1862 January 11

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

I gave up my bed last night to the
fellow who occupied it Thursday night
as I hated to say anything about it, and the
other man is sick who is in it. So I took
my blanket and lay down on the matting in
the passage. I had first rate sleep too. In going
out this morning, I found it was warm and
spring-like. I felt rather uneasy but
committed myself to God in prayer and
read the testament and felt much better
after breakfast I sat down and read in a book
belonging to the chaplain of the 10th about the
life of David and his trials before he became
king, and as I read I felt strengthened, and
rejoiced, as I thought how the Lord helped
him, when he called upon Him, and how
He supported him and led him through
dangers and perils, and I feel that the
same kind Father rules the earth now
and that He will watch over me also
though I am so week and sinful: but
I feel that He has promised to be with
those who come to Him through Christ;
and I feel that He has led me on in a
wonderful way, and that He is ever ready to
answer the prayers of those who humbly
come to Him

MSS 11293