Confederate Letter
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A. L. Peel Civil War Diary Adjutant, 19th. Mississippi Regiment January, February, March, April 1863 NOTE: This diary states in the front "Captured at Chancellorville Sunday, May 3rd. 1863"; I think A.L. Peel means the Book was captured, since there was no evidence that He was captured in any fighting. The book is MARSH'S POCKET DIARY, or DAILY REMEMBRANCER for 1863: containing A BLANK FOR EVERY DAY IN THE YEAR, for the record of Interesting Events, Appointments, &c. BOSTON: Published by H. P. Marsh, Nos. 17 & 19 Cornhill. If indeed the book was captured, then Albert copied some earlier notes into it prior to May 3rd. These notes follow: January - The January pages were used to document a Compound Chemical Toilet Soap and how to use it. Wednesday, February 4, 1863 - Lt Kimes, Goghegan, & I re'cd our leaves of abscence last night & started for home, walked to Hamiltons crossing through deep snow. took the cars came to Richmond by dark Lt Kimes & I are at a private house, We have been up town to get passports & transportation, but did not succeed. Thursday 5 - We got transportation &c. this morning & took the cars came to Hanover Junction, have been here all day inpatiently waiting for the cars Lt Kimes had 200 Dollars Stolen from him. We will take the cars at 12 oclock to night. No entries till Friday February 27, 1863 - Add Volney and I went hunting this morning and killed Ten Squirrels. came home to Dinner Shot at a mark I beat them. We went out this evening & killed Eight Squirrels out of Two trees Saturday 28 - It Rained nearly all day I made a gunstock for Volneys Rifle. he & I went Hunting and killed Eight Squirrels Saw a Fox. Cousin Margarett made a Silk Shirt & nice hat for me. Mr Lawman is weaving some pants for me. Sunday March 1 - Mr Lawman & I went to W. H. Coxes, I went from there to Scuggses? Stayed untill after dinner drank some very nice wine. Went to Chulahoma saw a few old acquaintances. Capt Barksdale & I went out to Mrs Ecklese's I bought a pair of Boots got acquainted with a Miss Haley I Stay with Capt Barksdale to night. Monday March 2, 1863 - I left Chulahomma at 9 o'clock came by old man Deans no one was at Home I went, Home all were gone to church. I went too, the Preacher never came. The boys all rode off & left the girls to go alone. I escorted about 3 of them home and wish I could have gone with them all. Tuesday, March 3 - Dr Sharp & A McClain came to see me this morning We talked of the hardships that we have endured, and prospects of the future. Dr Sharp & I went to see the Twins. from there to Maj Alexanders Dr Sharp did'nt stop I did for a few minutes then went to Stephensons, got home at supper. Tuesday, April 14 -Returned to the Regt found them under marching orders & ? to go with them Wednesday 15 - I was paid to day up to 28 Feb. Thursday, April 16 - Brigade Officer of the day Col Mg? I am? alt Div officer Tuesday, April 21, 1863 - Officer of the day. rained all day nothing ocurred unusual Wrote a letter (home)? Wednesday 22- Was relieved from duty as officer of the day, In the morning Col Candee? Brigade came in looking first rate Thursday April 23, 1863 - Stormy and disagreeable went to C....? Ronde? received no letter and did not like it much, but cant help it I natia? Friday April 24 - rainy today was appointed officer of the day but was relieved again by my friend Tush?am afraid I shall not stand the march if also tomorrow. recd a letter from Oliva? for a ???? count? (in the margin - Mc? or Ms? Eilieli ? dear/dead?) Saturday, April 25, 1863 - ? received orders to march on monday morning, so I suppose we will go this time Sent a letter today Ellyer? Sunday 26 - ? orders today preparing the march Monday 27 - ? ellie at three ocl & he says all feel well halted at noon and took dinner all feeling well halted at night feeling first rate Tuesday, April 28 - got up at half past ?????? (several lines of unreadable text, much as the above text - beginning the next day, April 29, the text becomes very readable; see the April/May page) |
