friends Hosp. Steward [?] with Surg. Jno Clapton home Petersburg, Va.

A.D. Chapel Carighdenoy Oswego Co, NY

Capt Pierce + Barnard Cottage Saloon Peer No. 4, NY City.


Page 135:

[Blank]


Page 136:

Sergt Jas Davis Co H 3 Maine Vol is hospital steward of prison 6 anyone that has green backs can get to the Genl Hospital but he that has none dies in prison.  Such a man as that aught to be called to account by our Government.

Danville Va Jan 19 1865
Rev Hall one of the town Pastor preached a sermon to us issued track + testament.


Page 137:

Nov 15th 1864
The officer of the day said that 10,000 letters arrives here for us prisoners.  Oh how the boys heart must to have beat when they heard this.  Then circumstances changed 1 + 2 days went by and no letters.  The boys then began to doubt the truth of the officers.  But the 3rd day made it all right.  Letters commenced to come in but some were disappointed in not getting any.

Nov 23, 1864
Today was one of the coldest day in the Con Fed.  No coal or wood yesterday.  We like to all froze to death.

Nov 25, 1864
Today three niggers were sent to the hospital before this they would not do any thing for them but when Col. Smith took command he said the nigger must have medical attention and sent to hospitals.  Stay thy hand O Death.  I bring relief the nigger can say.  No sorghum.  Here at Danville they send 5 + 6 coffins a head in the prison so the men can see what sort of a box they go into when they die.  One sick man as he was going to the sink see the coffins and at the sight of exclaims My God are one of them for me and then died instantly.


Page 138:

At Salisbury, N.C. it was the intention of the officers + men to make a strike for Liberty but the plot was found out on account of some of the officers who opposed the plan.  At Danville Va the officers commenced tunneling but this was discovered.  It is said that some of the officers let out on them.  Nov 6th 1864

Capt Mays arrived here today he says that the men die at the rate of 30 a day.  Men have no shelter of any a/c whatever a Sibley tent to every 100 men.  Some of the men burrow themselves in the earth some four feet and in this manner they manage to live and ?? it all.  The sceans in Prison No 6th Pen + Language cannot express the misery that exists the cold weather adds another sling.


Page 139:

Oct 13, 1864
Three men died last night they were put in a box and then in a wagon and dur?? off to be buried.  What sort of a burial they got is hard to tell as no one accompanyed them.  Bread + water is the chief food we get.  A small pieced of meat once in two weeks also twice in two weeks.  Here at Salisbury the prisoners have to carry water for their use about three quarters of a mile in barrels.  They have commenced to dig fine wells in the ground but they will have to sink them very deep before water is reached as the guns is in a use and at the rate the rebels are sinkin it will take them months [???] The men suffer a great deal fro want of water.  Out of the clay that come out of the wells the men make wall so as to brake the cold wind.  Sallsbury N.C.


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Oct 6, 1864
Today the German died of his wound that he received at the hand of one of the Johnnies.  He died through neglect.  He layed around camp at no attention payed him by the Sergeon in regard to his wound.  He hardly breathed his last when he was thrown in a box + carried off to the last resting place a prisoner receives at the hands of the Rebles.

Oct 28-9
Three men on the road from Richmond to Saulsboro [?] N.C. 80 to 100 men were packed into a freight car.  We were four days and five nights going P to S [??] At Sualsboro we had no shelter whatever even hardly nothing to eat 2 [??] loaf of bread a day a small piece of beef every five days.  Are not allowed to speak to the officers.

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