A great deal of skirmishing ahead of us. As yet have not been engaged.
A.M. Riddle
September 18, 1863
This morning woke up to find myself lying in the water. Clothing all wet. Think it must have rained all night. Was little picket firing today. Wrote home today, also to George and D. H. Weeks. Hope we will have a general engagement soon.
September 17, 1863
Considerable skirmishing today … About 4 o’clock the Yankees left their breastworks for what is not known. Gen. Lee came to where my 1st piece is. Think he is looking to see how the defences are.
Received letters from home today under date of June 30th. Came to the conclusion they were rather ancient.
September 12, 1863
Our camp was called today “Camp Industry” by a very nice young lady with whom I have become acquainted in the neighborhood of our camp. Her name is Miss Bessie Johnson.
August 23, 1863
No change of camp. Am very tired of staying in camp so long. Have not had a fight for over 1 ½ months. Hope it will not be long ere we have another one. Am in need of a great many articles which only the Yanks can furnish at the present time. Want to get new horses & harness for guns & clothing for myself. Rec’d 2 letters from home July 1st & 20th.
August 21, 1863
Attended divine service this day in Capt. Carrington’s camp. Preaching by Rev. Dr. Page. Weather intensely hot.
August 18, 1863
Visited Orange Courthouse today. Spent the day very pleasantly. Met some of the W.A. in town. Had order for 4 quarts whiskey which kept us pretty lively all day. Reached camp about 11 ½ o’clock at night. Sgt. McGee had the good fortune to draw a furlough today.
August 12, 1863
… No news of Yankees.
August 10, 1863
Still in camp. Orders to have muster at 8 o’clock. Muster roll called by Lt. Col. Jones. Have now on our rolls 98 enlisted men.
August 9, 1863
Still in camp. Weather warm—the same kind of weather as last year on this date when we marched to Cedar Mountain where we fought & whipped Pope and his hirelings. Nothing new, not even a camp rumor.