War diary and letters of Stephen Minot Weld

Friday, November 25. — Nothing new from Sherman. Order from Wade Hampton with reference to his soldiers on furlough. Weather a little milder. Captain Senn was relieved from command of the post yesterday, and on duty here to-day. He showed us the order in regard to getting money, which he says will prevent us from getting money from Mr. Caldwell. Wrote to Alice. Dirt taken out of the yard.

Thursday, November 24. — Thanksgiving up North. We had our dinner of course. Some canned turkey, roast beef, turnips and potatoes formed our repast. In the evening we had pumpkin pies. Received 3 letters. One from Alice, one from General Peirce and one about Sergeant Dwelley. Milledgeville captured by Sherman.

Wednesday, November 23. — We bought 37 pounds fresh beef at $2.50 per pound, for our Thanksgiving dinner. Last night very cold; the ground froze and ice formed. They have not yet found out the way Major Filler escaped. Very cold in the evening, as we had no wood.

Monday, November 21. Major Filler escaped this afternoon. He told us that he was going to try and leave. When we were let out in the afternoon, he went into the men’s barracks and hid underneath the floor. We dressed up a dummy in bed, so that when Captain Senn counted us over he thought we were all there. Filler escaped through a tunnel during the night, with some men. Day rainy. Sherman reported near Macon. Received a letter from Dr. Marks, giving me Colonel Greene’s address. Lieutenant Gill officer of the day.

Saturday, November 19. — Heard of Sherman’s advance from Atlanta. The officers who came here last night were sent back to the stockade. Began to rain this afternoon. One of the men who escaped on the way to Florence was brought in here.

Friday, November 18. —Received a letter from Hannah, dated October 23. Contained news of Colonel Amory’s death. Charlie had four letters. All came by way of Charleston. Also received a letter from Mr. Kidder in reference to my exchange. Several officers who escaped from the prison camp were brought in here last night. Among them was .Major Reynolds of the 14th New York Heavy Artillery. Gave us an interesting account of their adventures.

Thursday, November 17. — Colonel Ashworth of the 1st Georgia Union Cavalry was put into our room today. He has been very badly treated. He is from Dalton. We made him as comfortable as possible. Day pleasant.

[Colonel J. H. Ashworth, 1st Georgia Cavalry (Union), was captured in Gilmer County, Georgia, November 5, 1864. He was twice robbed of all his clothing and money by the rebels. Information in reference to Colonel A. can be obtained from James G. Brown, Dalton, Ga., appointed Chief of Scouts by General Thomas, U. S. A.

Colonel A. captured, on or about November 1, Lieutenant Colonel Harp, 1st Georgia State Cavalry, in Pickens County, Georgia.

Eighteen of Colonel A.’s men, regularly enlisted in the U. S. service, were captured with him. Twelve of these men, to the best of Colonel A.’s knowledge, were taken out two days after their capture by some guerillas near Gatesville, Ga., under Captain Tom Pope Edminston, and shot. Six of these men who were killed had never belonged to the rebel service. The remainder had taken the oath of allegiance and regularly enlisted in the U. S. service, under direction of General Steedman, U. S. A.]

Wednesday, November 16. — General order in the paper putting Colonel Means in command of the district. Expects to go to the stockade soon. Day quite warm. Lieutenant Belcher on as officer of the day. Captain McChesney went over to the stockade to stay. Colonel Crooks, 22d New York Cavalry, came over here in his place.

Tuesday, November 15. — Received a letter from Lieutenant Read of the C. S. N., saying that he would do all he could for my parole, etc. Drew $100 from Captain Senn, leaving $400 due me. Mr. Caldwell called with a note from Mr. Felton. Day pleasant. We are allowed to go out into the yard whenever we choose, now that the men are gone. Received a letter from Mr. Garesché.