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Back to 12th New Jersey Infantry
12th New Jersey Infantry, Day by Day
The authors:
James S. Kiger, Sergeant, Company A, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, Oct. 1, 1863; discharged therefrom as 1st Sergeant at Trenton, N. J., July 6, 1865.
David V. M. Smith, Private, Company D, died of dysentery at Washington, D. C., Oct., 14, 1863.
Charles W. Gamble, Corporal, Company D, died of typhoid fever at Hospital, Camp near Stony Mountain, Va., Jan. 13, 1864; Corp. April 11, 1863.
Ira C. Hall, Private, Company E, transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, Sept. 30, 1864; discharged therefrom July 4, 1865.
David Boody, Private, Company F, Died of disease at Regimental Hospital, Ellicott's Mills, Md., Nov. 13, 1862.
David Borton, Sergeant, Company F, promoted Sergeant March 20, 1864.
William P. Haines, Private, Company F, promoted Corporal September 1, 1864
Azariah Stratton, Corporal, Company F, Corp. July 29, 1862; Sergeant Dec. 11, 1862; 1st Sergeant. Jan. 1, 1864; 1st Lieut. Sept. 13, 1864; Capt. vice Riley mustered out.
Edward L. Stratton, Captain, Company F, Discharged Dec. 13, 1863, to accept commission as Capt Veteran Reserve Corps, S. O. 11, Par. 10, War Dept., A. G. O. Washington, D. C., Jan. 8, 1864; leg amputated; Brevet Maj. and Lieut. Col. Nov. 27, 1865.
Alfred H. Buck, Sergeant, Company H, Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, Feb. 16, 1864; discharged therefrom June 27, 1865.
Richard S. Thompson, Captain, Company K, promoted Major Feb. 25, 1864.
Joseph Husted, Corporal, Company K, discharged at U. S. Army Gen. Hosp., Fairfax Seminary, Va., Oct. 24, 1863
Disability.
Unknown author, Company K, writing in West Jersey Pioneer
Unknown author, writing in The Methodist
09/07/1862
“Mor at 8.30 strike tents at 10.30 we leave (Full Regt) in cars. Arrive in Camden meet Cort John Jim Scovil & Bob —— Kate & others cross to Phil. Take dinner at Coopers Refreshment Saloon. march to Broad St Depot. take cars to Baltimore arrive at Baltimore at 11.30 p.m. march from one depot to the others with guns loaded & Bayonets fixed. sleep on the street all night Jim Wethersby come to me”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
09/08/1862
“Monday morning, September 8th, we rise early, with many a dent and scar on hip and other parts in contact with the cobbles; get another good meal at 8 o'clock, then wander around town until noon, when we take the Baltimore and Ohio train for Ellicott's Mills, twelve miles away, where we unload at 3.20, march up a high hill, or young mountain, steep as a house room, form camp, and pitch tents on the level, grassy summit; and here we spend two happy months, amid surroundings beautiful and romantic. The little town, nestling in the valley below us, the beautiful Patapsco river, like a shining thread of silver, winding here and yon.
By rugged hills and busy mills, over dams and rocks a splashing;
From wooded plains, the rumbling trains, come 'round the mountains dashing;
We spend our days in pleasant ways, guard river, road and thicket;
Have drill, review, and dancing, too, or stand our turn on picket.
The hills are high. the meadows green, the landscape seldom rougher;
John Dorsey's chickens, pigs and sheep; O, how they have to suffer!
From Antietam's field, not far away, we hear the cannons rattle;
We catch the skulkers, prisoners, the aftermath of battle. With youthful might;
With youthful might, our duties light, our lives a joyous dream,
Our days we fill with match and drill, in earthly heaven we seem.”
History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
“breakfast with Mr. Wethersby Lie on the street at the lower Depot all the mor at 3.30 p.m. the Regt takes cars to Ellicotts Mills on the Patapsco River 10 miles from Baltimore & 6 from Relay House. Here we Bivouac on the ground for the night. Report says Stonewall Jackson is near. We are under command of Maj Gen Wool Camp Kearny Johnson”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 8
Stayed in Baltimore untill noon left Balto about one oclock for Releah House. Stopped at Ellicotts Mills slept on the top of a high hill serrounded by a deep valley, found a spring of excellent water runing out of a rock also a stream runing through the rocks a find place for washing right among the rebells came up the railroad in baggage cars.”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/09/1862
“Morning pitch tents. Remain on duty all day. scenery is very fine & picturesque mountains &c. Ellicotts Mills an old settled town of 5000 inhabitants. At 9.30 we turn in and feel quite well suited to think we have a tent to sleep in.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Ellicott's Mills, Md.
September 9, 1862
My dear Sister,
We left Camp Stockton, Woodbury on Sunday morning at 10:30, arrived in Philadelphia, took dinner at the Cooper Refreshment Saloon, and proceeded to Baltimore, arriving at 11:30 Sunday evening. We slept on the street pavement and on Monday at 3 p.m. came onto this old settled town of Ellicott's Mills. The country here is mountainous and picturesque, about 5000 inhabitants, half Union and half not.
We took the ground for bed and the full sky for covering last evening. Am all right this morning.
We may stay here several days, as this town has to be protected. I cannot tell when to write me as our movements are rather uncertain. But I will try and let you know soon.
In haste from your affectionate brother,
Richard”
Letters of Richard S. Thompson
“Tuesday 9
pitched our tents to day had quite a time to get them together and in the right place very warm to day at tinene oclock was called up in a hurry to go out on a Scouting exbidition Did not find any rebels”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
9/1862
““Soon after reaching Ellicott's Mills, Md., in September, 1862, our company was sent out for the first time on
picket, this being just about the time of the battle of Antietam. not many miles away, when rebel spies were scouring this part of the country for information of the whereabouts of our lines and troops, and we were given very strict orders as to our duties, etc.; be vigilant, watchful, allow nothing to pass your post; halt them at proper distance, and if they turn to escape halt twice more, then shoot to kill. George H. Coles and Elwood Griscom were placed on a very responsible post, where the Baltimore pike crossed the Patapsco River, with strict orders
to “guard the bridge, allow nothing to pass, etc.,” and while Griscom was standing his turn of duty on second relief, a large domestic duck, full of business and — feathers, but painfully ignorant of all military etiquette, came sailing down the stream, ” nor dreamed of war or danger near,” yet closely approaching our vigilant sentinel, who, full of the importance of his new position and trembling with eagerness at the daring approach of this first rebel, brought his gun up to a “ready” with a sharp “Halt!” which caused the startled duck to turn to escape.
but “halt! halt!” and the quick crack of his musket brought the officer of the guard, all in a flurry as to cause of an alarm on picket, and catching sight of the duck, breathing vengeance on a man caught foraging. But Griscom explained it so innocently, how he halted three times, then shot to prevent escape; that he obeyed orders, and was prompted solely by duty — not duck — that the officer smilingly praised his vigilance and went back to the reserve post, while George H. Coles skinned the duck (too tedious to pick her). When Griscom came off his post one hour later they had her fried for supper; his bosom swelling with a proud consciousness of duty well performed.
A REMINISCENCE.
BY A. STRATTON.
When the regiment was encamped at Ellicott's Mills, two of the boys of Company F were suddenly afflicted with what was called a “fowl stomach.” So they thought to satisfy their longing in that direction, and concluded while on picket that night that they would investigate a certain roosting-place. As the night advanced their courage seemed to ebb out, but “ time and opportunity ' ' came to brace them up. I think yet, if it had not been that towards daylight the roosters commenced to crow, the two boys would not have fallen so far from grace. One said, “Do you hear that ? ” Now these boys were not thieves. Oh, no! But,
“O, opportunity ! thy guilt is great. Thou stand'st the boys where they the chickens may get ; Whoever plottest the sin, thou point'st the season ; 'Tis thou that spurn'st at right, at law, at reason.”
These chickens were roosting in a wagon-shed beside the river road, a short distance below camp, near the picket post. (I never did know why it was put so near that wagon-shed. ) They stacked their guns and went for them. The chickens were roosting on the joists overhead. Notwithstanding these boys were both of them tall, they could, by standing on tiptoe, only just touch the roosting-place. Each one located his bird, and at a given word was to spring up and catch it by the feet. Now that seemed easy enough, but it was demonstrated on that occasion that it won't work more than half the time. One of the boys miscalculated the distance and struck his bird under the after part and sent it flying across the roost, which set the others to squalling; and such squalling was never heard
before. (I think some of the boys of the other companies had been there before, as they seemed to be trained to squall on Sight of a soldier.) They heard a window being pushed up in the adjoining house, when they cut and ran for the post.
Results : First, one chicken among two, smuggled into camp and then a feast. Second, Two boys! Well, one of them at
least, never stole another chicken; cause, lack of opportunity.”
History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
09/10/1862
“September 10th, we march down to the quartermaster's and draw our fancy dress-coats—those stiff, uncomfortable, close fitting abominations, with their brass buttons, high shoulders and stiff standing collar, that inflamed and endangered both throat and ears.”
History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
“At 12.10 a.m. (midnight) we, (Co K.H.B.E.) are ordered arms. the men are in positions at 12.15. five minutes for the first falling out at night. We march to Col. guards & K H & B are placed under Major Davis & go out Helltown road 4 1/2 miles & back to within 1/2 mile of town on quick time here we rest till 9 a.m. & we returned & went to Camp. Afternoon take some sleep Eve our company is ordered under arms & Report at Headquarters after being in line 1 hour in the rain are dismissed and return to Camp. “
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Ellicott's Mill, Maryland.
September 10th, 1862.
Dear Parents and Wife;-
I take the opportunity to sit down on a stone and make a desk of another one to write to you a few lines to inform you that I am well at present and hope that these few lines may find you all the same.
We are encamped on a hill in this place about 80 or 100 feet high and a valley all around. The Rebels are within 8 miles of us, and in fact they are all around us. Last night there was 5 of our Companies ordered out to the 14th Regiment about 12 o’clock on the double quick time; and that is about 5 mile from here. They have not returned yet with the exception of four men and they tired out and returned to their tents on the same night. Tonight I suppose that we will go out on the same errand by the looks of things and our officers around us. I think that we shall have to go in battle soon whether we are trained or not.
There is another Company (C) has just been called out and now I expect that our Company will have to go soon; they are all here at the fountain spring filling their canteens with water now: It is one of the best little streams of water that I ever saw. It runs out of a rock and is the best of water; it runs about an inch thick an about three feet from the rock.
I must stop and tell you about our travel out here; after we left Woodbury we went to Philadelphia and then we went into a place where we got a good dinner given us all, and then we marched to another car*, about two miles and I tell you it was warm and I got tired of my baggage. When we got there I was as wet as if I had come out of a harvest field in July. We stayed there about an hour and then we started for Baltimore. We went through several places and crossed several rivers. We came to a place where we ran all of our cars on a boat at once and went across the river and there was a long string of them. Then we went on to Baltimore and we got there about 12 o'clock and then we got out of the cars and marched about 1 ½ miles to another car; there we (here I was called out to go out in the town and get our dress coats and tell you they are something handsome and I have just returned so now I will go on with the cars) got another good supper and then we all marched out on to the Rail-Road track and laid down on a stone pavement behind the railing and took our knapsacks for pillows and there we laid until morning.
Then we got aboard the cars about 10 o'clock and started and arrived here about 5 o'clock in the afternoon; then we marched up on this hill and laid down on our blankets and went to sleep. In the morning our tents came and we went to putting them up; and last night we rested right well in them until morning. No more at present but remain Your Son and Husband
C. W. Gamble
Please read this letter to Eliza and give it to her. Henry Woodruff is well. Dave, Sam and all of the boys send their best respects to you all. Direct your letter to Baltimore County, Maryland, in care of Captain Moore Co. D 12th Regiment N. J. Volunteers.”
Letters of Charles Gamble
“Wenesday 10
came in camp this morning about ten oclock eat our breakfast & took a good wash laid down for a nap was soon called up to get our dress coats after Supper was ordered to fill our haversacks with rations for thirty six hours started to go out on picket got down to the hotel was ordered back by the major turned in & had a good nights rest”“
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/11/1862
“ELLICOTT'S MILLS, Md., Sept. 11, 1862.
Our regiment, Twelfth New Jersey, has been here nearly a week, and since that time it has had some active service. On Monday the “boys” scouted through the village, properly known as Ellicott's Mills, deriving its name from the large number of cloth mills, flour mills, &c., owned by the family of the above name. It is a pretty village, of the ancient order, comprising some five thousand inhabitants. While scouting around, some Union men pointed out a rebellious F. F. M., in the shape of a decrepid, miserable form of humanity. Naturally a break was made for said Secesh's house, and the “old flag” soon floated, fanned by the mountain breeze, over his domicile.
On Wednesday our boys captured from a Secessionist sixty bags of salt, besides some horses and wagons. Secesh looked downcast, and saluted us soldiers with the popular epithet used by refined Souther chivalry, ”—- Yankees.”
Our regiment is now on detached service, some companies being on picket six miles from camp; others are guarding bridges, railroads, &c. This kind of service does not appear agreeable to us, for we expected to go into more active service, but “there is a time for all things.”“
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 9/16/1862
“Mor. at 8 Company ordered under arms again & report at Head Quarters for duty. are again excused & return to camp”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Thursday 11
this morning was ordered to fill our haversacks with rations for twenty four hours started out again for picket duty got down to the hotel was ordered back again by the colonel Staid in camp about an hour was again ordered to fall in under arms we then went to Ilchester to relieve Company A here we where stationed in Squads to gard the railroad Bridge had a very rainey night & quite an exciting time anticipated an attack from the enemy herd fireing of musketry up the helltown road.”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/12/1862
“Morning am appointed Asst Provost Marshal of the district under Col Johnson 12th NJ Vol and at once declare Marshal Law. afternoon Remained in office granting passes & administering the oath of allegience.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 12
this morning feel quite tired & Sleepey have very plesent weather major has just arived about nine oclock was sent in to the Mills with a prisaner Company came about noon Staid in camp the rest of the day Company N relieved us this morning”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/13/1862
“All day in office doing duty as asst. Provost Marshal. Many refuse to take the oath. Arrest several citizens”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Ellicott’s Mills
September 13th, ‘62.
Dear Parents and Wife;-
I take this opportunity to write to inform you that we are at the present at the same place where we were when last I wrote you. I am enjoying good health at present. I had a fit at Camp Stockton, and they said that it was a hard one; and I have been unwell ever since we have been here, and had another very hard fit, but I feel now as well as ever I felt in my entire life.
I often think of Eliza, my wife, and George and Father and Mother. I have been on picket* duty once since I have been here; I was on about 30 hours and then returned to Camp again on Saturday the 12th about 11 o’clock. Then we had nothing to do only to attend to answer our names when the roll was called, so I went to the captain and got a pass for Dave and myself and went out in the town; there we went to a place and called for supper and we had a good one; we called for ham and eggs and we got it. They were good too, for they were rarity to us, for we have nothing here but boiled beef and those sea biscuits, and they are so hard as the rocks. Some times we have fried bacon and that is not extra and sometimes we have beans in soup. Today I see we are going to have some hominy for dinner, but I don’t know whether I shall get any of it or not, for every one dips into it when ever he gets a chance. I should like for you to see us when meals are served; to see them with their dishes and cups, running like pigs to a trough for swill, and it is the best one that gets there first.
We have taken three of Jackson’s men as prisoners, and have got them here in the guard-house; we had a hard time last night to keep the Cavalry off of them, and we have to put a guard around the tent to keep them from killing them, but to day they have left here for Baltimore. I tell you they are a hard looking set; they are a harder looking set than we are, and that is needless.
To day and Sunday we had a chance to go to meeting, but we thought that we would write home. So we, Dave and myself, went down to our stone desk and commenced to write home letters to you all.
All the butter, eggs and bread that we get here we have to pay for out of our own pockets, and that is very hard; we have to pay .25 a dozen for eggs; .25 for butter and .10 for a loaf of bread, and it takes off the money very fast; but to day they have brought in some bread. So no more at present, but remain
Your Son
C. W. Gamble.
P.S. Henry Woodard and Sam Green are well and in good spirits and send their best respects to you all. Write soon and let me know how you are getting along. Direct your letters to me at Ellicott’s Mills, Baltimore County, Md. 12th Regiment.”
Letters of Charles Gamble.
“Saturday 13
had a good nights rest but feel very felt very unwell all day Staid in camp all day drilling this morning and again this afternoon Saw some men on horseback thought they where spies Sent some men over to see found they where farmers have very plesant weather to day Company N came in about dusk accompaned by the brass band from Ilester been out since yesterday morning”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/14/1862
“All day in the Office doing duty as Provost Marshal Marshal. Arrest several citizens”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Sept 13th/62
Ellicotts Mills
Baltimore County
Maryland
Dear wife I am sick and have been since I have been all the time since I have been in the army but hope this small note may find you in good health together with all the Rest of the family I am sick for the want of something I can eat we get out in the town once in 3 days and then we get ham and eggs or what ever we want, the grub we get in camp the devil cant eat we left woodbury on last sunday come through philada and got our dinners we got to Baltimore about 11 oclock at night - and we 1 thousand strong lay on the Rail Road with our feet on 1 Rail and the other for a pillow but we had a good nap and left that place for this about 11 oclock on monday and we slept on a pile of stones without any tents but the one that Provey gave us about 400 feet above any where on tuesday we put up our tents and on wednesday I was put on guard but was to sick to serve on thursday I was still under the charge of the hospital Steward on Fryday and company was taken out on picket duty to a place called helltown about 4 miles from our camp and gave out about noon and was sent by the Surgeon to the Captains headquarters where I staid until noon of Saturday and Returned to camp Saturday night
C H Gamble and myself got a pass and went into town and got some of them ham and eggs for 40 cents a peace. this morning sunday we had a chance to to out to church but I though I would try to write you a letter and miss going to church for once we […] out streets and cleaned our guns and brasses this morning got our own Breakfasts in part - and have had a very Comfortable time up to the present
Our Regiment has taken 3 of Stonewall Jacksons men and one of Burnsides that was sent by him with a paper for New york we kept them here under guard last night and this morning was sent to Baltimore Jacksons men looks worse than I do and I look worse than the devil the Cavelry was bound to kill the Jackson Prisoners they come up to the guard house at one time and was bound to kill the prisoners and struck at them with thier swords and the blows was Received by our guards we are now encampt on a mount the hight above mentioned we have good water but it takes a man with good wind to get to it You must excuse me for the present as I am on one stone with
I forgot to date this at the proper time but suppose you can understand it
another for a desk and 2 men sitting by waiting for me to write for them in some places I have wrote to much in others I have not wrote enough but take this and compare it with John Gambles Esq and you can get the meaning of Both letters I will write you again as soon as I can tell Pompey Charley and any and yourself that I hope to see them again but that depends on the Ruler above but he yet smile on me
I yet as I always have been your loving Husband send me a letter whenever can you can write at any time but I cannot Direct your letter to Ellicotts Mills Baltimore Co Maryland 12 Regiment NJ Volunteers in care of Capt Wm Henry Moore
D V M Smith”
Letters of David V. M. Smith, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
“Sunday 14th
this morning our Company has gone to Ilchester again to gard the Bridge beaing very unwell myself I did not go but Staid in camp and wrote a letter to Lewis, the Officers of the 14 regament paid a visit in our camp to day Our Captain is provost marchel and has charge of the town he arrested eleven prisoners and brought them in the camp to day wrote a letter to Wm Stule[?]“
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/15/1862
Camp Johnson, Ellicotts mills, Sept the 15 / 62.
“Dear sister Ida, you must not think hard of me for not riting soon for i have benn very busy … had to go out on pickett and did not git back untill last night and i was to tird to rite then…”
“I was out on pickyet and i liked it first rate i had all the milk and peaches and roasted chicken that we could eat.” “thir was 2 of us at or post and we tooked 5 prizners thir is plenty of Slaves hear out where i was on pickyet is a man ho has 75 slaves he ses that he rais 5000 bus of wheat last yar and that he has got 600 acers this year redy to sow i seen his corn and it looks nice the country around hear looks about as hilly as it does in luzern.” “Thir has benn a big fite at fredickburg that is about 20 miles fro hear i was out on pickyet about 5 miels and we cood fiel the ground shake quite hard and the cannons roar as plain as i wanted to bee.” “I got a letter from on of Ellas baughs [i.e. beaus] and he said that thay was all well.” “tell Clark that i will rite to him soon and tell Edwin Hall that i will rite to him as soon as i can but …” “Thir is sum new york Regments around hear and the next time that you rite to me tell boath the regment thay ar in [???] it may bee that i may see them no more…”
Ira C. Hall letter. https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/1862-ellicotts-mills-md-camp-johnson-520881591
“September 15th, a detail from the company escorted twenty-one prisoners (captured by our pickets) down to Baltimore, returning same evening.”
History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
“The Twelfth New Jersey Regiment, under the command of COL. ROBERT C. JOHNSON, is doing garrison and picket duty at this point, and finds great favor in the sight of the citizens. They have a fine band, and almost every evening eloquent and patriotic music is discoursed, while the residents assemble and listen.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 9/15/1862
“Am in the office all day acting as Provost Marshal administering the Oath of Allegience to both men & women. Have full charge of the passes &c.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 15th
Company came in this morning about ten oclock brought a prisoner was relieved by Company A quite a number of letters & papers came to day for Company K”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Camp Johnson, Ellicott's Mills, Md., September 15, 1862, to N. T. Stratton:
“I am satisfied with my lot, let it be what it may, so that I may be able to do something towards suppressing the rebellion. —I don't think we are in a very dangerous proximity to the enemy. I think we have more to dread from the citizen-rebel in this place than the rebel soldier; but should we be called to face the enemy, here or elsewhere, I believe there would be no flinching, no faltering, in the Twelfth New Jersey Volunteers.
We know for what we came, we know what we may expect, and should we ever be in a battle, we intend to make our
friends and the whole of New Jersey feel proud of such soldiers; and if I ever return to friends and home, I'll return with honor, for sooner than return disgraced, I would fill a patriot's grave. Perhaps you may think I boast of bravery that's not my due, but I tell you I've laid my path out, and walk in it I will, whatever may be my fate. I trust I shall return. I believe I shall. Should it be otherwise ordered, I shall leave to my family a name that they could honor as a husband and father. But I would like to live to see our country restored, and have the proud satisfaction to know that I helped to achieve a complete restoration.”
Letter of David Boody in History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
09/16/1862
“September 16th, three companies went to Frederick City, to escort rebel prisoners
(from the South Mountain battle) to Baltimore.”
History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
“Mor. leave my Provost Marshal office & take command of my Co when companies C,H,I, & K under LtCol Willets & Major Davis take the cars for Frederick to take command of Rebel prisoners. we remain on the road all day & night without any thing to eat.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 16
Started this morning for Frederick to bring in some rebels prisoners traveled all night day and all night arrived at about nine oclock started back with 14 hundred prisoners went on to Baltimore”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/17/1862
“Mor we march Monocacy to Frederick 3 miles & take charge of 1400 “graybacks”. The rebel prisoners were poorly dressed some without shoes or hats & they were covered with lice. we marched them to Monocacy & then took the cars to Baltimore we got nothing to eat until 10 pm in Baltimore we give up the prisoners to another (129) Regt N.Y. we sleep in the depot. “
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
Note of Richard S. Thompson. “Those comrades [Union soldiers] who were members of that guard [were] scratching themselves at the memory of they 'graybacks' with which the prisoners were covered.”
While My Country is in Danger, Gerry Hardiss Poriss and Ralph G. Poriss
“Wensday 17th
arrived at Manocacy junction about Seven oclock marched to Fredarick got 14 hun prisaners & Started for Baltemore got there at nine oclock Slept in the depot”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/18/1862
“FREDERICK, Md., Sept. 17, 1862.
“Frederick, this morning, presented such a sight as has probably not been witnessed by any place since the breaking out of this infernal Rebellion. Seventeen hundred Rebel prisoners, under charge of four companies of the Twelfth New Jersey, commanded by LIEUT. COL. J. HOWARD WILLETS, were collected from their different places of confinement in the town, and were started for Baltimore…As they passed through the streets, I think I never witnessed a more forlorn or dirtier-looking set of humanity. Boldly and defiantly, however, they marched on, whistling “Dixie” and making use of some of the vilest and most abusive epithets against the Yankees.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer, 9/18/1862
“we return to Camp Johnson at Ellicotts Mills. Spend the day in Camp”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Baltimore
September 18, 1862
My dear Sister Hann,
I am now in Baltimore waiting orders. Four companies from our Regiment went to Frederick yesterday and brought down to Baltimore between 1400 and 1500 Rebel prisoners. They were the hardest looking white or black men I ever saw, no stretch of the imagination can picture a more wretched set. Some have been without hats or shoes for the last four months, covered with lice both body and head. We marched them seven miles in quick time and made them think of death by having loaded guns within a few feet of them all the way.
Our Regiment is still encamped at Ellicott’s Mills doing picket duty. I was last week appointed Provost Marshal of our district and have been administering the oath of allegiance to the inhabitants. Ellicott’s Mills is a beautiful place of some 5,000 inhabitants. I have placed several of its citizens under arrest and made more Union men than you could shake a stick at.
It is rumored in our Regiment that one of our officers is thinking some of resigning his position and that I am to be made Major of the Regiment. This is mere rumor and, of course, you will keep the thing still. I will write you again soon. Love to all. Remember me to Dr. and the children and think of me,
Your affectionate brother,
Richard”
Letters of Richard S. Thompson.
“Thursday 18th
was in Baltemore till nearly noon & then came into camp this after noon went out & shot the load out of our gun Timothy Bateman best Shot captain Second wrote a letter home giving a history of our trip &c”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/19/1862
“In Camp all day”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 19th
this morning drilled two hour & then cleaned our tents out in the afternoon drilled two hours again”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Extracts from Diary of Capt. E. L Stratton.
Ellicott's Mills, Maryland, September 19th, 1862. — Company F was ordered out at 5 p. m. to guard a vast army of
paroled prisoners, who had been so ingloriously surrendered by the treachery of an officer at Maryland Heights, and who are now camped on the Frederick turnpike, just outside the village.”
Diary of Edward L. Stratton in History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
09/20/1862
“Mor. In camp. Drill the company on the street. At 2 p.m. take the Co on picket, send them off in sections I take the right of the Co. to a post on the Frederick Pike. Eve. the paroled prisoners (2000) pass our post. Our men get a lot of slaves & make them sing nigger songs. After supper on sesesh corn we bunk under a tree.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Saturday 20th
this morning went out of camp at 8 oclock & drilled till noon came in eat our dinner & then cleaned our guns in the afternoon went out on picket duty on the Fredrick turnpike about tree miles three of our regament went to Annapolis with two regament of parolled prisaners to […] looks very much like rain”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“September 20th, still on guard with the prisoners, over 10,000 of them; weary, foot-sore, sick, disheartened, they say they were surrendered whilst holding a strong position, almost without firing a shot. They feel the disgrace keenly. At 3 p. m. they marched for Annapolis, Maryland, escorted for several miles by a detail from our regiment.”
Diary of Edward L. Stratton in History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
09/21/1862
“Mor clear & warm, Boys help themselves to corn & apples., Breakfast at a little house near our picket post. Have my dinner served to me on my picket post-Roast duck &c. are relieved at 3 p.m. March into Camp Rec. invitation to tea at Wm Tyson Esq. with the ladies. decline. spend the eve in camp.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Sunday 21
Stood on picket all night arrested two suspicious looking persons sent them down to the Colonels Office with two gards fair weather this morning prizker[?] came out with grub Staid out till nearly night came in about Sunset was relieved by Company G”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Sunday, September 21st, Company F attended church. Catholic in the morning, Episcopal in the evening.”
Diary of Edward L. Stratton in History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
09/22/1862
“Morning resumed my Prov, Marshal work of this Command.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 22
drilled two hour this morning this afternoon went out of camp & shot the loads out of our muskets roll call at sunset wrote letter home”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“September 22d, our camp witnessed its first military funeral procession, John W. Dubois, from Woodstown, a fine young soldier of Company I, eighteen years of age, taken sick whilst on picket last Tuesday (16th), died last night; Sergeant J. Morgan Barnes took the body home to Jersey.”
Diary of Edward L. Stratton in History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
09/23/1862
“Company K, 12th Regiment, N. J. V.
ELLICOTT'S MILLS,
MARYLAND, Sept. 23, 1862.
FRIEND FERGUSON: A solemn awe pervades the camp. As I write, the body of one of our comrades in arms is being conveyed through the camp to the cars at Elicott's Mills, to be conveyed home. The procession consisting of the company to which the dec. was attached, with Reversed Arms, headed by the Regiment Band, playing a Funeral Dirge. It is strange that even amidst the tumult confusion and realities of war, to see what sympathy and feeling is aroused in those whom you would least look for it.
On the coffin is a large wreath of flowers, together with the gun and dress coat of the deceased. As the prosession passed through the lines, the boys covered their faces with their caps, at the same time bowing their heads until the body had passed.
“Peace be to his Ashes.”
The boys are on top of the hill, taking a final look, as we can see right on the cars. There goes the whistle at which the boys turn away with a solem look, indicating their inward feelings better than by any speech. There still lays one on the Hospital down with the same ailment. Typhoid Fever. As Gen McClellan's right wing has succeeded in getting between us and the Rebels we feel very safe from any rebel invasion.
Last week in company with companies A. and I. we were detailed to move to Frederick to take in charge the prisoners captured in the late Battles. We took the cars, consisting of 22, and two Locomotives, at Ellicott's Mills at 2 o'clock on Wednesday, arriving at Mononcy Bridge about daylight. After being formed in line we took up the line of march for Frederick. Owing to the Rebels blowing up the bridge we were forced to walk some 4 miles from the Railroad station the Rebels made sure work of the bridge as parts of it laid around in every direction, giving a good idea of the effects of gunpowder. The bridge was a large iron column, some 200 feet long. built of large stone piers, some of the piers were scattered in all directions. A large brick house in the immediate vicinity was tumbled about to perfection.
We arrived in Frederick about 10 o'clock, having a leave of absence for a little while I improved it running around the town, which I found to be a very pretty place, of some 8,000 inhabitants quite city like and solid Union, which I guess Stone Fence Jackson (who is called by that name altogether by the boys) found to be so to his satisfaction. From a lady with whom I had a conversation, they evidently came into Maryland for to get something to eat, their teams, as well as their men, prisoners then at Frederick, showed to be a fact. This same Lady kindly invited me into breakfast, which invitation I can assure you I accepted of in the fullest sense in which a soldier could, during which time we had a very interesting talk. I wish there was more like this lady in Maryland, a very pretty daughter who graced the table came in for a share of the conversation as well as for an occasional glance from your correspondent. I would have lingered much longer but the roll of the drum beat my retreat. In returning our leader led us a wild-cat chase which delayed is as well as made us very tired.
However, we reached the cars all right. All the commissioned officers were detailed for the last car to others being divided between the 1st and last car. Two of our men being in each car with a loaded gun, and six on top of each car, with guns loaded. While loading the last car some four of them rebels made a rush for the woods, but the balls came so close to them (they being fired at) that they beat as quick a retreat for the cars as they did for the bushes.
We arrived in safety with them at Baltimore about 9 o'clock at night, when they were handed over to the Baltimore Police force, who escorted them to the steamer and were taken to Fort Delaware. We expected as much as could be to accompany them to the Fort, but in the morning we were disappointed by being ordered home. As roll is calling, I must close.
In haste.
12th N. J. V.”
West Jersey Pioneer, 10/4/1862
“Afternoon go to Baltimore & see Maj Jones Prov Marshal stay all night at the Eutaw House.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 23
drilled this in morning inspection of arms […] noon drilled […] the afternoon […] letter to […]“
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/24/1862
“Mor return to Camp Johnson at Ellicotts Mills.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Wensday 24
drilled this Street percing[?] two hours this morning wrote letter home this afternoon drilled half an hour and recieved our two dollars for enlisting had a shower to day”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/25/1862
“In Camp all mor Afternoon drill in street. Eve. with Lieut Potter go to the saloon & grog shop & stop the sale of liquor We take an oyster supper”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Camp Johnson, Maryland
September 25th, 1862
Dear Parents and Wife;-
I take my pen in hand to write to you to inform you that I am well at present and hope that these few lines will find you the same. I said that I would write no more letters to you; I have written two letters to you since I have been here and have not yet received any answer. I think very hard of you for not writing to me if you have received them; if you did not receive them I will excuse you; I tell you that I want to hear from home; I want to hear how Eliza and George are getting along and all the rest of you.
I stated in my other letter all about from the time that we left Woodbury until we arrived here. We have nothing to do here at present but go out on picket and guard and drill once or twice in a day. When we go out on picket we stay 24 hours, and when we are on guard we stay 24 hours and then we come off and the next day we can get a pass to go out in the town until 6 o’clock; and the next day we are put on police duty – that is to clean up the streets between the tents. When we go on guard we are put on in alphabetical order and every one takes his turn according to his name.
Dave Smith has been under the Doctor’s hands for about ten days; he says that he has got the inflamtory rheumatism in his legs. The rest of our boys are well at present.
There is 13 in our tent, and we now cook for ourselves. We cook our meals in Jersey style now and we find that we can eat it a great deal better and it agrees with us better. We have no butter or pepper here unless we find it ourselves. Dave and I got a pass the other day and went out and got butter for ourselves. Dave and myself sleep side by side and what one has the other has too. Sometimes we get some whiskey and we divide it too. Henry Woodard sleeps on the other side of Dave. Yesterday he went out on a pass and he came in pretty tight but he is over it now and he says that he is in notion not to drink any more of the dam stuff, because it makes such a dam fool of him.
There was about 12,000 or 15,000 Rebel prisoners here on Saturday from Harpers Ferry and Fredericksburg; we had to guard them while they were here until they left for Annapolis where they are at present. There has been several thousand Rebel prisoners pass through here in the cars but none of them stopped here. They were guarded by our Company here; we all marched out in the road and seen them pass. They were the dirtiest looking men that I ever saw in my life. They had no uniform whatever. When the cars stopped some of our boys hurrahed for Johnson and they hurrahed for Jackson. I tell you I felt like ramming bayonets through them. Their officers looked as bad as the soldiers did.
I must stop now. Read this letter to Eliza and let her have it and tell her to keep it and all the rest that she gets. Write to me as quick as you get this letter and let me know whether you got the rest or not. Good-bye,
From Your Son and Husband
C. W. Gamble.”
Letters of Charles Gamble.
“Thursday 25
had a very cool night last night drilled regamental drill this morning come in about noon drilled in the afternoon”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/26/1862
“Mor. with Lieut Fogg & a Corp Guard search a house for soldiers clothes find some Eve take a horseback ride of 10 miles with LtCol Willets Maj Davis & QM Brown spend the remainder of eve in Qt Room have the band play for us about 1 1/2 hours.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 26
regamental drill in the morning evening enspection in the afternoon wrote a letter to mary clark”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Camp Johnson Sept. 26th/62
Dear Wife
I forgot to state in my letter of the 24th inst that I would like to know what has been done with the Blacksmith Shop & what you have done with the part of the house that you talked of Renting and if you have Rented it tell me who you have Rented it to. I am somewhat better to day than I was when I wrote to you before. I had to go to the falls this morning and sit with my feet & legs in the cold water for an hour that went very hard at first but after a few minutes it was not so cold I then went to the Hospital and Rubbed them with Linament and since that time I have been quite comfortable
You know just what I want to hear that is to say I want to hear that you are all well and getting allong first rate and I want to hear the the news of the place
I have nothing do at present but to write and I have more of that to do than the Clerk of the County but if I Remain as I am at presnt I shall send you a letter about 3 times a week and hope that you will do me the kindness for it is the greatest comfort to me to Read a letter from you of anything else that can be bestowed on me at the present time and place as any other place. Tell Charley to get a wet stone out of the shop that is about 2 inches Square and put it up A is the one that I always kept in the Desk in the shop
I will now bring letter to a close for the preesnt I will send your letter to Wm Becketts to one address But Be sure to write to me at every oppertunity when I get my pay I will send it to you for I have got enough on hand to pay my way home if I get a furlow or a Discharge
And Ever Remain Your
Affectionate Husband
D. V. M. Smith
Direct your letter to Ellicotts Mills Maryland to follow the 12th Regiment New Jersey Volnteers Company D in care of Captain Wm Henry Moore”
Letters of David V. M. Smith, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
09/27/1862
“Head Quarters
12th N. J. Vol Reg.
Sept 27th 1862
Capt E. L. Stratton,
Co F
Dear Sir,
By a special order from Col Johnson the present Camp will be reduced.
Only one A tent being allowed for each Compy the Surplus to be used for Guard purposes.
This will be your Recpt for all over one you may have.
Respectfully,
J. Frank Brown Q.M.”
Letter from J. Frank Brown, Quartermaster, headquarters of the 12th NJ Regiment, to Capt. E.L. Stratton of Co. [I], regarding a special order from Col. Johnson on the size of the camp, dated September 27th, 1862. Gloucester (NJ) County Historical Society
“Morning at 9 oclock Go with 9 companies (K included) under command of Col Willett to a field some 3 miles distant & drill in Bat. movements. Return at 12 M. Afternoon floor my tent Eve we raise flag staff”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Saterday 27
regamental drill in the morning boarded our tent in the afternoon no drill laid a stove in the captains tent”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/28/1862
”…The 12th New-Jersey Regiment, Col. Robert C. Johnson, are encamped near Ellicott's Mills on an elevated and healthy position, and the men are enjoying admirable health. The moral character of the regiment is highly creditable to our citizen soldiery. Many of the men are decidedly pious, and conduct religious services in camp, and visit places for divine service in the adjacent neighborhood.
On Sabbath, September 28th, the Rev. I. P. Cook visited Ellicott's Mills and preached in the large village church, Emory Chapel. The house was crowded by the inhabitants and the soldiers from the encampments. The chaplain of the regiment being absent, and some of the Jersey-men having knowledge of Brother Cook, obtained the consent of Col. Johnson to hold divine worship in camp. In the afternoon there was a large assembly; the soldiers were well provided with camp-hymn-books, and conducted the singing admirably, the voice of melody breaking over the surrounding hills. After sermon a minister from New-Jersey on a visit of a Christian kindness to the regiments from his State, concluded the service with some appropriate remarks. The exercises were of a highly interesting and impressive character.”
The Methodist, 10/25/1862
“Mor take Company to Church Take dinner with Col Johnson, Capt Mattison and several —– at Mr. Forests At 2.30 pm attend service in camp Eve wrote letters”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Sunday 28
corporel of the gard to day wrote a letter. some Company went to church preaching in camp this afternoon by the Rev. Mr. Cook of this place & the Rev. Enoch J. Barker of Marlton New Jersey”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/29/1862
“Am Officer of the Day In Camp all day & eve. Eve a 12 go the Grand Rounds”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 29
came off gard in the morning had nothing to do and […] Company went on Battalin drill”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
09/30/1862
“Morning at 11 oclock go to Baltimore in company with Major Davis. we play billiards take dinner at Shawburgs Saloon. Afternoon walk over city. visit Washington Monument &c. Eve take cars to Relay House & return to Baltimore for news of cars to camp visit place of Amusement stay all night at the Lountain House”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“done police duty all day got a letter from home wrote on back and one to Lizzie”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Camp Johnson
Elicotts Mills Maryland Sept 30th/62
Dear Elizabeth
I Recd your letter this morning dated on the 30th inst and was glad to hear from home but would have been much better pleased if it had stated that you was all well for I would much Rather be sick myself than to hear of any of you being sick at home
for the last 2 days I have been worse than I have been since I have been here but to day I feel a great deal better and hope I may soon be fit for duty I have not Recd any letter from you or any one else Except the one that Charley sent me until the one dated last Sunday you stated that you had wrote a great deal and did not want to write it over but you will have it do or I shall never know what it was I think you can take time to write it again. You state in your letter that all our misfortunes was brought on by myself which I think is not the case but if it is so it is much better to forgive the past if it cannot be forgot let who will be to blame I can for give every thing and will say no more about it. I have wrote you so many letters that I cannot tell what to write for I have forgot what I have wrote in the other letters. So I will not say anything at present except that I have just been to the Captains tent and he told me that the Colonel and told him that this Regiment was going to move to harpers Ferry within 2 weeks there has been some 10 or 15000 new troops passed the camp since last night for the potomac
Tell Charley that I hope he will be well or at least much better by the time you Receive this letter I had intended to have wrote him a letter to day but getting one from you I though it Best to answer yours, But I will write one to him in a few day if I live which, I dare say I shall You speak about whiskey there is plenty of it here But I have had enough other drinkables to take without whiskey, and hope that I shall never use any more of it but it will take time to make manifest, while I am writing there is a train of 25 cars passing loaded with souldiers inside the cars on platforms and on the top of the cars tell Pompey and Anna the first little thing I can find that I can send it a letter I will send to them
I Commence to bring my letter to a close for the present and wait until I hear from you & then I will give you a more minute discription of things here
There goes another train of souldiers as long as from our house to lower town I have just got a pass to go out in town to look around for a mile each way from camp I want you to write to me as soon as you get this for I shall be very unesy about Charley and the rest of you until I hear from you now, dont neglect it
Direct your letter to Camp Johnson Elicotts Mills to follow the 12th Regiment Copany D New Jersey Volunteers in care of Capt Wm Henry Moore
Direct it plain
I find it very inconvenient to live as I do and I think that you do if you would own to it
But my love grows stronger for you every day and I hope it will continue so until Death
From your affectionate Husband
David V M Smith”
Letters of David V. M. Smith, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
10/01/1862
“Morning we find the 24 Regt N.J.V. at the Depot. see several friends &c &c &c at 8 oclock take cars to camp Afternoon search to be Boil comes on the back of my neck”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Wensday Oct 1
went out with “comarary to draw rations Company went out on drill in the afternoon went out on Battalion drill”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/02/1862
“In camp all day boil on neck becomes painful & serious”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Thursday 2
this morning regamental review came in about one oclock drilled again at five oclock had a splended evening”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Camp Johnson Ellicotts Mills
Maryland Oct 2nd 1862
Dear lib
I received your letter mailed yesterday morning about 15 min ago we have been out on a grand Review & we did not get in until nearly 2 oclock the mail leaves here at 3 oclock so you must not look for much this time you state in your letter that you have wrote 4 times I Recd one on last tuesday wrote on last sunday & I got 1 to day dated Sept 30th that is all that I have ever Recd you also state that I have time to write to my acquaintainces now I will just say that I wrote 4 letters to you Before I Recd any from you the 1 that I got on tuesday last I answered & mailed the answer in 3 hours time and I have wrote 4 letters to others big Wm Becket, J F Morrell, H Stang & Saml Jones & I have wrote a number of letters for other folks that I suppose you think belong to me
this Post Office Matter that you speak of you will find in the stamp Book newspaper Book or on the envelopes that Postage stamps has been in but if you cannot find it, there look on the old Returns it may Be there But if you do not find it at all make out the Returns as I have always made out mine, for they never found any fault with mine it makes no difference about the amount of stamps on hand at the end of last quarter for there has not ever been any Settlement for stamps at any previous quarter and the department has an account with Elmore office and you can not make any Returns for stamps different from what I have done Before But do as you please
I should have done it long before this but the first quarter Johnson did no do it the second I made out by his and the 3rd I could not find out how many stamps there had been on hand and the old Postmasters told me that the department had opened an acct so I could never get the Run of the stamp business
I am happy to hear that you are all well but charley and he is much better I am much Better myself I was out on Battalion drill yesterday afternoon and have been on a grand Review to day that is the first drilling except on half day that I have done since I have been here
I hope you dont think I have been sliting you but not writing to you for I dont think you would write to any one after you had wrote 4 letters and got no answer which was the case with me but when I got a letter I answered it & mailed it Before I eat a mouthful for I would much Rather answer a letter from you than to eat, but I see you are just like you used to be that is you must have something to find fault off, but I take it all in good part and hope you may Receive all the letters I have Before you get this & hope you may get this to morrow 3rd inst.
Direct as before to follow the Regiment for the talk is now that we are going to move in a short time but it may be all […]
tell the children and all that may ask that I am much better
Write as soon as possible and […] it plain
And I Ever Remain
Yours in Love and Best of wishes
Tell M Morrell that I have not Recd any letter from him but would be pleased to get one & I will write to you again as soon as I can
D. V. M. Smith”
Letters of David V. M. Smith, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
10/03/1862
“Very, warm My boil is very troublesome & my neck stiff. In Camp all day. Very very hot”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 3rd
regamental drill as usual this morning had a very warm day came in almost drug out drilled again in the afternoon”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/04/1862
“Very warm Morning 48 deserters from 5 Md Regt H.Q. Afternoon send them to Baltimore under Lt, Davis. Lt. Fogg & I take tea at Hotel & call on Miss Berle (?) Wagoman (?). Rain”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Saterday 4th
regamental drill in the morning company drill again in the afternoon about six oclock had a fine shower of rain”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/05/1862
“Company K, 12th Regiment, N. J. V.
ELLICOTT'S MILLS,
MARYLAND, Oct. 5, 1862.
FRIEND FERGUSON: We, Co. K, having been detailed for picket duty, and being comfortably quartered at our post, I thought I could not employ the time better than by having a few words with you. As we are not supposed to be so vigilant in the daytime as at night, and having but one post to guard, it leaves us plenty time to look around. We are posted some two miles from camp, at a placed called Helltown, (nice name that,) consisting of a blacksmith and wheelwright shop, and two dwelling houses, with several farm houses in sight; one of the farm houses belonging to Mason, one of the commissioners to Europe for the Southern Confederacy. After his leaving here for the South, his slaves burned down the house. The ruins indicating it to have been a very fine residence, the gasometer still standing showing it to have been fitted up in first style for convenience and comfort. The dairy farm adjourning, is occupied by an Englishman, who gave us all our information concerning the estate, &c. All the wealthy people around here are the strongest kind of secesh. A mistake in our commissary department being made, we were furnished with grub for only nine men when it should have been enough for ten, consequently we had to forage, or in other words do a little of soldier stealing. One of the boys succeeded in driving a good big chicken into the dinner pot, while others went in another direction and procured some ham, and our vegitables being in to low a state to correspond with our appetites, two were appointed to see to procuring some - they started forth, but soon returning and reporting that nary potato could be found in any of the fields; we were at a loss to know how to get some, but our pockets not being entirely dried up we raised a half of a peck. Some we fried with ham, which we made a supper off of. Having rigged a shelter by placing some rails up against the fence, and covering the top, sides and one end with cornstalks, we made right comfortable quarters. The pickets, three in number, having been posted the ballance of us, having built a good fire in the road, spent the rest of the evening in spinning yarns, smoking, &c. The fire having burnt out the next move was under the cornstalks. It having become so cold towards morning we were compelled to turn out; but, however, our old friend fire was resorted to for the ballance of the long cold night. about daylight we were again in motion, the chicken and potatoes being converted into a stew, and served up hot, with coffee and bread, we had as nice a breakfast as anybody could ask for. During the evening one of the party had gone to a farm house and bought some pies as a desert for breakfast. Having washed up the dishes and packed up our traps, we waited the arrival of the Company that was to release us. During the time we captured a hard looking subject, (no doubt one of Jackson's men,) who tried to play crazy on us, but the boys couldn't see it. Upon our arrival at camp we handed him over to our worthy Captain Thompson.
More anon,
12TH REG., N. J. V.”
West Jersey Pioneer, 10/18/1862
“Mor our Company go out on picket, I remain to do provost duty. Afternoon Mr. Forrest calls. Capt. Mattison sits in my tent all the afternoon. Eve Cold Mr. Elmer, Mr. Mulford, & Mr. Lix of N.J. call.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
Camp Johnson,
Ellicott’s Mills, Maryland.
October 5th, 1862.
Dear Parents and Wife;-
I now sit down to write you to inform you that I am well yet and enjoying good health and hope that you are all the same. I received your letter and that tea on October 2nd and it was dated the 15th of September and I was pleased to read it as the Court-Marshall of Dan Ward by Captain Joseph Garton was in it. I called all the boys of Pittstown in to the tent and read it to them and I tell you that they had some hearty laughs over it and when I was through reading it they gave three cheers for Captain Garton and said they would have liked to have been there.
Father we now begin to have a little harder work to do. The whole regiment has to march about three miles to drill and all of us together; and the road is so dusty when you are at one end you can not see the other as we have not had any rain here of any amount since we have been here; and the road that we travel is all the way up hill when we go out to drill and about half the way up when we come back to camp. They give us double quick time and when we get into camp our hair whiskers and clothes are all of one color and we all have to go down to the run and take a good wash before we can feel anything like ourselves and it makes me feel tired. We get in about 2 o’clock and then some times we have a little whiskey and then we take a small drink; then we have a good appetite for our dinner.
Last Sunday morning the whole Regiment was called out in one line and that was a long string of us to hear the laws and rules read to us, and all so the Court-Marshall of three of our privates. One of them has to carry a barrel on his neck for one week and live on nothing but bread and water. The way the barrel is fixed is one head knocked out and the other has a square hole cut in it about 8 inches just big enough to let his head through. He has to go up and down all of our streets in camp twice a day; his crime was for breaking open a trunk.
One is to carry his knapsack filled with stones 2 hours every day for one week and lose one months pay and live on bread and water; his crime is for shooting at one of the privates; and the other is to be brought before the guard-house every day for 2 hours for one week and live on bread and water as they belong to our Regiment I will not expose them by telling their names.
On Monday I was out on the R.R. at Winchester on picket about 4 miles from camp guarding the switches as some of them had been turned as they supposed by the Rebs so we have to guard them day and night. We go out in the morning and stay there until the next morning and then we are relieved by another Company. Our Company goes on once a week. On Monday night and Tuesday there was 13 trains of cars passed here; they had from 25 to 30 cars on each train and they were all full inside and on top. Supposed to be 30,000 or 40,000 they were going down the Potomac we supposed. They made such a hollering that you could hardly hear yourself talk.
Tuesday we came off of picket about 2 o’clock and then we had nothing to do but clean our guns and equipment and cook our supper. Every night about 9 o’clock we are all each Company called out in line to answer to our names and then at the tap of the drum we blow out our lights and go to bed as we call it. Wednesday we had to march out on our ground to drill again and it was as dusty as ever. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday we were out on guard on the bridge in town and stayed until morning. This Sunday is pleasant as it rained on Saturday night and laid the dust pretty well.
Last week we had the Court marshall of another one of our privates; he has to be drummed up and down the streets of our camp twice a day with a board before and behind and on it in big letters lose one months pay and live on nothing but bread and water for one week. His crime was stealing money from other soldiers.
Money is getting scarce with us here as we have to pay the highest price for everything that we get. I am out as I did not keep much with me and our Captain says he don’t think we shall get any for three months and I do not know how I shall get along till then for it has cost me about $2.00 a week to get my washing done for we have to keep ourselves clean according to the rules of our camp. I have to get three shirts and two pairs of drawers washed a week and have to pay .12 a piece for them and my tobacco and other things cost me about $2.00 a week.
I sent Eliza a certificate so that she can draw her State money; tell her to take care of it and not lose it, but she can draw her money from Salem when she wants it. That is $6.00 a month; she has got some coming to her now. Lize if you have not spent all the money that I let you have sent me a little and when I draw my wages I will send them to you.
Father I saw John Loper yesterday and he told me that he was coming to Pittstown and I send by him three cartridges to you and two caps such as we use. Father come up and see us it won’t cost you but about $10.00 here and back and you can stay here with us and it won’t cost you a cent and you won’t begrudge your money just to see how we are situated.
Yesterday there was a hearse with a coffin in it and word come to us while we were on guard that the coffin had fire arms in it; it was for some of the Rebs; I saw it when it passed but did not think but what it was a corpse but what will the Rebs do if they have got to carrying their arms in a coffin. No more at present but remain
Your Son and Husband
C. W. Gamble.
Good Bye.
Letters of Charles Gamble.
“Sunday 5th
Out on picit again this morning. I am stationed about a mile below Ilchester at a flour mill with four men had a fine day a letter to Eva & one to Mr Cox Lieut Potter & Corporal Terry came down to see us in the afternoon”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/06/1862
“Mor. In camp Afternoon sit with the Major & Lt.Col. & the Cumberland Co friends ve turn out the company and march but 2 miles, after deserters but they were not about. return to camp.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 6th
had a beatiful night for picket last night was relieved by a sqad from Co. B at ten oclock came in camp at noon got a letter from Eva drilled in the afternoon went out in the evening in serch of deserters came in about ten oclock without finding them turned with the expectation of beaing called out again”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/07/1862
“In camp all day. send a number of deserters to Baltimore”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 7th
this morning Company are going out on […] drill not going myself in the afternoon as usual wrote a letter to Larry Woodruff & one to Henry havent sent it yet”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/08/1862
“Mor in Camp. Afternoon With Lieut Davis & guard make demand on Mr. Archer Pres. of the Female Institute for arms and have quite a time- Eve take walk
“Interesting time the search of the Female Institute oh my! for arms.”
(Section in quotes was added later in pencil)“
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Wensday 8th
No Battalion drill Battalion fell in to have their places assigned then Co K on the extreme left Second post of ho[…] Co drilled a little while in the morning no drill in the afternoon”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
[Partial letter, ca. 10/08/1862]
“Second Sheet to my wife Elizabeth
I closed your part of the other sheet without finishing it as I thought I should have Room Enough on the same sheet we are assured by the Captain this morning that C W Gamble & myself can came home in a short time but I think it best to not mention the time at present but will do so before I come, I was glad to hear that my letter of the 5th come safely to hand together with part of the things that I sent you and I suppose you got all of them together I am not saying anything about the shop affair as I have nothing to say under the present state of affairs do as you please but I dont Expect to stay here in the army a great while but I will not try to write all that I have to say for I will come home and I will talk to you for about a week at least
write as soon as you can and let me know all you can write about so no more at present but
Remain Yours
Dear Dave
Tell J F Anthony I would be pleased to have a letter from him but dont tell any body that I am coming home for I dont want it to get back to the Regiment as there is so many that want to go home and if it is known they will all want to go and probably the captain will not let any of us come but if you & Charley say nothing it there will be no body that knows it until we are gone
D V M Smith”
Letters of David V. M. Smith - Gilder-Lehrman Collection
10/09/1862
“Mor. at 3 get up have breakfast and go gunning for squirrels with Capt Mattison Corp Riley & Mr. Forrest are out all day Kill 6 squirrels & some birds”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Thursday 9th
no Battalion drill in the morning Copany drill in the morning & in the afternoon”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/10/1862
“Mor. Some of the guard stick a pig & Co K boys then Kill & dress him & have fresh pork. We have squirrel dinner Capt Mattison & Lieuts myself & lieuts & Cor Riley. Eve take ride on horseback with Quartermaster Brown”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“A little before midnight, a captain observed some of the men sprinkling something along the company street in a line which ended in one of the Sibley tents into which tent the men disappeared. The Captain investigated and found a line of shelled corn had been laid reaching fully a hundred feet from that Sibley tent; his curiosity led him to take a seat in his tent and keep an eye on that line of corn. In about half an hour several plump looking pigs came along and when [they] struck that line of corn they followed it up until one of them got about his head and shoulders within the flaps of that Sibley tent, there was a slight thud and balance of that pig disappeared into the tent and the Captain went to bed. The writer is credibly informed that Captain had fresh pork tenderloin for his breakfast and that he ate it and asked no questions as to where it came from.”
While My Country is in Danger, Gerry Hardiss Poriss and Ralph G. Poriss
“Friday 10th
Battalion file into to rank this morning to redeive genaral orders Copany drill this morning in the afternoon at three oclock the noncommissioned officers drill Company drill from four to 8 1/2 PM”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/11/1862
“Mor. Rains. Afternoon start out to search the house of Mr. Gaither. take Lieut Potter Sergt DuBois & 3 men in two horse carriage. find nothing at Mr. Gaithers coming home as we drive down the hill at Ellicotts Mill, the breast strap slip and let the carriage on the horses they run down hill until the carriage upsets & we an all turned out smash the carriage &c. I hold the horses and bring them up on the fence. Came near flogging the livery stable man take an oyster supper & came to camp with my hands pretty well smashed & my back strained”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Saturday 11th
this morning after gard […] commenced driling drill till noon afternoon clean acutrement no drill”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Camp Johnson Ellicotts Mills
Maryland Oct 11th/62
Dear Elizabeth I have been looking for an answer from you for 2 or 3 days have not Recd any but hope I may get one before I get this letter done. As I do not Expect to get it done to day I want to hear from you very bad and I want to hear whether you got my letter of the 5th as I sent your Certificate and order for $10.00 and a good many other things.
I have just come in from drill and find a letter here from you which I was glad to find but was sorry to hear that you are not well but I am in hopes that you may be better by the time this letter Reaches you I am better so much so that I have been on duty all the week or else I should have wrote to you before this, as for Jacob Hitchner account I cannot tell about it unless I was there myself you can tell him that I Expect to be at home in a few days or a few weeks at the fartherest and I will fix account if I knew just the amount on Book both Debt & credit i Could come with in 50cts of his acct, they are granting furloes at this time but only 2 men can leave camp at one time out of the same Company if I can get one I will come home in a few days & I will straighen up things […] we had a nice little Rain here last night it has laid the dust cooled the air and it is quite Comfortable here to day, Our Company is not all Reasonable well
Camp Johnson Oct 12th/62
Charles my Son I should have wrote to you before but it took me 3 days to write the last one to you mother and I have had to drill every day the same as we did in the school house lot anymore than we have to carry our guns cartrage Box Belts Canteens and have to drill all day some times we load our guns and shoot at a mark, and at other times we shoot blank Cartrage load and shoot at least once in a minute and we have no place to write or anything to write with any more than you would if you had an old pen some ink thirty sheet of paper small place of a board and had to sit down on the ground in front of the school House on town meeting day with about 40 Boys to men making all the noise they can
but Charly I have appoligised enough for not writing I went down in town the other day, & went in the grist mill & looked around for some time there is 6 Run of Stones and they dont grist anything but wheat & they told me they ground & Barreled 1800 barrels of flour 194lbs each every week the mill is 5 stones high Built of stone we have several cotton Factorys here the Rail Road […] By the camp and the cars pass every few minutes day & night & sundays probable you can tell where we are by the map, we are 15 miles from Baltimore on the Baltimore & Ohio R. Road
I suppose from what I have seen & heard there has been some 50000 troops passed by here withing 2 weeks bound for the Potomac somewhere the are mostly 9 month men, I could tell you a great many little things but I am very unwell to day as I had a very bad night of it last night
I shall look for a letter from you on Tuesday next & write again as soon as you can tell pompey to take good care of his Book & tell Anne I will send them some things as soon as I can get anything or I will bring them something when I come home as the Captain told Cockey & myself this morning when we could come if we had no further orders from Genl Wool which he did not look for, so you may see me in a short time without looking for me, but write as often as you can and be a good boy
From your Affectionate Father
D. V. M. Smith”
Letters of David V. M. Smith - Gilder-Lehrman Collection
10/12/1862
“Morning doctor my hands afternoon Lieut Harris Marries a lady (?) of this place. They only met for the first time 3 weeks ago. (Fodlish, both) Rains during the day Eve rain Cold day.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Sunday 12th
this morning napsack inspection at 8 oclock went to church in the fournoon in the afternoon at half past two prayer meeting in the chapel tent”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/13/1862
“Mor. send lot of deserters to Baltimore. day cloudy & some rain”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 13th
had a stormy night last night very slipery this morning Battallion drill in the afternoon got four letters to day”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
[Partial letter]
“Oct 13th/62 Monday morning
it has Rained all night and we had to lay on our arms for the Rebels is within 5 miles and it is said they have tore up part of the R Road tract Between here to Frederick
I am Better & the mud is about 4 inches deep
Write soon
& I Remain Your Affect.
Husband
D V M Smith
Tell Anna to keep in good heart for I have not forgot her & will attend to her as soon as I can
D V M S”
Letters of David V. M. Smith, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
10/14/1862
“Mor, Take out the Company on picket. I take post at Ilchester. Afternoon go through the cotton factory. Have one of my men Kill & dress two cows that were injured by train of cars. Mrs.Ellicott to whom they belonged sent for me and introduced me to his daughter who plays —?— for me. spend the Eve with her. They invite me to take bed & board with them but I decline”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 14th
Company out on Pickit this morning my station at Patpco Mill again”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/15/1862
“Morning after sleeping in an old shed we are relieved by Co A & return with Co to Camp”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Wensday 15
this ment across the Stream & took breakfast with the miller reliew at 9 oclock by a squad from Co A got in camp about 11 oclock in the afternoon got a pass went out in town staid till five oclock no drill to day got a letter from Uncle Isaac”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/16/1862
“Mor. Miss Thompson of Salem. Mrs. Col. Johnson & others call at our tent. Evening. Lieut Potter & myself call on the above named ladies. They are serenaded by our band. Finish the evening in Mr. Sand's room.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Camp Johnson,
Ellicott’s Mills, Md.
October 16th, 1862
To My Dear Parents and Wife;-
I now sit down to scratch you a few lines to let you know that I received your letter on the 14th and the money that you sent me, and was glad to hear that you were all well. I am enjoying good health at present and hope that this letter may find you all enjoying the same good health.
We had just come off of a Company drill when I was informed that there was a letter for me and I got it and read it, and was pleased to hear from home. While I was opening my letter Sam came in with one from his Mother for me to read, and he was pleased to hear from her.
We have had some rain here since I wrote my last letter and it makes it very pleasant for us to drill now; it was quite muddy and slippery the next morning after the rain and when we went up and down the hill we had to mind how we walked or else the hind part of our pantaloons would kiss the ground; I looked pretty well for my own part for I did not get a fall, but I saw several of our boys with their pants quite muddy on the seat of them. But after one day it was quite smoother and nice for us to march on with the exception of the stones and I found that the rain had not softened them any.
Yesterday some of our officer’s wives came to see them and we had to go out and drill as they wanted to see us all on drill and we did not get in until nearly dark and we had no time to cook any supper so we took the bean soup that was left from dinner. In the morning Dave, Henry, and myself got up about daybreak and built a fire and went to cooking breakfast: you ought to have been here to see us cook; one of us was frying beef and one cutting wood and punching fire and the other making coffee in a pot about 15 inches long and 9 inches in diameter and that was full too. After we got up to our tent you ought to have seen them coming with their cups and plates after coffee and fried beef and bread. Some of them were like pigs going to a trough, as Some of them are too lazy to cook and can not get out of their beds until some one gets the meals ready for them.
Father I was out on picket the other day about 7 miles from here and was scouting about through the woods and I saw a tree that had leaves on that looked like an orange tree and I went to it and it had something on it that looked to me like lemons; they were just the shape of them and I got some of them and they smelled just like oranges, but I did not taste them until I got back to the orange grove where we were on picket. Then I asked the miller of the mill (his name was Gamble) what they were and he told me that they were paw-paws and that they were good to eat when ripe and good to fry when about half ripe; some of them that I had were ripe and they ate them quick: I tasted them but they were too sweet for me, and I did not like them much. They told me that the seed would come up if planted so I saved some of them and send them to you for to plant and see what they will do.
Last Sunday I got a pass and had a good tramp around on the tops of some of the high hills around here. Some of the farms have so many stones on them that I do not know how they can farm them, but they told me that they could raise good grain and grass. I will send you some of my passes so you can see how we have to get out.
When you write let me know whether Eliza got her certificate or not and let me know whether you got my tools and chest from John’s or not. I have not received the Sunbeam yet. We shall have to go on drill now so I’ll stop for the present.
I will now commence again; if you have not got my chest tell John to bring it to my house and leave it and the boring machine with it and see that all of my tools are in it. Tell Eliza not to lend them but if you want them go to her and she will let you have them. Today I received the Sunbeam that you sent me and was glad to get it.
One of our brother soldiers died this morning; his name was Thomas McRithen (James McRithen’s son) and we had a funeral march in our camp. Today we marched out to the cars with him in the coffin to send him home to Williamstown. It does seem very solemn to see one of our soldiers march out of camp in a coffin and it made us feel so to for we do not know how soon one of us may have to be carried the same way. Our regiment pays the very best respects to the funeral of one of our brother soldiers and I am not the least afraid if I was taken sick and died here but what I would be taken care of and sent home.
Father we expect to stay here all winter but not in our tents. We have got the cotton factory to move in. It is about 300 yards from our camp so we shall not have far to move. The building is not in operation now and it is five stories high and built of stone and has heaters all over it and that will make it comfortable for us. They are going to take the inside work out soon and I do not know when we shall move. Tell Lize to write me soon and tell me how to direct my letter and I will write to her. So good bye till I see you all,
C. W. Gamble.”
Letters of Charles Gamble.
“Thurday 16th
Company drill this morning from nine to twelve in the afternoon from four to five got a letter from Uncle isaac wrote one to William & one to Eva”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/17/1862
“Morning send Capt Mattison to Baltimore with prisoners & go on the same train on Prov. Marshal duty Miss Thompson & Mrs, Johnson & Col Johnson on the train also. After finishing business Capt Mattison & myself take walk on the City. call on Capts ladie friends stop at Barnam's Hotel. Eve we attend the Front St. theatre see Mr. Eddie in Claud Marcel.&c.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 17th
Battalion drill this morning from nine to one Company drill this afternoon got a letter from Eva wrote to Mrs. W J Mulford roll call at sunset got a letter from Mary Ann in Company with Eva”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/18/1862
“Mor. With Capt Mattison return to Camp Johnson send away more prisoners. Remain in Camp all day & evening.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Satarday 18th
Company drill in the morning Out in the Street came in about 1 oclock no drill in the afternoon”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/19/1862
“Morning remain in my tent after inspection of the Co. Write letters. Eve have a quiet Chat & smoke in my tent.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Camp Johnson, Ellicott's Mills
Headquarters
12th N.J. Regt.
October 19, 1862 (Sunday)
Dear Doctor,
I will endeavor to answer your kind letter as well as a man whose hand is wrapt up in flaxseed poultice.
Last Saturday week, I received my wound which if not done in battle was certainly in the service. Acting as Provost Marshal, I took Lieutenant Potter and four men of my company and proceeded in a two horse carriage to the residence of Mr. Gaither, a very wealthy and influential citizen of Howard County, to make an examination into his domestic arrangements. He treated us with much respect, and our search for army clothing in his house proved useless. While returning home, the breast straps gave way and the horses started on the full fun down a very steel hill. On one side of the narrow road was rough rock, on the other a ravine of some 35 or 40 feet. As the breast straps were broken, we had no control of the horses and they gave unmistakable evidence of dislike towards having the carriage run against their heels. To end a long story, as well as a long ride, the carriage upset and we were smashed up among loaded guns, pistols, swords, wagon top, rocks, etc., etc. I retained my hold on the horses and after being dragged from under the rubbish regained my feet long enough to run the horses into some posts and thus bring [them] up. We were all slightly injured; my hands being cut against the rocks, hence my poultice fingers and bad writing. But as one of the men (who is somewhat of a wag) remarked on gaining his feet, “It’s all for the flag.” One of the men when picked him up had a rifle in each hand and sword under one arm. The wag said of him that he, seeing danger, had “fell out under arms.” Our escape was Providential; we have been favored by a visit from Mrs. Colonel Johnson Miss Thompson of Salem, sister of Richard P. Thompson. They have returned to New Jersey and from the manner in which they enjoyed themselves will I am sure report favorably of the 12th. Now I think you had beeter make up your mind to pay Maryland a visit, and am sure that should you and sister propose the matter to Ch. Ell [?] and wife they would accompany you, as well as Mr. and Mrs. William Nixon. Don't you think a small party could spend a few days as well as dollars very pleasantly among us?
Dr., this is, to me at least, a very singular life. Think of my living upon the tented field, doing picket duty. When at night I wrap my blanket around me and lie down on the ground under an old tree, and during the day, it may be, play the agreeable to some little Southern girl to pay for my supper. As the other day, being on picket at a place called Elchester, a train of cars ran over two cows and so injured them I took the responsibility of having one of my men who understood butchering kill and dress them. When the lady to whom they belonged heard who had done this, she sent for me - introduced me to her charming daughter and offered me bed and board during my stay at that post. The bed and board I refused, but spent a very pleasant eve with the daughter, who played and sang for me and was as sociable as ever I could wish. The family is very old and respectable, by name Ellicott. After their ancestors this place takes its name.
As to my installment, I shall have to ask you to arrange it as best you may, and use any money of mine that shall be paid you. Please send me a little account of my receipts and expenses, both as to the installment and the Neat Marcy note, as well as all others. I am glad to learn that both these subjects are likely to be so favorably arranged.
As to Albert Walker, he has received one months pay, $13; Cumberland County bounty, $30; U.S. bounty, $25; and the enlistment bounty $2; total total, $70. All the bounty promised in advance, leaving the $75 to be paid when mustered out of service and the $6 per month to the widowed mother.
There is one other Cape May man in the Regiment whose name and certificate I will send you; I think his name is Hand, but I will write of that again. Wishing you may think of me often and write soon, I remain with=h love to all,
Your affectionate brother,
Richard ”
Letters of Richard S. Thompson
“Sunday 19th
knapsack inspection at nine oclock wrote a letter to Eva meeeting in the afternoon at Grays factory”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/20/1862
“Morning go with my Company in Batallion Drill. Coming in I take Command of the Regt Eve Cold
“First time I command the Regt” (quotes added in pencil)“
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 20th
Balltalion drill from 9 to one oclock corporels & Sargent drill at three oclock Company drill at four & bayonet exercise at five”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
10/21/1862
“Morning. Cold, Call on Major Davis whe is sick at Hotel Afternoon take a ride of 12 miles on horseback with Lt Col Willets Eve am engaged as counsel for a prisoner who is to appear before Court Marshal.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 21st
On gard to day came up a shower in the eveing cleared away about ten oclock”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“October 21st, 1862 — Heavy frost in the morning. I went to the Q.M.to draw food rations for 6 days and sold some of the over plus of rations. Afternoon reported at the Capt’s tent. We have a school of noncommissioned officers meet a 1 1/2 0’clock for 1 hours drilling one another and then went to the Q.M. after beef and bread to take out on picket duty tomorrow. Evening in camp making preparations getting
ready for picket. Lt Lippincott is sick of fever.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Camp Johnson Ellicotts Mills
Maryland Oct — [ca. 10/21] 1862
Dear Lib
I take my pen in hand for the first time to inform you that I am well and hope these few lines may find you the same
Charleys letter came duly to hand on the 14th inst and I was glad to hear from you all and to hear that you was all Reasonable well
I should have wrote to you before but I have been on guard and picket duty for several days and nights and I have not had any time until this afternoon
I was out on the Frederick turnpike last Fryday afternoon and I found 2 papers in the Road so I stoped at the Post Office and mailed them to Anna for I thought they would please her and it would cost nothing but 2 cents postage I expect she has bot them before this time you state in your letter that you want me to settle the acct on Books, now I wish you would send me a ltter stating all the impossibilities you have to contend with and more to on account of my not being at home for a few days and it may be the means of my getting a longer time to stay As I expect to come home before a great while and see about getting your fire wood corn grain and to settle with them that is the most dificult to settle with
Tuesday, I have just come in from drill and find a letter in camp from you and was very much pleased to hear from you and to hear that the children are as well as they are but was sorry that you did not state anything about your own health but I suppose you are either well or else you did not want me to know anything about you, be that for the best
you say you have been looking for me home you need not have looked for me for I told you that I would send you word before I come home so you need not look for me until you see me but that will not be long I dont suppose, but I shall do as I said before I come
I send you an order to day on George Sithens for some 4 or 5 cords of wood on the Road from his house to John Berry and also for some slabs you had Better see George's wife & tell her about it immediately and if I dont get home have it carted & […] in the lane. You appear to be determined that I shall not forget the Rum Business you need not lay it all to Rum for the very morning that I enlisted you know what was done and you also know that I did not want to enlist but you need not lay it all to me but I do not want to be patching it up but I suppose it lays heavy upon your mind so I excuse you & forgive you & hope you will say no more about it. Write to me as soon as you get this letter and please put in the name of that soulders wife on a peace of paper just Big enough to hold it and no body will know what it means. I would send you more but I have not time nor Room to day Charles W Gamble is well & all the Rest of the company tell the children I am well & want them to be good children I will write you again in a short time & until then I Remain your faithful & Loving Husband
D V M Smith
I forgot the note of Jas. Jones it was given for $15.00 and I sold him a new plough for $9.00 and I suppose he gave me credit on the note if not he should have done it according to his promise for I did not change it on Book or anywhere else
there was a hearse passed through this place with the coffin filled with horse pistols for the Rebel army our officers went after him as soon as they found out what kind of a corpse it was it came from Baltimore I have not heard whether the cought him or not, this monday morning finds me very Bad in one leg so much so I cannot walk write soon
Ever Yours
D V M Smith”
Letters of David V. M. Smith - Gilder-Lehrman Collection
10/22/1862
“In Camp all day Examine prisoners &c. &c. &c.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Wensday 22nd
very blustery & cool to day came off gard about 9 1/2 oclock havent done any thing all day no drill till afternoon then Company drill commenced a letter to Eva”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“22d — I arose at 5 o’clock to get the water carried for breakfast. Breakfast over we started with 25 files for Picket. Sergeant Groff in command of the 1st section, Srgt Living the 2d section, myself with the 3d, and Corp the 4th and went to Hell Town on the Columbia Turnpike a cross road. A blacksmith shop and a little store and two or three other shanties were the principal buildings. Mrs Young the lady who kept the store made us a lot of apple dumplings. Afternoon Asa Burt and
I walked out 3/4 of a mile on the road. Called at one Mrs. Leisher and got some apples and returned to our guard. Lt Fogg called to see us bring _ me a _from Mrs Rendolph. After eating our supper of boiled cabbage I put on guard 2 at a time relieved them every 2 hours through the night. Nothing occurred to alarm us through the night. We slept in a stalk bed by the roadside”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
10/23/1862
“Mor. Attend Batalion Drill Afternoon take my Co. out on skirmish drill. and break ranks for an hour to give the boys chance to get chestnuts & apples &c.&c. meaning chickens &c.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Thursday 23rd
Battalion drill in the morn in the afternoon went out chesnuting & scurmash drill”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“23d- We were relieved by Co _ and started home. Arrived in Camp at 9 o’clock found Lt Lippincott no better and in the hospital. Afternoon I went down in the town with Jos Matlock. Co drill in the afternoon and read two letters one from sister Callie. Evening doing some errands in the town and nursing Lt Lippincott doesn’t appear any better. I bought a pistol of Jos Matlack.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
10/24/1862
“Mor send out my Co. on Picket send prisoners to Baltimore Afternoon call on Major Davis. Eve go to Ilchester to see my pickets. Call on Miss Ellicott they insist on my remaining all night with them, I accept. and after spending a very pleaseant Eve. take a fine bed & sleep at a 240 rate. “
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 24th
went out on pickit at the cross roads on the Frederick pike had a squad of six men had an excelent supper of stewed duck & potatoes got a letter from Eva”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“24th - Very heavy frost morning drawing rations and doing errands in the town. Called at the hospital to see Wm Crispin and Lt Lippincott. Lt little easier.
Several boxes of provisions were sent to Capt & Co from Woodstown. Afternoon reciting a tactic lesson in the Capts tent & went down to the Q.M.after fresh beef.
Evening in camp called at Co A tent No 3. Dan'l Col of Woodstown was in camp.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Elicotts Mills Baltimore Co. M.D
Sept 24th 1862
Deaer Elizabeth I Recd a letter to day from you & Charles that had but very little news & no love at all I have looked for a letter for more than a week but have not Recd any until the one above mentioned the letter you say you sent on last thursday I have not Recd. I am glad to hear that you are well & wish I could say the same by myself the doctors say that I have got the Inflamatory Rheumatism in my legs and was not able to Read the letter to day for some time after I got it from the effect of some medicine that I had just taken, but now 4 oclock I feel some better & thought I would try to write you another letter. I should have sent you more money but I thought it best to keep enough to come home with if I should have a chance. Our Colonel says we will all be Discharged & at home by Cristmas, at any Rate they say we will never see fight and when we leave this place we shall leave for home Our Lieutenant tells me that I can go home in a few weeks, on last saturday we had some 12 or 15,000 Paroled prisoners & conducted them on to anapolis I sent you $16 dollars by Hiram Strang which I suppose you have got. You can see John Johnson Esq or some one else and see what authority you want to collect the state pay and if you want any send me word to that effect and I will send it to you. we have no change here and cannot get any we cannot get enough to pay for our letters without the company clubbing together and 1 man paying for all, but all the letters that I send I shall pay for and if any comes without please let me know of it.
I forgot to tell you that John G Ballingers account on Book should have $25 added for ironing mill waggon that will leave something like $10 coming to me. I could write ten sheets of paper full if I was able but I have not Received anything from you that looks as if you ever wanted to see me again but I hope if there is a spark of love left for a sick souldier in a strange land that you will send it to me in a letter dont wait for me to write for some times I have not time to write and at other times I am not able to write I forget to tell you that we were encampt on the Baltimore and Ohio R.R. and the Reason for our stopping was the Rebels was at Frederick that is close by this place that is to say about 20 miles
Now I want you to write to me as soon as you get this and then write every few days and whether I write or not but I will write as often as I can and give you a minute Description of the proceedings in Camp Johnson Elicotts Mills M D Company D 12 Regiment N J V Capt Wm Henry Moore
I will now bring my letter to a close tell the children that it is my Request that they should be good children and obey you in all cases, tell Charley to write and I send Pompey a picture is any you will You will take of, let me hear some comforting news from you as soon you get this And still and Ever Shall be your loving husband and would like to be with you
David V M Smith”
Letters of David V. M. Smith, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
10/25/1862
“Mor, take Breakfast with my host & hostess & daughter. Attended to my Picket Guard. Returned to Camp Plead the case of Private Davis of Co E. before the Court Marshal. cleared him. Eve. Chat with my Lieuts in my tent”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Saterday 25th
came in from pickit about eleven oclock was relieved by Company A in the afternoon cleaned our accrutrements for Sunday morning inspection”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
” Col of Woodstown was in camp. 25” — Clear. —– Co went out on batt drill. I went to draw rations of bread and meat.I studied tactics and recited a lesson at 14 0’clock and went to draw rations for Sunday. Evening doing some errands in town and called to see Lt Lippincott.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
10/26/1862
“Rain all day. wind North East. Remain in camp all day. Mor. have my back cupped”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Sunday 26th
A very stormy day No inspection to day stayed in our tents all day had a nice prayr meeting in the evening led the meeting Sargt Holems Corp Ayrs & Charles Sockwell came in & helped.”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“26” — Rainy. I drawed wood for cooking & H.K Leieuallen & I took Anthony
Wiley to the hospital. Called to see Lt Lippincott he was a little better. Afternoon was very stormy. We were in our tents all the afternoon. Writing letters was the chief pass time. Continued to storm all night. I sat up with Lt Lippincott in the hospital. I write a letter to a friend. Lt was quite restless.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
10/27/1862
“Heavy wind & rain storm all day. Call on Major Davis. Eat Oyster dinner with LtCol Willets. Aft. Go quail shooting with Col Willets.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 27th
Stormed this morning up to nine oclock & then cleared away very nice got a paper this morning from Eva drill in the afternoon in tent street”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Stopped raining at 10 o’clock am. I took the police & went down to the
Q.M. and drew full rations of groceries for 5 days. Afternoon recited a lesson in tactics and went shopping in the town. Evening I wrote a letter to Brother Edgar & read the articles of war to the inmates of my tent.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
10/28/1862
“Morning. go out for skirmish drill on the four hundred acres of the pompous Major Peters This singular specimen of long drawn meat ordered us off of his place. while we were in the act of chasing a rabbit but we didn't see it in that light & continued our drill”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 28
Bat. drill in the morning in the afternoon skirmish drill got a letter from Sister Elizabeth”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“28” — Clear and very frosty in the morning. A man named Jacon Hughport in Co K was accidentally shot in the knee by a gun in the hands of a member of Co B. The wound was supposed to cripple him for life. I went down to draw rations of bread and meat. Afternoon reciting a lesson in tactics at the Capts Tent & _.A. Dubois and I went to the Patapsco Store. I caught a strangers horse running away to a buggy the owner gave me 25 cents for doing it. We went back in Camp after retreat got supper and I & and Srgt Jennings went to the hospital to sit up with Lt Lippincott. Found him much better.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Camp Johnson
Oct 28th /62
I take my pen in hand to inform you that I am middling well as far as health is concerned lib I Recd your letter a few minutes ago and was glad to hear that you was all as well as you are for I have this morning early by a man home that […] Fall that some of you was sick and if I have not got a letter to day I should have been very uneasy about you but I by the time you get this letter you all be better we have had a very hard storm of wind and Rain here it blew down a quite a number of our tents and made it very Disagreeable here you say that you have Rented the Shop Be sure that you get the Right account of things
I had Expected to come home this week but there is a talk of a General move of the Army on the Potomac so General Wool has forbid any more furloughs being Granted for the present but if we dont move from here I think I shall be at home before a great while for I long to see you and the children try to keep them all alive until I can get there, and for gods sake and for my sake and for ever […] also sake that has […] do or to say about our troubles and misfortunes, dont write any more about it nor about the liquor that I have bought and what I have drank for it pains me to have it brought up in my mind and I cant […] about it without sheading teas and I must say something in Reply I think if I could see you we could alter the fact of things very much for I am sure you would see a sober man and one that does not want to quarrel with you you dont speak in your letter as if you wanted me to come home but I dont think you mean so Let us try to Bring about a good feeling and say nothing more about the past OUr pay Roll come in yesterday and I hear that we are going to sign it to morrow if so we shall be paid off before long, we had a man shot in camp this morning in the knee the ball entered just below the cap and come out some several inches above in his thigh he was sitting at the time cleaning his gun and the man that shot him was in another Row and he put a cap on his gun and snapped it not knowing that there was any load in it the Ball passed through another mans hands in 2 places and in his Coat and then through the whole camp for we was all every man in Range at Guard mounting the […]
I wish you would state in your next letter how you manage to get the mail backward and forward to the cars send me the news if you have any and tell Charley to Revise up and […] letter it is […] very kind Job there but it is unkindly here tell […] Rufus to be good children and my prayer is that I may come home and find you and them all well and in comfortable circumstances I want you to write to me as soon as you can and Direct as Before and if we move it will follow the Regiment
tell me about the shop and see that Adams keeps the Barn the fence and sheds in good Repair and I Remain your
Husband and to you children
A Loving Father
D V M Smith”
Letters of David V. M. Smith - Gilder-Lehrman Collection
10/29/1862
“Morn. Attend battalion drill. Afternoon with Capt Chase ride 20 miles over the country on a scouting expedition Evening take tea at Hotel had pleasant chat with ladies”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 29th
Skirmish drill in the morning caught a rabbit in the afternoon signed the pay roll & fixed the captains tent”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Wednesday 29th - Clear morning, went to the Q.M.after rations & shopping in the town. Co drill in the camp afternoon I went with the police after bread. Evening Srgt Holmes & I went to town shopping . I called at Mrs Colemans to see Lt Lippincotts wife & sister.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
10/30/1862
“Morning Work at rolls all day. Evening stop sale of liquor in company with Capt Jobes. The proprietor takes us to Dr —– who introduces us to his wife & daughter sets out his —–“
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Camp Johnson,
Ellicott’s Mills, Md.
October 30th, 1862
To my dear and Affectionate Wife and Parents;-
I now sit down to drop you a few lines to inform you that I received your loving letter and was glad to hear that you all were enjoying such good health. Your letter found me in good health with the exception of a cold and that gave me a cold in the breast which makes me feel a little uncomfortable at present; but I am in hopes that I will be relieved of that in a few days, I have not been under the Doctor’s hands yet, nor have not taken any of his medicine yet, nor neither do I want to take any of it as long as my health will permit me to; several of our soldiers have been taking his medicine and they say that he makes them worse instead of better. We have several sick soldiers in the hospitals now, and some I don’t think will ever get home again. The weather has got so cold here in camp that they have moved the hospital down in the town in a dwelling house, which makes it a great deal better and warmer for them these cool nights and damp weather, for we have had some bitter cold nights and damp weather here.
It commenced raining here last Saturday morning and rained on until Monday morning about 10 o’clock and then it cleared off very nice and has remained so until the present time; I was out on guard at the time of the rain and not having no oil cloth coat or blanket I got wringing wet and that is the way that I got my cold and if I could get myself a coat or blanket I would get one as they will keep the rain off of us; the overcoats that we have keep off some of the rain but when you have to be out in the rain eight and ten hours, and they get so wet that they are as heavy almost as led and then have to lay down in them on nothing but straw and sometimes on bare ground it is a wonder that there is no more sick than there is; as for my own part I have enjoyed good health since I have been here with the exception of the cold that I speak about and have gained in my weight 12 lbs. up to the present time and they all tell me that I am getting as fat as any one in the regiment, but I can not tell how soon I may take a change, but I still hope that I may have the same good health as I have had since I have been in the regiment.
There is one thing if I should live to get home I shall have the biggest pair of whiskers you ever saw me wear as I have not shaved since I have been here and Eliza is not here to shave me nor to cut them off now, but if I should live to get home and my wife Eliza should see me there she may have a chance to shave me again and I do hope that we, both of us, and all the rest of you may live to see one another again and enjoy the comforts we have enjoyed together.
Tell Eliza to take good care of George, and use him well for my sake, and likewise herself until I do get home and not let him starve nor starve herself either; as I want him and her to have enough to eat and wear until I do come home that is if I should live to go home.
Our captain and one of our orderlies have been home on a furlough and one of our corporals and they all overstayed their time and the colonel ordered them all to be under arrest; they came home today and our lieutenant notified them of the case and our captain did not like it and he has started down into the town to see the colonel about it and I do not know how they will make it, but they seem to think that the stripes will have to come off of the orderly and the corporal and that it will go pretty hard with the captain but I hope it may not be the case.
Our pay roll came in day before yesterday and today we are all called on to sign it; I have just been and signed it and I had to write my name in three different places and write it very fine at that. I do not know when we shall get our money some say that we will get it in ten days and some say not until one month but I can not tell when they will pay but one thing I know there is some of the boys that will not have much coming to them as there is a sutlers tent here as they call it and they can draw orders from the captain and get what they want by paying two prices for them; they buy apples for 50 cents a bushel and sell them out for one and two cents a piece; pies for ten cents; worth about three cents and all other things according to the price of the things that I have above mentioned but as for my own part I have not took up one cent of my wages and have not spent over 50 cents with me so I have all of my wages coming to me.
I stated when I wrote home before that we expected to move down in the town, but I don’t know whether we shall go there now; there is a talk of us having to move from here to some other place all together but I can not tell any thing about it for I do not believe that there is any of us knows any thing about it, what we shall do yet; not even one of our officers without it is some of our head ones. They have took twelve of our privates out of the regiment to cut wood for us this winter; but what place we are to burn it I cannot say as yet: they are cutting it about five miles from the camp.
As you stated in your letter that you were getting along with the house pretty smart and you wanted to lathe and plaster it before Eliza moved, I think it would be the best if you could get to do it. George Sithens promised to get me the plastering lathe for the house and I saw him the other day about it and he told me that the water was so low that they were not sawing much down there now but there would be some there after a while, and if there is any there I would like to get them there as he owes me and that will save paying the money for them; and lime and anything you can get where they owe me get them to get anything that you can. Before you plaster it up stairs I want collar beams put across over head, something like 2 by 5 of one inch board on each side of the rafter with a strip nailed to the board up the side to the peak of the rafter and before putting the collar beams up I would like you to draw the planks in to gather as you will see they are sprung out and that makes a hollow in the peak of the roof.
Now I will have to stop for this time; write and tell me how Kate and Taylor comes on: take Kate and go hunting with her as the season has come in, but don’t let anyone have her without you are along. Write as soon as you can make it convenient and let me know how you are getting along. Good-bye
From Your Son and Husband—C. W. Gamble”
Letters of Charles Gamble.
“Sunday 30th
Battalion drill in the morning from nine to one oclock this afternoon cleaned our accrutments & got ready for inspection & general review to morrow morning Joseph B Husted”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Thursday 30th - Clear morning drawing rations and shipping and called at the hospital to see out sick men. Afternoon getting ready for inspection and grand review. Evening shopping and stayed all night with Lt Lippincott.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
10/31/1862
“Morning Inspection & Review day on drill ground. Col Johnson said of Co K that it was by far the cleanest company & LtCol Willets said no knapsacks compared with them in orderly appearance Evening tale a moonlight walk with Miss McGowan. attend meeting of line officers”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 31st
knapsack inspection & general review out on our Battalin drill ground quite a large turn out of Ladys had a hard days Work no drill in the afternoon wrote a letter to Eva got a copy of the minutes of the Association”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Friday 31st — Clear morning. I drew bread and went out on inspections and grand review about two miles from camp. Got back to camp at 2 o’clock. Afternoon I went to the Q.M. and drew fresh beef. The Co had no drill. Evening doing errands in the town.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/01/1862
“spend the whole day in skirmish drill with the Company”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Saterday Nov 1st
Company out all day on skirmish drill came in about Sunset very find weather now feel quite unwell & did not go out with the Company wrote a letter to Mary Clark”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Saturday Nov 1st — Clear morning drawing full rations and selling the over pluss. Afternoon Ammond Kain and I went into the woods to cut a liberty pole. We practiced target shooting with my pistol and then we went into Camp. The Co carried out their beds and equipments to air and clean out our tents. Evening Srgt Summers and I went to the town hall to a meeting of the B.B. for practicing sacred music. I called at Mrs Triggs to see Lt Lippincott.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/02/1862
“November 2nd, Company B, while on picket, captured four men with a four-horse team laden with guns and ammunition, which they proudly escorted to our camp.”
History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
“Morning attend service conducted by our Chaplain Rev Wm. B. Otis Evening with Capts Mattison & Schooley and a file of men, empty 85 Galls of Whiskey at a low shop which had been selling to soldiers.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Sunday 2nd
Fine weather this morning no inspection church in the Oddfellows Hall quite an exentiment in the Company about attending Episcopal Service went to Methodist church in the evening had an excelent sermon”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Sunday Nov 2d — I went to the Q.M.to draw bread. The Co were inspected and then we went to church in the town hall, it being used by the for meeting. Afternoon I was ordered to get 48 hours rations cooked for picket duty. The order was countermanded at _ o’clock. I called at Mrs Triggs to see Lt Lippincott. Evening in camp writing a letter to Brother Frank. Wm Yearnest one of our Co was put in the guard house for drunkenness.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/03/1862
“Morn examined contraband goods, visit the sick write official letters Evening attend meeting of line officers Have stove put up”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 3rd
Battalion drill this morning came in at noon got a letter from Eva Sent one to her & one to Sister Mary no drill this afternoon have very cool weather to day & growning colder all the time”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Monday 3d — Cleat and windy. H. J. Todd and I went to a blacksmith shop in the town and ground an axe and some knives and called at Mrs. Triggs to see Lt Lippincott. He was not quite so well as usual. I then called at Mr Jaros shop and at the Q.M.and I then went into camp to dinner. Afternoon I recited a tactic lesson and then took the police and went to the Q.M. Afternoon beef I called at Mrs. Triggs to get Hattie Lippincott to put a pocket in my dress coat. Evening in my tent mending my —. The Co went out on battalion drill in the morning and Co drill in the afternoon.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/04/1862
”Arrest of Deserters - Yesterday afternoon a squad of the 12th New Jersey Infantry, stationed at Ellicott's Mills, captured ten deserters from the army of the Potomac. They were members of various regiments, and had in their possession a four-horse army wagon, marked company E, First Maryland Regiment. The wagon was filled with arms, clothing, knapsacks, &c. At the time they were arrested they were on the Frederick road, making their way to Baltimore. They were placed on board the cars and brought to this city, under charge of Lieut. E. J. Parker, 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and were delivered to Deputy Marshal Lyons, who had them conveyed to Fort McHenry. The wagon and its contents were also brought to this city, and delivered to the custody of the 13th Pennsylvania Cavalry.
The Baltimore Sun, 11/4/1862
“Morn Take a rabbit hunt with Capt Mattison. Evening in Company with Capt Mattison call on Miss Lippincott”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 4th
Skirmish drill from nine to 1 oclock Lieut Dare in chare manual drill in the afternoon Lieut Potter commanding”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Tuesday 4th — Clear morning drew my ration of wood from the Q.M. Studying tactics in my tent afternoon recited a tactic lesson in the Capt’s tent and went down town to see Lt Lippincott. Evening went and sat up with him.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Camp Johnson Nov 4th 1862
Dear Elizabeth & Children
We are here yet and in the same state that we was when we were last […] we do not know anything about what we are going to do we have 10 companys in the Regiment and there is a privilege now granted for 10 men out of each Company to join the Regular army and go into active service for 5 years if they wish war or no war Some are very anxious to go and some are into it now for as long a time as they want we had it very cold here last night we had to build a fire in our tent to keep warm and then it smokes so we could not see across the tent but if it keeps cold we are going to get a stove in a few days we are taking a good many stray Rebels or spys and horses that has belonged and marked by the government guns clothing and other property On Sunday we took a government waggon loaded with […] valuables in charge of the Rebels and intended for the Southern army but they got a little nearer to us than they expected our pickets are out for some 13 or 15 miles each way We have a good lot in guard here some just from the Southern army and some Simpathisers or spys with them and yesterday we got Big nigger that has been watch us and telling the Rebel part of the Community what we was doing and by just such men as he is we have […] of a good deal of property and men that we would have got but he is now safe in the county jail where they all ought to be, there it is 11 oclock and I am called to come and get a letter and with pleasure I find it comes from you and am glad to hear that you are all as well as you are and hope you may soon be much better you spoke of the younger men from Labon[?] and Mt […] Mr Lawson is a very fine man as far as I ever heard of him and the young man is the same we have not been paid off yet but when we are I will send you what money I can I must keep enough to get me a vest and a pair of boots as the government does not find anything but shoes and my legs is so bad with the Rheumatism that the doctor says I must have boots so if I dont draw clothing I will get the money at the end of the war to the amount of $40. a year I cannot write much to day as I am on guard but tell Charles I will write to him as soon as I can I am in very good health at present except my legs and they pain me very much but still I am […] every day and am gaining in flesh very fast to day is Election day but I have not time to attend but would like to hear the Returns about to morrow
Hiram Fletcher I hear is coming out here the last of this month if so and I get any money I will send it by him you can find out by asking him privately I must now close as I have to go on duty write to me soon and tell Charles I will write to him as soon as I can And I will Ever Remain
Your Loving Husband and Father
D V M Smith
I will send you some information in my next about my accounts”
Letters of David V. M. Smith, Gilder Lehrman Collection
“Camp Johnson Nov 4th 1862
Charles My Son,
I Sit down to commence writing you a letter I dont know when I shall get it done and I dont know what to write that will interest you. But as I am on Guard I think I will Give you a short account of the way we have to attend to it our Camp Guard is composed at present of 54 men Besides the officers and we divided into 3 Releifs viz 1st 2nd & 3rd of 18 men each the 1st Releif goes on at 9 oclock A M Comes off at 11 Oclock 3rd Releif goes on at 11 oclock and comes off at 1 oclock the 3rd Releif goes on at 1 oclock and comes off at 3 oclock then Comes the 1st Releif again for 2 hours then fill up the 2nd for 2 hours and comes the 3rd for 2 hours and on thus manner we continue from 9 oclock one morning until 9 oclock the next morning Rain or shine You see we are on guard 2 hours and off 4 hours in the day time we can go to our tents but at night we have to lay on the ground by the officers post for fear that we would not wake up when our turn comes if we was in our tents (some times we can lay in our tents if we can get some friendly Officer to come and wake us that is on guard with us)
I am now standing guard every other day as you see above as I can stand it Better than I can march and drill in the company on the account of my legs now if you ever become a soldier which I do not advise you to do we can give some idea about standing guard around a camp like this (Nov 5th) our fellows had quite a spot of fun last Evening in Camp a celebrating Election night they had singing & speaking and Dancing from a large Box fixed for the purpose they kept it up until about 10 oclock I could not be with them as I was on duty But I was near enough to see the crowd & hear the hurrahs. I had some good sleep last night from 9 oclock until 1 oclock I laid on the ground with a stick of wood for a pillow and my Blanket over me and slept as well as I ever did in my life at 1 oclock I went on duty. We have some drummer Boys here, about your size and they are quite smart to, the other night they got together and 1 of them wanted to go in town very Bad so they got an emty Barrel and put him in it it had one head in it so when the guard was past so he could not see in the Barrel they Rolled it past him (it did not Require and Rolling for it was down a steep hill,) he struck it with his bayonet not thinking that there was any Body in it But only made it run the faster so down the hill it went for about 3 hundred yards and the little drummer crawled out and went into the town with no other harm to himself But a scratched face and when he came Back to Camp they let him in and said if he went out that way they would give him a free pass Back Our Regiment is all out on Regimental drill to day Except the guards & the old guards that is the guard that came of at 9 oclock this morning. I must now close for the present and when I write to you again I will try to give you something Better. I am well except my legs and hope you are all in good health and Remember that when you are sleeping at home I am traveling my Beat with my gun on my shoulder or I am laying on the ground waiting for my time to come Tell Rufus & Anna to Be good children & dont forget it yourself write as soon as you can & tell your mother to write to me. I will come home as soon as I can and see you all and hope to find you well and comfortable so good by & will ever Remain Your Loving Father D V M Smith”
Letters of David V. M. Smith, Gilder Lehrman Collection
11/05/1862
“Mor examined prisoners. Attend prisoners & battallion drill. Afternoon examined prisoners, eat an oyster supper, make one fellow pick up stones to acknowledge being a deserter, which he did after picking up three stones Eve take a lazy smoke. Lieut Davis wife came on. Evening Col Willets Major Davis & our Chaplain call at my tent”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Wensday 5th
Battalion drill this morning skirmishing & sham Battle by the ragament between 11 & 1 oclock drill in the afternoon three to five”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Wednesday 5th — Clear morning drawing rations and doing errands. Afternoon we were ordered to go out on picket. I drew 4 days rations of meat. Evening at Mrs Triggs to see Lt Lippincott.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/06/1862
“November 6th, the weather growing colder, we bought boards, put down floors and stockaded our tents, making them much more roomy and comfortable for us to spend the winter, as we seemed anchored here; but prospects changed later on. “
History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
—-
“Morning Drill the company. Evening with Lieut Potter call on Mrs. Daniel Dare Serenade Mrs, Daniel Dare with the Band”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Thursday 6th
Company drill this out on the Frederick Pike drill in the afternoon in tent street”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Thursday 6th — Morning clear and pleasant. Our Co went out on Picket I stayed in camp and prepared rations to take out to the pickets. Evening at Mrs. Triggs to see Lt L.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/07/1862
“Morning at 7 o'clock commenced snowing Attend the funeral of Corporal Carter of Co B send 15 prisoners to Baltimore. snows hard all day & untill late at night. Sit in my tent all day”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 7th
Company went out early this morning to attend funeral of a Corporal of Company B. Commenced snowing about 7 oclock Snowed all day very hard”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Friday 7th — I arose about 5 o’clock and I prepared the rations to take out. Commenced snowing at 8 o’clock. We started at 9 o’clock for the picket posts in the commissary wagon. Went first to Hilton and then across to the 1st post on the Frederick Turnpike and then onto the outpost 7 miles from camp. Dealt out the rations and returned to camp. The snow about 6 inches deep and still snowing. Evening I called to see Lt L. Found him much better.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/08/1862
“Morning. Snow 4 1/2 inches deep. go down and visit the sick. Afternoon go Fox hunting with Lieut Potter”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Saterday 8th
Very cool to day went out in town bought a stove for tent all day putting it up sign a paper for clothing &c.”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Saturday 8th — Clear, cool. The snow melted slowly and made the traveling very bad. I was doing all of all day. Evening I called at Mrs Triggs.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/09/1862
“Morning attend our Church in our Regimental chapel with a few of my company Evening with Capt Mattison call on Mr Forrest who was very sick”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Sunday 9th
Knapsack inspection this morning at 8 oclock part of the Company went to church”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Sunday 9th — Clear. I went to the Q.M.to get fresh beef and then went to
presbyterian church. Afternoon and evening in camp writing letters.
“
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/10/1862
“Morning with Lieut Potter & Capt Mattison & our Kelly, take horse,carriage, & dogs go gunning on Carrols Manor. have no luck. Evening return to camp”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“On guard to day Company gard on patrole Corporal Paget out in town Company drill in camp to day”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Monday 10th — Morning preparing rations to take out to our pickets. Afternoon I went out in the commissary wagon to take them to them. I brought a boy in to camp with me. He was a deserter from the rebel army. Evening called at Mrs. Triggs.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/11/1862
“Morning Pickets send in John Butler, Political Prisoner. Evening Mrs, Lieut Dare, Miss Lippincott & Miss Twiggs take tea and spend the evening with Lieuts & myself in my tent. Lieut Barton (?) with a file of mon report M—– Partell Lieut Potter with a squad of men go out and arrest him as a political prisoner. Attend the ladies to their homes.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 11th
Battalion drill this morning came off guard at nine oclock No Company drill in the afternoon”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Tuesday 11th — Clear morning doing chores in camp and in town. Afternoon I went to the Q.M. drew 1 days rations of pork to cook for pickets. Evening I called at Mrs Triggs.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/12/1862
“Morning Examine prisoners afternoon at 3 p.m. send prisoners among whom were Hayworth & Chase Deserters from 1st Md to Baltimore Call on Gen Wool who has a fit of “Damning & Cursing” Evening with Srgt Dubois attend Holiday St. Theatre See Florence in Column Bawn (?) Stay all night at Mansion House”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Wensday 12th
On police to day a part of Company went out scouting last night arrested two prisoners & came in a five oclock this morning J Norton Woodruff & two Mr Pagett from Deefield are here”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Wednesday 12th — Morning cloudy went out to take rations to our pickets in the comiss wagon and then went to the soldiers who were cutting wood for the reg’t and then came into camp. Aaron Padgett, D Padgett, A.W. Woodruff and Aaron Harris were in last evening and went away at 3 1/2 o’clock today. Evening called at Mrs. Triggs to see Lt L.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/13/1862
“Morning at 10 a.m. proceed to the camp of the 141st New York Vols. Col Hathaway Dined with the Col and remained till 4 p.m. return to camp at Ellicotts Mills and find the two Lieuts awaiting me”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Thursday 13th
On Police all day a letter from E yesterday cutting of Wood at the hospitle a man died in the hospitle last night from Company F Capt & six men to Baltimore yesterday with prisoners Company drill this mor drill again this afternoon in tent Street wrote a letter to Eva”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Thursday 13th — In the morning I prepared rations and took them to IIchester to our pickets and visited the cotton mill for the first time in my life and then went back to camp and called at the depot and got a dry tent to me from home. Everything came without damage then helped Mr Hann in building a kitchen. Evening called at Colliers store and Mrs. Triggs.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/14/1862
“Morning arrange charges against Political Prisoners Butler (?) & Partell at 11 a.m, with witnesses in case of Chase & Hayworth go to Baltimore & report to headquarters. Afternoon call on several officials. Evening attend Front St. Theatre. Take board at the Eutaw House”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 14th
Battalion drill this morning and Company drill in the afternoon Mr James Potter came in camp to day”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Friday 14th —I drew some wood in the morning and then went down town to assist Corp'l Lieuallen get a stove up to camp. Afternoon helping Mr. Hann in finishing the kitchen. Evening called at Mrs. Triggs.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/15/1862
“Morning after breakfast call on Gen Wool. then call on Col Frothingham then on Major Jones Prov Marshall, then on Gen Wool. go to Fort McHenry to take the confessions of the Deserters Chase & Hayworth return to Gen Wool's room in Eutaw House. Gen Wool sick in bed. After dinner call on Col Frothinghan Evening return to Camp at Ellicotts Mills.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Saterday 15th
Battalion drill this morning & skirmishing by the Battalion came in about one oclock. Dress parade this afternoon at 4 oclock got two papers from home”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Saturday 15th — Clear in the morning. I engaged the commissary wagon to go after the cooking utensils of our pickets. I then went out to look for a stove for the kitchen. I found one in a house belonging to the union factory. It was a 9 plate stove and cost $1.50. In the afternoon I bargained with a wagoner to bring it to camp and then went to the Q.M.after supper. Eve in camp Co all in.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/16/1862
“Morning sit in the tent with Lieut Potter & his father. Afternoon In tent. Evening with Capt Mattison call on Mrs, Chase wife of the deserter. visit the sick. We then called on the ladies at Miss Twiggs. return to Camp at 11 1/2 PM smoke till 1 a.m.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Sunday 16th
Inspection this morning at nine oclock went to church at ten dress parade at 4 oclock this afternoon did not go to in the evening had a singing party at tent No Six knapsacks inspected this morning by four Ladys”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Sunday 16th — Cloudy and cool we had an inspection of arms at 9 o’clock and I then went to Presbyterian church. Rev Mr Brown of Reg’t preached. Afternoon in my quarters reading until 4 o’clock and then went out on dress parade. Evening in my quarters. Furman Parvin called in a few minutes. I wrote a letter to Larvis Johnson.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/17/1862
“Morning. Rains. Curse (?) on you wet weather Afternoon go out & take a ride in the rain an awful ride!”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 17th
Stormy day & no drill to day commenced writing a letter to Eva had some fun with a darkey no dress parade this afternoon spent the evening at tent No. 6.”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Monday 17th — Rainy morning at the Q.M.drawing full rations selling the
over pluss. I came back into camp at noon. Afternoon I went down to the Q.M. after fresh beef. Called at Colliers stone store. Evening in my quarters reading tactics.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/18/1862
“Rains all day. Morning send prisoners to Baltimore under Capt Mattison. I go to Baltimore on the same train. Capt M. takes Dinner with me at Butchers (?) Call on Gen Wool. Evening Call on some ladies the Missess Albertson. Am Introduced to Miss Julia Montague stop at Mansion House”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 18th
Wet & Stormy all day & no Battalion drill or dress parade, had a pass & went out in town came in at two oclock wrote a letter to Eva had a court marchel in the tent to night Tom Green Judge Advocate Timothy Bateman Asistant Agatent General”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Tuesday 18th — Rainy. I went down in the town in the morning to get a lot of cabbage for dinner. I came back to study tactics. There was a lot of new clothing delivered at the Capt’s tent for the Co. In the afternoon I overhauled my bed, took the butts off of the husks. In the evening I purchased a Balto American and I spent the evening in reading it.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/19/1862
“Rains all day Morning at 7:30 take cars to Relay House visit the encampments at 9.30 return to Ellicotts Mills. Afternoon Eat chestnuts with Major in his tent How are your chestnuts? Evening with Capt Mattison, call on the Misses McGowan & other ladies.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Wensday 19th
Stormy yet & no drill or dress parade staid in our tents all day got a letter from Sister Mary She sent me the postage Stamps wrote a letter to her this eveining”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Wednesday 19th — Rainy all day. In the morning I went down to the Q.M. to draw pork. I came back to my quarters and studied tactics. Went to the Capt’s tent and got a new suit of clothes which came in by a special recquisition. Afternoon I got John Dubois to cut my hair and then I went down to see our men in the hospital, three of our men being in there at the time and I called on Lt L. Found him very unwell with a headache. I took my new pants and blouse to Ms Kate Triggs to get the stripes sewed on. Evening I went out in town to do errands and came in and wrote a letter to R.L. Foster.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/20/1862
“Rains all day, Mor Have house cleaning in tent. Evening Maj Davis, Adjt. Capt Mattison Lieut Potter in my tent.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Thursday 20th
Rain - rain - rain - rain - mud - mud - mud commenced a letter to Eva.
Rain - rain - rain
mud - mud - mud
Rain - rain - rain
mud - mud - mud
Rain - rain - rain”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“20th —Rainy. I went to the Q.M.and drew pork for the day and then I went and wrote a letter to Dr. Cochran. Afternoon in my quarters reading a paper and washing myself. Evening drew wood for the Co. Evening in my quarters reading my paper rec’d from C.E.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/21/1862
“Morning Rains. Morning Committee of officers wait on the QrMaster. Afternoon Maj Davis & Adjt sit in my tent & then I sit in theirs. Evening remain in tent write to K”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 21st
Stormy day no drill […] a pair of pants gave them up to Corporal Terry No drill”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“21st — Rainy. Morning I went to the Q.M.after rations of pork and in camp reading. Several of the officers went out to look for a place to encamp. Not being successful they returned and ordered boards for stockading the tents. I went to the Q.M. in the afternoon to get fresh beef and called at Mrs. Triggs to see Lt L. He was not very well. Evening Srg’t Geoff and I went to Mrs Hughes to a husking frolic. There were several of Co — there and Capt Clift, Lt Mafelchen of Co D. We husked until 11 o’clock and then went to supper. The Co danced and played cards
until daylight. I did not participate in them. 2 negroes had fight.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/22/1862
“Mor. My Company go out on picket duty. Lt. Potter to Oeltown ? Sg Riley to Ilchester Sg Holmes to Carrolls Manor at St. Charles College. Lt Dare & myself with twenty four men to the 17 mile stone on the Frederick Pike 7 miles from Ellicotts Mills Spend the day in arranging our quarters”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Saterday 22nd
Came out on pickit 20 of us came to the Seventeen mile stone passed Saint Marys College on our way out had a fine time to getting Straw & wood &c had quite a busy time in the evening listning to the captain”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“22d — Clear. Took breakfast at Mrs Hughes and then went into camp drawing rations in the forenoon. Afternoon I went to the Q.M. and drew bacon for Sunday and went into camp and cleaned my gun and accoutrements. Evening in my quarters writing in my diary. I rec’d a letter from — Richman.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/23/1862
“Mor. all remain at post Afternoon send out two scouting parties they return at 8 pom. without any captures Eve enjoy a quiet smoke”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Sunday 23rd
Spent the morning in our tent in the afternoon two squads of us went out Scouting, went out on the old Frederick road, went to one Captain Williams, found him to be a very fine man used us first rate gave us some appeles. Came in at 8 oclock.”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“23d — Cloudy and windy. We had Co inspection at 8 1/2 o’clock and then 6 of us went to the Presbyterian church and then went back in camp. Dress parade at 4 o’clock. Evening I went to the Q.M.and drew bread and then P. English and I called at Mrs. Triggs to see Lt Lippincott.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/24/1862
“Mor. with serg DuBois & eight men I start on scout. go over 15 miles. capture 1 mule, 5 rifles, 10 overcoats 12 blankets & a large quantity of other clothing & some accoutrements. Eve we find ourselves 10 miles from our post. spend the night with a Mr Hall North of Poplar Springs about one mile. His lady gives us a big supper & lets us sleep in the parlor on the floor.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 24th
Captain & nine men went to lisbon this morning on a Scout Liut Dare & Clay […] went out gunning Corporal Terry & myself in charge at head quarters Lieut & Clay came in at sunset with three rabbits Captain has not returned”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“24th Morning clear and cool. I went to the Q.M.in the morning after bacon and then went out on battalion drill. Afternoon I went to the Q.M. and drew fresh beef and then went out on dress parade. After that was over I took the Co out to post No 1 to fill for their beds with straw. Evening I called at Mr Forts in the town and came back to camp and wrote letter to mother.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/25/1862
“Mor. after Breakfast resume our scout Capture one Horse, two tents, 2 guns, Kill a man's dog & find a two horse wagonload of things. Have women tell ne they would like to see my “damned Yankee throat cut” Eve start for Camp with the capt. articles in a two horse wagon very dark, have to get out and feel for the road, Arrive at Camp at 10.30 PM “
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 25th
had rabbits for breakfast this morning went out gathering wood, did not leave quarters to day Lieut Potter came up he & Lieut Dare & Clay Dare went out hunting this afternoon, […] cutting wood this afternoon Captain came back to night about 7 oclock with a load of goods left Seargt. DuBois & 7 men at Lazbon, Captain & Tim Bateman went into Camp”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“25th — In the morning it was clear and very frosty. I had no rations to draw so I took all of the men that I could muster and went after wood and then went out with the Co to drill in the afternoon. The — came in. I drew our rations and then the Co went out in charge of the orderly srgt and commenced to drill in the bayonet exercise and came back in camp and got ready for dress parade but it was postponed. Evening is rainy. I spent the time in cleaning my musket. Corp'l Leieuallen’s brother came in camp from Jersey.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/26/1862
“Wor. in Camp see a nig receive 10 lashes for his thieflike actions. Return to Picket Station. Afternoon serg DuBois returns from scout with another wagon load of captured goods”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Wensday 26th
Spent the day in going Scouting &c. Sergt. Dubois squad came in to nighgt with two mules & a load of clothing”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“26th — Cloudy in the morning. I went to the Q.M.and drew full rations of
groceries. I sold the California peas. Afternoon in camp drilling in the bayonet exercise. Evening in my quarters writing a letter. Jas Looper of Beltsgrove is in camp. Srgt Living is very unwell. The Provost Marshal captured a lot of muskets and clothing at Poplar Spring. It is now expected that we shall remain here all winter.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/27/1862
“Mor. Thanksgiving Lt Dare goes on scout. We have a Rabbit dinner. I go hunting in afternoon Eve Lt Dare returns with wagon load of goods captured.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Thursday 27
liut Dare, five privates & my self went out for a Scout, went to Sikesville found Some clothing Serch several houses got a team & came in about ten oclock some of the boys went out gunning got some rabbits & birds”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“27th — Clear and very frosty. It is Thanksgiving day but not generally observed. We had a Co drill in the avenue. We broke ranks at 10 o’clock and I made a cupboard in my quarters. Afternoon we had dress parade at 4 o’clock. Evening I called at Collier’s Stone Store and Mrs Triggs to see Lt Lippincott. He was very low spirited and talks of resigning.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/28/1862
“Mor I go on scout again. capture several rifles, one Rebel sword taken in the Battle of Antietam see lots of fun stay all night at Mr Griffiths, 3 miles South of Lisbon”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 28
had a rabbit stew for breakfast this morning Corporal Hines went out Scouting Captan going on horseback Garton Greer[…] Morris & myself went into Camp Danny had our box got some cake & apples brought them out also a letter Liut Dare went in camp with his Wife going to stay till monday Corporal Terry & his squad came in about nine oclock, had a darkey here this evening with a fiddle spent the evening with us had a fine time”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“28th — Cloudy and the sky had every appearance of snow but it cleared off before noon. I went down early in the morning after the bacon and then I went to guard mounting and out of Battalion drill. Afternoon I went to the Q.M.after fresh beef and then went to the Co to drill in the bayonet exercise until 3 o’clock PM. Dress parade was postponed. In the evening I called at Co A a few minutes and after that cleaned up my equipment for Grand Review and inspection to be held tomorrow.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
11/29/1862
“Mor start for camp capture several lots of clothing & take Dinner with —– of Lisbon arrive at Picket post at —– after Sunset Eve we talk over days proceedings by our pickets fire”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Saterday 29th
Captain did not come in last night Some of the boys have gone out gunning this morning looks very much like snow. Captan came in at nine oclock with a lot of clothing”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“29th Cloudy. I took the men and went down the lane after wood and then put on — knapsack and equipments and went out with Co on inspection and grand review on the field where we go for battalion drill. The reg’t was commended for the good appearance of arms, and knapsacks, Co H in particular. We got back in camp at 12 1/2 o’clock. I went to a farmer in the afternoon and procured some husks for my bed and went to the Q.M.and got hard bread for the Co. In the evening I called to see Lt. L.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Clear & Cloudy both cool & looks like snow but the day passed over without any storm after Guard Mount the Batallion was formed in the usual manner the men having their knapsacks packed & on with their haversacks & canteens Boots Blacked Brasses Brightened Dress Coats on every thing in trim it being monthly review Inspection we then marched out to our Drill ground & after being put through Battalion Movements by Lt Col Willets we were then formed in line of Battle review by the Colonel R. C. Johnson we were then formed in column inspection Guns & accoutraments 1st then our knapsacks […] before inspection Lt Franklin nose came on to bleed I having water in my canteen I helped him gave him water to wash in the […] from Woodbury (& others) Miss Abbot Fronden Isgard we were present as Review went through the usual Rotine till Roll Call then retired on account of Review then was no esuard[?] moment yesterdays guards were kept on 2 days”
Diary of James S. Kiger, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
11/30/1862
“Morning all well at Picket post Lt Potter & myself bring two Deserters to camp Report ourselves to Col Johnson I take tea with Maj Davis & Col Willets”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Sunday 30th
had a turkey for dinner to day after dinner went with Harry Gaskill & Charley Powel to Carle Manor a darkey took us over the grounds Captan & Leut Potter went in to Camp this afternoon”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“30th — Morning cloudy I went to the Q.M. I drew bread for 2 days and then went back to camp after calling at the hospital. Co inspection in camp. I wrote letter to brother Frank. Afternoon sleeping and reading tactics and at dress parade. Eve in camp wrote a letter to brother John.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Clear spell as out with the exception of its being a little cool & the streets & camp rather muddy several companies about to pass in fell in line & proceeded to Odd Fellows Hall down in the town to attend divine servise by our Chaplin Rev. Mr Otis the Battalion being in charge of Capt Clift Co B Co A having the Right the Room was crowded between 2 & 300 being present the Band Marched at the Head of the Batallion in going to church & played Hail Columbia going & some stiring tune coming back Lt Franklin had Co A in charge going but Orderly Sergt Garwood in coming back. No Dress Parade this afternoon the came in to muddy condition. Our Chaplin preached a Thanksgiving Sermon this morning very good went through the usual Rotine of the day but no Sundy Morning inspection as we had a monthly one yesterday”
Diary of James S. Kiger, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
12/01/1862
“Mor. send 30 prisoners ta Baltimore Dine with Major D & Col Willets take tea with them Eve attend a party of Mrs. Chase's at Mrs. McGowans Dance with several Jersey ladies”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday Dec 1st
A damp rainey day & all hands Staid in quarters Captured two good blankits, nothing new to day”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“December 1st — Morning rainy drawing full rations and selling a part of them. Afternoon in camp drawing wood. Evening called on Srg’t Smith Co G. Found him under arrest. I went down to do errands. Called at Colliers Stone Store and at Forrests Store.
December 1st — Rainy morning. Drawing full rations and selling the over pluss. Afternoon in camp. Corp'l Padgett called at my quarters and borrowed my pistol to take out on picket. Evening I went down town to do errands. Called at Forrests Store and Colliers tin shop.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Cloudy but no storm although cool & feels much like snow nothing of any importance transpired in Camp Guard Mount at 9 Am no Drill of any kind all day. Sergt Pierce of Co A & Lieut Pierson of Co. F with a squad of men were sent to Baltimore with about 38 Prisoners, Deserters, &c. that had been picked up by the Picketts nothing to do all day but loaf around in our tents while writing in my book (diary) Lt Phipps came in with Misses Abbott, Isgard, Endecott, so I had to stop being acquainted Capt Chase & Commeter issued boards some to each compy for stockading purposes the boards being found by the Gobernment 12lb worth being allowed to each tent after the usual evening Routine Roll call at 8 1/2 we Returned for the night Capt & Lt Chase officer of the day and as 1/2 past 12 at night Capt Chase […] with […] Joseph Morfair […] & Jacob Dehart made Grand Rounds”
Diary of James S. Kiger, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
12/02/1862
“Mor. take little hunt for —– with LtCol Willets & Maj Davis near camp Afternoon return to Picket post at the 17” Milestone on Frederick Pike Rebels reported within 17 miles of us Eve. Nigs. slaves of Carrols come in & the boys dance while the slaves play the fiddle & the banjo & Bones”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 2nd
A part of the Company went hunting the rest Staid in quarters Captan came out from camp in the afternoon. Rebels reported at New Market Squad came in at sunset with five rabbits, got a letter from Eva, two darkys came in the evening & played for us had a fine time”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“2d—Clear. I acted as Srg't of the guard. I was on duty from 1 until 6pm and from 1 until 7AM. The 2 cooks from Co E were put under guard for coming in camp drunk. I released them at daylight. Capt Schooley offices of the day. Lt Acton officer of guard.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Clear & cloudy both at times cool little wind cove & feel some like snow went through the usual rotine of the morning Revilie Breakfast Guard Mount at 9 Battallion Drill postponed till this afternoon 2 PM when the Battallion was formed marched to our Drill Ground went through Batallion movements then after being formed in line first went through the movements of Firing (having been furnished with Blank Cartridges) by Compy by file by wing by Batallion drilled about 2 hours marched back to camp then had Dress Parade Lt Trimble of Co F acting Adjt then Roll Call then got supper took sick down to Hospital at 8 (sick calls) a private of Co C was sent home this morning having died in the Hospital yesterday only put in the Hospital sunday night with the cramp colic his name was Mead good many of the men are […] stockading their tents to day the Government furnishing 12lb Lumber to each tent”
Diary of James S. Kiger, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
12/03/1862
“Mor take little rabbit hunt Afternoon write to K. Evening listen to the boys spin long stories by our picket fire”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Wensday 3rd
the rebels reported […] at New Market this morning. Captan and five men gone gunning looks very much like Storm. Captan came in without any game all hands at […]“
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“3d —I was relieved from guard duty at 9 o’clock AM and took the old guards out to shoot the loads out of their guns. George W. Duplerp Co F the best shot. I went to my quarters and slept until noon and in the afternoon I went to the Q.M.and drew fresh beef and came back in camp to dress parade. Evening in my quarters. Corp'l Lieuallen and others were in. I went and slept with Lt Fogg. He had a sore throat.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Clear & cloudy has been for some time looks & feels like snow quite […] day Guard Mount at 9 AM no drill of any kind to day No 2 […] of Co A went down in the town with Capt Chase & got the boards for stockading our tents we then went right to work tore down our tent, &c. graded with the […] then built up good the sides all down & got the tent up before […] Drill back of no […] of our men at one the principal part of the carpenter works slept very comfortable in the tent the 1st night a little cold as we did not get the door done all hands helped some the tent much larger & more comfortable. Lt Franklin & Phipps went to Baltimore with the girls & got back to my […] out in town to the purpose of looking for a letter for Miss Marie Franklin one having come for him this morning alas in Capt Chase case he having mislaid a letter […] at the Post office […] to the horses where they she was passing Boarding to see if it had been sent there but it had not I called Martha Trigg where they are boarding called her aside & asked her about it I then came up to camp & reported to Capt Chase that I could not find it seems he found it I went right down with it and gave it to him Dress Parade at 4 PM the men that were engaged on stockading were excused […] through the routine of the night then Retired after reading a chapter prayer by myself I being in town Lt Null 2nd Lt Co I acted as Adjt on Dress Parade
“
Diary of James S. Kiger, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
12/04/1862
“Mor. are relieved from picket to come in to rec. our pay PAYDAY We are paid to the last of October. Eve with Maj Davis & others empty out the whiskey of the Green House Dance at a party at McGowans while on picket the boys at the 17 mile stone killed over 40 rabbits & 2 squirrels (the latter an added entry)“
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“this morning where order into camp to receive our pay, got in camp about eleven oclock paid us of about six oclock recieved one month & the odd days, brought in an extra blanket a captured one from a teamster”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“4th - The weather was very clear and cool. We had short drill in the morning on the Co parade grounds and then broke ranks and waited for orders to fall in for our pay. I went to the hospital tent to get it. The Adjutant, the Major, and Lt Col were under the influence of liquor. We were paid in United S money. In the evening I called to see Lt L. Some of the officers and ladies had a ball at McGowans Hotel. I go back in camp while the Co was out to roll call.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
12/05/1862
“Mor. I take the Regt to Drill ground and act as Col. Drill the Regt till 12 oclock. Return to Camp commences snowing. Eve shut up rum shop It snows all the evening”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Friday 5th
Battalion drill this morning Captain Thomson acting as Leut Colonel Captain Jobs & Cliff assistants came in at noon commenced snowing before we got in. tents No fore and five commenced bording up their tents this morning snowed all day”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“5th Cloudy in the morning. I went to the Q.M.to draw bacon. Came back
to camp. I went out on battalion drill. Major and Adj't were too drunk to go out. Cap’t Thompson and Jobes acted in their places. It began to snow about noon. We got back in camp about 12 1/2o’clock. I spent the afternoon in clearing my musket and eve in writing. Still snows at 10 0’clock.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Cloudy & cool feels like snow Guard mount at 9 P.M. Battallion was formed after Guard mount no companies formed not knowing had there was to be Battallion Drill & several of the orderly Sergts for cussing by the Adjutant after the Battallion was formed Capt Thompson of Co K took charge & […] Col Capt Jobes of Co GH act Major Capt Bliss H. Adjt the Battallion was then marched to the Drill went through a Burlesque Drill no battallion movement of any account made I had to fall out with a severe pain of my bowells and did not fall in the company any more stayed with the Band & fell in and Marched back with the Battallion marched back just as the Battallion stared back about noon it came on to snow snowed all day but did not make fast some of the Boys got caught with their tents down not done stockading which made it bad had a pass event out in town up at the Depot saw the girls go bound for home Misses Abbot, Franklin, Endicott, Isgard. Lt Franklin Adjt went with them to Baltimore with them Lt Phipps & a file of men went to baltimore with Prisoners. Privates Nicholas Barber & Thos. Whitsell went with them snow storm cleared up about 11 PM got up in the night and saw a total eclipse of the moon good many of the men drunk since getting their Pay. Chas. Terry of Co A was brought in Camp Drunk had to be carried in camp and Lost all his money Alex Isaac Kates got a pass till 4 P.M. but as Roll Call Father had not made his appearance I had an Invitation from all the girls to call and see them if I ever get home”
Diary of James S. Kiger, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
12/06/1862
“The Regt receives MARCHING ORDERS Day spent in settling Bills and making arrangements to leave. With Col Willets MajDavis & Q& Brown start for Baltimore in wagon & have to return as horses cannot stand on the ice.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Camp Johnson, Ellicott’s Mills
12th N.J. Regt.
December 6, 1862
Dear Sister and Brother,
Today we received “marching orders.” We strike tents and move to Washington, thence to no man knoweth. “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and no man knoweth whence it comeith or whither it goeth” — 'tis thus with our order to march.
We have some three inches of snow here and cold weather.
I will send some money home to be placed to my credit if any opportunity offers.
Everything is now in the shape of a family breaking up housekeeping.
We (my Company) have been on picket duty for the past two weeks, and during that time we scouted 25 miles from camp, captured 2 horses, 2 mules, 15 rifles, 30 overcoats, 25 blankets—10 tents, worth $200, and clothing to such an amount that it took six horses to drag them to camp. Had to sleep wherever we found ourselves. At night we lived in the woods, had plenty to eat and corn stalks to sleep under. Killed at my post (when I had 20 men), 40 rabbits, 20 squirrels, 4 turkeys, 10 chickens, and also 3 dogs. Had women tell me they would like to see my “damned throat cut” and other like pleasant expressions to aid me in the enterprise. Other women proved more kind and gave me bed and board.
At night when we had returned to our Picket Headquarters, the slaves from the neighboring plantations would come in and sing, play on the fiddle, banjo, bones, etc., while the men would dance straight fours round the campfire. We enjoyed the moonlight nights, and many is the hard story told as we sat on logs with our feet to the fire smoking our pipes. I have attended ten dance parties and find that the Southern women are rather fond of a blue coat and brass buttons.
Thursday last was “pay day” and that evening we saw a high time among the whiskey shops. We shut up several and yet there were too many left. In fact this whole place is one honeycomb of whiskey shops.
Give my love to the children when you write. I received your last letter. I will write you again when I can send any account of my whereabouts.
With much love, I remain your brother,
Richard”
Letters of Richard S. Thompson
“Saterday 6th
very cold this morning with about 3 inches of snow went on guard, regament had orders to pack up for a move to Washington, had an exciting day great many drunk”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“6th — Morning clear and cool. I went to the Q.M. and drew full rations and sold the over pluss. Our Col had orders to report at Washington on Monday morning with his reg't. The camp was in a great excitement about packing up to leave. Afternoon I was in my quarters packing up my knapsack. I went down town in the evening to Mrs Triggs to see Lt L and take Mrs Trigg some sugar.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Clear but very windy and very cold the wind blew a perfect gale all day. Made the tents rattle but none blew down very disagreeable for the guards as the wind blew the snow evry where froze pretty hard in the evening also froze into the tents - coldest day this winter no drill at all today Guard mount at 9PM the Patapsco River frozen over between the dams where the water does not run fast nor much of any thing boys kept close in there tents with good fires one the tents of Co D caught fire this evening in the top & had to take their tent down in put it out tent No 3 Co A. cap of their tent caught fire but they put it out without much trouble. Lts Franklin & Phipp got back from Baltimore this evening Lt Phipps got a new sword boys confined to their tents on account of the cold & a good many spend the time in writing letters &c. A good bit of excitment in camp to day the report of the Regt […] marching orders to leave the forepart of next week.”
Diary of James S. Kiger, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
12/07/1862
“Write letters to my friends. snow still on ground very cold weather, remarkably so for this part of the country.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Sunday 7th
came off guard at nine oclock up all night Still very cold & windy Staid in tent all day wrote a letter home”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“7th — Clear and cold. I arose rather late and Srg’t Holmes of Co K came in to take breakfast with me and I then went out to the Q.M.to draw fresh beef and came back into camp and wrote a letter to brother Frank and took the men out to get wood and 4 went with me to the Q.M. after hard bread for one days rations. Evening I took tea and had a chat at Mr Forts and then called at Mrs Triggs to see Lt L and came in camp. Called at Co K to see Corp'l Padgett, Corp'l Moore was examining the mens heads and making phreneological observations. I went to my quarters after roll call and wrote a letter to father.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Clear but cold not very pleasant out of doors did not go to church as the capt said those who wished to go to church might fall in with other Compa and go so I made up my mind not to go so I went over to the Suttlers & washed up for the Day & stayed all the morning after I got back Capt had changed his mind & made all the compy go he was a little mad at me because I did not go but the fault was his own loafed in the tent all day good bit of excitement still about our marching orders had a pass to go out in town to church but did not go (at night) went to bed after roll call & taps after prayer.”
Diary of James S. Kiger, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
12/08/1862
“Mor. with Maj Davis go to Baltimore Call on Gen Wool, Prov. Warshall &c.&c take dinner at Shamburgh call on Col Butler(?) Evening call on some friends of Major D's. Attend the Holiday Street Theatre. stay all night at the Eutaw House.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Monday 8th
On Police to day went out in town with commissary to draw rations Sent a letter with ten dollers enclosed, to D & a little baskit home by Jim Damerriss Wife a lot of men drunk as usuel, ground very muddy, got a letter from Eva”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Monday 8th — Clear and cool. I went down to the stable the first thing in the morning to get the wagon master to take Lt Fogg to Mrs Triggs but the hill being so slippery he could not get up with his team and Lt was carried down on a stretcher. In the afternoon I took Ammond Rein and Jason Vanmeter and went out to Niggertown after a German who had cheated our cooks out of 2 mess pans but he paid me for the pans rather than go to the guard house. I called at Co K and Corp'l made an examination on my head. Evening in my quarters packing my knapsack and mending my clothes and writing letter P.S.P. “
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“still cold and very pleasant out of the tents Boys keeps close to their quarters & keeps a good fire nothing of any account transpired in camp to day Guard mount at 9AM I mounted Guard our orderly Garwood being sick in the evening went out in town on a pass and spent the with Mrs & Miss Martha Trigg stayed till about 11 then went in camp had no countersign but walked right in at Post no. 1 the sentry not knowing his business as he never halted me stopped in the guard tent with the Officer of the Day, Capt Moore & Lieut. Burroughs stayed there about an hour twas fun to see the men come in (after their pass was over) drunk went to my quarters & went to bed good bit of disturbance in Camp in town to day good may of the men drunk drunk CApt Chase ordered all his men back to camp wehn […] me relly glad I had a little fight - […] in the Guard house with others”
Diary of James S. Kiger, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
12/09/1862
“Mor. after Breakfast call on Gen Wool we (Maj & I) get small change. Take horse cars to Catonsville & then stage to Ellicotts Mills Dine at McGowans Pack trunk. Make my arrangements for leaving”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Tuesday 9, 29 years
Birth day to day very busy getting ready to move wrote a letter to Eva, quite a lot drunk again Still very muddy, a Company came last night to take our place, Sent our Sick to Baltimore to day.”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Tuesday 9th Dec — Clear. Lt Fogg no better. Lt L about the same. In the morning I drew wood for the Co and then drew 4 day rations to cook and take with us. Afternoon I took a squad of men out in the town to do errands. I called to see Mrs Triggs and Lt's. Evening I was at Mrs Triggs. Came into camp at taps. 1 Co of the 138th PA Reg't came last evening to do guard. Twenty at this place. “
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Clear but cold more pleasant than has been the whether having moderated nothing of any importance happened in camp to day Guard mount at 9 boys betting Ready for to move to morrow packing up &c bidding friends good by in the Evening Lt Phipps and I went down to Mrs Triggs to bid them good by &c we took our Haversacks down to her she said she would fill Lt Franklin & Phipps & Mone Lt and I went over to Miss Fountain & bid them good bye he having introduced me I then went back to Mrs Trigg & spent the evening left for camp about 9 1/2 had no trouble in getting in camp Lt Phipps was officer of the Guard went to bed another member of Co F Capt Stratton died to day very suddenly have to bury him here no friends non to look after him. George Allis from MeMe I believe”
Diary of James S. Kiger, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
12/10/1862
ELLIOTT'S MILLS TO FALMOUTH.
BY SERGEANT DAVID BOSTON.
The following notes from his war diary, are kindly furnished by Comrade David Borton, of Company F: December 10, 1862, in obedience to orders from the War
Department, the time has come for the regiment to leave the pleasant hills and associations of Ellicott's Mills, but not to forget the beautiful (girls) and healthful location, with that memorable spring gushing forth from the rocks, supplying the whole regiment with its clear, pure waters. We struck tents at sunrise, and after the usual delays, started at 2.45 p. m. for Washington by way of Baltimore and Ohio railroad, reaching there at 3 a. m.; quartered at “Soldiers' Rest,” where we got breakfast.”
History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
“Mor. strike tents and prepare to leave. At 4 p.m. our Regt takes the cars for Washington &c. Arrive in Washington at 3 next morning after a very cold ride in iron cars The people in Ellicotts Mills manifest much sorrow at our departure.”
Diary of Richard S. Thompson, 12th New Jersey
“Camp Johnson, Maryland
December 10, ’62.
Dear Parents and Wife;-
I take my pen in hand to inform you that I received your kind and welcome letter last night and one from Charlie Hitchner. I have not time to write much for we have got orders to move and there is a Company waiting to take our place and we are all in a flustercation; I can hardly write. I hate to leave here now since we have got our tents fixed, but we have to go this morning to Washington, and we can not tell where we shall go next, but they tell me that we are going in battle. You need not write to me again till you hear from me again. Tell Hite not to come to Ellicott’s Mills but to come to Washington and then he can tell where we are; and I want him to follow the regiment if he can. Send the box to Washington and it will be sent to me. Father I have not much time to write; we have to start now; right away.
From Your Son
C. W. Gamble.
Tell Lib Smith that Dave is on duty and has not got time to write until we get moved and then he will write right away.”
Letters of Charles Gamble
“Wensday 10th
Got up early this morn had our breakfast Struck our tents & then waited for the cars till five oclock, then loaded up & started for Washing had a very tiresome ride”
Diary of Joseph Husted, University of Michigan Special Collections
“Wednesday 10th — Clear. Struck tents at Camp Johnson and left for Washington at 4 o’clock PM and arrived in Washington at 3 AM and quartered in the barrack.”
Diary of Alfred H. Buck, Rutgers University Special Collections
“Clear & cool […] our […] the snow on the camp ground which made it slushey & muddy. last cay in Camp Johnson Ellicotts Mills Md as every thing was packed up before noon for marching called up this morning about 4 1/2 at Revelie then after Breakfast the whole Regt commenced to get ready for leaving by packing up Knapsacks striking tents &c everything that we are to take was Ready before 10 AM we did expect to leave for Washington this morning but the cars did not arrive for us till about noon the Battallion was ready all the morning & all the boys expected to leave trains busy all the morning transporting tents and […] to the Depot about 2 1/2 PM the Battallion was formed & on Passenger cars for […] DC as soon after started left behind us friends & camp Johnson we arrived in Washington at 3 AM […] morning having to wait on the road for passing trains after arriving in Washington the Battallion was formed and marched to a building called Soldiers Retreat - a building large enough to old a whole Regt - we then turned in for the Ballence of the night on the floor the Depot & the streets of Ellicotts Mills was covered to see us off they did not want us to leave A Company of the 137 Pa relieved us at Ellicotts Mills Boys tired of loafing around after they […] leave”
Diary of James S. Kiger, Gilder-Lehrman Collection
“December 10, 1862, in obedience to orders from the War
Department, the time has come for the regiment to leave the
pleasant hills and associations of Ellicott's Mills, but not to
forget the beautiful (girls) and healthful location, with that
memorable spring gushing forth from the rocks, supplying the
whole regiment with its clear, pure waters. We struck tents
at sunrise, and after the usual delays, started at 2.45 p. m. for
Washington by way of Baltimore and Ohio railroad, reaching
there at 3 a. m.”
David Borton in History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
“December 10th, broke camp for a move to the front ; the regiment all ready by 11 a. m., but no cars in readiness till 4 p. m., when a train of thirty-three cars, drawn by two. engines, came up, on which men and camp equipage were soon loaded; and, amidst a vast throng of citizens, gathered to say “good-bye,” we departed for the front, over that crooked, winding road, where our long train made a continued S as we slowly wended our way to Washington over that single track, spending most of our time on the sidings, awaiting other trains. We reached Washington at 3 a., m.”“
Diary of Edward L. Stratton in History of the Men of Company F…, Haines, William P.
12/11/1862
1/12/1863
“While we were at Ellicott's Mills we were comfortably fixed in our tents and we had flowers in there, floor in there and they were boarded up the sides; there were 15 in a tent and we joined and bought stores and were living comfortable in them, new bread every day and good beef and pork and plenty of it and all were satisfied with it. But as soon as we got fixed we had orders to leave.”
Letters of Charles Gamble
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