March 12th. This morning opened up bright and pleasant. Camp located and tents put up. A busy day. We have here with us a battalion of cavalry known as the Loudon Rangers, composed of loyal Virginians and Marylanders. They make good scouts. Some few have been in the rebel service. They often ford the river, going into the Loudon valley, watching the enemy. At this point the B. & O. R. R. turns to the north, leaving the Potomac River. The scenery at the Point of Rocks is grand. When clear the water of the river looks blue. It is either blue, or yellow from the rains which come pouring into it from the brooks and creeks in Maryland and Virginia.
These nights are cold for picket duty along the Potomac. While wishing the war was over, I have no desire to go back to old Connecticut until the end comes. I enlisted for the war and am doing my duty as it comes from day to day. I must make mention of the Loudon Rangers who are a plucky crowd and who have some very severe and dangerous duty. I met one who had been in the rebel service and was up against us at Winchester. Said that our firing at Carter’s Farm was a severe one. We put up a good fight. We were fighting Jackson’s old corps, commanded by General Ewell. It was considered as among the best fighting corps in the Confederate Army. At that time it numbered among thirty and forty thousand, with a large number of heavy field guns.
A large flock of wild geese passed over our camp, going north. They know a good country. There are large flocks of turkey buzzards in this vicinity. Known as scavengers. On picket tonight.
March 11th. Up to this date the weather has been very bad. We are also short of rations. On picket every other night. Late today our tents arrived, and a good supply of rations. We shall have to put in another night in the cold old barn. Somewhat discouraged over our present condition. It is all in the life of a soldier, who must meet all discouragements and make the best of it as the days come and go.
March 8th. A cold, wet, disagreeable night for picket duty. We are about as miserable as we can be. When off duty we find shelter in an old barn, until the arrival of our tents. Maryland mud is fully as bad as Virginia. Trying to make the best of our condition, hoping for sunshine and warmer weather. All is quiet along the picket line. Once in a while the boys take chances and shoot at the turkey buzzards, sailing through the air.
March 7th. Broke camp early this morning. Marched through town. Boarded a train of box cars at the station. Headed east. Stopped at Harper’s Ferry. Five companies ordered to go in camp on Bolivar Heights. The train with five companies proceeded on, over the Potomac River into Maryland about ten miles farther, stopping at the Point of Rocks, near the Potomac, ten miles from Harper’s Ferry. Companies C and I ordered off the train. The other three companies continued on to Monocacy Junction. As soon as our company was ordered out I was detailed for picket duty. Posted near the ford leading over into Virginia. Here we were obliged to use the river water. The current ran very swift at this point.
March 6th. Sunday. Cloudy and cold. Attended church in town. Wrote letters. Late this afternoon marching orders received. Leave camp on the morrow for parts unknown to us. Soldiers must obey orders and not ask questions. At times some movements look very foolish to us. We often wish the war was over and we could go marching homeward. The people suffer very much from the effects of the war. Thankful it is no nearer to old Connecticut. The guerillas and scouts keep us on the alert all the time as they are liable to show up at any time. They raid trains on the B. & O. R. R. Seem to know when they can make a good haul.
March 5th. Cold rain storm. A disagreeable day in camp. We are ready for duty at any time, no matter how bad the weather may be. We are starting on the fourth year of this awful war. Many more brave men must fall before the end comes.
March 4th. Received a number of letters from friends at home. Snow has disappeared. While the weather is fine, the mud is very sticky and plenty of it. A large quantity will stick to one’s feet, or rather to our army brogans, as we attempt to walk in it. This all comes in the life of a soldier. We are not serving our country for pleasure. We are very anxious to have the war stop. We are not in love with the life but the war must be stopped right, so that we can have a free country.
March 2nd. Came off picket duty. My laundry and repairs on my clothes I have done by a German woman in town. Called for my laundry. Had a bath, put on clean clothes, for which I am very thankful. Received a pass, visited town. No soldier can enter town without a permit, excuse and pass must come from the company commander. Coming off picket or guard duty a soldier is excused from all duty during the day, except dress parade. Much pride is taken in dress parade, then we wear our good clothes.
March 1st. Martinsburg, West Virginia. March brought a severe snow-storm. Out in it, on picket duty. The duty must be attended to no matter how severe it may be. This is a soldier’s life. War is cruel.
February 28th. Nothing important has taken place since the last date. Sunshine, cold, rain, and snow has come to us weatherwise. Certain duties must be kept up regardless of weather. Attended church in town. Masonic funeral in town this afternoon. The drum corps of our regiment furnished the marching music. Many soldiers taking part in the parade who were Masons. They helped to carry on the service. The citizens were pleased to have the help of the soldiers.
