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LETTERS AND DIARIES OF ABIEL T. LaFORGE
JANUARY - JUNE, 1865
DIARY
Sunday Jany 1" 1865. Lee did not astonish the world this A.M. neither did he surprise Grant, on the contrary this has been an unusually quiet day. Our flag presentation which has so long been delayed came off. The Regt. was formed in square and the adjt. brought out the beautiful banner and presented it to the commanding officer in the name of the Ladies of St. Lawrence then the Com-mandant presented it to the Regt. after which the Regt was dis-missed and the officers adjourned to Hd. Qrs. and of course we had a good time. The Div. Gen'l & staff and the Brigade Genl & staff witnessed the presentation which was altogather a fine spectacle. There is being considerable whiskey being drank in the army, but if there is any fist fights they are not likely to become general for it is too cold for the men to come out doors to fight.
Monday Jany 2". The Court Martial met to-day. there is ten mem-bers. We organized and tried one case for Desertions. The law in Court Martial cases dose not allow us to publish what our sentence and findings are until it is published by the proppr authority. There is much about military matters to be learned by the members of a court which they would never learn in any other capacity; many little intricate matters which would never come to their ob-servation about the administration of military afairs which it is not intended to become generaly known. I find it is no light mat-ter to sit in judgement on the life of a fellow creature and bro-ther soldier, as we have to-day.
Tuesday 3". Commenced snowing about noon and is still at it. Had a very interesting case to try at Court. also some fun. Last night one of Barnies officers returned to the Regt. he is Sergt Monroe who I reduced to the ranks the other day. How he is hated by the officers, I would not like to be in his place. I received a reply to my communication to the Adjt. Genl. last night, I must fill certain blanks before I can receive my pay as kprivate of the 85 N.Y.Vols. We learn that Col' Barney has thrown up his commission and that Maj. McDonald our old Commander is Col' and Maj. Allen Lt. Col. also Adjt. Robinson is Major. Last month I was reccommended- 6.15'.18'- 3.1.16'.20".19"-3.15'.13'.13'.9.19". 19".9.15"14'- but dont believe I shall 17'.5.20"-9.20"- as 17'.15'.22"- 19".5.25".13'.15'.21".18'- fills them 8.9.19'- 15'23"14'. way. (Substitution 1=A, 2=B, etc. assuming that the 17's should be 7's gives "Last month I was reccommended for Capts com-mission but dont believe I shall get it as Gov Seymour fills them his own way." Code seems unaffected by the fact that numbers from 13-18 are marked with ' and those from 19-25 are marked with ".)
LETTER (written at end of diary page)
Hd Qrs. "I" Co. 106" N.Y. Vols. Camp Townsend Va.
Jany. 3" 1865
My Dear Sister & Friends
I concluded to write you to-night even if it is prety late as I have not written for over a week. ever since our baggage came down to us I have been very buisy finishing up my accounts for last year & I expect to be very much engaged for some time to come, as I am a member of a court martial which has its sessions from 10 A.M. to 3 P.M. daily. sundays excepted. the only time I have for correspondence or work is after its sessions are over in the after-noon so I am afraid some of my numerous friends will be glad that I have some thing to do besides writing to them and boring them. Winter has really set in upon us now and we have experienced some very cold weather which made all the clothes we could cover our-selves with at night very acceptable, I have often thought of that little bedroom and the numerous blankets you used to have piled upon it for me. the baby too, used to be piled upon it once in a while with his uncle Bijou, has the boy cut teeth yet? if so I hope he dont bite bad, the little cherub give him my kind wishes. I hope you follow up your long dress system, how does the new one look? I am sorry mother keeps so poorly. give her her boys love and kind wishes, also to Martha, Janey is getting that flesh back again that she lost the last time she was sick I hope, when I come home I hope she will be as stought as ever, if not stoughter as than ever. Has Joseys mare been out late at night since I came away? she seemed very much surprised at my irregular hours when I had her. I am sorry I created so much gossip when I was home for it spoils a persons character too quick.
Your brother Abiel
DIARY
Wednesday Jany 4" 65 About an inch of snow on the ground this morning, prety cold too. court adjourned at noon to-day we only finished the case we had before us yesterday our Pay Rolls came back last night for correction, Mine needed none. I wrote to Miss 1.9'.1.3'.3 v.v. last night took some pains I dare say. (Substi-tuting A-I for numbers 1-9 and J-R for 1'-9' gives "aralc" or Clara spelled backwards. Presumably Clara Crandall is meant.) I also wrote to my dear kind friends in Andover I expect a letter from them before long.
Thursday 5". Rather sloppy under foot. pleasant above. the court agreed on the sentence I proposed by which to punish the prisoner to-day. I wrote to Uncle John last night. moved into my new shan-ty to-night, Cox is out on picket and I shall have to sleep here alone one night. the Regimental Commander the Q. M- and myslf took our Band and went over to visit the Brigadeer. had very good en-tertainmnent came back before midnight, good fire in my shanty when I got here, my old servant must have been here.
Friday 6" Rained nearly all day very muddy came near getting stuck coming from the court room. we adjourned to meet monday. I made out my ordnance return for 4" Quarter 1864. Cox and I are proposing to have a good bath. Susey should have written me before this. She is getting to be a poor correspondent.
Saturday 7" Prety Cold. I confined myself closely to business of which I have plenty. I was up to Hd. Qrs. this evening. they had the string band up there and some dancing and other fun was going on. the Chaplain has got a leave of Absence and started home to-day. he is the third officer of our regiment who is now off on leaves. Yes the fourth for Maj. McDonald has escaped from the Rebs and is now home on leave. The Major has been promoted to Lt Col. and Col. since he has been away, we are looking for his return anxiously.
Sunday 8" I had to assume command of the regiment to-day as Capt Briggs was detailed as Div. officer of the day. and I am the senior officer left in camp. Mounted my horse this evening and took the men out for Brigade parade. a New Lt. Col. came to us this evening, it is the gentleman we saw in Winchester, he then had a Majors commission, the one eyed Allen, we are working aganst him with all the faculty we have got, I telegraphed to McDonald at Ogdensburg to come to us at once and get mustered be-fore this man can do so. but I fear with all our efforts to the contarary he will be able to get mustered, oh! how hartily we hate him, he got his position through being a personal friend of Gov Seymours. I got a letter from Perrys & Josephs people too. with $25.00 from Perry. which I began to need prety badly.
Monday 9" Capt. Briggs was away and I had to take the Regt out on Brigade Dress Parade. Felt gay as a young Cock riding at the head of the regiment. then when Parade was dismissed, returning my sword and riding with the Colonels up to salute the general. thinks I this is getting along prety fast for a 1" Lieutenant. When I came back found Capt. Briggs had returned, he said I did it as well as he could himself, so I felt satisfied with myself. The court were divided on a legal question and adjourned until the 11" to look it up.
Tuesday 10" Rained hard last night and all day. Lt Cox and I have been at work in our shanty putting up shelves and a table and squaring off the logs some. so our house (which we have decided to call the Anglo-French Hotel. as he is English & I am French) is now prety comfortable, and we begin to enjoy ourselves. The question before the court yesterday was have we a right to find a man guilty of the charge and not of the specification, and sentence him when the specification does verify the charge? The Court has various opinions, Mine is that the court may set asside the Specification as imperfect, and be governed soley by the evidence as it bears on the charge. The General Commanding sent back two or three of our cases for review he made some suggestions, a fiew of which we adopted and others rejected, our authority is above his while we are on this duty.
Wednesday 11" Adjt. Hepburn showed me some letters from some young ladies. to whom he introduced me while we were at Martinsburg. I judge they are somewhat given to flatter the boyish looking Lieute-nant as they call me. Lt. Col. Allen has went to Washington to procure an order for his muster. he said before he went that if we had taken the right course with him he would have filled the vacan-cies with men of the Regiment, but now he will take an other course, which means that he will fill them with his own personal friends I suppose. Bah. The Court met and were divided as ever on the question of which I spoke before. Finally we agreed to send the proceeings up for the consideration of the General and then ad-journed over to meet the 13". This evening I went up to the Sur-geons and had a very pleasant game of chess. the Dr. beat me on the game.
Thursday 12" Very cold last night froze up hard. and as a conse-quence clear warm & muddy to-day. I sent my Q. M. Returns for Aug. & Sept. off. Now all I have to make are for Oct & Dec. 64 which I shall have done to-morrow night if nothing hapens, then my Last years work will all be up snug and I can play for a while, I do not make Returns for November as I was home that month, We had Battalion Drill this afternoon, while (I am on Court I do not have any of that duty to perform) The Capt Commanding sent for me when the Regt got out and asked me to go on drill, because if I did not he would not have a single officer to assist him as all the rest just came in from Picket & Guard duty. so I went.
Friday 13" Clear and prety warm, Attended Court had a prety stor-my debate in which I was in the minority, as they say in Congress "a small but very respectable minority" it was. We only reviewed cases which we had alreadly sentenced, When I came to camp the regiment had just turned out for monthly inspection, I should have went out if I had got back a fiew minutes sooner. We drew clothing and Camp and Garrison Equipage this P.M. I issued it after I re-turned. I also finished and sent my Q. M. Returns for Oct. & Dec. 1864. this evening, I hardly know what I shall do now as I have been at work so hard lately upon my papers as to make a moments idleness seem almost a sin, I received a letter from Miss Porter to-night which was one of her funniest and most laughable produc-tions. She requested me not to show it to any one especially my lady friends. I did show it to Lt. Cox however, in order that he might help me laugh over her mirth provoking sallies. I think I must burn it as soon as answered for if my dear Susie or any of the girls in Andover should see it, I would not hear the last of the matter in a long time. Our forces are now building abattis in front of the picket line. so that the Johnnies cannot make those sudden dashes and capture our boys.
Saturday Jany. 14", 1865. Very clear and pleasant. Genl. Seymour decided with me to-day on my definition of Desertion. He returned one of our cases which was sent up for him to review. All of the court but myself decided that "from the evidence adduced they could find the prisoner only guilty of Absence without leave" I claimed from the evidence "he was guilty of Desertion" The General says Desertion is the crime of which he is guilty so I am all right. I had to take command of the regiment on Dress Parade this evening as Capt. Briggs was away. We had a considerable fun over it after the men were dismissed. I wrote to my dearest sister, and friends at Andover and look for a letter from her daily. I have not heard from father in a long time.
LETTER Hd. Qrs. "I" Co. 106" N.Y. Vols. "Anglo-French Hotel"
Before Petersburg Va. Jany 14"/65
My Dear Friends,
I am sitting in a nice comfortable shanty, on a rather uncom-fortable stool, with my back to a blazing fire of pine knot's, my face toward the Aurora Boreallis, at least as far in that direction as Andover, where the dearest of human ties bind them at present. Perhaps some day, when I am not looking for such an event a "dearer tie" than any which binds me now, may be formed and I shall find that instead of Andover being the location of the load stone to which my thoughs are constantly turning, some other place will have usurped its position in my heart. (I dont see how it is, sister, that I should live to be twenty three years old and not be in love, do you? It must be because we are not exposed in the army. I ad-ded this parenthetically) but at present no such place looms up in my mental vision. The cold wind is howling arround outside to-night in such a manner as to make our really comfortable hotel feel very much like home. Lt Cox and I enjoy ourselves like two mon-arch's, indeed we are monarchs "of all we survey" when inside our hotel, In your last you wanted to know what color we should paint our house, Well Cox & I have decided to have it as near the color of the out side of an unhewn pine log, plastered with mud as we could get it, so it is of that color.
I had a good laugh after parade to-night. I was the senior officer off duty and had to command the parade. when the regiment was formed I marched down and took my place 30 paces in front of the centre, every thing went on well until the command to Dismiss the Parade. when I found there was but one line officer on parad, & that was Cox, to see him return his sword, face to the centre march down to the front of the colors, then face me and march up and salute me (as would have been proper if all the officers had been there) without a muscle of his face changing was more than I or any of the other officers who were behind me could stand. I am afraid the last of that parade was not decorous.
Well here I am prety near the end of my paper and have not said a word about the boy. Well give the little rascal my regards and tell him to "h∼ve his self" till I come home again. My love to mother, husband, brother, & sisters, and also Susan & the boy.
Your dutiful brother
Abiel
DIARY
Sunday 15" Clear and quite warm again, I have had nothing to do all day, it seems funny after being so buisy lately. I came near loosing all my self possession on Brigade Dress Parade, The ground was quite muddy where my division was formed; and in standing so long in one place while the band was Beating Off our feet got prety well fastened. When the order came "To Open Ranks. To the rear open order, March" one of the men in the Rear Rank (whose duty it is to march backwards four paces) attempted to step to the rear but found his feet hopelessly fast in the mud. he had lost his bal-lance when he attempted to move, and to see him sprawl himself out in the mud in such a helpless manner was more then the men could stand. I had a double duty to perform to chick the laughter of the men and keep from laughing my self. Another of the men in pulling his foot out of the mud, pulled it out of his shoe as well. that made one muddy stocking, he stooped down and put it on again, and then undertook to release the other foot, with this he succeeded the same as before by pulling his shoe off and putting his foot in the mud. the Genl. looked over to see what we were laughing at. There is a list of brevets in the papers to-day. Capt Day and 1" Lt Robinson are made brevet Majors for gallant services at Cedar Creek Oct 19". That shows how far you may judge of merret by Brevit. Lt. Robinson was not within fifty miles of the fight on the 19" but away back to the rear at Martinsburg. and when I was coming off the field wounded I saw Capt. Day fully a mile to the rear forming a line to stop stragglers. well. well!
Monday 16" Warm & pleasant, Court met and adjourned for one week as there was not a quorum present. When a Court Martial adjourns for three days or more the members are eligible to other duty dur-ing the time, so I expect to do duty in the Regt with the rest of the officers. Had battalion drill this P.M. got very tired. We must have another campaign soon or we shall all get to soft, so that we shall hardly be able to stand the hardships. Lt. Munro came back from New York last night. he will also be ready for duty soon, to-morrow perhaps.
Tuesday 17" Cold and Clear. Detailed as officer of the picket. When we got out on the line the Division officer of the day gave me charge of ¾ of a mile of the line. I had 23 posts which made me four officers and one hundred and eighty four men. A salute of 100 guns was fired in front of Petersburg we were on the que vive to know what it was. shortly before dark the Corps Officer of the Day came arround and gave us the good news that Fort Fisher, which But-ler had failed to take, had succomed to another expidition which had been sent aganst it by Genl. Grant, We were ordered to commun-icate this news to the enemy so I mounted my horse and rode down in front of our line and gave them orders to attract the attention of the Rebel Pickets by giving three cheers, then tell them our good news. this they done with a will. We could see the Johnnies crowding togather and apparently consulting about the news, I ex-pected to be fired at every moment as I was mounted and of course was a consipcuous mark. they did not fire however, so after I had galloped the whole length of our line and communicated the news, and set the all to making a terrible din I came back to my reserve post. We only stay out 24 hours now and are not allowed to sleep. So we kept a good fire and sat up. a lettle after dark some firing was heard, and shortly afterward two Rebels who had came into our lines were brought up to me, they belonged to the 16" N.C. they said they concluded it was about time to come over so they came. They were sent to Corps Hd. Qrs. & every thing was quiet again. Soon more firing was heard and news came that a small squad had came into the line just to our right. then more firing on our front and another Rebel was brought up to me. This one had been a soldier about one year but never fired a gun. he had wen home and staid in the woods for a while was caught and brought back, and deserted again to his home and the woods where he had staid three months when he was caught again. he was brought back and tried, was sentensed to loose one years pay. He said he told his Lieut. if he must work a year without pay it would be somewhere else than in the Rebel Army. so he came over to us. He also was sent to Corps Hd. Qrs. No more came into our Div. but came in to the right and left of us all night.
Wed'day 18" Cloudy and cold. Was relieved at 9 A.M. came in and after breakfast I went over to see Capt Daymon of the 10" Vt. had some milk punch and a good time generally. got a couple of books to read and came home after promicing to renew the visit. Felt prety sleepy all day think shall couchèr early this evening. it appears about thirty deserters came into our Corps front last night.
Thursday 19" Nothing much to do to-day everything quiet prospects of a storm. Bob and I had considerable fun about certain things, but then we have fun every day.
Friday 20" Cox is detailed for picket, I thought I should not have any duty to perform, but it happens I was detailed to take a working party. Was ordered to report to an officer near Ft Keen, went there but could not find any such officer. I waited nearly and hour and had just started for Div. Hd. Qrs. when the other working party came up. as they had jyust been relieved from picket to-day I thought it was too bad to make them work an other night, so I just took the tools for my detail and sent the others back to camp, We then wen out to the picket line. I ordered the Videts advanced so as to cover my working party and then set them to work. The duty was to build an abattis btween our Videts and those of the enimy. so as to protect our picket line from those sudden little dashes which the Rebs delight in. Some shots were fired in the dark but they went over our heads or never came near us. I told the men to take hold with a will and we should not have to work all night. my advice and the shots had the desired effect, they worked as if for their lives. it was cloudy so a prety dark night. I got all the work which was laid out for me done for the night done by ten oclock P.M. then brought my party in returned the tools to Div. Hd. Qrs. Stopt in our Hd. Qrs for an hour then came home.
Saturday 21" A little past midnight a tremenduous nasty sleet com-menced falling and freezing as fast as it fell, when I awoke this morning the ground was covered with ice, we supposed it would stop by M. but storms here are not governed by any regular rules so it has continued without intermission all day. I cant remember such another storm since my naisance. We have been prety closely con-fined to our quarters all day and of course had to make our own fun. Cox is laying asleep on the bunk now. he was on picket last night and did not sleep any. I am going to wake him up.
Sunday January 22" 65. Very muddy the heavy rains of yesterday must have done the Rebs some damage, as the freshet last week destroyed some 40 miles of the Southside R.R. I wrote to Annie Porter this evening.
Monday 23" Rainy all day. Cox was sent out to the picket line with the 14" N.J. as they were short of officers. I have been reading Moors translation of Homers Odyssey, very interesting I find it. gave Lt Hepburn a lesson in french this evening. There has been a good deal of paper exchanging until the middle of the afternoon when the Rebs took the notion of firing which stoped it of course. just at dark a very heavy fire of cannon was commenced down towards Petersburg which still continues, the heavy concus-sions shakes us away here. Wrote to Beaugureau.
Tuesday 24" Clear and prety cold. Received a letter from sister and one from father. Father has been and is still quite sick, with the liver complaint and dropsy.
Wednesday 25" Clear and cold. Night before last and yesterday and last night there was very heavy firing in the direction of Bermuda-Hundred some say that the Rebel Gun Boats came or attempted to come down.
Thursday 26" Clear and very cold. Went on picket at 8 A.M. cold enough standing out of doors without anything in the shape of a house. Capt Daymond was out here building a shanty for the Div. Officer of the Day he said he expected to be on himself in a day or two, so thought it was policy to have a house to stay in. Lt's Snyder (who returned monday) and Shaw were on with me.
Friday 27" Clear and extremely cold. We suffered a great deal last night with the cold, it froze very had and fast all the time. I dont know when we have had such a hard time as this tour has been. We were relieved at 8" A.M. and came to camp. Adjt. Robin-son came back from Leave of Absence last night. he says Maj. McDo-nald will be here in a day or two, he dont think Allen will bother us any more. 1" Sergt. Chilton returned from furlough. they say the snow is four and five feet deep up North. Not a flake here.
Sat. 28". Weather more moderate, was detailed for fatigue but did not have to go on as the whole detail was not required. Capt Ro-bertson and Lieut Shaw sent up their resignations but both were sent back disapproved.
Sunday 29" The dust is being blown about by the cold wind as bad as I suppose the snow must be up North. it creeps in through the chinks of our houses and covers everything. Had a letter from Hib-bard. the 85" is now at Norfolk.
Monday 30" Major McDonald came to the regt. after dark this even-ing and with him ex-capt Paine who has a Majors Commission to be mustered as such as soon as McDonald gets mustered as Lt. Col. which he will be to-morrow. as soon as we found the Major had came we got the regiment into line with a lot of candles and pine knots so as to form a torch light procession and moved up to Hd. Qrs. and gave him "three times three" he made a short reply and the regt. was dismissed. The army arround us took up our enthusiasm thinking some great news had come, and we could hear them sending cheering to the right and left of us as far as the sound would carry and they were sending it on. After the affair was over I returned to my quarters played whist until near mid-night when just as I was going to bed the Adjt. and Q. M. came down all out of breath and begging all sorts of pardon for not having me at Hd. Qrs. before! they were having a gay time there and never noticed the absence of one or two. Well I went up! found the Brigade staff all there. all our officers and all drunk or getting so. We staid there dan-cing and singing &c. until three O.C. then broake up. I did not taste any licquor. they are getting so now as hardly to think of offering it. I used fairly fight to keep them from making me drink. I wrote to friend Hibbard this morning.
Tuesday 31" McDonald was mustered as Lt. Col. and Paine as Major so we now have two field officers. I am detailed to act as member of a board of 10 officers who are to examine candidates for those meritorious furloughs which Genl. Grant has decided shall be given to the best soldiers of each Brigade at the rate of one for every thousand. the Board meets at 10 to-morrow.
Wednesday February 1" 1865. Last night a little pas midnight an order came to have the men ready to move at short notice. I sent my orderly Sergt. Wood to have the company pack their things and I laid quiet and took a good sleep. we did not move but expect to to-night. I was told at Div. Hd. Qrs. to-night that if certain things were found out we wold move onto the enemies Right and try to set him back, if other certain things transpired we should not move at all. The Board Met to-day, I was made Recorder of the Proceedings. after we had selected men for furloughs we adjourned sine die. I made a record of the proceedings and gave them to the Brigade Commander. I am detailed as Judge Advocate of a Court Mar-tial to meet at 10 A.M. to-morrow if we dont move. Major Wood of the 9" U.A.N.Y. is President. My duties are to instruct the Court on points law. to conduct the Prosecution in behalf of the U.S. and record the proceedings and hand them in to the Commanding Gen-eral. I got a letter from Uncle John and one from Miss 3.3'.1.9'1- 3.9'.1.5'.1.3'.3'. (Clara Cranall [Crandall])
Thursday 2" Entered on my new duties. This P.M. rode over to the 2" Corps to see the great lookout tower they are building there, it is now 109 feet high and they intend to build it 30 feet higher. I learned that I should have been detailed as Aid-de-Camp on Genl. Seymours Staff if there had been officers enough with the regiment so that I could have been spared, I heard quite a compliment paid me yesterday when I was over at Brig Hd. Grs. but as the officer did not know I heard it I think I shall not state what it was. I have a case of Grand Larceney to try to-morrow. find my duties as Judge Advocate quite interesting. have $1.25 per day extra while on this duty. There is one Major. two Capts. four 1" Lts. and 3 2" Lts on the Court. besides myself. I have to prepare the cases for trial, summon the witnesses, examine them, and am what is called the organ of the Court. My title is Judge ....thing for smoothe face
Friday Feb. 3" 1865. A Peace Commission from Jeff Davis has been allowed to come through our lines and go to Fortress Monroe to meet commissioners from the U.S. Govt to treat for terms of peace. I have not much faith in the results being what we all desire. We have been favored with a long spell of tolarbly fine weather a storm has commenced to-night which I fear may be the ending of good weather for some time. We tried a man for Grand Larceny to-day. none of the members of the court are allowed to state what the sen-tence is until it is published.
Sat. 4" The Peace Commission is still at the Fortress. heavy can-nonading commenced just at dusk and still continues, it is towards Petersburg. I think at Fort Hell (or Hill). contary to all expec-tation the storm of yesterday ceased last night, and the air during the day has been mild and balmy, more resembling spring than mid winter. Up North a very hard winter is in progress. I received my commission as Captain for gallant services during last years cam-paign. I did not get mustered as the Mustering officer had his wife up here and wanted to go with her to City Point this evening. Wrote to father.
Sunday 5" Pleasant day. We were ordered to be ready to move at a moments notice at 4 O.C. this A.M. the 5" Corps moved out to the left but we did not move the 5" struck the enemy about three oclock and some prety heavy cannonading issued. we appeared to drive them until sundown when the Rebs evicently made a stand for there was very rapid firing. It is now 9" P.M. we have just re-ceived orders to draw and issue four days rations and to be ready to move. the 1" Div. is now moving and we expect to follow them but cant tell yet. I have just written a letter to sister and think notwithstanding the probability of moving I shall go to bed. I also got a letter from my sister.
LETTER Hd. Qrs. Co's. "A" & "I" 106" N.Y.V.
Anglo-French Hotel Before Petersburg Va February 5" 1865
My dear sister
"Scare-crow"
Your very kind and welcome letter of Jany 29" I have just received. altho it is a greeting from the frozen North the letter bore none of the peculiarities of the climate except perhaps being rather late.
I need not tell you that I was glad of the generally good health of our people for you are already aware of the fact. I am rather amused as well as grieved that you cannot get the idea out of your head the "your letters are uninteresting". if you will only allow me to be the judge I think we shall have no trouble about the matter. I am always glad to hear from you under any cir-cumstances please remember that and dont delay on account of hav-ing "no news to write".
I seems strange to hear you speaking of so much snow when we are having such pleasant weather here. I hardly think we have had but three snow storms this winter. the heaviest of those was not more than two inches or so, and lasted but three days. we have not had any snow for more than a month I believe. the ground is just froze enough to make good travelling. a slight thaw takes place nearly every day so that the surface is a little muddy not much. The sky is clear and very blue.
Last night thea colonel sent word arround to us to have our companies ready to march at once. a movement was anticipated. we did not move however. but the 5" Corps did and struck the enemy on our left flank about noon they were some five miles from here. they appeared to drive them back slowly until to-night when from the sound of the cannonading they must have met with fierce resis-tance! the report came up here that we had captured Thachers Run and held the position how true this is I cannot tell. I should not be surprised if we were ordered out to assist the 5" to-night.
I am now the Judge Advocate of a General Court Martial setting at our Brig. Hd. Qrs. while I hold this position (which terminates if we move or have no more cases to try) I receive in addition to my present pay $1.25 per day. my duties are numerous and the cases take up most of my time. I have to prosecute in the name of the U.S. and also have to defend the prisoner. I have to examine all the witnesses on both sides, keep a record of the proceeding, swear the court, and witnesses, argue the case, hunt up thes law on each question, summon witnesses, direct the prisoner to be brought be-fore us and direct the whole of the proceedings of the Court. enough business for any reasonable man to want on his hands. when the court adjourns for the day I have to do what they call "making up a case" for the next day.
In addition to all this I am a Captain. I got my Commission yesterday as such, for gallant services last summer in the Vally. I have not been mustered as such yet, but expect to be to-morrow! the reason I was not mustered yestrday was this the mustering of-ficer had been home and got married when he came back he brought his little wife with him up here, and was riding arround with her showing the sights. he had to take her back to City Point to-night as no woman is allowed to stay all night at the front. I heard her say to an old friend who was congratulating her on her fine appear-ance that she was "hapy, very hapy, more so than she could express" the dear little thing, how prety she was.
The officers call sounded just now. we all went to Hd Qrs. & our orders are to be ready to move at once. the 1" Div is moving now and we expect to have to follow them. four days rations are being issued to the men.
So good night and sweet dreams, dear Suse.
Your Brother Bijou. Capt. 106" N.Y. Vols.
(postscript) Monday Feb. 6" /65
Dear Friends
We did not move last night so this morning I opened this enve-lope to write some more. The 1" Div moved. It is now ½ an hour after sun rise but no fighting has commenced yet. perhaps there will be none to-day.
Sister I cant get any socks worth a darn here. will you send me a good pair or two of woolen socks buy them and charge the same to the account of your Brother Bijou
DIARY
Monday 6" Warm. did not move as expected to. I understand that the 5" Corps threw up works on the ground they won and will proba-bly remain there. our 1" Div. are coming back here. we captured a fiew wagons, some prisoners, and also lost quite a number in killed and wounded. the 2" Brig. of our Div. moved to protect the ground vacated by the 1" Div. so we had no court as most of the members belonged to that brigade. I was over to see the Genl. Comdg our Div. to-day had quite a long talk with him in regard to Courts Martial. Was mustered as Capt. from the 4". Wrote to Annie.
Tuesday 7" Commenced raining before day light and has rained all day. A bad day to get wounded, but many of our poor fellows have been, it is one of those sleet storms which freeze as fast as it falls. The 5" Corps and 1" Div. of our corps has been fighting in some of the worst part of the day. Heavy cannonading and musketry has been kept up to our left all day. we could hear the Rebs make a charge to-night although they are some five miles to our left. the 5 Corps was driven back some but the 1" Div of the 6" went in and saved the day by their gallantry. Recd a letter from Annie of Swampscott this evening. she is lovely- Got a copy of the New Lisbon Argus this evening.
Wednesday 8" Very muddy. Can not hear anything reliable from the left although it is so near us. The 1" Div. came back to its old position this morning. we finished another case of desertion and I took it over to Div. Hd. Qrs. to-morrow if we stay here we shall have a very serious case which I have already prepaired. the man is a substitute deserter. three of them deserted at the same time. one has been tried and sentenced to be shot next friday the other two are still to be tried before us. Charley Snyder is getting prety drunk to night. Capt Robertson, Cox, and myself had a fine game of Old Sledge. I forgot to mention that in accepting my com-mission as captain I lost the chance of being Aid-de-Camp on Genl. Seymours Staff. which I should probably have had last week.
Thursday 9". Prety cold. the 2" Brig. moved two miles to the left. we had orders to move also but did not go. no court to-day. I rode over to where the 2" Brig went this afternoon. They have no houses or anything to sleep in. they will have cold comfort for a day or two. this evening I went over to see Major Daymon, when strange to say I bolted right in upon a party of officers on a sprey. Holloa! theres LaForge says Daymond. I would have backed out but before I could make good my retreat I was caught and held prisoner. I found I was in for it and so tried to make the best of it. The officers from Brig Hd. Qrs. came in, and we had a great time. I got a way a little before 3 oclock. woke up Cox by my stumbling over a stool which he had set just inside the door for that purpose.
Friday 10" Very pleasant day. The man who was to be shot to-day has been allowed a respite by the president, poor fellow how the blood must have quickened in his veins when it was read to him last night. It seems to me if I was sentenced to be shot and was par-doned in order to make me a reckless dare-devil, I would be the bravest man in the army. I think by my feelings now that I shall go to bed prety early this evening thanking the Lord that I am not to be shot soon in any dishonorable way. of course we all have to run the risk of being shot some time. I am to remain in command of "I" Co. 1' Lt. Mours has been assigned to me, to command the com-pany during the time that I am on extra duty.
Saturday 11" Warm and pleasant. Capt. Robertson got a Leave of Absence for fifteen days. Cox has applied for one four times but has not succeeded in getting one yet, it is to bad, we had some prety warm debates in court to-day but always agreed in the end, we could not finish the trial of the kprisoner before us as one important witness was gone. That puts ;me in mind that winter is going and another campaign will soon be commenced which will call loudly for more blood to be shed, all right. I wrote to Miss 4'.4. this evening. (Miss M. D.)
Sunday 12". No much to occupy me to-day rather idle. This even-ing a letter came to the Comd'g. officer of the regt. from John Clemence, asking if Lt. LaForge was alive, and stating that he had written me and not getting an answer he feared that I had been killed, and ended by requesting an immediate reply as he felt a deep interest in LaForge. Col. Mc. sent the letter to me and I wrote to John at once. I have written him before and could not account for not receiving an answer.
Monday Feb. 13" Have been very buisy tried two cases, then gal-loped out to the 2" Brigade to make up another. The case of an of-ficer was handed me this P.M. with the request that he be tried to-morrow. I can not do it however as I have the cases I wish to try already made out. I will try the Captain day after to-morrow. Very cold hard to keep warm. Wrote to Miss 3.3. (Clara Crandall) this evening.
Tuesday 14th. Prety cold. I rather think peace is a thing to be won- not by talking but by fighting- a great many thought that the Peace Commission from the Rebs would really result favorably but it appears that we must depend on cool heads and stought hearts for a permanent peace. I am already to try Capt. Hebener to-morrow. I rode over to Ft. Du Chane this eve to see him. he is a fine look-ing fellow.
Wednesday 15th. Commenced the trial of Capt. Hebener. just before I commenced the Inspector A.A. Genl. 2" Brig. called me out to re-quest me in the name of friendship, not to bear too hard on the Capt. I told them that I must do my duty to the U.S. without "fa-vor or affection" oh! well, says Brig. Inspector, you can do that and give a fellow a chance too. every thing depends on you. you need not prosecute so very hard. Cox started off on a 15 day leave of absence before daylight this morning. he has applied five times for one and at last has got it. An officer with a commission as Major of this regt was down here a day or two ago. how thunder struck he was when he found we already had a major. he went away again the same day.
Thursday 16". Commenced raining along in the night sometime. very disagreeable day. Finished the case of Capt. Hebener. The court insisted on finding him not guilty of either the charge or Speci-fication they even would not find him guilty of the facts which he acknowledged to have been guilty of himself. I remonstrated until I found that I should soon be mad and then ceased after telling them that I thought the court ought to be disolved. When I took the case over to the Div. Judge Advocate I was much surprised to find that he rather thought the court was right. I told him if the General though so too, that I had expended considerable eloquence without avail. he said that he would submit the case to the Gen-eral. I wrote to uncle John to-night.
Friday 17" Still rainy. The case of Capt Hebener was returned to the court to-day for its reconsideration. he was surprised that the finding of the court should be so contarary to the evidence brought forward by the Judge Advocate and he fully seconded my views in regard to the matter. The Court reconsidered the case and made a finding partly in accordance with the evidence adduced. I knew the way it was done would not be satisfactory I took the case over to the Genl. after he had looked the case over he directed me adjourn the court sine die which I shall do to-morrow. I wrote to Col. McKelvy this evening. Hedge of company "E" got mustered as 2" Lt. to-day and I was glad of it for he is a fine boy. he has had a commission as 2" Lt ever since we have been here, but has not been able to muster, and therefore has carried a gun all the time.
Saturday Feb. 18th. Adjourned Sine die to-day and then I went over to see the General. he told me that he was perfectly satisfied with the manner in which my duties as Judge Advocate were performed. but he was very indignant with the manner in which the court had performed its duties as judges. He said that he had a strong notion of sending all the members of the Ct. before the Board of examination setting at Army Hd. Qrs. to see if they were fit to be officers. (sending the members of the Court does not include me. I am not considered a member, more than a Judge is a part of the Jury). I was just getting ready to go to bed when some of the Div. & Brig. Staffs & the 10" Vt. officers came over partly durunk. we had to have an oyster supper and spree. Did not break up until 2½ oclock.
Sunday 19". Beautiful day. The Genl sent me word to convene my court again as he wanted to give it a chance to reconsider its sen-tences in three cases. I rode over to the second Brigade and noti-fied the officers to attend at the usual hour tomorrow morning. We had religious services in the open air not at all uncomfortable. I noticed in riding by it this P.M. that the great tower of the signal Corps had been finished. it is on an elevated piece of ground a mile left of our camp. is one hundred and fifty feet high ascended all the way by ladders. makes ones legs tired to go up and down it I should judge.
Monday 20" Very plasant. Court met and by dint of argument and other pursuasion succeeded in getting sentences more in accordance with the evidence adduced. Kelly a substitute deserter is to be ...t (word seems to have been erased and may have said "shot") the other cases were loss of pay and corporeal punishment. Daymon and Lyman of 10th Vt. were over to night. I played chess with the first a little while then went up to Hd. Qrs. the Col & Major were in bed we made them get up and kicked up a row generally. I had all I could do to keep Daymon within bounds. They did not go away until just now it is half past four and Reveille. I shall go to bed and try to get some sleep.
Tuesday 21" Still fine weather. I learned to-day that the old court had been broken up and a new one appointed of which I was to be Judge Advocate. I had ten cases to be tried handed me. the Court will not meet until thursday probably. I forgot to state that I had received a letter from Annie the 19" Annie of Lawrence I have felt prety sleepy all day or rather dull at any rate. there was an inspection of our brigade yesterday by Genl Wright. I under-stand that there is to be a revew of the Div. to-morrow. A salute of 100 guns was fired this P.M. in honor of the capture of Charles-ton and Columbus S.C. Sherman has occupied them with his forces it appears.
Wednesday 22" Pleasant. Washingtons birthday one hundred guns fired in honor of the event, by our batteries. a review of our Div. by Genl Wright. I rode over to look at it t'was splendid. Charleston and Columbia S.C. have been captured by Sherman. I have my detail as Judge Advocate of another Genl. Ct. Mar'tl.
(In the early 1940's the originals of LaForge's diaries were bor-rowed by Ralph M. Hower when he was preparing his book History of Macy's of New York 1858-1919. When the diaries were returned to Rose LaForge Maxson, four pages were missing. According to the letter written by LaForge on June 12, 1865, which is given below, Roland H. Macy, Jr. became a member of LaForge's company on March 3, 1865 and had previously been tried by a General Court Martial. Presumably the missing pages included mention of the case. If the missing sections are found later, they should be inserted here.)
LETTER Hd. Qrs. "I" Co. 106" N.Y. Vols. Anglo-French Hotel
Before Petersburg Va March 1" 1865
My dear Susan
Yours of the 22" ult was duly received and I assure you re-leived my mind of considerable anxiety. I had not received a let-ter from you in so long a time that I began to fear you or some of the family were sick. this little missive however eases me of the load of trouble and I breath more at my ease. I beg that you will not wait for letters from me because they may be delayed by the mail. be assured I send them regularly and that you will in all probability get them sometime. I am afraid if I were to wait until you answered my letters before I wrote you each time, our corres-pondence would not be very extensive.
I am extremely obliged to Janey and yourself for knitting those socks. I received one pair of them to-day. they are splen-did socks and do honor to the dear manufacturers. every time I wear them I shall think of my sweet sisters, whose buisy hands fur-nished me all this comfort; thank you both.
I feel very grateful for your kind congratulations to me upon my promotion, but think if hard fighting could earn it, why then it is justly mine. I have not got as high as I expect to in this war and trust I shall not disgrace my rank. I am still Judge Advocate and should have had a permanent position on the Division (Genl. Seymours) Staff as such, but that the Genl. already has a full Staff. I like the Genl. very much and think from his actions and what I hear that the feeling is mutual.
I am most happy to inform you that your kind thoughts that I was again on my way home a wounded hero were intirely unfounded. It is all very pleasant this visiting home to show honorable scars, but I assure you that those same scars are at first ducedly incon-venient, so please excuse me.
In reading your letter I began to fear that the boy was not coming in for a share of the contents, but the last part of the letter accounts for his silence by stating that he is asleep and consequently in blissful ignorance that a letter is being written to his unworthy uncle.
We are having no fighting to do at present; such however is not the case with Sherman. I am almost afraid that he will not go much farther without encountering a formidable foe, and defeat (if he should be defeated) would be annihilation for him, as he is so far from the seacoast; however Sherman has a good head for mili-tary strategy, and I trust will meet with his usual success, I often hear the men say that Tecumseh will be joining our left some of these fine mornings.
Deserters continue to come in to our lines in large numbers. they are very doleful in their accounts of "Rebel feelins".
I must close. give my sincere thanks to Janey for her kind wishes for my wellfare. also rememaber me kindly to Perrys people Mother, Joseph, Martha & the boy. Billings and the neighbors especially uncle Stephens people. and
Believe me ever
Your loving brother
Abiel
(written along edges of pages) The most resonable explanation of the Aurora Boreallis I have heard, is that the beautiful phenominon is produced by the reflection of the prismatic rays of the sun by the vast fields of ice which surrounds the pole.
Your address is correct. I have not heard from father since the letter you sent me. I am afraid he is worse. I have never re-ceived an answer from my questions to the fortune teller. I heard the letter was lost.
DIARY (resuming after the missing pages)
Friday (March) 17" St. Patricks day. Very pleasant a grand show in the shape of horseracing. I went up to court and then ajourned and went over to the races there was a platform erected on which the generals and ladies took their stand. there was eight or ten of each present. Every body seemed in the best of spirits and nothing could make them mad. several hurdle and flat races took place, and finally a sack race. the riders in the hurdle races were thrown plentifully one of them a Col. was thrown over the head of his horse and then the horse fell his whole weight upon him. the col. was taken off the field in an ambulance. When we were coming home of course we had to run horses some. the one Lt Hepburn was riding ran away and threw him hurting him prety badly. the horse put one of his eyes out when his head struck the ground. aside from these little accidents, the day passed off very plea-santly.
Saturday 18" Extremely pleasant. this is such beautiful weather that I should think our army would be constrained to move. we could move more comfortably now than in mid summer, nights are prety cold to be sure, but fires could be made easily. I commenced the trial of Surgeon Freeman and have done with the prosecution to day. it is very disagreeable for me to prosecute an officer of my own regiment in this manner. Still my oath binds me to do my duty. I learn that the Col. of the 7" N.Y. Vols who was thrown from his horse during the race yesterday is getting over his injury. Wrote to Annie of S this evening.
Sundy 19" I still have to chronicle the continuation of pleasant weather. The Surgeon yesterday told me that he had almost gotten the idea that I was a special counsel for the prosecution. I won-der if every person who comes before a court for the first time thinks so I guess. I wrote to sister this evening, I hardly know how to praise the boy enough to suit her, so I just am about to commence running him down.
Monday 20" Another pleasant day, so warm that it makes one pre-spire by just riding. Finished the trial of Surg Freeman all but his final defence which is his own statement. The officers of the 14" N.J. gave an entertainment in the Brigade court room this even-ing. had a very fine time dancing and singing our band offici-ated; It is the only string band in the brigade, so has plenty of demands, As soon as the officers began to get tight I left, as I cannot enjoy that any. I danced a waltz and shotishe and talked the rest of the time; there was much enjoyment until the whiskey began to operate. Spring is now prety well advanced, and the army is ready to move at the first advantage the Rebels give us to do so.
Tuesday 21" Quite pleasant until night when it commenced raining. finished the Dr. trial to-day. If I had possessed any malace against him I could have managed things so that he would have to be cohiered (cashiered?) by the court, but as it is, he will be all right as the court have acquitted him I wrote to friend Beaugureau this evening. repaying the pretty girl he spoke of, by sending my love to her.
Wednesday 22" The wind has blown a perfect gale all day. the ground is very dry and this wind has raised shuch clouds of dust that it is almost impossible to see two rods. the dust finds its way into our shanties in quantities large enough to cover every thing in no time. it is difficult to breathe or hold ones eyes open- I was over to Div. Hd. Qrs. most of the P.M. recd a letter from Ex. Lt. Munro this evening also one from 4'.4. commenced wri-ting to John Clemence but did not finish- the wind has gone down
Thursday 23" I really believe that the wind has taken a contract to blow all of these plains into the James river at the shortest possible notice. Shuch a terrific gale as has been blowing since sunrise, I never saw before. I have a pretty good idea of a sand storm on the deserts now. shuch clouds of sand and dust I supposed could not be raised by the wind, it kept falling on our tents, with very much the same sound as would be produced by a very fine and thick hail. out doors, great clouds of dust 600 or 800 feet high were driving acrost the heavens. much difficulty was experi-enced in breathing at times-. our tents seemed insufficient to keep the sand out of our shanties. it sifted through them like snow through a thatch. every thing was covered. when I ate I put a newspaper over my head so as to form an additional cover for my victuals.
Friday 24" Quite cold to-day, not so windy. grand havock was made with the tents yesterday. I saw many which had got loose in some part, and were blown into ribbons before they could be secured. I recd a paper from Uncle John. I find that I am consulted as a law-yer might be at home. if an officer wants an application for leave of Absence to be made out. it's now Capt. you know how that should be, won't you do it for me? If one wants to resign he is directed to Capt. LaForge. Now Capt wont you make me a good statement upon which to tender my resignation? I have just made out one of the last for Lt. Collins.
Saturday 25" Still cold We were ordered out in considerable haste this morning the enemy mad a sudden dash and suceeded in surpris-ing and capturing two of our forts (on the) Appomattox, one divi-sion of our corps was ordered down there, and our brigade being a reserve was put onto the ground they vacated to hold that from any attack, owing to the fact we were not actively engaged during the day, our forts were retaken by our men, and many of the Rebs cap-tured in them, this P.M. an advance was ordered on our left, the enemy were driven back a considerable distance, nearly their intire picket line was captured, our loss was small in killed and wounded and none captured, our division lost in all about 150 men most of these were men of the second brigade. About five P.M. a grand charge was made by the 2" Corps on the left of their line which they succeeded in advancing ¾ of a mile. during the heavyest part of the firin the President, Genls. Grant and Mead and other General officers also many distinguished foreigners the Genl's wives and the Presidents son- came to the fort we were garrisoning and watched the fight with their glasses for quite a long time. when they went away the soldiers gave them a harty chear. Rained some just at dark cold enough to be very disagreeable we built small fires and tried to keep ourselves as comfortable as possible but it was poor comfort at best, we were relieved and came into camp at 3½ O.C. after spending the worst of the night on the line. taking the days operations as a whole, it has been a loosing game to the Johnnies.
Sunday 26" Still quite cold. I feel prety lame and sore to-day. Ex Capt. Briggs returned from leave of absence to-day. he is now Lt. Col. the Q. M. also returned. everything has been quiet excep now and then a shot on the picket line. Our regt all went out on picket to-night with the exception of detailed officers, of which myself is one. I rode over to see Col. Smith the President of our court. he was reported killed yesterday but is alive and well. Maj. Spangler one of the members was wounded. I wrote to sister and John Clemence this evening. recd a letter from sister & one from Sam Clemence this evening.
LETTER (very faint) Hd. Qrs. I Co. 106 N.Y. Vols.
Anglo-French Hotel Before Petersburg Va. March 26" 1865
My dear Sister
I received your kind letter of the 14" not about ten minutes ago and hasten to reply. You will see by my memorandum that our long continued quiet has been disturbsed at last. I judge that the disturbers of our peace have regretted it that they did so however for their loss has been much greater than ours and ................ they are our enemies and ..... the most discontented .............. I ever heard of.
The mail man is coming now and I have only time to write a word or two and depend on the .................... I hardly expect to ............................................. th.. boy would be useless yet I beg of you ............. precious as if he was gold and more so ............................ face looking so bright as when I come home Tell Joseph that I am sorry to be obliged ...... his invitation to the sugar lick Give Janie mother Perry People and the rest my kindest regards and believe me ever your loving brother Bijou
In haste I should judge Capt. &c.
(added in darker ink) Ever thine, no storms which may come acrost our paths in after life, can sever the bonds of love which now bind our hearts. Lafy
-DIARY-
Monday. March 27" 1865. Day quite warm, our whole regiment came off picket this evening about 10 O.C. the men were prety tired cold and sleepy. The rebs attacked the picket of the 2" Div. driv-ing them back a considerable distance. that division advanced their line too far from the breastworks yesterday. Dr. Carpenter received his commission as Surgeon of the 43" N.Y. Vols. he says that he does not care whether he can get mustered or not.
Tuesday 28. Very pleasant, another move is on foot. part of the army of the James has came to this side of the river, and are mov-ing up to the left I understand that Sheridan is to take an expe-dition off to the left for some purpose. he may try to move on Weldon or strike the South Side R.R. I think we shall move to-morrow.
Wednesday 29". We were ordered to move at 8 this A.M. broke camp and moved up to the ground occupied by the 2" Corp's, the expedi-tion has started to the left. we were deployed on the breastwork until 4 P.M. and then assembled, got our supper. and were then marched out on the picket line, our whole regiment went on. I had charge of the regiment. deployed them on the picket line and then went up to the reserve.
Thursday 30. On picket all day rained prety hard all last night and to-day: there has been some very hard fighting on the left Sheridan is evidently stirring the rebs up. Orders came that we were not to be relieved to night as a charge on the enemies lines was to be made. Maj Paine came out to relieve the officer of the day. A little after dark I went through the whole picket line with him, to show him where the line was, we had to wade two prety bad swamps. I had already been three times over the line and was very tired, I tried to get a little sleep when I got back to the re-serve post so that I should feel a little more like fighting, but before I got to sleep to reb. Deserters were brought in, they said that they had a strong picket but the men in the breastworks were deployed three paces apart. I made up my mind that if we were not all killed by grape and cannister we could carry the works easily, after disposing of these I again laid down but before I got to sleep two more deserters were brought in, they said that a brigade of rebes had just arrived at the works, this made things more doubtful. just after these were disposed of an order came that we should not charge the works. half an hour after, this was counter-manded we were to charge about 2 oclock a final order came not to charge so we are not in a way to cover ourselves with glory after all.
Friday 31". A very fair day but rained all night and until 9 A.M. after two nights awake I felt very tired and sleepy, but before we could get a chance to get breakfast the brigade was ordered out again we marched to the top of a hill so as to show ourselves to the rebs- & remained there until an hour before sundown and then came back and were assigned to the camp previously occupied by the 4" N.Y.H.A. A very good camp I only hope we may be allowed to keep it all night so as to get our much needed rest. Heavy firing has been heard at intervals all day three or four miles to our left.
Saturday 1" A very fine day. We have just had orders to charge the breastworks in our front at midnight, these orders are not to be conveyed to the men until we have our final orders. we hardly know how it has went with Sheridan the reports are not very fa-vorable from him. great peace rumors are in circulation. I hardly think that they have any foundation in fact. I hope our charge will be successful, if we make it many of us will be no more by morning.
Sunday 2. 1865. We moved out just before midnight, when we formed the news was given us that Sheridan had beaten the enemy capturing 6000 prisoners and 20 pieces of artillery. we took up our position in three lines (our reg't in the first line) just behind the picket line. the artillery opened to drown the noise of our movement, & also to show the position of the rebel artillery, they would not reply to the fire we laid flat on the ground as soon as the line was formed the pickets commenced firing, several of our men were killed and wounded after the firing was over the Rebs called over to our pickets asking "What are those men for behind your lines?" we were discovered after all and they were ready for us. just before day light the "charge" was ordered. At them we went, they show their artillery now but we do not halt or waver. on over their heavy picket line which was nearly all captured, on acrost their abattis which is pulled up and thrown to our side, and now we are just in front of one of the forts. into the ditch and up the slope. the first man who shows his head to them is bayoneted in the face and then shot, a second and the whole line is over, the men, guns & firing of the fort are ours. dont stop here, rally & charge the next from the rear, it is done. Some of the rebs in it escape capture by running. now for the third which is pouring grape and cannister upon us. this meets the same fate as the rest. our men are all disorganized by this time nothing but a mob. the Rebs are in considerable just beyond us, they rally and charge. just as their advance commenced I saw one of them taking deliberate aim at me. I made a spring for a shanty near which I stood, it un-steadied his aim, he fired, the bullet struck the shanty before it did me. I thought it had went through me, it hurt so, it struck just in the centre of my breast. I luckily had on a very thick overcoat which was double there, one of the buttons of my vest was dented into a cup, I found I was not hurt & tried to ral-ly our men who were running. I could not & had to run myself, the Rebs cut off my retreat to the breastworks, a swamp was my only other course. I sprang into this up to my middle, the bullets seemed to spare me miraculously. I got through & commenced to get men behind trees & stumps to prevent the rebs from following in which I was successful, we held them for nearly an hour when a line was formed & the fort again captured, the rebs attempted no further resistance, we drove them down the inside of their works right into the arms of a corps which was sent partly into their rear. they were all captured. How the men cheered ....... then formed & attacked the Petersburg line, three or four forts were captured & the men were formed in line & camped for the night. pickets were sent out, I took charge of the picket from our line & was placed in charge of the whole of the pickets from the Divi-sion. I have deployed the picket on the line, were annoyed some by reb sharpshooters & are now back on the reserve post taking the thing easy. It has been a glorious day for as yesterday & to day we have captured some 11000 prisoners & 40 pieces of artillery. How thankful I am that that bullet struck the shanty before it did me.
Monday Apr 3". 65. Charged the Rebel works this morning to find that they had left Peterssburg last night. I advanced the skirmish line into the town and then took them back to the division. the 2" 5" 6" 24" 25" & cavalry corps started up the Appomattox crossed the South Side R.R. for which there has been so much fighting. We are in splendid spirits, think the war will soon be over. It appears that the Rebel Genl Hill was killed yesterday. he was one of Lee's favorites. My feet feel prety sore my boots hurt them, I understand that we are bound for Burksvill the Junction of the southside- Lynchburg & Danville R. Rds. that will probably soon be our "base of supplies" a report has some way got arround that Richmond is ours.
Tuesday 4" Marched slowly all day until 9 P.M. when we went into camp very tired indeed. The capture of Richmond was promulgated in General Orders this A.M. there was some enthusiastic cheering when this news was read, the men seem to feel confident that the confederacy is about gone up we are already prety close upon Lee's retreating army.
Wednesday 5" We are out of rations but started off after the Rebs at 3 A.M. an order from Genl. Meade was read to us that Lee was out of rations and if we could overtake him we would capture his army. Also that rations could not be issued to us until night and added that the Comdg. Genl. expected his men to be as willing to die of starvation and fatigue for their country, as from the bul-lets of the enemy. however they found that men could not march with empty stomachs so rations were issued to us from the 2" Corps train. we got to Amerlia Court House. Lee is entrenched in front of us we shall have a fight to-morrow if he stays there. we threw a slight line of works.
Thursday 6" Advanced to where the enemy were last night. found them gone. our cavalry however was after them & brought them to a stand not far from Rices station on the Lynchburg R.R. we moved rapidly and attacked them here. our corps struck them in the flank. charged & drove them into a piece of then charged these woods & captured 9000 prisoners including Genl. Ewell & four other Confederate Generals. they say that they think the war as far as the South is concearned is about played out. Our division had a bad swamp to charge through while doing this we had to expose our flank to the enemy by great energy in the officers splendid order was maintained & the advance made in fine order. once we had to lay down on the side of a hill facing the enemy & in point blank range of their muskets we could not return the fire. it was the most trying thing for my courage that I ever experienced. the cap-ture of Ewell & his force uncovered a large portion of the Rebel Wagon train they set fire to and abandoned some two hundred wagons many of them were loaded with ammunition, it was a grand sight to see the shells explode & fly into the air as they became heated. My feet became so sore that after the fight I had to pull off my left boot & walk in my stocking feet, when coming off the field I took the left shoe off of a dead Rebel cut a hole in the heel, and put it on my foot. we went into camp a mile from the battlefield. I have had not had a chance to send a letter to sister yet. I am afraid she will think something has gone wrong with me No mail goes out.
Friday 7". Rained a little yesterday, also to-day. We followed the enemy early. crossed the Appomattox about 12 M. found the Rebs had made a stand one mile west of Farmville, when our corps came up they were fighting some of our forces which were already there. We moved down through the town which is a very prety, clean little place. we crossed the main branch of the Appomattox & camped ½ mile from Farmville.
Saturday 8" Took the Farmville plank road to Kernsville. Passed a Rebel wagon train which our Cavalry fired yesterday afternoon. they have abandoned their wagons and guns every where. Their army shows such unmistakable signs of weakness that I dont believe they can hold out four days longer. Lee sent back a flag to arrainge terms of surrender to-day but Grant would not accept his terms. for an hour we have heard firing at the front. they are fighting again. What Lee is going this way for is more than I can tell. He cant get to Lynchburg as that is in our possission, he has no place to obtain supplies from he will have to accept terms in a fiew days at most. he had better do it now.
Sunday April 9" 1865. What a glorious day this will be in the history of our country. Lee surrenders his army to Grant. Our corps came up from the rear got to the front at ½ past two P.M. we stoped got our dinner and was just about to move up to the at-tack when word came that we could stay where we were as Lee had surrendered. I have seen wild enthusiasm, but nothing that would surpass the excitement of the troops. hats were thrown into the air with an utter disregard of the cost of the articles. men yelled as if they never expected to have any further use for their throats, "A and all went merry as a marriage bell". the 6" Corps was moved onto good ground to camp for the night, then the cannon were got out and a grand "fui de joie" fired. how cooly the men contemplated the guns firing right at them as if there was to be no more dodging at those things. The Genls rode among their troops receiving and returning their congratulations, If any person had seen us and not have known what was going on we should have cer-tainly have been taken for mad men. The Rebels too join in the jubilee. How I should like to be home when this news gets there. Never mind however when I get home I shall propose to my dear sister to get up a grand dinner just for me in particular. I am sure she will be willing. This virtually ends the war.
Monday 10" Apr. 1865. Laid in the same position all day. Our officers are buisey paroling Lee's army and turning them loose. Our men are cleaning up their guns. they say that they want them ready to turn in. Our mail went out last night for the first time since the movement began. Have not had a mail in over a week. Have just had orders to move back to Burksville to-morrow morning, this corps is the onely going back at present. I should not wonder if we were sent to Sherman.
LETTER Abbotts Plantation Va Monday Apr. 10" 1865
My dear Sister
God in infinite mercy has spared me thru many dangers to again experience the pleasure of writing to you. telling you that I am still blessed with a sound head and whole body which considering the dangers we have passed through in one week is no small boast. Hold! I have one exception to make which is my left heel. My boot wore a hole in it that which finally became so painful that I pulled off my boot and walked in sock feet until the evening of the battle of Sailors Creek (6" inst.) when coming off the battle field (faded - see diary for April 6th) ............ a dead Rebel laying there ..........left shoe off ............... the hole in my heel. put on the shoe & am now hoofing it arround the country one shoe & one boot, the first rebel the other Union, this does not seem to occasion and (any) dissention among my feet however. I is the first time that I ever saw the two principles coming togather without manifesting dislike.
The charge of our corps (6") of which you have doubtless al-ready heard often enough was what beat the Rebels out of their al-most impregnable fortifications at Petersburg and broak their spir-its. our regiment was in the first line. we gave the Rebs such a rash charge that they could not withstand it at all. they did the next best thing which was to surrender themselves. Lee abandoned the city that night we followed him so close that he had to fight us on the 6" at Sailors Creek. we captured 5 Genls and 9000 pri-soners there. we did not stop but kept after him until yesterday when we got him so penned in that he had to surrender his army. Oh! how the men did rejoice at this long fought for event. and so will the whole country. I wish I were home to join in your festi-vities. never mind we will have them when I get there. wont we?
I refer you to my memorandum for such particulars of interest as I have noted there.
I write this on Rebel paper. the best quality I have seen. I have some more not near so good.
My best love to all Mother and the boy.
Your loving brother
Abiel
DIARY
Tuesday 11". Rained a little all day. Moved on the back track as far Kerneysville. very hard marching the ground is so slippery and we have marched very fast. A Rebel lieutenant whom we captured to-day says that the Rebel Genl Johnson surrendered last sunday, I hardly believe this story we shall know by the time we get to Burksville.
Wednesday 12" Our division led the corps to-day- we marched nine miles in the first three hours. Crossed the Appomattox, marched through Farmville crossed the Briar and Bush rivers camping on the south side of the latter at a little after one P.M. quite a peace march; Rained during the morning but sunshiny this P.M. dark clouds are now rolling up from the West which makes us put up our tents carefully under such strong prospects of rain. The 1" Div. crossed the River this evening and the 2" camped on the other bank. Wrote to 4'.4.
Thursday 13" Rained hard all last night Bush river which was yes-terday an insignificant stream is now a rapid river, the 2" Div in crossing have to waide up to their middle in mud and water, it was our turn to march behind the corps but after waiting until nearly 10 A.M. for the the 2" Div to cross, as they were not all over by that time we started ahead of them. the marching was very bad, horses and mules floundered in the mud, and died in large numbers- We did not stop for dinner but continued to march until an hour be-fore sundown, when we had passed through Burksville and went into camp about two miles to the North of that place. Did not rain since M. I have not been so tired this year as I am now for the last four miles it seemed that I could not get one foot past the other, as soon as we stoped I laid down and went to sleep in less than a minute. We got the first mail to-night since leaving Pe-tersburg. I had one from Uncle John also one from Sergt Wilder & one from Maj. Wilson
Friday 14" Very pleasant all day. No official news from Sherman & Johnson yet. Lt Merry returned to the company he has been a prisoner fourteen months. We are camped in a splendid piece of pine woods, our baggage came up and we feel prety comfortable in the clean clothes we have put on. I understand that this corps is to be sent to Richmond and Petersburg soon, if such is the case we shall have a prety good placce for awhile. I have written to Mrs. Coleman, Miss Libbie Taylor. Miss 3.3. and father.
Saturday 15" Rained from 3 A.M. until dark. I had just got into a good sleep when, when I was suddenly awoke by Col. Briggs who came to my tent and ordered me to get my company out to support the skirmish line at one. that Lt Chilton was already on the line; being in a sound sleep I did not see the improbability of the thing until I was dressed, I then found that it was a sell, and I was only wanted for a spree. several guest were at Hd. Qrs. of the Reg't. I went up &c. had a good time generally.
Sunday 16" Clear day- From the hights of joy the army were plunged into the deapths of gloom by the news which to-day reached the whole of the army. that President Lincoln had been assinated no particulars were given only that it had taken place at Fords theatre, also that Seward and his son had been assassinated at their house. about noon another dispatch was received that the president had died yesterday about 7 A.M. that J. Wilkes Booth was the assassin what object a Northern man like Booth could have in murdering Lincoln is more than I can tell, unless he was an emis-sary of the Confederates. He must have been captured else who it was would not be known. we are anxiously awating the papers of the 15". A heavy defeat could not make so great a change as is now apparent among us. I shall convene the Court again to-morrow and finish up the cases on hand-
Monday 17". Very fine day- News from Washington that Seward will probably recover but that his son must die- I feel very thankful that our great statesman is spared to us. Court convened and fin-ished the Case of Masters for sleeping on past- but when I came to look over the list of those present at that time and those present to-day I found one who was not qualified to set in this case, as he was not present when the trial began, so we shall have to do this work again as there was not a quorum without him- no particulars of the presidents death have yet been received- Col Smith our President is very sick.
Tuesday 18" Clear and warm. We have learned the perticulars of the death of the president have been received- all are surprised that his murderer was not captured. I suppose that all were so surprised that the time for action was past before they could col-lect their senses enough to act. An order has been promulgated appointing to-morrow for the funeral and directing that none but the most urget business shall be transacted in the army. Conse-quently I shall not convene the court.
Wednesday. 19" Clear and warm- I am Brigade officer of the Day- duty - as Genl. Seymour says - to represent the Genl. Comdg as police officer of the Brigade. We had funeral services at M. in sympathy with the mourning country. Our loss is very great. I shall hereafter consider Washington the father and Lincoln the Savior of our dear country. We are likely to have some little trouble with Portugal the smallest of the European powers- The U.S. have demanded satisfaction for their firing on our vessels-
Thursday 20: 1865. Clear and pleasant. There is still no immedi-ate prospect of a move. It is rumored that an official dispatch had been recd announcing that Johnson had sent in propositions to surrender. if that is so Jeff Davis cannot be with him as I do not believe that he would allow Johnson to surrender until he got where he could not help it.
Friday 21" Still pleasant- Our court adjourned sine die. the staff officer who has charge of appointing the court's says that I have given the Gen'l so much satisfaction in my manner of disposing of the cases that I can if I choose be judge advocate of the next court. this is very satisfactory to me of course. News has been recd that Johnson had offered to surrender his army to Sherman and sent governer Vance of N.C. with a message to that effect to Sher-man- but that Davis had countermanded the order so the surrender does not take place. The 24" and 25" Corps have been ordered to Richmond to rendezvous there for how long, or for what purpose we cannot tell. I received a letter from uncle John and wrote a letter to him. Regimental inspection at 3 P.M.
Saturday 22" Just cloudy enough to be cool & pleasant, so warm last night that that we were uncomfortable when sleeping without any blankets over us. very warm all day yesterday also. A large party of officers Genl. and Field rode down to look over Sailors Creek battlefield. they say that the ordnance is not all collected yet but the Q. M. Dept are still at the business. some of our dead and that of the enemy were found still unburried- some wounded also of both sides were in the houses arround being taken care of by the inhabitants. I think it is about time I recd a letter from Susan. I think she is spasmodic in writing; sometimes I get two or three one week, then none again for a month or so- I shall write to Dr Barney & see if this cannot be regulated.
Sunday 23" Very pleasant- Last night our corps was ordered to take the road for Danville to-day. We moved at sunrise; being prety cool made a long hard march- Crossed the Danville R-R many times in the days march road very crooked- camped about sundown near the mile post 70 miles from Danville which is just half way between that place and Richmond. Peaches are large as cherries. cherries, and early apples are large as peas- wheat and corn al-ready well up. It is a very cold night.
Monday 24" Prety warm- Marched 14 miles then stoped for dinner on the East bank of Drakes Branch- came through Massenburg which con-sists of 4 houses. We camped for the night on the North bank of the Staunton River. could not cross as pontoons have to be laid acrost it. The men are very tired indeed. I should judge that we have seen at least 200 deserters from Johnsons army who have left him and are on their way to their homes in Virginia, and some also are going North to live. they believe the thing is up.
Tuesday April 25" Very warm. Crossed the Staunton River at sun-rise our Division leads the corps to-day. Passed through Laurel Hill village this A.M. prety place- crossed Bannester River about 4 P.M. Camped for the night on its south bank near the prety lit-tle town of Hallifax Court house. Lts Cox and Merry and myself took a good wash in the river. then Lt Merry and I went to look at the town. Governer Wise used to live here. How pleasant it is to see snow balls, Roses and other flowers in full bloom at this time of the year.
Wednesday 26"- Fine day- Our Division marched in the rear of the Corps Crossed Birch Creek at 2 P.M. stoped here for dinner as there is no water on the road for seven miles farther- Did not go into camp until after sundown and we were prety tired- It is much more difficult marching in the rear of the corps for we then have to march through the fields leaving the road for the trains. The country for two days has been quite rolling, and stones are plenty instead of nothing but sand- hard wood also abounds, and so those confounded pines do not prove a constant eye-sore to us- The peo-ple along the road seem rather glad to see us.
Thursday 27" Pleasant, still very warm. Made a very rapid march stoped at 11 A.M. for dinner in sight of Danville. After dinner marched acrost Dan River and entered the town- some persons had commenced destroying the bridge but from some reason did not finish the work- We found many locomotives and much rolling stock left here by the Rebels- many paroled men of Lees army, and deserters from Johnsons army are in town, we marched through and camped 1½ miles from the town. Danvill is a town of some 5 or 6 thousand inhabitants- is pleasantly situated on the south bank of the Dan river. it is strongly fortified and was of much importance to the Confederates- their abandonment of the town shows their weakness at this time- Davis had his seat of Government here for a short time after Richmond was taken. This corps deserves much credit, as well for its marching as its fighting- we have marched over a hundred miles in the last 4½ days- This marching and at the same time keeping our trains along with us is not surpassed by any of the war. the men carried 4 days rations and 50 rounds of ammuni-tion- besides loaded knapsacks and all the other fixings necessary to their exhistence- Sherman in his march acrost Georgia only averaged 12 miles per day- ours has been over 22- almost twice as fast.
Friday. 28"- Threatened rain very severely but finaly concluded not to; and left us a very pleasant day. Our camp is in a fine piece of woods on a side hill. we have swept up and burned the leaves and dead wood, cout out the underbrush, and trimed the trees to about 8 feet from the ground and so have a very comfor-table place to live. The news of Johnsons surrender was announced to the corps this P.M. in orders, and a grand salute was fired by all the batteries in honor of the event. We however expected that our march would result in the capture of his army. The Rebellion is prety thoroughly squelshed now I recon. and nothing prevents the sweet angel of Peace spreading her wings over our so long dis-tracted country. how thankful we should be to God for this great event- won by the indomitable bravery and energy of our soldiers- I was expecting to write to sister this morning but the mail went out before I had eaten my breakfast. Our Herald reporter Hanam arrived at Danville early on the 27" and went to work publishing a paper called The Sixth corps- it is printed on Rebel paper and considered a great treat by our soldiers. he cannot issue near enough to meet the demands of those who wish to invest in the paper for the sake of keeping it as a relic of our hard march and and the occupation of Danville.
Saturday April 29" 1865. Cloudy all day. finaly commenced raining about an hour before sundown. luckily for us we had our tent put up in good style, so we are not getting wet at all. I commenced making out my pay rolls to-day. also wrote a letter to sister which will not go out until to-morrow. Our camp looks very plea-sant as we see it with eyes which do not expect to gaze on bloody scenes any more.
LETTER Hd. Qrs. "I" Co. 106" N.Y. Vols.
Danville Va Saturday April 29" 1865
My ever dear friends
Both yesterday and this morning I have intended to write you a letter but was cheated by the mail going out before I could ac-complish my laudable prodject. therefore to "take time by the forelock" and prevent the same occurance to-morrow I write you this afternoon. You have in all probability since my last- been in-formed by the papers of the fact that Our Grand 6" Corps has accom-plished another movement to render it famous - not in the fighting line was this but in marching - in four days and 2 hours we have marched over a hundred miles - the men were in heavy marching order - having four days rations on their backs, fifty rounds of ammuni-tion - besides the weight of their guns, accoutriments, knapsacks, haversacks, shelter tents, rubber blankets, and clothing to carry. such a rapid march in "heavy marching order" has not been surpassed by any of the war. this is another cause to glorify the 6" corps for our sudden appearance here resulted in the capture of Johnsons army, for as soon as he heard of our rapid approach to his exposed flank he succomed at once.
My health has been splendid, and so has that of our men gener-ally - if you are so apt to be unwell there I should advise you to come where it is warmer the woods are in full leaf- here many blooming trees abound - the gardens and lawns of the mansions are filled with roses and flowers which renders the place a perfect Paradise - the air comes to us perfumed by these rich productions of Flora, so that I am afraid if you people at the North do not look out your sons will all become residents of the Sunny South. I am now seeking "Some one to love" that shall have the power to fasten my already partly bound heart, to this part of America.
I told you when I left old Allegany that I should stay in the army as long as the war lasted. I consider that it is now over, so you may look for my return some time in August. our time is out on the 27" of that month.
I have lots of work now for a week, to make out my Pay Rolls. Q. M. Returns. and have also a full descriptive book to fill up for my company. so I cannot write you at any great length this tinme.
Hoping I shall hear from you before this gets there. I still
Remain
Your loving Relative
Abe
P.S. Abe is the beautiful name by which I now am known and it is a great wonder someone had not given it in that manner before.
DIARY
Sunday 30" Cloudy but pleasant. This has been a very buisy day for sabbath - hard at work on Pay Rolls- also had Sunday inspec-tion. were inspected for pay and mustered for the same. Our colored by (boy) got us a corn cake and canteen full of milk so that we have had one meal that reminded us of home. this P.M. took a walk to the border of North Carolina with Lt Birge. on our way back stoped at a house as a curiosity. I noticed some Lilacks in full bloom at the house we stoped- no mail-
Monday May 1" 1865 Pleasant but windy- I procured a pass to visit Danville rode to town about 11 A.M. visited the Rebel Hospitals where many of the Confederate soldiers are now under treatment. I then went to the Arsenal where there are some 40 guns of various calabres. all spiked. some of them were U.S. guns taken from us in the beginning of the war one prety little gun was put up and directed to the Comdg Officer of West Point- there was also a re-volving cannon being sent off. I then went over the bridge which is about 1000 feet long I went up to the fortifications on the hills North of Danville there is a beautiful view of the place from these forts- it would have been no boys play to capture these forts if they had been defended when we came here. I came back to the town, went to the hotel and tried to get some dinner but could not wait until it was ready. I fell in with Capt Salisbury and another officer of the 10" Vt. we went up to the grave yard where our soldiers are burried who died in prison here- after this we went to one of the houses near town had dinner, were introduced to the doughters of the good people, these were kind enough to favor us with some piano music, and singing. the songs were by our request "Dixie" and "The Desolution Wagon"- the people gave us a positive refusal when we offered them money for their entertain-ment, so we returned to camp as rich as when we started. The doughters are perfect natural curiosities, have white hair, skin perfectly blond, and eyes the color of polished Porphyry.
Tuesday 2" Quite cold. I think this cold noth wind must come acrost some of those fields of snow which fell in Pa. N.Y. and New England. a fire feels quite comfortable. finished and sent in our Pay Rolls. I am now making a Descriptive book of my company, when I go home if I can I will take it with me. We received ten days mail this evening. I received a letter from my dear sister, the family are well and I am much rejoiced to hear from them, I also had a letter from Sherman Crandall, he claims to have written to me before, but I never received any communication from him since being here. Last but not least came a letter which next to my sisters gave me most pleasure, it was from 3'.3. it is written with remarkable spirit., vivacity, and good sense, such as always characterizes her letters. she is certainly my most interesting correspondent, and here letters coming as they do from "scenes familiar long ago" have a double interest for me.
Wednesday 3" Still prety cold. A party of our officers had ex-pected to get a pass outside of the picket line and made prepera-tions to go accordingly, but the pass did not come back, so of cours they could not go. I received a letter from John Clemence through the Col. he had not received the letter which I had writ-ten him and consequently thought I was killed or wounded. I wrote him this evening.
Thursday 4" Colder than two weeks ago, rained a little. I have been very buisy for Lt Col. Briggs this day. he was responsible for the Ordnance of three companies and his papers were so mixed up that he could make nothing of them, in this strait he comes to me so I have been making out his papers and have succeeded in bringing order out of chaos. sent off a lot of Sixth Corps papers which I bought to-day. I sent one to sister, one to Clemence one to 3".3. one to Clara Crandall & one to Uncle John & one to father.
Friday 5". Quite warm again. I made the discovery to day that strawberries were ripe. what a delicious morsel they do make. Lt Collins was relieved from duty as cattle herd yesterday and returns to Company "A". So Lt Cox and he have built a shanty down by their own campany while Merry and I remain in the old tent which is oppo-site my own company- My men were singing and dancing a "walk arround" to-night and making considerable noise the Col. sent down word to have it stoped. I went out and calling them to an atten-tion, informed them of the fact that the Col. was a great lover of good music, but make a distinction - not flattering to himself be-tween "music" and "noise", that he classed the present performance as "noise" and therefore I was under the painful necesity of di-recting them to cease. Everything was quiet in a moment. the men enjoyed a good laugh and went to bed. Some of our Div are moving towards Danville whether to take transportation North or not is more than I can say. Wrote to 3".3. this evening.
Saturday 6" Still warm. Fixed our Shanty in a little better style. while doing so I discovered that some one had stolen my revolver. I regret the loss more for the connections than the value of the article. Finished the Col's Ordnance Returns for Co's "B" "E" & "F" for which he was responsible, when I took them up to him he was delighted, could not see how it was possible for me to make them out, could not understand it. was under a thousand obli-gations to me &c. He now wants me to make his Regimental Return of Ordnance. I hardly think I shall however, as I got a Leave of Ab-sence for 20 days to-night, of which I intend to avail myself on Monday. I want to-morrow to make my Q. M. Returns for April. 65. I recd a letter from 3.3. this evening.
Sunday 7" Cloudy but warm. Made out my Clothing Rolls, but did not make the Q. M. Returns as I did not have the necessary forms. Went down town and had got nearly back when I met Capt Aldrich of Gen'l Rickets Staff. he wanted me to go to church with him. I re-flected a moment and finaly decided to do so. I turned my horse and went with him we went to the Episciple Church. An excellent service regaled us. the best I have heard in a long time. We rode up home again having a pleasant chat the while. I have every thing packed and shall start "God Willig" for home in the morning.
Monday 8" Dated my Leave and started for home at 3 A.M. when I got to the cars I found I had forgotton my overcoat. The chaplain was expecting to go with me but found himself too sick to travel. The train was loaded with refugees and paroled Rebels on their way home North of Richmond. The day was very warm & the ladies suffered much with the heat. Changed cars at Burksville, arrived at City Point after dark. I put up at the Maltby House. I find we have to pay a dollar for sleeping on hospital cots. even that is a great luxory to me. two of my men had furloughs and took care of my bag-gage on the way.
Tuesday 9" Took the boat at 10 A.M. for Washington. I hardly know how to manage about sleeping. the ladies occupy all the births, and there are no cabins I did not bring my blankets along. Part of the day was very warm. rained a little this P.M. The capt of the boat just gave me permission to sleep on the dining room floor. and as one of the officers was left behind at Ft. Monroe and Maj. Williams and myself have his blankets. so I am not so bad off.
Wednesday 10" Quite cold. Arrived at Washington about 8 A.M. I put up at the Kirkwood house, and have been running about making purchaces and getting my pay. I only received pay from Feb. 4" to March 31 1862. I dont see what should make such a change in the weather unless they have been having snow at the North and this wind comes from there. Took the 4 P.M. train for N.Y. City. par-ted with Maj. Williams at the Relay House.
Thursday 11" Cold. Arrived at N.Y.C. a little after day light, put up at Frenches Hotel which is kept on the European plan, ran arround through the city considerable. went up to Mr. Macys. 104 & 106" 6" Av. did not find him at home. Took the Mary Powell for New Burgh where I arrived at dark. rained prety hard for three hours, so I put up at the U.S. Hotel where I shall stay this even-ing & go over to Uncle Josiahs to-morrow.
Friday 12" Still cold. went over to visit uncle Fullers. stoped at Mr. Frosts in Mateawan found noboddy at home, so went on up the mountain found uncle Joe & the two little Joes on the road then went into the house and saw the rest. John Van Gordon & wife are there now. I went down the mountain with coz's Joe & John to attend a lecture at Mateawan, the subject was Love, Courtship, and Marriage. then went up the Mt again.
Saturday 13" Warmer. Visited Mr. Frost's people. Mrs. Rachel Fuller. Aunt LaForge and Mr Barretts (sp?), all were as glad to see me as if I was very wellcome, I had to promise to take dinner with Aunt LaForge & coz's to-morrow. went to Ct with uncle Joe, and stoped for a short time in the Felt Shops. when I got back on the Mountain I found a lot of young ladies came up for a visit. of cours had a very pleasant time with them.
Sunday 14" Came down the mountain expecting to go home, but Misses Fuller & Barrett teased me so hard to stay one more evening with them that I could not resist, so when Joe promised to come down the and go to meeting with us I concluded to stay. Joe & I went to Aunt LaF. and took dinner then went up to get the young ladies whom we took to meeting, and of course had a very pleasant time with them. I stoped all night at Mr Barretts, and enjouing myself amaz-ingly of that I am very confident I almost wished that it had been a week day night so that we could have had a lot of fun as it was we did very well.
Monday 15. Went into the Felt shops for an hour with my little coz's they introduced me to many of their friends and fellow wor-kers. I had a very pleasant time with them. the sweet little things made me a Mourning Badge. I had to leave them at last but with manny regrets. I crossed over to New Burgh and having some leasure time I went up to find Mr Peck and Henriette. I also saw Miss Maria and others. I came out on the cars as far as Bethlehem and went to see Mr. Clemences people, Oh! how glad I was to see them all and they were glad to see me I know. Mary kissed me and I injoyed myself heartily.
Tuesday 16" I was expecting to go West to-day by Mr. Clemence could not hear of it. John and I went up to Washingtonville also visited Mr Van Clefts people and Saml. Clemences, and in the even-ing went to call on the Misses Denniston. our call was of course of the most pleasant kind. the ladies were very beautiful and very entertaining. Miss Martha looked surprised but pleased to see me. she is as beautiful as ever and her inmprovement in mental quali-ties have been grand. I came back and stayed with John.
Wednesday 17" Took cars for Andover at day light, missed those and could not come away until nearly 11 A.M. Until 3 P.M. the riding was very dusty and hot. then it commenced to rain and rained until past midnight. at Hornellsville I got on the wrong road and before I knew it was out to Portage Falls. I shall not loos the time intirely however as I shall visit the Falls in the morning. Quite a joke on me however.
Thursday 18". Visited the great bridge at this place. it is 800 ft long and 300 ft high above the river. I also visited the upper and lower falls, and was really glad that my mistake gave me the oppertunaty of visiting so grand an exhibition of the power of na-ture. Took the first train to Hornellsville and had to wait at that place until noon befor I could come on to Andover. saw Mr Crandall and Geo. Green going out to Belmont. I also saw Del Eaton, he got one of the Drs Horses and took me up on the hill to Sisters. Was not I glad to see them all well though? I bet I was. and they to see me.
Friday 19". I went to Andover with Bill Clark. came back and went up to Perreys and stayed all night rained some and therefore not very pleasant.
Saturday 20" Rained this P.M. tolorably pleasant A.M. I started for church. was met by Sherman Crandall who was coming over to take me in his carriage. Elder Kenyon preached and after sermon was Sabbath School. I saw all the people of the community prety much. every thing seems to be going on much in the old course. the same boys are sparking the same girls, none of them are married and only a fiew seem any nearer matrimony than usual or than they were last fall. I went home with Sherman Crandall. at dark he brought out his horses and carriage and we went with Miss Clara over to visit Miss Honora Livermore. during the course of the evening I learned by accident that we (Miss H.) & I were coz's. If that is so I am very proud of my little coz. She is a sweet little lady. All four of us took a long drive and injoyed ourselves very much. I stayed with Sherman all night
Sunday 21". Quite pleasant. I came from Mr. Crandalls about 10 A.M. stay'd at home untill evening. then Janey and I made a call on Mr Bozzards people. Returned and slept at home to-night
Monday 22" Quite pleasant until 4 P.M. made a visit to Dr. Bar-neys. took dinner then visited G. A. Green. Orville went with me. had a good visit, then brought Beorge back to the Dr's with us. MIss Barney & Miss Forsyth and Mrs Amsbry spent the evening there also. we made a prety gay card party. had lots of music and fun, the girls are as gay as ever. George and I stoped there all night.
Tuesday 23". Very pleasant but cold came home at 10 A.M. con-cluded not to start back until the evening train. packed my trunk and started at 4 P.M. Perry, Susan, Sally Ann, and Martha accom-panied me to town. I took leave of them without feeling half so bad as I did when I left them last fall. the only way I account for this is, there is now no danger and my friends did not feel so badly at my leaving. I took the 6.10 P.M. train arrived at Hor-nillsville about dark had to wait here until 11 P.M. for the Eas-tern Express. I fell in with Mr. W. Bossard who had to wait about as long as my self. A young couple who had just been married came on the cars here, a gay briday party came to se them off. How I wished that I was the groom to receive all of those sweet kisses of which the fairer portion of the party were so lavish. The wedding tour is a trip to Getteysburg where the groom was wounded at that great fight. I enjoyed quite a conversation with them, & parted at Elmira with many kind wishes on both sides.
Wednesday 24" Arrived at Goshen at 9. had to wait there until 11 A.M. for the train connecting with the New Burgh Branch. When I took my seat in the cars for Slisbury who should I see but the same Capt Clark with thom I rode when going west a week before. I reached Uncle Tommys just before tea, had a good talk with John about future prospects & stayed with him all night.
Thursday 25 Mary Clemence accompanied me to Mrs Housers and the latter took me to New Burgh with Old Fashion. I made a short visit at the city and then crossed the river, I went up to see aunt Betsy LaForge & cousin Jane. I then went up to the Felt Shop and cousin Phebe Fuller went home with me. I stoped to see cousin Frost & Mr Barrets people, My little cousin wanted me to stay all night but I took leave of them. after finding that Honora Liver-mores sister married a son of my cousin, I took the 10.27 P.M. train arrived at New York City after mid night took the street cars and went to the Astor house and put up.
Friday 26" Very warm. took an early train for Philadelphia where I arrived by M. put up at the Continental got dinner then went to visit my old friend Prof Beaugureau. was introduced to the family of his aunt Mrs Drouin. that P.M. B. and I made a somewhat lengthened visit to the Academy of fine Arts where those beautiful pictures are on exibition. "Death on a Pale Horse. The releif of ____ and "Christ Rejected" the first is some 30 feet long & 20 high. the others nearly as large then there are some hundreds of other pictures and statues which were very beautiful and grand. the rest of the day, as it rained, was spent in playing billiards, in the evening we went to Chestnut St Theatre to see Davenport and Wallack play "the Stranger" ""B" stayed with me all night.
Saturday. 27" Still raining. Spent the day in playing &c at 10 P.M. started for the cars. checked my trunk through to Washington, just as I was getting on the cars B. proposed that I go back and stay all night with him. I turned arround and went with him and stoped all night. we had lots of fun over this "change of base" we propose to attend church to-morrow.
Sunday. 28". Cloudy but not rainy. B. & I went to the cathedral. "St Peter-St Paul" B. came near fainting in church, and we had to come out before the service was over. this P.M. Dr. Dronin and both of us went up to visit Fair Mt Park and Water Works. this is where the city water comes from it is raised out of the Schookill by its own weight. Lots of ladies were in the Park with whom an officers uniform seemed to be quite an interesting sight. Spent quite a pleasant evening with Miss Mary Dronin. I was expecting to leave for Washington this evening. but Miss Mary (& the rest) pur-suaded me to remain until to-morrow evening.
Monday 29" Cloudy but pleasant. Visited old "Independence Hall" where the great Declaration was signed and where the first congress met. it is well worth visiting. I also went to the "Gerard Col-lege" founded and endowed by Stephen Gerard for orphans. From the roff of the college (which is of marble) the is a most splendid view of the city and environs. we then again visited Fair Mount, also several fine picture galleries, we then went back to Madam Dronins, where we spent a pleasant evening diversified with piano and guitar music & Strawberries and cream. I left them at 10 P.M. with many kind wishes and promises to stop there whenever I went through the city even if Beaugureau was not there. The Dr and a little cousin of B. accompanied me to the cars. I took a birth in the sleeping car & started for W.
Tuesday 30" Very warm. arrived at Washington before 6 A.M. put up at the Kirkwood. went up to Genl. Angurs and reported. got orders to report to Genl Park at Alexandria. took my things and went down there. reported and found that the corps had not yet arrived. got a pass and came back to Washington found Majors Robinson (who relieved me on Div. Staff) and Paine of my regt here. had a game of billiards with the latter then we all went to the Canterbury. when I went back to the Kirkwood I became acquainted with a Cyrus Taylor who has invited me to spend to-morrow evening with him. I concluded to do so. we both occupied the same room at the Kirkwood to-night.
Wednesday. 31" Saw our Div. A. A. Genl. who was wounded at the battle of Sailors Creek he is awaiting the arrival of the corps. which will not be in two days yet. I visited arround town and this evening went with Mr. Taylor to "E" St where I was introduced to a mr. Jay who names each of his children after a state I took Miss Indianna Jay to a Strawberry Festival this evening had a very pleasant time indeed. took an evening walk in the suburbs and returned to the hotel at eleven. I shall call there again if I stay in town.
Thursday June 1" Quite warm. Made some very agreeable calls in town and this evening went alone to the Washington Theatre to see "Coleen Bown" played by the great female spy Miss Major Charlotte Cushman. returned to the hotel. shall go out to the corps to-morrow. as it is expected near Falls Church (which is four miles beyond the Aqueduct Bridge) by Noon. wrote to sister.
Friday 2" Very hot. Took a hack and with Majors Robinson and Paine went out to Falls Church. we overtook Mrs Ricketts (wife of our Div. Commander going out. we found the Div near Falls Church. it had just arrived made a call at Div. Hd. Qrs. and then went to the regiment, I was very welcome but the whiskey and cigars I took out for them was still more so. I of course stop in camp to-night. this looks like soldiering again, but nevertheless seems home like.
Saturday 3" Very hot. I could hardly keep cool and do nothing had a Dress Parade this evening. dreadful uncomfortable, so warm. we shall soon commence making our Muster Out rolls. wrote to John Clemence.
Sunday. 4" Very hot again. nothing much to do. we are to have Dress Parades every morning at 9. and evening at 7. until after the review of our corps, which will soon take place. I find that I shall have lots of company business to perform this muster out is a big thing truly. The Muster Out Rolls came this evening.
Monday 5" Still very hot. arose at 4. and took a gallop to Alex-andria 8 miles with Lt. Chilton of Div. Staff. I wanted my valise brought up and went to see about it. took breakfast at the Mar-shall House where Ellsworth was killed. attended to my business and got back to camp by 10 A.M. commenced work on my Muster Rolls. Drew clothing since dark.
Tuesday 6" More cool. Rained a little at dusk and before. a great relief. These final musters are awful. Made out my Q. M. Returns for April and also worked at my rolls. Had Brigade Dress Parade this evening in the rain. Our Corps review is to come off Thursday. I wrote to cousin Jane LaForge this evening.
Wednesday 7" Very comfortable. Still employed on Rolls, we are to start for Washington by 4 A.M. to-morrow morning for the review. I received a letter from Mr Macy one from Sister and one from the War Deparment. I wrote to Phebe Fuller also to Uncle John. I forgot to mention that night before last Lt Cox had his dress coat two dress pants and a vest stolen. Lt Collins had his dress coat stolen. No clue of the thief.
Thursday 8" Hotter than two ovens. We were up and had breakfast by 3½ O.C. started for Washington via Long Bridge. we took is very easy resting often until we reched the centre of Md. Av. here we stoped nearly an hour. Lt Merry and I went into a house and washed and brushed up, blacke our boots and so on, before we arrived at Pa Av. however we were all covered with dust again. down Pa Av. it was not dusty as the street had been wet down early in the morning. Our men all had white gloves but they did not cor-respond very well with their dusty clothes. The president was on the Reviewing stand in front of the White House, many of the men had fell down by sun strokes before we reached the stand. before we reached camp again hundreds had fallen. four out of the 36 in my company were sun struck, I stoped ¾ of an hour in the shade then had to stop twice more before I got to camp. and I was the first one in. more casualties hapened than there would in a fight. the Lt. Col. also fell. I never suffered so before in my life. my face is all blistered. The corps however made a splendid appear-ance. had a very heavy shower between 4 & 6 P.M. cooled the air somewhat.
Friday 9". The air was a little more cool than yesterday, the shower had a good effect. Received instructions to resume work on the Muster Rolls Eleven Rolls have to be made out, not a small job by any means. Surgeon Carpenter of the 43" N.Y.Vols was here vi-siting me this evening. I received a letter from Howell and wrote one to Beaugureau. I have more letter writing than I desire.
Saturday 10" Quite cool, rained a little just two hours before sundown. Lt Merry has gone to Washington on a pass. I am still at work on the rolls. I was down at Regimental Hd. Qrs. this P.M. several officers were there and beautifully tight they tried to get me to drink with them I refused to do so, which was the oc-casion of great wonder with them, they could not see how it was that I was an officer in the 106" N.Y. and still did not drink. This evening I wrote to Miss 3.3.-
Sunday 11" Very cool and comfortable. worked at rolls most of the day- Visited Surgeon Carpenter and dined with him at the camp of the 43" N.Y. he had a long story to tell me of a prety lady he fell in love with while at Danville Va. and in fact still loves to distraction I listened with great attention while he delivered himself, and I must confess that the story was quite interesting. Merry came back about 3 P.M. After my clerk had made out four Rolls of men to be mustered out we found out that they were made out on the wrong kind of Rolls. I was quite angry for the first time in a long time. I expect to go to the city to-morrow.
Monday 12" Cool and quite pleasant. My pass did not come back and therefore I did not go over to Washington. I sent an application to the Adjt. Genl. of the army asking that the sentence in the case of R. H. Macy- my company clerk be removed, it was favorably ap-proved at Regimental Hd. Qrs. I was over to Div. Hd. Qrs. and got my pay for J. S. G. C. M. Service. took a bath this evening.
LETTER Hd. Qrs. "I" Co. 106" N.Y. Vols.
1" Brig. 3" Div. 6" A. Corps June 12" 1865
Genl. L. Thomas
A. Genl. U.S.A.
Genl.
I have the honor to most respectfully recommend, that the sentence in the case of Roland H. Macy alias Charles H. Mitchell (substitute from New Jersey) be removed; he has been a member of my company since March 3" 1865 and has always conducted himself with so much propriety in camp, and exhibited such soldier-like qualities in battle and on the campaign, that I feel convinced that your clemency could not be extended to a person more worthy of it.
Roland H. Macy - alias - Charles H. Mitchell - was tried by a Genl. Court Martial convened at Alexandria Va by Genl Order No. 95 Hd. Qrs. Military Governor, Alexandria Va Oct 29" 1864. and sen-tenced "to be returned under guard to such regiment for duty as the General commanding may direct, with loss of all pay and allowances now due, to forfeit ten dollars per month of his monthly pay for the period of eighteen months, and make good all time lost by absence. (three days).
This sentence was commuted by "Special Orders No 55 Mar 65. So much of the sentence of the General Court Martial, convened by G O. No 95 Hd Qurs. Military Governor Alexandria Va of Oct 29" 1864, as refers to the forfeiture of `ten dollars per month of his monthly pay, for eighteen months', in the case of Pvt. Rowland H. Macy - alias - Charles H. Mitchell, (substitute from New Jersey) x x x is commuted to the forfeiture of ten dollars per month of his monthly pay for four months."
Hoping that this recommendatiobn may meet with your favorable consideration, and the sentence be removed-
I am Sir
Very respectfully
Your Obedient Servant
A. T. LaForge
Capt Comdg Co
DIARY
Tuesday 13" I went over to town at 4 P.M. I walked in as I expec-ted to stay all night. took rooms at the Kirkwood then bought some clothing for Private Macy. at the request of his father, a rich N.Y. City merchant. I then went up to the Post Office to get a registered letter. while there a tremenduous shower came up. I could not get back to the hotel without getting quite wet. at evening I went to the "Grovers Theatre" and saw Alladden or the Wonderful Lamp, played. Returned to the Hotel at a little after mid night.
Wednesday 14". Quite comfortable. I saw Mr. Taylor who came to the Hotel finding that I was there. I then went with him to visit a fine young lady who is teaching school in town, when we reached the school we found that it had already commenced. however the Mistress invited us to enter, we did so, and after a pleasant conversation, the young ladies- it was a ladies school and over 40 of them were present- sang "Just before the battle mother" for me. it was sweetly sung and I feelt very much pleased at the compli-ment. for such I could not help but consider it.
I then went back to the Hotel got breakfast, which I did not much need, then went with Mr. Taylor to visit some young ladies on 7" St. one of them was the lady who I had the honor of escorting to the Strawberry Festival when in town before. My call was very pleasant. before I came away the ladies and myself had decided that we should consider ourselves brother and sisters. I expressed my pride at the arraingement. their actions showed their pleasure. I had to submit to a strict promise to call there when I next came into town, without waiting to be brought up by Taylor. I then re-turned to the Hotel found the whole of the Div. Staff there. also Lt Cox. I went arround with him some. then went to procure a hack to take three of us out to camp. what fun I had they flocked arround me in large numbers gabbering and making offers enough to kill one. I engaged one out of one hundred, and started for camp. rained some before we got there, but we put up the cover and did not get wet, found everything all right in camp. The Col. wants me to go down to Camp Destribution with him in the morning. Recd letter from Mrs. Coleman & paper from J. D L.F. also received a letter from J. Clemence.
Thursday 15" Very cool, threatened to rain all day, did not suc-ceed until just at night, rains some now. I was just putting the finishing tuches to my rolls when I received orders to discontinue work upon them. Orders have came arround now that all the rolls of the Div are wrong and we have to make an intirely new set, I feel very much grieved at this. So much trouble for nothing. no help for it however. I wrote to Mr. Macy to-day also to sister dear. although very buisy I still find time to occasionally think of the Misses Jay and Cinda, Suse will surely think that I am in love now. Ah me!
Friday 16" Prety warm, rained again at dark. Orders came at dark this evening that our rolls would not have to be made out again. how glad we all felt. I wrote to the A.G.O. to Mrs. Colemen, Miss Honora Livermore, Mr. Sherman Crandall and to Miss 4'.4. have thus made a prety good job of it. Recd letters from Uncle John, Miss 4' 4. and Joseph Oake. the latter is about to be discharged. had con-siderable Co. business to transact.
Saturday. 17" Very pleasant. Bathed this evening. Mrs. Coleman was here to see me to-day. she seems to feel prety bad still about Peters death. I made her take dinner with me. it consisted of coffee, with milk and sugar. potatoes, Bread, Butter, cheese, and Bacon. I received a letter from Mr Taylor A.G.O. dated yesterday. he wants me to come into town as soon as possible and make a good long visit. he says that my sisters have agreed to exchange like-nesses with me, and desire that I should call at an early hour as possible. I have written him a reply this evening.
Sunday 18". Very warm. I have mustered Dupree, King, McMannis an Tennant out to join the 10" U.S. Infty. they evidently like sol-diering. I have a pass a pass to visit Washington but concluded no to go until to-morrow. This like all Sundays lately has been an extremely buisy day. our rolls are yet incomplete. This evening on Dress Parade two large bibles both bought by Co "F" were pre-sented, one to Lt. Stearns and another to Lt. Wells- the Regt was formed in hollow square, and the Chaplain made the presentation speech. the crermony was quite an interesting one.
Monday 19. Very warm during the day, rained quite hard just at sundown. I was very buisy finishing my rolls until about 3 P.M. then went into town. When I registered my name at the Kirkwood the clerk handed me a letter. it was from Taylor and informed me that he would call at the Hotel at 7 O.C. and would then have the plea-sure of escorting me up to see my sisters who were anxious to have that pleasure also- at the appointed hour Taylor prisented himself and we went up to see the young ladies, I spent a most pleasant evening, the ladies speak French and play on the Piano and sing beautifully. I then went and put up all night with Taylor at his home, we sat up talking until very late. He loves one of the young ladies with as strong a love as it is possible for a man to posses for a woman yet he told me that he could (If I could win her) give her up to me and feel as happy as if he had married her himself; he had such perfect love and confidence for myuself- I thought that was quite a confession for a young man like him.
Tuesday. 20" Rained nearly all day. I spent most of the day with sister India, we had arrainged to go down to a Photo. Gallery and have sister Oceana and herself taken on the same plate. but the rain spoiled our chance to do so. I do not know as I shall have the pleasure of seeing them again as on my return to the regiment I found that our Rolls (all but mine) had been examined and we shall probably be mustered out to-morrow and then go on our way home. I saw Col. McKelvy at the Hotel while in town, he asked me what I proposed to do when I got out of the service & I told him that I hardly knew yet. He took my address and said that he should go home shortly and wanted me to come to Pittsburg and go into bus-iness with him in some capacity. I came out to camp. rode out on horse back with a Q. M. of the 2. Div. got prety wet. I took my Rolls over to Div. Hd. Qrs. this evening had them examined and found correct. I shall write to Taylor this evening. Recd a letter from Mr. Macy.
Wednesday. 21" Comfortably cool. I was over to Div. Hd. Qrs and gave my military history for the information of the A. G. O. all the officers now going out of service have the same thing to do. compleated the rolls. expect to be mustered out early to-morrow morning. the order for doing so came down today but the Mustering officer was not there to attend to business, which keeps us in the service one day longer. The good people of Ogdensburg are making great preparations to receive our regt when we get there. A grand show is taking place this evening. the regts of the Brigade are all out in lines. each man has a candle placed in the end of his gun, they are now marching arround to each others camps, stoping in front of Regimental Hd. Qrs. and cheering loudly for each other. they probably feel that this is the last time they will ever have the chance to be togather, and so they determine to feel as jolly as it is possible to be without having sometnhing to drink. I re-ceived letters from Mrs. Coleman. Miss. 4'.4. also a paper from Uncle John and some official mail. I wrote to Mr. Macy.
Thursday 22" Our men who were to be transferred were taken from the regiment. Col. Briggs was among the number. he however ex-pects to go home with the regiment as he has sent up an application for a Leave which has been approved at Div. Hd. Qrs. We were mus-tered out of the service this P.M. I took command of the Left wing of the regt and took them over to be mustered out. after this was done I concluded to go over to town and bid my sisters adieu. When I arrived at the Kirkwood I found Mr. Ross there- Sister India is engaged to be married to him. he concluded to go up to the house with me. sisters of course were glad to see me. I made a very pleasant call and during the evening managed to inform sister India of the fact that Mr. Ross had told me they were to be married. she thought that he need not be too certain of that engagements being fulfilled. thought that her eyes moistened when I bade her good bye and she told me that it always seemed to be her fate if she formed any very pleasant acquaintance to lose them so soon. I bade her a final adieu and left feeling that if I had remained for a short time longer, my heart would not have been safe. On my return to the regiment I found that they had orders to be ready to move by 4 A.M. to-morrow. Powelson and Ganble two N.Y. City boys were here to pass the evening with me and go to town in the morning with the regiment.
Friday 23" Had breakfast and went to town at the appointed hour. did not get off right away so took another breakfast at the hotel. I- on returning to the Soldiers Rest where the regiment was await-ing- found Mr. Taylor there, he had came down to say good bye and also to inform me that sister India would break off her engagement with Mr Ross if I desired to have her do so, and thus leave the field open to myself. I could scarcely help regretting- when I heard this- that I had ever seen her. but I felt perfectly sure that I had never intended to cause her one moment of sadness or one pang of pain. I loved her too much for that. I must confess that it cost me a sorrowful struggle to return an evasive answer, but I did so and again joined the regiment with a wiser head bu sad'er heart. Two regiments were on the train which was composed of 56 cars all loaded with soldiers. we arrived at Baltimore and changed cars and again started forward about six P.M. were on the road all night and arrived at Philadelphia about 10 A.M. on the morning of
Saturday 24" A breakdown prevented our crossing the river on the cars so we had to leave them and march through the city. stoped for dinner at the cooper shop. the best dinner I have had prepared for soldiers- in a long time. took ferry over to Camden and the cars from there to Amboy, very dusty travelling. arrived at Amboy and took steamer from there to N.Y. City. I shall never forget the beautiful scenery on the Jersey shore on the left and Staten Island on our right. the wealthy people crouded down to see us and they cheered and waved handkerchiefs and flags to greeting our brave returning veterans. A great croud of beautiful ladies were collec-ted in front of the Hotel at Grouses Point who wave their white cambrick and gave three hearty cheers which our men returned with interest. we got off the boat at the Castle Garden just after dark. Marched up to Grand St got supper then returned to another boat and embarked for Albany. The Col. (not knowing that S. M. Atcheson was on board with transportation) jumped off the boat and came up on the cars thus gaining time to visit the N.Y. Q.M. and get transportation which he did not know we had already. we left the wharf at midnight.
Sunday 25" Passed New Burgh at day light. How I wished that I could go on shore and visit my friends there. did not arrive at Albany until 3 P.M. disembarked and stacked arms in the streets. then Major Paine took the Right wing of the regiment and went to one hotel to get dinner for them and I took the left wing to an-other. of course this was paid for by the good people of Albany when we came away I proposed three cheers for our kind entertainers which was handsomely responded to by the men. We took cars for Og-densburgh about 6. The Col has not yet arrived and we are trying to run through without him so that he will not be there when we ar-rive at the city we had considerable delay at Rome on account of their not having received our telegram to have cars ready for us, rode all night.
Monday 26" Unfortunately the Col. overtook us at DeKalb station this A.M. he came up on the express. arrived at Ogdensburg at 11. I have attached a copy of our reception from the Ogdensburg Jour-nel. I almost felt sad to see all the boys receiving the kisses and congratulations of their friends and there I was without an acquaintance. I soon got over that however in seeing the rest in-joy themselves. then the Q. M. introduced me to his wife and she took me in her care and we went up to the Eagle Hall where the en-tertainment was being prepared for us. about a hundred beautiful young ladies were there and I soon was introduced to and chatted with so many that I forgot the names of them all in no time. then again when the men were in the Hall and eating supper (at 3) I stood by the door thinking of home when one of the ladies came to me and putting her pretty little white hand upon my arm drew me among the ladies again and told me that I must be at home, chided me for my long face when surrounded by so much beauty &c. a young gentleman named Mills also sought an introduction and saying that I should not be a stranger long- at once commenced making me ac-quainted with the ladies. in fact they kept me there until the regt finally moved off without me & I had to be at a retreat from the Hall. when we got up to the Town House I was put in command of the regt and all the other officers left to visit their friends. I at once detailed a guard and suitable Sergeants and corprals to take charge of the building and men, then went to the Seymour House and met Mr. Mills according to a previous agreement and he and I made a visit at Mrs. Chamberlains. she is a rich widow lady with two fine daughters both engaged to be married. their house is splendedly furnished and everything shows remarkable good taste. A Euchre party was soon formed and we enjoyed ourselves until about midnight then said good evning. Mr. Mills on our way back told me that he never saw a person in whom he could confide and trust at first sight but myself- the exact words of Mr. Taylor at Washington which is the reason I repeat them- I thought it so strange. I went up to see that the regt was all right then went to the Marton House where I have taken rooms and shall stop until I leave here. I have had a very pleasant day owing to the kindness of those with whom I have become acquainted and enjoyed myself very much. whereas I ex-pected to be intirely forgotten in the general rejoicing, not thinking that those who had friends would stop a moment to consider whether those who had none were passing a happy day or not. I am very pleasantly disappointed I must confess.
ARTICLE FROM OGDENSBURG PAPER June 27, 1865
Price Five Cents, Sincle Copy.
Reception of the One Hundred and Sixth
The gallant 106th Regiment N.Y.V., arrived here on a special train, via. Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburgh Railroad, at 11.10 yes-terday morning. A telegram from Capt. Robertson dated Watertown at 7.30 announced its near approach. The Regiment was met at the De-pot by a large concourse of friends and citizens eager to grasp the hands of the bronzed vetyerans who for three years had fought and won in the struggle for the integrity of the Union, and very many were the effecting scenes which occured. Wives, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and children were there to embrace husbands, sons, brothers and fathers, who had been daring death in many forms for the sake of their country. Of course it was not to be expected that after so long an absence they would stand upon ceremony, and the rushing to arms was cordial and reciprocal.
As soon as fairly disembarked the regiment formed in line, head-ed by the Regimental band, marched across the bridge up through Ford to State street, down State to Washington street and down Washington to the Town House. In the morning as soon as it was known that the regiment was so near, all the flags of the village, public and private were set, and all along the line of the march, the brave fellows were greeted with cheers, waving of handker-chiefs, and all kinds of demonstrations of joy.
At three o'clock the regiment fell into line, and marched through the principal streets to Eagle Hall where the formal recep-tion took place. While on the ......... of the village rang forth a merry peal and a Nation...... fired.
The Hall was handsomely decorated with flags and evergreens and floral wreaths in profusion. At the head in large letters was this beautiful verse: ......................... welcome
a welcome warm and true,
And here's a hearty greeting
To every boy in blue.
As the regiment entered the Hall a hundred female voices greeted the boys with the .................... "When Johnny comes marching home." The following exercises took place: Prayer by Rev. ........ ........... the Band; Welcoming speech by E.C. James, former Colo-nel of the Regiment; Song, Star Spangled Banner; Hail Columbia, by the Band; Remarks by Col. McDonald.
At this point a most sumptuous repast, consisting of substan-tials and delicacies, was served to the soldiers by the patriotic ladies. It was discussed with a hearty relish by the noble fellows.
Repast over, Mrs. E.C. James, in behalf of the ladies, presented Col. McDonald with a magnificent floral wreath, which was acknow-ledged by the Regiment with cheers; S. Foote in behalf of the la-dies, presented Sergt. Royal the color bearer who planted the new flag on the battlements of Petersburgh, with a beautiful floral wreath, and Col. Judson performed a like service to Corporal Child who carried the old flag. Q. M. Atcheson was also presented with a wreath, after which Rev. L. M. Miller made some most eloquent re-marks, and closed by reciting a very beautiful and touching wel-coming poem, written by a lady who lost a son, - an officer in the regiment - at Cold Harbor. Brief remarks were also made by Q. M. Atcheson, Maj. Payne, and Brt. Major Day. At this point a call was made for Capt. Robertson, whose rising was heartily greeted by the men. When he sat down caps went up to the wall, showing he was much of a favorite with the regiment.
This closed the proceedings at the Hall, and the Regiment re-formed in line and returned to the town House, when most of the men furloughed themselved for the next forty-eight hours, and started for home, to receive the embraces of those who were nearer and dearer to them.
On the whole the reception was a grand affair. The only draw-back was the steady rain which prevailed most of the afternoon, but the rain was forgotten in the general joy. Within a week the men will be paid off and return to their homes to resume their rights and duties as free American citizens.
In anticipation of their coming, the Triumphal Arch at the cor-ner of State and Ford street was most tastefully decorated with evergreens, and .............. On the front side .............
The One Hundred and Sixth left Camp Wheeler on the 29th day of August, 1862, under command of Colonel S. F. Judd, about 1,000 strong, arriving at the seat of war amid the excitement which pre-ceded the battle of Antietam. They were assigned to duty at New Creek, Virginia. They saw their first active service in this de-partment, having lost two companies as prisoners near Grafton. At the time of Early's raid down the Valley, and Lee's invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, just previous to the battle of Gettys-burgh, the One Hundred and Sixth was on duty near North Mountain. After the surrender of Miles at Harper's Ferry, they were charged with the duty of guarding trains of military stores to Washington, and were assigned to the Third Brigade of the Third Division of the old Third Corps of the Army of the Potomac upon the pursuit of Lee after the battle of Gettysburgh to the Rapidan. In the fall of 1863, the Third Corps was broken up and consolidated with the other corps of the Army of the Potomac, the Third Division, in which was the One Hundred and Sixth, going bodily to the fighting Sixth Corps. They crossed the Rapidan under General Grant in May, 1863, and took part in the bloody battles of the Wilderness and Spott-sylvania, sustaining a very heavy mortality list. It was again heavily engaged at Cold Harbor, loosing its commanding officer, Lieut. Colonel Townsend, and most of its officers either killed, wounded, or prisoners. After the Army of the Potomac had reached the south side of the James River, the Sixth Corps was, on the 6th of July, dispatched to check the raid of General Early down the Shenandoah Valley. On the 9th of July, the Third Division of the Sixth Corps, to which the One Hundred and Sixth belonged, fought the terrible battle of Monocacy, in which the Regiment again suf-fered terribly, coming out of the fight with but three officers and one hundred and ten men. The Regiment subsequently participated in all of Sheridan's great victories of the Valley, and returned to Petersburgh to participate in the final struggle of the war. On the 2d day of April, 1865, the Sixth Corps carried the works in front of Petersburgh, and immediately joined in the pursuit of Lee. They fought the battle of Sailor Creek, capturing ............. compelling the surrender of Lee.
Previous to the spring campaign .............. ranks of the Regiment were well filled up by the return of recovered sick and wounded, exchanged prisoners and new recruits to about 900 strong. They now return with 405 officers and men, having transferred 300 to the Forty-nine Regiment N.Y.Vols.
Among the gallant dead of the One Hundred and Sixth, who died in the .......... the names of
Lieut. Colonel CHARLES TOWNSEND
Capt. JACKSON, Lieut. HOCK.....,
Capt. PRIEST, Lieut. S........,
Capt. CHAMBERLIN, Lieut. HATHAWAY,
Capt. HOOKER, Lieut. BLACKMAN,
Capt. PARKER, Lieut. BAYNE,
Capt. PEACH, Lieut. KINGSTON,
Lieut. HOLLAND
And a long list of non-commissioned officers and privates. Among the officers who have been wounded and survived are Lieut. Colonel Briggs, Major Payne, Capt. Robertson, Captain Shaw, Lieut, Birge, Lieut, Glass, Lieut. Helburn, Lieut. Munson, Lieut. Powell, Lieut. Collins, Lieut. Stearns, and many others whose names we cannot now call to mind.
DIARY
Tuesday 27" Very cold day. I have made some very pleasant calls, and this evening went up and took supper with Capt Robertson and family. on my return to the Hotel I found that Mr. Mills had left his card, so I went up to see him. we concluded not to go out this evening as I wanted to do some writing but had a game of billiards and I returned to the hotel to write to my dear sister and have her send all my letters if any reach her, to this place. at least un-til the 4" of July as we shall not be paid off before that. Mrs. Atchison this morning informed me that she was afraid I would make her a great deal of trouble for although she introduced me to all the ladies she could think of yesterday still many had been there to schold her for not introducing me to them, and to request an in-troduction. They are all aware that I am a stranger here and on that account desire to make my stay as pleasant as possible, in or-der to convince us all that they love every member of the regiment I suppose.
LETTER Hd. Qrs. 106" N.Y. Vols. Ogdensburg N.Y.
Tuesday June 27" 1865
My dear sister
Do not be surprised at the heading of my letter for I am just where that dating signifies. On the banks of the old St. Lawrence. Our regt was mustered out and ordered here on the 23" inst. we were three days on the route and arrived here yesterday. Were kindly received by the inhabitants, but about this and the inci-dents of the journey you will learn when I send you my memorandum, which will probably be to-morrow
I am now in command of the regiment which is quartered at the Town House the reason of my being in command is because the other officers are all at home hnow and do not of course like to be both-ered with having charge of the regiment.
I must say for myself and the good people of the place that I have been very kindly received and entertained by them. I have formed some very pleasant acquaintances. been introduced to nearly all the prety girls and old women, and those of them who I have not yet been made acquainted with are very anxious for the pleasure- so I am told by those who desire to flatter. My interpretation of their desire is as follows- I belong to a regiment of which they feel very proud, and not being extensively acquainted in this sec-tion they (like good patriotic ladies which they are) desire to make my stay here very pleasant. on that account they desire to make my acquaintance so as to give me the benefit of their society which is the most pleasant gift which they could possibly make me
I wrote you to request you to send any letters which may ar-rive at Andover for me- at once to Ogdensburg St. Lawrence Co. N.Y. that is any letters which arrive before July 4". It is not neces-sary to put another stamp upon them, but scratch out the Washington D.C. or 1" Brig. 3" Div. 6" A.C. and write on instead the address
which I have given you.
I shall write again soon. My love to all including little Bijou.
A. T. LaForge Capt Comdg Regt.
Dear sis. I have altered my mind and have made up and send you my mems are mother Janey and the family all well?
Love to you.
Bijou
DIARY
Wednesday 28" A little more warm. I saw the Col. and he said that the regiment would move out to camp Wheeler at 3 P.M. so at that hour I was up there. as also was several of the officers and about 100 of the men. none of them liked to go up to camp nor did I. however to camp we went and orders were read to us directing us to report there at 10 A.M. and 2 P.M. daily. I hardly think that or-der will be obeyed. I did get back to town in time to go up to Mr. Sheppards to tea at 4. as I had promised I went to the hotel I had not been there but a moment however when Mr. Sheppard came in and insisted on taking me along with him and I had to go. had tea with his family and passed the evening very pleasantly until 8. then we all adjourned to Eagle Hall to attend a Strawberry festi-val. much beauty and many exceedingly fine ladies and gentlemen were assemble there. Mr. Mills was there of course. he told me that many ladies had complained to him that I was so cold. they had passed me upon the streets and I never bowed to them I told him that I had became acquainted with so manny that I did not re-cognize them all. and that I always waited for an intimation from the lady that I was recognized.
Thursday 29" Pleasant day. Two new Pay Masters came to-day. We were at once ordered to get our Rolls signed so that we could be paid to-morrow. I had mine signed first and took them up to the Pay M. he at once commenced ballancing them. I telegraphed to Malone for my boys who were there to come up early in the morning. This evening we had a meeting of the officers to dispose of our new flag, it was decided to send it to Albany to be placed with the archives of the state. I tried to get them not to dispose of the flag until the opinion of the ladies who presented it was obtained, they concluded not to do so however. After the flag was disposed of I went out with a friend and was introduced to a Miss Armstrong with whom and another Miss we passed a very pleasant evening. I feel more interest in her than any young lady with whom I have be-came acquainted. The Armstrongs move in the very best of society are wealthy and so on. We came away about 11. thus keeping very resonable hours.
Friday June 30" We were not paid off to-day as we expected, but will be paid to-morrow at 8 A.M. turned in my ordnance and camp and Garrison Equipage so that I can make up my papers. This even-ing was invited to Capt Robertsons. he had all the line officers of the regiment there while on my way up I came acrost McCoy a merchant of this place who was driving arround and I got in with him and took a drive for half an hour. When I got to Capt Robert-sons party I found that one of the officers had an invitation for me to attend a private Ball at Judge James, father of the former Col. of our regiment. only four of our officers had been invited and it was owing to that fact that Capt Robertson had got up this party in opposition. well I determined to attend both as I knew that the party at the Judges was the elite of the city. At 10 I excused myself from Capt Robertsons and went over to the Judges. Oh! how finely the ladies were dressed. it seemed when entering their Drawing Room as if I had just steped into heaven, every thing was so grand. I enjoyed myself very much dancing and sing-ing. After awhile Maj. Day invited me to make one of a party at Euchre. he took his intended and another lady and we went into a private room and had an exceedingly pleasant game until refresh-ments were announced when we went in. Broke up about two OC. I saw Miss Sheppard home then returned to the hotel and as I had con-siderable writing to do, sat up until sunrise. it was to finish up my books and papers for payment to-morrow.
Introduction 1861-62 1863 1864A 1864B 1865A 1865B 1866 1867 1868 1869 1870-72 1873 1874-80 Epilogue Legacies