1862 December 12 near New Bern, N.C.

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

Friday
Dec 12
We camped about half past eight in a
large field, and immediately got rails
for fires.  I slept but little on account of the cold
We started about half past ten and marched
til about half past ten at night.  It was awful
marching after dark, and George was rather despon-
dent but I tried to point him to the only source
of strength.  We found deep gully had been blockaded
by trees, but our pioneer corps cut them away
Our cavalry had a skirmish with the rebels
and took several prisoners this forenoon.
As we came along to-night, we saw the fires which
had been lit by our boys in the pines which had
been cut for turpentine.  we were thoroughly tired
out when we stopped for the night
God has kept us wonderfully to Him be all the
praise and glory forever.

MSS 11293