1861 December 25

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding of Co. f, 25th Massachusetts]

I did not sleep much of any
last night. Some of the fellows
who were in the room played cards nearly
all night. I got up and ate sugar out
of a two quart measure which was there.
We kept a fire all night. this morning we were
taken on board the Admiral again to
breakfast, where we staid the main part
of the forenoon, and were then taken back
to the yard. I went to see Ed Brown awhile
and then went back. We were then
put in a row boat and placed one by one
on a steamer or vessel. I was put on
the New Brunswick of Maine in whose after
cabin I am now writing (about 3 o'clock)
Had a good dinner of roast beef and
turkey, potatoes and vegetables and pudding
I am rather homesick as I am here alone
with nothing to do but God I feel will
carry me through all things if I but
trust in him.

MSS 11293