1862 September 13 near New Bern, N.C.

[from the diary of Jesse Calvin Spaulding, Co. F., 15th Massachusetts]

Saturday
Sept 13

This forenoon we struck the tents to air
the ground, and cleaned up under the bunks
It is very pleasant this forenoon but a shower
came up this afternoon, not however till we got
the tents up, so we did not get wet.  There was
to have been a review this afternoon, but
on account of the rain it was postponed.
This evening I have been reading in "Self-Help"
I was asked to play cards, but told the boys
that I had renounced card-playing now
and forever while in the army.  O Lord help
me to live better and nearer to Thee.  Charles
Upton got his shoulder straps as Second Lieut.
enant of this company.

MSS 11293