Page 17:
January Sunday
26,, Camp FranklinStrange noises during last
night from my fat friend who
occupied no.15 with me. This morning
while dressing I noticed he wore two
pairs of suspenders, one being for
his drawers, a corpulent necessity.
After breakfast changed my quarters
and, as I thought, for better. But couldn’t stand that. The
dinner scene capped the climax. After
that I packed up my traps and
footed it back to camp, feeling
that this side of home I know only
one place that is trustworthy. Unless
I except Mr. Heall of Washington. His
kindness will not be forgotten by
me.
Page 16:
January
25,, Got Surgeon’s certificate and
leave of absence from camp to
be gone five days. Walked larger
part of the way into the city, and
had ride on an ox cart with
an Irishman who upon my asking
him if he knew Thomas Francis
Meagher replied “Och! Thomas?” “An
ould acquaintance.” Tried to find place
to spend a few days. At last put up in
hotel. Took heavy supper. Eat, during the
day, apples without stint, a very sour
pickle and two oranges. In evening
visited market house and had
some adventures. Went to bed early and
slept well.
Page 15:
January
24,, Was selected again to act as
officer of the guard today; but I
am too sick to do duty and so
shall remain at my tent. Have
been quite unwell for the past three
or four days, in spite of the doctors
Rhubarb and Quinine. Am now
going to cure myself by letting
all medicines alone and eating
sparingly of food. Jimmie is still sick at
the hospital. The doctor does not
think him very sick and tells
me he will get out in a few
days. I hope so truly
Page 14:
January
22,, Officer of the guard today,
with a sick head ache to help me.
Received a letter from father and
Mr. Coffin this evening. The former
is coming out to see me. Capt. Brown tendered his resig-
nation today. If accepted the
company will fall under my
command. Zollicoffer dead and his
army routed. This will read
well by the side of the Marshall’s
defeat and the cowardly dispersion
of his troops. This last triumph
will let our forces into East
Tennessee where there is said
to be a large body of loyalists.
Page 13:
January
20,, Brother James very sick, sat up with
last night – got him into regimental
hospital today – have done nothing myself
but read and try to make up back
sleep. Report came from Alexandria
that Columbus had been taken. I
can hardly believe it. * * * * * * Sent invitation to Charles to
come and visit me, by this morning’s
mail. Received letter from J.H.L. saying
that my picture had gone down to
the “Court of Israel” to speak for
itself. “The Philadelphia Press of Today”-
“the great double breasted war paper”
continues to come regularly every
morning.
Page 12:
January
19,,
Sunday.Camp Franklin, Muddy, muddy, muddy.
No service either, James sick and
confined to his tent. Wants to get
his discharge, and think I shall try
to get it for him. Sent letters this morning to
my chum E.w.H. and Dr. Shailer.
What a strange Sabbath we have
passed! No public worship, no singing,
no praying, no preaching, no Sabbath
school, no vestry meeting, no Sabbath
exercises at all. Would that I might enjoy a
good old Sabbath like those we
used to have at home in Portland! My faith looks up to thee Thou Lamb of Calvary Savior divine
Page 11:
January
17 Camp FranklinDid nothing today but
make up sleep for last night
and study tactics.
Grand Rounds about one
o’clock this morning.-
18,,
Didn’t feel well enough
this morning to take breakfast.
During forenoon studied a little
and read from the “clipper” an
account of new federal triumphs
in Kentucky.
This afternoon attended
Dress Parade, called to see Jimmie
who is sick, and played a
few games of chess with Howe.
Letters this evening from Peter
and brother Charles.
Page 10:
January
16
Camp Franklin.
Am officer of the guard
today and have taken up my quarters
here at the guard tent. My books
are with me, the “Clipper”, and chum’s
brief note sent through Hall of Co. A.
Cameron has resigned and Stanton
is now Sec’ty of War. The President
certainly displays finesse [?]. Every movement
indicates him as the man for the
crisis. Cameron will go to Russia as
minister. That is judicious. The stand
which that country has recently taken
in the matter of human chattelship
will make Cameron an agreeable
sympathizer. They say Blair will go
out, too.
P.M.
Studied tactics with
Lieut. Stevens and Private O.B. Stevens
till about midnight.
Page 8:
January
15,,
Night before last there was a
heavy fall of snow and so we did
nothing yesterday but attend “Dress
Parade”. I have felt very dissatisfied
with this kind of living and long
for the old privileges and the old
friends.
Am I a true Christian? If so
would I not be more in the spirit
of Christ? What are my feelings?
My desires? I long for a direct
service in the cause of my master.
I wish that I might be a chaplain,
and then I could give my whole
attention to the subject “of winning
souls to Christ”.10OK P.M.
Have been out on Grand
Rounds with Major Scammon and
just returned. As we rode along the
Page 9:
paths leading through open fields and
quiet woods, saying nothing, hearing
nothing but the occasional sighing of
the wind I experienced strange emotions.
Where are the friends in Maine? What
are they doing?
I received a letter from
Dr. Shailer this evening which was
written in the same old tone of
affection and kindness. God
bless him and all my dear friends!
The letter contained another from
Col. Dunnell, Vera Cruz. He tells
an interesting experience – May it
redound to the spiritual well being
of his partner.
* * * *
Today I have been studying
somewhat and commenced on
my Scrap book.
Page 7:
January
13,, Camp Franklin Va.The “Clipper” this morning brings
us glorious news from Kentucky. Humphrey
Marshall with his band have been
scattered ignominiously by a small
force of our troops, and that, too,
without any show of fight on his
part. The Expedition has already
moved down the Mississippi. The
Burnside expedition has got off safely.
The Pensacola ran the blockade
unharmed yesterday. Twenty two shots
were fired at her. This was the
cannonading we heard down the
river.
Have been studying Battalion
and Brigade drills this morning. Am
in excellent health. Sent letters by
the mail to mother, J.H.C., & C.H.G.
