Bought a horse this day for $150—dapple brown color, off fore ankle & rear hind ankle white. On the move now. Don’t know where but think we are going to join the forces of Hill & Longstreet and attack Hooker. The confirmation of a rumor that Grant had been badly whipped before Vicksburg came last night. Great rejoicing in consequence. Camped last night about 4 miles from the town of Berlin. Marched until about 2 o’clock. Went into action at that time. Remained until 4 o’clock. Lost from our battery 1 man killed, … 1 man wounded … 3 horses wounded. Went to bed at 1 o’clock.
Louisiana Guard Artillery
June 20, 1863
Election held in company under supervision Lt Col Jones, for officers to fill vacancies. A. M. Riddle was elected unanimously Sr. 2d Lieut. … Commission to date from 15th
May 2, 1863
Laying at Chancellorsville Va. Skirmishing began at six o’clk A.M. and continued all day, interspersed with Artillery practice. 4 ½ P.M. the fight becomes heavy, [illegible word] increases for an hour and a half. Six and a half o’clock, heavy musketry off to the right.
February 24, 1863
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 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 6, 1863
Near Fredericksburg, Va.
Feb. 6. Rained all night. Ceased 7 o’cl[oc]k this morning. Marched two miles farther to Deep run. 10 P.M. start back. Halt at Heartwood Church. The night very cold. Last night three men were injured by the falling of trees for firewood.
February 4, 1863
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.
11 A.M. Co. Drill. 9 P.M. Orders for three days cold rations. Move in the morning 7 A.M. Weather cold.
January 30, 1863
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.
Finish[ed] our shanty. Weather pleasant.
January 22, 1863
Hd Qts, near Fredricksburg, Va.
Stormed all night. Wind and rain ceased. Still threatening. The Army stuck in mud, five miles from here.
January 20, 1863
Jan. 20. Broke Camp at noon. The Division marched about one mile, halted. At dark, the Regt. Returned to their Camps. 7 P.M. rain.
Diary of A.M. Riddle [Civil War Miscellany]