Waterford, Va.
November, Saturday 1, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternating pleasant to the best of my recollection I felt almost well again could not complain. I spent the forenoon out foraging for apples for I am particularly fond of the fruit. Tom Brown was with me we were very successful finding any quantity and was welcomed by the citizens who had a flock of about 60 or more fine large young turkeys. I never saw such a county for turkeys. I returned to Camp Col. Welsh ordered us out to drill in the afternoon but the Penna. Reserve Corp coming along officers and men got mingled together so anxious to see drill. My old acquaintance and friend George Huntz of (Fort Perry) called to see me. After the reserves had post, the Colonel said we would return to camp. So ended our drill--very pleasantly of Colonel were Pentecost, Eleven Alvey, Sergt Bill Horne (Corp.); I have forgotten that rest. Alvey was promoted from Corporal to Sergeant at home from Private to Corporal.
Waterford, Va. Marching
November, Sunday 2, 1862
Weather clear warm and pleasant a beautiful Lords Day and the army must keep it by commencing another move which is not at all necessary. We commenced the march in the morning and continued it until night--slow but regular. The country varied little from that area Lovettsville and Waterford save in not being as fertile in appearance. We encamped about 12 miles I should judge (This being McClellans regular day march). We passed the Reserve Corp. advancing near a little village. I cannot remember the name of the village though there was one if not two fine meeting houses in the place. Some few citizens occupied the houses but they were not friendly to the Federal Army.
Marching I dont remember our whereabouts to day
November, Monday 3, 1862
[Newspaper insert]:
An Old New Yorker on Planting in the Moon.
To the Editor of Farming World:
Says one of my neighboring farmers: I dont believe in such superstition; I plain the earth when I plan. I reply: Plant where you please and when you please. Its nothing to me if you will never try experiments, but ridicule a theory without a test, you will never know whether there is any reality in it or not. One of my parents used to frequently hoot at me for trying experiments. I admit that many of them did not amount to shucks, but a few of them I consider of great value. One of them was planting in the moon, as I term it. My way is for all vegetation, grain, grass, and everything that grows above the earth, to plant or sow the day the moon fulls for all vegetables that grow in the earth, to plant as soon after the full of the moon as you can get to it, but never plant or sow any kind of seed in the dark of the moon. The last quarter is a bad time; no vegetation will produce anything to speak of. I like the Farming World best of all my papers. It has the largest range of topics of any paper on earth. Its writers speak out but treat each other respectfully, and quit when they are done. I hope that brother farmers will give us their views about planting in the moon; you have mine L.D. Smiley
Saratoga Co., N. Y.
Marching I dont remember our whereabouts
November, Tuesday 4, 1862
[Newspaper insert]:
No worse than others.- Bob Toombs and Jeff Davis are both unwashed and unrepentant rebels and traitors they dont pretend to be anything else in that they deserve more credit that many others in the South; who at heart are as big rebels as they, and yet have not the manliness to acknowledge their real sentiments. Both Toombs and Davis glory in their treason and rebellion. Last week the former sent his compliments to General Grant, at Chicago, on the reunion of the army of Tennessee, in the following language:
Present my personal congratulation to Gen. Grant on his safe arrival in this country. He fought for his country honorably and won. I fought for mine and lost. I am ready to try it over again. Death to the Union.
[Text written]:
Unlucky Days
Males October Females
3,4,9,16,17,31 | 5,9,14,20,27,29
Males November Females
1,3,8,14,22 | 2,10,21,29
Males December Females
6,11,15,21,26 | 6,14,24,26
Marching I dont remember our whereabouts
November, Wednesday 5, 1862
[Newspaper insert]:
Thurlow Weeds Story of Old Zach Taylor.
[New York Correspondence Boston Herald]
The conversation turning upon leading rebels, Mr. Weed related an anecdote of considerable historic interest. When, he said, California was about to be admitted to the Union, slaveholders party in Congress, as you know, were determined that the State should not have a free-state constitution. Then, on the floors of Congress, Toombs and Stephens of Georgia threatened what really took place in 1861. About that time I called on President Taylor at the White House, and he said to me: Did you see those d---d traitors when you came in? I replied that I had seen some gentlemen, Messrs. Toombs, Stephens and a North Carolina Senator. Well, said President Taylor, those were the men I meant. But the biggest conspirator of all didnt dare come. I asked him who that was, and the President answered, my son-in-law, Jefferson Davis!
[Text written]:
Pall Bearers for Gen. Leasure
C. C. Lobingier Co. A
A. M. Phillips B
Hugh Morrison C
J. C. Hart D
D. M. Locke E
Philip Crawl F
Milton McMillan G
Hillary Bay H
John F. Cooper I
Marching I dont remember our whereabouts
November, Thursday 6, 1862
See Preceeding Page
Unlucky Days
Begin no enterprise on these dates
Males January Females
|
Males Feburary Females
13,19,20,28 | 10,16,17,22,23
Males March Females
12,13,17,22 | 1,2,8,28,29
Males April Females
10,14,17,18 | 24,25,28,30
Males May Females
12,13,26,27,30 | 17,22,29,30
Males June Females
10,16,17,22,23,24,28 | 5,6,18,19,26
Males July Females
3,4,10,11,16,17,18,29 | 3,4,6,10,15
Males August Females
3,10,13,20,22 | 7,13,19,23
Males September Females
8,10,12,18 | 9,16,27,30
Marching
November, Friday 7, 1862
Weather cloudy and cold November weather in every respect if I remember right. We were marching today but I cannot remember the situation of our encampment or the village we have passed through during the past 4 days and I may be mistaken in this days march. But if my memory serves me right we made the biggest days march to day of any time during the Campaign or winter McClelland marching over 20 miles I should judge. I think this is the day we passed a place where some soldiers were burying a Union Cavalry man. I have heard soldiers say hundreds of Cavalryman ( I have the first one not to see) We marched until dark all of us were very tired hungry and weary and would have been obliged to march several miles farther had not some Cavalry troops came along. Fortunately for us we were saved 3 or 4 miles more marching. This was a forced march to reach a certain point Waterloo . The heavy snow fell thus was the first snow of the season.
Marching Waterloo Va.
November, Saturday 8, 1862
Weather bore a wintery appearance cold and dreary getting gradually colder during the day Several inches of snow fell during last night the first snow of the season. We built huge fires using the rail fences for fuel-the whole Company getting around one fire. They butchered fresh beef today Water was scarce here and very poor when found Some of the boys cut down a large persimmon tree covered with bushels of ripe fruit and we had quite a feast on persimmons. About noon we struck our tents and commenced the march through the snow about 3 or 4 inches deep it reminded me of the winter marches of our Revolutionary stories of which I have frequently read. Marched about 4 miles and encamped near Waterloo in a branch of the Rappahamock River near on old mill.
Near Waterloo Va.
November, Sunday 9, 1862
Weather cloudy and dreary November weather in every respect if I remember correctly. When we arrived here last night we spied a straw stack on a hill near by and all made a rush as soon as possible to get a bed of straw and such a serably? march I never saw some two or three soldiers pulling sertent? at the same stack. I found a splendid new Whitney Revolver loaded and capped in the middle. I presume some Yankee of the 36th Mass. Regt. lost it. We were idle in Camp today. Bill Lewis and I went out along the River in search of Persimmons or apples or something to eat and in passing Col. Leasures headquarters Lieutenant Cr? of Col. Leasures staff wanted to accompany Bill and I on a fishing town but Bill told him we had no fishing tackle. So we went on in search of fruit. Prayer Meeting by Chaplain Brown.
Encamped near Waterloo Va.
November, Monday 10, 1862
Weather cloudy and in every respect--November weather if I remember correctly. We were idle in Camp--the boys were discussing the removal of Gen. McClellans removal. Some of the boys were opposed very much to Macs removal but I thought it all for the best . We were out of food having little or nothing to eat but meat and coffee--and little meat. The teams went out in search of forage Prayer Meeting as usual by Chaplain Brown.
Encamped near Waterloo, Va. - Fasting
November, Tuesday 11, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately November weather in every respect to the best of my recollection. We were idle in Camp-- nothing to do and consequently doing nothing. I could hear the cars whistle at Warrington . Our provisions were decreasing a little meat and coffee. The forage teams returned at night with corn for the mules but the troop were so hungry that they demanded the corn so it was throwed out on the ground and such scrambling fighting and tumbling over such men all for a little corn. It reminded me of starving porkers. It was a rich scene and beggars dissension so we got a little corn to parch tonight and I need scarcely say that every frying pan in Camp was in use. Prayer Meeting as usual by our Chaplain.
Encamped near Waterloo Va. - Fasting
November, Wednesday 12, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately November weather in every respect to the best of my recollection. We were idle in Camp starving every day. We are getting worse off for food I can now have a faint idea of what one suffers from hunger. I suffered much and went but in search of something to satisfy my hunger and found where some officers cook had spilled some cooked beans in the mud and scooped up mud and beans with my hands and ate them. I never tasted such good sweet beans--they were so good. But being so few in number I crossed the river and continued my search. I found some half dozen r frozen or rather rotten apples in an orchard I thought I never ate better apples. I could not find anything more as the land is completely cleaned out-so I return to Camp unsatisfied.
[unreadable text in margins]
Encamped near Waterloo Va. Starving or Fasting
November, Thursday 13, 1862
Weather cloudy and clear alternately November weather in every respect. Our gut is still decreasing and one feels as if we were at the point of starvation. I have a faint idea of the suffering experienced and can sympathize with all such who suffer. We have been starving for four days having no bread but a little parched corn and huge lard. Oh how sweet to make ones breakfast on lard and parched corn all there is--the fault of soldier. Stop Gen. McClellan, his Quartermaster and Company in not finding provisions enough and to spare. But what do officers care about Private so long as they have plenty to eat. We heard cannonading and were ordered out to meet the Enemy. We marched about a mile. We would make a desperate defense all a weak from hunger as infants. I could scarcely march at all a petty condition to meet the Enemy in. But fortunately the order was countermanded and we returned to Camp. Clark McKeever had two crackers and gave me one. Went out to meet the Enemy to prepare me for battle. I never saw such unselfishness as Clark exhibits. We drew six crackers apiece to night.
Camp near Waterloo Va.
November, Friday 14, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately November weather in every respect to the best of my recollection. We still remained at our old Camp in the hollow near Waterloo . The boys gave this Camp the name of Starvation Hollow and ever continue to speak of it as such.. A very appropriate name in my opinion.. Such was Gen. Geo. B. McClellans treatment to his troops. The man who has been puffed up to the skies by newspaper editors and Company and almost [?]. At one time he feeds his troop on musty crackers alive with worms and at another starves them. Such was my experience as a Private soldier under McClellan and all this kind of treatment without a shadow of excuse. Prayer Meeting conducted by Chaplain Brown.
Marching On Picket Sulpher Springs
November, Saturday 15, 1862
Weather cloudy and clear alternately November weather in every respect to the best of my recollection We commenced a march this morning under our noble old leader (Burnside) passed the Camp of 63rd P. V. about two miles from Starvation Hollow I saw John Ferry at his tent as we passed but we did not speak. We took it slow and easy today getting on the Warrington and Culpepper turn pike we marched over a portion of our old war path of last summer under Pope. We halted at Sulpher Springs Va. Here the artillery was engaged as usual (I believe I saw a field hovel throw a shell at least 4 miles if not more towards Culpepper C. H. ). While hauling here an aid rode up and inquired if our was on Old Regiment said he wanted an Old Regt. for Picket, so we were marched down to the bridge and we relieved the 35th Mass. Regt. A heavy guard been stationed at the bridge--the remainder were stacked along the River. The reason for wanting an Old Regt. was that the 35th Mass. (new one) was attacked yesterday by Rebel Cavalry and I ran from there first without fighting or defending it in the least.
Picketing at Sulpher Springs Va.
November, Sunday 16, 1862
Weather cloudy cold and dreary November like in every respect. We had a pretty severe time on picket last night as it was cold chilly weather along the River and were not allowed any fire as the Enemy was in sight across the River on the hill. Cavalry stationed at a house on or near the turn pike and the Jonnys were not afraid to show themselves . Pickets were notified that Chaplain Brown would have regular services at the post at the bridge and all who marched were allowed to attend. So I went up and when returning a Rebel fired his Carling at us or me the ball passing over my head struck the ground in the road and some one picked it up. All along the line this aroused the Pickets and the boys were very anxious to give them a volly returning the compliments but federal soldier are never allowed to murder Pickets. Being relieved about now we started on the march again, we marched over part of the old war path today again and had a big mess of it today continuing until late at night we traveled over considerable ground making a full days march or more I was very weary before we stopped for the night I dont remember our encampment where it was nor how situated.
Marching
November, Monday 17, 1862
ROUNDHEAD
By direct authority of Sec. of War Cameron issued to me (Leasure) on mustering out of the three months service. I raised a Regiment of 12 Companies in a few (24) days for three years and was mustered into the service with it as Colonel at Pittsburgh Pa. Aug. 30th 1861.
By direct order of the Sec. of War without a commission from the Governor of Penna.
This being the anomalous position of a mustered officer holding no commission and my command on independent one. Not one of the officers of that Regt. held a commission.
We had been many
[continued below]
Marching
November, Tuesday 18, 1862
months in the field had fought in two battles and some of the officers were killed before at the request of the Sec. of War. The Governor of Penna. sent us our commission dated back to Aug. 28th 1861 the day of our rendezvous int. Pittsburgh, Pa.
And we received our number in line of Pennsylvania troops 100 instead of 29th our number by date of muster up to that line the Regiment bore the name given to it by Simon Cameron Sec. of War Roundhead.
By which name it was borne on all its original rolls and in all official relations with the War Department.
By seniority of muster I ranked every officer of my grade in the command
[continued below]
Marching
November, Wednesday 19, 1862
in which I served and so was liable at any time to be assigned to the command of a division. And this seemed a sufficient reason to those under whom served to place many secrets in my keeping that would be of use to me in case of any sudden assumption of higher command being thrust upon me by the exigencies of the service.
Scout and Mail Daniel Leasure
April 24th 1886 Late Col. 100th P. V.
Roundheads
Brevet Brig. General
Life and Public services of U. S. Grant
By Col. Herman Dick Home Publishing Co. Pitts, Pa.
November, Thursday 20, 1862
GEN. GRANT SAYS THERE WERE OTHER GENEARLS AS GOOD AS HIMSELF.
Speech in reply to Gen Shermans on his departure for Europe May 17th 1877
HAD IT BEEN NECESSARY, I BELIEVE SOME OF THESE LIEUTENANTS COULD HAVE FILLED MY PLACE MAY BE BETTER THAN I DID I BELIEVE THAT MY FRIEND SHERMAN COULD HAVE TAKEN MY PLACE AS A SOLDIER AND THE SAME WILL APPLY TO SHERIDAN
The above speech made by on Lanng Philadelphia, Pa. on board the U. S. Revenue Culler
Hamilton
BEST PICTURE of Grant in uniform
By F. Gutekunst Philada, Pa.
Jabor of San Francisco as a citizen
THE FINEST POEM
November, Friday 21, 1862
THE BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC
Mines eyes have seen have seen the comeing of the Glory of the Lord.
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored.
He hath loosed the fateful lightnings with his terrible swift sword.
His truth is marching on
I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an alter in the evening dews and damps
I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaming lamps
His day is marching on
I have read a fiery gospel wit in burnished rows of steel
As ye deal with my contemner so my grace with you shall deal
[continued below]
THE BATTLE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC
November, Saturday 22, 1862
Let the heroe born of woman crush the serpent with his hell
Since God is marching on
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment seat
O be swift my soul to answer Him be jubilant my feet
Our God is marching on
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea
With Glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me
As He did to make men free Holy let us die to make men
While God is marching on
While God is marching on
Encamped opposite Fredericksburg, Va.
November, Sunday 23, 1862
CORPS BADGES
1st Corps A Circle
2 Trefoil
3 Diamond
4 Triangle
5 Maltese Cross
6 Greek
7 Cresent and Star
8 Six Point Star
9 Shield Anchor and Cannon
10 Fort
11 Cresent
12 20th Five Pointed Star
14 Acorn
15 Cartridge box
16 4 Battle axe heads joined as a cross
17 Arrow
18 Flonated Cross
19 Maltese with square at centre
22 Square pointed star
23 Shield
24 Double Square
Encamped opposite Fredericksburg, Va.
November, Monday 24, 1862
Fredincksburgh Va.
Capt. Lewis A. Johnston
Col. H. 11 P. R. C.
And F. A. Smith
Both the above comrades were seriously wounded Saturday December 13th, 1862 causing each the loss of a leg.
Both Johnston and Smith were left on the field when our troops were driven back and both comrades fell into the enemies hands. All Saturday night they lay near the Rebel picket lines where they overheard a conversation between Generals Stonewall Jackson and Ewell who were sitting on the Railroad. Jackson said all our wagon trains are headed
[continued below]
Encamped opposite Fredericksburg, Va.
November, Tuesday 25, 1862
for Richmond and if the federals make another attack we have orders to retreat.
I called comrade Johnstons attention to Jacksons statement and proposed to him that we make a life and death effort to reach our lines so we could communicate this information to our commanders.
So we requested Stonewall to grant us permission to CRAWL (we could not walk) through their pickets into our lines.
Jackson inquired how and where and all about our wounds and then replied wait until morning.
On Sunday morning we could not move our limbs were so much swollen our pants were not froze fast to
[continued below]
Encamped opposite Fredericksburg, Va.
November, Wednesday 26, 1862
the ground and we were removed as prisoners to Richmond Va. when my leg was amputated.
Jackson and Ewell were not aware that there were any federal soldiers within hearing distance when they were in consultation
J. A. Smith
Oliver Bros. 10th St. Mill S Side
Capt. L. A. Johnston resides near Greensburg, Pa.
The above facts were given me by comrade Smith while I was employed at Alexis about 1884
CCL
Encamped opposite Fredericksburg, Va.
November, Thursday 27, 1862
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Encamped opposite Fredericksburg, Va.
November, Friday 28, 1862
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Encamped opposite Fredericksburg, Va.
November, Saturday 29, 1862
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Encamped opposite Fredericksburg, Va.
November, Sunday 30, 1862
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Encamped opposite Fredericksburg, Va.