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]
Virginia
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 14, 1863
Headquarters 2nd Divn
2nd Corps. Feb. 14. 1863
Near Falmouth Va.
Dearest,
It is getting pretty late and we have had reading and prayers, but I can’t go to bed without telling you that I have thought much of this day 8 years ago, since then how much of experiences in the retrospect. You seem just as young, just as beautiful, and I think a little more so to me now. There is so much freshness in our lives. I would like to lover-like to pay my addresses to you tonight. Never mind the wedding dress, nor the tiny slippers, nor the choir cake. To me it would be a wedding night if I were home even without the bonfire. Goodnight.
Oliver Otis Howard to his wife, Elizabeth Ann Waite [Oliver Otis Howard Papers]
February 10, 1863
Head Qrs 2n Divn
Near Falmouth, Va
My dear brother [Rodelphus Gilmore]
It is my turn to write again, almost doubly so, as Rowland sent me your last to him. It is a bright warm morning like some April day in Maine.
Otis is sitting upon a Military Commission for the trial of a Rebel citizen who was with a party of Rebel soldiers who fired upon some of our troops. It may cost him his life. Otis is the President of the Comn. It consists of several Generals and some 3 or 4 Cols. The Comn sits at the Phillips house and Otis is going round by the 3d Maine. [Read more…] about February 10, 1863
February 7, 1863
Near Fredericksburg, Va.
Feb. 7. Clear, promises a fair day. 9 A.M. orders to fall in. Start for camp. We arrive at 9 P.M. roads very muddy. Our Expedition was to burn the Rail Road bridg[e] which crosses the Rappahannoc[k] River at Rappahannoc[k] Station on the Orange & Alexandria RR. The enemy lost three killed, our side lost none. The bridge was effectively destroyed.
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 18, 1863
Camp near Fredericksburg, Va.
Weather clear and cold. The move postponed to tomorrow noon. The 4th Excelsior oppose their consolidation with the 163d N.Y. Regt. “or any other man.”