The Richards of Andover, Maine

July, 1865
Maine Adjutant General's Report		In July, the regiment suffered the loss of that highly accomplished and valuable colonel, Thomas H. Hubbard, a most efficient officer, he having resigned. Previous to his resignation he was brevetted brigadier general. The vacancies made by the discharge of Col. Hubbard were filled by regular promotion.
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 1	Mr. Garamn worked for me to day hoeing I hoed one long row and six short ones finished up the road had 16 lbs of viel of Mr Small am very tired to night
Stephen's Diary	July 1	clear and very warm In pioneer camp at .S.Ga. mooved our quarters nearer the city comes up showers Mailed a letter home 28 drew rations five days
Stephen's Letters	Saturday July 1^st /65	it is very warm morning here this morning and I am feeling rather bad my health is good but we have drew no rations since we arived here and all we have this morning is coffee and not shogar and I feel dissatisfied about my pay I do not know how it would ben if I had ben here bfore the Company was paid some got their bounty and others that got it larst march had to pay it back out of their monthly pay I do not know how it was with Jospeh I only saw him a few minuts the night I arived here and he did not tell me whether he got it or not mine would be the same as his it looks to me that there is something rong or dreadfull mien if they will only pay me up and let me go home they are wellcome to their bounty and money but to keep us jaming about in the heat and mud now the war is over and giving full pay and bounty to some and taking the monthly wages from others for bounty which they have received is what I cannot feel reconciled to but I want an honorable discharge I prefer that to money I am determined never to disgrace myself or family by coming into the army my letter is full and I will close by saying in God will I put my trust he will keep me from the eavles that are in the world. I hope soon to be free from it
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 2	Very rainy am all alone and am very tired to day have been writing to Stephen O I do hope Stephen will soon be to home it is so hard but I mean to do the best I can
Lydia's Letters	July 2^nd 1865	No. 29^th Upton Sunday My Dear Companion it is now four O.clock in the afternoon and we are still blessed with health and prospering finely I rose my usual hour this Morn and milked and done up my work and then went to bed and sleeped 3 hours I have lots to see to on the sabboth as well as other days I am very tired to day for I have worked very hard all the week hoed all the spare time I hoed one long row the same as you had them with one hundred hills in it and six on the other peace yesterday where we had corn Mark Garman worked for me yesterday and I hoed as fast as he when I worked help is scarce now because every body that could work has been on the road they finished Saturday they say we have as good a road now as there is in town there has been about twelve hands a day on it for some time 2 on early this season it has made my work harder for David boarded here a week and three days and Henry Douglas part of the time Mr Douglas one night and Mr Browns boy one night Mr Small worked two days and a half on the road for me and a day and a half hoeing and the oxen worked the rest of my tax which was $18,85 V overrun t[w]o dollars and 25cts which is to go on my money tax which will be high this year my potatoes are almost hoed and they look nice I tell you I have not seen any looked so well Mr Garman says I beat the men on the hill farming Mr. Garman is an unmarried man lives to his uncles in the little house Mr Winslows folks lived in when they first moved on the hill he appears to be a fine man has been in the army 2 years he told me some tall stories about army life but he is a brave fellow he has been in a good many battles said he loved to kill the Rebs he has been to Winchester fought one battle there he said it was a handsome city when he went there he has a number of Brothers there I love to see a good Soldier and l love read and hear about the war I love war songs prubly I feel very different more interest because you have been in it the papers are perused by me closely I am in hopes to hear you are comeing home but see no signs of it but have faith to believe you will by fall I sent you 4 papers friday and Harralds and one farmer Charles takes it it comes tuesday and mine fridays so I get the news twice a week I want you to read the story in the Farmer about the soldiers comeing home and doing(?) I have good reason to rejoice that we have been so wonderfully blessed let us praise god from whom all blessings flow and trust in him continuely and we shall reap if we faint not I was happy to receive a good long letter from you Firday and the best of all was to see so much of Christ in it it is everything to me to feel that you are obeying god he is near to me but still my cry daily is O for a Closer walk with god Mr Small owes me 11$ now we had 83 lbs of wool just as it comes of[f] from the sheep I want to keep part of it if I can get my hay cut with out it I have to Study to get along now the family to provide for and the farm to Manage pray for me but have got along finely so far have paid all my help only David his board will come to part enough to pay that I have been in hopes you would be to home by haying hope you will be paid of[f] by haying time it looks now as though help will be scarce but not so high as last year I have writen to Uncle Newlall to help me in haying if you do get some money send it by express it comes sooner dont worry about getting the grass cut I -en{tend} to have it all cut if I have my health and gods blessing pray for me: grass ne[ver] looked better and it is comeing it has been very rainy to day the first real rainy day we have had for some time growing weather
Stephen's Diary	July 2	Cool and cloudy plesant brees In pioneer camp Savanah:Ga: work on Clearing out stable Showers in the afternoon Splendid parks and play grounds in the city the streets are wide and straight woll shaded but mostly unpaved sand and muddy the inhabitance a infror looking people
Stephen's Letters	Sunday July 2^nd 1865	No. 29 Savannah Georgia Dear Family I will commence my letter this morning by saying that my health is good and mind a little more reconciled then when I closed my larst letter to you I like this place as well as I expected acording to what I have seen of the country it is very much like Louisannah in the vicinity of New Orleans how flat and mashy as to the city is the best southern city I have ben in but it has a sort of a dismal gloomy apearance the large building look to me more like prisons or places of solitary confinement then like dwellings or business houses the small building are very poor and shaby the city stand on a sandy dry place some what elevated above the surrounding country I surpose it had a differant aperance before the war from what it bears now whether there is eny meetings or schools here I have not leaned if there is not they will probaly soon be established the rebel soldiers are coming in on the boats every day and going to their homes in the country more to morrow if nothing prevents
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 3	bell cow went to day father was here in the four noon and David got my hourse I hoed potatoes in the four noon and shurned the to Mr Garmans worked for me in the afternoon picked strawberrys for supper am not feeling very well
Stephen's Diary	July 3	Clear and warm In pioneer camp Savanah;Ga Division review P.M. Gen Fesenden takes command the division Col – Hubard takes command second Brigade one black regiment bring up the rear of the Column have the apearance of a back cloud raring up from the cost
Stephen's Letters	Monday July 3^rd /65	page 2 the wether is very warm here this morning the hotest part of the day here is from sunrise to about eleven oclock there is a fresh eastely breeze from the ocean in the afternoon which is very refreshing but the sun is very hot the people here apear to be mostly blacks I have seen so many Negroes and heard so much about them that the sight of them is realy disgusting to me they are a poor ignorant indolant set of beings the whites are the sam as I have writen to you befor two classes the uper crust exhibit a proud haughty predominating spirit as though they wer far exalted above the comon class of people and would be disgraced by speaking or eaven looking upon them the comon whites are a thin spair inferor looking set with a gloomy dejected downcast expression this is speaking from my own observation it may be in part ocasioned by gloominess in my own feelings but I have seen no place south but had the same apearance to me this city is very well laid out the streets are wide and strait but unpaved sandy and in many places muddy they are mostly shaded with beautiful trees some at the splenedest parks that I ever saw but the buildings have a doleful apearcne to me I may see something more pleasing to wright tomorrow
Stephen's Letters	July 3^rd, 1865	Savanah, Ga. To the honerable Secretary of war sir I am a soldier fo the 30^th Reg't Maine Vols Captain Morses Company was with my company every day untill eighteenth day of larst March when I was detached and went on duty at Brigade Head quarters where I now am and have ben ever sence, on detached service. have received no pay for the larst six months service have a wife and three small children in a small back town in Maine which are very needy and I might safely say sufering for asistance my servaces are not longer needed here and my Reg't have ben transferd to the second Brigade I do there for humbaly intreat of you (if consistant with order) to releive me from the army and let me go home to the releif of my family please grant this request I came out with the Reg't when it left Maine and have ben in the field ever sence ben off duty four day by sickness Your humble obediant servant Stephen N. Richards of Company G 30^th Reg't Maine Vols on detached service at Head quarters 3^rd Brigade Gen Dwight Devinon 19^th Army Corps
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 4	had to Showers to day quite Cool the to Mr Garmans worked fro me in the fournoon finished my hoeing had some strawberys for dinner
Lydia's Letters	July 4^th: 1865	Tuesday afternoon Well Stephen I would like to know how you are enjoying the fourth it is very Cool here have had showers I will tell you how I am spending it at home as usual picking strawberrys the to Mr Gorman was here to dinner finished up my hoeing my potatoes look nice I could have gone to the fourth if I could have left home but thought duty called me to home they say they are a going to have a grand time at Andover and Newry most of the folks have gone to Newry David had my horse I expect to have his wagon this summer they say we have got a good road as there is in town now aint that good news we are still prospering little puzzled about money to pay my help I dont know who I shall have in haying but hope it will be my good luck to have you I dread it [a] little I tell you but never mind the Lord will provide if we but trust in him but O I do want you to home so you wanted me to tell you if I got my state aid I do only for Wallace have not had any for him since the first of April father had a letter from Joseph at Savannah stating you was not going down there which I hope will prove true I think you will soon be to home but time will only tell we must take good care of our selfs and be patient and we shall meet in gods time pray on Dear Husband the battle near give our we must fight if we would reign increase our courage Lord dont worry about us at home we getting along well and can truely say my trust is in god Lydia E Richards
Stephen's Diary	July 4	Clear and hot In pioneer camp Savanah: Ga. last fourth was at Algears on the Missipi River rite opersit New Orleans the country here is very low flat and marshy this city is on an elevation above the surrounding country the water here is good S.N.R.
Stephen's Letters	Tuesday July 4^th /65	My Dear family the fourth of July has com on which we all thought larst spring we should be at home but it finds me in the pionear camp at Savanah Georgia about eight hundred miles farther south than what we were when Richmond was taken and Lee surenderd right the reverse from what we then expected but dispointments and reverses are the comon order of war larst forth we wer at Algers on the Missippi River rite oposit New Orleans wating transportation north I hope it may proove the same here for there is rearly nothing for so many solders to do and I think the volenters will not remain here long there is a Reg't of regulars stationed here blacks and if they are good for enything it apears to me they are all that is needed at this place if it was not for the soldiers it apears to me that every thing would be cool and quiet but there may be policy in keeping so many soldiers here but I cant see it they had a grand review of the force here negros and all larst night and I heard it hinted that some of the force here is to be sent away quite a small army was on review much more then is needed here nothing to do I cincearly hope we shall soon go north and see better days again
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 5	very cold and windy I sowed all day am almost sick and discoured am sick with a cold my trust is in god who doeth all things well
Stephen's Diary	July 5	Clear and cool In pioneer camp Savanah; Ga. all day quiet in camp Signed pay Roles in city Received twenty four dollars from the pay master forty to go home on alotment role Paymaster refuses to pay the enstallment of bounty which is dieu
Stephen's Letters	Wednesday July 5/65	I resume my writing to you this morning my dear loved ones at at home withe feeling of longing expectations and desiers that this daily writing may through the blessing and grace of God soon be exchanged for conversing face to face the fourth was pretended to be celebrated here but intirely void of pleasure amusement or enjoyment to me I spent the most of the day in my solitary little tent alone I walked out jest as night in the cool of the day had a long talk with a man who is watchman at the engin house said he was there five years before the war and had ben al thru it he was very free to talk about slavery the conditions of the negro before the war and now and their carictor and conduct it was very interrest and I got a good deal of information which I cannot write but will tell you all when I git home the concequences that follow negro slavery is to horid to write talk or eaven think of it is not only the blacks but the whites allso but my page is full and I will write more to morrow if God permits my life is in his hands my duty is to use every meenes to protect life health ???
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 6	worked in the garden in the four noon and went up to Mr Grovers in the afternoon and stoped to supper Mr Acun came Just as dark and staid all night
Stephen's Diary	July 6	clear and warm In pioneer camp Savanah Ga Strike tents four P.M. go to the wharf and load Headquarters staff on the boat remain on the boat over night ready to depart in the morning Savannah is a disagreeable place to me hot and sandy a boring apearance and over run with Negroes We cannot leave to soon.
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 7	Rainy this Morn went over to the Office foot and took my horse home sadly disappointed by not getting a letter from Stephen Mr Douglas paid me a dollar for board
Stephen's Diary	July 7	Clear and warm on steam boat Savanah river Ga Sail at 9 A.M. forenoon Arive at Hilton Head S.C. at 3 o’clock P.M. on land bout and stored our bagage in storehouse Stop at the Soldiers Rest had a fine bathe in the salt water
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 8	am not feeling well but thought I must work have done lots of work to day I cant tell my feelings so I wont attempt to but am lonely my trust is in god
Stephen's Diary	July 8	clear and hot at Soldiers rest Hilton Head moove our quarters to a stable take loging in govrnment wagons git rations C. house the theomater said to go up to one hundred and sixty in the ??? hotest places this is a dry sandy baren place merly a military post
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 9	very cool and windy had a meeting to Mr Winslows to day Advent man preached I did not like him at all O I am so lonely I dont know what to do
Stephen's Diary	July 9	clear and hot at hilton head in stable all day quiet in stable Mailed a letter home 29 I think there is much less drunkedness here then at Savanah in proportion to the people and soldiers there not so many illegal seller to furnish the ?toper?
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 10	churned and worked in the garden so on and hardyly know what to do about haying Wallace and I went over to get fanny shawed help is scarce and high
Stephen's Diary	July 10	Cloudy and a little cooler At Hilton Head South Carolina Sent thirty dollars home by Adams express company quite windy in the P.M. all quiet in our quarters Hilton Head is on an island on the coast of South Carolina with one or two plantations on the same island.
Stephen's Letters	Monday Morning July 10^th 1865	Hilton Head S. C. Dear Wife and Children with great pleasure I apreciate the privlige this morning of writing a few thoughts to you though far seperated from you with many sad and gloomy feeling yet there is pleasure in the thoughts and antisipations of home and dear loved true hearted asociates there when once more rearlized and enjoyed by me they will be far grater esteamed and appreciated then ever before we have left the soldiers rest and are now quartered in a stable and have wagons for our logins the talk is that we are lying here wating transportation to Charleston but it seemes to me they have sent us down here and have nothing for us to do and hardley know what to do with us if the men could have their say they would very quick tell them I see nothing to keep an army in this section of the country now eny more than there is north I saw a man yesterday that was discharged from the 30^th ME he said he had ben to the ajatant Gen to see if he could git his pay and transportation the Gen told him he had better wait till the Regt went home
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 11	big horn cow went to day Worked hard in the fournoon and started at 2 Oclock and went over to the Office and got a letter from Stephen stating he was at Savannah so I went down to Charles Whites that night
Stephen's Diary	July 11	Cloudy and a little cooler at Hilton Head South Carolina quartered in a stable wating transportation all day quiet in camp.
Stephen's Letters	Tuesday July 11^th 1865	We are yet lying idle at Hilton Head and in fact we have to keep quite still in the shade it is so hot I sent to you thirty dollars by express yesterday which you will probaly receive before this letter how I wish I was at home with you to go to haying this morning but I will patiantly wait trusting in him that knowest all things and will never leave nor forsake his people that faithfully obey his holy command and look unto him at all time for care and protection Oh let us be of that number for if God be for us who can be against us or what earthly power can harm us against his holy will or divine permition he suffers his children to be afflicted for the trial of their faith to test their capacity to endure temptations and to insure unto them the greatest extent of enjoyment and happiness to which they may be afterwards be entitled and capable of injoyment it is only through faith and obediance to Christ in prosperity through trials and temptations that we gain the everlasting prize a crown of glory an inheritance which is incoruptable and ?????? and that fadeth not away there is no ?????????? home to me
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 12	started early and went down to Warren Beans and took dinner and then went down to Pariss to a Jacksons and staid all night and hired Mr Bean
Stephen's Diary	July 12	Cloudy and cool at Hilton Head S. Carolina Leave at 3 P.M. on steamer for Savanah Georgia and ordered to report to our Reg’t for duty lay at anchor over night in the Savanah river

Stephen's Letters	Wednesday July 12/65	excuse this I am yet at Hilton Head it is cloudy this morning and quite coll when compared with some of the time sence we have ben here the second lieutenant of my company leaves here this morning for home on a thirty day furlough he came from Savannah yesterday he says the Reg't is there and the orders for them to go to North Carolina is countermanded and they are to remain at Savanah for the presant this is a poor sandy desolat place nothing but military business the inhabitance are exclu sivly soldiers and negroes no newspapers and we know little or nothing of what is daily transpiring it seemes strange to me when we was at Washington ?? we had the papers every morning right from the press and the news right from headquarters I do hope we shall not stop here long the wind blew fresh yesterday and the sand blew in the air jest as the snow would in maine in a cold windy winter day and much more disagreable to me the only pleasures to be enjoyed here is the see breeze and a good bathe in the pure cold ocean waters on the beach which we have improoved
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 13	left there and went up to his Mothers and took dinner had quite a shower we was out in quite a shower at Lock Mills got up to Charles Whites and staid all night it is cold and I am tired
Stephen's Diary	July13	Clear and warm arive at Savanah 9 A.M. leave Savannah on boat for fort Palaski at noon arive at 6 P.M. and report to the Company for duty Received two letters from home Nos. 27, 28
Stephen's Letters	Thursday 13^th July /65	Fort Palaski Ga you will see by the date of my letter that I have cahanged my quarters sence yesterday morning we received orders yesterday to report to our Reg't acordingly we left Hilton Head at 3:o.clock in the after noon and arived in savannah the this morning at about nine got some breakfast there which cost me fifty cents then took pasage on a boat and came to my company at fort Palaski arived here at about two oclock this afternoon how I shall like here I cannot yit tell the boys say it is much cooler then at savannah and it is very cool and showery this afternoon we are down close to the see shore and have a fine see breeze the most of the time Joseph is well and looks ruged and smart and it seemes good to git back with the company and with some that I am acquainted with I received a letter from you when I arived her mailed June 28^th I was much pleased to hear from you though the letter had ben writen some time I shall be likely to git my letters more regular now I am with my company you will direct the same as before I was detailed I wrote yo to direct to head quarters but you will not put it on now because I am back to my company for duty now I will close this page and go out and look round and see how I like the premicies here I hop it will be better then most of the southern places I have seen.
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 14	quite cool riding got at home at noon found things all rite at home go some dinner commenced haying after dinner I went over to the Office after supper and got a bushel of potatoes
Stephen's Diary	July 14	Clear and warm in for Palaski the remainder of the collord Reg’t arive 103 Regulars the only pleasure to be enjoyed here is the sea breeze which blows fresh every day and good comfortable quarters in the fort Mosquitoes are very plenty water very poor
Stephen's Letters	Friday July 14^th 1865	My trust is in my Heavenly Father Fort Palaski Ga My dear family I am this morning at fort palaski with my company think I shall like here the best of eny place I have ben in sence leaving Washington we have the best quarters here that we have had sence we left home each man have a separate bunk by him self and he has to keep it clean and neet have plenty of room and a good dry place when it rains and cool in hot weather the fort is built of brick and the floor of our barracks is brick with a cannall about thirty feet wide around the entire fort bricked up and filled with water which rises and falls with the tide which keep the water from stagnation but the musketoes are awfull plenty but we each man have a mus- quetoe bar to slep under which keps them off very well nights and days we have to fight them the Captain handed me a letter from you larst eavning maled the 21^st June which is two I found here for me I am pleased that they are building a road and that you are prospering so well and do hope and pray that I shall soon be with you
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 15	got up and milked and got Breakfast and went down to Mr flaggs and got a grind stone and washed up the flours and done lots of work but feel bad all the time my trust is in god
Stephen's Diary	July 15	Clear and warm In fort Pulaski Ga Leave the fort at 2 P.M. Arive in Savanah 4 P.M. Join the Regt in camp south of the city and go in camp A perfect dogs life is that of a soldier if he runs away he is tied to a stump
Stephen's Letters	Saturday morning July 15^th 1865	it is very plesant moring and I am enjoying good health but very uneasy in mind I feel anxious about home fear you will be plaged to git help to cut the hay and it does seem at times as though could not stay here doing nothing and so much needed at home where I desire to be I can hardley be reconcild to being kept here now the war is all over the Rebel armies are all disbanded and sent home and there is not the least necesity for keeping us here that I can see and we all expected that when the war was over and no enemy to oppose that our time of service would be out and we should be permited to go home and there is much uneasiness discontent and dissatis faction among the men a good many have left and more would if it was not for their princple respect to honor and a dislike of the name of desertion after they have endured the privatations hardships and danjers of the war the officers are rite in their glory I made this remark that it was rough and hard for me to stay here nothing to be don when I was so much needed at home why said an officer which hapened to be in hearing would you rather go home then stay certainly I should fooll if I shouldn't anscier came rather close and he said no more fort Palaski
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 16	cloudy have been writing to Stephen am feeling lonely took the heifer of to day rainy to day have been writing to Stephen have lots of care God is good I know I feel
Lydia's Letters	July 16^th: 1865	No 30^th Sunday Upton My Dear Husband I am at home as usual today and we are all enjoying health and prospering but feel lonely my mind is with you always and I long to be with you I received a letter from you last Tuesday stating you was at Savannah it made me feel bad but thought I would try and make the best of it but it for it only injuers us to feel bad I have learnt this and always try to do rite and than I can say thy will be done O god you must try and preserve your health you have a better chance to take care of your self as the fighting is over and you are not exposed to long marches and fatuges that the Soldier has to endure you of course know better about them than I do I think you will soon be at home be of good Courage and put your trust in god I did not write to you last Sunday for I went to meeting to Mr Winslows and could not get time since I have been waiting some time to know how things turned with you as soon as I got your letter Tuesday I found I could not hire any good help around here for it was all engaged Waren Bean was here the 7^th he told me his mother had got Maried so I could get Sylvanis by going after him so I thought as I was going to bethal I would try I went rite from the office took Supper to fathers went down to Charles White that night and got down to Warren Bean at eleven he told me that his brother was to work at Snows falls for a Jackson was not engaged for any time I knew what he was so I felt anxious to get him I went to Bryants Pond stoped to minister Briggs one hour in a showr he told me Henry was getting along nicely [in] Washington Wife was there and then I went down where Mr bean was that night found him way up where Uncle Moses Parsons lives Uncle Moses wanted to hire him I had quite a time to find him for he was four or fives miles from Snow Falls but got there just at dark I was so luckey to get him he was haveing 2 dollars per day but said as I had a long job he would work cheaper I hire by the Month he will work for me untell Sep and then he is going to school we left the next Morn went to his mothers a little ways from Uncle Ben Bartletts and took dinner had to stop untill two oclock because it rained and got up to bethal and sold my wool or part of it got up to Charles Whites just as dark they would not let me go any further so we stoped all night and got home at noon father was dreadfull pleased I got him he Commenced haying in the afternoon he and Wallace mowed and raked must all the field below the barn he is a very steady fellow make me think of Henry he is so faithfull he will take the care of[f] from me now for a spell our grass looks nice and I want to cut it all dont worry about us at home I mean to press on this year and take care of thngs but think that I shall never try it again it is so hard the children are reading and Mr Ben is lying on the himy (?) reading and I am in dark writing to you
Stephen's Diary	July 16	Clear and warm In camp south of the city all day in camp quiet very hot and dry The men on patrold gard in the city This is a low flat sandy disagreeable place not so bad in the city as in the country around it.
Stephen's Letters	Sunday morning July 16^th 1865	it is a very fine morning her this morning and we have ben all the morning preparing and giting through with inspection a duty which I was clar from while I was away from my company they try to be very nice and partictular here in the Fort which I think is a very good plan for much depends on cleanliness her in the filthy country James Widler is in the hospital I called to see him yesterday after noon he is quite sick but keepes about the house the most of the time he seemed very anxi ous to go north and to git home he has had a bad time sence he came out this time but I hope he will be blessed and git home once more my friend Parlin which I have spoken of in my letters is also sick in the hospital at Savannah I have not seen him sence the Co. left Washington I miss him very much in the company he is a good Christian man how I wish he was at home with his family he was quite slim when he left Washington and seemed very unreconciled to coming south this summer I do sincerley hop he will soon be sent home it is cruel to keep such men here now may God bless him and all the rest of his people may you and I be in that number is my daily prayer
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 17	quite rainy in the morn Wallace went over to Mr abbott with my cart wheels Mr Aim sot the tires Sylvanus worked in the barn untill 2 Oclock and then went to mowing I have been strawing
Stephen's Diary	July 17	clear and hot In camp south of Savanah detailed on camp gard thirty men detached from the Regt to repair telegraph t Augusta Ga Eight one sargent on corporel one patrole Four men on campgard
Stephen's Letters	Monday morning July 17^th 1865	A few thoughts this morning and I will close this letter we are enjoying helth that is my self and Joseph and a fine cool morning with a plesant see breeze we expect to be releived here to day join or Regt at Savannah half a Regt of colored soldiers landed here yesterday they say they are sent to releive us in the fort they went in camp out side larst night the rest of their Regt is coming to day they say I am on gard today the first time I have be detailed in the co. for gard sence larst March I express thirty dollars to you from Hilton Head write me if you git it and the forty dollars on the alotment role O how I should like to be at home with you this morning and I trust that I soon shall enjoy that blessed privlige but let us put our trust in Christ he that ovecome the world and he can help us to overcome all our trials and afflictions I will trust in him at all times Direct your letters the same as before I left the company I must close yours in love S.N.R.
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 18	I went strawberrying in the fournoon and went over to Williams in the afternoon got four bushels of potatoes received a letter from Stephen did not get home until dark god is my refuge got in one load of hay
Lydia's Letters	Tuesday 18^th	it is a fine day and we are getting along nice Sunday afternoon it commenced to rain and rained hard untill yesterday at seven we are ago to get some hay in today I have one of the best of men to work for me so you must not worry but pray for us for prayer does more than strength it is mighty I went strawberrying this fournoon picked a good lot Stephen when will you be with us time seems long I long to get red of some of my care write all about everything and often wont you I think you will be to home Bennd Morse arrived last Tuesday I was the first one he shook hands with when he got of[f] from the stage he was very pleased to get back. he looked smart but it give me bad feelings to see him and to think where you was Lydia E Richards
Stephen's Diary	July 18	Clear and warm In camp south of Savanah Ga James L Widler joined the Co All day quiet in camp Ten men on patrole gard Three and one copore on camp gard dull and dreary times here well adapted to negroes but not to inteligant people
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 19	Wallace went over and got the cart it cost me to dollars + a half to get it fixed am cooking up victuals so I can go to Bethel after supper went out and raiked hay and milked my cows
Stephen's Diary	July 19	Clear and hot In cmap south of Savanah Company inspection Nine men and one corprel on patrole gard Three men on camp gard Theft and robery a common trait of the negro carrictor
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 20	started for Bethel some rainy went to Mr Beans and staid all night got down the sun about an hour high am very tired but the Lord is with me why need I fear
Stephen's Diary	July 20	Clear and warm In camp south of Savannah on patrole gard ten men on patrole and three on camp gard Three Regts leave camp here Helped take one deserter by the name of Wallice belonging to the 75^th N.Y. Commuted to jail for trial fine Shower? P.M.
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 21	very pleasent Morning finds me at Mr Beans started as soon as I could and went onto the hill and Bought me a grind stone paid 4 dollars to Bushels of corn 2.20 one rake 40 cts the are not paid for got about after dark
Lizzie's Letter	July 21 1865	No. 5 Upton Monday Dear absent loved Parent I thought as I had a few leesure moments I would improve them in writing to you we went over on the other hill to Sabbath School yesterday (Sylvanus mothers mother and I) had a good time after Sunday School we went down to the mills and took supper and come home Wallace is down in the field a raking hay we have got in 4 loads of hay this spring (Mr Grover 1) mother went out to betthel last weak and when she got there found 30 Dollars there from you and a Dollars worth of postage stamp I was very much pleased to hear you was so good I have got a little lamb David 1 Wallace 2 I keep house wille she was gone I have keep house 2 times since you went a way mother boght me a new shall (shawl) and a new pair of shous (shoes) I must close by biding you good bye you most affectionate L.L.R. do right all ways and god will bless our father remember me
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 22	Mr Bean mowed inthe fournoon Wallace spread Mark worked for me in the afternoon and we all raiked got in 3 loads in good shpate I have done lots of work and am very tired when will Stephen come home
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 23	very pleasent Sylvanus + I + Lizzie went to meeting after meeting we all went down to Williams had a ride on the lade and then cam e home I enjoyed the Sabbaath School ever so much it remined me of gone by days
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 24	very pleasent got Breakfast and than went down to Mr flagg with his grind stone and raiked hay in the afternoon got in 2 loads and then Sylvanus commenced on the Glover place Warren Bean was here all night
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 25	very warm worked in the house in the fournoon hung the grindstone went up to see Mrs garmon and wrote to Stephen went over to Mill carried to of corn 1 of rye Sylvanus mowed untill five and took the cart and Oxen + went down to Mr flagg drawed in one load
Lydia's Letters	July 25^th	No. 31 - Tuesday afternoon My Dear Companion it is warm here today and it makes me think of you but hope God will still bless you with health and O you dont know how I long to have you to home I se[e] that the 31^st Maine Reg’t has got home I guess you will soon be to home we are enjoying health and the blessings of a kind and Mercyful God we have got in nine loads of hay and got it in good shape I have one of the bests of men to work for me he not only has good Judgement and good to work but good learning and good manners and is very kind to the Children he is of a mild turn like you he works for 1,50 per day fair or foul but we have had good weather so far and if we should not I have plenty to do Jobs that has been laid by as he is ingenious Well Stephan I do not feel like writing to day anyway but duty calls and you would forgive me and accept a short letter this time if you knew my daily tasks Mr Grover Refused to let me grind on his grind stone so I went to Bethel last Thursday and came back Saturday Friday drawed up a bbl of flour 2 bushels of Corn one of rye half of bean salt 1 box of fine salt 1 rake and grind stone and rollers it cost me 6 dollars they tell me I have got a nice one I Borrowed Mr flags last week we hung ours this morn I guess you will have a little more farming tolls when you get home wall Stephen you need not worry about home things are taken care of I will tell you what Mr. Douglas said when he was here he said I was laying up my money when others was spending it Well Stephen I do the best I can and that is all I can do and if the Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want how good he is to poor me in giving you your health O my dear Stephen take care of your self and be good untill I see you Pray on pray for us we have a very sick woman on the hill Mrs Garmon dont think she will live there is a lot I want to write but cant today my Dear Husband you know how it is I have evry thing to see to and I went up to see Mrs Garmon this Morn since which I have been fixing ------ to send her poor Womman I pitied her to be sick this warm weather but it showes us that we are mortal and must die the main thing is to be ready to meet God in peace good bye for now Lydia E Richards
Stephen's Diary	July 25	Clear and fine In camp south of Savanah come of patrole gard sent a letter home No. 31 Received a letter from home mailed July 3^rd No. 29
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 26	cloudy mowing to day I have done a large washing and washed up the flours baked five custard pies Warren Bean was here in the morning night finds me weary and lonely
Stephen's Diary	July 26	Clear and warm In camp south of Savannah go on patrole gard in city Colonel Hubard leaves the Reg’t for home Resined his commission
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 27	paid boardman $1,50 mowed all day some rainy Warren Bean was here to supper washed to day and done lots of work I wish Stephen was to home I do Lord bring him to home and take care of us all
Stephen's Diary	July 27	clear and hot In camp south of Savanah come off patrole Remain quiet in camp nothing pleasing or interes ing going on but intensely hot and sultry
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 28	they mowed in the fournoon and Emery and Wallace raiked in the afternoon and Sylvanus and the Oxen went down to Mr flaggs and got in Warrens + than come home and got in to loads I went to the Office
Lydia's Letters	friday July 28 : 1865	My Dear Stephen dont you think I went to the Office tuesday with a letter in my pocket to send to you and forgot to leave it you would willingly forgive me if you knew the care I have I did not get any letter from you I hope you are well this warm weather I have many ansious feelings about you we are well and getting along finely it is very warm to day my hired man has not lost any time yet we have got it cut almost down to the Indian wheat fence getting along first rate crops look nice my potatoes look the best of any I ever see Sylvanus says I shall have a great yeald Mrs Garman is better and Mrs Cash is going over with me to day she has been up to Mr Garmans a week they are sisters she is waiting and I must close by saying take good care of your self and be good I will write a lot soon
Stephen's Diary	July 28	Clear and warm In camp south of Savanah Ten men two sargent on corpa for patrole two men one corp for camp gard today
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 29	Rained in the fournoon so our men folks did not work but they mowed int eh afternoon finished my dress had to work on it in the afternoon and eve am very tired O Stephen where art thou my Dear
Stephen's Diary	July 29	Clear and warm In camp south of Savanah on patrol gard
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 30	Very pleasent Emery + Lizzie + I went to meeting heard Mr Dalton preach liked him ever so much had a splendid meeting and Sabbath School O how hard it is to have Stephen away
Lydia's Letters	Sunday Upton July 30^th 1865	My Dear Husband we are all enjoying health to day O father you dont know how we want to see you and think we soon shall what would I give to converse with you again I hope you are well today I would like to know how you are spending this day prehaps you would like to know how we have spent it well I will tell you Lizzie Emery Bean and I went to meeting Mr Dutton preached think I never heard a better sermon you remember of seeing him at quarterly meeting dont you and dont you know what I said about him but I liked him better than I thought I should he is the smartest Minister we have had just what is needed he preaches once in four weeks on the sabboth they are getting quite dead need someone to stir them up my mind was continually on you thinking how you no doubt would like to be with us snd how pleased we should all be to have you Sylannus did not go to meeting to day and what do you suppose was the reason wall I will tell you when we got home he was getting in hay last Monday it looked like fair weather so he commenced on the lower fence by the gate got it down tuesday and then it was dull untill friday but he mowed all the time did not rain but little so we could not get it all in friday which was a fine day and saturday it rained in the fournoon the first time he has lost since he came and then he was fixing the cow bell on the Cow and so on mowed in the afternoon and that found us with quite a lot of hay down he said nothing to me about it but you can see how interested he is for me when he is to work by the month he is a fine fellow to and I was dreadful luckly to get him his Brother has been cutting hay down to Mr Flags I Changed works with him and let Sylvannus and the oxen go and draw it for him so I got t[w]o days work so I expect Emery will work for me this week for one dollar per day he is 15 years old but is large and smart so we are getting along nicely with our haying I tell you you would be surprised to see the hay that come of from the peace where you had wheat it filled the band next to the doors up to the eaves he got in one load of it today and now he is getting in a fine load I did not expect he would get it in but he does just as he pleases for I think he knows better than I do I wish you could see my indian wheat I tell you it is stout and my potatoes are nice we are prospering better than last year I know better how to manage but it is hard and lonely to have you gone our little white leg has Cavled little heifer calf done nicely makes five cows we have three pretty cavles I hope you will get the rest of your bounty they tell me that you must have it it would be a disappointment to me for I have planed accordingly or I should have paid them notes before now it costs something to hire these times they tell me I do nicely people are very kind to me every where I go I keep good copany the same as ever but miss your society ever so much it is hard finding Christian Society you know that is meat and drink for me Sylannus appears to be a moral man reads the bible and does not swear but will work on the Sabboth he is not a Christian but is steady and good I think it is every thing to be a Christian how different the Christian thinks acts and enjoys a calm mind my Dear Husband I shall be happy when you can come home and go to meeting with us and enjoying the comforts of home such a life as you are living is dreadfull for me to think of but have to bare it and make the best of it do take care of your self and pray earnstly for your deliverly Warren Douglas and Bennett Morse was to meeting today Lizzie is flying round and doing her dishes she is a great girl and does lots of work Wallace is a little man I tell you every one that sees him praises him David grows bright and pretty we have something to Labour for I can feel as though I have done my duty to my children have done the best I could
Stephen's Diary	July 30	Clear and warm In camp south of Savannah come off patrole gard Remain all day in camp Plesant shower in the night
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 31	Beautifull day drawed in 2 loads of hay in the fournoon I raiked after one and 2 in the afternoon Wallace ahd I raiked 2 hours and the men folks mowed got in one load after Supper fine day
Lydia's Letters	Monday Morning August July 31^st 1865	No. 33 Good Morning Stephen would I be happy to shake hands with you this fine Morn I hope you are well and enjoying the Spirit of Christ which will teach you to do just rite in all circumstances and prepare you for a better place than this earth can afford where there will be no wars not tumults that are so anoying to me I heard t[w]o exclent Sermons yesterday his text in the fournoon you will find in zechariah: 13^th chap: first verse in the after noon you will find in luke 19^th: tenth I was in the Sabboth School enjoyed it much I do love the house of God next Sunday Mr Garland and Mr Win is expected preach I am feeling happy in the lord this morning it is a splended morn and so was yesterday Sylannus drawed in t[w]o loads of hey yesterday and raked 2 or 3 loads makes 12 we have put in the barn I have a splended team no cart wheels giving out but a nice pair David told me he would give me what I paid and he has a new pair of black ones he wanted them to sell he was good to let me have his wagon to use this summer was he not for I did not want to buy we have a spended stock and I mean to take care of it untill you come I want you to have some thing when you get home so you will not have to work so hard the Lord is on our side why need we fear if we only do our duty we need not fear but he will do his and bless us as he has done I have Milked this Morn and got breakfast and fed up the Cavles salted the cattle fed hogs hens got in an indian pudding for dinner and thought I would drop a few lines to you to repay you for your good long letter I received last friday was happy to hear you was blessed with health think I should be a poor little thing to bear it if I should hear you was sick way down there so far from home I often think of Brother Henry that long month away from loved ones none to care nor Comfort in the hour of need O if I could know that Christ was precious to him I would be reconsiled God Grant that you and Joseph may return to live and die with friends and help advance the course of God in the world August 1^st Tuesday Morn another splended day how many more days weeks and months must pass before we can meet who can tell God only knows but I feel as though you would soon be at home how I long for the time to come when you can be with us again but there friends meet to part on this earth but it does seem so hard to be parted from all we hold dear on earth but my home is beyond this sinful world I must tell you that I have been the rounds this Morn I milk mornings and get breakfast to[o] and have it by 6 Oclock to[o] I wish you could see the peace they mowed before breakfast you would think that I had good health Wall Stephen we have got it all mowed down to blow the Indian wheat peace and all got in but t[w]o loads which Wallace and Lizzie is spreding now I helped get in t[w]o loads yesterday and Wallace and I raiked one heavy load just this side of the wall where it is so smooth now we have got to rake today from the wheat peace to the woods after breakfast they commenced on the 30 Acres peace we have got in 17 loads now the barn begins to look nice again they is a lot of hay on this farm and I was so luckey to get such a good man he worked for Walter 2 years he knows just what to do and is willing to do it he seems to love to work I thought Lieunder done well but this man does better for he is honest for one thing I dont feel as though he will leave me untill we get through nor that he will come any game on me people say what an exelent hand you got Mr Winslow has not commenced haying yet it is now nine I have got in a pudding and brown bread for dinner Stephen would you love to dine with us you can guess how I would love to have you if not you will find out when you get home may yourself continue while you are there dont be home sick people seem to think you will soon be to home it will come your turn soon but it is pleasant to not hear of butler
Stephen's Diary	July 31	Clear and warm In cmap south of Savanah All day in camp

August, 1865
Maine Adjutant General's Report		On the 3d of August, orders were received to prepare for muster-out of service; and on the 18th, the regiment embarked on board the steamer Karnak, for Portland, Me., taking on board, by the advice of the surgeon and medical director, all of the sick who were able to be moved, owing to which, and the crowded state of the steamer, four men died on the passage. "The regiment arrived at Portland on the evening of the 24th, without serious accident, where, having disembarked, it was quartered for the night in the old City Hall. On the morning of the 25th, marched to Camp Berry, to await payment and discharge, which was effected on the 29th.
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 1	done up my work in the fournoon and Wallace and I raiked in the afternoon a lot commenced on the 30 Acre peace after Breakfast got in one load I went over to the Office after Supper
Stephen's Diary	Aug 1	Cloudy and quite cool In camp south of Savannah go on patrole in the city showery and warm on gard three hour at a negro theater in the eavning if anyman wishes to witness the highth of foolishness let him attend a negro theater he will be gratifyed
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 2	very warm mowed in the fournoon and raiked in the afternoon and got in three loads Mr Smith was here to dinner he was here to hours he says I shall have to give me a deed of that land soon
Stephen's Diary	Aug 2	Cloudy and cool In camp south of Savanah come of patrole gard Sent a letter home No 32 Rumord that the 30^th is to be mustered out
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 3	very warm indeed they mowed in the fournoon and raiked in the afternoon and got in one load washed and done lots of work and raiked hay am getting along finely my trust is in the Lord
Lydia's Letters	thursday Eve : August 3 18	Upton Beloved Companion I will both lay me down in peace and sleep for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety - Pslam 4^th :8. they have all gone to bed and I have been having a good time reading the bible and praying when will our separation come to an end and the happy season that we have enjoyed in reading Gods word and ofering several[?] prayer be enjoyed again soon[.] I hope we are well but am very tired to night[.] will tell you part that I have done and than guess you wont dout it[.] Milked[,] got brcatfast done all the little petty chors and churned[,] washed and washed up the flours and raiked hay 2 hours and than after supper hoed in the garden[.] we have got in 24 loads of hay[.] think we shall finish 30 acre field to morrow[.] we have had fine weather this week very wain[.] Gen; Smith took dinner with us yesterday[.] he was here to hours[.] he is bound I shall have that field[.] (good night) my dearest[.] Ly
Stephen's Diary	Aug 3	fine gentle shower In camp south of Savannah comes off clear and warm Rumord that the order has come to discharge the 30^th
Stephen's Letters	Thursday August 3^rd 1865	No 33^rd Savannah Ga My dear family I must commence my letter this morn in the oald camp at Savannah and will first say that my health is good I think I am gitting pritty tough to stand the heat so well but hope I shall not be required to endure it here much longer quite an excitement was raised in camp larst night by the circulation of a rumer that the 30^th was to be musterd out amediatly and sent home I have not seen the boys so animated and pleased about eny one thing sence we left Maine they will be sadly dispointed if it should proove false but I do hope it is true for I do not think there is a Regt in the army that the men want to git home more then the thirtieth we shall know about it in a day or two and it may be my good fortune to mak up this letter in preparing to go hom if not on the voig if it should I anticipate the plesantest letter I have ever written in the army we are anxioulsy wating this morning for the news to be confirmed. Home sweet home
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 4	Mowed all day got in one load of hay Mr foy was her to Supper and we went over to theOffice received a letter from Stephen O how pleased to learn that he was well
Stephen's Diary	Aug 4	Clear and warm In camp south of Savanah Go on patrole gard in city Comes up showery Conflicting rumor about the discharge of the 30^th A discharged Marier robed of all his money and watch in Savannah market enters his complaint to the ?????? ???????
Stephen's Letters	Friday August 4^th	Savanah Ga. We are having a very fine morning here and the excitement has parst away and bring nothing sure to light about our being musterd out and all seems to fear that it was a false alarm but if there is an order to that effect they will have to abide by it I am on patrole gard again this morning have ben off two days this time which is quite a rest how I wish I was going into the field to haying with you this morning instead of going to patrole the strets of Savannah for twenty four hours I should then feel that I was doing some good and might be of some benefit to some one but I cannot see as our staying here is of eny benefit at all to eny one it is a dreary lothsome life not in reality a lazy idle life for we are kep constantly busy doing nothing or in other words that which amounts to nothing I feel very anxious to hear how your are a gitting along and if you have got the money I sent all the alotment for I am afraid you will be plaged to git the hay but and if I git home this fall we shall want to winter the stock on the farm Be of good cheer Savannah Georgia
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 5	mowed in the afternoon forenoon and raiked and got in 3 loads finished up the 30ty Acre field got in 28 loads of hay I have done lots of work to day am very tired my trust is in God
Stephen's Diary	Aug 5	Clear and warm In camp south of Savanah come off patrole All quiet in camp
Stephen's Letters	Saturday August 5 /65	I have jest got releived from patrol gard and am feeling dull and draged down this morn but shall try and git some rest to day and gess I shall feel better Joseph has gorn on patrole this morning his health continues good and he is a good steady fellow. It is amusing to be down in the market here in the morning and see the negros come in with their produce to sell consisting of a most every kind of vegatables and peaches in an abundance apples are rather scarc some come up and down the river in boats and others come from the country withe what they call carrialls and I think they are rightley named their carts are two wheeled or what we should call lorie cart thought they must have ben mad in ancient times or by a very disinlightened race of beings the harness consists of a wooden saddle and a chain over the back to hold up the shafts and a wooden yoke or harnes around the neck with a short chain atached on each side and fastened to the shafts to draw by no britching is required as it is one continual drag in the sand a bit of roap around the nose for a bridle and a sheeps pelt on the saddle for the driver to set on completes the harnes the drive rides on the donkey with one foot on each shaft which answers in the room of a fill girt the rest to morrow fear not I am with thee Savannah Ga
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 6	quite pleasent we all went to meeting Mr Garland preached rained after we got home had a fine meeting enjoyed the Sabbath School very much I truly love the house of God O how I wish Stephen was at home
Lydia's Letters	Sunday moring very early [A continuation of the letter of Aug 6]	as I expected to go to meeting to day I thought I would arise early and write a few lines to you[.] we are all well and prospering finally[.] I was pleased to receive a good long letter from you Friday but am sorry to learn you are so disconted as it is your faith to stay a little longer for I fear it may wear upon your mind[.] be as contentted as you can while you stay[.] it wont be long[.] I dont wonder that you are tired of such a life[.] a long to be free at home which you so much prise[.] I have felt to mourn ever since you went into such emplyment[.] it always seemed low to me and contrary to my feelings but the Lord has thus far sustained me[.] I have thought that I could bear any thing but hearing of your death. O Step how I wish you was to home this morning to go to church with us[.] how happy I should be but I guess the time will soon come but I feel impartent for the time to arrive dont you[.] my Brekfast is in the oven that gives me a chance to write[.] I baked after supper brown bread plum puding and pies[.] Lizzie went out in the afternoon and picked enough for to pies[.] I should love to make something good for you[.] we commence on the 30 acre peace last tuesday after breakfast[.] got in the last load last night[.] did not have have any rain on it only to loads got a little shower on it[.] we have got it all cut we cut last year[.] I could sell it this year but think I shall be better of to cut it[.] Sylvain would buy it[.] Gilbert tyler wanted to buy it yesterday[.] he offered me $6.00 for my stear calf[.] he is a nice one[.] we have got our hay in good shape and it looks nice[.] My Indian wheat looks nice[.] crop are better than last year[.] my potatoes are splendid large enough to cut now[.] O Stephen Stephen My Dear how I want to converse with you[.] talk over the daily experience of almost to years[.] O did I every think we should be a part for so long[.] Shant I be happy to meet you again if we can meet as holy in heart as when we parted[.] I cant tell you how I have felt since you went away but can say that I have seen many lonely hours and some hardship but it is a great comfort to me to be with my Children[.] the Children grow good[.] Wallace is a little man I tell you[.] Sylvain has come in with the milk and I must get breakfast[.] five Oclock Sylvain Emery and Lizzie and I went to meeting[.] to day Mr Garland preached but it was dull to me[.] didnot like him as well as our minister last Sunday[.] Mr Win was not here is expected next Sunday to Sunday to[.] we shall have preaching rite along now untill Oct[.] we had a good Sunday school to day[.] 2 ladies & to genttlemen[.] Mr Riches company took part with us made it quite interesting to me[.] I love to go to meeting but pen and ink will fail to tell how you are missed[.] My Dearest Stephen aint I reason to rejoice that it is so well with you as it is[.] the war over though you are there yet the dread of battle is not before my eyes as was last year[.] I have wet my pillow many a night whilst thinking of your condition fearing our Children would be left fatherless[.] our pretty stock has just come[.] our stock has been very peacerble and good[.] have not troubled any yet[.] the gate got open and the hogs got in the potatoes so I shut them up for fear they might get in again
Stephen's Diary	Aug 6	Sultry and warm In camp south of Savanah on company inspection gentle shower dress perade in the eavning order read that the recruits are to receive the three hundred bounty
Stephen's Letters	Sunday August 6^th 1865	another sabath has come and we are yet in this unplesant military camp it very warm and sultry here this morning and we have had our usual inspections and Joseph and I are off duty to day and have the rest of the day to ourselves in camp unless there is some special detail wanted if there is we have to go Sunday the same as eny other day is a general thing there is no regard for the sabath in the army but there is some exeptions and some that would like to go to meeting but we cannot go without a pass and the rule is that all passes to go to the city must be signed by the ajatant before nine oclock in the morning and we are all very busy Sunday morning gitting ready for inspection which comes of at nine and that makes us to late for passes and so we content ourselves in our tents reading and sleeping as best we can I am tired of this way of living and long for the time to come when I can go to church if I wish without going to an officer for a pass who will snear at the idea of going to church we have a chaplan with us but he is seldom or never heard from in the way of meetings he is ocasionaly seen walking about head quarters with the officers he will not enter in himself amid ??? that would be business??
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 7	Sylvanus + Emery mowed in the four noon and then we had a Shower and so we all went a blueberring + fishing father and Jane was her to Supper washed to day and done lots of work
Lydia's Letters	Monday Eve August 7^th 1865	No. 34 My Dear Stephen ` I should be the happiest I ever was if I could converse with you tonight while I am writing I am praying that the Lord will bless you and bring you to home I do feel Justified in praying for you to come home now for you are not needed now and are at home very much but last summer I could not make seem rite it seemed Just as though your time had not come and I must wait but ever since last winter that still voice has whispered different it has seemed as though you would be to home before summer was gone I have felt more freedom and quietness in regard to your safety I washed today it was wet this morning or in other word had a smart Shower. as we had a lot of hay thought it not best to have them mow so we all went a blueberrying up to the bridge and fishing had Just got there when Father and June come along was going up to our house so I picked t[w]o quarts and come home with them was glad to have them come over father said we had got along nicely said we had got a good lot of hay and it looks nice they stoped to supper untill sunset father has been good to me since you left Henry Douglas was here to dinner I suppose you want to hear all the news Mr Groves sold the James Black place to day to a man by the name of Butler a young Meerried man very good looking had Just come out of the army hope I shall like them the news came to me to day that Mr Sawyer Bryant of South Paris that Grover quick claimed to is dead died very sudingly poor man I should think if he had his censes he would think of his threats to me I have a letter in the house that he wrote me Just before haying starting that if I cut the grass he would Sue me as soon as I did it if he lived, but the poor man did not live it seems to do it O what is man that God is mindful of him, it was all done to scare me but I am not affraid as long as Gen Smith bucks me up he says he is determined to deed to me and he owns untill he does deed but pray for me dear Husband Prayer brings the blessings down I must close for tonight for my light is bunt all out but O dear Husband you know not how I want to see you
Stephen's Diary	Aug 7	Cool with a jentle breese In camp south of Savanah detailed to go into the Company cookhouse splendid shower
Stephen's Letters	August 7^th /65	1^st page Monday morning Savannah Georgia the Lord is at hand My dear family I am enjoying the bless ings of health and strength of both mind and body this morning and do truly rear lize the protecting hand of a kind and mer cifull Savour daily directing my ways leading and instructing my thoughts and mind forg- iving my earrors and faults and teaching me the ways of life more peerfectly there is nothi ng in this world that can compair with that holy life and light which the natural heart or mind can not see because they are spiritualy derserned let us always walk in the light and always bear in mind that the broadway that leadeth to everlarsting darkness and ruin lyeth close besid and directly perral with the strait and narrow path that leadeth to eternal light and life but I must write the news on dress perrade larst night we had an order read to us stating that we was intitled to our three hundred dollars bounty and wou ld the whole that was dieu on the final settlement the Co. had a mail come yesterday but no letter for me but I hope to see you soon
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 8	Cloudy and quite cool mowed untill noon and raiked + got in one load I went a pluming in the fournoon + went over to the Office in the afternoon did not get any letter from Stephen
Stephen's Diary	Aug 8	Cool and fine In camp south of Savannah vist at my Co. by Charles G. Bean of 14^th Maine Battalallion drill at 6o’c lent C.E. Bean $5,00
Stephen's Letters	August Tuesday 8^th /65	Savannah Georgia I am in the cook house this morning the company got dissatisfyed with the cooks and finaly they left the cookhouse yesterday and the whole company pitched on me to take the cooking I resisted it as long as posiable but every man was in favour of me and I had to take it I have a good fellow with me by the name of York how we shall suit them remaines to be told our rations are not so good here as when we was at washington we draw no vegatables at all and one in a while git a mess of beanes salt pork and beaf coffee and bread is the prin ciple part of our rations that we draw here ther is plenty of very thing in the city to sell but it comes so high that it is but very little that we can git O I do hope to be at home this fall to help eat your potatoes and cabbage and biscuit and butter but it wont do to think of such thing here another mail came to the company this morning but no letter for me I do not know but that you all have forgoten me but I will never forget you May peac attend you Savannah Ga
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 9	felt bad and cryed at what Sylvanus said at Breakfast table wish I was not so sensitive am not feeling very well they mowed in the fournoon + drawed in 3 loads I raiked after 2 loads and raik some
Stephen's Diary	Aug 9	Cool with a plesant breese In camp south of Savanah
Stephen's Letters	Wednesday August 9^th /65	Another fine morning has come and finds me here Co cook injoying my good health and in hopes to soon git out of this show where I can enjoy myself better then here Charles Bean made us a visit larst night he looks smart and says his health is first rate he has ben expecting to go home for a long time but cannot git his discharge papers and pay he says he has had no pay for eleven month and has ben away from his Co. and could not draw eny cloting he was drest in citersons clothes and said he did not know what he should do unles he was paid soon he wanted Joseph or I to let him have a pair of shoes or lend him money enough to buy a pair I thought of the two dollars that I borrowed of his Wife and so I divided with him and lent him five dollars he was very much pleased and said that he would satisfye me for it as soon as he got some money he was all most shoe less he said the General thought he had better wait now and go home with his Regt as it would not be long before it would go home There is no place like home
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 10	Very pleasent they mowed in the fournoon and we all raiked in the afternoon got in one load have been busy all day and am very weary how I want to see Stephen
Stephen's Diary	Aug 10	clear and warm Inc amp south of Savanah Sent a letter home No. 33 Draw five days rations Battalion drill at 6 o’clock
Stephen's Letters	Thursday August 10^th /65	Savannah Georgia My dear wife and children I must finish up this letter this morning without hearing from you but a mail steamer is reported this morning and I am in hopes to git a letter from you I want to hear if you got the money I sent and how you git along with the work on the farm I want you to try and git hay enough if you can to winter your stock for I think I shall be at home this fall and we shall not want to sell the stock of from the farm the say we shall not git eny more pay untill the final payment and then we shall have our whole bounty that is dieu and I do hope that payment will come soon for I want to be at home with you I am tire of this dour life but I git along well and the cooking keeps me busy and the time does not seem so long the weather is some cooler than it was larst month and the nights are very damp and cool enough to be comfortable my health is good and Joseph is smart and we are anxiously wating for the time to come when they will let us go home to our friends yours in heart S. N. Richards
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 11	cloudy oiled the harness in the fournoon then they mowed in the afternoon I went over to the Office received a letter from Stephen Brought Laura home with me Mr Grover went over with me I want to do rite
Stephen's Diary	Aug 11	Pleasant and fine In camp south of Savanah Ga Lent Sargent Thomas #2,00 All day in camp cooking
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 12	a fine day pleased to see it because we have a lot of hay down they mowed in the fournoon and raiked in the afternoon + drawed in one load Emery went home with Laura I have done lots of work to day paid Mrs Lincoln one dollar
Stephen's Diary	Aug 12	Plesant and warm In camp south of Savanah Heavy shower with dreadful thunder and lightning Lieutenatn Harvill Returned to Co. from home Received a letter from home No. 31 mailed July 25
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 13	Very pleasent Lizzie + Emery + I went to meeting Mr Win preached had a fine meeting enjoyed it much I love the house of God and long to have Stephen enjoy them again the place of prayer is ???? ?to me?
Stephen's Diary	Aug 13	cloudy and cool In camp south of Savanah Co inspection gentle shower at 4 P.M. All day in camp cooking
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 14	Beautifull day long to be remembered by me I have done so much work washed my wool 57 lbs + washed Churned washed windows + the flour besides all the petty chors drawed in 4 loads of hay and mowed I am weary but love to think of Gods mercy
Lydia's Letters	Monday August 14^th 1865	No. 36 Upton But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew there strength - they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run and not be weary and they shall walk and not be faint: Blesed promises precious to me I can not express with pen and paper how sweet and Cheering they are to me this verse hits my case to night for I often wonder how I am carried thrugh so much I have done lots of work today washed 27 lbs of wool and done my weeks wash Churnd washed up the porch flool, there if you knew the rest you would not belevie me I guess but my Ancles & rests leg well tonight and thought I must remind you of home even if my tired mind does wander around. it will it will remind you of loved ones at home and that you are not forgoten though almost 2 long and dreary years have seperated us the memery of you is sweet and the hope of your return cheers me on and the mercies of a kind and Heavenly father gives me renewed faith strength and courage O I am determinded to be a follower of Christ moulded in his imiage it is enough to be a Christian we are saved now it is enough to know that we meet God approlution I feel in a hurry about picking my wool have got to go away and get some more money today to pay the boys as I have not heard from the alotment Roll yet the $40 you sent I have not heard from yet Charles Abbotts Boy has been sick with the Diptheare but is better Mr Bryant died with it David has got done haying and is to work to fathers now I can not write any more now write often and all the news what you daily enjoy and so on I do hope you will not have to stay there long but be as contented as you can while you stay Axcept this from your true Companion Lydia E Richards
Stephen's Diary	Aug 14	Cloudy and cool In camp south of Savanah All day in camp Nathan York take sick with fever and ague clear and hot in the P.M.
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 15	I am feeling very bad very pleasent picked wool and went over to the Office and went up to Mr Godwins and got 10 dollars state aid finished haying to night
Lydia's Letters	August 15 1865	Dear but absent father. I thought that as I had a few spare moments I would try and drop you a few lines to let ou know that we are all well David has been picking a partridge this morning we have got most done haying we have halled 40 loads into the bard it looks nice I tell you - Wallace had to go and carry some watter down to the men so I will finish he was ago to tell you what he had done he has loaded about all and took it away and raiked and spred it all and always got the oxen he is a good deal of help and a fine boy it is a fine morn here finds us all enjoying health and getting along well I have writen a letter to Joseph this Morn skrim up my milk and got in t[w]o pie so I thought I would finish my letter to you I can tell you I would love to converse with you tonight but we will keep on praying and not faint - the day is at hand trust in God and do rite and he will do rite with us all things work together for the good of those that love God I received a letter from you friday dated up to August 2^nd was pleased to again learn that you was well tell me your true feelings wont you I dont see why you dont hear from us my letters are all numbered correctly tell me if you get them all we are all well and prospering they are all sleeping but me now we expect to finish haying tomorrow dont you think we have done well O I guess you would say so if you could see our barn hope you will soon went to meeting yesterday had a fine meeting O when will you be free it has seemed to me as though you was in bondage and you dont know how I long to have you out of it it is now eleven Oclock and I must retire yours ever the same true and faithful companion it seems as though I could fly and be with you but it is sweet and consoluting to feel that you are doing rite and that we shall soon meet in love and purety of heart good night (Lydia)
Stephen's Diary	Aug 15	Cool with a plesant westly breese In camp south of Savannah All day in camp Drew five day rations
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 16	very warm started early for bethel with Sylvanus and Emery paid Emery 15 dollars Sylvanus 5 dollars staid to warrens all night
Stephen’s Diary	Aug 16	Clear and warm In camp south of Savanah Heavy storm of rain with dreadful thunder and lightning at 4 P.M. full four inches of water fell in one hour.
Lydia’s Diary	Thursday, 17	started early for home sold 11 ½ libs of wool got 55 cts a pound got 32 lbs of wool carded paid 7 cts a pound bought one bushel of corn paid 1,25 got home at night
Stephen’s Diary	Aug 17	Cloudy and cool In camp south of Savannah Ga gentle shower in the P.M. Patrole gard ovee from duty in the city by the 153^rd New York
Lydia’s Diary	Friday, 18	am tired went over to the Office got a letter from Stephen think he will soon be at home carried over 3 dozen of eggs and 39 lbs of butter at 25 cts a lb
Stephen’s Diary	Aug 18	Clear and warm In camp south of Savanah Detailed men ordered to the Co. Sent a letter home No. 39 Break camp at 7 o’clock and ove to the wharf and go on board the steamer Carsiar
Lydia’s Diary	Saturday, 19	washed and churned and done lots of work quite pleasant am tired all out and feel lazy but good Courage for I thing Stephen is on his way home good good
Stephen’s Diary	Aug 19	clear and warm on boar the steamer leave the wharf at Savanah at five in the morning pass the bar at about nine fine day plesant sail lose sight of land
Lydia’s Diary	Sunday, 20	Very pleasant we went to meeting had a very good meeting Mr Win prleached had a good Sabbath School my trust is in God who doeth all things rite I love the Sabbath
Stephen’s Diary	Aug 20	Pleasant and fine on board the steamer shower with thunder & light fine days sail
Lydia’s Diary	Monday, 21	am not feeling very well so have not done much went up to see Mrs Garmon found her crazy O we are nothing but mortal and we should love and obey god and all will be well
Stephen’s Diary	Aug 21	Cooler but plesant on board the steamer heavy shower with thunder and lightning fine days sail
Lydia’s Diary	Tuesday, 22	went over to the Office carried my corn to Mill one bushel very nice corn did not get any letter am impatient for Stephen to come am tired of the cares of Life
Stephen’s Diary	Aug 22	cool and plesant on board the Steamer fine sail through the day clouds up in the eavning with lightning heavy gale strike at about ten with rain and wind we gain but very little through the night
Lydia’s Diary	Wednesday, 23	very cool went over to Mr Frosts after Mrs Jonssons for Mr ?Lainy? she is very sick paid her $12,00 and Mrs Lincoln 85 cts had some ovee and milk for dinner
Stephen’s Diary	Aug 23	cold and windy on board the steamer discover land at about noon Cony island of the coasts of New York comes up clear but continues cold took on board a pilot
Lydia’s Diary	Thursday, 24	quite cool and rainy made David a pair of pants Mr Ballard + Hyman West Gilbert Tyler was her today have done lots of work the time seems long for I want to hear from Stephen
Stephen’s Diary	Aug 24	continues cool on the steamer pass Cape Cod at about day light and ovee at Portland at 6 in the eavning land and march to the oald city hall and take quarters Receive Refreshments by the Citizens
Lydia’s Diary	Friday, 25	cool and pleasant washed and done chors in an abundance let Mr Garman have 6 lbs of port 2 lbs of butter $2,00
Stephen’sDiary	Aug 25	Plesant and fine In Portland at the city hall At two o’clock pack up and ove to camp Berry two miles from the City go into Barracks mailed a letter for home
Stephen's Letters	Friday August 25^th /65	Portland Maine My dear Wife we left Savannah the eightenth and arived here larst night and took quarters in the City hall are going to Augusta to day to be discharged and paid of and shall proceed home as soon as posible some say we shall have to wait for the pay master but I hope not everything is in commotion with us here this morning and I cannot write much my health is first rate and Joseph is well if we are detained at Augusta I will write to you Yours in haste Stephen N. Richards
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 26	worked very hard cleaning house for I am expecting Stephen home and want to see him so much the time seems long am very tired David was here to night
Stephen's Diary	Aug 26	Plesant and fine In camp Berry Portland Dress perade and speech by Colonel Little mustering officer The Reg’t have leave of absence untill Monday twelve o’clock most all leave to home
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 27	quite pleasent went up to see Mrs Garmon in the four noon and went over to meeting in the afternoon Mr Duton preached went down to fathers to supper father says Stephen is comeing home wensday
Stephen's Diary	Aug 27	Plesant and very fine In camp Berry Portland waiting for pay and discharge
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 28	to work very busy all day Churned and went up to see Mrs Garmman am not feeling very smart
Stephen's Diary	Aug 28	Plesant and fine In camp Berry Portland waiting pay and discharge walk to the city and back
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 29	quite busy all day mending and fixing up things the time seems long for I want to see Stephen O the Lord is good who doeth all things rite
Stephen's Diary	Aug 29	Plesant and fine In Camp Berry Portland Paid of and discharged from the service leave the camp and go to the city and stop at Sturtefant house and leave for home the next day by railroad
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 30	very pleasent started early for bethel received 2 letters from Stephen meet with Stephen + Joseph at 6 Oclock and stoped to James Whithers all night happy happy
Stephen's Diary	Aug 30	Plesant and fine In Portland City Buy one coat 12,00 : one pair pants??? 8,00 three hats 5,50 boots and shoes 18,00 two dress featerns? 13,90 tools 5,40 one trunk 5,00 one razor 1,00
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 31	very warm started for home stoped at fathers to supper and got home about 6 Oclock found the Children all well O what a happy happy day long to be remembered
September, 1865
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 1	very pleasent Stephen commenced to mow the Indian wheat peace it seems good to have him to home again to see to things I will praise the Lord who has heard our prayers
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 2	mowed Indian wheat I raiked a little it does seem good to have Stephen to home again after being gone to war one year and eight monghts
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 3	fine weather Charles was here we went ot Sabbath School it seems good to have Stephen go with us again the Lord is good
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 4	Stephen went down to Mrs flaggs to get in some hay Mr Garmman was here to work was here to dinner and supper
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 5	Mr flagg worked here in the four noon mowing Indian wheat and wheat rained a little in the afternoon I went down and raiked a little Joseph was here to supper
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 6	Joseph went home Stephen raiked
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 7	got in one load of wheat am not feeling very well but filled with joy am tired all out with care and hard Labour but the future looks bright
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 8	Stephen got in a load of wheat and cut the oats and raiked them I have done lots of washing this week
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 9	got in 2 loads of oats and one load of Indian wheat washed up the flour am very tired my trust is in god
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 10	out windy Lizzie Stephen and I went to meeting Mr Garland preached to day it rained when we came home we stoped to Davids a while
Stephen's Diary	Sept 10	cloudy with signs of rain went to meeting Mr. Gorland preached Rainy in the afternoon
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 11	town meeting day Stephen ploughed in the four noon and went to meeting down to Jerushas and found our cattle to Mr flaggs
Stephen's Diary	Sept 11	Plesant and fine Commenced plowing went to election in P.M.
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 12	Stephen went over to Mr Smalls and I washed am not feeling very well but my mind is all rite got in one load of Indian wheat
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 13	Churned very pleasent and dry got in four loads of Indian wheat
Stephen's Diary	Sept 14	Plesant and fine finished halling in grain
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 14	Lizzie is not well pleasent and dry cut Lizzie a dress to day Stephen got in one load finished getting in grain
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 15	pleasent Stephen went over to Mr wests and got fanny Showed and I sowed and so on Charles worked here in the afternoon digging potatoes
Stephen's Diary	Sept 15	Plesant and fine Went to wests and got the horse shod cost ,75c Charles helped dig potatoes
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 16	Charles dug potatoes to day Andrew and family was here to dinner and Jonny Newton David and Joseph to Supper Stephen ploughed
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 17	Rainy so we spent the day at home resting how good to have Stephen to home again out of the Army I am tired all out the Sabbath is enjoyed by me very much
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 18	dull but not much rain Stephen and Charles started for Henrys and night finds us alone again have worked hard to day sowing spun one skein
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 19	pleasent again spun 6 skeins Wallace dug 10 bushels of potatoes am very tired to night had a good time reading the papers am looking for Stephen
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 20	pleasent Stephen did not come home last night cant think where he is to day have spun 6 skeins and am tired but my trust is in god who doeth all things rite and just
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 21	Stephen come home to night Stephen dug potatoes do day and the children all went down to Mr Newtons I washed to day very pleasent to day
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 22	very pleasent Stephen + Wallace dug potatoes to day had a boiled dish
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 23	very pleasent dug potatoes to day I went to the Office
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 24	pleasent went to meeting to day had a fine meeting
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 25	dull so Stephen halled rocks to day
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 26	finished diging potatoes to day finished Stephen a pair of stockings
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 27	washed to day and washed up the floors Stephen drawed dressing to day
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 28	Lizzie and I went to the store to day went down to Sarah and Jerusha's stoped to Jerusha fo Supper carried over four dozen of eggs and got 2 yds of sheeting with it
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 29	Stephen built wall to day Mr Gammon was her to super he worked in the afternoon Mr Godwin was here to supper Stephen sold him 2 year old stears and one calf for 43 dollars
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 30	went up to Mr Gammans and got my burne Mr Gammon was here to supper and Mrs Gammon was here to dinner and her Children Stephen built wall
October, 1865
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 1	pleasent and Cool Jerusha Walter Joseph + David was here to supper was pleased to see them the Sundays are enjoyed by me very much
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 2	Rainy to day and much needed Churned to day Stephen made a plough handle
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 3	Charles Abbott was here to day paid him five dollars
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 4	Stephen went out in the afternoon and killed 6 patrages
Lydia's Diary	Thursday, 5	William Godwin was here to day paid him five dollars on the taxes Wallace went over to Mr Riches and sold 6 patrages for $1,20
Lydia's Diary	Friday, 6	Reafus Godwin was here to dinner he took his years olds and calf and paid us 43 dollars for them I have a sore finger have spun six skeins Stephen is ploughing
Lydia's Diary	Saturday, 7	spun 4 skeins Stephen is drawing rocks Churned 9 lbs of butter Lizzie ironed
Lydia's Diary	Sunday, 8	quite cool we staid at home all day we are having it very dry it seems good to have Stephen home
Lydia's Diary	Monday, 9	School commenced to day done my work and mended Stephen drawed out one load of dressing and halled rocks the rest of the day
Lydia's Diary	Tuesday, 10	cold and winday sowed in the four noon and spun to skeins in the afternoon Stephen drawed one load of dressing and halled rocks
Lydia's Diary	Wednesday, 11	pleasent and cool washed to day Stephen drawed one load of dressing and drew rocks

The Richards of Andover, Maine

Jul-Oct 1865

July, 1865

August, 1865

September, 1865

October, 1865