1862 December 7 Camp near Aquia Creek

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


Sun 7. Rose early got a good breakfast on boat – saw
no signs of baggage – went to camp – Staid in pine bough
but nothing to eat but hard tack   coffee & raw pork
& two or three sweet cakes – all day.  Dr. Reiley brot. a
piece of roast turkey & bread for us, shared with Col
Mindel. The men suffer much fr. smoke of camp
fires.  At dress parade spoke a few words & offered prayer.
Col D & I slept in a bough hut – with Col Mindel &
Officers – before a watch fire – but it was very close
storming, & tho. warm when started, cold end. before daylight.
Ther. must have stood abt 20 o. clear windy moonlight
night.  The officers sang hymns & Gloria in excelsis.
In eveg. talked with Tom Cook – poor boy had just learned
of his brother’s death.  Men stand it well – Got a surgeon
fr. N.Y. regt. to dress Bugler’s leg – cut by an axe –

James Riley, Surgeon of the 25th New Jersey
Thomas Cook, Private in Co. H.


[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935