1862 December 23 camp across the Rappahannock

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

Tues. lovely day our Regt. on picket at river side – opposite Freder-
icksburg – helped post them – rode all along bank in full view
of rebel pickets – no firing – rowed across in small boat with
Col. D. & aide of Zurich – under flag of truce – talked with rebels –
a Capt. of So. Carolina regt – very polite anxious to get our papers
gave them.  Saw on this side Mrs. McShane & Mrs. Edwards waiting to
cross – Knew Mrs. Perry – hoped we would again gain possession

& hold it – visited grist mill – flour 11 ¢ lb.  corn meal 1.60 pr.
bu.  Saw Sumner review 9th Army Corps – on plateau – nr. his
qrs – Visited hospital – buried Margesin.   recd. letters fr.
Mr. H. & Townsend’s sister – Visited pickets after sunset.

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935