Saturday, 30th–We had our first general review today, including the infantry, cavalry and artillery. The parade ground was full of soldiers, most of them full-armed for active service. And thus ends the month of November at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri.
30th. Made several calls with Fannie–enjoyed them so much. Returned to Cleveland with Ma and Theodore.
Nov. 30. According to the customs of our Puritan Fathers, last Thursday was observed in Massachusetts and other states as a day of thanksgiving to God, for his manifold mercies and bounties to the erring children of men. The day was observed here throughout all the camps as a holiday. All drills were suspended, and [...]
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1861. This day (the last of Autumn) has passed off without any particular event happening. I was in the office all day recording Patent Deeds. We were paid off today, my pay not being a very heavy amount having been in the office only six days. Did not get so weary as [...]
NOVEMBER 30th.—Mr. Benjamin has been defeated for the C. S. Senate. Mr. Hunter has been named as a candidate for the C. S. Senate from Virginia. I thought he would not remain in the cabinet, after his relative was arrested (with no reason assigned) by order of Mr. Benjamin. Besides, the office is a sinecure, [...]
30th.–It is a great relief to my feelings that the difficulties heretofore existing between the Military and Medical Departments in our Regiment are to-day adjusted, and I hope removed by the rescinding the order of the 9th inst, that my directions about the sanitary police of the camps need not be obeyed, and by a [...]
Thanksgiving Day on the 28th was celebrated by enormous drunkenness in the army. The weather varied between days of delicious summer–soft, bright, balmy, and beautiful beyond expression–and days of wintry storm, with torrents of rain. Some excitement was caused at the end of the month by the report I had received information from England that [...]
Friday, 29th–We had inspection for pay today, which includes inspection of knapsacks and equipments. After inspection and pay, I went down town on a pass and purchased a portfolio,[1] a paper weight and a pocket knife for army service.[i] [i] This portfolio, together with my Bible, I carried through my four years’ service.–A. G. D.
29th. At Prof. Morgan’s to a tea party–a nice visit. Made several calls. Called at Fannie’s.
FRIDAY 29 A wet day and quite warm, no fire necessary for comfort. Have been hard at work in the office all day recording Land Patent Deeds, find it very tiresome. Have spent most of the evening at Chas Room with him and Sallie. News from the south looks favorable and in fact we are [...]
NOVEMBER 29th.—Gen. Sydney Johnston has command of the army in Tennessee and Kentucky. I wish it were only as strong as the wily enemy is in the habit of representing it!
29th.–Since the order of the early part of this month, that my directions in reference to the sanitary measures could be disregarded, I have not visited the camp, or given any directions in regard to cleaning, ventilating, &c., and though it is now but three weeks since that order was made, the sick list, which [...]
Thursday, 28th–The weather is very warm and pleasant. The regiment is becoming quite proficient in battalion drill, Colonel Hare seeming to understand the movements quite well. When the Colonel gives the orders to the different company officers, he usually simply says to Compton, “You know how to move your company.”
28th. C. G. and D. R. returned to camp. Visited, called at Fannie’s. Splendid time. Attended a small charade party at Mrs. Holtslander’s. Thanksgiving meetings.
THURSDAY 28 Rather a warm day with rain this evening. It being “Thanksgiving” I did not go to the office. Did some fixing round the house in the morning and then went to Church with all the family. After church and after dinner went with the three boys to the “Monument” pond after aquatic plants [...]
NOVEMBER 28th.—Nothing of importance to-day. There will be no such quiet time after this year.
The Governors of all the loyal states issued in these dark days their annual proclamation of a day of Thanksgiving. Governor Andrews’ of Massachusetts was dated Nov. 21,’61, “the anniversary of the day on which the Pilgrims of Massachusetts on board the Mayflower united themselves in a solemn compact of government: ‘Sing aloud unto God our [...]
Wednesday, 27th–No news of importance. We enjoy our drilling under First Lieutenant Compton. He has the company under perfect control. The boys always make an effort to execute his commands and we are never ashamed of our drilling when other soldiers are standing by observing our movements.
27th. Went home on the freight. Surprised the folks. In the evening attended a party at Delos’. Had a grand time–all the young people there.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1861. A rainy morning. Went to the office as usual and was very busy writing all day. Got with my stationary today a new Pocket knife and a gold pen with which I am writing now but I do not think much of the Pen. No further news from Pensecola. It is [...]
NOVEMBER 27th.—Saw President Tyler to-day. He augurs the worst effects from the policy of permitting almost unrestricted intercourse with the enemy’s country in time of war.
Tuesday, 26th–Our drills now are, company drill at 10 a. m., battalion drill at 2 p. m. and dress parade at 5 p. m. We commenced battalion drill today.
26th. Made arrangements to go home but couldn’t.
TUESDAY 26 In the office all day, weather rather cold and unpleasant. Wife and the two elder boys went to the Review of the Regulars, a little East of the Capitol, by Genl McClellan. News today comes through Norfolk of a Battle at Pensecola. Nothing definite known. I went down and spent an hour with [...]
NOVEMBER 26th.—The enemy occupy Tybee Island, and threaten Savannah. Vice-President Stephens was in my office to-day, and he too deprecates the passage of so many people to the North, who, from the admission of the journals there, give them information of the condition of our defenses. He thinks our affairs are not now in a [...]