1862 December 30 across the Rappahannock from Fredericksburg

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

Tues 30.  Visited Hos – buried four men this morng at one
time.  McMullen, Snyder – Hildreth & Morris.  Called on
Gen. Sumner.  Sitting in arm chair with dress g gown
Smoking a pipe – Sd. “No ans. yet - & as we were under
orders to move at moments notice day or night
he would recommend me to give up attempt.
Very busy writing letters for friends of soldiers &c.
Rain this P.M. good bathe & change – Got flour,
Found good deal seriousness & desire after religious
life – No orders yet – Tis sd. 600 prisoners passed by
today taken by Sigel, doubtful –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935