Camp Maskell, near Gauley Bridge, West Virginia, December 2, 1862. — November 21, went on board [the] Izetta bound up the Ohio; 22d, grounded on a bar (crawfish) and stayed there until Wednesday, 26th. Found on board Captain Patterson, of General Morgan’s staff, and family, and other agreeable passengers. Bid good-bye to Lucy, boys, and all, four times on different days. Reached camp Sunday P. M. with Captain Hood and Mr. Stover. A cold morning, but Indian-summer-like in the afternoon. Sunday evening, November 30, a jovial festive meeting in my shanty of all the officers, twenty-four or twenty-five in number. Fought over South Mountain and Antietam, with many anecdotes, much laughter, and enjoyment.
Monday, December 1, a wet, raw day. Visited the men, all at work on their new quarters — cabins sixteen by eighteen feet square; four for a company and a kitchen or two. Rode out to General Scammon’s headquarters and dined with him. In my shanty are Dr. Webb, Lieutenant-Colonel Comly, and Major McIlrath. Mess, same. Frank Alpin [Halpin], cook, Harvey Carrington, ostler, Bill (colored), bootblack. I am to pay Alpin [Halpin] five dollars, Bill three dollars and fifty cents, and Carrington seven dollars and fifty cents.
[Today], Tuesday, December 2, a cold morning, but a warm, pleasant day. Sun shone about four hours. Only four men sick in hospital.
