1862 November 29 Camp near Fairfax Seminary

[from the diary of the Rev. Franics Butler, chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]



Sat 29. Our men have had fine weather for picket – two Soldiers
woke me up last night, to consult about sending home
or burying here, their deceased comrade - .
A package of 1000 temperance tracts for my SS. arrived last
night.  We have suffered but very little thus far fr.
intemperance – God shield us in future.
Three or four men in 27”. Camp, are marching thro.
their streets with bricks in their Knapsacks – to tune of
rogues march – escort in front arms reversed, behind with
Charged bayonets -      We raised our camp flag today
Wrote Mother of poor Harris, we bury him today with
military honors – in grave yd. nr. Camp – He had an
intemperate father & wretched home I hear – I hope the
poor fellow found Jesus even in his latest moments.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935