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 1864]
Friday
(January) 1.
Remained
at Washington till afternoon, then went to Alexandria per Steamer. Remained in
Alexandria all night at the soldiers rest. Weather cold & windy.
Saturday 2.
Returned
to our camp at Vienna. General inspection of arms and quarters. Weather clear
& cold, night cold. One of our Co. Richard Brickly shot himself accidently
trough his left hand, wound not bad.
Sunday 3.
Went
out on picket to Lewensville all quiet. Night cold. A party of our men went out
on a scout towards Drainsville, searched a house, found one of Moseby’s
Guerrillas, who made a desparate effort to escape, he wounded one of our men
Barns of Co. M. The Guerrilla was wounded by one of our men and died a few hours
afterwards. (Transcriber's
note: George L. Barnes, a
28-year-old carpenter died of wounds on March 14, 1864.
He was buried at Arlington Cemetery, grave site #12,094)
Monday 4.
On
picket till evening, all quiet. Weather bad, snowing steady all day. Night not
very cold.
Tuesday 5.
In
Camp all day. Weather cold & windy.
Wednesday 6.
In
camp till noon, then detailed for picket at Lewensville. All quiet on our post,
no signs of Guerrillas. Weather cold.
Thursday 7.
Releived
from picket at night, all quiet on our post. The reserfe at Flint Hill was
attackt; most of the men were standing around the fire, when the Guerrillas
opened a fire on them, no one was hurt. As soon as the news of the attack
reached camp; my Co. and Co. H had to turn out, we got sight of the Guerrillas,
but could not overtake any of them,
they had to much of a start. Weather cold.
Friday 8.
In
Camp all day, All quiet.
Saturday 9.
In
camp till noon, then detailed for picket at Lewensville. On patroll to camp;
every thing quiet, no attack made on any of the posts. Night very cold.
Sunday 10.
Releived
from picket at night. About seventy recruits arrived from Boston. A detail of
men started out in the evening with two days rations. General inspection of arms
and quarters. Weather cold.
Monday 11.
In
Camp till noon. P.M. detailed for picket at Lewensville. Weather more mild. The
party that had been out on a scout returned in the night, they brought back
three prisoners.
Tuesday 12.
On
patroll from our picket post to our camp. Every thing quiet, weather not very
cold, returned to Vienna at night. A scouting party out of our regiment started
out at 8 P.M. with two days rations and forage.
Wednesday 13.
Remained
in camp all day. The scouting party wich had been out returned with three
prisoners. About sundown an other party started out to reconoitre the other side
of the Orange R.R., we were fifty men strong. We passed through Fairfax Court
house, Fairfax Station, we marched till about 11 oclock at night, stopped in
some pine woods for a few hours, we kept up good fires and made ourselfs as
comfortable as possible. Night cold, snow on the ground.
Thursday 14.
Before
daylight we were in our saddles, we crossed the Occoquon at Wolfschoales
crossing, then Nealsco Creek,. Went to Dumfries near the Potomac, from there
towards Brentville and then returned to our camping ground of last night, we
arrived there about midnight, we dit not see any rebels, nor any signs of them.
The country we passed through looks bad, it shows the consequences of the war,
worse then any place I have seen yet. Dumfries a little village is deserted,
there isn’t hardly any men there, only some women & children. Weather
quiet pleasant, not very cold.
Friday 15.
Left
our camping ground in the morning, one party of twelfe went up the Occoquon, an
other party of the same number went down to reconoitre, we dit not see any sign
of the enemy, returned to our camping at noon. P.M. we went to Fairfax Station
for forage, returned to our camp in the evening, detailed for picket at night,
all quiet. Night cold.
Saturday 16.
Two
parties twelf in each started out to reconoitre, one party went towards
Brentville, the other to Occoquon village near the Potomac. On our way there we
surprised one rebel soldier, he took us for his own men, found out his mistake
when it was to late. Occoquon was a triving village, but is deserted now, there
is only a few old men and some women & children in the village. There is a
big mill and a landing place for Steamboats. Occoquon village is 9 miles from
Dumfries. We arrived at our camping ground about sundown, rested ourselfs a few
hours, then started for Vienna, we arrived there about midnight, our horses had
a hard time of it, we had not much feed for them, and rode them a good deal.
Sunday 17.
In
Camp all day. No inspection. Weather pleasant.
Monday 18.
In
camp till noon then detailed for picket at Lewensville. Weather bad raining and
storming all day. The reserfe of Flinthill attackt in the night, their was
several shots fired but no one hurt.
Tuesday 19.
Releived
from picket at night. The post I was on is on a hill exposed to wind and
weather, we had a rough time of it, the wind blowed hard & cold all day, the
fire ditn do much good. Every thing quiet no sign of Guerrillas. Night not very
cold but rainy.
Wednesday 20.
A.M.
Drill, all of our regiment and part of the N.Y. 13th. Every thing
quiet about the picket posts.
Thursday 21.
General
inspection of quarters and equipments. P.M. detailed for dismounted camp guard.
Last night some of Moseby’s gang made their way into camp and took three
horses of Co. B, the Guerrillas cut the line several places, intended to run of
all the horses. The stable guard surprised them gave the alarm. Co. A & Co.
L had to turn out, the Guerrillas got away with the stolen horses but left their
own tied in the woods near our camp, where they was found by some of our men.
Friday 22.
Releived
from guard at noon. A.M. regimental drill. All quiet about the picket posts. One
of our prisoners made his escape out of the guardhouse, he worket it very
cunning, he picked up a camp kettle, put on a soldiers overcoat and walked out
bold. The sentinel stopped him, the prisoner made him believe he was one of our
men and passed, and got away, he left the camp kettle and overcoat at the
spring.
Saturday 23.
In
camp all day. Weather pleasant. Saturday as a general thing we have to ourselfs,
to get ready for inspection. There was a false alarm last night at Fredomhill.
One of the men saw a cow and a calf and imagined he saw some Guerrillas, he
alarmed the other five men, that were with him, they all discharged their
carabines, and afterwards found out their mistake.
Sunday 24.
A.M.
mounted inspection. Our Col. gave the regiment credit for good marching and
executing movements. P.M. detailed for picket at Lewensville, on patroll between
the river and our post; all quiet. Weather pleasant.
Monday 25.
At
Lewensville till evening all quiet on our post. One of our own men, “W. Ormsby”
deserted in the night, he had’n been out of the guardhouse but a few days; he
took with him two horses, about as good as their was in the regiment, one
belonging to one of our Corporals, the other to Co. L he also took with him five
pistols. Fifty men out of the regiment started after him, but he had two hours
start and was not overtaken. Weather pleasant, like spring.
Tuesday 26.
A.M.
detailed for wagon guard, the wood is about 3 miles from our camp, there is some
eight or nine hundred cords already cut. 9 P.M. the news came into our camp
Moseby with his men had attacked the contraband camp near Lewensville, some
fifty of us were orderd out, we went to the camp every thing was quiet. Hundred
horses for our regiment were on their way to our camp, we met them and acted as
escort for them, arrived in camp about midnight.
Wednesday 27.
There
was to be an inspection by Major General Auger, the General dit’n come. A
party that had been out on a scout heard of Ormsby near Aldie, where he stopped
a few hours last Monday, he said he was going to join Moseby. Detailed for
stableguard at night.
Thursday 28.
A.M.
dress parade, P.M. we held ourselfs ready for an inspection by Major General
Auger. The General with General Taylor from Fairfax arrived at our camp at 3
P.M. The inspection went of well, the General was pleased with our camp &
etc. Weather very pleasant. Releived from stableguard.
Friday 29.
A.M.
Dress parade & drill. P.M. detailed for picket at Lewensville, stopped this
side of Lewensville on the Georgetown & Drainsville pike. This picket post
is a very good place for the men, there is a schoolhouse wich the men occupie
day times and sometimes nights. This post had been attacked twice since our
headquarters are established at Vienna. Weather still pleasant.
Saturday 30.
Relieved
from picket at night, it was almost dark when we arrived in camp, fired of our
pistols, some of our horses are still afraid of firing. All quiet on all the
different picket posts. Night not very cold, change in the weather towards
morning, foggy all day, a little rain part of the day. A party of the regiment
started out on a foot raid, with three days rations. Two of our company went out
with the party.
Sunday 31.
Inspection
of quarters. One of our best men Robert Campbell was tied on hand & feet to
a post for not obeying a little petty order given by one of our sargents, it
created great indignation and dissatisfaction in our Company, if he had not been
released in time, we would have cut him loose.
Monday 1. [February 1864]
Detailed
for picket at Lewensville, my post was on Ball hill on the Georgetown and
Drainsville pike. All quiet about the posts. Weather dissagreable, quiet cold
towards morning. The roads are very bad, some places it is almost impossible to
get along. The party wich had been out on a scout towards Fallchurch and Anan
Dale returned, they dit not see any thing of Guerrillas.
Tuesday 2.
Relieved
from picket at night, all quiet on our post. Weather quite pleasant. We now fire
of our carabines and pistols when we return from picket. The best shot get one
day free from duty. Some of our horses are not much used to firing and there
isn’t very good shooting done yet.
Wednesday 3.
A.M.
Dress parade & drill. Quite a change in the weather, it is geting colder,
very windy all day. The party wich had been out on a scout towards Drainsville,
returned in the afternoon, they had one prisoner. Heard of “Whites
Command”,a “Guerrilla Band”, being near Drainsville. One of our Co. Junius
Turner got kicked from a horse, at watering time, he is injured quite bad, broke
his leg below the knee. On stableguard at night.
(Transcriber's note:
Private Junius Turner, a 31-year-old bookkeeper seems to have suffered no
long term effects from his kick by a horse.
He was discharged for promotion two months later, and accepted an
officer's commission in the newly formed 3rd Massachusetts Cavalry.
He survived the war.)
Thursday 4.
On
hundred of our regiment started out on a raid in the afternoon. Nearly all of
Co. E, Co. M, some of Co. H and Co. K. Travelled very steady all day, passed by
Frying pan Church, stopped a few hours near Guilford Station, stopped about 7
P.M., near Mont Zions Church till morning. We had no fires, night cold, most of
us suffered from cold as we had no blankets. Weather cold.
Friday 5.
Early
in the morning party of us started out on a scout, the rest remained at the
camping ground. We passed through Aldie, Dover Mills, went near Middleburg,
returned to Aldie, where we remained one hour. After a short time a party of
Guerrillas came down the pike, we had a skirmish with them, routed them &
chased them for some distance, but only overtook one, who turned out to be
Ormsby. We left Aldie went down the pike very slow, stopped the other side of
Mount Zion Church till morning. Weather very pleasant. Night not very cold. We
all feel sad, the hard fate of our poor comrade is before our eyes and mind.
Ormsby poor fellow, knows what awaits him.
Saturday 6.
On
the road to Vienna on the Pike till we got to Germantown where a road turns of
to our Camp, we arrived in camp about 4 P.M. Weather cloudy, very little rain.
In the skirmish of yesterday two of our men were slightly wounded, Sgt. Bishop
in the shoulder, R. Mayers had a finger shot of, Johns of Co. L was burried to
day, he died of small pox.
W.
Ormsby was tried before a Court Martial and sentenced to be shot. (Transcriber's
note: Sergeant George Bishop of Co.
E remained with the regiment, his wound not serious. However, he would be wounded again, in August 1864 while on
picket near Halltown and eventually discharged because of his injuries.
Private Randolph Myers of Co. E was an 18-year-old butcher.
Ironically, he lost a finger, not to his cleaver, but to a rebel bullet.
Private Cyrus Jones of Company L had been wounded while on picket at
Lewinsville. He died in the brigade
hospital at Vienna, whether as a result of his wound or due to small pox as
noted by Bruher, the record is unclear.)
Sunday 7.
A
sad day and for ever remembered by all. Poor Ormsby had to suffer death, he was
shot at twelf oclock, he was very firm to the last moment, he repented, spoke a
few words to his old companions, told us to take warning by him, and never to
leave the stars and stripes. For he took his place on his coffin, he told the
firing party to aim at his heart, he fell quick two bullets pierced his heart
and life fled from him after a few seconds. We all felt bad for Ormsby, it was a
hard fate, but it was not in our power to release him, or it would have been
done.
Monday 8.
A.M.
Dress parade and drill. P.M. Detailed for picket at Lewensville, was on the
reserfe post, all quiet about the picket posts, no signs of Guerrillas. Weather
clear and cold. A detail went to Washington after some horses.
Tuesday 9.
On
patroll between our camp and Lewensville, all quiet no signs of Guerrillas,
returned to our camp in the evening. The detail that went to Washington returned
with 108 horses. Fifty new recruits for our regiment arrived in camp from
Boston. Weather clear, but cold.
Wednesday 10.
A.M.
Dress parade and drill. P.M. dismounted drill with Sabre and Carabine. On
stableguard at night.
Thursday 11.
A.M.
Dress parade and drill; Battalion drill. We all enjoyed the drill, we made
several shame charges with the sabre. P.M. dismounted drill. Releived from
stableguard. False alarm in camp last night. A detail of mounted and some
dismounted men went out, dit not see any enemy. Weather cold.
Friday 12.
A.M.
Dress parade and drill mounted. P.M. dismounted drill; free from duty all day.
We have more leisure times now, there is different arrangements made about
standing picket. We now go out by Companies. Our Col. was ordered to report at
the Cavalry Bureau in Washington, he perhaps will stay there permanently.
Saturday 13.
A.M.
Dress parade & drill. No drill in the afternoon.
Sunday 14.
General
inspection of arms & equipments by Major Crowninshield. Weather quite
pleasant. Detailed for stableguard.
Monday 15.
A.M.
Dress parade & drill. P.M. no drill. Commenced to snow in the afternoon,
Releived from stableguard at night. News came into camp about some rebell
Calvary crossing the Potomac. Co. A & B was ordered out.
Tuesday 16.
A.M.
Dress parade & drill, drill by Companies. It snowed for about an hour quiet
hard, quite cold in the afternoon.Carabine drill, almost to cold to drill, we
got cold fingers. Co. A & B returned from their scout, they dit not see any
enemy, nor any signs of their crossing the Potomac.
Wednesday 17.
All
of Co. E detailed for camp picket, there is nine posts, we had just enough
men, my post was at the Guardhouse. Weather cold.
Thursday 18.
On
picket till morning, all quiet about the camp. Weather cold & windy, night
very cold, we had a big fire all night and day.
Friday 19.
General
inspection, our Co. complimented for having our arms etc. in good order and our
own soldierlike appearance. Detailed for stableguard. Night cold.
Saturday 20.
In
Camp till P.M. Part of our regiment and part of the 16 & 13th
N.Y. Calvary, started out on a raid. There was 28 of Co. E. nearly all of Co. M.
all of Co. B, five men of Co. H and 25 of the 13th Nyk. Calvary in
one party. We went passed Germantown, Centreville, travelled till late in the
night, camped at the same camping ground where we camped Feb 5. Weather clear
& cold. Night cold. The N.Y. 13th and 16th went to
Leesburg.
Sunday 21
Early
in our saddles, went through Aldie, Dover and Middelburg, there we chased three
Guerrillas, but they made their escape, having to much of a start. From
Middelburg we went towards Rectortown, stopped two miles from there about an
hour, then went across to the Aldie & Upperville pike, to Rector Crossing;
from there to Mountville on the Aldie & Snikerville pike, then to Leesburg,
crossed Gooscreek at Coles Mill, passed by Mount Gelent; in Leesburg we made
halt for about two hours, and were joined by the N.Y. 13th & 16
Calvary, they had been at Snikerville and the surrounding country. We now took
the pike towards Drainsville, crossed Goosecreek about 4 miles from Leesburg,
about midnight we stopped at a place called Bellmount, till morning. The country
we passed through seemed to be full of rebel soldiers. They had pickets on every
cross road & hill, they kept of a good distance, but wached our movements
very close, some of their men followed us up. Near Mountville five of the
Guerrillas fired into our rearguard, we chased them, took one prisoner, killed
two and wounded one. At Carters near Goosecreek, we surprised a picket, he took
desparate chances to run, but we overtook him, he was wounded, we left the men
at a house and took his horse a very fine one.
Monday 22.
The
N.Y. Calvary left early in the morning, went by the way of Gum springs to
Vienna, we left Belmount at 9 A.M., took the pike towards Drainsville, soon
after we started we saw some rebel soldiers, but to far of to give chase, we dit
not think much of danger. When within 2 miles of Drainsville in a very favorable
place for a ambush, we were attacked, by three to four hundred Guerrillas. The
advance Guard 16 of us took desparate chances and charged through the
Guerrillas, one of my comrades, Byron Grover was mortaly wounded. Mossman,
Wilcox, Wooster, Paris, Crawford, Sargent Turner and Fisher were taken prisoner.
Corp. Wyatt had his leg broke below the knee. Smith, Griffen, Davis, Rodgers,
How of Co. L [Howe, John W.], Sgt.
Partridge got safe through the rebel Column, but were closely chased by the
Guerrillas, we were separated I lost my horse, had a narrow escape. I started
for Vienna a foot, found Griffin and Smith in the pines, then How Of Co. L, we
went most all the way through the woods, arrived at Vienna about 8 P.M. The had
the news of the disaster for we arrived a large party started out immediatly,
the enemy had left the ground. Our party looked up the dead & wounded.
(Transcriber's note: Byron H. Grover, Co. E and from San Francisco was
twenty at the time of his death. Prisoners:
Judson Mossman, a carpenter, was paroled in November and survived the war;
George Wilcox, a Private in Co. E was released in April 1865; Arthur J. Wooster,
age 19 at enlistment was from Sonoma, California.
He died in May 1865 as a result of disease contracted during his
incarceration; Frank Paris, Co. E died of scurvy at Andersonville in August 1864; Josiah
Crawford of Co. E was released in April 1865; Sergeant Levi Turner was promoted
two days prior to this attack. He
was paroled the following October; Jackson Fisher, age 30, died six weeks later
at Andersonville. Corporal Henry
Wyatt returned to Vienna and healed from his broken leg, survived the war.
Tuesday 23.
In
Camp all day. The party that had been out returned about noon. Had the remains
of Capt. Reed, Privates McCameron, Ferier & Dexter of Co. M and three of Co.
B. One Lt. of the N.Y. 16th Calvary died on the way. One Corporal of
Co. B Grover of our Co. and one of the N.Y. 16 had to be left in some houses. Of
the 125 that was in our party were twenty five killed & wounded, 60 taken
prisoner. Capt. Manning, Lt. Manning were taken prisoners. It was a heavy loss
for our regiment, on men & horses. .
(Transcriber's note: Captain J.
Sewall Reed played a significant role in founding the Cal Hundred, and served as
Captain of Co. A until his death. James
S.W. McCammon was a private in Co. M; Private George Ferrier of Co. M was one of
the senior members of the regiment, enlisting at the age of 38; Private Henry H.
Dexter, originally from Vermont, was a miner when he enlisted in Company M in
California; Byron H. Grover was referred to in the previous day's account as
having been killed in the melee. Seemingly,
he lived for a few hours and was left in a farmhouse, only to die of his
wounds.)
Wednesday 24.
A
party of our regiment, about 75 started out on a scout, we went to Drainsville,
where we heard of a large party of rebells being close by. A few of us went to
reconoiter, we found the rebel force, they intented to cut us of but we took an
other road and arrived in our camp 6 P.M. Weather quiet pleasant.
Thursday 25.
Nearly
all of our regiment, the 13 & 16 N.Y. Calvary under Command of Major
Crowninshield started from Camp early in the morning to reconnoiter. We passed
through Drainsville, near Bellmount we halted about an hour then crossed the
Leesburg R.R. at the Bellmount Station. From there to Gum springs, Bluesprings,
Centreville, Germantown, we arrived in Camp about midnight. On our march we dit
not see any Guerrillas.
Friday 26.
In
Camp all day; all that had been out on the scout exempt from duty. Weather cool
& windy. On our scout of yesterday we were looking for a fight several
times, when near Centreville, we formed a battleline, we heard of a rebell force
being about there, we could see their fires plainly, a few of us went of to
reconnoitre, found the enemy camp deserted, they had left about an hour before
we got there.
Saturday 27.
A.M.
Dress parade and drill. Pay day, there dit’n hardly any receive pay. We are
allowed $42 worth of clothing a year, the most of us had from $60-70 and some as
high as $100 worth of clothing. My clothing bill was $68 & 40 cent. I
dit’n get any money, am $4 behind, wich has to
come out of my next pay. Detailed for stableguard at night. Weather
pleasant.
Sunday 28.
Inspection
of arms & quarters. My Co. on picket all quiet during the night. Weather
cloudy & windy.
Monday February 29.
Releived
from picket at 3 P.M. General mustering day, my Co. was mustered in the evening.
We mustered 49 men, not half the number we had a year ago. The rumor came into
camp about Moseby with 100 men being about Annan Dale. Some of our regiment and
some of the 13th & 16th was ordered out, they started
about noon.
Tuesday 1. [March 1864]
In
Camp till noon. A party of 100 men went out to reconoiter under Maj. Forbes and
Capt. Romery. We went to Germantown, a short distance up the pike, then towards
Frying pan from there across to Chantilla, Vienna, back to Germantown. We dit
not see any Guerrillas nor any signs of them. Weather very disagreeable, snowing
and raining most all the time. We returned to our camp about 9 oclock at night.
Wednesday 2.
Detailed
for camp guard, it took all of our Co. there is only 9 men able to do duty. I
was on post near the depot, a easy place. A party that had been out returned
about 7 oclock at night, they dit not see any Guerrillas. The picket at
Lewensville was attacked, the enemy had some of his men wounded and fell back.
Thursday 3.
P.M.
relieved from camp guard, all quiet about the camp.
Friday 4.
A.M.
Dress parade and drill. P.M. exempt from duty.
Saturday 5.
A.M.
Dress parade and drill. P.M. detailed for camp guard. Weather bad, more or less
rain all day. A Corp. & a Private of the N.Y. 13 Calvary practised Sabre and
gun exercise. The Corp. struck the hamer of the Privates Gun; it went of and
shot the Corp. through the head, he died instantly.
Sunday 6.
Releived
from camp guard in the afternoon, all quiet about the camp. There is orders in
camp for the Califor. to report to Major Thompson at Muddy Branch.
Monday 7.
We
got already to leave at 9 A.M. received orders to unsaddle and wait for further
orders, we may not go at all; quite a disappointment for us. Major Thompson
wants all the Californians, Major Crowninshield wants to keep two Companies of
Calif. he went to Washington to see about it. Weather clear and pleasant.
Tuesday 8.
In
Camp till noon, then ordered to leave for Muddy Branch, Co. E, Co. M. Co. B and
D. We left Vienna at 1 P.M. and went to Chain Bridge, then up the river, arrived
at Muddy Branch about 2 oclock in the night. The roads very bad, one of our
wagons upset, we travelled very slow it is 25 miles from Vienna to Muddy Branch.
Weather bad.
Wednesday 9.
Busy
all day fixing our new quarters, they are not as good as those we left at
Vienna. Situation of the camp in quite a pleasant place, it lay’s very high.
The most of the men homesick after Vienna. Weather pleasant not cold.
Thursday 10.
Went
to Washington to see my old partner and Friend W.L. McEwen who has his discharge
from the army on account of being deaf. We had been together for five years,
crossed the Plains together, then went into business together in California,
about a year ago we sold out and enlisted. My friend is going home to N.Y.
State, from there to California. Weather unpleasant, more or less rain all day.
We went to the Theater at night. L.G. Grant was to be there, but we were
disappointed. President Lincoln and some of his cabinet where there.
(Transcriber’s note:
The friend referred to was Private Warren L. McEwen, who enlisted at age
24 in California and was mustered into Co. E.
He was discharged two days earlier.)
Friday 11.
Remained
in the City till noon, then returned to Muddy Branch. Arrived about dark, roads
very bad, weather very disagreeable, raining very hard some of the time. Our
camp is twenty miles from Washington. I passed through Tanley Town, two miles
from Georgetown. Our camp is 10 miles from Rockville, 12 from Poolsville, 3 from
Darnstown and three from Seneca mills.
Saturday 12.
In
Camp all day, fixed a bedstead and worked about our tent, the tents here are not
as neat as those we had at Vienna, the stockades are very low and there is no
floor inside. We are crowded, some of us have to sleep on the ground. The rest
of our Co. & Co. M arrived in the evening.
Sunday 13.
Dress
parade and inspection of quarters & arms. There is an inspection of quarters
every day at 12 oclock by the officer of the day & surgeon. Corporal Mitchel,
Privates Sheldon, R. Campbell and I were detailed to guard some government
property in a Warehouse on the canal a little ways from our camp. I think we
will have easy times here. Weather bad.
Monday 14.
Busy
nearly all day, fixing quarters and cleaning up a place for our horses. We have
a good place to sleep inside the Warehouse. Our horses will have a good place
under cover of a tent, and plenty to eat. Co. F, C & G left for Vienna and
what was left of the Michigan Calvary went to Edwards Ferry to join their Co.
Tuesday 15.
Dit
not do anything all day. I dit’n feel very well, remained in our quarters
nearly all day, passed my time away reading. The teams from camp were hauling
corn all day. Corp. Mitchell left us in the morning, Corp. Russel took his
place. Weather bad, some snow & rain,
Wednesday 16.
I
feel very well again. Cut some poles to fix a hayrak for our horses. Teams are
hauling corn, a boat loaded with hay arrived from Edwards Ferry.
Thursday 17.
Worked
some about our stable. Teams are hauling hay, every thing quiet about camp. A
boat load of empty barrels, some saks of salt and about 100 barrels of bonedust
arrived for Capt. Dufeeft. Weather more pleasant.
Friday 18.
A.M.
fixed up our quarters a little better. P.M. we had to take the canvas cover of
our stable, the wind blowed very hard. The loose cattle are troubling us some,
we have some loose hay on the bank, there is no teams hauling any thing from
here to day.
Saturday 19.
Dit’n
do much of any thing, put the tent cover over our stable; teams are hauling hay
& corn. Weather pleasant.
Sunday 20.
Passed
my time reading & writing. Weather cold.
Monday 21.
Dit’n
do much of any thing, went up to our camp twice, had a boat ride on the canal,
we have a sciff here. P.M. a boat loaded with hay arrived.
Tuesday 22.
The
day passed off as usual, we have not much to do, every night in, no guard nor
picket. Weather windy & cold quite a snowstorm towards evening and fore part
of the night.
Wednesday 23.
Day
passed off as usual; at night
relieved by Lund Am promoted to a
Corporal also A. Davis. Weather cold. (Transcriber’s
note: Lund is William P. Lunt of Co. E. A.
Davis likely refers to Stephen A. Davis, also of Company E.)
Thursday 24.
Returned
to the warehouse, relieved Corp. Russell, who is promoted to a Sergeant, the day
passed off as usual.
Friday 25.
Two
boats loaded with hay arrived, I dit not feel very well, remained about quarters
nearly all day. Weather bad.
Saturday 26.
Teams
are hauling hay; two of our men, Oscar Burnop and Richard Brikly stopped with us
all night, they came from Vienna to join our Co., they are not able to do any
thing yet. (Transcriber’s note: “Burnop” is Private Oscar Burnap who, at this
point, is still recovering from his wounds received on December 21 while on
picket duty. Private Richard
Brickley, captured at Ashby’s Gap in July 1863, now has returned to his
regiment.)
Sunday 27.
Passed
off the day reading & writing. P.M. A boat loaded with commissary &
quarter master stores arrived from Washington. Weather quite pleasant.
Monday 28.
Worked
some about the warehouse.
Tuesday 29.
Helped
unloading some corn out of the boat “Hieston”.
Wednesday 30.
Passed
off the day reading & writing. Weather bad.
Thursday 31.
Writing
some letters. A party of 25 men, went out on a scout.
Friday 1. [April 1864]
Teams
are hauling corn to the camp, busy helping load. P.M. two boats loaded with hay
arrived. Weather bad.
Saturday 2.
Passed
off the day writing and reading. Weather very bad, snowing and raining most all
day.
Sunday 3.
Reading
& writing nearly all day. Weather cloudy & cold.
Monday 4.
We
are relieved from the post at the warehouse; the post is taken off all together.
Weather bad, rainy.
Tuesday 5.
In
camp all day; weather bad.
Wednesday 6.
Election
day in Maryland; most of the men of this camp detailed to go to different towns
of this neighborhood, to quell disturbances if there should be any. Co. E went
to Rockville, we left camp about day light, arrived in Rockville in good time,
we stopped in the park of the town. Small disturbances in the morning between
two citizens, very quiet the rest of the day. No voting the citizens would not
take the oath. Rockville & vicinity is noted for sesesh feelings and
actions.
Thursday 7.
A.M.
detailed for guard, have nearly all day to myself, my time for duty commences at
9 P.M. Passed the day in reading of the life of Hedley Vicars, Capt. Of the 97th
regiment of infantry of England. A good soldier, a noble, pious & good man,
he fell March 22, 1855 leading on his gallant men to victory in the Crimea war.
One of our Sergeants; John Mitchell was badly kicked by a horse on our way home
last night. Pervuce of our Co. returned last night, he had been in Alexandria
for some time back, his health being very poor. (Transcriber's note:
Purvuce is Lawrence G. Purvis of Co. E.)
Friday 8.
Relieved
from guard at 9 A.M. P.M. Drill, one of the men badly kicked, while out on
drill. Weather fine.
Saturday 9.
No
drill to day. Weather bad more or less rain all day.
Sunday 10.
A.M.
detailed for guard; am about half sick. A detail of men went to Rockville to
arrest a Mr. Field a printer & strong Sesesh. Weather pleasant.
Monday 11.
9
A.M. relieved from guard, exempt from duty have a bad sore trout. Sgt. Butcher
came very near drowning crossing Jones Creek.
Tuesday 12.
Excused
from duty, my trout is very sore. Weather fine.
Wednesday 13.
Still
sick. Mr. Field and three more prisoners supposed to be deserters of our army
were sent to Washington.
Thursday 14.
Not
able to do duty yet, my trout is very sore.
Friday 15.
I
am getting a little better. Every thing goes along as usual about camp. Weather
fine.
Saturday 16.
9
A.M. detailed for guard. Weather bad.
Sunday 17.
Relieved
from guard at 9 A.M. Inspection of arms at 1 P.M. Weather pleasant.
Monday 18.
Every
men to work to improve the appearance of our Camp. We fixed our stables and
cleaned up the streets between our stables, it is quite an improvement.
Tuesday 19.
9
A.M. detailed for guard. Most of the men to work about the camp, it will take a
good deal of work to fix up our camp in order.
Wednesday 20.
9
A.M. relieved from guard; exempt from duty the rest of the day.
Thursday 21.
Working
all day, loading up gravel to fill up the streets between the stables. Our camp
looks a good deal better.
Friday 22.
Our
Capt. & four of us went out on a scout; we passed by Seneca Mills, through
Poolsville, by Monoccesy Chapel, stopped at the mouth of the Monocasy for about
two hours, returned to our camp by the way of the toepass, arrived in camp in
the evening, am quite tired, had not had such a long ride for some time.
Saturday 23.
In
camp, excused from duty, busy cleaning up my arms and equipments. Weather
pleasant.
Sunday 24.
Received
two month pay. P.M. Inspection of arms.
Monday 25.
9
A.M. detailed for guard we relieved Co. B. A party that had been out, brought in
one prisoner, the man claims to be loyal, but he is no doubt a rebel.
Tuesday 26.
9
A.M. relieved from guard by Co. M. P.M. Sabre drill. Lt.B. Partridge
instructing. (Transcriber's
note: Lieutenant Benjamin F. Partridge, mustered into Co. F at age of 26.)
Wednesday
27.
Excused
from duty, some of the men cleaning up about camp. Weather pleasant.
Thursday 28.
9
A.M. detailed for guard relieved Co. B. Heard from George Wilcox and the rest of
the boys that were captured at Drainsville, they are at “Fort Sumter,
Andersonville, Georgia”. Oscar Blanchard is sick, poor fellow, he will never
recover; it is a hard fate to die in a prison. [
Unbeknownst to Buhrer, Blanchard died March
23, 1864 at Andersonville.]
Friday 29.
9
A.M. relieved from guard by Co. M. Exempt from duty the rest of the day. P.M. we
recieved reinforcements. Co. A & B of the first Delaware Calvary, there is
125 men under command of a Major, two Capt. And two Lt.
Saturday 30.
Mustering
and inspection A.M. weather pleasant. P.M. rainy. The Guerrillas show themselfs
along the river more then usual.
Sunday 1. [May 1864]
Inspection
and Dress parade. Valtee, A. Sheldon, Burns, Lund, Geton & Poter left our
Co. to go into the Navy. There is not many Californians left in the Co. Weather
very pleasant. [Edward Burns, William Lunt,
Aurelius Sheldon, Frances Vultee, Luigi
Gaetani & George Potter].
Monday 2.
The
Delaware Calvary left us this morning to go to Monroia on the Baltimore &
Ohio R.R. Our Co. detailed for guard A.M. weather pleasant. P.M. quite a change
it commenced to rain hard till nearly midnight. At night detailed for guard.
Tuesday 3.
9
A.M. relieved from guard, exempt from duty for the rest of the day. Weather
pleasant.
Wednesday 4.
Most
all of the men went out on a scout dismounted. Major Thompson, Lt. Baldwin, Lt.
Stone & Lt. Wilson in command. We went on a canal boat near Edwards Ferry,
then crossed the river to Youngs Island, searched the Island and the Virginia
Shore, then crossed over to two more Islands, we dit not see any rebels nor any
signs of them. We returned to camp at night. The country looks fine, everything
begins to get green. Weather very pleasant, quite warm.
Thursday 5.
9
A.M. detailed for guard, relieved Co. B. Sgt. Buford, Corp Wescott and myself on
guard. An other party started out to search more Islands, they found a large
scow and destroyed it.
Friday 6.
Relieved
from guard at 9 A.M. by Co. M.
Saturday 7.
A.
Davis and myself out on a scout, returned to camp late at night, we dit not see
any thing.
Sunday 8.
Out
again all day, heard of some Guerrillas about Gatesburg, we searched about the
woods a good deal, but dit’n see any, we stopped in thick pine woods all
night.
Monday 9.
On
the look out for Guerrillas found a rendezvous of some horse thieves, but no one
there, we returned to our camp at night. Weather pleasant.
Tuesday 10.
In
camp took our horses out to grase. Our horses begin to look fine, we have plenty
feed for them.
Wednesday 11.
Out
on a scout, went to Rockville, Clarksburg, Darnstown, to the mouth of the
Monocacy, remained there all night. Weather fine.
Thursday 12.
Early
in my saddle. Went to Adamstown, near Frederick City, back to Clarksburg,
returned to camp late at night.
Friday 13.
In
camp all day. Exempt from duty. Most all the men doing fatique duty.
Saturday 14.
Detailed
for guard, relieved Co. B. Sgt. Bishop, Corp. Merrill and myself on guard.
Weather fine.
Sunday 15.
Relieved
from guard at 9 A.M. by Co. M. Weather bad raining hard nearly all day.
Monday 16.
Exempt
from duty all day. Weather cloudy.
Tuesday 17.
Davis
and myself out on a scout, stopped all night near Barnsville in some pine woods.
Weather fine. No signs of Guerrillas.
Wednesday 18.
Early
in our saddles, went to Clarksburg, towards Frederick City, back to the Mouth of
the Monocacy, from there to our camp, where we arrived about dark.
Thursday 19.
In
camp, no duty to do. Most of the men out on drill.
Friday 20.
In
camp, cleaning up my arms & equippments.
Saturday 21.
Sgt.
Hepburn, Corp. Merrell, Davis and I detailed for guard. All quiet, nothing going
on.
Sunday 22.
9
A.M. relieved from guard by Co. D. Dress parade at 6 P.M. also divine service by
our regimental Chaplan. Weather warm, about dark a party started out after some
blokade runners, we dit not find any, but took an other party of six men, who
turned out to be deserters of our army, we returned to camp about midnight.
Monday 23.
A.M.
in camp. P.M. a small party went out on a scout, three of us stopped above
Seneca locks till morning; all quiet during the night.
Tuesday 24.
Crossed
the Potomac to Youngs Island, no one on the Island, went on an other Island
below, where we met a large party of our men, we worked all day, geting some
pantoon boats afloat, nine in all, about dark we started for our camp, we
floated the boats down the river, at Seneca locks we went with the boats into
the canal, arrived in our camp after dark.
Wednesday 25.
9
A.M. detailed for guard we relieved Co. B.
Thursday 26.
Relieved
from guard by Co. D. Sabre drill from 6 P.M. till 7 P.M. Lt. Partridge
instructing.
Friday 27.
A.M.
mounted drill. P.M. no duty. Detailed at night to visit the picket posts between
here and the Monocacy, we started about midnight, found every thing quiet
arrived at the mouth of the Monocacy early in the morning.
Saturday 28.
Left
the Monocacy about noon to return to our camp. Two of the men on picket at
Edwards Ferry were captured by the Guerrillas. One Guerrilla pretended to be a
Refugee and begged of our men to bring him across. Two of Co. D started over
after him, when about landing on the Virginia Side the Guerrillas dropped a
white flag, wich they had raised, and fired, they wounded one of our men and
took them both prisoners; this happened a short time for we got to Edwards
Ferry. We arrived in camp about sundown are going out again to night.
Sunday 29.
We
left camp at 1 oclock at night 150 strong, went in four pantoons up to Indian
Ford, crossed the Potomac, went to Leesburg, a few Guerrillas left the town,
just as we went in, we stopped till 1 P.M. went to Edwards Ferry, recrossed the
Potomac, went in our pantoons back to our camp. The Guerrillas fired into us as
we crossed the river, however with out any sucess, we returned their fire and
drove them back. At Leesburg we took several prisoners. The two men of Co. D
returned with us, the Guerrillas let them go, after taking their money, boots
& hats.
Monday 30.
9
A.M. detailed for guard, relieved Co. B. All quiet about camp. Weather warm.
Tuesday, May 31.
Relieved
from guard by Co. D. The rest of the day we had to ourselfs. I took a bath in
Muddy Branch.
Wednesday 1. [June 1864]
A.M.
mounted drill. P.M. I took a bath. We started out on a raid in the evening, some
mounted and some dismounted. We went in Pantoons up to Edwards Ferry then to
Conrads, a mounted party stopped at Edwards Ferry.
Thursday 2.
We
crossed the Potomac at daybreak, 50 men of the third Maryland Infantry joined
us; we took two different roads to the town. A small party of us, searched a Mr.
Jaksons house, Mr. Jakson is a noted Blackade Runer and Guerrilla, we dit not
find him. We arrived in Leesburg 7 A.M. searched a number of houses, had a
skirmish, one of our Co. Edward Straub was taken prisoner, but made his escape
again. A Sgt. Of Co. D had his horse shot, we had a few slightly wounded. One
guerrilla was badly wounded, we took one Lt. and a number of Citizens to be held
as hostages for any depratations committet. We left Leesburg 2 P.M. arrived in
camp after sundown.
Friday 3.
About
camp, busy cleaning up our arms, took our horses out grasing, sabre drill after
retreat. The prisoners were send to Washington this morning. Had a good bath.
Saturday 4.
Out
on a scout with a small party, brought in seven prisoners, a few blockade
runners and some deserters, the party with the prisoners went to our camp. I
stayed out all night in some woods near Barnsville.
Sunday 5.
Scouting
through the country along the Potomac above the Monocacy, returned to our camp
late in the night.
Monday 6.
Capt.
Eigenbrodt and 16 of our Co. went on a Scout. We passed through Seneca, went
about the vicinity of Clarksburg to Barnsville, from there to the mouth of the
Monocacy, where we arrived in the evening. We dit not come across any blokade
runners or guerrillas. A.M. Weather pleasant, heavy thundershower in the
evening. At midnight two men and myself were detailed to take a dispatch to our
camp. There was a rumor that 300 Guerrillas were about Edwards Ferry with the
intention to cross the river.
Tuesday 7.
We
arrived in camp last night, stopped a few hours & then went back to the
Monocacy by the toepath, arrived at the Monocacy about noon. Capt. Eigenbrodt
with his little party was out scouting in the vicinity of Sugarloaf Mountain,
they arrested a blockade runner, they returned about 4 P.M. We remained till 8
P.M. then started for our camp, went by the toe path, found every thing quiet
about the blockhouses, we arrived in camp after midnight. Weather fine.
Wednesday 8.
In
camp all day, busy cleaning up our arms. P.M. inspection and sabredrill, Capt.
Eigenbrodt instructing.
Thursday 9.
Davis
and I out on a scout, we went to Poolesville, Clarksburg, Hyattsville, round
Sugarloaf mountain stopped near Barnsville all night. We dit not see anything.
Friday 10.
Early
in our saddles, went to Greenfield Mills, Adamstown, to Nolans Ferry on the
Potomac, we saw Guerrillas across the river, exchanged shots, the distance being
to far, there was no one hurt, we went by the way of Poolesville back to our
camp, where we arrived late at night.
Sunday 12.
A.M.
Inspection of arms & equipments and quarters. P.M. Dress parade, sabre
exercise Major Thompson instructing. Lt. Wilson and five men detailed to go to
the Monocacy, we left at 9 P.M. went by the toe path, all quiet about the
blockhouses arrived at the Monocacy about 2 at night. A party of our men,
teamsters, blacksmiths and some out of the Quartermasters department captured
some blockade goods, salt, a barrel of whiskey, in all value of $200.
Monday
13.
Stopped
at the Monocacy till 10 A.M. then returned to our camp, we visited all the
blockhouses. Lt. Wilson inspected the arms of the men, found every thing all
right, we arrived in camp 4 P.M.
Tuesday 14.
In
camp exempt from duty. Took a bath. Weather warm.
Wednesday 15.
In
camp all day. P.M. Drill.
Thursday 16.
A.M.
in camp recieved two months pay. Had a dispatch from our headquarters at
Fallschurch, that 800 rebels were about Leesburg, with the intention to take our
camp, all men under arms all night.
Friday 17.
Davis
and I were out on a scout last night, we went across the Potomac at Muddy Branch
Ford, then to Drainsville, towards Leesburg, recrossed the Potomac at Youngs
Island about daylight, we heard of some small parties of Guerrillas, not much
over a hundred all together, we arrived in our camp 8 A.M., in camp the rest of
the day; took a bath and done some washing.
Saturday 18.
Most
all the men of the camp started out on a raid early in the morning. We went in
different squads. I was with the Major, Capt. Eigenbrodt, Lt. Richardson, Lt.
Partridge, Lt. Makintash [MacIntosh], Lt. Wilson had 8 - 12 men each. We went in the
neighborhood of Clarksburg and Germantown, searched the woods well, found some
of Moseby’s men, captured two and a number of blockade runners, also twelf
horses, we returned to our camp in the evening.
Sunday 19.
Busy
cleaning our arms & equipments. Inspection at 6 P.M. Took a bath, weather
warm.
Monday 20.
About
camp all day. Some of the men busy building, we are going to build four
blockhouses. Weather warm.
Tuesday 21.
About
camp all day, some of the men to work on the blockhouses. Took a bath. A
dispatch arrived in camp at night, that Moseby with a regiment of Calvary
crossed the river to make a raid in Maryland or Pensilvania for a supply of
horses. We are ordered to be ready to mount at any moment. Had a false alarm at
night 10 oclock. My Co. first on the ground.
Wednesday 22.
Went
with Capt. Eigenbrodt to visit the blockhouses at an Infantry camp at the mouth
of the Monocacy. Found every thing quiet at all posts. We left Monocacy after
dark, arrived in our camp about one oclock at night. There is a rumor that
Moseby with two hundred men is about Leesburg. Weather warm, night very
pleasant.
Thursday 23.
About
camp all day, took a bath. One Co. of the 8 Ill. Calvary 90 men strong arrived
about dark, an other Co. about 80 strong at midnight, they are to stopp here.
Friday 24.
Sgt.
Mitchell and myself are ordered to go to Washington. Are witnesses on a
courtmartial of two men, wich we captured the 18th. Stopped in
Washington all night.
Saturday 25.
In
Washington, the trial dit not come off, it is put off till next Wednesday. We
left Washington 2 P.M. arrived in camp after sundown. After an hours rest, I
started with a party out on a raid, we crossed the river at Youngs Island,
arrived in Leesburg 5 A.M.
Sunday 26.
Had
a skirmish with some of Moseby’s Calvary, we took 10 prisoners. We left
Leesburg at 11 A.M., went to Drainsville, crossed the river at Muddy Branch
Ford, arrived in camp about 7 P.M. Moseby with 300 men was after us, but we had
to much of a start, there was only 75 men of us. Weather very warm,
thundershower in the afternoon.
Monday 27.
About
camp, on regimental duty, took a bath. P.M.
Tuesday 28.
On
regimental duty, all quiet on the river.
Wednesday 29.
On
picket a short distance from our camp, all quiet.
Thursday 30.
Mustering
day and Inspection of arms and equipments, quarters & horses. All quiet on
the river, weather warm. P.M. I took a bath.
Friday 1. [July 1864]
Out
on a scout, went to Rockville & vicinity, returned to camp in the evening.
Saturday 2.
About
camp all day, went out after some blackberries, there is plenty near the camp.
Took a bath in the evening.
Sunday 3.
H.
Wyatt my tentmate and I went to our blockhouse with some rations, we stopped
about an hour with our comrads, then returned to our camp, we swom our horses
across the canal, went passed Seneca & Darnstown arrived in our camp about 3
P.M. Weather fine.
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