Biography
Co. K, 15th Regiment, Vermont Volunteer Militia
Camp Vermont, November 13th, 1862
Dec. 15th. We still have very fine weather for this time of year. The General got home last night at ten o’clock from Washington and has rode out to visit the different regiments and inspect the new battery that came to his support last night. Have not heard from the battlefield yet. Troops still continue to move on in the direction of Frederricksburg. Burnside is doing something that will make the nation shout from pole to pole. There is a mighty army on the advance and it never will retreat until the cursed Rebellion is crushed and swept into the waters of the Atlantic. I am afraid we are having bad luck at Fredericksburg. Heavy cannonading is heard to-day in that direction and it is this side of where the fighting was done yesterday. It is my opinion that this war will never be settled by fighting. There is too much red tape and wine drinking among the field officers and staff to have this thing forced as it ought. I have just been over to my regiment with orders. Found them drilling. Think that we are doing well under the circumstances and with the little drill they have had of late. The Col. talks a little loud to them once and a while.
Dec. 16. It rained hard last night and the wind blew a perfect tornado. Our tent had no ditch around it and the consequence was just this: when I waked up I found myself in about two inches of water. Got up and wrung the water out of my clothes, tried to build a fire in the cook stove. Could not make it work. Got a little riled, tipped it down, and set up a salley and after several hours work got it to blazing. The 12th Regt (12th RegVI). Has gone to Centerville to relieve the 16th (16th RegVI), who are on picket, about two miles beyond that place. There is a camp rumor that Banks has taken Fort Darling and that Burnside is falling back across the river, but I do not take much stock in it. The wind blew cold and hard all day yesterday and to-day. The boys have nothing but shelter tents yet, but they seem tobe contented and happy. Hard tack and raw pork for a living, and that is all they ask for if they can get enough.
Wednesday, Dec. 17, 1862. It froze hard last night and it does not thaw much to-day. I thought this morning when I got up that we should have quite a pleasant day, but the wind has commenced blowing from the north. The old fellow has nothing to block his force in this country, and he sweeps over the ground in a continual pubile. Went over to my Regt. this morning the first thing with orders. Had to throw my cape over my head to keep from freezing my head and nose. We have police parties engaged in burning old dead horses and cleaning up the filth from the ground. They are cleaning out the sick and wounded as fast as they can. Some fifty convalescents went by here this morning for camp recruits.
Dec 18. Very chilly, but clear. Somewhat windy. No news from the seat of war yet that can be relied upon. There is a rumor that Franklin Cone is captured. The Rebel Black-Horse Cavalry took eleven of our pickets at Bull Run Bridge. They were dressed in our style and rode into them singing and whistling. When they had got in completely around us they fired and cried out to them to surrender, which they did without any resistance. Five out of sixteen escaped on foot.
Dec. 19. Stirring Times. Had orders to hold ourselves in readiness to march at a moments notice with nothing but guns and ammunition. Most of them got ready when it was countermaned. Some were mad and and some were glad. Have been through the Brigade three times to-day and feel somewhat tired. About five miles a trip.
Dec. 20. Have had but very little to do to-day. Have not been over to the 14th (14th RegVI), 15th (15th RegVI), and 16th (16th RegVI )with orders. It is a very cold day and things are very quiet for this camp. Nothing new from Burnside. However, it is rumored that he has resigned his command of the Army of the Potomac and "Old Mac" is coming in once more, but how true I can’t say.
Dec. 21. No news from the Army. Battery moved to-day and pitched tents in a field near at hand. Very cold. The General has company from Vermont to-day and they are having a big time. He has gone to Washington to-night to see the Governor, etc.
Dec 22. Have had wuite an easy time. No one to run for but myself and Brown. Have been over to see some fun in the shape of Spires, the medium. He went into a trance and I went into a hasty laugh, which got the spirits mad and the medium also. Topped off with a game of euchre and hot sling and went to bed.
