Franklin County: Diary of George C. Traxler (1864)
Introduction:
Enlisted on the 29th day of November 1861, in Chambersburg, Franklin County, Penna. Left
Camp Slifer Chambersburg on the 7th day of January 1862, and went to Harrisburg; and we
left Harrisburg the 9th of March and went to Washington City. Left Washington on the 2nd
Day of April and marched to Upton Hill, Virginia. Left Upton Hill on the 16th of April and
marched to Clouds Mills, Va. Left Clouds Mills and went to Fairfax to guard the Orange and
Alexandria Rail Road on the 2nd Day of May; left guarding the railroad on the 19 Day of
May and went to Cotlotts Station. Left Cotlotts Station on the 24th day of May and marched
to Manassah Junction then left Manassah Junction on the 29th and marched to Front Royal,
left Front Royal on the 10th of June and came back to Cotlotts. Left Cotlotts on the 5th
of July and marched to Warrenton. Left Warrenton on the 22nd and marched to Waterloo. Left
Waterloo on the 5th of August and marched to the Culpepper Court House. Left Culpepper on
the 9th of August and marched to Cedar Mountain. Left Cedar Mountain on the 25th of August
and marched back to Rappahannock Station. Left there on the 29th of August and marched to
Bull Run and ont the 30th we had the fight and retreated to Centerville. Left Cetnerville
on the 1st of September and marched to Chantley. Left Chantley on the 2nd and marched to
Halls Hill. Left Halls Hill on the 6th of September and marched to Antietam and on the
14th of September we had the fight at South Mountain and on the 17th we had the fight at
Antietam. We left Antietam on the 26th of October and marched to Berton. Left Berton on
the 29th and marched to Warrenton. Left Warrenton on the 11th of November and marched to
Bealton Station. Left Bealton Station on the 25th and marched to Brooks Station. Left
Brooks Station on December 9th and marched to Fredricksburg and on the 13th we had the
fight and on the night of the 15th retreated back across the river and a few days later we
went to Belle Plains and on the last of December we went to Belle Plains to unload coal
rafts and on the 7th of January, 1863 we came back and put up Winter Quarters and on the
26th of January Old Burnside had his wind and on the 24th of March we came back to our
Winter Quarters again, and on the 27th of April we left our Winter Quarters and
started for Chancellorville. On the 2nd, 3rd and 4th of May we had the Chancellorville
fight. On the 6th we retreated across the river again and encamped near White Oak Church.
On the 12th of June we started for Gettysburg. Crossed the Potomac at Edwards Ferry on the
26th of June, had the Gettysburg fight on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of July. I was wounded and
went home and stayed at home 72 days and came back to Baltimore and got a furlough for 14
days. Came back to Baltimore on September 17th and on the 23rd we left Camp and went to Washington. Left Washington on October 24th and went to Camp
Distruction. Left Distruction on the 31st and went to Regt. at Bristol Station. We left
Bristol on the 5th of November and went to Catletts Station. Left on the 7th and went to
Mount Holly Church. Left on the 8th and crossed the Rappahanock at Kellys Ford and marched
to Warrenton Junction. Left on the 23rd and went to Rappahanock. Left the Rappahanock on
Novmeber 26, 1863 and went across the Rappahanock and Rappidan.
[Ed. note: This part of the diary was probably written sometime after January 1, 1864 ... George was a consistent attender at church when on furlough. He was again inducted into the army on February 19, 1864 by Captain Mathews in Camp near Mitchels Station, Va. At that time his address was: Sergeant George C. Traxler, Company B, 107th Regiment, Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers, Colonel F.F. McCoy Commanding, First Brigade, Second Division, Fifth Army Corps, Army of the Potomac.]
1864
February, 1864
February, Tuesday 2, 1864
I put my name down to reenlist as a Vetterin Vol.
February, Thursday 11
Paid 2 months pay at Mitchels Station.
February, Sunday 14
Whole Regiment on picket.
February, Friday 19
Sworn into service as a Vetterin Volunteer by Capt. Mathews in Camp near Mitchels Station, Virginia.
March, 1864
March, Friday 18
Company B on picket march. Rebs reported crossing the river.
March, Wednesday 23
Recieved our bounty and back pay at Mitchels Station.
[page 3]
April, 1864
April, Friday 1
Left Campt at Mitchels Station and went to Washington.
April, Tuesday 5
Got our furlough.
April, Wednesday 6
Got home on furlough.
April, Saturday 9
Received our local bounty in Shippensburg, $275.00. Lieut Hempill brought it from Phila.
April, Sunday 10
At Middle Spring at Preaching. At Oak Grove at Preaching.
May 1864
May, Sunday 1
Went to Uncle Dan's in the mourning and in the afternoon went up to Fairview to my grandfathers and in the Eavening I went down to the Glory and stayed until mourning. I draw Sargent pay from 1st May.
May, Wednesday 4
Came back from Harrisburg from furlough.
May, Wednesday 6
Got our guns.
May, Monday 9
Left Harrisburg and went to Baltimore.
May, Tuesday 10
Left Baltimore and went to Washington.
May, Wednesday 11
Left Washington and got on the Boat and went to Alexandria and was stopped by a Gunboat and had to wait till mourning. Rote to Susan W.
May, Thursday 12
Left Alexandria and went to Belle Plain and laid on the Boat Wenvah. Rote to Caroline G.
May, Friday 13
Got off the Boat and encamped on the Hill above the landing. Rote to J. R. Traxler.
May, Saturday 14
John Rushan, Geo. Smith, Isac Burns went to Hospital from Belle Plains. Left Belle Plains and marched to near Fredricksburg and encamped for the night.
May, Sunday 15
Left our camp near Fredricksburg and marched across the river and encamped for the
night and drawed 20 rounds more ammunition.
[page 4]
May, Monday 16
Left Fredricksburg and marched to the front, and just as soon as we got there we were drawed up in line of battle, and in the evening went to the front on picket.
May, Tuesday 17
Still on picket, relieved from picket and went back and throwed up intrenchments.
May, Wednesday 18
Left our intrenchment and moved up to Gen Warren's Headquarters and got a good shelling, then went back to our old place and stayed all night (Near Spottsylvania Court House).
May, Thursday 19
Got up at 12 o'clock at night and moved a little to the left. In the afternoon a heavy fight on the right and in the evening they drove our skirmishers in. Rote to J.R. Traxler.
May, Friday 20
All quiet except skirmishing; went on picket in the evening. Rote to Mary W. and Catharine S.
May, Satuday 21
The pickets drove in. The army moved to the left, and we marched to Guinneys Station on the Richmond & Fredricksburg Railroad and encamped for the night.
May, Monday 23
Left Bulls Church and marched to Mont Anny River and crossed at Oxford. Drawed up in line of battle and the corps was engaged and drove the Rebs; but it was their intention to drive us in the river.
May, Tuesday 24
We laid quiet on the battle field, throwed up intrenchment and laid in them all night.
May, Wednesday 25
Took up our line of march, and moved to the left and throwed up intrenchments.
May, Thursday 26
Left our brestworks about 9 o'clock and marched all night; in the morning we Dr. [drawed rations]. Wrote to J.R. Traxler.
May, Friday 27
We drawed rations and started for White House landing; amrched to Mangohick and encamped for the night.
May, Saturday 28
We left Mangohick and marched to th Pomunky River, crossed the River and encamped for
the night.
[page 5]
Drawed up in line of battle, throwed up entrenchment and went on
picket.
May, Sunday 29
Relieved from picket in the morning and marched to Salem Church, then marched out to the forks of the Richmond and White House roads and throwed up intrenchments.
May, Monday 30
Wm. Gilbert wounded. Left our intrenchment and camp, back to near Salem Church and marched out toward McCanacksville and throwed up intrenchments. Skirmishing, canonading & heavy fighting on the right.
May, Tuesday 31
At the same place skirmishing and canonading all day.
June, 1864
June, Wednesday 1
Left near Salem Church and marched about 1 mile toward the front, throwed up entrenchments and I went on the skirmish line.
June, Thursday 2
Relieved from the skirmish line and went back to the intrenchments. Skirmishing and canonading all day. Gov. Fry wounded.
June, Saturday 4
Left our intrenchments and moved to the left, throwed up a new line of intrenchments. Canonading and skirmishing nearly all day. Wrote to J.R. Traxler.
June, Sunday 5
Skirmishing and canonading all at night. Our corps was ordered to leave our breastworks and we marched to Coal Harbor on the Chickahomany River. Wrote to J.R. Traxler.
June, Monday 6
We laid quiet all day. Cannonading and skirmishing in front. Our corps laying in the rear 2 mile. Wrote to Daniel Traxler.
June, Tuesday 7
Still in the rear. Canonading and skirmishing in front.
June, Wednesday 8
Canonading and skirmishing in front. Our corps in the rear. A heavy fight in the evening. Wrote to Caroline G. and Mary W.
June, Thursday 9
Laying Quiet
[page 6]
June, Friday 10
Laying quiet. Wrote home to hear. Wrote to J.R. Traxler.
June, Saturday 11
Left Coal Harbor and marched to near Bottom Bridge and encamped.
June, Sunday 12
Started at night and crossed the Chickahomany at Bottom Bridge, marched to daylight and was drawed up in line of battle at White Oak Swamp, had a little fight with the Rebs. Wrote to Lydia S.
June, Monday 13
At night we left and started for the James River. Marched all night and halted in the morning near the St. Charles City.
June, Tuesday 14
Left at St. Charles Church and marched to near the James River and encamped for the night.
June, Wednesday 15
Laid quiet near the James River.
June, Thursday 16
We crossed the James at Wilsons Landing on the steamer Gov. Chase landed at Windmill Point and marched all night. Stopped in the morning near Prince George Church to cook coffee.
June, Friday 17
We marched out to the Battlefield and laid in line all day. at night we moved out to the front. Capt. Hemepole was slightly wounded.
June, Saturday 18
We advanced our line about 1 mile across the Petersburg and Norfolk Railroad. Eli Devon and Augustus Hoover killed and Wesley Iyer wounded. At night we fell back across the R.R. and throwed up breastwork.
June, Sunday 19
Laid in the intrenchments all day and in the evening we went out on the skirmish line.
June, Monday 20
On the skirmish line relieved at night and fell back to the breastworks. Canonading all day.
June, Tuesday 21
We laid in the breastworks and laid quiet. Sgt. Koser was wounded. Canonading all
day. Wrote to J.R. Traxler.
[page 7]
June, Wednesday 22
Wrote to Catharine S. Laid in the intrenchment all day, and in the evening went out on the skirmish line. Was attacked but drove the Rebs back. Heavy canonading and fighting on the Rebs and left.
June, Thursday 23
On the skirmish line all day. I was appointed Sargent.
June, Friday 24
Relieved from skirmish in the morning. The Corps moved to the left. Burnside men relieved us and we joined the Brigade. John Loury wounded.
June, Saturday 25
Laid quiet in our Breast Works. Skirmishing and Canonading all day.
June, (Sunday) 26
Laid quiet in our Breastworks all day. Wrote to J.R. Traxler.
June, Monday 27
Laid quiet in our Breast Works (Camp near Petersburg).
June, Tuesday 28
Laid quiet.
June, Wednesday 29
Laid quiet.
June, Thursday 30
Laid quiet. Mustered for pay Br. Col. McCoy, Commanding Regt.
July 1864
July, Friday 1
Laid quiet in our Breast Works. Drawed tobacco, tomatoe, chicken, mutton, sour crout, from the Sanatary Commission.
July, Saturday 2
Laid quiet in our Breast Works. It was my 20th birthday. Spent it in line of battle near Petersburg, Va. Wrote to J.R. Traxler.
July, Sunday 3
Laid quiet in our Breast Works.
July, Monday 4
Laid quiet in our Breast Works.
July, Tuesday 5
Laid quiet in our Breast Works. I went on picket in the evening for the first time as
Sargent. Wrote to Susan W., Mary W., & J.R. Traxler.
[page 8]
July, Wednesday 6
On the skirmish line. Relieved from the skirmish line in the evening. We commenced to build a fort.
July, Thursday 7
Still working at the fort.
July, Friday 8
Still working at the fort. In the evening the "Johnnies" opened up with artillery, but done no serious damage.
July 9, 10, 11 Saturday, Sunday, Monday
still working on the fort.
July, Tuesday 12
We moved into the fort, whole Brigade; and I was detailed to work in the fort (near Petersburg).
July Wednesday 13
Still working at the fort. At night they put 4 guns in it.
July 14, 15 Thursday, Friday
still in the fort and working at it (Near Petersburg).
July, Saturday 16
Still in the fort and working at it. Drawed new potatoes and cucumber pickels.
July, Sunday 17
Still working at the fort. Sunday morning inspection.
July, Monday18
Still working at the fort.
July, Tuesday 19
Still working at the fort. Went on picket in the evening for a 2 days tour.
July, Wednesday 20
Still on picket. The Rebs very close to our line.
July, Thursday 21
Relieved from picket in the evening and returned to the fort.
July, Friday 22
Still working at the fort.
July, Saturday 23
Stilll working at the fort. I am on fatigue today.
July, Sunday 24
Still working at the fort. Rain in the evening.
July, Monday 25
Still working at the fort. I am on fatigue today.
[page 9]
July, Tuesday 26
Still workign at the fort. Another Battery brought in tonight.
July, Wednesday 27
Still working at the fort. I am on fatigue today.
July, 28, 29 Thursday & Friday
still working at the fort.
July, Saturday 30
Still working at the fort. A heavy fight on the line.
July, Sunday 31
Still working at the fort. I am on fatigue.
August 1864
August 1, 2 Monday and Tuesday
still working at the fort.
August, Wednesday 3
Still working at the fort. I am on fatigue.
August, Thursday 4
Still working at the fort.
August, Friday 5
Still working at the fort. I went on picket in the evening. (Sergt John Koser died).
August, Saturday 6
Still working at the fort. Relieved from picket. 1864 Amount of Clothing April 1 1-Dress Coat $6.50 May 11 1-Pr. socks .32 June 6 1-Pr. Shoes 2.05 1-Pr. socks .32 June 25 1-Pr. socks .32 July 10 1-Blouse 2.35 August 6 1-Pr. pants 2.50
August, Sunday 7
Still working at the fort. I am on fatigue today. Sunday morning inspection by Sgt. D.W. Wagner.
August, 8, 9, 10 Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday
still working at the fort.
August, Thursday 11
Still working at the fort.
[page 10]
August, Friday 12
Still working at the fort. Peter Andrew came back to the company. I went on picket in the evening.
August, Saturday 13
Still working at the fort. Relieved from picket.
August, Sunday 14
Quit working at the fort.
August, Monday 15
We were relieved from the fort by the 9th. Corps., and went back to the rear.
August, Tuesday 16
Laying in camp on the reserve.
August, Wednesday 17
Laying in camp on the reserve.
August, Thursday 18
Left camp and went to the left to tear up the railroad.
August, Friday 19
A brisk fight and in the evening, they flanked us and captured us. They took us to Petersburg and kept us all night.
August, Saturday 20
Left Petersburg and crossed the Appamattox and incamped for the night. They took our canteens, knapsacks, tents, knives, forks, paper and envelopes.
August, Sunday 21
Left Petersburg for Richmond and went to the station. Stayed until the next morning.
August, Monday 22
Left about 2 in the morning and went to Richmond. Was put in Lybby prison and searched. 909 of us came together from Petersburg to Richmond.
August, Tuesday 23
Left Lybby and went to Belle Island. 3,600 men on the island, 139 out of our regt. Got grub for the first time since we were captured (4 days).
August, Wednesday 24
Still on the island.
August, Thursday 25
Still on the island. 2 shot for desertion.
August, Friday 26
Still on the island. 1 man shot out of the 39 mass.
[page 11]
August, Saturday 27
Still on the island, also 28, 29, 30. 5700 men here.
August, Wednesday 31
Still on the island. Get grub twice a day. at 12 oclock we get about 6 oz. of corn bread and about 3 oz of pork. at 5 oclock we get 6 oz of corn bread and about 1 1/2 gills of bean soup.
September 1864
September, Thursday 1
Still on the island. The weather is warm in the day and cold at night. Got our tents. 4 tents for 50 men. Fire in Richmond at night.
September, Friday 2
Still on the island. Fire in Richmond at night.
September, Saturday 3
Still on Belle Island. Weather cloudy & raining.
September, Sunday 4
Still on island. We were all taken out of camp and counted. Fire in Richmond last night.
September, Monday 5
Still on island.
September, Tuesday 6
Still on the island. Taken out and counted. The weather wet and chilly. The squad Sgts. draw double rations.
September, Wednesday 7
Still on island. Fire in Richmond at night. commenced to read the Testament through.
September, Thursday 8
Still on island. Taken out and counted. The weather wet.
September, Friday 9
Still on island. Taken out and counted. We drawed wheat bread for dinner for the first. Rice soup for supper. Fire in Manchester.
September, Saturday 10
Still on island. Taken out and counted. Fire in Richmond.
September, Sunday 11
Still on island. Taken out and counted. Turned out of our tents.
September, Monday 12
Still on island. Taken out and counted. Our men trading their pants, shoes, and
nearly all of their clothing to the guards for bread and tobacco.
[page 12]
September, Tuesday 13
Still on island. The weather cold like winter, and about 50 men go to the hospital in Richmond every day.
September, Wednesday 14
Still on island. The weather cold at night and warm in the day.
September, Thursday 15
Still on island. Taken out and counted. Fire in Richmond at night. Finished reading the testament through (8 days).
September, Friday 16
Still on island. The weather is warm. About 5,000 men on the island. A great many going out to work in town, some sick and some taking the oath of allegiance. The 8 Virginia was guarding us and was called away to go to Deep Bottom.
September, Sunday 18
Still on island. Taken out in the morning and counted. The weather warm in the day and cold at night. Got tents again.
September, Monday 19
Still on island. Taken out and counted. Sgts. of the squads draw the sick mens rations when they go to the hospital.
September, Tuesday 20
Still on island. Taken out and counted. Drawed fresh beef for dinner and a quart of salt for 100 men.
September, Wednesday 21
Still on island. Taken out and counted. William Dottery went to the hospital in Richmond. Drawed fresh beef for dinner and 1 qt. of salt for 100 men. Commenced to read the testament again.
September, Thursday 22
Still on island. Taken out and counted. Drawed fresh beef for dinner. Still draw wheat bread. 45 to 50 loaves of bread for 100 men per day. Reb. Liet in camp recruiting the Germans for their army. $100.00 in gold bounty and to be sent South, must go to the front. Got 10 recruits.
September, Friday 23
Still on island. Takne out and counted. 15 men taken out of
camp to work in Richmond as coopers and blacksmiths. The weather wet, rice soup for
supper and fresh beef for dinner. A very cold night.
[page 13]
September, Sunday 25
Still on island. Taken out and counted. Clear and cold. Convalesance and parolled prisoners guarding us, not exchanged. Some of the convalesance walking with staves.
September, Monday 26
Still on island. Taken out and counted. Got no grub until 3 oclock on account of the bread not coming across the river. They always bring the grub across on the boat.
September, Tuesday 27
Still on island. Taken out and counted. Finished reading the Testament through for the second time on the island. Read it in 7 days. The weather clear and warm. Traded my beef for tobacco.
September, Wednesday 28
Still on island. Taken out and counted. Commenced to reread the Testament through for the 3rd time. 4,700 men on the island. The men all got tents. About 1,000 laid out since we came on the island. 2 men burried themselves on the island when we were taken out to be counted, to escape but 1 of our men reported them and they were found.
September, Thursday 29
Still on island. Taken out and kept out all day, they tore down our tents and we had to lay out. Traded my meat for tobacco, got no grub till night. Great excitement in Richmond for fear of Grant coming. Heavy canonading heard on Belle Island.
September, Friday 30
Still on Belle Island, taken out in the morning and counted. Got our tents again. Draw from 45 to 50 loaves of bread per day for 100 men. 1 qt. of salt and 2 pails of bean soup per day, and every 3rd day we get 2 pails extra. 1 paid of fresh beef and 1/2 pail extra each day. 600 more came to the island from Lyby. 5,300 now on the island.
October 1864
October, Saturday 1
Still on Belle Island. Taken out and counted. Rained all day. Heavy connoding heard on island in the direction of Fort Darling. The guards had orders to fire on us if we would cheer when we heard guns. 2 Reb. Segts sent to Castle Thunder, 1 of our quartermaster and the Sergt Connd the island for selling our rations.
October, Sunday 2
Still on Belle Island. Taken out and counted. The weather wet. Drawed corn bread for
dinner, also a heart, a piece of bacon, and a beef head. Got meat for supper for the
first time. One man shot for going too near the guards beat.
[page 14]
October, Monday 3
Still on Belle Island. The weather cloudy and wet. Taken out and counted. Get our grub regular. Got our dinner at 10 oclock and supper at 2 oclock. Got soup at 5 oclock. I am unwell. Got the diarreah. 300 more men cam on the island. 5,600 now on the island. Traded my bean soup for tobacco.
October, Tuesday 4
Still on Belle Island. Taken out and counted. 500 men sent off the island and sent to Georgia. 5,100 men now on the island. They do not sent any more sick to the hospital. Keep them on the island. 600 more went in the afternoon and 500 after night. Draw 2 days rations of corn bread. 4,000 now on the island.
October, Wednesday 5
Still on Belle Island. Taken out and counted. 450 more sent away. 3,550 now on the island. George Laird left the island. Sam Pye went to Richmond to work in the Shoemaker Shop. 900 more sent off the island at night with 2 days rations.
October, Thursday 6
Still on Belle Island. Taken out and counted. 2,650 men on the island. 550 of us left and went to Richmond and took the cars.
October, Friday 7
We got to Danville about daylight and changed cars and went to Greensborough, North Carolina. Distance from Richmond 188 miles and stayed at Greensboro all night. Drawed 1 pint of flour and salt.
October, Saturday 8
Baked our flour and left Greensboro and went to Salisbury, N.C. Distance 50 miels and put in for safe keeping. 300 officers in the same camp.
October, Sunday 9
At Salisbury we drawed grub. 1 loaf of bread and 1/2 pound of beef for 2 men. Rates of markets in camp. Rice $1.25 a pint, salt $1.25 a pint, pies $5.00 apiece, bread 3 loaves for $10.00, dry corn $12.00 per dozen ears, sugar cakes $1.00 apiece.
October, Monday 10
At Salisbury the weather very cold. Drawed 1 loaf of bread for 2 men, no meat and a pint of rice soup. No water of any account in camp. Have it to carry in barrels.
October, Tuesday 11
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed a loaf of bread for 2 men. George Sawyer died. Came
into campt at night and in the morning he was dead.
[page 15]
October, Wednesday 12
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Weather cold. No tents. The men laying out, about 7,000 men guarded. Grub very poor. Get 1/2 loaf of bread and a little piece of meat once a week. A pint of rice soup about every 4 days and 2 spoons of molasses every week. Nothing to eat today but 1 loaf of bread for 2 men.
October, Thursday 13
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread for 2 men and 1 pint of rice soup apiece. The men are dying off at the rate of from 3 to 5 per day. David Shirk and me draw our grub together and divide it.
October, Friday 14
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread for 2 men. 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men and 1 pint of rice soup.
October, Saturday 15
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread for 2 men. The weather cold. Draw 3 or 4 sticks fuel wood for 25 men. Drawed 1 pint of rice and 1 gill of molasses for each man.
October, Sunday 16
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread for 2 men, 1/2 pound of beef for 2 men and two gills of molasses for 2 men. 1 of the Officers shot by the guard.
October, Monday 17
Still as Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 11 loaf of bread for 2 men, 1 pint of rice soup for each man and 1 gill of molasses each. The men dying off at the rate of 6 to 8 per day.
October, Tuesday 18
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread and 1+1/2 gills of molasses for 2 men. 1 pint of rice soup for each man. The men dying off at the rate of from 6 to 9 per day. Drawed green pine wood and had sweet fires.
October, Wednesday 19
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread, 1+1/2 gills of molasses for 2 men and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. The Officers sent away from Salsbury, 550 more prisoners came to Salsbury from Danville.
October, Thursday 20
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread and 1/2 pound of meat for two men. 1 pint of rice soup for each man.
October, Friday 21
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread and 1+1/2 gills of molasses for 2 men.
1 pint of rice soup for each man. The weather clear and warm in the day and cold at
night.
[page 16]
October, Saturday 22
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread and 1+1/2 gills of molasses for 2 men. 1 pint of rice soup for each man. A very cold day and night. The coldest we have had yet.
October, Sunday 23
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread and 1+1/2 gills of molasses for 2 men. 1 pint of rice soup for each man.
October, Monday 24
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 pint of flour for each man, 1 spoonful of salt and 1+1/2 gills of molasses for 2 men. 1 pint of rice for each man. Got some tents, 2 tents for 100 men.
October, Tuesday 25
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 pint of flour for each man, 1 pint of rice soup for each man, 1+1/2 gills of molasses and 1 spoon of salt for 2 men. The men dying at the rate of from 10 to 20 per day.
October, Wednesday 26
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 pint of rice soup and 1 pint of flour for each man and 1+1/2 gills of molasses for 2 men.
October, Thrusday 27
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread for 2 men and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. The men dying off at the rate of from 15 to 20 per day. Wet, cold and disagreeable day and night.
October, Friday 28
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 pt. of rice soup for each man and 1/2 lb. of beef for two men. No bread. 600 more came into the garden.
October, Saturday 29
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men, a pint of rice soup for each man and 1/2 pt. of extra soup. Drawed no bread.
October, Sunday 30
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread for two men and 1 pint of rice soup for each man.
October, Monday 31
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread for 2 men and 1 pint of rice soup for each man.
November 1864
November, Tuesday 1
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 14 crackers for 2 men and 1 pint of rice soup for each
man.
[page 17]
November, Wednesday 2
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 pint of flour and 1 pint of rice soup for each man, 1/2 lb. of beef and 1 spoonful of salt for two men. Wet weather.
November, Thursday 3
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 13 crackers for 2 men and 1 pint of rice soup for each man. Dying off at the rate of from 30 to 40 per day. Wet weather.
November, Friday 4
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 pint of rice soup for each man, drawed no bread. The weather wet and cold. 400 more men came into the garden. 360 men joined the Rebs army out of prison.
November, Saturday 5
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men and 1 loaf of bread for 2 men. 1 pint of rice soup for each.
November, Sunday 6
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 pint of corn meal, 1 pint of rice soup and a piece of tripe just taken out of the beef for each man. 1100 more came into the garden.
November, Monday 7
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread (Corn) for 2 men and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man.
November, Tuesday 8
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 pint of rice soup for each man. The weather wet. Election Day. Drawed no bread, but drawed 1/2 pint of rice soup extra.
November, Wednesday 9
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of Corn Bread for 2 men and 1 pint of rice soup for each man.
November, Thursday 10
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. Reports of the election, Mac 4000 ahead in N. York.
November, Friday 11
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man.
November, Saturday 12
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread, 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men and 1
pt. of rice soup for each man.
[page 18]
November, Sunday 13
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread and 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men. 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. David Wagner died at half past nine in the morning.
November, Monday 14
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man.
November, Tuesday 15
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 pt. of rice soup for each man and 1 loaf of bread for 2 men.
November, Wednesday 16
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man.
November, Thursday 17
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pint of rice soup for each man.
November, Friday 18
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread, 1/2 lb. of beef for two men, and 1 pint of rice soup for each man.
November, Saturday 19
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of soup for each man.
November, Sunday 20
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. The weather wet and cold.
November, Monday 21
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed a corn cake for each man and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. The weather wet and cold.
November, Tuesday 22
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread and 1/2 lb. of beef for two men. 1 pt. of rice soup for each man.
November, Wednesday 23
Still at Salsbury, N.C. I am sick. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man.
November, Thursday 24
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 4 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup
for each man. I am no better.
[page 19]
November, Friday 25
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread for 4 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. An attempt to break out of camp, 60 of our men killed and wounded. Luvis Kauffman died.
November, Saturday 26
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 4 men, 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. Still sick.
November, Sunday 27
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for two men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. Still sick.
November, Monday 28
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 4 men, 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. Still sick.
November, Tuesday 29
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. I am no better. Can not eat my rations for the last 6 days.
November, Wednesday 30
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. I feel a little better today. Diarreah very bad but my breast is better.
December 1864
December, Thursday 1
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of soup for each man. I feel better this morning.
December, Saturday 3
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, 6 potatoes for 1 man, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man.
December, Sunday 4
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man.
December, Monday 5
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pint of rice soup for each man. I am not so well today.
December, Tuesday 6
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pint of rice soup
for each man. H.L. Finley enlisted in the Reb. army. I am about the same.
[page 20]
December, Wednesday 7
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. I am about the same.
December, Thursday 8
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pint of rice soup for each man. Sleeted and snowed all day.
December, Friday 9
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pint of rice soup for each man. Sleeted and snowed all day.
December, Saturday 10
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men and 1 pint of rice soup.
December, Sunday 11
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men, and 1 pint of rice soup for each man. I am not so well.
December, Monday 12
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of wheat bread and 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men. 1 pint of rice soup for each man.
December, Thursday 13
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed loaf of wheat bread for 2 men, and 1 pint of rice soup for each man.
December, Wednesday 14
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of wheat bread and 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men. 1 pint of rice soup for each man. I feel better today.
December, Thursday 15
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of wheat bread for 4 men, and 1 pint of rice soup for each man.
December, Thursday 15
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of wheat bread and 1 pint of rice soup for 2 men.
December, Saturday 17
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of bread and 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men, and 1 pint of rice soup for 2 men.
December, Sunday 18
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Draw 1 loaf of Sogrum bread for 2 men, and 1 pint of rice
soup for each man.
[page 21]
December, Monday 19
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread and 1/2 lb. of beef for 2 men. 1 pint of rice soup for each man.
December, Tuesday 20
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of Sorgham bread for 2 men, and 1 pint of rice soup for each man. I took a backset and am worse.
December, Wednesday 21
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of wheat bread and 1+1/2 gills of molasses for 2 men. 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. I feel bad today.
December, Thursday 22
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man.
December, Friday 23
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of cornbread for 2 men and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man.
December, Saturday 24
Still at Salsbury, N.C. Drawed 1 loaf of Sorgham bread for 2 men, and 1 pt. of rice soup for each man. I feel better this morning.
December, Sunday 25
[One illegible word -- last entry in diary]
