1862 February 23 [Roanoke Island]

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

Sunday
Feb 23

Have enjoyed a very pleasant and
quiet sabbath. Occupied the forenoon in
reading and studying the Bible till about
dinner, when we attended services by Mr James
which I enjoyed much. After service went
to the funeral of two of our regiment, and
immediately afterward to the consecration of the
cemetery. It seems strange to think how fearful
we are to put off this mortal body and go to
be with Christ, but so it is and it shows how
little true faith we have. I have been trying to
day to reconcile myself to the possibility of
being killed in battle, and if it were not on
account of my father and mother and friends
I should be more so, but if consistent with
Gods will, I hope to go home and take care of
them in their old age, but I know He is
able to take care of them and He will
order all things for the best thanks be to His
holy name.

MSS 11293