1862 May 21 Camp Bullock, near New Bern, N.C.

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

Wednesday
May 21
Am on picket to day down in the
woods west of the damp, where I am
now writing (at 6 oclock) on my overcoat under
at[sic] tree. Putnam Simonds and Phillipps are with me
A young woman and boy just passed us, having
been up to camp with pudding to sel. We bought
one this noon of a couple of boys.  The boy
to-night asked me for some tobacco, and seemed
quite surprised when I told him I never
used it.  The girl appeared quite smart but
is unable probably to read or write.  Thank
God that my lot was cast in blessed old
Massachusetts.  May He soon enable us to
return there in safety.  Have enjoyed the
woods first rate to day.  The musquitoes
have been rather troublesome but I enjoy the
grand old woods.

MSS 11293