1862 July 16 near Warrenton, Va.

[from the diary of Ephraim Wood, Co. C, 13th Massachusetts]



          Wednesday   July 16th /62
One year ago to day, I was
sworn into the Service of
the United States.  I am on
Guard.  Capt Fox Officer
of the day.  Lieut  Cary
Officer of the Guard,
Sergeant Shepard. Sergeant of
the guard.  At six O clock the
first Releif was detailed to go
down to the Depot to unload
Cars.  We got back to Camp
at eight O clock, and were
excused from further guard
duty, during the twenty
four hours.  When we were at
the  Depot a heavy shower
came up.  At half past
eight Major General Banks
came into Camp.  We were
prepared for him, and
when he entered, the Band
played hail to the Chief
amid the Cheers of the Regt
He made a short speech,
and, said he  I am happy
to say that I am again
to have the old Brigade
with me.  At this announcement
cheer after cheer the enthu-
-siasm of the Regt was
so great, that it was some
time before he could again speak,
so as to be heard,  Said he  I was
very much grieved when I left
you, or rather when you left me, or I
might say when we were separated,
for we never would have separated
our selves,  I would not leave you,
and I know you would not
separate from me, (cries of no no)
therefore some one did that
little job for us.  Since you
left me, we had a quick race
before us.  We were one to five,
if we had been one to four,
we would have held our ground
from that day till this.
If you had been with me,
we should not have run the
race at all.  I have been
invited to Boston, to speak
in Old Fanuel Hall.  It would
give me great pleasure to do so
and if I can spare the time
I will go  You fellow soldiers can
do a great deal in the cause.
Every mail that go from this
Camp there should be earnest
appeals to your Friends to come
into the field and help you
fight for the best Government on earth
After bidding us good night, and shaking
hands with the Officers he departed.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12021