Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.
Last night was bitter cold, but we had big fires which kept us comfortable. We have seventeen men stand guard alternately one hour each. Weather clear but cold.
February 23, 1863
Monday. As there was no drill this forenoon, & the Co. were employed in clearing the parade ground. I spent it in filling up the Muster Rolls of the Co. for Jan. & Feb., and made so good progress that I have finished them this evening, though it is now pretty late. We have hoped to get another mail today, but none came. We understand that one has arrived at New Orleans. This p.m. had a very good Batt[alion] Drill, followed by company inspections. Our men improve in soldierly appearance daily.
Diary of Isaac Winslow Case [Miscellaneous Manuscripts Collection]
February 22, 1863
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.
Snowed, still falling.
11 A.M. leave camp for the Picket line, which we reach[at] half past two P.M. The storm has been the worst we have experienced in the Army, blinding snow, with a strong cold wind. Our post is six miles from camp & in sight of the residence of Samuel Wallace. Snow eight inches deep.
February 21, 1863
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.
Co Drill, by Myself. Weather pleasant.
7 P.M. Orders for three days cooked rations, to go on picket at 8 o’ck tomorrow morning.
10 P.M. Snowing.
Diary of A.M. Riddle [Civil War Miscellany]
February 20, 1863
Friday. The mail arrived early & was distributed just after breakfast. Got a letter from Pamelia, written Jan. 26th-29th & mailed the 30th. At that time she had not rec’d any letters from me for four weeks, & supposed I had not got those she had written. I have rec’d all that have had time to reach me, and I think all of mine will arrive in due season. Have been writing by odd jobs for nearly a week, & this morning have put me letter in the box, but suppose it will not go from here for a day or two. I am thankful to the kind Providence that has kept in safety all the dear ones at home. Surely goodness & mercy have followed us all hitherto & I will try to trust our kind heavenly Father for the future.
Diary of Isaac Winslow Case [Miscellaneous Manuscripts Collection]
February 19, 1863
Headquarters 2nd Divn near Falmouth, Va.
My dear mother:
After a hard rain all day yesterday and last night, we have a cessation this morning and some indication of fair weather again.
I scarcely went out of my tent, at most only into the neighboring ones here at Hd. qrs. I have not been upon my horse since last Saturday night when I returned with Mr. Stinson, as I think I wrote you, from a visit to the left of the Army and the 5th Maine.
Otis asked me this morning whether I would not like to go with him to Philadelphia as he intends to take a Leave on ten days soon. I told him I would be compelled to get some clothes if I did so and that perhaps I had better not go. He said I could go if I chose and I will consider the matter meanwhile. [Read more…] about February 19, 1863
February 18, 1863
[Louisiana] Wednesday. Weather more pleasant, but camp ground terrible muddy. In the forenoon the men were ordered to raise up their tents & raise the floors higher from the ground—boards & joist being furnished for the purpose. I went down to town in morning to get my boots tapped, but could not get it done. Visited the Hospital. Found most of our men gaining but York was very sick, & will not probably live more than a few days. In afternoon, after the men had got their tents fixed up, had a short Batt[alion] Drill. Finished a letter to Pamelia, & wrote one to cousin Maria Snow, in answer to one from her inclosed in Pamelia’s last.
Diary of Isaac Winslow Case [Miscellaneous Manuscripts Collection]
February 17, 1863
[Louisiana] Tuesday. Rainy all day. Had no drills or inspection. Have spent most of the day in the tent, writing, & preparing Company papers. Am trying to arrange my Co. accounts so that if I live to make another “quarterly return“ I may do it with less labor & perplexity than I have been able to do the last. I turned over to the Col. today 8 guns & sets of accoutrements belonging to sick men who are not likely to use them for a long time. This relieves me from the trouble of keeping them in my own hands, & from the danger of losing them. I now have but three sets in my hands, & hope the men to whom they belong will soon be able to take them again.
Last night some of our Cavalry pickets were fired upon by rebel cavalry, & one of our men shot in the ankle, breaking the bones so badly as to make amputation necessary, which has been performed on him today, in the Genl. Hospital. [Read more…] about February 17, 1863
February 16, 1863
[Louisiana] Monday. Cloudy in morning. Lt. J. drilled company in firearms. Self writing. In afternoon had Regimental Inspection by Lieut. Brown, which took till nearly night. This evening attended School of Instruction for Officers, by Capt. Denslow, of the N.Y. 6th, subject “skirmishing.”
Diary of Isaac Winslow Case [Miscellaneous Manuscripts Collection]
February 15, 1863
[Louisiana] Sunday. Had no military orders to do. Services in forenoon. Sermon by Mr. Wardwell—a good faithful, practical discourse. Weather cloudy & warm. This evening it is raining again. Prayer meeting at Quartermaster tent. I have not attended. The Col. told me today that we are to turn over our tents & be furnished with “shelter tents”. This looks like a move into the field. It may come within a few days. It is said that the Brigadier, General Dwight, has arrived & is to take command—hope he is a different man from Col. Wilson.
Diary of Isaac Winslow Case [Miscellaneous Manuscripts Collection]