1861 September 29

[from the diary of Eugene M. Cox of the Albemarle Border Guards]

9 A.M. We have just been releived and came to camp completely broken down and almost starved, having been on duty (picquet) in the woods for 72 hours in the cold, chilling rain without our coats and without shelters save such rude ones as we could make of brush and sticks. Provisions here are very short--all having been sent on East in anticipation of a battle here and we can't get them back in consequence of the high water, which has washed away a bridge beyond which all baggage etc. has been carried--the bridge will soon be reconstructed and we will probably get some little provisions some time to-day--9 P.M. Got half rations for dinner and super and consider ourselves well off--Genl. Lowring got here this evening with part of his command, some 7 or 8 regiments--I have the sad part of the death of Col. Spalding to record this evening--While under the influence of liquor he took one of his companies and marched upon the enemy on the mountain and going headlong in advance of the company was shot through by the enemy's picquets.

MSS 38-221