July 20th. We left Upperville, near Snicker’s Gap. very early in the morning, having served in the 3d Corps, Army of the Potomac about five weeks. On the march back we met the 12th Corps, meeting the 5th and 20th Connecticut Regiments of that corps. Met Charlie Corey, a boyhood friend from my old home [...]

July 19th. The enemy are marching up the Shenandoah Valley. They seem to have the lead. Came to a halt at Snicker’s Gap, twenty miles south of Harper’s Ferry, after making a forced march. Here Major Peale received orders for us to report at Sharpsburg, Maryland, where another detachment of our regiment was on duty.

July 14th. General Lee and the rebel army have crossed the Potomac River into Virginia. I saw a number of prisoners who were taken at the river. They informed us that we were too late, Lee was pushing up the valley. We are again on the march, going south, up and over the South Mountain. [...]

July 10th. Continual skirmishing going on with the rebs between Sharpsburg and Hagerstown, Maryland. Reported that General Lee is trying to cross the Potomac River into Virginia. We are either skirmishing or changing our position most of the time so that we are kept on the go about all the time and most of the [...]

July 7th. Near where General Reno fell, during the battle of Antietam. Passed down the west side of the mountain into the Antietam country, becoming a part of the 3d Corps, Army of the Potomac, General French commanding, taking part in the battle of Boonsborough, and supporting the cavalry at the battle of Falling Waters. [...]

July 5th. Left camp very early this morning. A heavy downpour of rain. Passed through Georgetown, on through Washington. The mud in Pennsylvania Avenue was ankle deep. Marching very hard and disagreeable, so much so that we were obliged to take off our leggins and throw them away. Our first time in Washington. Boarded a [...]

June 24th. Orders received from General Hooker to evacuate the Maryland Heights. All supplies and munitions that could be moved loaded on canal boats and taken to Washington by way of the Ohio & Chesapeake Canal. Great quantity of stores was left, salt beef, pork, beans, rice, coffee, and sugar. Some of it was gathered [...]

June 20th. Scouts brought in many prisoners. All were obliged to report to the General at headquarters. I very often heard the conversation. One question always asked. “Whose command do you belong to?” While on duty at the General’s headquarters we received a call from two citizens from our home town, Norwich, Dr. Charles M. [...]

June 16th. Up very early this morning. All Major Peale could muster of the 18th Regiment was only thirty members. The rest of those who escaped were with Captain Matthewson, they taking a different route from Major Peale who followed the route taken by General Milroy. After breakfast of hardtack and coffee, the Major marched [...]

June 15th. Last night we were under arms, ready for a call to duty at any moment. Prisoners report that Ewell has about forty thousand men with eighty cannon under his command. While in the fort waiting for orders we talked over the events that might happen when daylight came. About 2 A. M. we [...]

June 14th. Last night our position was changed from the south to the east side of the town, on the Berryville road. The night was a very dark, stormy one, with severe lightning and thunder. We were wet through. Not allowed fires as it might draw the enemy’s fire. Passed a very uncomfortable night. This [...]

June 13th. Turned out very early this morning. Waiting for orders to march. While waiting for orders our cavalry scouts are coming in, reporting the enemy coming down the valley in force. Somewhat of a surprise, they having come through the mountain passes in the night, making a forced march. While near the Colonel’s quarters [...]

June 12th. All is ready for our scouting trip, rations, with a good supply of ammunition, and equipment all in good condition. Tonight finds us still in camp, ready to start.

June 11th. Orders received to prepare for three days’ scouting up the valley. A sharp lookout must be kept for the enemy through the valley and the mountain passes. Tonight we have three days’ rations all prepared for an early start on the morrow.

On the Front Royal Pike at the Shawnee Springs. A fine supply of good cold water. The location was fine and the camp was known as Camp Shawnee. Severe duty began right away. Picket, scouting through the country, working on the fort and rifle pits, with axe, pick, and shovel. The large fort was known [...]

May 25th. Again on the march after an early breakfast. Marched in good order through the town, by music of the drum corps. The town is an old Virginia one. Many old buildings, some showing the effects of the war. Reaching the center of town, filed to the right, going west, on the Winchester Pike. [...]

May 24th. After a night’s rest and breakfast I was very much improved, taking my place in the company. We left the camp at 6 A. M. Sunday morning with drums and fifes, to the tune of Old John Brown, which was kept up until we passed through the town. In this town John Brown [...]

May 23d. After an uneventful ride we arrived at Sandy Hook at four o’clock this morning, getting our first view of the Potomac River. Orders received to turn out and form in line for a march. The road was along the side of the Ohio and Chesapeake Canal, under the Maryland Heights. The march continued [...]

May 22d. We bid farewell to Fort Marshall and Baltimore. Marched across the city to the Camden Street railway station, Baltimore and Ohio R. R. After a long wait a train of box cars ready to receive us, into which we were packed and started on our journey. A slow tiresome ride in the old [...]

May 20th. We remained here until this date having the finest of times, when orders were received to pack up and report to the regiment at Fort Marshall. Orders having been received for the regiment to report to General Robert H. Milroy at Winchester, Virginia.

April 29th. Our company was ordered for guard duty to guard the railroad bridge over the Gunpowder River, on the Baltimore & Philadelphia Road. A very pleasant change and much enjoyed in the fine early spring weather. The fishing and sailing were fine. Many boats at that point we were allowed to use. Many attempts [...]

April. Having been an inmate in the hospital for three months, at my own request, I was allowed to join my company, located at Fort Marshall, east end of Baltimore. Reported to Lieutenant Merwin, commanding company. He would not allow me to go on duty. Wished me to remain at Regimental Hospital for a while [...]

January 6th. Last night, while on guard duty, I was taken suddenly ill. Had to be relieved from duty. Placed in an old barn, used for a field hospital, with a leaky old roof, the rain coming down on me. Colonel, I was informed, came to the barn, saw my condition, ordered me carried to [...]

January 2d. Late last night, our second night out, pickets began firing. We were called out and soon had line formed. The supposed enemy proved to be Union scouts with orders for the Colonel to return to Baltimore. The enemy did not come into Maryland. The command was complimented for the way it turned out [...]