Remained in camp all afternoon. […] Drew 10 days rations.
August 3, 1863
Rockville
To J.L. Chamberlain, Dear Sir
Your very kind and gentlemanly letter was received to night and on behalf of all our family, friends, we deem it a very great kindness, that you, a total stranger, should send us tidings, of so precious and yet so sad a moment.
We have never heard from my brother, since that terrible batter at G–g. and have long since mourned him as dead, and it will be a kindness the memory of which death only can efface, if you will forward the book to C.H. Towne Esq. Rockville, Ct.
Very Respectfully, M.S.Morse.
M.S. Morse to Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain [Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain Collection]
August 2, 1863
Sunday
Marched about 4 miles and took position on the banks of the River. Left the wagons with By “B” – they commenced to rebuild the R.R. Bridge. Will complete it in a few days – all quiet – very hot.
August 1, 1863
Saturday
Make camp as [illegible] marches by Beulitin to Rappahannock Station […] by not. A sharp Cavalry filled in afterward and evening Otis said that Mr. [illegible] was driven seven miles from the River.
July 31, 1863
Friday. The last day of my birth month signalized by my final happy admission to the Junior class. I believe I shall indulge in self congratulation after I have brought my record down to that occasion.
But before I relate the manner of my obtaining the ticket I must tell of my grievous disappointment in not getting it at first. I had been in on Tuesday evening before Cross and made up on Trigonometry and Surveying, leaving only three books of Geometry which I endeavored to prevail on him to excuse, promising to make up after I had received my ticket. He assured me that he would do his best, which promise added to Prof. Whittlesey’s left me little doubt on the question and in the evening I devoted myself to the task of sum making in which I distinguished myself. The following are some of my base attempts. [Read more…] about July 31, 1863
July 30, 1863
Thursday
Lay all day in camp reading Russell’s “Diary North and South”
July 29, 1863
Hd. qrs. 11th Corps, Warrenton Junction, Va.
My dear Mother,
If we could have known that the Army would lie still so long we might have been home by this time. Yet we may move before another four days or even another two days expire. I got letters from Dellie & Rowland each telling about the Draft. Hope you will find it convenient to go up and visit Rowland. He can tell you a great deal about our daily life which was striking to him and he would remember but which does not come to my mind in writing. It has continued very warm but last night we had a shower which cooled off the air a little.
I am going to ride to Hd. qrs. with Otis this morning to Warrenton 9 miles or more.
I answer to a letter he had written Otis received one from the President in which he expressed great regret that Lee was allowed to escape but on the whole said he had determined to be grateful for what had been done & not complain about what had not been accomplished. [Read more…] about July 29, 1863
July 28, 1863
Camp woke up at 2 ½ o’clock. Moved at daylight. Commenced the ascent of the mountain (Fisher Gap, Blue Ridge) at 5 ½ o’clock. Reached the top of the mountain at 9 ½ o’clock. Very hard march on horses. 20 days without cover. (Mem. 6 miles up from Luray valley & 7 miles down opposite side.) Camped now 5 miles from foot of the mountain & 5 miles from Madison Courthouse. Dropped 2 horses today. Rained very hard this evening.
July 27, 1863
Left at sunrise this morning. Arrived at top of the mountain at 8 o’clock. Now waiting near the Shenandoah river until the pontoons are laid. Crossed safely. Camped 1 ½ miles from foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Orders to be ready to move at daylight tomorrow morning.
July 26, 1863
On the move by sunrise this morning. Passed through Mt. Jackson and Newmarket. Camped about 10 ½ o’clock at the foot of the Massanutten mountain. Leave at sunrise tomorrow morning to cross the mountain.
Rained very hard last night. Thought I was well sheltered, but found that I had made my bed across a small ditch which soon filled up and was rather unpleasant to lay[!] in, but I went to sleep & woke up at daylight feeling “right side up with care.”[