Diary Entries October 2, 1863
Fri. Oct. 2, 1863
It rains like fan this morning. I have to stand guard all day today for the regiment has all gone about 6 miles for to see some men shot for desertion. There was only one shot. It has rained all day.
Sat. Oct. 3, 1863
In my tent today. It is very pleasant today & warm. Washed my shirt and handkerchief.
Sun. Oct. 4, 1863
Went over to the hospital today. Carried over 4 letters for the boys of our company. One for H. Knox. He is pretty well now, only lame as ever.
Mon. Oct. 5, 1863
Laying here in camp as usual. The same thing every day drill 4 hours and guard,
Tues. Oct. 6, 1863
Not very well today, On guard, got a bad diarrhea and headache.
Wed. Oct. 7, 1863
Feel a little better today, but not very well
Thurs. Oct. 8, 1863
It rained all night hard and it rains this morning. I feel a little better.
Fri. Oct. 9, 1863
I have been over to the hospital with three men today and dug a grave for I. Fulton, a man from our company that died there this morning. There was another man shot a ball through his hand this morning while he was cleaning his gun. Very careless.
Sat. Oct. 10, 1863
Had a pretty hard detail last night. Marched about 8 miles to the front with the wagons with rations for the men. I went as guard. Got back about daylight. Started at 9 o.c. in the evening. They had everything packed for a start when we got there for the Rapidan River they had to cross before daylight.
Sun. Oct. 11, 1863
Ordered to pack up last night at dark. Marched all night. Find ourselves tonight at Bealden Station 4 miles this side of the Rappahannock. I feel pretty tired and lame. Our corps are a falling back.
Mon. Oct. 12, 1863
We laid in camp today. Pretty tired
Tues. Oct. 13, 1863
Started this morning on the march again with the train. March till about 3 o.c. laid still 2 hours, left the train and marched from Worington Junction to Bristoll Station. Laid there a night. The rebs are trying to flush us for Maryland.
Wed. Oct. 14, 1863
Marched into Centerville today formed in line of battle on the fortifications. Ordered to pitch tents. Soon packed up and marched about 5 miles towards Warrenton. Laid down on the field.
Thu. Oct. 15, 1863
This morning marched back about half way to Centerville. Formed line of battle 5 or 6 times. About dark formed line and laid down behind our stacks. Whiskey dealt out to the men tonight.
Fri. Oct. 16, 1863
Lay here yet. Expect a battle here. Rained all day. No letter today. Have not had a letter from home since the 28th of Sept. That was from Ett.
Sat. Oct. 17, 1863
We are lying on the hills near Centerville. The enemy has fell back somewhere. Don't know where. They say toward the Rappahannock. Our division has done no fighting yet.
Sun. Oct. 18, 1863
Packed up this morning for some place. I feel well this morning. DID NOT MOVE,
Mon. Oct. 19, 1863
Started off on the march. About 10 miles today. Got within 2 miles of Thoroughfare Gap. Drawn up in a line and laid there. I am detailed for guard tonight. Our folks threw a few shells into the gap - got no reply,
Tues. Oct. 20, 1863
Drawn up in a line of battle this morning. A few of our pickets was attacked last night, two men wounded. We marched about 5 miles this afternoon and evening, got through the Gap and camped.
Wed. Oct. 21, 1863
This is a fine morning. I got a letter from Ett last night. Just been down and had a good wash.