September 17th. Pleasant morning. Detailed for picket duty. Located northeast of town, between the Harper’s Ferry Pike and the Shenandoah River, on the ground where old John Brown was hung in 1859. About noontime saw a company of cavalrymen come flying down the pike from Harper’s Ferry. Wondered what it meant. Later we learned that [...]

Saturday, 17th–The fight is all over and no one was hurt. The troops remained under arms all night to be in readiness for the rebels should they come across the river. Everything is quiet today.

17th. Saturday. Got officers to sign papers. Forges get back loaded.

SEPTEMBER 17TH.–Bright and dry. The demonstration of the enemy yesterday, on both sides of the river, was merely reconnoissances. Our pickets were driven in, but were soon re-established in their former positions. The Secretary of War is now reaping plaudits from his friends, who are permitted to bring flour enough from the Valley to subsist [...]

September, Saturday 17, 1864 Another cool day, spent very idly by all, playing cards most of the day—this evening Mary Lou, Mrs. James Young and I went in the Pond alone, Lou sitting on the bank looking on. Both my friends had gone out, I alone in, when a Company of Soldiers passed. I am [...]

16th.—A visit to-day from my brother Dr. B., who bears the utter desolation of his home quietly, though so sudden a change of circumstances is of course very depressing. He tells me that he has lately had a visit from a very interesting young South Carolinian, who came to look for the body of his [...]

Friday, 16th.—Inspection. Some talk of moving towards Alabama. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

September 16th. All is quiet in camp and on picket duty. General Sheridan and the main part of the army are near Winchester. Long wagon trains with supplies pass through town, to and from the main army. Must be kept well guarded. Guerillas are liable to attack the trains at most any point and time. [...]

Friday, 16th–There was quite an excitement early this morning when it was learned that the rebel cavalry was indeed here. All the convalescents in the hospital were armed and ordered out into the rifle pits. Wheeler’s cavalry were in plain view across the river north of town. They did not come across, however, as they [...]

16th. Remained in camp. Read and wrote.

SEPTEMBER 16TH.–Bright and pleasant–the weather. Gen. Hood telegraphs that his army is so much mortified at the feeble resistance it made to Sherman, that he is certain it will fight better the next time. Mr. Benjamin asks a passport and transportation for Mrs. Jane L. Brant, who goes to Europe in the employment of the [...]

September, Friday 16, 1864 Autumn is fast approaching, today has been quite cool—We have spent the day as usual delightfully at Waverly. Cards being order of the day—A delightful bath, though rather cool—I made Maj. Cheatham a nice Chess bag.

September 15th. Weather fine. At this time duty is light in our camp near this town. Getting all the comfort we can out of our soldier life. Writing many letters to friends in good old Connecticut.

Thursday, 15th–The day has been pleasant. It is reported that the rebel cavalry is in strong force in this vicinity and it is a good thing that the expedition returned when it did.

15th. Thursday. Returned to Berryville. Rode rapidly without company most of the way.

We Leave Virginia. Newbern, Sept. 15. On the 5th of this month the 23d and 25th Massachusetts embarked on the steamer Winona, from Bermuda Hundred bound for Newbern. The 9th New Jersey and 27th Massachusetts embarked on another boat at the same time for the same destination. On the morning of the 6th we ran [...]

SEPTEMBER 15th.—Bright and pleasant. The firing was from our gun-boats and two batteries, on Gen. Butler’s canal to turn the channel of the river. Our fondly-cherished visions of peace have vanished like a mirage of the desert; and there is general despondency among the croakers. Mr. Burt, of South Carolina (late member of Congress), writes [...]

September, Thursday 15, 1864 Today had been quite cool, and we have spent it very quietly sewing all morning. After dinner Lou and I beat Maj. Cheatham badly at cards &c after Tea. we had a nice time in the Pond, but cold weather is fast approaching, I am very much afraid I will be [...]

September 14th. A quiet morning in our camp. Resting and trying to get a little comfort out of life. Talking and living over our service during the past year, not forgetting our unfortunate comrades who were killed and wounded, prisoners. The life of a soldier in war is a severe and sad one. Wonderful what [...]

Wednesday, 14th–The troops that went from here after General Wheeler into eastern Tennessee about a month ago, returned this morning, coming in on the train. They did not succeed in capturing Wheeler, but they had several skirmishes with him, in one of which it is reported that the notorious General Morgan was killed.[1] The expedition, [...]

14th. Wednesday. Regt. was on picket near Berryville. Went to Harper’s Ferry with forges.

“CAMP near LOVEJOY’S STATION, “Sept. 14, 1864.         “When my last was written Sherman had not developed his intentions, and we were all in the dark as to what he would do next. After drawing back his line from our right and centre, he pushed these troops round in rear of his original right and crossing [...]

SEPTEMBER 14TH.–Bright and cold. Gen. Lee is in the city, looking after recruits, details, etc. Mr. Secretary Seddon appears to be in very high spirits to-day, and says our affairs are by no means so desperate as they seem on the surface. I hope the good coming will come soon. Gen. Beauregard has been sent [...]

September, Wednesday 14, 1864 Today has been a sad one to many members of this household, or rather has terminated sadly to some. Maj. Crump and Eddie left this morning for Grenada, where Gen. Chalmers’ command has been ordered—I am so unhappy tonight, my heart aches to see dear Lou in trouble. She had a [...]