1862 September 27 Suffield, Conn.

[from the diary of the Rev. Francis Butler future chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]
         

Sat 27.  Told Col. Duran I would accept –
The regt. is made up largely of Paterson men – the
Col – Lt. Col. & Quartermaster are members of Mr.
H’s Ch - & known to me – also many of other officers &
men – some fr. my own ch.
Col. D. sd. another man had been named by 3. Cos –
fr. So. Jersey - & handed in with list of staff officers –
to him – He said he preferred a Paterson man.  Some
one named me – another named Mr. Robinson –
both good sd. he – I would like either – prefer Mr Butler
have power to decide – but wont take responsibility
Let Providence decide – Put names of Mr.s B & R –
in hat & man drawn shall be man – A Roman
Cath. Capt. drew - & my name was drawn –
Made some calls &c – Abe   Henry called
showed me tower of mill – Gave me
Beauty – if I would take her for horse.
At 3 ½ began Ser   Psal 17:15 – wrote it in
about 3 ½ hours between that & 11 P. M.
Also attended Meeetg of Officers at Col D’s.
& called at Mr. H’s.     Lovely day – tried
a horse for Col. D –
   And so this eventful week ends –
I am glad to go under the Pres. Proclamation
May the Lord bless & guide us & our country
to his glory for Jesus sake –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935