Sunday, April 24. — Left camp about 8 A.M., reveille sounding about 5 o’clock. Marched all day long, the men doing well, especially in the afternoon. The morning march was tiresome, as we had to halt every few minutes. We went into camp about 10 miles from Washington on the Bladensburg Pike, about 9 P.M. Took us a long time to cross a branch near our camp, .and when we pitched our tents the rain was falling fast, and everything seemed gloomy and uncomfortable. I luckily had my shelter tent with me, which we pitched with the colors. Wagons did not arrive until 4 A.M.
War diary and letters of Stephen Minot Weld
Saturday, April 23. — General sounded at 4 A.M. Left camp at 8.15 A.M. and marched to within one mile of Patuxent River, about 14 miles, where we encamped. As usual with a new regiment, the men overloaded themselves and for the first five miles the ground was strewn with blankets, knapsacks and clothing. The day was excessively warm, and notwithstanding all our efforts, the men straggled a good deal. Captain —— left his company without leave, probably on account of Captain Putnam’s place in line.
Friday, April 22. — Made all our preparations for starting to-morrow. Mrs. Burnside was at camp to-day. Five days’ cooked rations were issued. Colonel Griswoldwas relieved of the command of the brigade, and Colonel Carruth, 35th Massachusetts, was put in his place, as he ranked Colonel G. Day pleasant.
Thursday, April 21. — Court-martial adjourned until to-morrow at 9 A.M. Regiment busy all day turning in dress-coats, caps, etc. Ordered five days’ rations cooked to be ready by 6 P.M. to-morrow. Had a room hired at Annapolis for regimental baggage, a portion of which was taken down to-day. Mills was detailed yesterday on General Stevenson’s staff, and likewise the quartermaster, Lieutenant Shurtleff, was detailed as acting adjutant, and Lieutenant Cartwright as acting quartermaster.
Annapolis, Md., April 20, ’64.
Dear Father, — I am afraid that you will not have a chance to see me before we start. We shall probably leave here before the end of the week. I think letters may be addressed Ninth Army Corps, via Washington. They will probably reach me, where a great many other of my letters have.
We draw shelter tents for our men to-morrow and turn in our A tents. The officers will likewise have to draw shelter tents. Everything points to an active and speedy campaign, and I imagine that a week from to-day, or perhaps two weeks, may see us in a fight. I feel pretty confident that the regiment will do well, and will be an honor to the state. I most certainly hope so.
I am very glad indeed that we have General Stevenson with us. He is to command our brigade and Major General Crittenden our division. General S. is temporarily commanding the division until General Crittenden’s arrival, which gives Colonel G[riswold] our brigade for a few days, and me the command of this regiment.
We leave on Saturday morning at 4 o’clock.
Wednesday, April 20. — Day pleasant. General Stevenson was here in the morning. He takes command of the division temporarily. It is to be commanded by Major General Crittenden. Colonel Griswold is temporarily in command of the brigade. Received orders to be ready to march Saturday morning at 4 A.M. Also to turn in A tents and draw shelter tents. 57th Massachusetts arrived this evening.
Annapolis, Md., April 19, ’64.
Dear Father, — I have not heard from home for a week, I should think. What is every one about?
We have had some pleasant news to-day. General Stevenson was here to-day and took dinner with us. He is to have a brigade composed of the 24th Massachusetts, the 10th Connecticut, the 56th Massachusetts, the 57th Massachusetts, and the 58th or 59th Massachusetts. As the new regiments come here, he is probably to have a division.
You don’t know what a load is taken off my mind, by having General S. command our brigade, and by having such fine regiments as the 24th Massachusetts and 10th Connecticut in a brigade with us. I feel a thousand times better than I did this morning. . . .
I do not think that we shall leave here much under four weeks. There are to be 65 infantry regiments here in all, and the total number present will be at least 30,000 men. The corps is to be divided into four divisions. General Parke is to have one, General Foster may take another, and the fourth one, composed of colored troops, is to be under the command of General Ferrero.
I am busy all day now on court-martial. We are engaged on cases in this regiment at present.
Tuesday, April 19. — Court-martial finished the case of Jones, also McCartney’s, and began on McClellan’s case. I was called as a witness in McClellan’s case. General Stevenson[1] was here to-day, and John Jones. I am glad to say that General S. is to command our brigade, to be composed of the 24th Massachusetts, 10th Connecticut, 56th, 57th and 58th Massachusetts Volunteers. We had a visit from Mrs. General Burnside, Mrs. Richmond and several other ladies. General Ferrero, Colonel Coales and Colonel Goodrich were with them. They waited here some half hour. General S. dined with us. Had a letter from Hannah to-day, and received my photographs.
[1] General Thomas G. Stevenson, of Massachusetts, killed at Spottsylvania on May 10, less than a month later.
Monday, April 18.— Court met at 9 o’clock and finished Porter’s case. Then began on Jones of F Company. Weather pleasant. Major Chamberlain took tea with us. Sent home my pipe by Adams Express. Three negro regiments came in this afternoon. The corps was organized into brigades and divisions yesterday, but for some reason General Burnside, who went on to Washington last evening, countermanded the order. There are the usual number of camp rumors afloat. One is that the corps is to rendezvous at Newport News. Another that five regiments have received marching orders. None of them are true, I think. By the way, the chief quartermaster says no wagons will be issued to us here. That looks like transportation by water from here.
Sunday, April 17.— Day showery. Had the usual Sunday inspection, which was very creditable to the regiment. Nothing new happened.
