Thursday, 31st–I went to a party this evening, given in honor of the veterans, over at Mr. Hatch’s, on Yankee Street.[1] There were not many present, but all enjoyed themselves. I found a new road to travel, a mile from this place—if all goes well. Things are very quiet in this settlement, but almost every [...]

March, Thursday 31, 1864 Laura awakened me standing by the bed with my breakfast. I was too sleepy to eat, and only drank my Coffee. I have felt very badly all day, did not do any sewing, lying down most of the day. Mr. Pugh, Jim and Mr. Harbut with Jim’s body guard the Prince [...]

MARCH 31st.—Cloudy and cold. No war news, though it is generally believed that Longstreet is really in the valley. A speech delivered by the Hon. J. W. Wall, in New Jersey, is copied in all the Southern papers, and read with interest by our people.

March 31st, 1864.–The box has gone and my socks were ready; that is, the requisite number went but I had to borrow one sock from Aunt Robinson, with the promise that I would knit another right away. I am going to Aunt Margaret’s to stay a few days. Her girls are going to school at [...]

March 31st. Norwich, Connecticut. It is good to be home once more among friends. Wishing the war was over. I am afraid that many more of the 18th Regiment must fall before the end comes. Some will never see home again. These are dark, sad days, but we are trying to enjoy our visit at [...]

Mar. 1, ’64—Start at 3 a. m. Meet Bros. Selby, Branson, and Cunninggim in Raleigh. Meet Bros. Burkhead, Henderson, M. C. Thomas, J. B. Williams and W. B. Richardson on train. Night in Richmond. Mar. 2—Meet Bro. H. H. Gibbons Mar. 3—Detained in Richmond by the raiders between us and Lee’s army. Bros. Gibbons, Richardson [...]

March 31st.–Met Preston Hampton. Constance Cary was with me. She showed her regard for him by taking his overcoat and leaving him in a drenching rain. What boyish nonsense he talked; said he was in love with Miss Dabney now, that his love was so hot within him that he was waterproof, the rain sizzed [...]

30th. A rainy unpleasant day. Detailed to act as R. Q. M. vice Bills, who thinks of resigning on account of matters at home. Played some at chess. Boys seem to regret my leaving the company. I know I do. I do desire to do my duty well, faithfully and honestly. In the evening took [...]

Wednesday, 30th–I remained at home all day. Times appear to be very dull and lonesome. My brothers are having a siege of the measles. I am thankful that I have had them, for measles in the army causes more soldiers to be discharged for disability than anything else. I long to see this cruel war [...]

MARCH 30th.—It rained all night, the wind blowing a gale from the east. This morning the wind was from the west, blowing moderately; and although cloudy, no rain. The enemy’s gun-boats down the river shelled the shore where it was suspected we had troops in ambush; and when some of their barges approached the shore, [...]

April, Saturday 30, 1864 Laura brought my breakfast to my room—very late—everybody slept late this morning – Raining, raining, raining—oh! such a gloomy day as it has been. Joanna & Nannie have not come yet. Nonconnah is swimming, but Father is miserable for fear that is not what keeps them. Maj. Crump left about 10 [...]

March 30th. After an all-night’s ride on a slow train we reached Jersey City at eight o’clock this morning. We were due in Connecticut this morning in time for the men to register, so they could vote, this being the last day. At Jersey City marched on board a small transport. By the time half [...]

March, Wednesday 30, 1864 It seems I can never go to Memphis without some disagreeable arrangements and sayings. I was greatly disappointed in my trip. Tate and I went together. I stoped at Mrs. Facklen’s on Union St.—she went on up to Cousin Frazor’s in the buggy—Mrs. Facklen and Mrs. Kirk in great distress, old [...]

29th. Reached paroled camp at Annapolis before daylight. Passed the day in camp. No stores and no wood. Good time chatting, laughing and fooling. In evening played a game of chess with Major Nettleton. Slept with him at Post Quartermaster’s, Maj. Carpenter from Akron. Camp very pleasant. Barber shop, reading room, chapel, news depot, neat [...]

Tuesday, 29th–I attended a supper this evening given for the veterans of my company, at the home of Mr. J. W. Stanton on York Prairie. On account of the bad weather, dark night and muddy roads, there were not many there, but we had a fine supper and a pleasant evening with friends.

CAMP NEAR ORANGE C. H., March 29, 1864. My Dear Mother: I wrote you a short letter only a few days ago, but as some little excitement outside of our regular routine of duty has occurred within the past few days, I thought I would drop you a little history of it. Governor Vance arrived [...]

MARCH 29tgh.—A furious gale, eastern, and rain. No news, except the appearance of a few gun-boats down the river; which no one regards as an important matter. Great crowds are funding their Treasury notes to-day; but prices of provisions are not diminished. White beans, such as I paid $60 a bushel for early in this [...]

March 29th. Arrived in Baltimore early this morning. Nothing happened to mar the pleasure of the journey. All were soon out of the cars, line quickly formed, ready to march from the Camden Street station to the Philadelphia R. R. station, on the east side. Our march led through Pratt Street, the scene of the [...]

March, Tuesday 29. 1864 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance; but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken—Proverbs— I am sitting in my little room alone, with the exception of my little family, who are more inclined to the silent embrace of Morpheus than any pleasures the quiet of my own society could [...]

Monday, 28th. Passed through Martinsburg and Harper’s Ferry. Saw John Brown’s engine house, a very strong position indeed. Great amount of work on the road, 13 trains passed us this morning going west. Road along the Potomac many miles. Passed Relay House about 9 A. M. Annapolis Junction at 10 P. M. Tried to get [...]

Monday, 28th–I went to Tipton on horseback today, accompanied by John D. Moore, who enlisted in Company E of the Eleventh Iowa Infantry. All of the Inland boys who went before have re-enlisted as veterans, and four or five others besides John Moore are going to enlist in our company and go to the front [...]

March, Monday 28, 1864 Tate and Anna Nelson went to Memphis this morning—got back safe Mr. Tommerry gave Tate up all of her things the U. S. G. confiscated, she brought them all safe through the lines, they belong to Mr. Wallace, who will be delighted to hear they are recovered. Mr. Harbut & Jim [...]

MARCH 28th.—April-like day, but no rain; clouds, and sunshine, and warm. About 2 P.M. the Secretary received a dispatch stating that the enemy had appeared in force opposite Fredericksburg, and attempted, without success, to cross. A copy of this was immediately sent to Gen. Lee. It is said that Gen. Longstreet is marching with expedition [...]

March 28th. Camp Hill, Bolivar Heights. Early this morning received orders to prepare three days’ rations. Reported we are to go up the valley, scouting. Waiting for orders. At noontime rumors began to circulate that the regiment was ordered home to vote. The news seemed too good to be true. Orders came to detail two [...]