Monday, 17th–We moved our camp today onto the hills back from the creek. We raised the tents from the ground about three feet, by digging trenches and setting staves which we made from the red oak trees growing so plentifully here. Then we elevated our bunks about eighteen inches from the ground with the staves [...]

Monday, 17th. Made the accustomed details. Papers from home, Herald, the 8th. Archie gave me a bottle of pickles. Lay still in the tent. Boys got a stove and had a good fire. At night feverish again. Very hot fire.

(excerpts) “DIV. HD. QRTS. “Near Culpeper, Nov. 17, ’62. “My dear Genl.: “I wish you would let me know so soon as you are informed that the new Regiments are on their way to Richmond. If they came on as independent Regiments I wish to recommend a Brig. Genl. For them. “If I can I [...]

NOVEMBER 17th.—A profound sensation has been produced in the outside world, by the resignation of Mr. Randolph; and most of the people and the press seem inclined to denounce the President, for they know not what. In this matter the President is not to blame; but the Secretary has acted either a very foolish or [...]

Washington County Historical Society version (1965)1 Nov. 17 – This uncertainty is terrible. The women are despairing. The Arkansas Historical Quarterly version (1947)2 Nov. 17 This uncertainty is unbearable. We women are in despair. Lemke, W. J. The Hermanns of Old Hermannsburg: Washington County, Arkansas. Fayetteville, AR: Washington County Historical Society, 1965. Memoirs, Letters, and [...]

17th.–I am feeble to-day, from my indisposition of yesterday. Army was astir at 4 A. M. Have had a fine day, marched fifteen miles, towards Stafford Court House. Men in fine spirits. The prospect of work has reanimated them, and they are perfectly satisfied with the exchange of Commanders. At 8 P. M. it is [...]

Washington County Historical Society version (1965)1 Nov. 16—The troops have gone north and we fear for the safety of our men folks. We dare not undress to sleep and even the children sleep with their clothes on. The Arkansas Historical Quarterly version (1947)2 Nov. 16 Now that everyone has gone away, this time northward, we [...]

Sunday, 16th.—Our regiment of our brigade left on train for Middle Tennessee. 39th ordered to cook four days’ rations and be ready to move at any time. (Note: picture is of an unidentified Confederate soldier.)

November 16th. I was interrupted yesterday morning by Mrs. Badger, who wished to apply a few dry cups to my back, to which I quietly submitted, and was unable to move afterwards without pain, as a reward for my patience. But towards sunset came two dear letters that made me forget what I had suffered, [...]

Sunday, 16th–We had another heavy rain today which caused Scott creek to overflow and our camp was almost flooded over. It seems that we shall have to move the camp.

Sunday, 16th. It commenced raining early and kept it up all day. Felt weak and miserable. Still did my duties as sergeant Maj. Some seventy odd contrabands came in from Indian Territory–Creeks. A good many had arms. They had a skirmish with bushwhackers. Seven of their men killed.

NOVEMBER 16th, SUNDAY.—Yesterday the Secretary of War resigned his office, and his resignation was promptly accepted by the President.

Sunday, 16th.–What a Sunday! What a day of rest! Troops were called at 5 A. M. Carried heavy knapsacks, guns and ammunition, and march till 9 1-2 P. M.; sixteen and a half hours, and no enemy near! Truly, “Old Burney” begins vigorously; but, if this is an earnest that he means business, let him [...]

Washington County Historical Society version (1965)1 Nov. 15—When I awoke at 4 o’clock this morning, I thought everything was on fire. I ran to the window and saw everywhere camp fires, soldiers and horses, but did not know if they were Southerners or Northerners. It turned out they were part of Hindman’s Confederate army. I [...]

Camp at Lagrange, Tenn., November 15, 1862. We’re having more of a rest here than we anticipated when we arrived. Suppose that the organizing of the army into divisions and brigades delays us some; and, maybe, the change of commanders in the Potomac army has something to do with it. Or possibly we’re waiting for [...]

Saturday, November 15th. I think I grow no better rapidly. .Fortunately on Wednesday night they succeeded in turning me over; for my poor elbows, having lost all their skin, were completely used up. Now, if I go slowly and carefully, I can turn myself at the cost of some little suffering. . . . Yesterday [...]

Saturday, 15th–It rained all day and we had no drill. No news. We have the Sibley tents now and are in good shape for cold weather. The tents are large, one accommodating eighteen or twenty men, and it is supported by a center pole which rests on a tripod. Fires are built on the ground [...]

Saturday, 15th. Alarm at 4. Saddled and packed up. At nine in line on account of firing heard. Proved to be Capt. Greenough fighting a scouting party. Enemy moved camp about a mile to the prairie west, a little nearer the other brigades. I still felt pretty bad–another slight chill. Lay down by fire but [...]

(excerpts) “CAMP near Culpeper, “Nov. 15th, 1862. “As Capt. Bachman is going down to Richmond on business I take this opportunity of ‘tellin’ ’em huddy fur me, an’ ask ’em for sen’ me sumfin.’ As this is a strictly business letter I will proceed to enumerate the articles desired. Primo, one large black valise. Item, [...]

NOVEMBER 15th.—”Now, by St. George, the work goes bravely on!” Another letter on my desk from the President to the Secretary. Well, being in an official envelope, it was my duty to open it, note its contents, and send it to the Secretary. The Secretary has been responding to the short espistle he received yesterday. [...]

Nov. 15—I walk out to study my Bible. Wash day in 2nd Regiment. Bank of branch lined some distance with men half naked, some washing pants and drawers, others washing shirts and some picking their clothing. Some half naked holding their wet clothes to the fire to dry. Sad sight! Would make wives, mothers and [...]

15th.–Another beautiful day; no move. Heavy cannonading this forenoon, in the direction of Warrenton. At 2 P. M. received orders to march to-morrow. Where to?

Winchester, Va., November 15, 1862. I left Gen. Jackson on yesterday for my new position with much reluctance. I had with him a very pleasant situation, with work enough to keep me employed, and the society of companions I liked. I go where there is much thankless work to be done and much responsibility to [...]

Warning The following diary entry contains wording that is offensive to many in the world of today. However, the entry is provided unedited for its historical content and context. Nov. 15, 1862.—Yesterday a letter was handed me from H. Grant’s army was moving, he wrote, steadily down the Mississippi Central and might cut the road [...]