Beaufort, South Carolina
April, Tuesday 1st, 1862
April came in like a lamb. Weather very cloudy and warm indicating rain. I wrote a letter to Bro Jack sending him a piece of the celebration Live Oak. We the recruits were taken down to the L. M.s office in Beaufort to get our fighting clothes. I drew two shirts, one blouse, one overcoat, two pairs of socks, one cap, one pair of shoes, one canteen, gun, bayonet, knapsack and oil cloth blanket. I should of been furnished by the Commonwealth of Pa at Harrisburg. I spent the day washing my clothes with the initials of my name and arranging things. Generally our clothes were of a superior quality. This being All Fools Day the boys had grand time enjoying themselves finely at their fore fellows expense.
Beaufort, South Carolina
April, Wednesday 2, 1862
Weather very cloudy warm and sultry appearance of rain in the forenoon; but the clouds all disappeared in the afternoon. We reared our first upon in drilling to do. 1st Sergeant Ed. Bausman took the ten recruits out and drilled them for half an hour without our arms Company calls us the Awkward Squad. I spent all the remainder of the day cleaning my gun and even at the close of the days labor I did not have it in a fit constitution to undergo inspection. I hope to be able by long continued exertion of labor to have it in a good condition that I need not be ashamed of it on inspection day. I didnt like the job of cleaning guns at all.
Beaufort, South Carolina
April, Thursday 3, 1862
Weather very cloudy all day thundering rain and about noon it did rain slowly for a short time. I was shown my place in the Company by the elderly Sergeant at role call in the morning. Roundheads signed the pay rolls to day but the Awkward Squad will have to wait until the next time as we will get envy red. Owing to the none arrival of the muster rolls and there is the not two months pay dues all of us. We did not drill any today. Roundheads out on Brigade drill after the rain had ceased. W. H. Lewis put pockets in my greatcoat and polished my gun all for 25 cts.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Friday 4, 1862
Weather cloudy and clear alternately very warm, in the afternoon very cloudy with thunder in the north indicating a heavy rain shower but we got none of it. The Regiment by single companies were moved to the Day [masty] office where they received two months pay. Consequently the boys were all in good spirits--all had many hearts sure the recruits. I was idle all day feeling rather bad that we had not seen green bucks that we might enjoy the luxuries. Also Bill Lewis put first pockets in my blouse. L. D. Wilgus sent a box home containing his clothes and some trophies I sent N. J. M. one large and several very small seashells in the box as I had promised her. Unfortunately she only received the large one.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Saturday 5, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately and very warm, very windy sweeping clouds of storms over the islands which was very disagreeable, but this is nothing new or strange in the sea or on the sea coast. We have eat, drink, and be like the sacred sand at times. I was an eye witness to a scene to day I never desire to see repeated again by a member of the 79th N.Y. Regiment Hilanders. He had his head shaved, hands tied behind his back with knapsack, haversack and canteen stripped on him and if I am not mistaken a ball and chain attached to his legs minus a hat in the presence of the whole Brigade formed in battle line and the General commanding (stern) he was disarmed out of the U.S.A. marching twice the length of the Brigade under a guard with fixed bayonets, band playing the Regus March Hilanders and Roundheads had a cricket match to day.
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Beaufort, S. C.
April, Sunday 6, 1862
Weather very warm and cloudy in the forenoon threatening rain and it did rain a little in the forenoon; but clear and very hot in the afternoon. W. D. Lewis, Geo. Stevenson and me took a walk about a mile north of the Camp running the blockade. We saw several old cotton fields--the dead cotton stalks still standing. This is not the first time I ever saw cotton stalks. We saw a Contraband had a general conflict with him- was pumping him in regard to his Napa all tell the same story about them Napa letters then how the Yankees would treat them. We returned to Camp too late for meeting in the afternoon. I went to Clap Meeting I wrote a letter to Jonathan spent the remainder of my time reading the Bible.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Monday 7, 1862
Weather very cloudy. This was a very pleasant day coming principally to a cool sea breeze which was very refreshing. We recruits were drilled today in a squad by ourselves by a Corporal and a very awkward squad. I denied a cartridge box, bell and seaboard the property of Jared Hearts time deceased gun drilling we shot and sweat we were idle the greater portion of the day. I called on Lieut. Col. Armstrongs quarters but he was not in at the time. Rumored in camp that the mail steamer had arrived at Hilton Head bringing the news of the fall of Richmond and the glorious news being telegraphed from Hilton Head to Beaufort but I for one doubt the fall of Richmond.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Tuesday 8, 1862
Weather very cloudy and pleasant appearance of rain very refreshing sea breeze at intervals all day. Recruits together with several of the present drilled men there of the Company were drilled to day improving very slowly in my opinion I again visited Col. Armstrongs quarter taking my letter of introduction. I had an interesting talk with him I visited the Episcopal Meeting house going all thought it the ocean is in a dilapidated condition soldiers have broken it up to send home as relics I send my letter of introduction to Ed. Keeman by mail to Hilton Head.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Wednesday 9, 1862
Weather very cloudy with a heavy shower of rain in the morning which continued about an hour. This was the first heavy shower of rain I saw in Dixie. In the afternoon it was clear and cloudy alternately very pleasant At four oclock we (Awkward Squad) were advised to get in ranks in the Company and march out with the Regiment to drill. This [was] our first appearance with the Company and first upon was Brigade drill first upon was sheet firing commanded by Major Leckey- very easy to perform as Roundheads were the only Regt. on the field. 8th Much Regt. was coming out to drill and the order was continued as they got marching orders and left for Fort Pulaski on warning.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Thursday 10, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately and very pleasant a very refreshing sea breeze existed all day We drilled in the Awkward Squad in the forenoon. Iin the afternoon we took our places in the Company for Brigade Drill before the Regt. was dismissed. We got marching orders by Regt. to hold itself in leadership to march precisely at 8 a.m. in the morning with knapsack, haversack, and 40 rounds of ammunition carrying two days rations. I wrote a letter to Elizabeth telling her we had marching orders. Sent sister Maria some trophies in the letter all surmise we are bound for Charleston . I hope we are.
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Beaufort, S. C.
April, Friday 11, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately and very pleasant but just before night it became very cloudy and cool. We left Beaufort as ordered at 8 a.m. and marched some 4 miles though the sacred soil on the shell road. Encamped in an old field on the road side. I called the camp Camp Templeton in honor of our noble Captain but the general name was Camp Experience. Made tents as best we could of our oil cloth blankets Inc. McClure and 2 put upon apology of a tent for a shelter. General Stevens paid us a visit. Heard very heavy cannonading today in the direction of Fort Pulaski about 40 miles distant. I promise it is the Morton batteries We reversed marching orders at night. Marching is very tiresome.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Saturday 12, 1862
Weather very cloudy and very cool I should thank for this climate windy. We packed our dumpling bags ready for the march about 8 a.m. and we marched back to our old Camp Ground at Beaufort I cant imagine what the idea was in marching us around in this style only it is to train or break us in to marching and carrying a knapsack but I am already convinced that carrying a knapsack is not what it is cracked up to be. I fear it will kill me before I get used to it or broke in We did not drill any to day except to appear on Day Parade. On our return to Beaufort we viewed the [area] of the fall of Fort Pulaski. Also 300 Prisoners are in our hands.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Sunday 13, 1862
Weather very cloudy and pleasant. L. D. Wilgus and I were part on guard in Beaufort for the first time. Mounting at 8 a.m. were both on the 3rd Relief; standing from 11-1 and from 5-7 p.m. Guardsmen quartered in a house in Beaufort Morris McKeever was Corporal of our relief, my first was ro. 4 guarding an alley or street Orders not to allow any negro whatever to pass or cross my beat. I had no trouble save with a half white Negro woman who tried several times but I was of no avail. She was a woman of ill fame. A number of the boys went to Negro meeting at night saw a Negro woman while raising a collection give a [?] and reach in the hat for the change I wrote a letter to D. K. Marchard.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Monday 14, 1862
Weather very cloudy and warm being on the 3rd relief. I stood about three hours before the new guard arrived went to Camp put on same clean clothes. It commenced raining about 9 a.m. and continued until about 1 p.m. Roundheads did not drill any on account of the rain The first mail since my arrival in Dixie came today but it contained nothing for me. I was sadly disappointed although I presume it is too soon yet to expect any mail yet from home. Rumored in Camp since the arrival of the mail steamer was the rebels lap at Conell was 18,000 Union lup/3,000.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Tuesday 15, 1862
Weather very cloudy warm and sultry threatening rain showers of rain fell at intervals n the forenoon Company A was taken about a mile south of Camp to practice target shooting . We shot about 250 paces and done very precisely in my humble judgment; old members of the Company had two trials and but few hit the target even then a portion by mere accident. I did not hit at either shot fell indisposed very severe headache all day. Consequently I ceased whether I hit it or not. This was the first time I ever shot my gun. We had knapsack drill and instruction in packing knapsacks in the afternoon by an old experienced soldier.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Wednesday 16, 1862
Weather very cloudy warm and sultry were on the guard detail today. Guard mounting at 7 a.m. commenced raining before guard mounting and continued about 1 ½ hour. Our beat fell for picket on the Shell Road on it at the forty five actions. Lorenze and I were in different parts. I [was] now stationed at the entrance in the house Marks John or better known as Betsey Clemens was with me orders to permit not a single person to pass: not even officers with or without passes. I had a toothache all afternoon. I ate four fresh oysters the only good oysters I ever ate. Contratents were working on the fort peaking. I saw 8 or 10 Negroes working come without any ever seen three females hose wash ten pounds Negroes working on the Earth who took more interest in learning to read than any whites I ever saw and learned faster, any idle moment they had they would come to us Pickets to teach them to read or read to them. Countersign was April the best countersign I ever viewed - I ate some salt water crab today excellent though rotten smell.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Thursday 17, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately and very hot. We move veiled off Picket about 8 a.m. came to Camp feeling reasonably weary and tired from the affects of the lack of sleep and not being accustomed to remain out in the night air. Guns very rusty. We were scarcely in Camp until we viewed orders to prepare our guns for target practice. My tooth continued to ache severely. I visited the hospital with Captain Templeton to see the surgeon and get it pulled. Hospital steward examined it and advised me not to have it pulled, too good a tooth put Collen and Clure oil in it which killed the nerve and I was not annoyed. Steward's actions were very rude and insulting we shot four times as the target once by planters. I hit it once.
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Beaufort, S. C.
April, Friday 18, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately intensely hot like June weather in Penna. We were drilled in the bayonet exercise and langet practice. I shot three hitting it once a firm drop of rain fell and the shooting was postponed. We retreated for Camp Ten members of the 8th Mich Regt. were buried today killed near Fort Pulaski. I seen part of the funeral precession General Stevens accompanied it at first. A Lieut was buried in the Church yard. The Major's body is to be sent home. This was the first fronts of battle I ever saw I received my first mail today just five weeks since I left home. I was a happy man --one letter from M. C. B., D. K. M., mother and sister A. L. T. and W. D. H. I give my soul giving to hear from my nearest and dearest friends at home. Hiland Band gave a concert.
Beaufort, S. C.
April, Saturday 19, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately very hot reminding me of June weather in the Keystone state Lorenze (L.D. Wilgus) here on Regimental Guard on the 3rd relief slavering from 11 1 and from 5 7 Lieutenant Ed. Keenan called to second me I was sent for but eve I armed he had left and I was surely disappointed in not getting to see him. Orders on duty not to let any one out of Camp without a pass except Negroes on business Niggers are finalized characters. Countersign was Huntsville . About 12 oclock at night from the Grand Rounds all passed off night on guard.
Beaufort, South Carolina
April, Sunday 20, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately intensely hot reminding me of June or July weather in Penn. Was relieved from guard duty about 8 a.m. went to my tent and eat breakfast Lieutenant Ponteco D. called for me I accompanied him to his quarters and was introduced to Lieut. Ed. Keenan. He suggested a walk I accompanied him and we had a long sociable confidential conversation. Ed Keenan gave me much information also adjust how to conduct myself tendering the assistance to have one promotion when there was a vacancy. In the camp though an entire stranger and come 42 miles to see me called truce in me gave me much information and advice and to corp. the climate gave me 5 dollars gold price. In short took as much interest in me as a brother would. Hoping that at some future time I may have the opportunity to reward him and return the favors, my prayer is now that God may richly bless him. Guards excused from perfection. Heard Chaplain Brown preach from 2nd pa. 2 verse. I wrote to Elizabeth, first to Prayer meeting at night.
Beaufort, S. C. Masling On Picket
April, Monday 21, 1862
Weather cloudy and not in the forenoon we had a tremendous rain storm. We got the benefit of the whole of this by getting thoroughly drenched or sprinkled. Left Beaufort in the morning the whole Regt. marching out the shell road to relieve the Hilanders our advance Picket. I had my knapsack hauled. Col. Armstrong, commanded we march 9 miles through mud and rain in about three hours. End companies being stationed at a place A. N. E. together at Camp Stevens there we returned our backpacks and details were made to relieve the Pickets. Lieut. Ocker took 50 men for this purpose. I was one of the lucky ones. Lorenze, John (J.E.) Stevenson, Inc, Brice; and me were put on a post together-- all recruits same twice this was really the first Picket duty I ever done pulled about two miles from Camp or headquarters Coosaw River only ? believed this is the Enemy. I saw several secesh pickets countersign was Prall.
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Picket Camp Stevens
April, Tuesday 22, 1862
Weather clear cloudy and windy but rather cool for this climate I should think. Secesch pickets placing visible. Saw several flashes or blazes of fire through the night. Lorenze waved his hat and hollered over at them but received no answer. River at full tide is about 1000 yards wide, very early in the morning we were awaked by cannonading below us in the direction of the ferry while on post one, of Cernleo first at the Secesh Pickets and they were this morning responding with a six pound field piece at the ferry house on the Causeway. Those who seen it observed it as a rich scene to see our boys leaving the ferry house like rats on a deserted ship leaving every thing behind. Secesh shelling as fast as possible-- fortunately no one was injured. The shells thrown were very small and dilate looking about the size of a goose egg. I fared scrumptiously on dew berries today.
Stevens
April, Wednesday 23, 1862
Weather clear and very hot reminding me of June weather at home I took a stroll of some two or three miles for on in search of dew berries and to see the Sacred Land, but as for berries I was unfortunate seemly finding as many ripe ones as I could eat. John McClure on my return to Camp dried his cooked ones with me they were very good. It is considerable of Rebeldom to do in my travels. Saw grand nuts growing also saw the beautiful greatly noted Palmetto tree to do. I cut me a cane of it to send home which will be quite a trophy if I am so fortunate as to get it home. Saw how saltwater crabs are caught it is very amusing past time I saw for the first time in my life in salt water today I enjoyed the bath so much.
On Picket Coo saw River
April, Thursday 24, 1862
Weather clear and very hot reminding me of June weather in Penna. I was on picket duty today. John McClure John Stephenson and I were posted at the first post on the shell road at present the Secesh from calling off the Pickets stationed at the ferry house on the end of the Causeway saw several of the Enemy on picket on the opposite side of the river went crab fishing but I had fishermans luck as usual for me. I killed the first snake in Dixie to day I left my post and went in search of several plates that had been in the ground all winter. We had quite a feast. The donkeys brought us some crabs. It is rumored that McClellan Gen J.B. were defeated at Yorktown Countersign was Florida. I wanted the Ferry house delivery today.
April, Friday 25, 1862
Weather clear and very warm we were relieved off picket duty about 8 a.m. went to headquarters of our Companies A. S. E. (Camp Stevens) got breakfast and immediately afterwards I went out to Shell Road in search of a nice shady place. I found one. I wrote a letter to Mary S. Mills (the first one) sent her some specimens of King Cotton both alive and dead. After dinner Sylvester Fowler and I went out in search of black berries about two miles from Camp above my first picket post Sil was trying to pump me about the Mills family all about Rachel, sisters and family all the particulars but I gave him little encouragement. We got but few berries and they were fewest when we reached camp intensely hot. I went bathing in salt water on my return Caught my first crab to day Company had a feast of berries for supper.
Camp Stevens S. C. Picketing
April, Saturday 26, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately in the forenoon and warm though pleasant, very cloudy in the afternoon. We had a very heavy storm of rain and hail and it continued raining at intervals during the night. I wrote a letter to M. C. B. and also one to W. A. D. sent Bill some Secech poetry sent the farmer a piece of Palmetto leaf- had another feast of berries and sugar as usual to night for supper. Ah! For some corn However I presume we had better like the rat that list it should he be satisfied with what we have.
Camp Stevens On Picket
April, Sunday 27, 1862
Weather very cloudy threatening rain disagreeable and slowly drizzling rain at intervals all day very disagreeable weather for picketing rather cold in the forenoon but warm in the afternoon, I was put on Picket this morning. John Brice and John McClure were stationed at the first post below the Shell Road a dreary camp post and the most disagreeable picket duty. I have yet done. The Countersign was Harrison to night and evening I presume to the disagreeable weather were not visited by the Grand Rounds on any one else during the night Seen several Secesh pickets on the opposite sides of the River spend today reading and talking.
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On Picket Camp Stevens
April, Monday 28, 1862
Weather very cloudy sun visible only but a very brief time before setting. Weather very pleasant. I was relieved from picket duty about 8 a.m. returned to Camp Stevens at breakfast and went berrying. Found them plenty and to my satisfaction brought a tinful to Camp. After dinner Clark S. Morris McKeever and I went berrying together with the Maj. only of the Company. We filled our knapsack in a very short time and returned to camp. Kuntz (the cook) had a surplus of some 3 or 4 gallons. We could cut a cracker by full for supper well sweetened. I went to bathe but the tide was out Gnats by millions annoyed us to night Gave Capt. Templeton a v in gold requesting him to break it for me.
Camp Stevens S. C.
April, Tuesday 29, 1862
Weather cloudy and clean alternately. Sol shined intensely hot when he did show forth his brightening and magnificence. I visited the Sea Brook plantation (head quarters of Companies L, S, D) gathered about ½ gallon dew berries on the very giving over. Saw an old slave left on the plantation had an interesting talk with him pumping him about his treatment received at the hands of Sea Brook the old. Saw a very singular sharped fish that one of our Co, caught it was a living natural curiosity. Lorenze and some others ate all my berries so I came out berries at night got a pound of five sugar from Beaufort cost 11 cts I took a good swim in salt water to night was in good health and spirits.
Camp Stevens SC Picketing
April, Wednesday 30, 1862
April went out like a lamb. Weather very cloudy and sultry very warm appearance of rain. We left at the usual time for Picket duty commanded by a Lieutenant of Co. E. Corporal Eleren Alvery; Inc. McClure; Inc. Stevenson Inc. Crick and me commanded by Sergeant Las. Canador were started at the Ferry house on the end of the Causway a splendid post though dangerous being nearest the enemy. Heavy shower of rain fell in the afternoon Gnats by the million annoyed us at night I caught a number of crabs also took my first upon in fishing for oysters by way of amusement on first time on picket We had a splendid time of the Secesch pickets with and without the aid of a group a flock of sheep came down the Causeway from Rebeldom opposite us within 200 yards. I wanted to go over and kill some for mittens but the Sergeant forbid saying it was only a hop set from us although I insisted on going.