1862 January 1 Camp near Centrreville

[from the diary of Sgt. Z Lee Gilmer, Albemarle Rifles, Co. B, 19th Virginia]

I spent my christmas
here in camp upon the
bleak & inhospitable
hills Of old Fairfax Co
Not a woman was to be
seen, & no chainge[sic] from
our usual customs &
dutys, Except I believe we
had to heat more wood
than usual, a good deal
of whiskey was in camp
but few Intoxicated.
Camp Q (the guard house)
was but little than
frequented. I had one egg
nog made out of Brandy
& substituted warm water
for milk. It was a failure
we had fine weather during
Christmas & had plenty
of nice doings from
home such as Turkey
sossges, butter, hunney,
Spare ribs, fruit cakes
pies &c, but as our cook
left us had to cook.
Now chirstmas is over &
new year is just dawn
ing. May God bless us soon
with a lasting peace &
find us at the close of
this year differently
employed from the close
of the past & at present
present may the sword have
been returned to its scab-
ord & peace be fast heeling
up the wounds of war
At presant, men are
reenlisting very well
our Reg is slow. They
have to enlist for 2
years or the war. I am
thinking a little of join
ing Lt Carington's
artilery company he is
raising, for there is some
probablility of geting the
Lt. in it. I am anxious
to reenlist, but prefer
an office, which I shall
first try to get

MSS 4459