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Civil War Diaries !!These three (3) incredible diaries were kept by Samuel Brown Beatty (1818-1863) of Co. E, 57th Pennsylvania Infantry. Samuel was 44 years old when he enlisted as a private in October 1861. At the time of his enlistment, he was described as a 5 foot 11 inch tall shoemaker with dark eye color and black hair. When he joined his comrades in arms, he left a wife—Susan M. (Walker) Beatty (1823-1899) and at least eight children in Delaware Grove, Mercer county, Pennsylvania. Samuel’s parents were Francis G. Beatty (1789-1872) and Isabella Williamson (1792-1879). Also serving in the war was Samuel’s oldest son, David “Walker” Beatty (1844-1863)—a member of Co. K, 63rd Pennsylvania Infantry. David’s letters to his mother can be found transcribed on the Spared & Shared blog.An extremely pious man, Samuel often urged his wife to pray for him such as the following passage: “Now I want you to always remember me in your prayers that I may not falter in well doing and that I may be preserved from evil and sin of every kind. That I may be prepared to stand my lot and always be found at my post let that be what it may.” Tragically, Samuel never returned home from the war. He died at the Union Hotel Hospital in Georgetown on 18 January 1863 from wounds that he received in action at the Battle of Fredericksburg on 13 December 1862. Likewise, Samuel’s son Walker died in a Georgetown hospital less than a month later on 7 February 1863 and was interred at the Soldier’s Home Cemetery (Grave 3344).Too many pages to show in the pictures! We tried to show a variety. The diaries are in good condition. All transcribed - see below. We will also enclose the transcriptions for the winning bidder TRANSCRIPTIONS of all three diaries follow ! (We will also enclose the transcriptions) Diary # 1April 8, 1861—Left home at two o’clock intending to go to Georgetown. The roads were so bad I thought best to go to the Oil. Got to Brownsville at six o’clock. Stayed all night with Mr. Kitch. Next morning started for Franklin by way of Waterloo. Arrived at Franklin half past eleven. Took dinner at the Lamberton House, then started for the Oil. Went up the two mile run. Stayed over night. Next morning started for Oil Creek. Arrived there at ten and a half o’clock. Started up the creek to see what could be seen. Arrived at at twelve. Got dinner. Started up the creek to the mouth of Cherry Tree Run. Went up the run about eighty rods. Saw what was to be seen. There is land to be leased on that run for one hundred dollars per acre, the third of the oil. Started back for the mouth of the creek. Arrived there at five o’clock. Stopped at Mr. Thomas’s Hotel. Stayed there till next morning. Started up the creek again looking around awhile. Came back to the tavern, got dinner, and then started for Two Mile Run again. Arrived there at four. Stayed around till next morning. Went to work for Clark & Co. chopping wood Friday and Saturday.April 14th—Sabbath morning. Contemplate going to preaching. The morning is rather dull and cloudy but God is ever good and kind to me notwithstanding my waywardness. Still His grace is sufficient for me. Went to preaching. Heard a sermon by a young man from Job 30:23, “For I know thou wilt bring me to death the house appointed for all living.” The sermon was a running discourse on the certainty of death and its consequences. It brought me to contemplate my later end and examine my prospect for a happy death and glory and immortality beyond. I feel like praising God for my hope of eternal life and blessedness beyond the grave.Monday, April 15—Went and turned till eight o’clock, then went to chopping wood. Cut and racked three cords that day before sundown.April 16, 1861—Went to work quarrying stone for Mr. Lundy till noon. Then went to Franklin and it snowed like everything and such roads I never did see. Got back about dark 17th—Wednesday morning. Snowed five inches deep. Went to fixing up an [ ] to go to chopping but it is rather bad day for work but it is a first rate day for loafing. Went to work at nine and put up two cords and a half that day 18th—Thursday It still snows but not so bad as the day before. Cut wood all that day. Cut two cords and a half of engine wood and was pretty tired again night 19th—Friday morning. It still snows. Wrote a letter to my wife and children and then went to see the burning well on the creek and it was the greatest sight that I have seen. In the first place, it burnt for two rods around at least and the smoke looks like a cloud. It can be seen for miles Editor’s Note: An oilfield tragedy occurred on 17 April 1861 when a highly pressurized well’s geyser of oil explodes in flames on the Buchanan Farm at Rouseville, killing the well’s owner and more than a dozen bystanders. Sometimes called “Oil Well Fire Near Titusville” but more accurately, Rouseville, the early oilfield tragedy was overshadowed by the greater tragedy of the firing on Fort Sumer. The well spouted furiously for many hours, and the column of flame extended often two and three hundred feet in height, the valley being shut in, as it were, by a dense and impenetrable canopy of overhanging smoke. Fifteen persons were instantly killed by the explosion of the gas, and thirteen others scarred for life. [Source: Rouseville 1861 Oil Well Fire]20th—Saturday Worked for Mr. Lundy at stone works and it wore my hands to the quick.Sabbath morning, April 21st—This calm beautiful and serene [day], my thoughts are in unison with the morning. Contemplate going to preaching. Went to church and heard a sermon from a local preacher of the Methodist Church from first John 4: 1st verse. “Beloved, believe not every spirit but by the spirits whether they be of God ”22nd—Monday Went to work for Mr. Clark at chopping and picking brush. Nothing particular that day.23rd—Went to work for Lundy & Co. at masoning and carpentering preparing for setting their engine. Think considerable of home.“Nothing special beyond the usual events of labor and toil incident to oil life. Business is very dull on the run at present. The war absorbs the attention of almost every person.”— Samuel Brown Beatty, 24 April morning. Went to work for Lundy but it is so wet that we did not work long. Cleared up soon. Went to work again the rest of the week for him. Nothing special beyond the usual events of labor and toil incident to oil life. Business is very dull on the run at present. The war absorbs the attention of almost every person.The next week work for Clark again and the work sets pretty hard on me. My hands are sore and my arms are stiff but still enjoy pretty good health.Sabbath, May 5th—This morning is beautiful but it seems that we have no sabbath here for while I write, I hear the sound of the harness and the noise of the men at work…May 7th—Went to work for Mr. Hock at turning the drill. It is a new business to me and it goes rather awkward but it is not hard work. Think I can stand to work at it. Get a dollar a day and board myself. Get board for two dollars and a half a week.Sabbath, May 12th—This morning I am at the house of an Irish Catholic. Taken boarding for a short time. Read some Catholic papers and periodicals. Saw some good pieces and some rather objectionable but the women are as most people. They are clean and good cooks so that I live very comfortable considering I’m not at home.Sabbath, May 19th—This morning got up at seven and took breakfast. Feel very lonesome. Wish I was at home to spend the day with wife and children. It is hard to spend the day without good book or good people to converse with on God’s Holy Day but still I can examine with my own the diary entries stop until after Samuel has enlisted in the 57th Pennsylvania Volunteers ]Thursday October 17, 1861—Left for Mercer to go to Camp Griffith to join the regiment for the war. I felt very sorry about it but I felt it to be my duty to go. I left Mercer on the 18th for Camp Curtin. Arrived there on the 19th. Pitched my tent on the same day. On the Sabbath, went to preaching. On Monday, fooled around and did not do much. On Tuesday, moved into tents and policed the grounds. Thought a good deal about home. Still I am content and do the best that I can and put my trust in God to guide me in the path of duty.October 23—Nothing new but the drill which is not hard work. Had a little touch of the dysentery. It did not last long.October 24th—I am well today and am able to drill thanks be to God for His goodness to me, unworthy though I am.October 25th—This day wrote a letter to my neice Lou and then went to squad drill for an hour. Then into company drill for an hour and a half, then went to dinner. It rained and then we went to drill again in the afternoon. This morning, changed quarters. Slept very well.October 26th—Saturday morning. This day on guard for the first time. I feel well in my mind this morning thanks to the goodness of God for keeping me staid on Him amidst temptations. I can still say that I will leave unto thee, my Savior and my King. This afternoon wrote a letter to my beloved wife and children. Then went on guard again/October 27th—Sabbath morning. Came off guard at 5. Went to bed till breakfast. Got up and washed and eat, then went to my tent and had prayer with Mr. W____ from Jamestown. We had a very good time of it. We had the presence of the spirit of God to view in our hearts with love towards Him. At ten, went to preaching. Came back and got dinner and then wrote a letter to my Father. At three went to preaching again. At six went to prayer meeting and we had a very pleasant time of it. The gracious presence of God’s spirit was shone to warm our hearts.October 28th—Monday morning. Arose at five. It is a beautiful morning. Got breakfast at six. Fell alright this morning. Roll call at half past seven. Nothing new this day but usual dress parade and drill. Roll call at eight; went to bed.October 29th—Tuesday morning. Got up at five. it is clear and a little frost. It was pretty cold last night but it is pleasant today. Went on guard at nine. Nothing new till evening when some of the boys raised a row but it passed off and no harm done. There was a man shot on guard tonight.October 30th—Wednesday Feel sleepy. There is no drill this morning and we had no drill till evening when we had Dress Parade and then company drill. The new recruits came in about 7. Went to bed about nine. Slept very well.October 31st—Thursday morning up at five. Considerable [ ] in them recruits. We attached ourselves to the [ ] Grey’s, Capt. [James B.] Moore.November 1, 1861—This day went to Harrisburg and was mustered into the United States service and seen the town. Came back to camp and then we dragged our overcoats. On guard today. It rained the most of the night.November 2nd—It is still wet and it is cold and disagreeable. I begin to taste the sweets of a soldier’s life and it’s not very pleasant. Today I think a good deal about how my wife and children is getting along but I can still resign all unto the hand of an all-wise God to take care of them.November 3rd—Sabbath morning. It is more pleasant this day than it was yesterday. We had prayer in our tent this morning and enjoyed myself very well. It is pleasant to read the bible and join in worship with those that have God.November 4th—Monday. This day on guard. There is nothing of importance going on in the camp today. We had some fun to keep the soldiers breaking guard.November 5th—Tuesday. Came off guard this morning. Sleepy. This day got our uniforms—one coat, pants, 2 shirts, 2 pair of drawers, two pair of socks, one pair of shoes. Nothing new this day.November 6th—Monday morning. Got up at five and went to the commissary and got our rations for the day. It is raining this morning and we have no wood in the camp today and cannot get any. Have to burn coal and it is very cold but it is not our Colonel’s fault for he has not the command of the camp.November 7th—Thursday. This day on guard. It is pleasant but cold. We are better supplied with wood today. I feel well thanks be to God for his goodness and mercy to me.November 8th—Friday. Came off guard this morning. Feel well and enjoy camp life very well. I would like to see Susan and the children but have not repented coming yet. Our captain is the officer of the day and no drill today.November 9th—Saturday. Camp police today. Nothing new today.November 10th—Sabbath. This is a beautiful day. Went to preaching at ten. Had an excellent sermon by a young man from Pittsburgh. I feel to enjoy the presence of God this day in my heart. I am on guard today.November 11th—Monday. Came off guard this morning. It is raining this morning but it cleared up at noon and it is warm and clear. Nothing new today.November 12th—Tuesday. It is clear this morning. Up at five o’clock. Got breakfast at six and then went to the commissary for our rations. I am well and feel to rejoice in God, my Savior. Some grumbling about the rations but I feel satisfied with mine.November 13th—Wednesday Up at five. Feel well this morning. It is a beautiful day. We are moving our tents and policing our grounds and I am guarding our stuff. It is noon and no sign of dinner yet. Got dinner and put up our tent. Felt tired. Mr. Forrest looks sick today.November 14—Thursday. Got up at five. Roll call at six. Then breakfast. Mr. Forrest no better. Called the doctor to see him. On guard today. Nothing new today. 35 of our men on guard tomorrow November 15—Friday. It snowed some last night for the first this fall here and it was wet and cold all day. Mr. Forrest is no better.November 16—Saturday. Cold and windy today. Mr. Forrest is no better. Took him to the hospital and I stayed with him all day and night. Think he is better.November 17th—Sabbath. It is still cold and windy. I think Mr. Forrest is a little better this morning. There is about twenty-five in the hospital and some of them is very bad. Nothing new in camp this morning November 18th—Monday. This morning is clear and more calm. With Mr. Forrest in the hospital all day. Thanks be to God, I am well and can still say that my trust is in Him for his mercy endureth forever November 19th—Tuesday. Still clear and beautiful. The air is refreshing. I am well and in good spirits. On guard today and wrote two letters—one to my wife and one to D. M. Beaty. Nothing of interest today.November 20th—Wednesday Came off guard this morning and feel sleepy and tired.November 21st—Thursday This is a fine day and there is nothing new of interest November 22nd—Friday. Still pleasant and warm but looks like [we are in] for a change. Company and regimental drill today.November 23rd—Saturday This morning it is raining and it is cold and disagreeable. On guard today. Cleared up at noon and was a fine evening November 24th—Sunday. This morning it is snowing and cold. There is no preaching in camp and it is hard to spend the Sabbath without some exercise November 25th—Monday. Got up at five. Stood around till breakfast and then went out on drill for an hour and then came and took dinner. Then regimental [drill] and after that dress parade.November 26th—Tuesday morning up at five. Feel well. Morning drill and then went on guard at one. Nothing new.November 27th—Wednesday Sent to hunt for a deserter. Marched to the city and scouted around all day and did not find him. Came back tired. Got a bad cold.November 28th—Thursday Thanksgiving Day. No drill. Had a sermon today. Nothing of interest November 29th—Friday. Up at five. It is raining this morning. On guard today. Feel and realize the goodness of God in sparing my life and health this far notwithstanding my sins and folly. There was a death in our regiment last night and the funeral today.November 30th—Saturday Came off guard and this morning it is still wet and cold. Have the headache a little but feel well. Wrote a letter to A. Walker. Dress parade.December 1st—Sabbath morning. Feel well today and it is cold. At noon it snowed. Had a sermon today by the chaplain. Did not hear much of it so could not enjoy the service December 2nd—Monday. Up at five. It is cold and frosty. Got breakfast. Was ordered to go to the city for two of our men that broke guard. Did not find them. Had regimental drill.December 3rd—Tuesday. On guard. Today has been the coldest day that has been this fall. It froze hard. One of our regiment died today, the second death of our men.December 4th—Wednesday This day is some warmer. Nothing of interest but regimental drill.December 5th—Thursday. Up at five. Regimental drill in the morning, at two, company drill, at four Dress Parade. Felt tired.December 6th—Friday. This is a fine day. Usual drill and then our Colonel marched us out and marched us down to the river and then we got our dinner. Company drill and dress parade.December 7th—Saturday. This is a very foggy day and the usual regimental drill and then we got our position in the regiment. we have the right center.December 8th—Sabbath. Up at sun. Roll call at seven. Got breakfast and then wrote a letter and then went to church and back and closed a letter to my wife. Nothing else of importance till evening prayers and then went to bed.[One week’s entries are ….ton was all night on the road.December 15th–Sunday. Got to Baltimore after a long and rough ride. I think that the government ought to provide better transportation for her troops. We got dinner there and then started for Washington. We had a slow and cold time of it. Got there about half past nine. Stayed there all night.December 16th—Monday morning. Got breakfast and then started for Camp Allegheny. Got there and pitched our tents and slept on the ground.December 7th—Tuesday morning. Felt bad. Had the headache and some sore throat but not bad. Drill today [Editor’s note: Several days entries are skipped in Samuel’s diary at this point. The regiment set up its camp on the Bladensburg Pike, near the toll gate. Considerable sickness had prevailed before leaving Camp Curtin, and the exposure of the men on the journey, confined in box cars without fire, contributed to increase it. The new camp, unfavorably located on low wet ground, and the inclemency of the weather while there, caused a still further increase of the sick list, and several died.]December 18th—Wednesday Nothing new or of much interest in camp today. There was a report that there was one of our regiment shot last night.December 19th—Thursday morning. On guard this day. Nothing of interest today but the nigger scrape which I know nothing about—only hearsay. But the Colonel had him drummed out of the camp and he pretended to be almost killed but he was not much hurt.December 20th—Friday. We had no drill today and nothing of much interest. Feel some anxiety about the family at home but I am still resigned December 21st—Saturday We spent this day in doing nothing but we spent the day somehow. I got a letter from S. Loveland today and was surprised to hear that I had written home that he had sold his men.December 22nd—Sabbath. This morning up at six. Roll call, then review and inspection. Spent the rest of the day in our quarters reading in prayers before going to bed.December 23rd—Monday. It is raining this morning and it is cold and spitting snow this evening. Cold and windy—it blew all night.December 24th—Tuesday morning it is still cold and windy but it is clear. Lieutenant [William S.] Ebberman arrived from Camp Curtin with the sick and the Colonel left for home.December morning. This is Christmas Day. Up at five and got breakfast at seven. Guard today. Nothing new or of interest today. Wish I was at home to eat dinner with my wife and children December 26th—Thursday Day after Christmas. It is wet and disagreeable. Got orders to move our camp today.December 27th—Friday morning up at five and got breakfast. Moved our camp today.December 28th—Saturday The Colonel came back today and some of our sick. Got a letter from my wife today and it done more good than my dinner.December 29th—Sabbath. Inspection today and then went to preaching and heard a good sermon by the chaplain. from Romans 6th Chapter and 23rd Verse; “The wages of sin is death” ad it was a very plain and practiced discourse—one that was calculated to touch the feelings of any sensible man.December 30th—Monday. On guard today and it is only five days since I was on before but I will not complain but do my duty as a good soldier December 31st—Tuesday. Up and breakfast at six and we had a review and mustered for pay today by a United States officer and we expect to draw some pay soon. This is the last day of the year and it is a most delightful day, It is warm and pleasant and as clear as a summer’s day and we have had no snow here since we came 1862January 2nd—Thursday. This is a clear and cold day and I have a very bad cough but I am still able for duty, thanks be to God for his goodness and mercy to me.January 3rd—Friday morning it is clear and cool but pleasant. We have not got our pay yet and we are all out of money and stationery and tobacco and such things as that.January 4th—Saturday. This morning there is a little snow—the first that has been since we came here but it was but a shift.January 5th—Sabbath. It is clear and beautiful this Holy day but we are under obligation yo desecrate the day by the order of our officers as we have review and inspection on the Sabbath only. But our Colonel says that it is an army regulation January 6th—Monday. Last night it snowed about two inches which was the first that we have had since we came here.Assigned duty as Hospital NurseJanuary 7th—Tuesday. It is still cold this morning but it is clear and it got pleasant about noon. Went to the hospital this afternoon as a nurse at twenty dollars a month but it is hard work to wait on the sick.January 8th—Wednesday In the hospital twelve hours and there was two discharged today and some are worse and some are improving. Nothing new.January 9th—Thursday. This morning is wet and foggy but it cleared up at noon and was pleasant till night. In my ward till midnight January 10th—Friday. Up at eight and got breakfast at nine and then run down to the quarters. Came back and wrote a letter to my wife. Then went to the hospital till twelve at night. There is some sick boys there but the most of them are better.January 11th—Saturday Up at seven. Eat at eight. Then went over to the hospital and seen the boys. Then went to the quarters. We got new guns today. Nothing else of interest. Clear today.January 12th—Sunday. This is the day the Lord has made but it is not kept here as if it was the Sabbath. There is 16 in this morning and they was doing pretty well but I have thought this day of the goodness of God in sparing me thus far.January 13th—Monday. It is cold and windy this morning and there was four brought to the hospital today and four left—two discharged and two sent to the General Hospital January 14th—Tuesday. The snow is about two inches deep this morning and it still snows but it quit about ten. I am in the hospital at noon and the boys are all better but two.January 15th—Wednesday It sleeted last night and froze on the snow and it rained today and froze. All day in the hospital as nurse. Two went to the city hospital. I feel well and I thank God for it.January 16th—Thursday It has cleared up this morning and it looks pleasant. I sleep about five hours a day now since I came to the hospital but my health is good, thanks be to God for it.January 17th—Friday. wrote a letter to my niece Lori this morning. In the hospital at twelve. There was three sent to the city and the boys are all better. I feel well and in good spirits.January 18th—Saturday This morning it rains and is very muddy. I am still in the hospital and my health is good, thanks be to God for his mercy and goodness to me. I can still put my trust in thee.January 19th—Sabbath morning. It is still wet and muddy. Up at seven and then got breakfast. Went into the hospital to see the boys. Wrote a letter to my wife. Then took dinner and went to the hospital. Nothing of interest. The men are all better.January 20th—Monday. It is still wet and muddy. I feel pretty well this morning and the boys are all doing as well as can be expected. Walker came to see me today and he looks well and hearty.January 21st—Tuesday. This day do not feel very [well]. I have a sore neck and I am very chilly and cold but hope.January 22nd—Wednesday Not any better but worse. I rubbed it with volatile ligament & still it is sore and my head aches and I feel very drowsy. Took some pills and went to bed.January 23rd—Thursday morning. I am some better and hope that I will not be sick. Able to take my turn in the hospital again this afternoon and got along very well.January 24th—Friday. I am well this morning and able for duty and my neck is better and I hope now that I am not going to have a sick spell, thanks be to God for His loving kindness and tender mercy to me notwithstanding my sins and shortcomings January 25th—Saturday It sleeted and froze all night. This morning the ice and snow is about two inches deep. I am well and in the hospital. It is a pretty good place now for the sick now is quite comfortable. I got a letter today from my wife and a present of small piece of tobacco in it. I think the cost overrun the profit.January 26th—Sabbath. Still at the hospital and we have more quiet times than at the quarters but still it is bad enough and it is hard to spend God’s Hole Day in such a place but still God is here as well as at home.January 27th—Monday. It is warm and pleasant this morning. Still in the hospital and the most of the boys are doing well. Our pay has not come yet but the payroll is here for us to sign.January 28th—Tuesday morning. It is raining and it is warm, just about like our March in Mercer county. I signed the payroll this morning but we did not get our pay today. I am well. It is near twelve at night on duty in the hospital January 29th—Wednesday It is foggy and a mist falls this morning but it is warm. I am well and at the hospital. We got our pay today. Mine was $32.50 and it was very acceptable. Nine o’clock at night. On duty in the hospital and I think a great deal about home and my wife and children. Wonder how they are getting along but do not repine.January 30th—Thursday morning. It is raining and very muddy. Went down to the quarters and heard that Lieutenant Cummings had fifty dollars stolen last night. I am well and able for my duty. I feel thankful for mercies past and willing to trust the same hand for time to come.January 31st—Friday. This morning is more pleasant and I am in good health and spirits. Yesterday bought a watch for ten dollars. I am in the hospital and the boys are all doing well and it’s a good place and it is the place I believe for me where I can do the most good and I have the good will of all concerned—the doctors as well as men. I praise God that He has kept me thus far without sickness or pain of any kind. I have slept in the hospital for some nights past. Ten at night and still on duty.February 1st—Saturday. The snow is about two inches deep but it is raining and the snow is melting fast. I am well and able for my rations. There was one of our company died yesterday in the City Hospital. He was about 60 years of age. Eight at night [and still] on duty and I still have reason to be thankful February 2nd—Sabbath morning. It is clear and beautiful. I thank God for his goodness and mercy to me through the week that is past and for the health that I enjoy at this time. I am in the same place yet. There is some curious case in th hospital but it takes all kinds of people to make a world. I spend my Sabbaths somehow but I can hardly tell how. We are doing nothing yet and it is so muddy that we cannot move or drill or do anything else. The most of the boys that are in my ward have had the mumps and taken cold. Mr. J. C. Brown was here today and I sent fifty dollars home to be deposited with Achse and Wick till I want to lift it.February 3rd—Monday. It is snowing and it looks like winter. It snowed all day but the snow is only about three inches deep at night. There is nothing new in camp today. I am still in good health. It makes me think of home to see the snow. It makes me think about how my wife and children are getting along. I am in the hospital yet and I am glad that I have so good a place.February 4th—Tuesday morning. It is clear and cool. Went down to the quarters and seem the company. Came back and wrote a letter to Walker and then eat dinner. In my ward again on duty and the boys are doing well.February 5th—Wednesday This is a clear morning and is pleasant for the time of year and was warm and pleasant all day. Nothing new today. I am well and on duty at the same place. I think that I will stay here as long as I can be useful.February 6th—Thursday. This morning it is rainy and the snow is going away as fast as it can. Nine at night. I have just wrote a letter to Nancy Walker and I am on duty in the hospital. I have got so used to it that I do not get sleepy till about twelve o’clock February 7th—Friday. A fair day and I was down to the quarters and the boys are all well. The boys in the hospital are all getting along first rate. I wrote a letter to D. E. W. tonight and one today to Nancy Walker. I am well. Nothing new.February 8th—Saturday. I am in good health, thanks to the giver of every good for health and every blessing that I enjoy. I am still with the hospital doing all that I can for the comfort of the sick. There is nothing of much importance going on at present. It is clear and warm today. I would like to be at home and spend the Sabbath with my family and enjoy one sweet day of rest.February 9th—Sabbath. It is clear and pleasant this morning. I am in my usual health and still at the hospital yet and there is one discharged every day and about as many come as go. Noon in the hospital on duty. We have prayer here everyday by the chaplain, Mr. McAdam. He is a good man, I believe, and he labors hard for him but there is no Sabbath here or at least it looks like it. Men are at work chopping wood and teams hauling and companies out in full uniform with knapsacks on their back and guns on their shoulders for inspection. But still we have some time to think of God and his goodness [Editor’s note: The following three paragraphs in bold font are the only entries in the diary written in ink and they are written on pages out of chronological order with the rest of the diary. They were clearly written on Sunday, 9 February 1862, however, and I have inserted them here. These paragraphs are intended for his wife and I believe he must have mailed this diary home to her for safekeeping in mid-February when the diary entries stop.]Sabbath night at ten o’clock. I am well and in the hospital on duty as a nurse and I think that Providence has opened up this place for me and I shall never shrink from any duty that I am called to perform if it falls in my power to do it. Before I came to the hospital our boys thought that it was certain death to go there but I am glad to say that there has not one died there since I went and there has been about fifty in there since I went there. Everything depends on good nursing and we have got good nurses in there now and the surgeon says that he is going to keep them.We have prayers in the hospital every day by the chaplain so that we have some religious exercises but you would think that we were not much better than [ ] of heathen if you saw all that transpires here but still if we wish we can have some enjoyment. As long as I tented with my company, we had prayers in our tent every night and it is still kept up. We have some good men in our regiment adn there is some bad ones. We have got along very well so far. We have the name of being the quietest regiment that has been quartered in the District since the war commenced.I have been scribbling some here and if you can read it, you can do more than I can. And I suppose that you will be tired of it before you get it read but if you do not think it worth reading, you can turn over to something better if you can find it and it is all about alike. I can talk a great deal better than write. You must excuse me for I write on my knee and am sleepy and nursing at the same time. — S. B. BeatyFebruary 10th—Monday morning. It is clear and frosty. Up at six and eat breakfast and went down to the quarters. They are going to have regimental drill—the first for a month, it has been so muddy. But it has dried up and it looks like April . It looks as if the winter was over. I am well and able for duty. I sold my watch for eleven dollars. The men are all doing well.February 11th—Tuesday. It is cloudy this morning. There is nothing of interest here—only the drill and we are going to draw our new knapsacks and clothes. I am still in the hospital. I am well and I got a letter from J. A. Beaty today and it is snowing tonight but it is waning. I got a letter from Walker last night and he was well. The boys here are doing fine.February 12th—Wednesday It is clear and warm today. Returned my old knapsack and got a new one. I am well and doing as well as I can. It looks like spring.February 13th—Thursday This morning got a letter from William Lundy. The spring birds are singing and everything looks like as if winter was over. I am still in the hospital. Our camp is quite dry today. I am losing all my drill by being in the hospital but it may be best.February 14th—Friday. It rained a little this morning and was cloudy all day and got cold towards evening. It was clear tonight. I am in my usual health. I am still at the same place and the health of the regiment is improving. We have a woman here as a cook now but it is not much of an improvement for it is still bread and meat and coffee or meat and coffee and bread. I think I shall never want any more coffee after I get home for I am so tired of it. Nothing new in camp today.February 15th—Tuesday. It is snowing this morning and it looks as if it was going to be quite a snow. I am well at this time. We are still lying idle as a regiment and I do not think ever will do much. Then at night. I heard sleigh bells for the first time this evening. At ten we got orders this evening to cross the Potomac and report to General [Samuel P.] Heintzelman’s Headquarters near Alexandria February 16th—Sabbath morning. It is clear and pleasant and the snow is melting fast. At noon it is quite soft. It is about like some of our March snows in Mercer county.Diary # 2S. B. Beatty’s Memorandum Book. If I should be killed or die of disease, you would confer a great favor by sending this by mail to Mrs. M. S. Beatty, Delaware Grove, Mercer county, Pennsylvania January 7, nursing in the hospital February 18, 1862—Left camp Merced today for the other side of the Potomac and it being very muddy and we had a hards march but got along very well, all but some that got drunk. We got our tents up by dark and slept in them and the mud was two inches deep in them.Wednesday, February 19th—We were all day carrying brush and fixing up our hospital and it was still muddy and sad but we done the best we could but we had but few in it.Thursday, February 20th—Nothing of interest today. I am well and saw Daniel Young today.Friday, February 21st—It is still wet and muddy.Saturday, 22nd—-The birthday of Washington and we can hear the booming of cannon all around commemorating the day. Nothing of interest Sabbath 23rd—This is the first that I have spent on the sacred soil of Virginia and it was wet and muddy as usual and there was nothing done.Monday, 24th—It was clear in the morning till about ten o’clock and then there was a shower of rain and the wind rose and it sleeted and it blew a hurricane and blew down all the tents in the regiment and one of our hospital tents and it looked like desolation Tuesday February 25th—It does not blow so hard this morning and we made ready to put our tent and we got it up. I am still well and in good spirits Wednesday February 26th—Got case of varioloid [small pox] in the hospital but I will not run from it but will do my duty and trust my God [that] all shall be well. Nothing else of interest Thursday February 27th—Very busy preparing for inspection. Feel tired but that is nothing new.Friday, February 28th—The day of inspection. Fixed upon it and got everything ready but they did not come to the hospital at all. Feel all right today, thanks to God for his mercy to me.Saturday, March 1st [1862]—In the hospital. There was regimental drill today, the seventh time since we left Camp Curtin. In the evening, General Jamison put them through a while and scared our officers and got [ ] up some but they soon got their wits again and then they were all right again. The colonel [William Maxwell] resigned today and left the command Sabbath March 2nd—The Colonel started home this morning and was quite a touching sight to see him bid goodbye to the boys. Got dinner and then went down to the 63rd to see the boys and it snowed like fury for a while. Came back to the regiment, went to prayer meeting, and then came back to the hospital. I feel well in my mind and of course in body.Monday, March 3rd—The snow is soft with a crust on it and it is foggy and dark. It rained this afternoon. There was regimental drill today and there is a great wonder who will be our Colonel. Nothing else of interest. I am still well. Got vaccinated on Sunday and my arm is some sore and it makes me think of my family at hoe. God has been very gracious to me this day in upholding and comforting me and in drawing me near to Himself. Oh that I may be enabled always to trust Him and take Him for my [ ].Tuesday, March 4th—It is clear this morning. Our patients are all better in the hospital. Regimental drill this forenoon. Nothing else of interest today. I am well. My arm’s quite sore today. It makes me almost sick.Wednesday, March 5th—It is clear this morning and cold. It clouded up about noon. I am well today. There was a Captain [Charles W.] Chapman of the 63rd Regt. shot on picket this morning. Nothing else of interest.“A detachment of the regiment consisting of one hundred men, under command of Lieutenant Colonel Morgan, while out upon the picket line beyond the Occoquan, near Pohick Church, on the night of the 5th of March, 1862, was attacked by a party of the enemy. A skirmish ensued in the midst of the darkness, in which Captain Charles W. Chapman, of company K, and Quartermaster James M. Lysle, were killed.” [63rd Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers]Thursday March 6th—It is a fine day and it looks like spring. Our new Colonel came on today. His name is [Charles Thomas] Campbell, Regimental drill as usual.Friday, March 7th—It is clear but cold and windy. Nothing of interest Saturday March 8th—Clear and fine this morning and I think of going to Mount Vernon today and I went and saw what was to be seen. This is a barren and desolate looking country. The fences are all out of repair and the land looks poor. The houses are old and small and the barns are miserable. It looks as if there was a curse upon it but it might be a fine country. Mt. Vernon is a fine looking farm but it looks neglected and forlorn. I saw the tomb of Washington and Martha, his wife, and several of his family relations and the old mansion and some trees that he planted and the old garden and the fountain and everything that was to be seen. Came back and feel tired but don’t begrudge my tired legs for it was worth all and more too.Sabbath morning, March 9th—warm and pleasant looking Like spring. There is a general inspection this morning. I am well today. I have been mercifully preserved thus far amidst all the hardships of camp life. I have not been one day sick thanks be to God for his goodness to me and I am still encouraged to put my trust in Him for time to come.Monday, March 10th—It is raining this morning and it was most of the day. We drew oil cloth blankets for tents when we march. The Division on the right of us moved today and we expect to move tomorrow. Nothing else of interest Tuesday March 11th—It looks like spring. There is some excitement today about movement but i guess we will not move today, The day passed and we are here yet.Wednesday, March 12th—It is clear and fine this day. There is review today and I went to the Potomac River and it is a noble looking stream. I am well today and in good spirits. There is a report that our army has possession of Manassas Thursday March 13th—It is clear and war and it looks like spring. The spring birds are singing and the leaves are beginning to start on the elders and briers and the grass.Friday, March 14th—Last night got orders to prepare immediately for a march and today we were all ready for a move but we were not commanded to march and we are here yet.Saturday, March 15th—There is quite an excitement in camp today about where we are to go but we know nothing about it. But we are to go on steamers down the Potomac somewhere. I am well and in good spirits. We had a very wet day.Sabbath morning, March 16th—Well and in good spirits. It is fair this morning and there is nothing of much interest. There is still troops coming in for to go down the river. We had preaching today.Monday, March 17th—we marched to Alexandria and went aboard the Elm City—a large and good boat, the best that is here, and where we are going, I do not know.Tuesday, March 18th—We are here on the Potomac and when we will leave this, none of us knows. It is just one month today since we crossed the Potomac. I am well as usual. We started down the river about noon. There was nothing of interest until sunset and it was a grand sight to me.Wednesday, March 19th—A beautiful morning. We are in the Chesapeake Bay and it is so broad that I cannot see land—only on one side, and it looks fine to see so many sails on the water. We landed at Fortress Monroe about sunset and loaded our goods on a horse car, moved them from the wharf and then unloaded them in the middle of the street and I slept for the first time in the street and it rained all the night and the water ran all around Thursday March 20th—Morning, it is still raining and I had to help load the regiment’s stuff and the hospital stuff and then went to hunt the regiment and it was quite a job. After a while, found them quartered in a stable.Friday, March 21st—Slept in a stable last night for the first time and I did not sleep much. We are just beginning to be soldiers. I am still well and i desire to be thankful for mercies past and the blessing that I now enjoy. The regiment moved their quarters and tented out in the open field in their dog tents and it rained in the evening and I stayed and guarded the stuff.Saturday, March 22nd—Still on guard till noon and then went to the regiment and then got some dinner. Our quartermaster is a poor excuse. I am well and in good spirits Sabbath March 25th—It is a beautiful morning and is as still as if there was but one regiment here but I believe there is about thirty thousand here and more coming. Nothing of interest till evening. Then it rained. It is quite cold at night.Monday, March 24th—We got orders this morning to be ready to move again at seven o’clock. The regiment started at eight and we did not get off till about twelve. We went about two miles and pitched our tents. We went through the old town of Hampton that the Rebels burnt last summer. It has been a nice place but it is all burnt. We are about four miles from Fortress Monroe.Tuesday, March 25th—It is clear and the wind feels cold. I am well as usual. Nothing of interest Wednesday March 26th—It is cloudy this morning and it spit snow this afternoon. I am well and I got a letter from my wife and it was a comfort to me.Thursday, March 27th—It was clear again this morning and it looks like summer. There is nothing of interest. I am well, thanks to God for His goodness to me.Friday, March 28th—It is clear and beautiful this morning. I washed some this forenoon and I am in the hospital. I am well and in good spirits. Nothing else but the usual montage of duty.Saturday, 29th March—The wind is in the east and it’s cold and chilly this afternoon. It is raining and sleeting. It is hard to see the soldiers camped in these small tents when it is cold and disagreeable, Got a letter from A. Walker today.Sabbath morning, March 30th—It rained all night and when I woke up this morning, I was lying in the water about two inches deep but I am still well. There seems to be no regard for the Sabbath here. While I write, the boys are playing ball and some are building fire places and walling up the front of their tents and some are at prayer meeting and some are lying in their tents.Monday, March 31st—It is clear and fine this morning. It is as warm as summer today and it makes me feel lazy but I am alright. I am still in the hospital but do not know how long I am going to stay but will know by tomorrow. It is two at night and I am on duty in the hospital Tuesday 1 April—It is clearcut not as warm as it was yesterday. I am going to stay awhile longer in the hospital. I am well but feel sleepy and tired. Went to bed at six.Wednesday, 2nd April—Up at twelve and I did not sleep more than two hours last night and I feel kind of used up but I am in good health Thursday 3rd April—Morning on duty in the hospital. I feel almost used up for the want of sleep but I am in good health. There is eleven in the hospital today but there is none of them dangerous. This is a beautiful day. We had a thunder shower last night and it started the grass to grow and it looks quite refreshing Friday 4th April—We have marching orders this morning to march on Yorktown. We started at seven and marched to Great Bethel and the Rebels lead left just before we got there and I was very much disappointed in the place. There is but one house beside the Meeting House and the fortifications are but very slight. There is nothing but mud works and we went on about two miles and encamped for the night and slept under the wagon. Slept very well and feel well this morning Saturday 5th April—I am well this morning. Our men started for Yorktown and I saw General McClellan this morning for the first time and he is a very plain looking man but is bold as a lion. It is a bad day for a march. It is raining but I am with the train and we can hear the sound of the cannon ahead of us towards Yorktown as if there was a skirmish. It is twelve and we have not started yet. This evening it cleared up and we have not started with the train yet.Sabbath morning, 6th April—It is clear and fine. We are here yet and the regiment is some six or eight miles ahead. Our train started at 6:30 o’clock for the camp. This is a very sandy country and there is more timber than in Mercer county and more swamp. We came to the place about noon that the skirmish was yesterday but do not know any of the particulars, We are beginning to soldier it now. It does not seem much like the Sabbath. We had very bad roads part of the way. Got to the camp about sunset and found all safe and sound, The Rebels threw some shells into our camp and killed a few of the artillery horses.Monday, 7th April—Don’t feel very well today and took some medicine. Got our hospital in big. There is nothing of interest in camp today worthy of note.Tuesday, 8th April—I am still unwell but am able to attend to my duty. I am very bilious but hope to be all right soon. It is a very wet day and nothing doing Wednesday 9th April—It is still wet and cold. Got orders this morning to move the hospital and it was a hard job for me and the work all fell on [1st Sergt. Thomas O.] Collamore and I. There was about ten or twelve in and they were moved out about one and a half miles and there was no provision made for them and we had no hands to put up our tents and we had to depend on the charity of our neighbors for their night’s lodging but we got along some way. I feel some better now.Thursday, 10th April—It is cold and spitting snow a little. We are here beside a Meeting House and there has been a Rebel camp here and there is several of their soldiers buried in the graveyard. It is a very flat and wet [place] and I should think unhealthy, I am some better today but do not feel right yet.Friday, 11th April—It is clear and fine this morning and it is quite refreshing. I am some better today and the boys are all doing well. Our regiment had a skirmish today with the enemy and there was three of them wounded and they killed about fifty or sixty of the Rebels Saturday 12th April—It is still clear and pleasant. All is quiet in camp as if nothing had happened. I am still able for duty. There is nothing of interest thus far.Sabbath morning, 13th April—It is clear and it makes me think of home that I left and my wife and children and a wish to be with those to spend if but one day with them and enjoy one Sabbath at home. All is quiet this morning. Nothing of interest. Our regiment went out on picket this evening.Monday, 14th April—Still clear. I am as well as common. All is quiet. Our pickets brought in one prisoner this morning. Nothing else of interest Tuesday 15th April—Cloudy this morning. I am well and feel thankful for my returning health. Our men are in god spirits. It is clear this afternoon. All is quiet except some shells flying back and forth from one camp to the other. Nothing else of interest Wednesday 16th April—It is clear and fine today, It is very warm. I am well and in good spirits. There is some cannonading today. There is no stir in camp. Nothing of moment today.Thursday, 17th April—It is very warm today, Our men are throwing some shot and shell today at the enemy. Our regiment is out on picket today. We moved our hospital again today. This evening there was the first of our regiment killed by the bursting of a shell. Nothing else of interest. Frederick Varick [of Co. G was killed].Friday, 18th April—It is clear and would be pleasant if I was at home. It is just one month since we left Alexandria and not much done yet. Our men are besieging Yorktown Saturday 19th April—It is cloudy this morning but pleasant. There is not much a doing. It is raining a little this afternoon. There was a ball threw over our camp. Nothing else of note.Sabbath, 20th April—It is raining and cold and all is quiet except an occasional cannon shot, I am well. Nothing else of note.Monday, 21st April—It is raining this morning. I am well. Got a letter from my wife and wrote one to her, All is quiet. Nothing else of interest Tuesday 22nd April—It is clear and beautiful. I am in good health and spirits. There is no fighting today. The soil here is good but it is wet and marshy Wednesday 23rd April—It is still clear and pleasant. All is quiet as if there was no army here. I am as usual. It is a beautiful place here in the woods. Nothing else of interest Thursday 24th April—It is clear and cold this morning. I am well. Drew new pants today. Was down at the regiment today. All is quiet.Friday, 25th April—It is cloudy and cold and chilly. I am well this morning. All is quiet in camp.Saturday, 26th April—Is wet and cold. There was a small skirmish this morning and our men took twenty prisoners. Our regiment was called out but was too late. It was wet all day and there was nothing of interest Sabbath 27th April—It is still cold and cloudy. I am well and hope that I may have good health.Monday, 28th April—It is cloudy this morning. At noon it cleared up and it is pleasant. There is nothing of interest in camp today.Tuesday, 29th April—It is foggy and dark this morning. Cleared away about ten. Our regiment moved their camp today Wednesday 30th April—It is cloudy this morning. All is quiet as usual. I am well at present. Our regiment on picket. Nothing else.Thursday, 1st May—It’s warm and foggy. Still in the hospital. I am in good health. Went over to the regiment and was mustered for pay. There is four months pay due us now. All is quiet. The siege is still progressing but silently Friday 2nd May—It is clear and warm. The Rebels are throwing shot and shell quite rapid today. Our men don’t answer them but work away. I am well.Saturday, 3rd May—There is nothing of much interest yet today, The Rebels are throwing shells pretty rapid this evening and some think they are leaving.Sabbath morning, 4th May—The Rebels have evacuated Yorktown and our men are on the march to take possession. I am well and in good spirits. Henry Eberman died last night in the Church Hospital and was buried today. We got orders to march about 2. Yorktown is very strongly fortified and I think they missed it by leaving. It does not seem much like the Sabbath to me, one the quiet days at home.Monday, 5th May—It rained last night and it still rains today. Our Brigade stands to pressure the Rebels this morning and we soon heard firing and it was kept up all day. We do not know the result. The roads are very bad and the road was full of teams all day. Our teams went about two miles. it still rains.Tuesday, 6th May—morning is clear and there is still more troops coming. Soldiering is hard business. We have different reports about the fight yesterday. our regiment was not in the engagement. We are stopped for the night. I wish we were with them.Wednesday, 7th May—Is clear and fine. We are about four miles from Williamsburg and no prospect of us getting on today. Some of our army went back to Yorktown this afternoon. Our team stayed. I stayed to guard the balance of the stuff. It is a beautiful day and I would like to be with the regiment Thursday 8th May—It is clear and pleasant. Our teams are here and I am going on to the regiment and I am glad of it. There is very bad roads. We went past the battle ground and it was a strong position. Our men could have held it against one hundred thousand of the best troops but it was a hard fought battle. It is a fine country around Williamsburg Friday 9th May—It is clear and pleasant. We are under marching orders. We started at ten from Williamsburg for some place up river. We saw plenty of rebel clothes thrown away in their flight from us. This is an old town, It was settled long before the Revolution. I saw wheat out in head today. We were all day going six miles. Camped for the night in the road, Went o bed at 12.Saturday, 10th May—Up at daylight making ready for a march. It does not seem much like the days at home for there is a train of wagons on the move ten miles long. After going four miles through a dense forest of pine to an improvement and it is the best I have seen in Virginia. The road is bad. I am well and wish I was at home to spend the day with my family but I must be contented and act the soldier. I spent last night in the middle of the road and slept very ell. Got to the regiment at sundown Sabbath 11th May—It is clear and warm. Are making ready for a march. I am well and it does not seem much like the day of rest. It is hard to spend the day in the army for there is so much noise and confusion Monday 12th May—Is still clear and beautiful. We are camped on the road forty miles from Richmond. I am well. Got a letter from my wife today. I was glad to hear from home and wish I was ready to go there but that is out of the question Tuesday 13th May—Clear and fine. Up at five. Slept under the wagon. Got orders to be ready to march at ten. All ready. This is a beautiful place. Started at the hour. It is slow traveling in the army. Saw corn four inches high. Marched about one mile and camped for the night and got two months pay.Wednesday, 14th May—Up at three. Started to march at four. Saw an orchard in the woods and several places where whole farms were overgrown with timbers of quite large trees. This wound be a fine country if it was not for slavery. Marched seven miles, then camped adn pitched our tents and stayed there all night.Thursday, 15th May—Is raining this morning. Got orders to march at six. Our train went half a mile and I stood about three hours. Saw more land that has been farmed overgrown with timber. Stopped for the night at Cumberland Landing and it is a very nice place. If it was in the North, there would have been quite a town. I am well but partly wet.Friday, 16th May—It is cloudy but not wet. I am well as usual. Nothing of interest today in camp. I saw some steam adn sailing vessels today. Sent home twenty-five dollars to my wife by Adams Express. Sent it to J. K. Hamblin Saturday 17th May—It is clear and warm. Washed some today. Sent off all the sick today in a boat. I am in good health. Nothing else.Sabbath, 18th May—Up at five. I am well as usual. It is the quietest Sabbath we have had for some time. There is nothing else of interest Monday 19th May—Our Brigade left—all but our regiment and we stayed to guard the Landing. The name is Cumberland on the Pamunkey River—the south branch of the York river—and it is about 70 miles from the bay and the tide rises at least two feet.Encampment of Army of Potomac at Cumberland Landing on Pamunkey River, May 1862Tuesday, 20th May—We are still here. I am not well today but think I soon will be. It is warm and dry.Wednesday, 21st May—It is clear and warm. I am some better today. We are still at the landing and I do not know how long we will stay here. Commenced to write a letter to my wife today. The Locust trees are white with blossom. All is quiet and nothing of interest Thursday 22nd May—Morning is clear and there is a fine breeze. It is quite refreshing. Wrote to my wife today. I am well and in good spirits and I am thankful Friday 23rd May—Got orders to march at six. All ready and on the march. Went eight miles and pitched our tents and got dinner and then got orders to pull up and be off again all on the march and it is slow going. I saw roses today for the first I have seen. Ten at night. We are still on the road as good boys working for Uncle Sam. Came through a fine country but it is like all the rest of with slavery. Fields overgrown with bushes and briers Saturday 24th May—Up at five. Slept by the side of the road. Slept about three hours, Feel all right. it is pleasant. We are ready for a move. Got to the Brigade at nine o’clock. At ten it commenced raining till evening.Sabbath morning, 25th May—Up at five. I am well, thanks be to god for His mercies to me. Got orders to march. Started at 7 o’clock towards Richmond. Crossed the Chickahominy and camped within 12 miles of Richmond for the night. All is quiet. the same curse rests on the country now. Within ten or twelve miles of the Capitol and it looks like the vineyard of the sluggard Monday 26th May—It is clear and cold for the place. I am well. Got orders to send everything back but the shelter tents and one blanket. I went back with the doctors things across the Chickahominy Tuesday 27th May—It is raining. The teams went back for the rest of the stuff. I am well and would like o be with the regiment. There is about one thousand wagons in sight of this place. There is some cannonading on our right this afternoon. Our regiment is on picket Wednesday 28th May—It is clear and fine. I am still guarding the doctor’s goods four miles in the rear of the regiment. I am well. Wishing the war was over that I could go home to my family. I long very much to see them.Thursday, 29th May—It is clear. I am still guarding. It is very lonesome away from the regiment. I wish I was relieved so that I could go forward to the boys. I am well. Butter is selling at 40 cents and cheese at 35 and eggs at 40 per dozen. Small round ginger cakes 2 cents apiece adn everything else in proportion Friday 30th May—It is cloudy this morning. I am still on the north side of the Chickahominy guarding the doctor’s traps. I am well as usual. Our Brigade moved back two miles and took up position on the railroad to guard it.Saturday, 31st May—It rained last night and there was thunder and lightning. All is quiet. Still in the same place. I am well. It is very warm. There is a battle going on in front. it has lasted all afternoon. Our Brigade is called out. there is conflicting reports about the fight.Sabbath morning, 1st June—It is cloudy and misting rain. The fight has commenced again. It is 5:15 o’clock and it was a hard fight for 5 or 6 hours but our men drove them back. Our army were attacked both days and they fought bravely doing honor to themselves and their country. There was several of our regiment killed and some wounded on Saturday. Today no particulars Monday 2nd June—I am still in the same place. Moved back about sixty rods to get better ground. There is quite a number of our men in. The most of them are wounded in the hand. The river has risen by some means not known to us about two feet so that it is hard for the wagons to cross. All quiet but the water is still up. Nothing else.Tuesday, 3rd June—I am well and in good spirits. We had a thunder shower last night. It is very warm this morning. We are still away from the regiment guarding the medicine and other hospital stuff. Crossed the Chickahominy and I went to the regiment and slept out in the open air and it rained all night Wednesday 4th June—It is still raining and there is many of our men that have neither blankets nor tents and it seems hard to haven exposed without shelters of any kind. I am well.Thursday, 5th June—It is still cloudy and cool. there is not much of interest—only that our men are still fetching in the wounded rebels and it is a horrid sight to see men that have lay on the field wounded for four days all fly blown. But war is cruel.Friday, 6th June—It is cold and chilly and I am very unwell today. All is quiet. Nothing else of interest Saturday 7th June—It is clear this morning. I am still sick. It rained this afternoon. Nothing of much interest in camp today.Sabbath, 8th June—It is clear and nice. I am in the wood away about 1.5 miles from the regiment and it is the quietest Sabbath I have seen for some time. I am still quite unwell. There is nothing else of interest Monday 9th June—I am still sick. We are going to move the hospital up to the regiment. Started to ride in the wagon but I could not stand it. Got there all safe [but] do not feel any better.Tuesday, 10th June—It is raining and is quite cold. I am still under the weather. I am able to walk around. Went over part of the battle field and the balls must have flew thick and fast. I saw little bushes not more than two inches through that had sixteen balls in them.Wednesday, 11th June—It is clear and cold. The Regiment marched back about one mile. All is quiet. i am still not well but think i am some better Thursday 12th June—It is still clear but warm. I am some little better. There was picket firing today. How I wish for the sight of my home and wife and children. I think I would soon recruit up again but it will take me some time hereFriday, 13th June—It is clear and warm. Up at five. Got breakfast and started for the regiment. The Rebels are throwing shells at our men. I am some better but still have that oppression in my left side. I am almost done soldiering Saturday 14th June—It is very warm today and the water is poor and scarce and the land literally stinks and I cannot help but be unhealthy. i am still better and think that I am going to get well. Went to the regiment for a letter but was disappointed again. Did not get any.Sabbath, 15th June—It is clear and warm this morning. It makes the sweat run free. I am still at the hospital. There is about fifty under the doctor’s care. I am about well now. This is a quiet day. One of the quietest I have spent in the service.Monday, 16th June—It is clear and cold this morning. I feel quite well, thanks be to God for continual blessings. All is quiet today.Tuesday, 17th June—It is clear and cold. Up at sunrise. Feel well. I am at the hospital. There is some heavy cannonading on the James River. there is nothing else.Wednesday, 18th June—It is clear and warm. I am well and able for duty. Wrote a letter to my beloved wife today. There is seventy here under the doctor’s care at this time. All is quiet.Thursday, 19th June—All is quiet. I am well today, thanks to the Giver of every good for HIs goodness to me.Friday, 20th June—It is still clear. There is nothing new. The same monotonous life. Oh how I wish I was at home with my family. I am about satisfied with a soldier’s life. It is not the life for me.Saturday, 21st June—Clear and warm. All is quiet. I am well. Wrote to my wife. There is nothing of interest today.Sabbath, 22nd June—It is still clear and warm. This is the quietest Sabbath I have spent for a long time. There is no stir of any kind. I am well and think I feel truly thankful to God for His goodness and mercy to me. This evening there was a small skirmish on which the Rebels lost about seven hundred in killed, wounded and prisoners and our men lost in all forty.Monday, 23rd June—It is warm and beautiful. All is quiet. I am well and able for duty. It rained this evening and there is some picket firing this evening. Nothing else.Tuesday, 24th June—It is clear but it looks like rain. I am still well and at the hospital we have 92 men here but they are all doing well except three and I think they will get well. There is nothing of interest Wednesday 25th June—It’s clear and pleasant this morning. There was an advance of our army today and there was quite a hard figh

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