The 1864 Diary of James E. Somerville James Somerville wrote in this book while he was a Volunteer in the Michigan 6th Cavalry in 1862 -64. Some entries are but brief descriptions of the weather, while others offer us a glimpse at his visits home to Lansing, Michigan, and his daily events while he was both a patient, Ward Master and Chaplain at Campbell Hospital in Washington. James and his wife Margaret Jane Haite came to Lansing about 1854 from Grand Rapids. They then moved from Lansing to Manistee in 1869, where he died in 1883. He was a Methodist Episcopal minister and a harness maker by trade. Some entries were added by his young son Frank after he mustered out of the army. I have included these entries in the order that they occur in the diary, as you would find them when you read from cover to cover. * Asterisks denote where the writing wasn't clear enough to read. Much of the diary was written in pencil , and it has faded a bit in the past 135 years. Dec 14 A Night of Music leson, From Sister Emma Somerville Manistee -Frank Somerville Tuesday January 19, 1864 (Marked out - Sunday, Aug 11, 1870) Cannot Read -Frank Somerville Wednesday 20 68913596808 DDDDD -Frank Somerville Friday, January 22, 1864 Had a visit from L Olmstead, Serg of Mich 4th Inf. Received a letter form home, wife is sick and forlorn, children well. Saturday 23 Received a letter form home* Sunday 24 Just returned from witnessing a Review of Division the air is warm wind in south. No Religious Service. Gloomy and lonesome. Monday, January 25, 1864 Emma Somerville went * - Frank Somerville Wednesday 27 Very warm had a visit from * am ailing with rheumatism Friday 29 Visited Poney Mountain * Mich 24th in company of M * Wheelock. Saw Dr. Beech. arrived at camp at taps. The frogs make it spring like. Sunday, January 31, 1864 Had a letter form home. Chap Greely talked to the man told his old story of going with 3rd corps and sen * of camp being broken up a clever hoax. Monday, February 1 Visited 26th took supper with Dr. Raymond had a pleasant time. Tuesday, 2 This evening had lightening, thunder and hail storm. Wednesday, February 3, 1846 Strong wind from N. W. cold and clear taken sick with diarrhea in night. Thursday 4 Evening attended Brigade prayer meeting house cold and damp, people also. Friday 5 Clear, sun shines warm prospect of fine weather In evening had good prayer meeting in new house built for Col. Saturday, February 6, 1864 The Cav. moved out to cross Kapiuan by Culpepper ford. 2nd Corps by Thodoris *brisk c * to noon. Mrs. Sheldon arrived in camp. Sunday 7 Troops returned. No good results. Infantry repulsed at Mortons Ford. Sunday 1870 Went to school had a good time. - Frank Somerville Tuesday, February 9, 1864 Weather Mild Wednesday 10 Weather cold with very strong winds varying to any point of compass. Thursday 11 Weather same as yesterday. Friday, February 12, 1864 Weather milder but changeable nothing of interest * Saturday 13 Weather clear and cold. Looked for horse which was stolen. Sunday 14 Weather cold wind blew going from N. West. Had a visit from Lt. W. L. Thayer. Monday, February 15, 1864 Cold, snow storm from South. Review of Cavalry troops. Tuesday 16 Clear and cold. Strong NW wind intensely cold at sun set. 200 new * came in. Thursday, February 18, 1864 Recieved pass to visit Washington* Friday 19 Still very cold....* sick and unhappy Saturday 20 Weather moderate. Visit Campbell Hospital* to report * through Col. Gray Recieved order from Medical Director to go to Campbell Hospital arrived at 4:05 PM * Saturday, February 27, 1864 Visited city and got pay, Remitted $40.00 home. Sunday 28 Chaplain Gay Lowell preached good sermon * mustered for pay Monday 29 Went to Went to school - Frank Somerville Tuesday, March 1, 1864 Cold and snow storm Wednesday 2 Visited Navy Yard. Saw many wonders of * of war. Warmer, snow melting. Thursday 3 * Unreadable Saturday 5 Received pay. Sunday 6 Preached in chapel of Campbell Hospital. had a good time. Had temperance lector evening opened meeting by prayer. Monday. March 7, 1864 Applied for furlough, have symptoms of ague. Tuesday 8 Tuesday, health improved AM. Reading Life of Bonaparte by Abbo* Wednesday 9 Very heavy fog, became clear and warm. * presented Dr. True with sword, sash, belt and shoulder straps. Thursday, March 10, 1864 Terrible rain storm, had pleasant visit with Dr. True and family. Friday 11| Presented to Dr. True a watch and chain worth $140. from Ward 6 in the reading room, a large * Me being present, my remarks highly spoken of. Saturday 12 Have a pass to city visited President. Found a wallet with $5,50. Advertised it. Got a satchel without cost from W. Beal; who dealt unfairly with me in 63. Visited Mr. L*. Sunday, March 13, 1864 Heard a good sermon by Chaplain Gaylord. Lost sheep. The day is warm, the frogs sing out. Tuesday 15 Took supper with Dr. True, had a pleasant visit. My furlough for 30 days came. Wednesday, March 16, 1864 Left the hospital at 7 o clock got transportation at 10 am took dinner at home of Sanitary Commissioner. Arrived in Baltimore at 7 P.M. Thursday 17 Arrived at Harrisburg at 6 A.M. being detained by * this place full of soldiers * we go west at 1.30. Friday 18 Arrived at Cleveland at 10. O.C. A.M. Stop't at home of San. Com, got a good dinner. Will leave at 5.20 P.M. arrived at Toledo 7 P.M. will start again at 3 A.M. Saturday, March 19, 1864 Arrived in Detroit at 6.30 A.M. * at Sanitary Home, left at 9:30 A.M. Met Dr. Thayer at General Williams. SO - Jerome. Saginaw Judge Turner. Had a pleasant time. Arrived at Lansing, my Home at 5.30 P.M. Sunday 20 Attended church. Rev. M. Bryant, good plain Sermon. How glad to go to the house of God with his people and my own family. Very cold. James Somerville's Family, 1860s Monday 21 Transacted some business, attended meeting, Evening. Old and young are seeking Salvation. Very Cold. Tuesday, March 22, 1864 Weather moderate. Attended church, had a very good meeting * Wednesday 23 Morning cold, the day very warm. Pruned trees and vines. Thursday 24 Attended meeting at 8 o cl. enjoyed it very much. Worked at wood pile and in garden. Friday, March 25, 1864 Weather warm. Attended Universalist social in the evening and a surprise party of Rev. M. Bryant. Saturday 26 Worked hard at wood pile and in the garden. Attended funeral of P.S. Clark's child, Myres preached* Sunday, 27 Attended church twice. Sunday School at 3 o clock P.M. * Monday, March 28, 1864 Went to E. Webber to get my * To dinner at Mr. Sterlings of Eaton Rapids, the * Tuesday 29 Had a pleasant visit with Mr. * in morning. Price for the * colt $15. Sold saddle for $10. Had a very hard work to lead the colt. Arrived at 4 o clock P.M. Wednesday 30 Very tired and exhausted, stayed at home to rest. Thursday, March 31, 1864 Went up into the city, transacted various items of business. Friday, April 1 Attended Union School, Children done very well. The little children * my Emma a surprise visit, had a gay time. Saturday 2 Visited Mr. Leach and Rev. M. Bryant's family, had a very good visit. Made garden, planted peas. Sunday, April 3, 1864 Warm, balmy. Lovely morning. Emma ill with toothache. Monday 4 Rained and was gloomy. Voted Republican ticket Election, played with children. Tuesday 5 A rainy, cheerless day. Took supper at Mr. D. C. Leach's. Dr. * Rev. Bryant and La. were present. Wednesday, April 6, 1864 Warm and showery. Worked in garden. Took supper at Mr. G. Turner. Rev. Bryant and La were present. Thursday 7 Worked at home. Went to Presbyterian Social Evening at Hon. D. C. Leach's. Friday 8 Worked in garden, had a thunder shower in evening. Saturday, April 9, 1864 Morning warm and Spring like, showers through the day. Looked on Cislem. Mrs. Calkins and visited us and took supper. Sunday 10 Went to church in a rain storm, air cold, few to church. Rev. Bryant preached a good sermon on Judgement. Stayed at home, evening and visited with my family. Monday 11 A slight frost. Sundiose, clear and looking very beautiful day. Worked a little in garden. Tuesday 12 Air cold, sky cloudy, slight showers. Doctored Colt. S* hitching posts, did some other work. Packed my valise, cake, pies to go. Wednesday 13 Left my happy home at 9 A.M. My wife and children well and in good Spirit. Had a *. Editor of Free Press. Reached Detroit at 6 PM, left at 10, reached Toledo at 1 night. Thursday 14 Started at 5 A.M. arrived at Cleveland at at 10. Dined at home of Sanitary Commissioner. Start for Pittsburgh at 1.25 P.M., arrived at P.M. at 10. Started for Harrsiburg 10.20, broke cuppling, got behind time. Friday, April 15, 1864 Arrived Harrisburg 9 A.M. lay over to 2.20. Wrote to Eddy. Arrived at Baltimore 6.30 and Washington 9.45 and Capitol 10.30. Monday, April 18, 1864 Had a pass to the city. Got ration money 7.25, paid L.E. Hatten $8.10, Jack paid $3 for saddle. Tuesday 19 Appeared before the Board, examined for * on Reserve Corps. Sent a book to Frank. Wednesday 20 Wrote Marg. S. - Sent $3. Weather dark and gloomy. Sick came in from army. Saturday 21 Movement of the Army Veteran Reserves. Called out. Much excitement among those whom it concerns. Sunday, April 24, 1864 Had a bath. Preaching at 11 1/2 as duty of Soldier. Went to Sabbath School on 9th St. and church in evening. Monday 25 Read Last of the Barons by E. B. Lytton***, a Historical Romance. Very fine work. Tuesday 26 Hospital life very monotinous. Wednesday, April 27, 1864 A large number of Patients sent North. Dr. Herman and Sergt. Cook, ward master, go to New York with them. Thursday 28 A cold N.E. wind, am suffering with rheumatism. General Geo. Gordon Meade James kept this photograph in his diary Friday 29 Air cold though Sun is hot. Saturday, April 30, 1864 Visited city. Went to Mrs. Brainard and Mifs. Wheelock. Smithsonian Institute and Col. Gray. Over a hundred patients arrived from front to the hospital. Sunday, May 1 Chaplain Gaylord preached at 11 A.M. * Knows - muster will be attended. Sunday School at 3 P.M. and Preached at 7 1/2 P.M. Rather a dull time as I was unwell. Comical Readings by Davenport in reading room. Monday 2 Quite ill with rheumatism. Cold and squaly, a severe rain, evening, accompanied with thunder. Tuesday, May 3, 1864 Still lame and unwell. Am transfered to Ward 9 by order of Dr. True. Saturday 7 Making preparations for wounded from the battlefield. Sunday 8 Chaplain preached at 10 1/2 o clock. Attended Sabbath School at 3 - Tuesday 10 Went to the city at 8 o clock. P.M. to hear the President but disappointed. Wednesday 11 Wounded Soldiers came in from the field. Thursday, May 12, 1864 Witnessed several operations on the wounded soldiers. What a vast amount of suffering for ones country. Friday 13 Many sent away under guard who were not wounded. Friday, May 27, 1864 Got a letter from home full of good news. Family well. Wrote letters to friendly patients. Sunday 29 A cool and pleasant day. Recieved about an hundred into this Hospital, some * some slightly wounded. Monday, May 20, 1864 Had a visit from Mr. * and Mifs Anne Dickison of New York. Tuesday 31 Very warm and uncomfortable, temp 86. Wednesday, June 1 Went down to the city to purchase a watch and chain for Wm. D. Bal* which we paid $61.00. Company, Dr. True, * Martins & * Thursday, June 2, 1864 A number of men transfered from the Hospital. A light shower, cool air and very beautiful morning. Friday 3 Recieved a letter from home. Family well and enjoying life. Fine, pleasant day. Saturday 4 Answered Wifes letter. Sick with headache. Mrs. Gen. Barns and Daulberay visited Hospital with $ 200.00 worth of strawberries for the patients, raised at the Willard House. The day cool and pleasant. Sunday, June 5, 1864 Usual round of Ward duty. Cool and cloudy. Dr. True very busy cutting out gangreen from Whites arm of Wis. and Loomis of N.Y. leg. Monday 6 A hard wind, an afternoon storm of dust followed by rain. Furloughed men went this morning. Tuesday 7 The air balmy and clear. Transfered men this morning. heard of Col. Gray and Lt. Thompsons resignations. Saturday, June 11, 1864 Rented Melodian of Ellis at $4 per month. Sunday 12 Had a pleasant time singing. Thursday 16 Ill feeling and bickering among the nurses and Ward Master of Ward nine. Saturday 18 Transfered to Ward 6 Sunday 19 Joseph A. Haugh transfered to Ward Six. Friday 24 Very warm and sultry, dry. Saturday 25 Continued heat, thermo 98.| Sunday, June 26, 1864 Heat 100. Shower at 4 o cl. Preaching at 6 o cl in the Park. The air cooler. Was sick morning, very much better in evening. Monday 27 Morning is pleasant but rather warm. Tuesday 28 Very hot morning, afternoon had thunder shower with hail, much cooler. Wednesday, June 29, 1864 Cool and pleasant, nothing of interest transpired. Thursday 30 Mustered for pay. Weather cool. Friday, July 1 Promise of shower, became very warm and sultry. 54 Wounded men, 4 came into Ward Six. Saturday, July 2, 1864 Sun very hot. Cool breeze from the West. Admitted 2 men * Sunday 3 Warm morning but pleasant. Barr of 102 - Mr. H. Arl had leg amputated. Had services. Rev. from Boston preached a very good sermon on Providence. Carried melodian to rooms and sung. Evening cool and cloudy. Monday 4 Cool, pleasant day. Usual monotany. Went down to the city after supper. Saw fireworks on small scale. No unusual interests. Returned at 11 o clock. Night very pleasant. Tuesday, July 5, 1864 Clear. cool and beautiful. Wednesday 6 Promise of a shower, but * over. Saturday 9 Two men due in Ward Six. Morning very warm and oppresive. Evening cool and airy. Record of Service Sunday 10 Clear, cool and beautiful. Recieved notice of being reduced to the ranks for what cause know not. Signed payrolls. Monday, July 11, 1864 Got a pass. Went to pick blackberries, suceed very well. Saw the forts and soldiers. Burning houses. The Sixth Corps * up 7th St. Received pay of $42. Tuesday 12 Was sick from the effects of heat of previous day. Wrote home mailed $10.00. Wednesday 13 Mail stopped. Much excitement caused by * rain. Thursday, July 14, 1864 Wrote home and mailed $10.00 Friday 15 Wrote to Father Haite in Min. - Received a letter from home, cheering news. Saturday 16 Scrubbed Ward this morning. Weather cool and beautiful. Sunday, July 17, 1864 Attended church on 9th St., had a good time. Recieved a letter from D. C. Leach. Monday 18 Very warm and sultry. Recieved a letter from Mrs. S - all well and good in * news. Tuesday 19 Very pleasant. Long day, feeling quite *. Had a severe attack of * diarrhea in the night. * to D. C. Leach. Wednesday, July 20, 1864 Some better but feeble and sore. Took medicine which relieved me some. Thursday 21 Under medical treatment. Weak from the effects of sickness. Cold night. Wrote to E. D. Townsend a General in regard to my rank. Friday 22 Cool morning. Health improved. Cool pleasant day. Recieved letter from B. Riley of Md. in relation to Ben Bronnan alias Rily his son. Wrote a letter for Callender of Ward Nine. Sun red and sky hazy. Saturday, July 23, 1864 Continued sick. Sunday 24 Very pleasant morning, very much like Sabbath. Had preaching at 6 1/2 o clock by Rev. Mr. of Ward 2. I assisted him in introductory. Heavy rain began at 11 o clock P.M. Monday 25 Continues to rain, air cool and pleasant. Tuesday, July 26, 1864 Continued ill health. Weather cool and pleasant. Wrote to my family. Wednesday 27 My health improved. Very still and pleasant in Ward. Adjutant answered my petition by an order to Head Quarters to have me transfered to * 6 and my rank restored. Dr. De Laney in charge. Thursday 28 Weather warm and oppressive. Not feeling vigorous. Wrote home, a long and interesting letter. Saturday 30 Weather very warm and opressive. Went with Dr. True to visit Mr. Forbes in evening. Sunday 31 Very warm heat 101. Had preaching at 3.00. I preached from 1 to 2.12. Went to Presbyterian Church at 8. Called on Mr. Forbes with medicine. Health improved. Monday, August 1, 1864 Glorious news from Petersburgh. Morning cool and cloudy. Health continued better. Afternoon and evening very warm. Tuesday 2 Morning cool and cloudy. Evening thunder showers. Visited Christian Commifsion rooms. Got fruit, * shirt, proper & * Wednesday 3 My health improved, had 3 patients admitted to Ward. Call'd to visit a sick man in Ward 4. Went with Dr. True to visit Mr. Forbes. Took supper with Dr., Suffered with rheumatism. Thursday, August 4, 1864 Air cool and sky cloudy. Noon cloudy and warm. Ill with rheumatism. Friday 5 Morning clear, cold and cloudy. Received a cheering letter from home, prospects of crops good. Had a good bath. Suffered much with pain in both sides. Saturday 6 Heavy rain and thunder early in morning, at 8 clear and warm. Sunday, August 7, 1864 Very pleasant morning. Noon, warm. Preached at 3 o clock acts X. Went to church Ev. Mc Kendres Chaplain. Dry service. Got letter from D. W. Vanauken. Monday 8 Spoke to Dr. about discharge. No hope. Health as usual. Fire on Seventh St. at night. Tuesday 9 Morning cool. Wednesday, August 10, 1864 Very warm. Applied to Maj. Tho. M. Vinton for power to recruit. Called on Government Harnefs Shop Soldier no extra pay. Citizen gets $70.00. - Wrote to D. W. Vanauken. Thursday 11 Very warm morning. Health much improved. Usual routine of duty. Read Murry's Power of Religion. Friday 12 Visited Alexandria. Find it a dirty, ill arranged antiquated city. Visited Grace Church Hospital. C. P. Parker paid $1.21 for dinner for two. Visited Giesbourag. paint, pina. It a very extensive camp. Arrived home at 7 1/2 o clock. Enjoyed visit. Saturday, August 13, 1864 Very warm, thermo 95. Heavy shower with thunder at 3 o clock P.M. Night warm. Sunday 14 Temp 96. Inspection at 10 o cl. Heavy thunder shower at 3 P.M. Chaplain delivered a political * am persevering too the end. Monday 15 Not so warm as usual. thermo 90. Have an attack of rheumatism. Bought a pair of pants at $2.25. Tuesday, August 16, 1864 Morning cloudy but warm. Quite ill with rheumatism and bilious - pleora. Up at 1 o cl. and was warm. Parker furnished a basket of peaches. Wednesday 17 Morning cloudy and cool. Heavy rain with thunder. Sgt. Ch. P. Parker was transfered to Detroit. I was appointed Ward Master of Ward 6. Mr. J. A. Haugh in danger of being sent to his Regt. - Dr. True afsist him. Thursday 18 Cool, cloudy, showery day. Suffered with rheumatism. Arranged my room. Write letters for Collinder Shepard. Bought basket of peaches. Friday, August 19, 1864 Air cool, heavy rains. recieved letter from home. Mrs. S- much concerned for my health. Had a visit from Lt. * Ward. Lect from Chaplain on state of country, good and true. Saturday 20 Rain and cold, N.E. wind. Buisy writing. Went to market with Dr. True, bought J* and peaches. Sunday 21 Unusualy buisy today and unwell. Had an increase of 14 the night before. Inspection at 10 1/2 o clock by Dr. D*, Lt. Smith. Preached at 9th St.Chapel. * taken bleeding. Drs. Shildon and Delaney ligated artery. Patient died at 10 o clock. Monday, August 22, 1864 Nothing unusual. Heavy rain, evening and night. Tuesday 23 Quite warm. Got a letter from home and family. Well and prosperous. Wednesday 24 Morning cloudy and looked like rain. Became clear and warm. Night quite pleasant, though warm. Friday 26 Went to Gen. Tom Thumb exhibition. Very good music. Performance good. Strong freaks of nature. Saturday 27 Admitted 4 and dismissed 4 patients. Very buisy to day. Wednesday, August 31, 1864 Visited Oddfellows Hall to see Selaputions. Amusing and instructive performance. Friday, September 2 Visited orchard when our men were on guard and enjoyed a feast of pretty good peaches. Saturday, September 3, 1864 Chilly and cloudy day. Have a basketfull of grapes, give to Ward. Sunday 4 Inspection at 11 A.M. Preaching at 3 P.M. by an old man, evening at Wesley Chapel. Heard the Rev. Col. Jackques. Met Capt. H. L. Thayer and Lady. Monday 5 Examination at 10 o clock. 6 of our Ward returned to duty. Heavy rain storm at night. Thursday 8 Attended protracted meeting at TW Kindree* Chapel on NY W. 8 joined on probation, had a good meeting. Friday, September 9, 1864 Signed payrolls. Wednesday 14 Report 25 s. 12 W. = 37. Benjamin Porter Pvt. F T NY H.D. died at 7. o clock P.M. Thursday, September 15, 1864 Wm. H. Luden and Edward Welch to be reported. Returned from furlough on the ninth. Report 26 s 12 2v Beds 36, 21 occupied, 14 low diet. Friday 16 Chancey Meapes and George Foster furloughed. Report 26 s 10 w. Beds are 34 v 23 low diet 14. Saturday 17 No change in report from yesterday. Beds are 35 va 24. Sunday, September 18, 1864 Jacob Hardenfellar, diserter, for duty. Alexander Purvis, Ruben Lewis, John Wilson. Report. s26 w9 Beds o34 v24 diet14. Monday 19 No change from yesterdays report. Tuesday 20 Alex Davis returned to duty. Report: s25. w9. Beds 38 occupied 24va. L.diet 14. Ruben Lewis and John Wilson recomended to be returned to duty. Struble Burman. * Wednesday, September 21, 1864 For pafs. F. Hancek. P. Babcock. P.W. Carr. Returned to duty Wilson. Thursday 22 Returned to duty J. Wilson. Sick 25, W9. Ldiet 14. Bed are S3, Va24. Returned from furlough John M. Taylor 1st Sgt. F. 30 Me. Vol.| Friday 23 Nelson H. Sibby Sergt G. 40 Meaj. Harrison Jenkins 1 Meajs. H. A. returned from furlough. James H. Brown pass. P. James, H. Sibby. Beds are 36 va 20 Ldiet 14. Lorentz Olsen. Pvt. M 8 Ill. Saturday, September 24, 1864 28 S. W 10. Beds are 36, Va 20, Ldiet 14. Tazette Graves, Joseph Wilson. Sunday 25 report S28, W10. Beds are 20 Va, Low Diet 14. John Golden Pvt. 8 Ill Cav. * discharged. Monday 26 Report S 27, W 10. Beds are 35, Va 21. pass. John M. Tyler 1 Sergt. F. 30 Me. H. Perkins Pvt. H, 1 Majs. H.A. Somerville Tuesday, September 27, 1864 No change in yesterdays report. Pass Geo. Saxty, Sanford Wilcox (name crossed out), John W. Carr (name crossed out), Thomas Arnold, J.H. Brown, Borden * Lewis transfered to N. Jersey. (Click image to enlarge) Wednesday 28 Report 26 S, 10 W. Beds 34 Ou 22 Va, Ld 14. Pass J.H. Carr, Sanford Wilcox (crossed out) H.S. Strubble, J.W. Haugh. Jas H. Doling Pvt. Co. A. 152 furloughed. Thursday 29 Report 25 S, 10 W. Beds 33 ou 23 Vac. for pass S. Wilcox, Wm. Shepherd. Friday, September 30, 1864 Returned from furlough Jas S. Surdam. = 26 for pass, Thomas Arnold, - Jas H. Brown. Report 27 S, 11 W. Beds 35 Oc 21 Vac. L.D.14, admitted Merritt Norman. Saturday, October 1 For pass. August Pflazer, Nelson H. Sebly sergt. (crossed out), Isaac Babcock (crossed out) sergt. No change in report. John M. Tyler. Sunday 2 Nathan Higgins R 1 M. 1st Me. H.A. died 1st 1864. 26 Sick, 10 W. Ruben Lewis returned to duty. Monday, October 3, 1864 Pass. Henriech Kutchmer, Lorentz Olsen. Nelson H. Sibly, August Pflazer to Alexandria. 29 (crossed out) 36 Oc Va 27 (crossed out) 28. * 26 S, W 10. Tuesday 4 Pass. Merrit Norman, John H. Carr, J. Wilson. Returned to duty Fayette Groves Pvt. A 106 N.Y. Vol. Report: 25 S, W 10. = Beds 30 Oc 28 Vac. Wednesday 5 Pass Henery Struble. John Somerville, N. Jenkins, J.A. Hough, Alexandria, Va. (crossed out), Levi O.Curtis. * but to be applied for. Returned to duty John James: report 24 S. W 10. Beds are 30 oc Va 28. Thursday, October 6, 1864 Pass Wm. Shepherd. Geo H. Saxty. John Burman. No change in report. Went to school today and had a nice time today. - Frank Somerville Friday 7 Pass Sanford Wilcox (crossed out) J.A. Hough to Alexandria. S. Groham. Saturday 8 Pass J. H. Brown, H. Kutchmer, S. Graham, furlough H. S. Struble. Report 24 S W 9. Beds are Va 29, L.d 14. Sunday, October 9, 1864 Report New patient 4 W 17 S. Report S 35, W 13. Beds are oc 44, Va 14. Monday 10 Pass. Wm. Caldwell, J. H. Carr, David Burrell. Tuesday 11 Pass S. Graham, J. H. Brown (crossed out) Ja. Harris, Merritt Norman. 35 S, 13 W. Beds are oc 41 V 14. Wednesday, October 12, 1864 Pass Frank E. Tristan, Samuel George, John Burman. Furloughed J H Brown, Wm. Shepherd, J. W. Vanvater returned from furlough. Report- 34 S, 13 W. Beds are 43 occ., V 15. Thursday 13 Descriptive List applied for. John Kelly. Pass G. H. Saxty, J. W. *, J.A. Hough to Alex. No change in report. Left Washington at 5 1/2 o clock on 45 day furlough. Friday 14 Pass Q. Petit, Frances H*, Sanford Wilcox. Saturday, October 15, 1864 Pass Peter Bagly. H. Jenkins. Arrived at Detroit at 10 A.M. being 2 hrs to late for coms. Boat detained by fog and river *. Arrived at Arvasso at 1.30 night. Sunday 16 Took breakfast at Hotel, went to church. Found friends J. B. Cole, remained with them to Monday at 1.30 P.M. Monday 17 David Burnell (crossed out) Reached home at 4 P.M. found my daughter Emma at Depot and boys at the corner. All well. Tuesday, October 18, 1864 Visit at home. Enjoy it much. Wednesday 19 Went to * Colt C * not find it * (Child has written over these lines) Thursday 20 Work in Cellar. Friday, October 21, 1864 Colt came home. Sunday 23 Heard Bryant preach evening. Communion in evening. Monday, October 24, 1864 Okemas. John Tasker accompanied me have a house full and good time. Tuesday 25 Onondaga Tenny Went alone meet Potter and Reid at Kennyville. Have good time. Wednesday 26 Returned home, arrived at 11 1/2 A.M. Mafs meeting. H. A. Shaw and Senator Haward spoke. Rained and very dark evening. Thursday, October 27, 1864 Marble S. H. Meridan. Rode with Potter. Rained * out. Stoped with Wm. Gibson Chatterton, brought me to Wilkison on Friday. Friday 28 County S. H. Allidan. Few out. Stoped with Honey. Saturday 29 Aurelius, center. Wilkison brought me to Mason thence to Aurelius. Concerned abt. many and a poor * and dark night. Stoped with Sanders. Sunday, October 30, 1864 Preached at 11 o clock and at 7 P.M. Had great liberty in preaching. Monday 31 Ames School House, Onondaga. Did not go to this appointment, could not find out where it was. Thalis Hauntoon got meeting at his S.H., Vevay. Tuesday, November 1 Sanders School house, Leslie. Had a good time and full house. Stoped to Thalis Hauntoon. Wednesday, November 2, 1864 Bawdish School house, Stockbridge. Hauntoon carried me to Meadville, dined at Paddock's. Thursday 3 Lowel sch house & White Oak Friday 4 Lunch S.H. Leroy Saturday, November 5, 1864 Rozmaner, S.H. Wheatfield Wednesday 9 Went to school and had a nice time - Frank Somerville Sunday 27 Arrived at Washington at noon. (No further entries) Memoranda Population London 2.803,039 Glasgow 394,864 Edinburgh 168,221 Dublin 258,328 Liverpool 195,587 Samuel Graham Cr. (Pd) D. Richardson $ 5.50 J.A. Haugh 2.00 D.R. Sutton (gone) 4.00 H. Moots picture (pd) $1.00 J. Dietz to worker (pd) .96 Recipe for Diarroha Argenti Mit. gss. IV Acacia Pulv. XVI Opia Pulv. IV M.D. ft Pills No. XII Once in 6 hours Milk Punch Milk am Gal- Whiskey " pint eggs 6 Sugar 10 oz Copyright Nedra A. Evans Dec., 1999 May NOT be reproduced in any form! The years creep slowly by, Lorena The snow is on the grass again The sun's low down the sky, Lorena The frost gleams where the flowers have been But the heart throbs on as warmly now As when the summer days were nigh Oh, the sun can never dip so low A-down affection's cloudless sky. A hundred months have passed, Lorena Since last I held that hand in mine And felt the pulse beat fast, Lorena Though mine beat faster far than thine A hundred months...'twas flowery May When up the hilly slope we climbed To watch the dying of the day And hear the distant church bells chime. We loved each other then, Lorena More than we ever dared to tell And what we might have been, Lorena Had but our loving prospered well But then, 'tis past, the years have gone I'll not call up their shadowy forms I'll say to them, "Lost years, sleep on Sleep on, nor heed life's pelting storms." The story of the past, Lorena Alas! I care not to repeat The hopes that could not last, Lorena They lived, but only lived to cheat I would not cause e'en one regret To rankle in your bosom now "For if we try we may forget" Were words of thine long years ago. Yes, these were words of thine, Lorena They are within my memory yet They touched some tender chords, Lorena Which thrill and tremble with regret 'Twas not the woman's heart which spoke Thy heart was always true to me A duty stern and piercing broke The tie which linked my soul with thee. It matters little now, Lorena The past is in the eternal past Our hearts will soon lie low, Lorena Life's tide is ebbing out so fast There is a future, oh, thank God! Of life this is so small a part 'Tis dust to dust beneath the sod But there, up there, 'tis heart to heart. Beautiful Graphics are from Susan E. Christoffersen of:
James Somerville wrote in this book while he was a Volunteer in the Michigan 6th Cavalry in 1862 -64. Some entries are but brief descriptions of the weather, while others offer us a glimpse at his visits home to Lansing, Michigan, and his daily events while he was both a patient, Ward Master and Chaplain at Campbell Hospital in Washington. James and his wife Margaret Jane Haite came to Lansing about 1854 from Grand Rapids. They then moved from Lansing to Manistee in 1869, where he died in 1883. He was a Methodist Episcopal minister and a harness maker by trade.
Some entries were added by his young son Frank after he mustered out of the army. I have included these entries in the order that they occur in the diary, as you would find them when you read from cover to cover.
* Asterisks denote where the writing wasn't clear enough to read. Much of the diary was written in pencil , and it has faded a bit in the past 135 years.
Dec 14 A Night of Music leson, From Sister Emma Somerville Manistee -Frank Somerville
Tuesday January 19, 1864 (Marked out - Sunday, Aug 11, 1870)
Cannot Read -Frank Somerville Wednesday 20 68913596808 DDDDD -Frank Somerville Friday, January 22, 1864 Had a visit from L Olmstead, Serg of Mich 4th Inf. Received a letter form home, wife is sick and forlorn, children well. Saturday 23 Received a letter form home*
Sunday 24 Just returned from witnessing a Review of Division the air is warm wind in south. No Religious Service. Gloomy and lonesome. Monday, January 25, 1864 Emma Somerville went * - Frank Somerville
Wednesday 27 Very warm had a visit from * am ailing with rheumatism
Friday 29 Visited Poney Mountain * Mich 24th in company of M * Wheelock. Saw Dr. Beech. arrived at camp at taps. The frogs make it spring like. Sunday, January 31, 1864 Had a letter form home. Chap Greely talked to the man told his old story of going with 3rd corps and sen * of camp being broken up a clever hoax. Monday, February 1 Visited 26th took supper with Dr. Raymond had a pleasant time. Tuesday, 2 This evening had lightening, thunder and hail storm. Wednesday, February 3, 1846 Strong wind from N. W. cold and clear taken sick with diarrhea in night. Thursday 4 Evening attended Brigade prayer meeting house cold and damp, people also. Friday 5 Clear, sun shines warm prospect of fine weather In evening had good prayer meeting in new house built for Col.
Saturday, February 6, 1864 The Cav. moved out to cross Kapiuan by Culpepper ford. 2nd Corps by Thodoris *brisk c * to noon. Mrs. Sheldon arrived in camp. Sunday 7 Troops returned. No good results. Infantry repulsed at Mortons Ford.
Sunday 1870 Went to school had a good time. - Frank Somerville Tuesday, February 9, 1864 Weather Mild Wednesday 10 Weather cold with very strong winds varying to any point of compass. Thursday 11 Weather same as yesterday. Friday, February 12, 1864 Weather milder but changeable nothing of interest * Saturday 13 Weather clear and cold. Looked for horse which was stolen. Sunday 14 Weather cold wind blew going from N. West. Had a visit from Lt. W. L. Thayer. Monday, February 15, 1864 Cold, snow storm from South. Review of Cavalry troops. Tuesday 16 Clear and cold. Strong NW wind intensely cold at sun set. 200 new * came in. Thursday, February 18, 1864 Recieved pass to visit Washington* Friday 19 Still very cold....* sick and unhappy Saturday 20 Weather moderate. Visit Campbell Hospital* to report * through Col. Gray Recieved order from Medical Director to go to Campbell Hospital arrived at 4:05 PM * Saturday, February 27, 1864 Visited city and got pay, Remitted $40.00 home. Sunday 28 Chaplain Gay Lowell preached good sermon * mustered for pay Monday 29 Went to Went to school - Frank Somerville Tuesday, March 1, 1864 Cold and snow storm Wednesday 2 Visited Navy Yard. Saw many wonders of * of war. Warmer, snow melting. Thursday 3 * Unreadable Saturday 5 Received pay. Sunday 6 Preached in chapel of Campbell Hospital. had a good time. Had temperance lector evening opened meeting by prayer. Monday. March 7, 1864 Applied for furlough, have symptoms of ague. Tuesday 8 Tuesday, health improved AM. Reading Life of Bonaparte by Abbo* Wednesday 9 Very heavy fog, became clear and warm. * presented Dr. True with sword, sash, belt and shoulder straps. Thursday, March 10, 1864 Terrible rain storm, had pleasant visit with Dr. True and family. Friday 11| Presented to Dr. True a watch and chain worth $140. from Ward 6 in the reading room, a large * Me being present, my remarks highly spoken of. Saturday 12 Have a pass to city visited President. Found a wallet with $5,50. Advertised it. Got a satchel without cost from W. Beal; who dealt unfairly with me in 63. Visited Mr. L*.
Sunday, March 13, 1864 Heard a good sermon by Chaplain Gaylord. Lost sheep. The day is warm, the frogs sing out. Tuesday 15 Took supper with Dr. True, had a pleasant visit. My furlough for 30 days came. Wednesday, March 16, 1864 Left the hospital at 7 o clock got transportation at 10 am took dinner at home of Sanitary Commissioner. Arrived in Baltimore at 7 P.M. Thursday 17 Arrived at Harrisburg at 6 A.M. being detained by * this place full of soldiers * we go west at 1.30. Friday 18 Arrived at Cleveland at 10. O.C. A.M. Stop't at home of San. Com, got a good dinner. Will leave at 5.20 P.M. arrived at Toledo 7 P.M. will start again at 3 A.M. Saturday, March 19, 1864 Arrived in Detroit at 6.30 A.M. * at Sanitary Home, left at 9:30 A.M. Met Dr. Thayer at General Williams. SO - Jerome. Saginaw Judge Turner. Had a pleasant time. Arrived at Lansing, my Home at 5.30 P.M.
Sunday 20 Attended church. Rev. M. Bryant, good plain Sermon. How glad to go to the house of God with his people and my own family. Very cold. James Somerville's Family, 1860s Monday 21 Transacted some business, attended meeting, Evening. Old and young are seeking Salvation. Very Cold. Tuesday, March 22, 1864 Weather moderate. Attended church, had a very good meeting * Wednesday 23 Morning cold, the day very warm. Pruned trees and vines. Thursday 24 Attended meeting at 8 o cl. enjoyed it very much. Worked at wood pile and in garden. Friday, March 25, 1864 Weather warm. Attended Universalist social in the evening and a surprise party of Rev. M. Bryant. Saturday 26 Worked hard at wood pile and in the garden. Attended funeral of P.S. Clark's child, Myres preached* Sunday, 27 Attended church twice. Sunday School at 3 o clock P.M. * Monday, March 28, 1864 Went to E. Webber to get my * To dinner at Mr. Sterlings of Eaton Rapids, the * Tuesday 29 Had a pleasant visit with Mr. * in morning. Price for the * colt $15. Sold saddle for $10. Had a very hard work to lead the colt. Arrived at 4 o clock P.M. Wednesday 30 Very tired and exhausted, stayed at home to rest. Thursday, March 31, 1864 Went up into the city, transacted various items of business. Friday, April 1 Attended Union School, Children done very well. The little children * my Emma a surprise visit, had a gay time. Saturday 2 Visited Mr. Leach and Rev. M. Bryant's family, had a very good visit. Made garden, planted peas. Sunday, April 3, 1864 Warm, balmy. Lovely morning. Emma ill with toothache. Monday 4 Rained and was gloomy. Voted Republican ticket Election, played with children. Tuesday 5 A rainy, cheerless day. Took supper at Mr. D. C. Leach's. Dr. * Rev. Bryant and La. were present. Wednesday, April 6, 1864 Warm and showery. Worked in garden. Took supper at Mr. G. Turner. Rev. Bryant and La were present. Thursday 7 Worked at home. Went to Presbyterian Social Evening at Hon. D. C. Leach's. Friday 8 Worked in garden, had a thunder shower in evening. Saturday, April 9, 1864 Morning warm and Spring like, showers through the day. Looked on Cislem. Mrs. Calkins and visited us and took supper. Sunday 10 Went to church in a rain storm, air cold, few to church. Rev. Bryant preached a good sermon on Judgement. Stayed at home, evening and visited with my family. Monday 11 A slight frost. Sundiose, clear and looking very beautiful day. Worked a little in garden. Tuesday 12 Air cold, sky cloudy, slight showers. Doctored Colt. S* hitching posts, did some other work. Packed my valise, cake, pies to go. Wednesday 13 Left my happy home at 9 A.M. My wife and children well and in good Spirit. Had a *. Editor of Free Press. Reached Detroit at 6 PM, left at 10, reached Toledo at 1 night. Thursday 14 Started at 5 A.M. arrived at Cleveland at at 10. Dined at home of Sanitary Commissioner. Start for Pittsburgh at 1.25 P.M., arrived at P.M. at 10. Started for Harrsiburg 10.20, broke cuppling, got behind time. Friday, April 15, 1864 Arrived Harrisburg 9 A.M. lay over to 2.20. Wrote to Eddy. Arrived at Baltimore 6.30 and Washington 9.45 and Capitol 10.30. Monday, April 18, 1864 Had a pass to the city. Got ration money 7.25, paid L.E. Hatten $8.10, Jack paid $3 for saddle. Tuesday 19 Appeared before the Board, examined for * on Reserve Corps. Sent a book to Frank. Wednesday 20 Wrote Marg. S. - Sent $3. Weather dark and gloomy. Sick came in from army. Saturday 21 Movement of the Army Veteran Reserves. Called out. Much excitement among those whom it concerns. Sunday, April 24, 1864 Had a bath. Preaching at 11 1/2 as duty of Soldier. Went to Sabbath School on 9th St. and church in evening.
Monday 25 Read Last of the Barons by E. B. Lytton***, a Historical Romance. Very fine work. Tuesday 26 Hospital life very monotinous. Wednesday, April 27, 1864 A large number of Patients sent North. Dr. Herman and Sergt. Cook, ward master, go to New York with them. Thursday 28 A cold N.E. wind, am suffering with rheumatism. General Geo. Gordon Meade James kept this photograph in his diary
Friday 29 Air cold though Sun is hot. Saturday, April 30, 1864 Visited city. Went to Mrs. Brainard and Mifs. Wheelock. Smithsonian Institute and Col. Gray. Over a hundred patients arrived from front to the hospital. Sunday, May 1 Chaplain Gaylord preached at 11 A.M. * Knows - muster will be attended. Sunday School at 3 P.M. and Preached at 7 1/2 P.M. Rather a dull time as I was unwell. Comical Readings by Davenport in reading room. Monday 2 Quite ill with rheumatism. Cold and squaly, a severe rain, evening, accompanied with thunder. Tuesday, May 3, 1864 Still lame and unwell. Am transfered to Ward 9 by order of Dr. True. Saturday 7 Making preparations for wounded from the battlefield. Sunday 8 Chaplain preached at 10 1/2 o clock. Attended Sabbath School at 3 - Tuesday 10 Went to the city at 8 o clock. P.M. to hear the President but disappointed. Wednesday 11 Wounded Soldiers came in from the field. Thursday, May 12, 1864 Witnessed several operations on the wounded soldiers. What a vast amount of suffering for ones country. Friday 13 Many sent away under guard who were not wounded. Friday, May 27, 1864 Got a letter from home full of good news. Family well. Wrote letters to friendly patients. Sunday 29 A cool and pleasant day. Recieved about an hundred into this Hospital, some * some slightly wounded. Monday, May 20, 1864 Had a visit from Mr. * and Mifs Anne Dickison of New York. Tuesday 31 Very warm and uncomfortable, temp 86. Wednesday, June 1 Went down to the city to purchase a watch and chain for Wm. D. Bal* which we paid $61.00. Company, Dr. True, * Martins & * Thursday, June 2, 1864 A number of men transfered from the Hospital. A light shower, cool air and very beautiful morning. Friday 3 Recieved a letter from home. Family well and enjoying life. Fine, pleasant day. Saturday 4 Answered Wifes letter. Sick with headache. Mrs. Gen. Barns and Daulberay visited Hospital with $ 200.00 worth of strawberries for the patients, raised at the Willard House. The day cool and pleasant. Sunday, June 5, 1864 Usual round of Ward duty. Cool and cloudy. Dr. True very busy cutting out gangreen from Whites arm of Wis. and Loomis of N.Y. leg. Monday 6 A hard wind, an afternoon storm of dust followed by rain. Furloughed men went this morning. Tuesday 7 The air balmy and clear. Transfered men this morning. heard of Col. Gray and Lt. Thompsons resignations. Saturday, June 11, 1864 Rented Melodian of Ellis at $4 per month. Sunday 12 Had a pleasant time singing. Thursday 16 Ill feeling and bickering among the nurses and Ward Master of Ward nine. Saturday 18 Transfered to Ward 6 Sunday 19 Joseph A. Haugh transfered to Ward Six. Friday 24 Very warm and sultry, dry. Saturday 25 Continued heat, thermo 98.| Sunday, June 26, 1864 Heat 100. Shower at 4 o cl. Preaching at 6 o cl in the Park. The air cooler. Was sick morning, very much better in evening. Monday 27 Morning is pleasant but rather warm. Tuesday 28 Very hot morning, afternoon had thunder shower with hail, much cooler. Wednesday, June 29, 1864 Cool and pleasant, nothing of interest transpired. Thursday 30 Mustered for pay. Weather cool. Friday, July 1 Promise of shower, became very warm and sultry. 54 Wounded men, 4 came into Ward Six. Saturday, July 2, 1864 Sun very hot. Cool breeze from the West. Admitted 2 men * Sunday 3 Warm morning but pleasant. Barr of 102 - Mr. H. Arl had leg amputated. Had services. Rev. from Boston preached a very good sermon on Providence. Carried melodian to rooms and sung. Evening cool and cloudy. Monday 4 Cool, pleasant day. Usual monotany. Went down to the city after supper. Saw fireworks on small scale. No unusual interests. Returned at 11 o clock. Night very pleasant. Tuesday, July 5, 1864 Clear. cool and beautiful. Wednesday 6 Promise of a shower, but * over. Saturday 9 Two men due in Ward Six. Morning very warm and oppresive. Evening cool and airy. Record of Service Sunday 10 Clear, cool and beautiful. Recieved notice of being reduced to the ranks for what cause know not. Signed payrolls. Monday, July 11, 1864 Got a pass. Went to pick blackberries, suceed very well. Saw the forts and soldiers. Burning houses. The Sixth Corps * up 7th St. Received pay of $42. Tuesday 12 Was sick from the effects of heat of previous day. Wrote home mailed $10.00. Wednesday 13 Mail stopped. Much excitement caused by * rain. Thursday, July 14, 1864 Wrote home and mailed $10.00 Friday 15
Wrote to Father Haite in Min. - Received a letter from home, cheering news. Saturday 16 Scrubbed Ward this morning. Weather cool and beautiful. Sunday, July 17, 1864 Attended church on 9th St., had a good time. Recieved a letter from D. C. Leach. Monday 18 Very warm and sultry. Recieved a letter from Mrs. S - all well and good in * news. Tuesday 19 Very pleasant. Long day, feeling quite *. Had a severe attack of * diarrhea in the night. * to D. C. Leach. Wednesday, July 20, 1864 Some better but feeble and sore. Took medicine which relieved me some. Thursday 21 Under medical treatment. Weak from the effects of sickness. Cold night. Wrote to E. D. Townsend a General in regard to my rank. Friday 22 Cool morning. Health improved. Cool pleasant day. Recieved letter from B. Riley of Md. in relation to Ben Bronnan alias Rily his son. Wrote a letter for Callender of Ward Nine. Sun red and sky hazy. Saturday, July 23, 1864 Continued sick. Sunday 24 Very pleasant morning, very much like Sabbath. Had preaching at 6 1/2 o clock by Rev. Mr. of Ward 2. I assisted him in introductory. Heavy rain began at 11 o clock P.M. Monday 25 Continues to rain, air cool and pleasant. Tuesday, July 26, 1864 Continued ill health. Weather cool and pleasant. Wrote to my family. Wednesday 27 My health improved. Very still and pleasant in Ward. Adjutant answered my petition by an order to Head Quarters to have me transfered to * 6 and my rank restored. Dr. De Laney in charge. Thursday 28 Weather warm and oppressive. Not feeling vigorous. Wrote home, a long and interesting letter. Saturday 30 Weather very warm and opressive. Went with Dr. True to visit Mr. Forbes in evening. Sunday 31 Very warm heat 101. Had preaching at 3.00. I preached from 1 to 2.12. Went to Presbyterian Church at 8. Called on Mr. Forbes with medicine. Health improved. Monday, August 1, 1864 Glorious news from Petersburgh. Morning cool and cloudy. Health continued better. Afternoon and evening very warm. Tuesday 2 Morning cool and cloudy. Evening thunder showers. Visited Christian Commifsion rooms. Got fruit, * shirt, proper & * Wednesday 3 My health improved, had 3 patients admitted to Ward. Call'd to visit a sick man in Ward 4. Went with Dr. True to visit Mr. Forbes. Took supper with Dr., Suffered with rheumatism. Thursday, August 4, 1864 Air cool and sky cloudy. Noon cloudy and warm. Ill with rheumatism. Friday 5 Morning clear, cold and cloudy. Received a cheering letter from home, prospects of crops good. Had a good bath. Suffered much with pain in both sides. Saturday 6 Heavy rain and thunder early in morning, at 8 clear and warm. Sunday, August 7, 1864 Very pleasant morning. Noon, warm. Preached at 3 o clock acts X. Went to church Ev. Mc Kendres Chaplain. Dry service. Got letter from D. W. Vanauken. Monday 8 Spoke to Dr. about discharge. No hope. Health as usual. Fire on Seventh St. at night. Tuesday 9 Morning cool. Wednesday, August 10, 1864 Very warm. Applied to Maj. Tho. M. Vinton for power to recruit. Called on Government Harnefs Shop Soldier no extra pay. Citizen gets $70.00. - Wrote to D. W. Vanauken. Thursday 11 Very warm morning. Health much improved. Usual routine of duty. Read Murry's Power of Religion. Friday 12 Visited Alexandria. Find it a dirty, ill arranged antiquated city. Visited Grace Church Hospital. C. P. Parker paid $1.21 for dinner for two. Visited Giesbourag. paint, pina. It a very extensive camp. Arrived home at 7 1/2 o clock. Enjoyed visit. Saturday, August 13, 1864 Very warm, thermo 95. Heavy shower with thunder at 3 o clock P.M. Night warm. Sunday 14 Temp 96. Inspection at 10 o cl. Heavy thunder shower at 3 P.M. Chaplain delivered a political * am persevering too the end. Monday 15 Not so warm as usual. thermo 90. Have an attack of rheumatism. Bought a pair of pants at $2.25. Tuesday, August 16, 1864 Morning cloudy but warm. Quite ill with rheumatism and bilious - pleora. Up at 1 o cl. and was warm. Parker furnished a basket of peaches. Wednesday 17 Morning cloudy and cool. Heavy rain with thunder. Sgt. Ch. P. Parker was transfered to Detroit. I was appointed Ward Master of Ward 6. Mr. J. A. Haugh in danger of being sent to his Regt. - Dr. True afsist him. Thursday 18 Cool, cloudy, showery day. Suffered with rheumatism. Arranged my room. Write letters for Collinder Shepard. Bought basket of peaches.
Friday, August 19, 1864 Air cool, heavy rains. recieved letter from home. Mrs. S- much concerned for my health. Had a visit from Lt. * Ward. Lect from Chaplain on state of country, good and true. Saturday 20 Rain and cold, N.E. wind. Buisy writing. Went to market with Dr. True, bought J* and peaches. Sunday 21 Unusualy buisy today and unwell. Had an increase of 14 the night before. Inspection at 10 1/2 o clock by Dr. D*, Lt. Smith. Preached at 9th St.Chapel. * taken bleeding. Drs. Shildon and Delaney ligated artery. Patient died at 10 o clock. Monday, August 22, 1864 Nothing unusual. Heavy rain, evening and night. Tuesday 23 Quite warm. Got a letter from home and family. Well and prosperous. Wednesday 24
Morning cloudy and looked like rain. Became clear and warm. Night quite pleasant, though warm. Friday 26 Went to Gen. Tom Thumb exhibition. Very good music. Performance good. Strong freaks of nature. Saturday 27 Admitted 4 and dismissed 4 patients. Very buisy to day. Wednesday, August 31, 1864 Visited Oddfellows Hall to see Selaputions. Amusing and instructive performance. Friday, September 2 Visited orchard when our men were on guard and enjoyed a feast of pretty good peaches. Saturday, September 3, 1864 Chilly and cloudy day. Have a basketfull of grapes, give to Ward. Sunday 4 Inspection at 11 A.M. Preaching at 3 P.M. by an old man, evening at Wesley Chapel. Heard the Rev. Col. Jackques. Met Capt. H. L. Thayer and Lady. Monday 5 Examination at 10 o clock. 6 of our Ward returned to duty. Heavy rain storm at night. Thursday 8 Attended protracted meeting at TW Kindree* Chapel on NY W. 8 joined on probation, had a good meeting. Friday, September 9, 1864 Signed payrolls. Wednesday 14 Report 25 s. 12 W. = 37. Benjamin Porter Pvt. F T NY H.D. died at 7. o clock P.M. Thursday, September 15, 1864 Wm. H. Luden and Edward Welch to be reported. Returned from furlough on the ninth. Report 26 s 12 2v Beds 36, 21 occupied, 14 low diet.
Friday 16 Chancey Meapes and George Foster furloughed. Report 26 s 10 w. Beds are 34 v 23 low diet 14. Saturday 17 No change in report from yesterday. Beds are 35 va 24. Sunday, September 18, 1864 Jacob Hardenfellar, diserter, for duty. Alexander Purvis, Ruben Lewis, John Wilson. Report. s26 w9 Beds o34 v24 diet14. Monday 19 No change from yesterdays report. Tuesday 20 Alex Davis returned to duty. Report: s25. w9. Beds 38 occupied 24va. L.diet 14. Ruben Lewis and John Wilson recomended to be returned to duty. Struble Burman. * Wednesday, September 21, 1864 For pafs. F. Hancek. P. Babcock. P.W. Carr. Returned to duty Wilson. Thursday 22 Returned to duty J. Wilson. Sick 25, W9. Ldiet 14. Bed are S3, Va24. Returned from furlough John M. Taylor 1st Sgt. F. 30 Me. Vol.| Friday 23 Nelson H. Sibby Sergt G. 40 Meaj. Harrison Jenkins 1 Meajs. H. A. returned from furlough. James H. Brown pass. P. James, H. Sibby. Beds are 36 va 20 Ldiet 14. Lorentz Olsen. Pvt. M 8 Ill. Saturday, September 24, 1864 28 S. W 10. Beds are 36, Va 20, Ldiet 14. Tazette Graves, Joseph Wilson. Sunday 25 report S28, W10. Beds are 20 Va, Low Diet 14. John Golden Pvt. 8 Ill Cav. * discharged. Monday 26 Report S 27, W 10. Beds are 35, Va 21. pass. John M. Tyler 1 Sergt. F. 30 Me. H. Perkins Pvt. H, 1 Majs. H.A. Somerville Tuesday, September 27, 1864 No change in yesterdays report. Pass Geo. Saxty, Sanford Wilcox (name crossed out), John W. Carr (name crossed out), Thomas Arnold, J.H. Brown, Borden * Lewis transfered to N. Jersey. (Click image to enlarge) Wednesday 28 Report 26 S, 10 W. Beds 34 Ou 22 Va, Ld 14. Pass J.H. Carr, Sanford Wilcox (crossed out) H.S. Strubble, J.W. Haugh. Jas H. Doling Pvt. Co. A. 152 furloughed. Thursday 29 Report 25 S, 10 W. Beds 33 ou 23 Vac. for pass S. Wilcox, Wm. Shepherd. Friday, September 30, 1864 Returned from furlough Jas S. Surdam. = 26 for pass, Thomas Arnold, - Jas H. Brown. Report 27 S, 11 W. Beds 35 Oc 21 Vac. L.D.14, admitted Merritt Norman. Saturday, October 1 For pass. August Pflazer, Nelson H. Sebly sergt. (crossed out), Isaac Babcock (crossed out) sergt. No change in report. John M. Tyler. Sunday 2 Nathan Higgins R 1 M. 1st Me. H.A. died 1st 1864. 26 Sick, 10 W. Ruben Lewis returned to duty. Monday, October 3, 1864 Pass. Henriech Kutchmer, Lorentz Olsen. Nelson H. Sibly, August Pflazer to Alexandria. 29 (crossed out) 36 Oc Va 27 (crossed out) 28. * 26 S, W 10. Tuesday 4 Pass. Merrit Norman, John H. Carr, J. Wilson. Returned to duty Fayette Groves Pvt. A 106 N.Y. Vol. Report: 25 S, W 10. = Beds 30 Oc 28 Vac. Wednesday 5 Pass Henery Struble. John Somerville, N. Jenkins, J.A. Hough, Alexandria, Va. (crossed out), Levi O.Curtis. * but to be applied for. Returned to duty John James: report 24 S. W 10. Beds are 30 oc Va 28. Thursday, October 6, 1864 Pass Wm. Shepherd. Geo H. Saxty. John Burman. No change in report.
Went to school today and had a nice time today. - Frank Somerville Friday 7 Pass Sanford Wilcox (crossed out) J.A. Hough to Alexandria. S. Groham. Saturday 8 Pass J. H. Brown, H. Kutchmer, S. Graham, furlough H. S. Struble. Report 24 S W 9. Beds are Va 29, L.d 14. Sunday, October 9, 1864 Report New patient 4 W 17 S. Report S 35, W 13. Beds are oc 44, Va 14. Monday 10 Pass. Wm. Caldwell, J. H. Carr, David Burrell. Tuesday 11 Pass S. Graham, J. H. Brown (crossed out) Ja. Harris, Merritt Norman. 35 S, 13 W. Beds are oc 41 V 14. Wednesday, October 12, 1864
Pass Frank E. Tristan, Samuel George, John Burman. Furloughed J H Brown, Wm. Shepherd, J. W. Vanvater returned from furlough. Report- 34 S, 13 W. Beds are 43 occ., V 15. Thursday 13 Descriptive List applied for. John Kelly. Pass G. H. Saxty, J. W. *, J.A. Hough to Alex. No change in report. Left Washington at 5 1/2 o clock on 45 day furlough. Friday 14 Pass Q. Petit, Frances H*, Sanford Wilcox. Saturday, October 15, 1864 Pass Peter Bagly. H. Jenkins. Arrived at Detroit at 10 A.M. being 2 hrs to late for coms. Boat detained by fog and river *. Arrived at Arvasso at 1.30 night. Sunday 16 Took breakfast at Hotel, went to church. Found friends J. B. Cole, remained with them to Monday at 1.30 P.M. Monday 17 David Burnell (crossed out) Reached home at 4 P.M. found my daughter Emma at Depot and boys at the corner. All well. Tuesday, October 18, 1864 Visit at home. Enjoy it much. Wednesday 19 Went to * Colt C * not find it * (Child has written over these lines) Thursday 20 Work in Cellar. Friday, October 21, 1864 Colt came home. Sunday 23 Heard Bryant preach evening. Communion in evening. Monday, October 24, 1864 Okemas. John Tasker accompanied me have a house full and good time. Tuesday 25 Onondaga Tenny Went alone meet Potter and Reid at Kennyville. Have good time. Wednesday 26 Returned home, arrived at 11 1/2 A.M. Mafs meeting. H. A. Shaw and Senator Haward spoke. Rained and very dark evening. Thursday, October 27, 1864 Marble S. H. Meridan. Rode with Potter. Rained * out. Stoped with Wm. Gibson Chatterton, brought me to Wilkison on Friday. Friday 28 County S. H. Allidan. Few out. Stoped with Honey. Saturday 29 Aurelius, center. Wilkison brought me to Mason thence to Aurelius. Concerned abt. many and a poor * and dark night. Stoped with Sanders. Sunday, October 30, 1864 Preached at 11 o clock and at 7 P.M. Had great liberty in preaching. Monday 31 Ames School House, Onondaga. Did not go to this appointment, could not find out where it was. Thalis Hauntoon got meeting at his S.H., Vevay. Tuesday, November 1 Sanders School house, Leslie. Had a good time and full house. Stoped to Thalis Hauntoon. Wednesday, November 2, 1864 Bawdish School house, Stockbridge. Hauntoon carried me to Meadville, dined at Paddock's. Thursday 3 Lowel sch house & White Oak Friday 4 Lunch S.H. Leroy Saturday, November 5, 1864 Rozmaner, S.H. Wheatfield Wednesday 9 Went to school and had a nice time - Frank Somerville Sunday 27 Arrived at Washington at noon.
(No further entries)
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The years creep slowly by, Lorena The snow is on the grass again The sun's low down the sky, Lorena The frost gleams where the flowers have been But the heart throbs on as warmly now As when the summer days were nigh Oh, the sun can never dip so low A-down affection's cloudless sky. A hundred months have passed, Lorena Since last I held that hand in mine And felt the pulse beat fast, Lorena Though mine beat faster far than thine A hundred months...'twas flowery May When up the hilly slope we climbed To watch the dying of the day And hear the distant church bells chime.
We loved each other then, Lorena More than we ever dared to tell And what we might have been, Lorena Had but our loving prospered well But then, 'tis past, the years have gone I'll not call up their shadowy forms I'll say to them, "Lost years, sleep on Sleep on, nor heed life's pelting storms."
The story of the past, Lorena Alas! I care not to repeat The hopes that could not last, Lorena They lived, but only lived to cheat I would not cause e'en one regret To rankle in your bosom now "For if we try we may forget" Were words of thine long years ago.
Yes, these were words of thine, Lorena They are within my memory yet They touched some tender chords, Lorena Which thrill and tremble with regret 'Twas not the woman's heart which spoke Thy heart was always true to me A duty stern and piercing broke The tie which linked my soul with thee.
It matters little now, Lorena The past is in the eternal past Our hearts will soon lie low, Lorena Life's tide is ebbing out so fast There is a future, oh, thank God! Of life this is so small a part 'Tis dust to dust beneath the sod But there, up there, 'tis heart to heart.
Beautiful Graphics are from Susan E. Christoffersen of: