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Volume 1

February 7, 1862

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 Page 21:
February
7 Camp Franklin, Va.
Have been spending several
days in Alexandria of late searching
for brother Charles who has now
arrived from Maine. C. came out
to find me and we both returned
to camp yesterday forenoon. We did
not spend a very pleasant night
together. B. acted poorly.
Today the captain has gone
to Mount Vernon and I am left
in command. During this forenoon
have been studying “McClellan’s
bayonet exercise.” and like it
very much.
Am also writing an article
on Alexandria and its sights
for the Lion’s Advocate.
Am in excellent health
So are Jimmie and Charlie.

February 2, 1862

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February Sunday
2,,
Camp Franklin, Va.
It is now evening. The
day has been quite pleasant and
I have enjoyed myself well. The
same old health is beginning to
return to me.
Chaplain Adams loaned me
Nelson on Infidelity and I have
been reading it today. It’s
argumentation is very clear
and satisfactory. He is going
to let me have Horae Paulinae
by Paley, too. I am especially
pleased with such books.
My “Patent” Scrap book enlarges
perceptably [sic] every day. Good letters
received last night from Portland
friends. “Lions Advocate” this
evening.
Charlie comes tomorrow
Lieut. B & I are going to receive him.

January 31, 1862

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January
31,,
Still muddy. And no
end to it either. My health is
slowly improving.
Now they say we are going
to advance. Well I hope we shall
do something soon.P.M.
Charles sends me a
letter by this evening’s mail, which
says that I may expect him to
pay us a visit next Monday.
Good! I am anxious to see him.
Jimmie is yet in
the hospital though getting better.

January 27, 1862

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January
27,,
Am feeling pretty well
today in body – something I have not
been able to say for a long time.
Still I am going to keep off duty
till the five days are up for which
the doctor excused me.
Orders from Washington have
come requiring us to practice the
Bayonet drill, and now books
are distributed among the various
companies and we have fairly
commenced. Good say I.
Last evening received a
splendid letter from chum and
a copy of his piece spoken at
the Senior Exhibition entitled:-
“Sadness of enjoyment.”

January 26, 1862

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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.

January 25, 1862

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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.

January 24, 1862

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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

January 22, 1862

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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.

January 20, 1862

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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.

January 19, 1862

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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

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