Daily Journal
George N. Buhrer
Company
E, Cal Battalion - 2nd Massachusetts Cavalry
Daily
Journal since my enlistment in the service
of the U. St. Cavalry Volunteers at San
Francisco, California.
[Journal of the Year 1863]
Monday,
February 16th 1863.
Enlisted and sworn in the service of the United States of America, as a
private in Co. A California Cavalry Battalion. D.W.C. Thompson, Major Commanding
the Battalion; Charles S. Eigenbrodt Captain Commanding Co. A.
We remained at
San Francisco about five weeks occupying Platts Music Hall as a Recruiting
Station and Quarters.
Monday
March 23th
Left
San Francisco, on the Steamer Constitution. The militia of the City escorted us
to the Steamer with Banners flying and martial music. We embarked amid the roar
of canon and hearty cheers from the spectators, we left the wharf & harbor
about noon; Weather very pleasant.
Tuesday
the 24.
One
of the members of Company B (Thompson) fell overboard and was unfortunately
lost, an unfortunate omen for our voyage. Weather very pleasant.
(Transcriber's note:
The man overboard was actually Hiram Townsend, a 36 year old farmer of
Co. L.)
Wednesday
the 25.
Passed
Guadaloupe [off the coast approximately
opposite Santa Maria]. Weather pleasant.
Thursday
26.
In
sight of land, passed the Island “St. Miguel”. [Channel
Islands].Weather fine, detailed for guard at 9 A.M.
Friday
27.
Land
still in sight “Lower California”. A ship in the distance; releived from
guard at 9 A.M. Weather continues pleasant.
Saturday
28.
Day
passed as usual; Weather cool, cloudy & windy.
Sunday
29.
Arrived
in the harbor of `Manzanilla”,
[roughly 200 miles north of Acapulco], in
the afternoon, remained a few hours; not much of a place, composed of a few
houses and some miserable huts. The natives lazy, indolent and slovenly in the
extreme. Greenery picturesque and quite romantic. Weather warm.
Monday
30.
Land
in the distance in sight all day; Arrived at Acapulco and anchord in the harbor
at 9 oclock P.M. Evening starlight and the air clear and beautiful; remained
several hours. Truly an evening in the Tropics in the summer is beautiful. The
air is cool and laden with the fragrance and perfume of a thousand flowers and
one can truly exclaim, “Beautiful.”
Tuesday
31.
At
Sea again, nothing of unusual occurence has transpired to day. Weather very warm
& sultry.
Wednesday
April 1st [1863]
Weather
stormy; Sea very rough; many of our boys troubled with sea-sickness and even I
myself had to succumb to the influence of the sea, and own to the power of the
subtle God of the sea “Neptune”. Sea calmed down during the night.
Thursday
April 2th.
A
false alarm of fire in the evening. Some became excited and one ran for a Life
preserver; however their alarm was soon quieted and no serious consequence
resulted. Weather; clear and very warm and sultry.
Friday
3.
Weather
clear, and cool A.M.; somewhat cloudy & windy P.M.
Saturday
4.
Land
in sight all day; Passed Cape Blanco [Costa
Rica]. Weather continues fine.
Sunday
5.
Land
still in view; Passed several Islands names unknown. Panama supposed to be near.
Monday
6.
Panama
at last, arrived in the harbor at 4 oclock A.M. disembarked at 7 oclock.
Farewell old Steamer you have safely carried me through the dangers of the deep,
wich at one time it seemed it would overwhelm me. Farewell for ever. Arrived in
Panama at 9 A.M. remained one hour and taking the cars of the Panama R.R. Co.,
were transported across the Isthmus to Aspinwall; where we arrived at 4 P.M.
Scenery very fine; weather pleasant.
Tuesday.
7.
Embarked
on board the Steamer Ocean Queen for New York. The accomodations are miserable
having been fitted up as a Packett and formerly running between N.Y. and Bremen.
We are convoyed by the Steam Gunboat “Connecticut” as a protection against
Pirates. We passed the Island of New Providence [belongs
to Colombia]. Weather pleasant.
Wednesday
8.
The
day passed of as usual; weather warm rainy in the evening.
Thursday
9.
Passed
several ships, one a french Steamer, caused great excitement lest it should
prove the Rebel Pirate “Alabama”. Our fears however were unfounded. We
passed coast of Cuba on the North side and Cape St. Anthony [Cuba].
Weather fine.
Friday
10.
Several
sails in sight, “one Steamer”, passed Islands of Keys-West. Weather cool & windy.
Saturday
11.
In
the Gulf Stream, passed several Light houses & ships; weather cold and
windy.
Sunday
12.
Wind
contrary and our progress is retarded. Weather cold and windy.
Monday
13.
Passed
Cape Hateras early in the morning. Weather cold & windy.
Tuesday
14.
Arrived
in New York the Metropolis of the U. St. at 2 P.M. disembarked and passed up
West street and through the far famed Broadway to the Park Barracks, where we
remained. Weather pleasant. New York City looks gay as usual. In the evening per
an invitation extended to the Battalion we attended the New Bowery Theatre.
Entertainment and performance good.
Wednesday
15.
Left
New York at 5 P.M. per Steamer Plymouth Rock via Stonington for Boston; arrived
at Stonington at 2 A.M. and from there proceeded via R.R. to Readville Mass.
Weather rainy. Old Californians citizens of New York escorted us through
Broadway to Union Square and from thence to the Steamer and we embarked amid the
sweet strains of music of one of the Metropolitan bands, we enjoyed ourselfs
finely.
Thursday
16.
Arrived
at Camp Meigs near Readville Mass at 11 A.M. “en route” we passed through
Providence the Capital of Rhode Island and were favored with a momentary glimpse
of some of its Public buildings, Capitol etc. The atmosphere was very sultry and
the weather rainy and disagreable.
Friday
17.
Weather
rainy and extremely cold. We are getting things settled and comfortable. Oh! How
hungry we are! By and by dinner and a welcome repast it was too, I can assure
you. Our quarters are cold; each Comp. occupies a separate Barrack, fitted up
with Bunks. Our sudden change from a tropical atmosphere to this cold one is
felt by all Californians much more than the Bostonians here. Weather disagreable;
a fine penetrating drizzling rain.
Saturday
18.
We
have a Drill “foot” two hours a day; Brandon one of our men Co. A who
had been sick since leaving California and since died, was buried to day - poor
fellow! Thus we will drop off and who can foretell how many will ever reach
their homes again. Weather mild and pleasant.
(Transcriber's note:
Private John R. Brandon of San Francisco was 27 when he enlisted.)
Sunday
19.
Inspection
of Quarters by Colonel Lowell, our Colonel. Received our
“Sabres” this afternoon. Weather pleasant.
Monday
20.
Our
Non-Commissioned officers had Saddles issued to them to day. Most of us are busy
Policing and cleaning up around our Quarters. Policing is one of a soldiers most
important duties, when he is about Camp, as I expect we will find out by
experience. Weather cold and rainy.
Tuesday
21.
Detailed
for Guard 8 A.M. Weather fine and clear.
Wednesday
22.
Releived
from Guard at 10 A.M. and free from detail or duty the remainder of the day.
Thursday
23.
Drill
twice, forenoon and afternoon, Sabre drill, marching, etc. weather fine.
Friday
24.
No
drill. Revolvers and Cartridge Boxes issued to us. Weather rainy. (Number of my
Revolver 98,224.).
Saturday
25.
Had
Saddles and other Equipments issued to us. Weather rainy.
Sunday
26.
Detailed
for Guard. Received $25. Advance Bounty/.
Monday
27.
Releived
from Guard 10 A.M. Some of the boys mounted their horses. Weather pleasant. Free
from duty.
Tuesday
28.
Drill
twice a day; had forty horses issued to our Company to day. They are nothing
extra, some very old. Weather fine.
Wednesday
29.
Drill
twice a day. Mounted for the first time, we get along quite well for new
recruits and green horses. Weather cool & windy.
Thursday
30.
No
drill. Muster and general inspection. Officers very particular; Every thing in
and around Quarters in applepie order. Weather pleasant.
Friday
1. [May 1863]
Mounted
drill some of the horses baulky in riding. Not much leisure at present.
Many are away on furloughs, and the remaining few have heavier duty. Weather
pleasant.
Saturday
2.
Detailed
for Guard, mounted for the first time, found it somewhat tiresome. Several
accidents have happened since we drilled mounted; One man broke his leg; One his
shoulder; and One his arm. Weather pleasant. (Transcriber's note:
The trooper noted as having broken his leg was likely Sergeant Gilbert
Merritt of Company M.)
Sunday
3.
Releived
from Guard at 11 A.M. Dress Parade in the forenoon after dress parade, drill.
Monday
4.
On
police duty all day; Two men badly hurt to day; One badly kicked; One fell from
his horse. Weather cool.
Tuesday
5.
Detailed
for ten days duty in the kitchen. Feel about half sick. Weather unpleasant rainy
& cold.
Wednesday
6.
Every
thing quiet to day. Weather rainy & cold.
Thursday
7.
I
am feeling quite unwell and unable to do any thing. Weather still bad.
Friday
8.
Still
Sick! Weather begining to get more settled.
Saturday
9.
Still
unable to do any thing. Weather pleasant.
Sunday
10.
Getting
better; the men made an other trip out in the Country an Equestrian trip.
Weather fine.
Monday
11.
I
am cooking again. Three days rations, we expect to leave Camp here to morrow, en
route to Washington the Capitol. Weather fine.
Tuesday
12.
Left
Camp at 9 A.M. Lead our horses to the R.R. Station, where they were put on board
the train. Weather pleasant.
Wednesday
13.
Arrived
at Jersey - City New Jersey, 9 A.M. remained there till 5 P.M. whence we
proceeded to Philadelphia. Passed a Regiment of Infantry returning home whose
time had expired. Weather continues pleasant.
Thursday
14.
Arrived
at Philadelphia 4 A.M. Had a good Breakfast; remained one hour and proceeded on
our way en route for Baltimore, Md. where we arrived at 11 A.M. and after
remaining one hour, entered the cars for the place of our ultimate destination.
“Washington”. Weather cloudy and quite chilly.
Friday
15.
Arrived
at Washington one oclock at night. Took our horses out of the cars and watered
and feed them. Remained until afternoon at our Camp outside of the City and then
started for our assigned camping ground a distance of 4 miles from the City.
Weather still fine.
Saturday
16.
Our
Tents “Sibley pattern” are all up and are allotted for sixteen men in each
Tent; Drill this morning by our Colonel. [Lowell]
Weather continues fine.
Sunday
17.
Inspection
of Quarters; A.M. Drill. Weather pleasant.
Monday
18.
Drill
in the forenoon. Our new Camp is known by the suplonious title of Camp East
Capitol Hill. Weather pleasant.
Tuesday
19.
Drill
twice to day forenoon and afternoon. Weather still pleasant.
Wednesday
20.
A
grand Inspection by Major General Casey; all went of well; a few of the
Massachusetts recruits fell from their horses, no one hurt bad a few slight
bruises. Weather pleasant.
Thursday
21.
Detailed
for Guard. Drill as usual, one man slightly hurt. Weather still warm.
Friday
22.
Regimental
drill by the Colonel. Weather very warm.
Saturday
23.
Drill
in the forenoon, afternoon to ourselfs. Some of us went Bathing in a branch of
the “Potomac”. Weather very warm.
Sunday
24.
Inspection
of Quarters and arms. Weather warm.
Monday
25.
Drill
as usual. Weather cloudy & cool.
Tuesday
26.
Detailed
for Guard, drill as usual. Weather very warm.
Wednesday 27.
Drill
as usual. Releived from Guard at 5 P.M. Weather very warm.
Thursday 28.
Drill
as usual; My horse fell with me, was not hurt any, charged into Camp, three more
horses fell with their riders, two men slightly hurt. Weather warm.
Friday 29.
Drill
as usual; my horse fell with me again. Weather warm.
Saturday 30.
On
Guard, releived about sundown. Our company received orders to report to Fort
Baker, on the other side of the Potomac; everything was packed up as quickly as
possible and leaving Camp. We arrived at Fort Baker at Midnight. Weather warm.
Sunday 31.
Camped
a short distance from the Fort in a very pleasant place; we are occuping
Quarters formerly those of the Infantry, who where our predecessors. Quarters
very comfortable. Most of us detailed for Picket and scouting duty; left Camp in
the Evening went a few miles and separated. No signs of an enemy. Weather
pleasant.
Monday June 1st [1863]
Two
of us out scouting nearly all day; no signs of any Rebs. The country looks well.
Forts are in sight not more than a mile or two apart. Weather pleasant; started
for Camp at night.
Tuesday 2.
Remained
in Camp near Fort Baker until afternoon, received orders to join our Regiment at
Brightwood our new Camp, arrived there about sundown. Weather fine.
Wednesday 3.
We
had Policeing to do to day. Our new Camp is a new piece of ground and there is a
great deal of brush, old stumps etc., to clear away to make things look well.
Weather cloudy and a little rain.
Thursday 4.
Doing
police duty, weather warm, our Camp is nearly opposite Fort Massachusetts. The
Fort is at present occupied by some Vermont Artillery. They are fixed very
pleasantly.
Friday 5.
Drill
forenoon; doing pickett and patrol duty, from fifteen to twenty starting out
every evening. Went out for the first time, travelled about six miles and halted
for rest until morning. Weather intensely warm.
Saturday 6.
On
pickett, two hours on post and four hours off; had a good easy time. Weather
very warm.
Sunday 7.
Dress
Parade and Inspection of Quarters. The remainder of the Californians arrived at
night. Weather clear but warm.
Monday 8.
Sabre
drill dismounted in the forenoon; no drill in the afternoon. Weather cloudy
& windy.
Tuesday 9.
Detailed
to go to the City with some horses wich need shoeing; returned about noon;
detailed in the evening to go out with a scout; started at dark and travelled
till nearly midnight. Weather warm.
Wednesday 10.
Started
at sunrise, passing through Mechanicsville, and Rockville, stopped near
Rockville for two hours then started back passing Oxfords cross roads and ruins
of an old mill and again another old mill, arrived at Camp about sundown, having
travelled over forty miles. The country through wich we passed was mostly
farming land, it is sadly neglected, yet it looks well. Weather pleasant.
Thursday 11.
Quite
an excitement in Camp this morning, a Rebel force reported as crossing the
Potomac, all able men are ordered to get in readiness for a raid. Started at 11
A.M., travelled 35 miles, passing through Rockville, Darnstown, and Poolsville,
camped at night at Camp Heintzelmann, a few miles from Poolsville. Weather
pleasant.
Friday 12.
Started
at 3 oclock A.M. crossed the Potomac, water up to the horses bellys, passed
through Leesburg, Va., from there to Balls mill on Goose-creek, we halted one
hour and proceeded in the direction of “Aldie”, passing “Zions Church”
and down on the Turnpike towards Fairfax Court house. Stopped at Stewarts ranch
about sun down, and camped for the night, saw nothing of any enemy, passed
through some fine looking country. Weather fine.
Saturday 13.
Started
early in the morning for Camp. Passed by Hunters Mill, Vienna, Lewensville,
Langley, and crossed the Potomac on Chain Bridge, passing through the outskirts
of Georgetown, D.C. arrived at Brightwood at 4 P.M. Weather fine.
Sunday 14.
In
the forenoon very busy preparing for Inspection. Inspection came off in the
afternoon. Weather fine.
Monday 15.
Drill
in the forenoon, detailed in the evening to go out with a scout. Started at 9
P.M. travelled till after midnight passing through Rockville. One mile from it
we stopped until daylight. I stood Pickett.
Tuesday 16.
Started
early in the morning and returned to Rockville, from there to Oxfords cross
roads, then Tanleytown [Tennallytown],
arrived at Brightwood in the afternoon. Some excitement in Camp, a rumored Raid
of the Rebels through Maryland into Pennsylvania, we are expecting marching
orders momentarily. Weather pleasant, rather warm.
Wednesday 17.
Inspection
by an aid of Major General Heintzelmanns, in whose military departement we are.
Weather warm.
Thursday 18.
Drill
in the forenoon. Heavy thunder shower in the afternoon, raining all night. A
warm rain.
Friday 19.
Drill
in the morning; in the afternoon a part of the Regt. Started on a trip, passing
through Washington, crossed
the Potomac on Long Bridge and camped near Convalescent Camp
until morning. Weather warm & cloudy, some of us got wet.
Saturday 20.
Went
out scouting, passed through “Falls Church, VA.”. Picked up a few
stragglers, returned to our Camp of last night; at noon started for Brightwood
arrived in the evening.
Sunday 21.
Inspection
as usual; some rain in the forenoon and rainy night. Weather cloudy.
Monday 22.
Drill
in the forenoon; missed drill in the afternoon, under arrest for three hours;
had to carry a stick of wood one hour and a half. Weather warm.
Tuesday 23.
Drilled
twice to day; Sabre drill in the afternoon, detailed for Camp guard in the
evening. Weather cloudy & cool.
Wednesday 24.
Our
Regiment received orders to march; left Camp at 2 oclock P.M. We travelled until
night camped about 2 miles from Rockville. Camp guard acted as rear guard on the
march. Weather cloudy & warm.
Thursday 25.
Left
early in the morning passing through Darnstown, arrived at Poolsville 1 P.M. and
made Camp near town, had Tents up before night. Weather pleasant in the
forenoon, raining during the night.
Friday 26.
Remained
in Camp all day. The road is lined with troops, the Army of the Potomac in a
forced march after Lee, who is going into Pennsylvania on a raid. Hooker is
following closely on his heels aiming to cut him of and force him to give
battle. Major General Hooker headquarters were at Poolsville in sight from our
Camp. Evening and night rainy.
Saturday 27.
Received
marching orders, left Camp in the morning, crossed the Monocasey river, passed
through Petersville met J. Hooker and Staff; camped at Knoxville.
Sunday 28.
Received
orders to return to Poolsville passed through Darnsville; also Knoxville,
crossed the “Monocasey”, escorted a train to the river marched all night.
Comp. E and M. We narrowly escaped collision with a large rebel force near
Knoxville. Weather not very pleasant.
Monday 29.
After
resting a few hours we started for Brightwood,
passed through Rockville, arrived at Brightwood in the evening. Weather
bad.
Tuesday 30.
Remained
in Camp all day; busy cleaning up our arms; weather pleasant.
Wednesday 1. [July 1863 ]
Received
marching orders about noon, left Brightwood passed through Tanleytown, went down
to the Potomac, passed Capt. John’s-bridge; at night we camped near the canal
10 miles from Chain Bridge. Weather rainy.
Thursday 2.
Moved
up on the hill, near the Aqueduct Bridge No. 4 wich we are to guard. Detailed
for Picket in the evening.
Friday 3.
Releived
from picket, nothing of any importance occured to day. Weather pleasant.
Saturday 4.
Remained
in camp all day. Weather bad, rained hard in the morning. Received orders to
join Regt. At Seneca Creek.
Sunday 5.
Started
in the morning; passing Seneca
Mills, arrived at camp of Regt. at 1 oclock, P.M. roads muddy. Inspection in the
evening. Weather cloudy.
Monday 6.
In
camp all day. Part of Command had horses saddled all day in readiness to mount
at any moment. Detailed for Picket at night.
Tuesday 7
On
picket all day; weather bad, raining quite hard in the evening.
Wednesday 8.
In
Camp all day. Weather bad, rainy after noon, cleared up in the evening.
Thursday 9
Mounted
drill in the forenoon. Sabre drill in the afternoon; received orders to march in
the evening, marched all night. I was with the rear guard.
Friday 10.
Stopped
to cook our breakfast; one mile from Rockville,; arrived at Brightwood at 10
A.M. remained until 3 P.M. then started again; passed through Washington,
crossed Long Bridge, camped at night near Alexandria, Va.
Saturday 11.
Started
early in the morning; passed through ” Fairfax
Court House” and “Aldie”
where I had to ride in an ambulance not being able to ride on account of
a sore foot. Travelled until late at night passing through Dover. 2 miles from
“Aldie”, stopped near Middelburg until morning.
Sunday 12.
My
foot being better, I joined my Co. We started early in the morning, captured
several Rebel Pickets, passed through Middelburg, Upperville, Paris and went
through Ashby’s gap to the river “Shenandoah”. We had an engagement with
the enemy, had one of our Company killed “Irving” one dangerously
wounded “Barnes”; since
died, and two more of our Company wounded; “Joy and Shaw. One of Co. M “Forest”
and one of Co. L “Hawkins”
Of our own Co. the following were taken prsoners; Brickly, Garrity,
Vennum, Cobby, and Van Vleet of Co. M. The enemy had
several killed number not reported. We captured 13 of their men and a number of
horses. After the engagement we started back again. Buried Irving and Barnes.
Irving at Paris and Barns at Upperville! Traveled
till late at night and then camped. Weather rainy, heavy shower in the evening.
(Transcriber's note: Of the two men
mentioned as having died, the first was Harry P. Irving, age 25, of Co. E and
Walter S. Barnes, age 24. Those
mentioned as wounded from Bruher's E Company were Maurice Joy and Sylvanus Shaw.
Also wounded were Sergeant William DeForrest and James Hawkins, a bugler
for Company L. The four men from
Company E listed as prisoners were Richard T. Brickley, age 26 and originally
from New York City; Tomas Garrity, a 22-year-old teamster; Hiram Vennum, age 26
who would die on Christmas Day as a prisoner in Richmond; Thomas W. Cobbey who
would be paroled, but died of disease contracted while in prison, on December
28, 1863 at the parole camp in Annapolis, Maryland; and of Company M, DeWitt
VanVleet who was paroled a year later and deserted from parole camp.)
Monday 13.
Started
early in the morning, passed through Leesburg, Va., where we captured two Rebel
officers; travelled until late at night, stopped near Drainsville, where we
captured one more rebel officer. arrived
at Brightwood in the evening. Weather
pleasant.
Tuesday 14.
Started
early in the morning, passed through Drainsville, took an other rebel soldier
arrived at Brightwood in the evening. Weather pleasant.
Wednesday 15.
Remained
in camp all day, busy cleaning up our arms. Weather warm.
Thursday 16.
Left
Brightwood for our new camp near Alexandria on the Potomac, called camp Wyndham,
our Regiment was ordered out again to reconoitre; heavy rain at night, not being
prepared for it we got very wet, got permission to go into a deserted house,
where we passed the night quite comfortably.
Friday 17.
Left
camp at noon, went to Alexandria, Fairfax Courthouse, Fairfax Station, where we
stopped long enough to make some coffee and went on again until midnight, we
captured one rebel soldier.
Saturday 18.
Started
early in the morning and proceeded on our way nothing of great importance
occuring worth noticing here.
Sunday 19.
Early
on our way, dit not take time to cook any breakfast; went to Brentville, where
we captured several rebels, one with important dispatches, passed by Centreville
and camped there until morning. Centreville has been quite a place about a mile
from the first Bull-run battle-field.
Monday 20.
Remained
in camp all day waiting for rations and forage. Team dit not come until late at
night. Weather warm.
Tuesday 21.
Started
early in the morning, passing through Union Town and Warrenton, where we had
quite an exciting chase after some Rebel Cavalry, dit not overtake any,
proceeded onward until late at night. Halted near Bristows-station, till
morning.
Wednesday 22.
Started
late in the morning, stopped at Manassas Junction all day and night. Horses kept
all saddled and arms on in case of an alarm.
Thursday 23.
Companies
E and M remained at Manassas Junction until further orders, the remainder of the
Regt. proceeding on to camp at Centreville. Detailed for picket at night.
Weather warm.
Friday 24.
Remained
at the Station until evening, then started off on a trip to Catletts station,
proceeded via Bristow’s Station and arriving halted near Catletts Station
until morning.
Saturday 25.
Started
home again, arrived safely in the afternoon. Rainy night.
Sunday 26.
Left
Manassas in the evening to join our Regt. at Centreville, where we arrived about
9 oclock P.M. Weather very warm and sultry.
Monday 27.
In
camp near Centreville with the rest of the Regt. Some Artillery and Infantry are
encamped at Centreville. Drill twice a day; forenoon nounted afternoon
dismounted. Weather warm.
Tuesday 28.
Releived
from Stableguard in the evening; Drill as usual. Weather warm; raining towards
evening.
Wednesday 29.
Went
out as an Escort to Fairfax Courthouse, where we get our Suplies, remained there
all night. Weather rainy.
Thursday 30.
Started
back to Camp arrived at noon, started out on a Raid at 4 P.M. passed through
Centreville in the direction of Aldie, kept on until late at night and halted at
“Zions Church” one mile from Aldie until morning.
Friday 31.
Major
Moseby with 150 men and a wagon train wich he captured near Fairfax Court House,
was encountered by our men and an engagement ensued. We scattered his formidable
band and retook the train consisting of some 30 wagons; in the fight we had two
men killed, several wounded, we followed the Guerrillas into the Bull Run
Mountains overtook some of them with some of our men of a Pennsylvania Regt; had
an other fight retook our men, then started back for Centreville, where we
arrived at night. Horses and men were quite tired. Weather fine, but very warm.
Saturday August 1st [1863]
Busy
preparing for an Inspection to come of at 6 oclock P.M. Weather very warm and
sultry.
Sunday 2.
Detailed
to go to Manassas Junction as a wagon guard; we expected to have a little brush
with some Guerrillas, no signs of the Rascals returned to camp at sundown.
Monday 3.
In
Camp all day, in the evening some of our men went out on a Scout, some
Guerrillas were seen; a party of our men were fired into, a party of Co. E
started out, we were out nearly all night but dit not see any thing.
Tuesday 4.
Marched
steady all day, passed through Fairfax Courthouse, arrived in Camp about 5 P.M.
We dit not see any Guerrillas. Weather very warm.
Wednesday 5.
In
Camp all day. Weather pleasant.
Thursday 6.
Moved
our Camp to Germantown, near Fairfax Courthouse. P.M. we had a skirmish with
some Guerrillas who had captured some Sutler wagons, we scattered the enemy and
retook the wagons. Sutler Goods were at discount about Camp.
Friday 7.
Moved
Camp again to Centreville. Weather very warm.
Saturday 8.
Detailed
to go to Fairfax Station, with an escort for the Paymaster, he dit not come. We
returned to camp about dark.
Sunday 9.
Dress
Parade and inspection of arms & quarters.
Monday 10.
Detailed
to go to Fairfax Station to do some fatique duty; returned to camp P.M. and
started out on a raid, marched till late at night, passed through Fairfax
Courthouse, Vienna, stopped at Fredom Hill till morning. Weather warm.
Tuesday 11.
Left
Fredom Hill about sunrise, passed through Fallschurch arrived at the Chainbridge
about noon, we relieved Co. A. to do Picket and Patroll duty. Co. A started for
Centreville about sundown.
Wednesday 12.
Our
camp is on the banks of the Potomac on a high hill a pleasant place. My Co.
& Co. H is here. P.M. detailed for Picket at Langly’s on Leesburg pike.
Thursday 13.
Returned
to our camp in the morning, remained in camp till dark, then started out on a
raid, marched till midnight towards Drainsville, stopped near there till
daylight.
Friday 14.
Early
in our saddles, passed through Drainsville, when near Brodrun, we heard of a
large rebel force close at hand, a few of us went of to reconoiter, found the
enemy to strong for us. We started back, searched several houses on our road,
took one rebel smuggler, arrived in our Camp about dark.
Saturday 15.
In
Camp all day; detailed for picket at Langly’s at night.
Sunday 16.
Had
an inspection in the evening. A party of Guerrillas was seen in the neighborhood
of Lewensville we were ordered out. Our Captain and twenty of us started in the
evening; all night we were in our saddles scouring the country around
Lewensville and Langly, without discovering any enemy. Weather pleasant.
Monday 17.
This
morning we heard of the whereabouts of the Guerrillas, they robbed a Mr. Greens
Store; there was between 40 & 50 of them. We made a desparate charge on
them, scattered them, we chased them seven miles, wounded one, six left their
horses, recaptured two of a Pennsylvania regiment, the guerrillas scattered
their plunder all along the road; our horses being to tired we had to give up
the chase; we arrived in our camp about sundown.
Tuesday 18.
In
camp till evening. Started out on a scout about dark, scoured the country
between Langly, Lewensville & Falls church till daylight, dit not see any
thing.
Wednesday 19.
Went
to the Leesburg Turnpike got sight of some Guerrillas, they were to far of for a
chase. We returned to our Camp at 3 P.M. Detailed for picket at night.
Thursday 20.
Had
a pass to go to Washington, spend bigest part of the day there. Weather fine.
Friday 21.
In
Camp all day. P.M. an other Comp. of our regiment arrived to releive us, we are
to report at Centreville.
Saturday 22.
Started
for Centreville arrived there about 3 P.M.
Sunday 23.
Dress
parade and inspection.
Monday 24.
A
party of 20 of our men returning from Washington with 100 horses were attacked
by Major Moseby and 75 of his men, our men made a stand at Coyles Tavern, but
were overpowered. Moseby took the horses, 9 of our men prisoners, two were
killed, 5 wounded, the guerrillas had one man killed, one dangerously wounded,
several light. Moseby himself, received two bad wounds, but made his escape. As
soon as we heard the news in camp, we started out, we marched nearly all night,
near Balls Mill we made a halt, we were ahead of the Guerrillas and had a plan
laid to take the Guerrillas, through the carelessness of one of our officers,
the enemy made his escape.
Tuesday 25.
Early
in our saddles, passed through Aldie and Middelburg, the Guerrillas had to much
of a start, we only took three stragglers, returned to our camp about midnight.
Wednesday 26.
Went
out with a party of 20 men to look up some horses the rebels lost, we only found
two, returned to our camp late at night. Weather fine.
Thursday 27.
Out
all day on a scout, dit not see any thing.
Friday 28.
In
Camp all day. Drill as usual.
Saturday 29.
Started
out on a raid, passed by Fairfax Courthouse, through Vienna, Fredom Hill, camped
at Drainsville.
Sunday 30.
Left
Drainsville early in the morning passed by Guilford Station on the Leesburg R.R.
then Frying pan Church, where we stopped a few hours, returned to our camp in
the afternoon.
Monday 31.
In
Camp. Mustering day and inspection of our arms & quarters. Weather cool
& windy.
Tuesday 1 [Sept 1863]
In
camp. Drill as usual. Weather fine.
Wednesday 2.
In
Camp till evening; started out on a raid about dark, passed through Gum Spring,
crossed Goose Creek, halted a few hours, all quiet.
Thursday 3.
Early
in our saddles, passed through Leesburg, Waterford, arrived at Point of Roks at
noon, stopped a few hours, then crossed the Potomac, marched through
Poolesville, stopped near Seneca Mills late at night.
Friday 4.
Early
on our march, recrossed the Potomac at Muddy Branch, passed through Drainsville,
crossed the Leesburg R.R. at Guilford Station, passed by Frying pan Church
arrived at Centreville about dark. The Guerrillas dit not trouble us any.
Saturday 5.
A.M.
Drill. P.M. Dress parade. Weather warm.
Sunday 6.
Divine
service in the forenoon, dress parade in the afternoon. Weather warm.
Monday 7.
Drill
as usual. Weather warm & sultry.
Tuesday 8.
Drill
as usual. Weather cloudy, cool & windy.
Wednesday 9.
Left
Centreville in the evening, to releive Co. M doing picket duty on the Alexandria
road 3 miles below Fairfax Courthouse, we arrived there after dark. Part of Co.
H is with us. We established our new camp close to the road in some pine woods.
Thursday 10.
A.M.
detailed to stand picket, releived at noon; went with a scouting party, we dit
not see anything.
Friday 11.
Out
on a scout all day, searched several houses,
found a musket a U.S, horse, but no Guerrillas, we passed through Vienna,
Fredom Hill, Lewensville, Fallchurch, arrived in camp about sundown.
Saturday 12.
In
our saddles, took several rebel raiders at Fairfax Courthouse, they are put over
the lines or have to take the oath of allegiance. Weather warm. Signs of
Guerrillas about.
Sunday 13.
Out
scouting all day, no signs of Guerrillas.
Monday 14.
Took
a Miss Porter of Fairfax to Centreville. Miss Porter acted as spy for the rebel
army, she is put over the line. Detailed for picket at night.
Tuesday 15.
Out
scouting passed through Fairfax Courthouse, by Fairfax and Burk Station. No
signs of Guerrillas.
Wednesday 16.
In
our saddles all day, went through Fairfax Courthouse, passed Hunters mill,
Lewensville and Fallchurch. We dit not see any thing. Weather rainy, heavy
showers.
Thursday 17.
About
Camp all day. Weather cloudy, some rain.
Friday 18.
Ordered
out on a raid, left camp in the afternoon, passed through Vienna, stopped at
Drainsville a short time, marched all night, joined our regiment near Balls
mill. Weather clear.
Saturday 19.
Crossed
Goosecreek early in the morning, part of the Command went to Leesburg, took two
rebel soldiers. On their return the rearguard was fired into, our men turned,
captured one of Moseby’s gang. We then went in the direction of Aldie, a few
miles from Aldie we struck the Alexandria road, at dark we went into camp 9
miles from Centreville. Weather cool, night cold.
Sunday 20.
Started
for Centreville early in the morning, arrived there in the forenoon, remained
till evening then returned to our picket post. Weather cool.
Monday 21.
Out
on a scout dismounted. Weather fine.
Tuesday 22.
Out
on a scout, 15 of Mosebys gang had been at Fairfax during the night and took a
Suttler wagon, we dit not find any Guerrillas.
Wednesday 23.
Thirty
of Moseby’s gang were seen a few miles from our camp, we started out after
them, they disbanded as soon as they got sight of us, we chased several of them
a good distance, but dit not overtake any. Weather pleasant.
Thursday 24.
Out
on a scout as usual. No signs of Guerrillas.
Friday 25.
Out
on a scout as usual. Weather cool.
Saturday 26.
Out
on a scout as usual. Detailed for Picket at night.
Sunday 27.
Out
on a scout, we took some citizens who are suspicioned having burned a mill
belonging to a Union man. We took the prisoners to Centreville to General
Headquarters.
Monday 28.
Remained
at Centreville all day.
Tuesday 29.
Still
at Centreville. Weather pleasant, nights cold.
Wednesday 30.
P.M.
returned to our picket post. Detailed for picket at night.
Thursday October 1. [1863]
Out
on a scout as usual. Weather pleasant.
Friday October 2.
Ordered
out on a raid, P.M. we started, with orders to join our regiment at Drainsville
same evening. We passed through Fallchurch and Lewensville. We attempted to
cross Difficult Run, the stream was to high one of our men George Wilcox [Co.
E] came very near drowning, we had to stopp this side of the Stream, had a
miserable night, were not allowed any fires, we sufferd from cold, being very
wet. Most all day it rained, and turned very cold at night.
Saturday 3.
Crossed
Difficult Run, water very deep. We passed through Drainsville and Gum Springs.
Joined our regiment at Zions Church near Aldie, stopped a few hours, went in the
direction of Leesburg, passed through Leesburg late at night, stopped a short
distance from there till morning. Weather cool, night cold, no fires at night.
Sunday 4.
Early
in our saddles, passed through Hamiltonville and Snikerville, skirmished with
Moseby’s men, but could get no fight out of them, we took a few prisoners,
late at night we went into camp near Mountville; we passed the night
comfortable, we had large fires all night. Had a good super, plenty of good
roast muton. Our horses had plenty of corn and hay.
Monday 5.
On
our road to Centreville, passed through Aldie, over the Bullrun battlefield,
arrived at Centreville about dark. No one there, the troops moved to Fairfax to
go into winter quarters. We returned to our picket post late at night.
Tuesday 6.
About
camp all day, busy cleaning my arms, etc.
Wednesday 7.
Out
all day, watching for Moseby’s men, no signs of them, returned to camp at
dark.
Thursday 8.
In
Camp till afternoon, then started out on a scout, 10 of us. When near Anan Dale,
we got sight of some Guerrillas, we chased them and came very near runing into
an ambush, they had set for us. About 40 rushed out of the woods, we stood our
ground a short time, giving them the best we had, but being pressed to hard we
had to give away, and safe ourselfs best way we could. Unfortunately I had my
horse wounded, I was obliged to abandon him and take it a foot. I run for a
piece of wood Where I found Lt. Manning, who had to abandon his horse, we
remained in the timber till dark, then returned to our camp, got there about
midnight, safe and sound. The Guerrillas captured one of my comrades, Oscar
Blanchard, we all regrett his los, he was one of our best soldiers.
(Transcriber's note:
Private Oscar Blanchard was a 26 year old machinist from Prussia.
He died a prisoner at Andersonville on March 23, 1864. He was buried at the prison graveyard, grave #109.)
Friday 9.
Out
on a scout dismounted, no signs of Guerrillas.
Saturday 10.
About
camp all day. Weather cool.
Sunday 11.
Left
our camp early in the morning, to join our regiment at Vienna, where our
headquarters are now. We arrived there in the forenoon, detailed to escort our
Col. and a Capt. to Chainbridge, stopped there all night.
Monday 12.
Returned
to our camp at Vienna. Most every one busy putting up stokade tents for the
winter.
Tuesday 13.
In
camp till evening, then detailed for picket.
Wednesday 14.
On
the reserve, have an easy time, on picket at night.
Thursday 15.
Releived
from picket A.M. every one ready for a march, our tents paked up and wagons
loaded; we put up our tents again in the evening. Weather cloudy & rainy.
Friday 16.
In
camp all day. Weather bad raining most all day.
Saturday 17.
In
camp till evening, started out on a raid, travelled till late at night, stopped
near a camp of our infantry, stood picket at night.
Sunday 18.
Returned
to our camp in the morning, stopped a short time, went out again, got on the
trail of a party of Guerrillas, followed them till late in the evening without
getting sight of them, they had two hours start of us, we arrived in our camp at
dark. Detailed for picket, all quiet during the night.
Monday 19.
On
picket all day, all quiet. Weather rainy.
Tuesday 20.
Was
out after some lumber for our tents.
Wednesday 21.
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