January, 1865 |
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Maine Adjutant General's Report |
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After the active operations of the army in the Shenandoah Valley had ceased, late in the Fall of 1864, and the 6th corps and Gen. Crooks' command had returned, the former to the army of the Potomac, and the latter to the various posts and garrisons in the valley of the upper Potomac, the 2d division of the 19th corps was ordered south, the 1st division remaining as the army of occupation in the section of country where these troops had gained signal successes. The 3d brigade of the 1st division was assigned as garrison to the city of Winchester, Gen. Fessenden commanding the brigade and the post. Soon after the 1st of January 1865, the 30th regiment, as part of the 3d brigade, moved from the camp, then nearly completed, at the Stevenson's Station to Winchester. On the 8th of Jan., three companies formed of the re-enlisted veterans of the 13th regiment, joined the 30th. The consolidation was completed in the month of January, under the immediate orders of Gen. Sheridan, the 30th being formed in seven companies and retaining the field and staff officers without change. The 13th Maine was organized as a battalion of three companies, commanded by officers of the regiment. The two battalions were then united and the consolidation effected by the muster-out of five commissioned officers of the 30th and a few non-commissioned officers of both regiments. The consolidated force formed a regiment of maximum strength and of the best material, both of officers and soldiers of the line. "On the 10th of Jan., the regiment having already constructed several camps since the setting-in of Winter, took the position finally assigned it, near the southern limits of Winchester, and built the quarters which it occupied until taking the field in the Spring. "During the winter, the men were employed in picketing the town, in guarding and moving stores, and in performing the various duties incident to the garrisoning of posts; meanwhile in making preparations for the Spring campaign. Occasional reconnaissances were also made, being found necessary by the neighborhood of detached portions of the enemy's forces. These expeditions, however, were but of little importance, excepting as an exercise for the troops and in serving as a salutary warning to the disloyal population. |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 1 |
Mr Bean staid here all night News years day found me to Benjamins yorks very cold started very early from there for home went over to the office and received a letter from Mr Bryant Carried Mrs. Mors home + brought Laura home Carried Mrs foye home |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 2 |
flying round seeing to things feeling very tired wnet to bed quite early Sarah came over here in the Eve after Laura She went home with her |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 3 |
have been writing to Stephen + washed +washed up the flours and warped a web Wallace + Lizzie went to mill received a letter from Stephen dated Dec 25th I could but rejoice to know that he was well |
Stephen's Diary |
January 3, 1865 |
Weather cold and snowy. In camp work on quarters. Sent letter home No. 1. |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 4 |
quite Cool drawed in my web besides doing the rest of the work Cooked four chickens we are getting along finely my trust is in god for he doeth all things right |
Stephen's Diary |
January 4, 1865 |
Cold with wind and snow. In camp work on tents. |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 5 |
Wallace went over to fathers mad a Chicken pie 3 mince pies and made Sauce I kepp Bush all the time seeing to things have Been kniting in the Evening |
Stephen's Diary |
January 5, 1865 |
Cold windy day. Work on Lieutenant’s tent 3 PM quit work and pack up and move to Winchester. Stoped in the open field overnight north of town. |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 6 |
Mr and Mrs Lufkin and another Laday and Laura was her to dinner I went over to the Office with them and down to fathers Sent a Letter to Stephen Stormy |
Stephen's Diary |
January 6, 1865 |
Weather warm and cloudy. Detailed on picket Regiment go into oald vacated camp Commenced ???????????? |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 7 |
Winday to day I have spun four Skeins I am feeling very Anxious about Henry but hope he is better |
Stephen's Diary |
January 7 1865 |
Cold winds with snow ????? In camp east of Winchester Sent a letter home no. 2 |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 8 |
Very Cold but pleasent I went to meeting to day and stayed in the evening meeting had a very good meeting |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 9 |
Miller to day I have spun 3 Skeins and done some mending Mrs foye Came her to day was here to Supper and stayed all night |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 10 |
Snowy I went over to the Office But was sadly disappointed by not geting a letter sent one to Stephen Spun 4 Skeins my trust is in god who doeth all things well |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 11 |
Pleasent but Cold have done a large washing to day + washed up the flours + spun 2 Skeins am feeling quite weary But my Courage is good |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 12 |
Cloudy and little stormy I have spun 6 Skeins and than spent the evening in writing to Stephen feelong happy in the Lord to night |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 13 |
Cloudy but milder I went up to Mr Godwin's received ten dollars state Aid went over to the Office did not get any letter sent one Spun to Skeins of yarn |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 14 |
Stormy with out wind washed up the flours and spun 4 Skeins Mr Bragg worked for me to day Cutting wood he was here to dinner |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 15 |
cold and winday I am feeling lonsome and rather disconted hardly know how to Contain my feelings |
Stephen's Letters |
Jan 15th 1865 |
No. 3 Camp Near Winchester Send me a few stamps Shannandoah Valley Va To Wallace my dear Son I seat myself with pleasure to write a few lines in ansier to yours which I should have done before had we not ben mooving about and very much hurried and drove about fixing our tents comfortable we have got them pretty well fixed up now each co: have a barreck it is built seven feet wide and five feet high and pertioned off every sixteen feet and each room is to have eight men in it so you see that we must be some crowded in the tent when they are all in but some of us are out on duty about all the time by day and we have four bunks and sleep two in a bunk two bunks in each end one above the other three feet wide leaving a room in the centre ten by seven we git along very well in warm weather but it is quite dificult in coald. I have not ben on piecket but once sence the nineth of Dec: I have ben kept off gard duty to work on the camps We had a grand review this morning formed in line at half parst nine had an inspection of armes then marched down through Town and parst in review by Gen. Ferenton and returned ariving back in camp at twelve o'c. Winchester before the war was quite a place about the size of Norway though far inferior in beauty and splendour and I should jug in business and prosperity but it is a seen of ruins now. I am glad to hear that you have such a nice stock and are gitting allong so well I think you had better hire some of the wood cut so that you will not have to work to hard and have some cut on hand for a cold stormy day I didn't expect when I left home that I had a little man to leave at home that could carry on the farm take care of the stock and manage every thing so niceley god hath wonderfully blessed and protected you at home and me in the armey let us prais his holy name and never distrust his goodness and mercy in no condition whatever I do trust in him and believe in his mercy and goodness for those great blessings of health virtue and wisdom that I may walk in the humble path of duty and grant us shortly a happy and joyfull meetting that we may join in praising him to gather around the family alter I found a rich little treasure in my shirt pocket containing a feast for every day in the year when I took it out and opened it the first words that my eye fell on was these Verily Verily I say unto you he that believeth on me hath everlasting life John 6:47 the true beleiver on the Lord Jesus is persesed with a living faith and sacred trust in him which is life to the soul and will live for ever and ever in his holy Kingdom be good and put your trust in the lord swear not at all abhore lying stick close to the trouth and God will grant you wisdom and strength acording to your day we have jest heard by the way of a letter from a man in the hospital to one of our sargents that Henry is in the U.S. general hospital at Fredrick city Maryland and was gitting along well I think he will git a ferlough if he tryes for it we have not got rid of our cold yet but I hope we shall soon as we have got our quarters quite com- fortable again though they are not so good as at camp Rusell keep up good courage doant work to heard but keep everything close snug and right and we will trust in him that is alble and willing to do for us far mor then we through weakness are able to ask and he will bring those days of seperation to a close and we shall soon meet again to join in all the duties and comforts of the good oald family circle write often From your Father to his dear and beloved son Wallace S Richards Stephen N. Richards
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Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 16 |
Very Cold and winday But we get along nicely I have spun 6 Skeins and doubled and twisted three and washed out 20 Skeins they Broke out the road today |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 17 |
Pleasent But very Cold spun 8 knots and Doubled and twisted for Wallace a pair of Mittins and then went to Mill Carried 4 Bushels for the pigs Received a letter from Stephen Charles staid all night |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 18 |
Very Cold I have been mending and fixing all day took up a pair of Stockings for Lizzie |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 19 |
Cloudy and little Milder have Carded and spun 2 Skeins Saray and Henry was here to dinner we are well and getting along nicely how I want Stephen to home |
Stephen's Letters |
Jan 19th 1865 |
No. 4 Camp at Winchester Shannandoah Valley Va To Lizzia my dear child I have received several short but very plesant letters from you sence writing eny directly to you but do not think that your good oald Father has for one moment ever forgoton his duty to his dear beloved and only daughter and you would shurely pardon my delay could you know our confused and unsettled condition for the larts month but I intend to imp roove every chance in writing to you all and trust you will grant me the same favour ther is nothing that gives me so much pleasure and satisfaction as to know that you are all well and prospering and to receive such good letters from my little childre who but one year ago had commenced to think about writing is very grattifying in dead. let us give God the praise he is the great fountain of wisdom knowledge and goodness I have had a very severe coald and bad cough I applied to the sergeon yesterday morning for something to help my cough he gave me a powder and excused me from all duty and told me to keep warm and comfortable and he thought I should git over it in a few days and so I think my cough is not so bad to day as it has ben doant feel uneasy about me we are all subject to colds you know Joseph is fat and rugged he weighs about a hundred and ninety there is but one or two heaver men in our company he seems to enjoy him- self as well as eny of the boys but he thinks he should like to come home and see the folks we heard that Henry was in the U.S. general hospital Fredrick city Maryland we have no had a letter from him yet but heard that he was doing well I hope he will write soon we want to hear from him very much I should like to be with you to enjoy your meettings and sabath schools and all the enjoyment of home and peace and tranquility how I should like to superintend the sabath shool again at Upotn city how we used to enjoy our selves in our little sabath school it was there we could lern of the meak and holy Jesus and rearlize the exalting elevating and puryfying powers and effects of grace and truth upon the human heart and mind it is here in this army for the larst year that I have had the privilige of observing and witnessing to the extent of degradation and ruin that vice folly and wickeds will sink the human mind when left to their natural overwhelmning and deluding in fluences my dear child follow the straight path of virtue take the holy work of insperation for your gide carst your cares upon Jesus ask him for grace mercy and faith so that as you grow in stature you may increase in knollige and wisdom and become fully established in Righteousness and true holyness I must write a few lines to my little David his little curly head is ever befor me O how I like to take him on my knee and tell him a bout those big guns and how they make the Rebs role and tumble in every direction and the rebs play them on us when they can git a chance but we do not meen they shall have the chance very often we think the war is about played out and will soon end and then I will tell you all about them be a good little man and mind and help your Mother and help Wallace do the chors never quarrel with each other but always try to please and help each other along in doing good and God will bless and prosper you all. and will protect and save us in all our trials and dangers and will bring thos days of seperation to a close and we shall again meet and prais him togather once more S. N. Richards
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Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 20 |
Very cold I have been over to the Office but did not get any letter lost one of Davids Sheep |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 21 |
Cold but pleasent the children hand I went over to Williams to have our pictures taken did not get home untill evening and than had the Chors to do |
Stephen's Letters |
Jan 21st 1865 |
No. 5 In Camp at Winchester Shannandoah Valley Va. Dear beloved and affectionate Wife in writing to you this morning I feel it a duty and a privlige to first acknolidge the goodness and mercy of God our Heavenly Father in preserving us in health and strength and giving us grace faith and trust in Christ acording to the dangers trials and temptations which daily surround us I feel daily to prais him with my whole heart for his wonderfull goodness and mercy daily bestowed upon us through failable weekness we are unable to render sufficant prais and thanks to our Heavenly Father for his protecting care and unspeakable blessings bestoed upon us the parst year but through the righteousness and intercession of Christ our savour we obtain mercy and as we continue in obediance to his holy comands his allmighty arm is stretched out to protect and to save and if God be for us who can be against us I received a letter from you larst night mailed Jan 14th I was gld to hear from you and that you was blessed with the health and prosperity how I should like to come home and join my dear family in the comforts and enjoyments of home and prosperity but I desire not to complain but to wait patiently for the Lord and he will hear my prayer and answer the desires of my unworthy heart and we shall soon meet to enjoy each others sweet society till death alone shall part us my coald is better today and I expect the sergeon will put me on duty tomorrow I have ben off duty four days it is very stormy here today hail and rain the storms commence here with rain or hail and tern off cold with snow and wind we have had a pretty cold windy time sence we came here and the tents are quite open and cold yet and situated on the top of a hill where the wind has a good chance |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 22 |
Very pleasent and warm have been bush all day seeing to things we are geting along nicely O what would I give to see Stephen my trust is in god all is well Mr Bean come to night |
Stephen's Letters |
Sunday 22nd |
I called on the sergeon this morning and he put me on duty again my cold is quite well this morning though I have some coughing spells and some what wheezed up we have had our usual sabbath morn ing inspection Joseph and I are living high from our boxes now I expect it will seem har when we have to fall back on government rations there is nothing new nor of intrest going on here now we have to drill every fair day and keep our quarters gun and equipment and clothes clean and brushed for inspection once or twice a week I grow tired and wery of this imployment and long for home then I rearlize that God in his infinite wisdom and mercy hath placed me here hath protected and preserved me the parts year and will if I am faithfull to him and to all my duties carry me safely through and work out those trials and afflictions to our own good I trust in him that we shall soon meet to enjoy the good of our labour O may it be soon. we have heard nothing special about Henry only what I have writen once or twice write to me often I should like to hear from you every day You will see by this letter that I am not in the mood of writing my head seemes quite unsettled Shall write again soon Stephen N. Richards to his Dear Beloved and Affectionate Wife Lydia E. Richards in God do I put my trust |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 23 |
Very stormy today Commenced to weave in my web Mr Bean drawed wood for me to day |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 24 |
Very winday to day Mr Bean drawed wood to day have not heard from the Office to night wove to yds to day |
Stephen's Letters |
Jan 24th 1865 |
No. 6 Camp at Winchester Shenandoah Valley, Va Dear Wife and Children I received two letters from you this eavning was highly pleased to hear from you and to know that you was well and prospering and rendering thanks and prais to God our Heavenly Father for all those blessing daily bestowed upon us my health is good except my coald which I have not got entirely rid of yet but I am gaining of it sloly and shall be well of it I think in a few days I have ben to work on a cook house for the company to day and shall probaly work on it tomorrow then we have got to build the Captain a house he has ben gorn from the co: twenty days and is expected back tomorrow after his house is built I expect we shall have one or two co: houses to build I have not ben on picket but once (and that was when we was mooving) sence the nineth of Dec. I have had to work in camp on the tents we have five months pay dieu when this month is out and the talk is that we are to be paid the larst of this week I hope they will pay us up I want to settle larst years account and see how much my clothing bill is more that what they allow and I want to send you what I can and have you pay it on the farm I want to git them two notes that Stricklain has got as soon as we can and keep the stock I think you had better stay on the farm and keep your stock as it is untill I come home which I hope and think will be in the cours of next summer the stock is jest what we shall want on the place when I come home and should we sell and buy some where that suited us better the stock we should want to take with us how I wish I could come home this spring and we would go all round and see the folks and buy us a snug little farm where we could take comfort |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 25 |
More pleasent to day bu winday drawed wood to day wove to yds to day went over to the Office received a letter from Stephen good news O how pleased to hear from had a little Calf |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 26 |
Cold but pleasent have been washing Mr Bean drawed wood to day I am tired to night but my trust is in god |
Stephen's Letters |
Thursday 26th |
I am well this morning except that coald which I have not got red of yet but am gaining of it yesterday I worked on the cook house as I expected the captain arived larst night he says he must have his house built now it is so coald here that it is hard doing eny thing on tents We have heard nothing from Henry since he left us only by the way of another man writing from the hospital to one of our sargents he wrote that there was a corporel by the name of Brooks from Co. G in the hospital U.S. General hospital Frederic City Maryland Joseph wrote to him as soon as we heard from him and has not received an answer yet I should think he would write to you and to us I think he will git a furlough if he tryes for it I hope he will I wanted him to have a ferlough instead of going to the hospital but we cannot have things as we want here I wish I could My good oald tent crew is broken up Henry is gorn Barker is in with the sargents Widler is detailed and Joseph and I remain the rest of in the tent are smokers and very much given to swearing and folley I must close this by wishing you all the blessings that a kind and Heavenly Father can bestow upon faithfull and obediant children write every week send me some postage stamps Yours in true love and affections S. N. Richards to Mrs. L. E. Richards |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 27 |
Milder Mr Bean drawed three loads of wood I wove one yds and than went over to the Office |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 28 |
Very pleasent Mr Bean started very early for home wove to yds to day and done the most of the work to the Barn as Wallace has a bad cold |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 29 |
Very pleasent to day have been busy all day seeing to things I enjoy taking Care of the bar very much but hope my dear Companion will soon be to home |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 30 |
Very pleasent Wove one yd Mr Bean came here to night my Courage is good |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 31 |
Very pleasent to day wove one yd and than went to Mill with four bushels of wheat was very happy to receive 2 letters from Stephen |
February, 1865 |
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Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 1 |
Pleasent wove 2 yds Besides all other domestic affairs there is something to see to but we are getting along finely |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 2 |
Very pleasent but winday fed the Cattle and milked hens geese pigs + got breakfast + worked at the flours + then wove 2 yds + then done the Chors Mr Bean came here + his Brother |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 3 |
Very pleasent Mr Bean commenced work for me to day Warren Bean went home to day I wove and went over to the Office in the evening |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 4 |
Stormy wove one yd and took the wed out 15 yds long + got dinner + than Carried it home and went down to the Mill and got home in the evening and than got supper and so on |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 5 |
Stormy have been to work all day Mr Bean went over and got Laura to day I am feeling tired and lonesome But my trust is in god |
Stephen's Letters |
Sunday Feb 5, 1865 |
No. 8 Camp 30th Maine Vol Near Winchester Va Dear and beloved Wife and children It is with the deepest grattitude and pleasure that I acknolidge the receipt of a letter from you yesterday dated jan 26 No.7 I was much pleased to hear that you was all well and gitting along nicely and trusting in him who is able to give us all things necesary for our good I am determined to continue faithfull to him to you my dear companion and to my country and he will soon end those days of trial and seperation and we shall soon be joined again in bodily presants as we are in heart and mind my prayer is for grace and strength to resist all evle and to overcome trials and temptations to continue in the ways of virtue and wisdom that I may obtain the divine blessings and rearlize my exceptance with God my Heavenly Father there is nothing on earth that equals true faith and excptance with God I got a letter Feb 2nd from you that was mailed Dec 14th the envelop was worn out but I don not think the letter had ben taken out I was pleased to git it for it contained the drawing of those little hands which I long to see and press within my own and stamp one sweet kiss on those dear lovly cheeks be kind and good to each other help your dear Mother all you can and the time will soon come when I shall be with you to enjoy your sweet society and join in the toils and labours and comforts of home I do not like the soldiers life neither have I eny relish for the excitement and commotion of war the calm and quiet persuits of peace and harmony is what suites me but I enlisted you know for the good of my country hoping that by so doing I might free myself from the embarisment of debts that we might live more free and happy hereafter if faithfull I shall prevail I asked my captain the other day if he could help me to a ferlough he said he could not promis me enything certain but would do the best he could for me he is a smart man and is off all the time to the division headquarters on court martial and other business the opinion of most everyone here is that the war will wind up within six months I hope it will write me what is the mind of the people north and jest what you think about i there seemes to be some rumer of peace in the papers and I hope they will continue untill peace is fully established let us never falter right and liberty does and will prevail trouth and freedom will shurely tryumph and I think the Rebel leaders have learned this and the fighting I hope is over and we shall soon be at liberty to go home and meet our dear ones there we will pray on and trust the event with him who doeth all thins right and well I acknolige the recipt of those two picturs very much pleased with them send two more Stephen N. Richards We have heard nothing form Henry sence I wrote and nothing Joseph and I are here well and hearty we have lived high from our boxes and the butter dolds out well yet I ate the larst of my pies today some cakes left yet Joseph and I sleep together and one has rations as long as the other our rations is not what we want to eat from day to day I expect it will be hard to fall back on government rations after having such a nice box to go to when we was hungry Wallace you must write to me often I am pleased with your letters and improvements Lizzia improve every oppertunity in writing to your absant lonesom feeling Father it was very gratifying to receive letters from my little curly head send more |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 6 |
quite Mild School Commenced to day Mr Bean drawed wookd to day and H have been busy all day seeing to things feel unsetled in my mind |
Stephen's Letters |
Feb. 6th |
Joseph has jest ben weighed at the commersaries weighed 199 no overcoat We had a thorough inspection this morning by Gen Ferenden and the rumer is that we are to moove some where we know not where the rumers of peace is quite curent here this morning but I have but little faith in them but hope they will continue untill peace is firmly established and we return to meet our loved ones at home My health is first rate this morning and so is Josephs and feel to trust in him who hath so wonderfully blessed us and protected us in dangers and trials and bestows apon us grace and strength acording to our toils and labors daily we have great reasons to prais God for his mercy and goodness bestowed apon us. I have jest come in from a short walk with a special frien of mine by the name of William Parlin of Livermore. send me some stamps I only have one and no money he is a good christian man and we think a great deal of each other he came into my tent and asked me to take a walk with him he said he was very much troubled in his mind and told me he received a letter Saturday night from and got news that his youngest child was dead a little girl that he cherished very much and his other child an older girl was very sick we had a good long talk and he said when we got in that he felt a great deal better then he did when we started I truly pitied him and tryed to symperthyze and comfort him it is hard to have such news from home he is trying to git a ferlough to go home and see his folks the walk truly don me good for I was led to see how mercifully God had blessed me and my family with health sence I left home O let us prais him with a true heart every hour of our lives pray without s?????ing Stephen N. Richards |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 7 |
Minister Lufkin + Mr was here to dinner drawed of half ton of hay Mr Bean drawed wood I went over to the Office Received a letter from Stephen |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 8 |
Very Stormy in the Morning but Cleared of before night I have been busy all day seeing to things and writing to Stephen and kniting in the evening I am lonely |
Stephen's Letters |
Feb 8th 1865 |
Camp 30th Maine Vols Winchester Shannandoah Valley Va My Dear Wife my feeling are such that it is with difficulty that I attempt to write you a few lines this eavning but feeling that duty and justice demand it I will try and pen you a few words the new is jest announced here by our lieutenant that our dear brother Henry is dead died in the hospital at Frederic citty Maryland on the twenty six day of January O could I disscribe to you my feeling for a short time they seemed to engulf my mind in gloom and darkness then came there thoughts that God is good and just and doeth all things right and often when he puts our faith on trial he brings us to the most severist test let us put our trust in him knowing that he is to wise to err and too good to be unkind when I review what he has carried me through sence I left home and rearlize how frail and weak creatures we are and how liable to disease of so many kinds it causes me to carst myself and dear loved ones at home into his holy and divine care asking of him wisdom and grace that I may obtain his divine mercy and feel the ashwerance within that he careth for me Henry left the Co. on the twenty nineth day of Dec= and we have heard nothing form him sence only by the way of others till to day the lieutenant received a letter from the hospital announcing his death which surprised us all very much and brings gloomy feeling over my mind O that I could be with you this night I could talk much better then I can write I had many anxious feeling and fears for him when he left us he apeard so changed in every thing but did think he would recover and git a ferlough and go home but it apears by the letter that he lived only twenty eight or nine days after he went from the company it must be that he continued to fail and was not able to write to us my health is very good and so is Josephs and hope and trust ath the same great blessing is bstowed upon you and all friend and relitives Receive in pure love and affections Stephen N. Richards
You must excuse this letter to night with the promis that I will try and do better next time May God in his tend mercy grant theat I may soon see you that we may talk fase to fase for I cannot write to night but if I could be with you I would freely tell you all that I know have seene heard or don in my absence from you. my dearly beloved let not your faith nor courage faile but look unto jesus and he will sustain you in all troubles trials and temptations Children be good and do wright and God will bless you pray without seasing and in every thing give thanks SNR |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 9 |
have done a large washing and am very tired Mr Bean drawed wood to day very winday + Cold |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 10 |
have been busy all day seeing to things went over to the Office did not get any letters Laura had one from Joseph and Barker |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 11 |
Cold and winday Mr Bean finish drawing wood have been busly all day seeing to things finished a pair of Stocking for Lizzie |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 12 |
Very pleasent but Cold all day seeing to things had a stew for Supper and some warm biscuit and butter O what would I give to see Stephen tonight |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 13 |
Churned and made to egg pies pleasent but Cold and winday Choring all day mending and took up a pair of mittins for Wallace my mind is with Stephen I am lonely and gloomy my trust is in god |
Stephen's Letters |
Feb 13th 1865 |
No. 10 Camp 30th Maine Winchester Shannandoah Valley Va Dear Wife and Children I again take my pen to answer your kind and affectionate letter of the 3rd inst which is jest received I am highly pleased to hear again that you was well and prospering my prayers that God will continue those blessing to you and myself which is the greatest earthly blessing that can be bestowed apon us Heavenly blessing I esteam far greater to be Heavenly minded fully resined to the holy will of God in full persision of living saving faith in Christ a heart prayerful and filled with the power of divine grace a conchence void of offence a sacred and firm trust in the mercy goodness and saving power of God these are blessings if enjoyed in health and prosperity they are more fully enjoyed amid troubles and trials sickness and disstress and are far more to be desired then all the fading enjoyments of this presant world they will light our way and carry us safely through the valley and shadow of death insure our enterance into that holy kingdom of rest and shine brighter and brighter through a never ending eternity of praise and thanks to God our great Redeemer my health is good and Joseph is smart and well and seems to enjoy himself very wel our rations of bread is less then we want to eat we git meet and coffee enough the talk is now that we are to be paid soon this month makes six months pay dieu but we shall only be paid to the first of january the boys are very anxi ous to git some money I do not expect eny bounty this time four months pay will be sixty four dollars I shall send the most of it to you and if you do not need it you can pay it on the farm if you have a good chance if I should git what is dieu me it would pay one note I think you had better stay on the farm and keep your stock next season and keep the children with you I think that you will feel better and it will be better for the children ther is a great deal of care and hard labour on the farm but you must not try to do too much do what you can and let the rest go perhaps I shall git home so as to do the haying myself. I hope I shall may God in his tender mercy grant that I may soon be with you My dear companion if God in his mercy and goodness grants you helth and strength it is my sincier request that you keep our dear children under you own special care until I return home to help you guide them in the paths of wisdom and virtue that they may choose the good part that shall never be taken away and have faith in God and he will give you grace wisdom and strength to overcome trials temptations and daily toils and make you victorious in every good work |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 14 |
went over to the Office received a letter from Stephen pretty Cold and windy I feel gloomy and sad my trust is in god |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 15 |
Very pleasent washed and very tired to tired to write to night my horse got hurt in the night pretty bad |
Lydia's Diary |
Feb 15th |
I am well today only some tired and lame we had a fine little march yesterday of about twenty two miles eleven out and back our Regt went out with a train of twenty eight teams after dry wood to bake bread at the government bakery we went to a small secesh town caled Millwood and the oald buildings and fence fared hard you may believe all who profess to be union people have protection papers and ther property is not alowed to be taken it was very hard doings there in about eight or ten inches of snow here now. We have heard nothing more from Henry sence I wrote you on the eighth that he died in the hospital at Frederick City Maryland O how I want to see you to tell you all I know I cannot write to satisfy my mind from your ever the same true and faithfull companion |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 16 |
Stormy feeling very bad about my horse Cannot work I feel so bad |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 17 |
Started at leven for the Office went over foot and father Brought me down to Mr flags was Caused to weep by receiving a letter stating of Henry's death |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 18 |
Rather Mild feeling sad and unsetled in my mind have been Cleaning up all day rather tired to night nothing of importance going on |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 19 |
cloudy and some winday William + Jerusha was here to dinner had some boiled meat donuts Custard pie Indian Cake + biscuit and Butter tea |
Stephen's Letters |
Feb 19th 1865 |
Camp 30th Maine Vol Shannandoah Valley Va Winchester To my Dear Wife and Children at home it is with pleasure I pen you a few lines in answer to yours of the eighth No. 8 which is jest received I am very glad to hear that you are all well and gitting along well it is the greatest satisfaction that I can enjoy in my absence from you to know that you are well contented adn prostpering May health is god and so is Josephs we have enjoyed the contence of our boxes first rate but they are about gorn now and we have to fall back on our rations which is rather a small allowance for hearty men but we are not disposed to complain but try to be content with our lot and trust the event with him who doeth all things right and well in him do I put my trust and feel that he will never leave me nor forsake me if I am faithfull to him I am glad that you have got a school to going and hope it will be a good long one the children have improved nicely in writing since I left home and I want them to go to school all they can there is no schools here or at least I have not seen or heard of eny in virginia or La it would surprise you to see the dirstructions of war where we have ben we had a letter larst night from Charles Bean he is in Savanah wrote his health is good. Our duty here is light we have to go on gard once a week and some fatigue such as coping wood and various other things which the officers have to have don for them and they have commenced fencing a large Burying ground on the east of the town which will be a hard job the ground is froze so hard it is frozen from one to two feet and is hard digging post holes but it is a military job and must be don We have no further inteligence of Henry then what I have writen you before I surpose the ward master at the hospital has writen to his Father befor now if he does not write his Father can write to the ward master for infermation about him he was in the U.S. general hospital Frederic City Md. I do not know the No. of the word he was in. perhaps I could find out by the captain but he is absant to division head quarters he has not ben with the company sence we have ben here I hope he will be with us soon there is nothing of importance going on here now nor no news to write the mud is ankle deep here now how I wish I could come home and be with you this spring I do think the war will not larst much longer the rebs cannot replenish their army with men nor means and they cannot hold out much longer unless their army is increased and their men ar al in the armey I must close it is gitting dark write often and all the news we have not got paid yet Continue in prayer and supplycation and God will bless us all From Your Constant and True Hearted Companion S.N.R. |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 20 |
Pleasent had a fresh bread + butter for breakfast + than I milked fed pigs hens geese + ironed and mended to hours and than went ot washing had potato + meat bread and butter for dinner washed up the flour Lizzie churned + knit half of a miting and swon??? |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 21 |
Very pleasent got Mr grover horse and Laura + I went over to the Office and up to Mr godwins after state aid Mr Bean finished Cutting wood for me to day |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 22 |
Very pleasent Mr Bean started very early for home Warren Bean came up after hay father and David was here to day |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 23 |
Milder Mr Bean got up at 8 oclock and started at 5 for home I have been Cleaning up the house nothing of importance to day |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 24 |
pleasent but windy have been writing to S we are haveing a nice School went over to the Office Received a letter from Stephen |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 25 |
Very pleasent have been busly all day seeing to things Sylvanus Bean Came her to night Susan Scribner was here to dinner |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 26 |
Stormy with hail + rain been busly all day seeing to things Cleared of warm how lonely I feel how I wish I Could see Stephen |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 27 |
Arose at five this morning gto breakfast and than Milked + done the Chors a lamb come last night Mr Bean went from her this Morning Winday but pleasent |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 28 |
Winday with snow went over to the Office received a letter from Stephen and sent one and than went down to the Mill and got 5 bushels of Meal of David |
Stephen's Diary |
February 28 1865 |
Mustered for pay at Winchester, Va. |
March, 1865 |
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Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 1 |
More Milder have been washing to day Mr Bean Came her to night I am feeling tired and sad |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 2 |
Out wind again have been busy all day seeing to things |
Stephen's Diary |
March 2 1865 |
Sent a letter home No. 13 |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 3 |
Very stormy to day with hail Mr Bean started at five this Morn feeling rather unsettled in my mind Laura and I went over to the Office |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 4 |
Stormy all day I have been drawing in my web to day am feeling Smart and my Courage is good and my trust in in god who doeth all things right |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 5 |
Winday in the Morning but pleasent to night have been busly all day seeing things father Brought Laura over here to day |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 6 |
I have been busy all day seeing to things Commenced to weave my web it works nice made to Custard pies + fried Cakes baked some flour Bread and Churned done lot of work today |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 7 |
Very pleasent wrote to Mr Smith and Stephen Received a letter from S went dow to Williams and got 3 bushels of potatoes my Herolds come to night |
Stephen's Diary |
March 7 1865 |
Sent a letter home No. 14 |
Stephen's Letters |
March 7 1865 |
No 13. Camp 30th Maine vols Winchester Shannandoah Valley Va Through the goodness and mercy of a kind and mercyfull Heavenly Father I am enjoying health and a good degree of resignation and peace of mind knowing that God is the same mercyfull and kind unchangeble and good and that all power in Heaven and in the earth and that he will work all things togather for good to those that love him and put their trust in him my faith is firm in him my trust and my strength is in Christ my Savour he will keep me from falling and protect me and save in every trial and danger and temptation that may befall me here at home or where ever I may be placed there is nothing like a firm and sacred trust in him who hath power to create power to save to the uttermost and governs and rules all the powers and elements of this world acording to his own will and pleasure we had order red to us larst night on perade to be ready to moove and are now under marching orders there is various rumers some that we are to fall back to Baltimor or Fred City for garison duty others say we are to advance we my not moove for the presant things have ben very unsettled sence Sheridan left on his cavalry raid I hope we shall not have to march far untill the mud dries up some I received a letter from you larst night mailed March 1st much gratifyed and pleased to again hear that you was well and prayering as usual we have not ben paid yet and it seems uncertain when we shall I have six months pay dieu besides the bounty I wish they would pay so we could pay one of them notes it is said they have ben paying in the department below but I gess they failed before they reached this post here or else we were so few that the pay- master parst by us unnotised I should hardly thought that Asa West would enlisted I gess he as well as many others of our northern men are loosing confidence in that copper crown which they have so long worn and cherished as being sufficant to defy the calls of their cuntery and Government for help in the day of peril and danger and guarantee to them the desired privlege of remaining safely at home by thir own fir sid and crown them with laurels and honors in the Jef Davis Confederacy by their unceasing efforts to divide public opinion and set the minds and hearts of men against the right and powerful efforts of our government to crush this wicked and unholy rebellion the same principle is manifested here in La and where ever we have been there are a very few good union men but the citersons in general are union as long as protected by the union army they can look upon the glorious old Stars and Stripes with respect as long as it waves in tryumph and protection over them but when they Rebs predomates they are firm secesionest but the time is I think at hand when the oald flag will again wave over every place and particle of our land and all united by will clame protection under its mighty folds I had to leave my letter this morning and go on a train gard to the station about five miles from here and returned about sun set the snow is off and the mud is drying up the turn pike roads are dry and quite good all trains eaven our wood traines have an armed gard to go with them My dear companion my prayer daily is that we may continue in faith trust and communion with Christ our dear savour and that he will soon grant us a plesant meeting together in virtue love and truth may God bless and protect us all write often and may the grace of God strengthen and sustain you all |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 8 |
have been weaving and doing other Domestic affairs Licander and baby bragg was here to dinner and Mrs grover and Mrs Cob to supper pleasent I love to see spring coming |
Stephen's Diary |
March 8 1865 |
Signed the pay roles Paid off in the P.M. Received twenty two dollars 15 forty dollars assined to alotment Eol to go home |
Stephen's Letters |
Mar 8th Wednesday morning |
Be kind and good to all and God will bless you Dear and beloved son I promised a few lines to you in my larst letter but hardly know what to write nothing of importance or intrest in camp but our daily duty which keeps us quite busy the most of the time The snow is off here except some places when it drifted into heaps and the mud is drying up farst it will soon be good gitting about here now they say they some times plant corn the larst of the month here Winchester is a filthy nasty unplesant place now there is dead horses and mules in every direction and very few inhabitance except soldiers I do not like the place we came into the valey larst july have ben in and around Winchester a good deal of the time and I have not yet ben into a dwelling house ??????? I am glad to hear that you have such a fine stock ?bsor? and keep hay enough to keep them out well and they will soon git their living and it will be less work for you to take care of them good stock is better then money now I am pleased that you have got your wood up and cut I feel much incouraged with the prospects at home and here and do think that the time is at hand when I can come home and help you carry on the farm again. I want to see you more then I can write and have more to tell you then pen and ink can describe but I am willing to wait patiantly do not wish to murmer nor complain by so doing I loose my confidence in my dear Savour it was his holy will to place me here and I am willing to serve acording to his holy and divine purpours. S.N.R. |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 9 |
Very stormy have wove 5 yds to day am feeling very tired and rather down hearted |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 10 |
Rainy in the four noon abut the wind Shifted and blown from the north wove 3 yds and than went ot the office and got a letter from Stephen |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 11 |
wove to yds and David and Miss Morse was here to dinner Charles Abbott was here in the afternoon quite Cool I have good deal of care have to keep busy all the time |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 12 |
Very winday and Cool have been busy all day seeing to things Mr Lufkin preached to day but it was so cold I did not go Mr Bean come to night |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 13 |
Cool and some stormy Cleaned out the stove and wove one yd of wail and done all the rest of the work am feeling lonely to night |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 14 |
Very winday I worked round the house untill 2 Oclock and than went over to the Office + went down to Williams and got 3 bushels of potatoes Carried Sarah White down |
Stephen's Diary |
March 14 1865 |
Weather fair and fine Detailed on picket Four deserters came in Two in the morning before leaving post ?six in AM? |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 15 |
Mild haveing been washing to day I feel tired to night Mr Bean Came here to night Mrs foye was here this afternoon |
Stephen's Diary |
March 15 1865 |
Pleasant and fine morning came in off picket Sent memorial home paid two dollars for memorial of Co. Sent a letter home No. 15 |
Stephen's Letters |
March 15th 1869 |
No 19 Camp 3oth Maine Vol Winchester Shannandoah Vally Absent dear and be3loved ones at home absant in body but always presant in mind it is with deep feelings of gratitude and praise to God my Heavenly Father that I acknolige his goodness and mercy in keeping us from the devouring elements that prevail around us My health is good to day and we are gitting allong weell that is in the usual way of a soldiers life in camp subject to changes and dispointments daily rumers of all kinds and discriptions uncertainty in all things and an anxiety within today for what may be our lot tomorrow. You may think this rather a sleepy letter for I was on picket larst night came in about ten o clock this forenoon we have gard duty about every forth night go on one morning and off the next I received a letter form you monday eavning mailed the 8th inst No 12 it truly rejoiced my heart to hear that you was well and gitting along so nicely and looking unto him for protection and care who is able and willing to save us amid every trial and temptation protect us in the hour of peril and danger and keep us safe from all the snares and devices of the eavl adversary and give us grace and strength to overcome all things that oppose our progress here below and present us before our Heavenly Fathers throne without spot and blameless I attended the soldiers meeting larst sabath afternoon and eavning heard one of the N.Y. Chaplains preach an excelant sermon from these words (why stand ye here all the day idle) it was a very appropriate discourse and well aplied to the soldiers condision he shoed us that we had three distinct natures and unless reconsiled to God in thre senceses wer idle We we paid four months pay on the eighth one week ago yesterday I received no bounty and only twenty two dollars and fifteen cents one dollar eighty five cents taken out on my clothing bill and forty dollars on the alotment role for you which I hope you will git soon the talk is that we shall git two months pay more and a bounty soon it is dieu us but it is uncertain when we shall git it I think if we are not paid again I shall send you part of what I have got in a letter I am going to send you a memorial of this company we signed for them some time ago they came yesterday but they are not crrect and the man is going to make some new ones and we have them both for two dollars and a half I shall send them both to you and want the corect one put in a glass and frame I shall send the incrrect one tonight and the other as soon as it comes keep the right one clean and nice till you can git it in a frame we had the pleasure the other day of seeing about twelve hundred of sheridans prisoners march down by her they are coming in every day six came in by the post that I was on yesterday they come to our lines and give themselves up and are marched in to head quarters under gard. I should not though Stevens Morse would skedaddled I think the best thing he eand is to come back and git his pay Joseph is on picket tonight he is smart and ruged and seemes to enjoy soldiering very well I must close by wishing you the best of Heavens blessing hoping and trusting that we shall soon meet again to praise our Heavenly Father around the good old family alter let us pray on and faint not From your true and faithfull companion Stephen N. Richards God bless you all is my prayer |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 16 |
Very rainy have been busy all day seeing to things am getting along nicely about my work and my trust is in god |
Stephen's Diary |
March 16 1865 |
Weather pleasant and fine detailed on picket detailed for pioneer camp P.M. becomes cool and cloudy about dark rained with cold wind so very severe night on ?? |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 17 |
Very rainy have been weaving took my wed out 14 yds long made one bed blanket so rainy the stage did not get up to day |
Stephen's Diary |
March 17 1865 |
Ceases raining but cloudy and wet In camp Weather comes off pleasant |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 18 |
Some Colder but very Stormy and windy Mr Bean started to go home but had to Come back it was such poor doing |
Stephen's Diary |
March 18 1865 |
Weather pleasant and fine Regimental inspection Reported at Brigade headquarters for ??? Returned to camp to report Monday morn for memorial paid .50 |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 19 |
quite pleasent + Cool Mr Bean left this Morning have been writing to Stephen Received a letter from Stephen David was here to day |
Stephen's Diary |
March 19 1865 |
Weather pleasant and fine In camp quiet Sent letter home :16 attended church A.M. and evening Brigade review ??? : : : ????????? |
Stephen's Letters |
March 19th 1865 |
No. 15 Camp 30th Maine Vols Winchester Shannandoah Valley Va Dear Wife I have receive no letter from you sence writing to answer but thought I would pen a few lines to you this morning in relation to our health and other matters may health is as usual good and Joseph is well and gitting along first rate he is out on inspection and review this morning I am at liberty to write to you the first Sabath morning I have had to myself for a great while The mud is dried up here and the ground is dry heard and dusty the grass looks green and the trees begin to put forth their leaves about the same as in Maine the first of May the oald men say here that they generaly plant corn and their gardens the larst of this month but doant think it will be so this year it is my opinion the crops will be very light in this vicinity this season there is but very few to do the work and no fence I am relieved from duty in the company now and detailed into the pioneer corps at Brigade headquarters we reported yesterday for duty but was sent back to our quarters to report Monday at nine oclock without armes our business will be work of various kinds whilst in camp when on the march the pioneers go before to remove obstructions from the way we have no picket or gard to do no drill no inspections no gun and equipment to lug no napsack to carry on our backs an no fighting to do except in self defense this I think will suite me better for you know that I am not much of a fighting carrictor but I can tell you more about it next time if I could have three or four of my oald friends and christian asociates in the company to go with me I think I hould like much better then in the company we have a lieutenant and two or three noncommissioned officers and I think forty men they are not boyes but intended to be trustworthy Steady reliable me we shall probaly have quarters by ourselves near Brigade head quarters I truly feel quite relieved sence chosen out of the ranks for this labouring class I had rather work then drill in the the company and gard duty and luging the napsack is what wares out the men but I can tell you better how I like after a little experience in the pionear business I can only speak from the impreshions of my mind and feeling I sent you a memorial larst week of the company it is imperfect and not satisfacory so we a agoing to have another which will be right it is to be ready this week and I shall send it too you and want you to keep it nice till we can git a glass and fraim for it Joseph sends the same home there is forty dollars dieu you from the alottment role I want you to write me as soon as you git it I had twenty to dollars paid to me shall send you part of it I want to buy a few thing when I can find them I wish to go to meeting this afternoon and must close this letter write often and all the news let us pray without ceasing and deliverance will come Wallace and Lizzie you must wright to me often little David be a good boy untill I come home to be with you which I hope will not be long but let us all trust in the mercy and goodness of Christ be it is that sustaines us from day to day O how we will prais his holy name when we again meet around the good oald family alter may God bless perserve and protect you all S. N. Richards |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 20 |
Very warm and pleasent Sold Mr Brown 14 lbs of pork at 25 cts a lb and than I went down to fathers and staid all night |
Stephen's Diary |
March 20 1865 |
Commenced work in ?cemetery? Took up seventy bodies Transferred to ????????? East of town of Winchester Regiment left camp for ashby? gap and front R Weather clear and pleasant Gear and equipment tr?????? |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 21 |
Rainy started early for home Brought home 2 bushels of oats of David made me one under skirt and finished a pair of stockings and done the rest of my work the Snow is going fast |
Stephen's Diary |
March 21 1865 |
Work in the burying ?? disintered twenty bodies on battle killed Sep 19th 1864 Transferred to BG and intered commenced to rain ?5P.M.? Regiment returned to camp Received a letter from ????? No. 1 Young lady shot in town by scout |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 22 |
Some rainy went over to Williams after some potatoes had a hard time geting home it slumped so |
Stephen's Diary |
March 22 1865 |
Weather cold and windy Work on burying ground Bought one gold ?pendant? .50 : one diary book .75 : one pencil .25 |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 23 |
colder worked in the Barn in the fournoon and washed in the afternoon am so tired I dont know what to do with myself |
Stephen's Diary |
March 23 1865 |
Cold and windy Work on burying ground Took up 12 bodies on field Intered them in yard : : one many from 16th N.Y. Colonel returned from home disintered one body to be sent to New York Severe sh??????????? Friend Parlen & I visit chaplain |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 24 |
wrote to Stephen and received one the road is very bad have been washing up the flours the Children are most sick with a cold received a Memorial of the 30th Regt Co G Stephen sent me |
Stephen's Diary |
March 24 1865 |
Cold and windy Work on burying ground Received a letter from home mailed 20th No. 14 Maine men entered east of Winchester 20 in the burying yard Pleasant walk through the entire ground 1790 oldest date discovered. |
Stephen's Diary |
March 24, 1865 |
Albert Gilmore Jr. $1,50 Robert E. Gammon 1,25 Charles W. Farnam 1,00
Robert E. Gammon 40
|
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 25 |
Cool and winday feeling some tired and sleepy have to keep busy seeing to things Wallace has been sick with a cold so I have had every thing to do |
Stephen's Diary |
March 25 1865 |
Cloudy & cold Working on pioneer quarters Battle in front of Petersberg 3000 Reb Prisoners taken by Grant |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 26 |
Colder David was here to day and carried Laura to night with my horse I have been writing to Stephen |
Stephen's Diary |
March 26 1865 |
Cloudy & cold on Brigade review Sent letter home No. 17 |
Stephen's Letters |
March 26th 1865 |
No. 14 Camp 30th Maine Vols Winchester Shannandoah Valley Dear Wife and Children I will try and improve a few moments in writing to you my health is good to day and Joseph is smart as usuall he is rugged and I think about the havest man in the company he is on fatigue that is choping wood to day I wrote you that I was detached from the Company and in the pioneer corps I think I shall like it better than I did in the company thought we have a work to do which is not plesant but verry necessary it should be don we worked five days larst week on the burying ground took up fifty two bodies on the battle field of the 19th Sept larst and put them in coffins and buryed them in the burying ground east of the Town it is a large and splendid ground there is marble monuments I should jug could not cost less then five or six hundred dollars from them down to the rough stone and wooden slab I have received two letters from you since writing to you and one from Laura but have ben so ingaged the parst week that I could not write except in the eavning and then there is so menny in the tent and so much confusion it is difficulty to write by candle light buy I enend to answer all the letters I receive and mor if necessary I was highly pleased with Laura's letter and being very busy I handed it to Joseph and requested him to answer it so that it would answer for him and me now and I would write mor next time I am glad that you are having such a good school and that the children take such an intrest in it and lern so farst I think you had better continue the shcool as long as you convienantly can if you have to pay the teacher yourself. it is the talk here now that we are to stay here this summer and hold this place as a military fort but I think it is uncertain we are liable to moove eny time thing are very uncertain in war but we are building new quarters for our pioneer corps and it apears that it is the intension to stop her quite a spell I shall be about half a mile from our Regt whilst we stop here the Regt 30th Maine is on the south side of the Town in camp the 112th New York on the north the 133rd New York on the east the 165th New York is in the Town doing provo gard duty these five Regts make our Brigade the report is that the oald 19th corps is demolished and this Brigade is to go into Hancocks first vetran corps it may be true but I hope we shall not have another campaign like that of the red river and I do not think we shall for as things looks now I can see no chance for it I think this war cannot long continue but still I look for reverces and it may not be so near its end as we wish and predict but I sencerly hope and pray that it will close within one month form this day God grant it the weather has ben cold and windy for the larst three or four days the ground has frozen some nights very suden changes and disagreable squals of rain and snow our pioneer camp is on the west side of the Town we shall be very busy for a while and then those that have ben pionears before say we shall have an easy time espesily if we remain here if we go on a march we are to have a team to hall our bagage and three pack mules to carry the tools but one thing that we did not expect we have got to keep with us our guns and equipment My dear children I do long for the day to come when I can be at home with you but I will not murmer nor complain God is just and knows what is best for us and will do more for his faithful children then they can ask or even think I must close let us remember each other in our prayers (Companion from your faithful and true harted |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 27 |
Laura came back this morning and I went over to Williams and got 9 bushels of potatoes amd feeling gloomy to night Cold |
Stephen's Diary |
March 27 1865 |
Pleasant & fine Work on pioneer quarters Third Brigade of the 19th Corps transferred to 1st vetran corps 1st Brigade 1st Division Hancocks corps |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 28 |
have been making David a pair of pants Wallace and I went to the Office to night Received a letter from Stephen and a little ?pod? |
Stephen's Diary |
March 28 1865 |
Cloudy & cool Work on pioneers quarters Brigade Review 2 P.M. ?comes of Cleas’ division? Reviewed by General Hancock and staff Draw first rations at Pioneer camp A short walk to the ruins of Mason house the Rebel commsioner to England |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 29 |
washed up the flours in the four noon and Mrs foy and Luan was here in the afternoon. |
Stephen's Diary |
March 29 1865 |
Pleasant fine In pioneers’ camp working on quarters |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 30 |
worked untill ten and than went to Mr Grovers and spent the day quite warm |
Stephen's Diary |
March 30 1865 |
Rainy and cool In pioneers camp near Winchester re:a: Sent Co. memorial home Sever showers with thunder in the eavning |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 31 |
Cool started early and went to Mrs Abbotts Borrowed 40 dollars of Otis Abbott and 25 of David and than started for Bethel but came back |
Stephen's Diary |
March 31 1865 |
cloudy with cold winds In pioneer camp work on ?tent? |
April, 1865 |
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Maine Adjutant General's Report |
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On the 4th of April, the regiment broke camp and accompanied the division in its movement towards Staunton under the command of Major Gen. Hancock. Just before this movement from Winchester was commenced, news had been received of the capture of Richmond and Petersburg. For several days the troops were held in readiness for a movement, but no decided advance was made. At midnight, on the 9th, intelligence was received of the surrender of Lee's forces. On the morning of the 10th, the regiment moved through Winchester for the last time, northwesterly, towards Harper's Ferry, and encamped near Summit Point, a few miles south and west from Charlestown. In this vicinity it remained until the 20th of April, when it took transportation to Washington city via Harper's Ferry and Baltimore. Arriving in Washington on the 21st, the regiment was ordered to the south of the east branch of the Potomac, and after several unimportant changes of position, camped on the 26th in the vicinity of Fort Meigs. This camp was retained until the 2d of June. In the meantime, the regiment formed a part of the line of sentinels stationed around Washington until after the capture of the assassins of President Lincoln. It subsequently did guard duty at the Washington Arsenal, where the trial of the conspirators was being held, and furnished large details to take the place of citizen employes discharged from the several departments |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 1 |
Snowed a little last night arose very early and went over to Charles Abbotts and got ten bushels of potatoes of David sent a letter to Mr. Bennett |
Stephen's Diary |
April 1 1865 |
Pleasant and fine In pioneer camp Draw rations second time Received a letter from home No. 19 Mailed a letter for home no. 18 Mailed a letter to Hood & Co. Broadway N.Y. containing $1.00 for gold for |
Stephen's Letters |
April 1 1865 |
Camp of the pioneer Corps Near Winchester Shannandoah Valley Dear Wife and children Being at leisure I thought I would pen you a few lines thinking that you might feel anxious to know how it was with me and matters here my health is first rate and I am now having the easiest chance that I have rearlized sence leaving home for the larst week we have had but very little to do besides to keep our selves clean and comfortable I like the chance much better then in the Reg't we have no gard duty of any kind to do and picket is the worst part of the soldiers duty the larst week I was in the Company before coming into this pioneer corps I was on picket two nights out of three and that was harder then the whole that I have had to do for the two weeks since we organized this pioneer corps when we have a job by day we have all night to rest I have not received eny letters from you sence writing but expect one to night the rumor is that we are to leave here on Monday and go to linchburg one hundred and seventy miles from this place up the vally towards Richmond it may be true but I do not think we shall go there I cannot see the propriety of marching one hundred and seventy miles when there is no object in view and nothing to be gained by it some say we are going to stop Lees retreat from Richmond Lee has not yet retreated and it is my opinion he will not if he cannot hold his posion in his fortyfycations he must be foolish to think he can if he steps out I think he will serrender rather then retreat and if the reports are true on or the other he must soon do I hope when we moove from this place we shall go north towards home I have no desire to see eny more war and do sicerly desire and pray that it may soon end in the right way but thy will O Lord be done not mine Joseph was well when I saw him larst day before yesterday if I could have him and one or two of my oald Christian friends from the company I should like it first rate but we are not so far apart but that we can see each other often I think we have a very good company of men in this corps steady men but wether there is eny Christian men I have not learned I hope there is for I do love Christian society the more I see of sin and wickedness the worse I hate and detest it. O my dear loved ones I shall know how to appreciate the blessings of home and quietude when I again enjoy them but let us put our trust in Christ our dear saviour he it is that sustains us our health and strength is from him our welth and subsistance is from him our reasons wisdom faculties and knowlidge is all from him our lives and salvation is from his mercyfull hand O I know not how to render dieu thanks and prais to God my Heavenly Father for his wonderfull mercy and blessings daily bestowed upon me May we ever remember each other at the throne of grace and ever be found humble obediant watchfull and prayerfull servants wating for the biding of our heavnly master Wallace be good and write me often I hope to see you soon Lizzie my little lady I shall expect that good long letter every Wed. And my little curly headed David must put in a word once in a while In love Stephen N Richards |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 2 |
Very pleasent but winday Laura + David + I went down to Williams and than in the afternoon we all went up to Mr Riches to a sing got home just before dark |
Stephen's Diary |
April 2 1865 |
Pleasant and fine weather On Brigade Review Salute fired in honor of Sheridan’s victory Walk with Mr. Ham ??? and talk on advent ??? |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 3 |
Arose early and went up to Mr Ballards to see if he would not take my farm and than went to Mr Abbott and got six bushels of potatoes and a letter from Stephen |
Stephen's Diary |
April 3 1865 |
cloudy and cool In pioneer camp Reported evacuation of Richmond & Petersberg and occupied by Grant Salute on one hundred guns fired in honor of the victory. mailed a letter home:19 Lee marched out of Richmond |
Stephen's Letters |
April 3rd 1865 |
No. 19 Pioneer Camp at Winchester Va. Shannandoah Valley My Dear family not being one of the party that has gorn out to work this morning I thought I would write you in asnwer to yours of the 29th Mar which is just received I am very sorry to hear that the children are sick with colds and hope and trust that it will be nothing worse I was highly pleased with the recption of your letter and truly rejoice to hear that your health and corage was good I am fully aware of the care and labour that must in my absance necessarly fall upon you but I feel to rejoice within that you have ben able to manage so wise and prudiantly and right and well in all things pertaining to the family and business matters in general. and can truly say not unto us but unto God (be thanks and prais) who hath carried us through trials and seens which in our own strength we should certainly failed and fallen My health is good this morning and I am growing rather harty fat and lazy for the parst year I have seen many very unpleasant and trying times in fact scarcely nothing pleasant except the memory of home and loved ones there and that sacred trust and assuriance within that allways whispers in the time of trial fear not I am with you all troubles to bless and sanctify to the thy deepest disstress. I have learned that what ever condition I am in there with to be content in and of my self I am nothing but as long as I have living saving faith in Christ a sacred and immooveable trust in God a firm and never failing hope that reaches byond this vail of tears and lays hold of that which is within the veil and opens to the spiritual view the eternal blessings God hath in store for his children I feel safe and happy within outward trials are nothing if we have peace within that peace which is of God which paseth understanding Yesterday they fired a salute in honour of some good news they say that Sheridan has made another capture but the particulars we have not learned I hope we shall soon be able to fire a salute over the surrender of Lee and his whole army Some of the boys here talk as thought they was quite certain the war will be over and they shall be at home the fourth of July but I am not so sanguine in the matter as a great many it is true every thing looks favourable and prosperous on our side but this war will be settled and peace restored when the will and just perposes of an overruling and all wise God are accomplished when our national sins and eavles which are at the very root of this great calamity shall be removed and foolly repented of and God by us as a nation acknolidged as the great author preserver and ruler of this univerce then peace and harmony will prevail in our land and that day I hope and trust is at hand God grant that it may be we had an order read on dress perrade Satturday night that those troops here wer to remain her for the presant for the protection of the railroad from here to Harpers Ferry that look far more reasonable then advancing up the valley I have sent you two memorials of our company the first is not correct the other one I want you to keep nice so we can have it put in a frame write if you receive them and if you git that forty dollars from the alotment the talk is now that we are to be paid again the tenth of this month but I dont think we shall git paid untill the first of May then I shall have four month pay and bounty dieu May heavens blessings rest upon us all Yours in true love Stephen N. Richards |
Stephen's Letters |
undated |
We have the new here this afternoon that Grant has taken Richmond and Petersburg I hope it is true with Lee and all his army I have jest ben out on a hill near by and witnessed a salute of one hundred guns fired over the neun when I git home I will show you where I (lying upon the bank of an oald Rebel fort which was built to command the town) marked down in my diary book every gun as the report echoed through the oald town of Winchester no doubt rousing the ideas of many oald secesh who have in times past not only heard the report but have actualy seen their walls tumble bfore the shot and shell which has ben showerd in upon them the most seem pleased with this news but some are bound not to beleive but I gess they will beleive that secssion is gorn up soon I long for the day when peace shall be dcclared |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 4 |
Very pleasent the snow is going fast I have washed up the flours and all the rest of the work have been writing to Stephen I work hard and am weary to night |
Stephen's Diary |
April 4 1865 |
Wet & cool Pack for to moove three o’clock break camp amd moove to camp ?Rensel? five miles pitch tents in the field |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 5 |
Rainy Started at six + went over to fathers + borrowed a bushel of Corn and carried it to Mill and got 4 bushels of potatoes of Charles Abbott sold Mrs Strickland one ton of hay |
Stephen's Diary |
April 5 1865 |
Cloudy and cool at twelve strike tents and moove back to ?kesny? town and go into camp |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 6 |
Warm the snow is going fast David drawed half a ton of hay from here to day Laura went over to Mr Scribner to night Charles worked for me to day |
Stephen's Diary |
April 6 1865 |
Cool and windy all day in camp near ?Curny? town |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 7 |
Started early Wallace + I went over to Charles Abbotts + when I come home Mr + Mrs flagg came up with me and bottomed to chairs Enoch came over after Laura |
Stephen's Diary |
April 7 1865 |
Cloudy and cool pack up for a moove 9:A.M. break camp moove 3 miles go in camp west of Winchester A salute of thirty ?seven? guns at 3:o’clock in honor of the victory over Lee |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 8 |
Very pleasent went over to Mr Smalls very early on the Crust + sold him a ton of hay he came out and got a load Received a letter from Bennett + a Memorial of Stephens Regt |
Stephen's Diary |
April 8 1865 |
Clear and cool In camp west of Winchester Received a letter from Sister Rhoda No.1 mailed April 4th |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 9 |
Very pleasent went to meeting had a nice meeting I have been reading war news My trust is in god I often feel as though I could not endure Stephen being in the Army |
Stephen's Diary |
April 9 1865 |
Cloudy and cool on Brigade Review/??? 4:P.M. on division ?? sent a letter home :20 Virginia is a very rich and fertil soil but neglected in it cultivate as good water as can be found in any other state |
Stephen's Letters |
April 9th 1865 |
Pioneer Camp Near Winchester Shannandoah Valley Va to my dear family at home a few words in relation to my health and other matters here my health is good my faith and trust in the great giver of health and strength and all that we here enjoy is the same firm and immoovable by all the power of earth combined unless I first yield to the temptations of sin and wickedness which through the blessing of my Heavenly Father I am determined to resist, we have brake camp and shifted about some and are now in shelter tents camped about two miles west of Winchester in a piece of wood awating orders and are to go where ever our services are needed and the war department sees fit to order us but I hope the Rebs will giv up and we will not be needed here eny longer one year ago today we comenced our read river retreat and fought the Plesant Hill battle such a seen I never desire to witness again I do hope that the fighting in this war is about done and when Lee surrenders I shall think it is there is nothing of importance to write here now I am having an easy time in the pionear corps while in camp and I hope we shall not have eny long marches this summer I think we shall go to some place to do garrison duty but we may have to go no a campaign it has ben talked that we was going to mabebe Lousianna and Texas but I have no faith in eny such reports I think Grant and Sheridan will decide this war matter soon Joseph is well and gits along first rate he is in the Co. I saw him larst night The larst letter I got from you I receive larst Monday night it was dated March 26 No. 15 I want to hear from you very much I got a letter from sister Rhoda larst eavning I will send it to you as soon as I answer it I was glad to hear that the children had got better of their cold and much pleased and delighted with their letters I think they have learned in writing very much this winter Wallace and Lizzie you must write to me as often as you can and when I git where I can I will write you an answer I have no ink here and have to write with a pencil but I thought I would let you know that I am well and that the prospects are that we shall moove from here soon we have ben here at Winchester thre months the sixth of this month hope to be at home in less then that time now we all think the war is about over but they will not let us come home till they git ready I must close this letter my next will probaly be from some other place be of Good courage we shall soon meet again yours in true affections and love Stephen N. Richards |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 10 |
Cloudy and a little snowy Wallace and I went down to Mr Newtons early this Morning and got his scalers to way hay Mr Small had half of a ton of hay to day |
Stephen's Diary |
April 10 1865 |
Cold Rain 9A.M. Break Camp March 16 miles by Berryville to ?scomet? ?front? camp in the woods near the railroad the finest oak groath I ever saw with walnut black walnut hickory and various other kinds |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 11 |
Arose early and done up the work and washed up the flour and helped weigh half of a ton of hay and got dinner Susan Scribner was here to dinner Charles + Andrew weighed half a ton done my washing in the afternoon Susan staid all night I am very tired |
Stephen's Diary |
April 11 1865 |
Cool and cloudy Remain in camp draw rations This is ?normaly? a very fine country bu the buildings and all artificial improv- ments are far inferior to owrs in the northern states |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 12 |
We have had a rainy day Wallace went over to the Office in the four noon got a letter from Stephen O how pleased I was to hear from him I have been Carding and spinning Horatio Godwin + Edwin Douglas has been here Mary Small is here to night |
Stephen's Diary |
April 12 1865 |
Cloudy and cool 9 A.M. Break camp and moove two miles and camp in the open field. |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 13 |
cold and winday Carded and spun one Skein of yarn and tahn warped a web and drawed it partly in we have a sick cow to night it is now 11 Oclock and I dont dare go to bed |
Stephen's Diary |
April 13 1865 |
Cloudy and cool Remain quiet in cmap Rumer’d that Johnson has surrderd his army Received two letter from home No. 16 |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 14 |
Very winday drawed in a web and wove half of a yd the Children went over to the Office Lizzie came back but Wallace staid all night |
Stephen's Diary |
April 14 1865 |
Pleasant and fine 2 P.M. strike tents and moove three miles and camp in the field on the oald Washing estate near Charles?ton? |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 15 |
Wallace came home this Morn Received a letter from S. O I was so pleased to hear that he was well and to have such good news from the Army wove a yd and a ½ |
Stephen's Diary |
April 15 1865 |
Rainy and cool Chopping wood in the fore noon draw rations Reported that the President and Lee Sward shot in Wash- ton last night |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 16 |
Very pleasent Beautifull Morn I have lots of Chors to do have been very busy reading and doing my work My trust is in god who doeth all things well |
Stephen's Diary |
April 16 1865 |
Pleasant and fine on Brigade review all day in camp long walk over on the oald Washington Plantation |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 17 |
Very pleasent I got breakfast and done the Chors + than wove in to skeins and spun one had some puding and milk for dinner + that went down to Mr flaggs and than Carded one skein heard that the president was dead |
Stephen's Diary |
April 17 1865 |
Pleasant and fine Prepare for inspection All day in camp visit the Regiment |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 18 |
Very pleasent in the Morning but rained before night Mr flagg worked for me to day halling rocks I let him have 9 lbs of meat I have been going from one thing to another Carded + spun one skein |
Stephen's Diary |
April 18 1865 |
cloudy and cool In pioneer camp Sent a letter to Sister Rhoda Received a letter from home No. 17 Reported serrendr of Mobill seven thousand prisoners Bought seven pounds flour 5 cts per lb |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 19 |
Winday but pleasent don up my work started ten Oclock for the Office Received a letter from Stephen I got home at dark tired all out Luann Cooledge Came home with me and staid all night |
Stephen's Diary |
April 19 1865 |
Pleasant and fine In camp quiet Sent a letter home No. 21 |
Stephen's Letters |
April 19th, 1865 |
No. 21 Dear Wife I received a letter from you larst night mailed the twelft I was glad to hear that you was well and gitting along well my health is good an I am having an easy time now as to our labor? and duty we have but very little to do and are camped in a very plesant field on the oald Washington estate not Gen: Washingtons home at mount Vernon but the orignal estate formaly it was seven miles in length and five in width there is two or three families by the name of Washington on the primicies now but it has ben much reduced it was a very fine place formaly situated two miles east of Charleston in Jeferson County there is some very nice fields of wheat here now winter wheat is about six inches high and looks very nice since the surrender of Lee we have ben shifting about from place to place untill we reached here larst Friday the fourteenth and have ben here since wating orders there was a rumor in camp yesterday that we was to remain here untill sent north I hope it will proove true but I put very little confidence in camp rumers I like the open field for camping where we can have the pure air and good spring water and much less exposed to sickness and many other eavles then in the forts and cities I hope we shall remain in the field untill sent to our own state which I think now will be soon it is useless for me to write of national affairs for you receive the news in general both good and bad as soon as we do here the awfull event of late at Washington seems to eclips everything but I hope and trust it will not proove detrimental to the sacred cause of freedom liberty and justice to all it is evident to my mind that the fighting in this war is over and that they will reduce the army as farst as possible as soon as they are not needed in the field but which troops will be discharged first we cannot tell it is reported that one main battery has gorn home now I think our Brigade stands as good chance as eny our division is deta- ched from the main armey and must be mooved to some other parts to be of eny service and all of this Brigade except the 30th Maine their term of service expires this next fall so if they discharge those first that have the least time to serve it will leave our Regiment alone unless transferd or sent home it has ben rumerd that the 30th Maine was to go into Handcocks Corps which is at Winchester about twenty miles above here but I do not believe there is eny thing in the rumer at eny rate I hope ther is not Stephen N. Richards your true and faithfull companion I must write a few words in answer to Lizzies letter which is very pleasing and satisfactory to mee sence I saw you and it is useless and vain for me to attempt to discribe how I want to see you all and how I long for the time go come when I can again imbrace my dear family at home but I trust the time is at hand I wish to be patient and obediant and faithfull to him who is able to make all things to work together for our good if we but love and obey him I think this cruel war is ended and the blessing of peace will soon prevade our country and home I am in hopes now to git home to help you do the haying this sumer be a good child faithfull and obediant to you dear Mother and God will bless you and make you hapy |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 20 |
Pleasent Sold Mr Garman 6 lb of pork at 20 cts a lb due 1,20 Carded and spun 3 skeins and than Colored 6 skeins black and 3 blue our cow gains fast I am feeling very lonely to night and very tired |
Stephen's Diary |
April 20 1865 |
Cloudy and cool moove at eight:o’c march four miles to Sumit point and take the cars for Washington one hundred miles spend the night on the train. |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 21 |
Winday and Snowey made ten pales of Soup and Scoured and mended tin Mr Grover Came down and got 11 lbs of pork: 22 cts a lb: 2,42: Mr Small borrowed 8 lbs of Salt I am ver tired to night for I have worked hard |
Stephen's Diary |
April 21 1865 |
Cloudy and cool Arived in Washington at ten A.M. Marched through city over the Bridge ?and? the bay and marched four miles east of the city and went into camp on a high hill in ?clearing land? |
Stephen's Diary |
Friday, April 21, 1865 |
Between Washington and Baltimore met the train that conveyed the remains of President Lincoln and Son to Springfield, Illinois. |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 22 |
Mr Small paid me 5,00 dollars twards the hay is is owing me 15 dollars now Rainy in the Morn but cleared of warm wove one yd to day and washed up the flours churned I work very hard am very tired |
Stephen's Diary |
April 22 1865 |
cloudy and cool Strike tents at 8 A.M. march two miles twards Washington and go in camp on the race ground two miles from the city in the distric of Columbia all day in camp ?? |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 23 |
cool and cloudy I am feeling weary and unsettled in my mind but I dont give away to my feeling my trust is in god who doeth all things right and my health and courage is good |
Stephen's Diary |
April 23 1865 |
Windy and cold In camp on race ground on Brigade review visit to the company continues cold cloudy and windy |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 24 |
Squarly made one kittle of soap wove one yd and a half besids all our other labour which we have plenty of I am feeling nicely to night have been writing to Stephen this evening |
Stephen's Diary |
April 24, 1865 |
Sargent E. Barker Lent two dollars 2.00 (X Paid) Received one dollar 1.00
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Stephen's Diary |
April 24 1865 |
Pleasant and cool In camp on race ground all day quiet |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 25 |
Very pleasent got Breakfast early and went down to Mr Matons and bought a cart got home at to tired all out pied 30 dollars for it have been reading the war news am feeling bad |
Stephen's Diary |
April 25 1865 |
Pleasant and fine In camp on race ground all day quiet in camp Mailed a letter home No. 20 lent Charles Beal $1.00 Reported that Sherman is relieved of the command of his army by General Grant not offishal |
Stephen's Diary |
April 25th |
E. Brooks Lent one dollar; 1.00 |
Stephen's Letters |
April 25th 1865 |
No. 22 In camp near Washington DC A few lines to my dear family at home first I am able to say that my health is good and hope and trust that you are enjoying the same great blessing we left Shannandoah Valley on Thursday the twentieth marched four miles to sumits point and took the cars and proceded to Washington arriving in the city the next day at about ten o'clock after some delay in the city we marched out four miles and went into camp on a high hill on the south side of the City the next morning we struck tents and mooved back towards the town two miles and went in camp on what is called the race grounds where we now are two miles from the city where our next moove will be we cannot tell but all are very anxious to know we have camp rumers of various kinds to numerous to mention I think we shall remain here untill war matters come to a more decided point than they are at present if we are not needed I should not surpose they would keep us lying here idle a great while for it is certainly for the advantage of the government to get rid of the troops as soon as they are not needed and I hope that time will soon come for I long to git home Some say the our regiment is going home not to be discharged but to disband and hold themselves in readyness if they should be needed but we can tell nothing by the camp reports it is also reported that we are to go south and that we are to garison the forts around Washington all cannot be true and it is my candid opinion that we shall remain here untill after we are musterd again for pay which will be the larst day of this month and then if things are favourable we shall be sent to our own states this opinion may be accuated by Selfish motives feeling and desires but I try to be reasonable and jug the coming conce- quences by the events that have and do daily transpire I think we shall be paid off soon after muster I have four months pay dieu and bounty I was glad to hear that you had received the forty dollars on the alotment role I shall have some money to send home next payment unless they let me come and bring it which I hope they will for the idea of a probibility of soon gitting out of this show and returning home causes a restless uneasiness in my mind and makes the time wear away slow but through the assistance of divine grace I am determined to govern my felings and manage my desires and pasions so as to undergo no disspoi- ntment if it was nessary for me to serve my full term of three years but may God in his tender mercy grant that we may soon meet that we may unfold our minds and hearts together I am yet in the pionear corps and have an easy time as to duty or labour but every thing is in commotion here and I must close to order is to moove From your ever faithfull Companion Stephen N. Richards |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 26 |
finished making soap had nice luck wove one yd Horatio Godwin paid me for wintering his Sheep 18 dollars bought 3 lotery tickets paid 3 dollars of Horatio perhaps I was foolish |
Stephen's Diary |
April 26 1865 |
Pleasant and warm Pack up for a moove Break camp at 9:o’clock and march four miles and go in camp in a field east of the city in D.C. draw rations Johnsons army serrenderd to Sherman |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 27 |
pleasent and warm have been washing and fixed over my delaign dress Andrew had my oxen this afternoon I have worked very hard and am very tired |
Stephen's Diary |
April 27 1865 |
Weather warm and pleasant In camp quiet With wood train eight miles for wood Received the news of the capture and death of booth the murderer of President Lincoln Also one of his associ ates captured |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 28 |
Mr Grover had my Oxen I am not feeling very well but feeling it duty I went over to the Office to see David Received a letter from stephen reached home time enough to do the Chors am very tired |
Stephen's Diary |
April 28 1865 |
Cloudy and cool comes up warm and clear In pioneer camp quiet visit the company |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 29 |
Rainy am feeling weary but have been busy all day wove half of a yd and took the looms down Mr Small was here to day we churned and washed the flours |
Stephen's Diary |
April 29 1865 |
Cloudy windy and cool In pioneer camp east of city Reported serender of Johnsons army to General Grant ??????? Salute fired from the Navy Yard Heavy showers with thunder |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 30 |
Cool pleased to have Sunday come so I can rest Saray and Lucy was here to dinner and Mr Sirous Coolidge and Mrs Grover I have had a good time reading |
Stephen's Diary |
April 30 1865 |
Clear and cool In camp quiet waiting orders Brigade review Muster for pay Commence to rain |
Stephen's Letters |
undated |
To Wallace my dear son with much pleasure I acknolige the reciept of you letter and feel much satisfaction in knowing that I have a little man at home that manifests so much intrest and skill in the business and work there to be done be careful not to overdo and work to hard your self get what help you can and put in what ??? you convienantly can I am glad you have got a good pair of oxen it is hard doing eny thing on a farm without a team I think you have got a nice stock by what you have writen to me a bout it I want you to kep it nice till I come home to help you take care of them and I think by the apearance of things here now that they will let us go home soon I carnt see why they want to keep the soldiers now the rebellion is gorn the talk is all about home and the men are very anxious to git their discharge except one work of advice my son and I will close this letter in the company of those who delight in wickedness and love prefain vulgar and unbecoming talk and actions be not found join not with the vain and reckless who make them selves apier disgracefull and rediculous for the sport and amusement of others let all liars and thieves be reckoned as the asociates of the other ??nd not of your self followe virtue git wisdom and under standing and you have the promis of length of days joy and gladness in this presant life an eternal glory in that world which is to come shun the vices and folies of all but a true virteous christian principle is worthy of imitaiton I must close with one word to my little David be a good boy love and obey your dear Mother and if it is the will of our Heavenly Father I will soon be with you all God bless you all and grant that we may soon meet |
May, 1865 |
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Maine Adjutant General's Report |
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On the 23d of May, the regiment took part in the grand review of the Army of the Potomac; on the 2d of June, was transferred from the 3d brigade, 1st div, 19th corps, in which it had served since February, 1864, to the 2d brigade of the same division; and on the morning of the 30th, moved down the river to Alexandria, and embarked on the steamer Metis for Savannah, Ga., which was reached without accident on the 7th. Soon after its arrival, the regiment was assigned to duty at Savannah, that city being the headquarters of the middle district of Georgia, and remained there until ordered to prepare for muster-out of the service. |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 1 |
pleasant Mr. Coolidge commenced to work for me he went down to the Cirplus to get my cart in the fournoon let Mr Grover have 18 lbs of pork 17cts lb 3,00 four lbs 6 lbs of clear port 1,50 |
Stephen's Diary |
May 1 1865 |
Cool and rainy In pioneer camp Ceases to rain at 10A.M. with cold west wind March two miles and go on Brigade review Draw rations from port comissary 4 miles from camp |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 2 |
pleasant Mr Coolidge and my oxen worked for Mr Grover Mr Small was here and got 400 of hay I cleaned up the best room Wallace went over to the Office and got a letter from Stephen |
Stephen's Diary |
May 2 1865 |
Clear and cool In pioneer camp all day quiet The Rebel Ramweb? blown up on the Misippi below New orleanes |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 3 |
Mr Coolidge drawed rocks I Cleaned up the bedroom it is very pleasent Mr Small and Oxen worked for Mr Grover for me |
Stephen's Diary |
May 3 1865 |
Pleasant & fine with wind In pioneer camp east of city all day quiet visit the Regt in eavning Brigade headquarters moved today |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 4 |
Very pleasent Cooked up Cooked up Victuals adn washed up the flours and started after dinner for Bethel went to Mr Godwin and got 20 dollars and stayed all night to Mr Abbotts |
Stephen's Diary |
May 4 1865 |
Pleasant and fine sold Revolve to A.J. Blair for fifteen dollars, five down ten on note on demand Lent Joseph E. Brodin 2,00 two dollars 2,00 |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 5 |
Started very early for Bethel very pleasent got to bethel early got my horse shawed and then went down to Mr Keans and stayed all night |
Stephen's Diary |
May 5 1865 |
Rainy and cool In pioneer camp comes off fair and bright all day quiet in camp |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 6 |
started early and went to Williams and at four started for Mr Bennett and took up my note got some wet and cold staid there all night |
Stephen's Diary |
May 6 1865 |
Cloudy and wet Showr with heavy thunder and lightning Unarmed men taken from the Regiment Draw rations from post comisary Received two letters by mail from home Bought 6 loaves bread .30 |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 7 |
the ground is white with snow went down to Uncle Charles + Aunt Lydia went up to Mr Jarry's with me and then we all went to a five o'clock lecture and then went down to Washington's and staid all night |
Stephen's Diary |
May 7 1865 |
Cloudy with frequent dashes of rain In pioneer camp pine ?grove? on Brigade Review |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 8 |
Very pleasent started for home stoped to Daniel Bennets to dinner and came up to Mr twitchels and done some trading and got up to Mr Smiths and staid all night |
Stephen's Diary |
May 8 1865 |
Cloudy with signs of showers In pioneer camp in pine grove to work at Brigade headquarters building arbes Shower with thunder |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 9 |
Rain I am anxious to get home started in the rain and went up to Uncles and stoped to dinner and then came home |
Stephen's Diary |
May 9 1865 |
Rainy and wet In pioneer camp pine grove all day quiet Received two letters from home Nos 18 & 19 mailed May 3rd |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 10 |
Very pleasent Mr Coolidge ploughed in the fournoon and drawed rocks in the afternoon Charles and Andrew worked for me in the afternoon |
Stephen's Diary |
May 10 1865 |
cloudy and cool In pioneer camp pine grove messd at brigade headquarters mailed a letter for home:23 draw rations from Brigade comissary Jef Davis captured with his cabnet in Georgia |
Stephen's Letters |
Wednesday May 10th 1865 |
Camp near Washington D.C. Dear Wife and children through the divine blessings of God my heavenly Father I again enjoy the privlige of writing to you and am able to say this morning that my health is good strenght of mind and courage the same and it truly seemes to me this morning that my faith and trust in a risen Savour can never fail. you will doubtless beleive me if I say that for the larst year and a half I have seen much of the awful consequences of sin and folly witnessing perhaps I might say the full extent of degridation and ruin to which sin and wickedness can carry the human mind in this presant existance their disgracefull career terminates here with the most cruel and infamous death after this they must answer the demands endure the eternal decision of a holy just and offended God My dear Christian companion never let the thought find a resting place in you mind that these detestable loathsome degrading sins by which I am surrounded have eny pleasurs or chances for me they reveal the sure disstruction of the wicked an their just condemnation of a holy and all wise God and serve only to drive the true beleiving Christan nearer and closer under his all preserving and protecting arm. it requires no manly effort in an individual to act in acordiance with the natural evil propenciates of the human heart and it certainly requires no moral effort to gratify the lusts pashions and desires of the natural mind and to join in the overwhelming sweeping tide of natural events as they dayly occur but the effort is to resist eavle shun the paths of vice and wickedness and there by save ourselves from the sure consequences which follow there is not peace saith my God for the wicked. I received two letters from you larst night was pleased to hear from you and to hear that you was well and prospering and hope and trust that these blessings are continued to you at this present time since I wrote to you we have mooved four miles and are now in camp four miles east of the city of Washington have a very fine camp ground the Reg't is on a plesant hill in a pritty little field the pionear corps is in a little pine grove a very plesant place indeed we have ben here about ten days having an easy time for soldiers we have ben musterd since here for pay but no pay yet I had four months pay and bounty dieu the larst of April the talk is that we shall not git eny pay til they git read to settle up and send us home which I hope will be soon for the time seemes long to me but I try to be patient and quiet I cannot say contented I long to be at home with you my dear family Lizzie my dear Child I must write a few lines to you for I was very much pleased with yours to me I see by your letter that you have not only in my absance groone older and larger but you have groone wiser and better you have not only learned to write and read and obtain knolidge which will make you usefull and happy in life but you have also learned to obey respect and love your Parents which is one of the holy commands of God you have learned also to trust in and reverance that dear Saviour who when he was apon earth an taught the children of men said suffer little children to come unto me and forbid them not for of such is the kingdom of Heaven always trust in him and he will protect you as well in the dark as in the light now for that gess I gess that you weigh 78 you say you was heavier then wallace larst fall I gess he is as heavy as you now David 40 Mother 125 |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 11 |
Rainy Andrew and Charles worked for me half the day I have been cleaning up this room I long to hear from Stephen again Bell Cows Cavled |
Stephen's Diary |
May 11 1865 |
Cloudy and cool In pioneer camp pine grove all day quiet in camp Heavy showers with hail heavy thunder and lightning in the eavning a barn near by struck by lightning and burned |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 12 |
Rainy Cleared of at noon and Wallace + I went over to the Office to Mr Gupte and got 4 bushels of oats 1 ½ of wheat and brought home my things I got to bethel paid Mr Coolidge |
Stephen's Diary |
May 12 |
Cloudy cold and wet In pioneer camp :P:G: on division review two miles beyond the city six miles from camp reviewed by Gen. Sheridan |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 13 |
Very pleasent Mr Grover and Oxen worked for me Charles bilding fence David came over after his sheep I have been busy all day seeing to things Mrs Grover + family was here |
Stephen's Diary |
May 13 |
Vary pleasant and fine In pioneer camp pine grove work at headquarters visit the company This is here sand loose week land very poor in my estimation for agriculture some corn and rye potatoes and garden sawce is raised here. |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 14 |
Beautiful Morn I have been busy all day seeing to things am very lonely my trust is in God have been writing to Stephen I try to make myself happy |
Stephen's Diary |
May 14 |
Very pleasant & fine In pioneer camp .P.G. 133rd left camp for the city 8:00 A.M. on Brigade Review the most of the buildi- ngs out in the country around here is a disgrace to civilization built of logs and mud. |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 15 |
Very pleasent and warm Mr Grover and Oxen worked for me to day and Wallace Harrowed have been washing I get so weary and am feeling sad |
Stephen's Diary |
May 15 |
Plesant and warm In pioneer camp pine grove work at headquarters two hours on arber |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 16 |
Wallace and I ploughed in the fournoon and I went over to the Office in the afternoon and Wallace Harrowed I was very much disappointed by not getting a letter |
Stephen's Diary |
May 16 |
Plesant and warm In pioneer camp. P.Grove Build an arber at the Lieutenants house visit the company Bought half peck potatoes, 25 cents |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 17 |
Mr Grover ploughed for me in the fournoon and sowed my wheat in the afternoon Wallace Harrowed and I have been cleaning house Settled with Mr Flagg |
Stephen's Diary |
May 17 |
Plesant and warm In piioneer camp P.G. Ball match 2 P.M. between national club of Washington and 133rd N.Y. Regt. |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 18 |
pleasent Wallace Harrowed all day and picked the garnder and fixed me a dress and then cut Mrs Grover a dress and sowed on it until night |
Stephen's Diary |
May 18 |
Plesant and warm In pioneer camp P.G. shower in the P.M. with thunder & lightn |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 19 |
Our horse got away Wallace went after her I have Harrowed all the fournoon Mrs Grover came down and we sowed on a dress for her Received a letter from Stephen |
Stephen's Diary |
May 19 |
Cloudh and wet cool In pioneer camp P.G. Received a letter from home mailed May 19. No. 20 Jef Davis and his cabnet arive at Fortress Monroe |
Stephen's Diary |
May 19th |
Jef the arch Traitor said to Arive at fort S. Monroe 19 may |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 20 |
Sowery I went up to Mrs Grovers and worked all day on her dress and finished it Wallace took away the bankin I have lots of work to do I want Stephen to come home |
Stephen's Diary |
May 20 |
Cloudy & Showers In pioneer camp Pine G. Build an arber at headquarters draw rations Bought a pair pants 1,00 for which I paid $1,00 one dollar |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 21 |
Very pleasent I am feeling lonely have been reading lots fried some cakes the day seems long my trust is in god |
Stephen's Diary |
May 21 |
Showers with very heavy thunder & lightnin In pioneer camp P.G. all day quiet in camp continues showery all day with thunder lightning in the eavning |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 22 |
Some rainy but Wallace and I Harrowed all day and cut 5 bushels of potatoes Mr Grover sowed 4 bushels of oats ½ of Indian wheat Wallace Harrowed with the hourse I with the oxen |
Stephen's Diary |
May 22 |
Cloudy and cool In pioneer camp P.G. comes off clear & warm at 2 P.M. leave camp and march to the city and camp for the night on capital hill |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 23 |
quite rainy in the fournoon I made Lizzie a pair of draws and then went over to the office foot to see David did not get any letter I was almost done to when I got home |
Stephen's Diary |
May 23 |
Plesant & warm at 9.A.M. the Brigade fall in and form for the grand review march around the capital through Pen-a avanue to the white house wheel to the right move back through the city and return to camp |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 24 |
Very pleasent Charles and Mr flagg bilt fence for me to day and boardman + Mr Grover planted potatoes planted leven bushels George Newton was here to see if I would not pasture sheep for him |
Stephen's Diary |
May 24 |
Plesant and fine In pioneers camp;P:G: 30th Regt leave camp for gard in the city Pioneer corps work at Brigade headquarters |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 25 |
Thursday very pleasent Mr flagg worked for me today drawed out 4 loads of dressing and the garden and the fence back the barn and planted potatoes in the afternoon |
Lydia's Letters |
thursday May 25 1865 |
No. 22 Upton Beloved Companion Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. in all thy ways acknownledge him and he shall direct thy paths thinking that you are as pleased to hear from home as we are from you causes me to leave my work and take my pen to inform you that we are still enjoying health and prospering finely and hope it is the same with you the last letter Received was dated May tenth I wish you would write oftener it seems as though you might get time now I read a letter last Tuesday from Joseph wrote to father I hope to hear every mail that you are comeing home it will be hard for me to hear if you don't come soon because I am looking for you and want to see you and I might say need you so. I feel as though I needed rest someone to take the care of from me but think I can rejoice for my strength has been according to my Labour I can sow and plant with courage this spring for the prospect is that you may to home to do the harvest and I hope haying beg for your freedom for it is hard for me to have you there even if the fighting is over I want to be with you I can hardly keep from starting and going on to Washington now I think you are there the talk here is the Soldies are coming home I will be patient a little while longer if god only will premit us to meet in puriety of heart I have done my duty as a Companion and Mother since you left and ever entend to be faithfull but have seen many hardships and much to bear but god has ben my helper why need I fear he has wonderfully blessed us in basket and in store since I wrote last we have sowed four bushels of oats ½ of indian wheat and planted fifteen of potatoes a little corn my fences all up in grand shape Charles worked four days and a half on the fences now comes my garden I have had 18 days work but have not paid only eight dollars in money I let Mr Green (?) have fort Charles hay but all the same as money Wallace and I have done the harrowing so far and cutting potatoes and taking away the banking and such like our bell cow fills a tin ten quart pail we have a splended stock and I hope you will soon see it our sheep look nice them I bought look as well as the others now fat and handsome I stay rite here and see to things think I am getting to be quite a farmer I wish you could see little David he sits on the floor picking over some peas to drop with his little new hat on Lizzie and droping potatoes Wallace and Mr Flag covering I have got along with my work finely Mr Grover has not planted any ----- yet my wheat is up and looks nice grass looks nice I must stop for it is four o'clock and must get supper write me all about comeing home and while you remain there let me hear from you often won't you yours in bond of love and affection which never can be broken think of me as the same constant and virtrious companion Lydia E. Richards |
Stephen's Diary |
May 25 |
Cloudy & cool In pioneer camp P.G. Received a letter from home mailed 20th No.21 Sent two papers home by mail. Chronicles |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 26 |
Very pleasent indeed I washed and made Lizzie a sun bonnet Wallace and I went to the Office but I was sadly disappointed by not getting a letter am feeling very bad |
Stephen's Diary |
May 26 |
Raining and cool In pioneer camp P.G. all day in quiet in camp continues to rain all day |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 27 |
pleasent washed up the flours and sowed in the afternoon and worked in the garden I am feeling lonely and homesick but my trust is in god |
Stephen's Diary |
May 27 |
Cool with wind & rain In pioneer camp P.G. Small job at H.D. quar wet and rainy all day |
Stephen's Letters |
May 27th 1865 |
Camp Near Washington D.C. Dear Wife and family through the divine blessing of God our Heavenly Father I am enjoying health and strength strenght and a good degree of faith and trust in his mercy love and goodness bestowed upon us dayly I was much pleased to receive a letter from you mailed the 20th and gratifiyed to learn that you was well and prospering it apears by your larst letter received that you had not received my larst to you and two papers which I have sent to Wallace they were Washington papers containing the account of the grand review I was on that review in the division of the 19th Corps commanded by Gen. Dwight we all hoped it was the larst review we had got to go on and that they would send us home but we ly here yet with nothing but rumers which are abundant transpiring among us I hardly know how to express my mind in regard to getting out of the service we did think we should git out soon but the chances seem to grow smaller every day the order now is all troops whoes term of service expires before the first day of October next are to be discharged the others to be reorganized what this reorganizan is I cannot tell the soldiers claim that the war is over and they are intitled to their discharge and go home but it is the opinion of many that there is to be a strong force organized from the vetran troops to go south through Texas and perhaps into Mexico but I have not faith in eny such thing or eny such movovement on the part of our Government but I cannot see why they should ishue so limited an order for discharging the soldiers there is but a very few in comparison to the whole whose time in the army expires in September. I find by reference to my diary that we have laid in this camp one month yesterday and in reality we have done nothing but it seemes the longest month sence I have ben in the service I have had much the easest time her that I have seen sence I enlistd but I feel uneasy and anxious to git out of the army and go home time you know drags slow when we are obliged to remain in a place and the mind constantly in an other but I do not wish to murmer nor complain my situation is much better then it was one year ago at Morganza on the Missippi river and God will in his own good time which I do believe is at hand bring those days of seperation to an end and we shall again meet to unite in praising his holy name around the good old family alter how pleasing the thought that the same God that watches over me here and you ther knows the desires and prayers of our inmost souls my trust is in him |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 28 |
Rainy am feeling so lonely I dont now what to do with myself have read and wrote and went up to Mr Winslows to a meeting had one little lamb to day |
Lydia's Letters |
Sunday May 28th |
No.23: Upton My Dear Husband we are blessed with health to day and prospering but cannot say I am contented since Friday it has been as much as I could do to contain my feelings for I was in hopes to get a letter but was disappointed you speak of haveing an easy time and still I don't get a letter only once a fortnight it makes me feel sad and lonely I have been in hopes that you was comeing home - if I could here such news I should be happy I perused the papers closely read about the grand review I suppose you was in it but have my fears about your comeing home now I O daer if you don't come home what shall I do don't never go to Texas it would kill me to know you was going there again if I could do any thing to get you home I would I don't feel as though I could live here all alone much longer I will sell what I have and leave if you don't come soon for I can't endure it my feeling are gloomy to day you know my situation away from everybody I love that makes me miss you more but there this won't be pleasing to you but I would give good deal to know your true feelings I want to see you so that it makes me uneasy and restless my mind is with you I have to work and drive of[f] my feelings I have tryed to make the best of everything and do the best that I could for my ----- ----- if it was not for parting my Children I would work out and go where I could enjoy myself better but I love my babies I wish you could see little David he is a dreadfull bright boy and handsome and I love to be with him I mean to know how my children fair while I have my health we are prospering well and haveing fine growing weather we have got one lamb come to day I can't write to day for I want to see you so well I shall have to stop the tears flow so untill I feel better it is rainy today and I wish I new where you are I see in the paper that Sherdian had left for Texas but do pray that you do will not go for it don't seem as though I could bear it I will leave of[f] and read my bible a while and see if i can't feel better. tuesday afternoon - I am feeling better in my mind to day it is very pleasent to day we have had a smart rum we ---- we had one little lamb our heifer had a calf last night and done nicely I have lots to look after enough to keep me busy I tell you what a good time we will have when you get home wont we? I do hope it won't be long Mr and Mrs made me a visit today and I was very glad to see them they are here now he is down in the field after some birds eggs with Wallace well I must say good bye for now for Mrs Rich is here write often wont you Lydia E. Richards |
Stephen's Diary |
May 28 |
Plesant and fine In pioneer camp P.G. no review all day in camp |
Stephen's Letters |
Sunday May 28 |
the storm which has prevail here for three or four days has subsided and it is very fine weather this morning but it seemes very little like the holy sabbath at home there is very much talk and contension about who and when we shall go home and all are gitting ready for Brigade review which is a standing order for every Sunday we have to march two miles and form in line then the Gen. rides round and viewes the whole Brigade then he takes his stand in front and the Brigade march in review parst him then leave the field and return to camp. ther is a rumer in circulation here this morning that the 30th Me is going home on sixty days furlough I do not know where it started from we have but little confidence in any rumers but if there should be enything in it I think it is to let them go home and wait untill their time for discharge Sunday eavning 28th the order for review this morning was countermanded and we have ben all day in camp and the talk is all about going home and pay it does not seem jist right for one year recruits that joined the Reg't larst winter should be discharged and sent home now and we have to stay. there is between one and two hundred yearlings in our Reg't that is to be discharged right off the papers say that they have com- menced paying the army of and it is to be continued till all are paid I have five months pay dieu which is eighty dollars and one hundred and sixty bounty which I hope they will pay soon and send me home for I feel as though I am of no use here now and doing no good and am needed at home and O how I long to be there with you but I must patiently wait the time is at hand let us pray on my health is first rate |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 29 |
My little lamb died had another Cleaned up the porch Jane Morse and Mrs dun was here to day we had a smart rain in the afternoon and I got quite wet our 3 year old calfed to night |
Stephen's Diary |
May 29 |
Plesant and fine In pioneer camp P.G. Job at head quarters building arber |
Stephen's Letters |
Monday morning 29 |
it is very worse here this morning and we have had a job at headquarters building an arber in front of their tents they say there is a new order out this morning to muster out all troops whoes term of service expires in December next that will take all of this Brigade except the 30th Me and about two hundred reservists from that what they will do with the rest of the Reg't I cannot tell but Hubard is trying to git us musterd out he has had the ofer of takng his Reg't home on sixty days furlough they say he is not disposed to do that but wants to git clear of the show I think the chance for us to git musterd out right away is small but we cannot tell today what will be tomorrow one thing is certain the army is not needed here and I do not see why they need to keep eny of the volunteers only till they can be regularly discharged they have regulars enough to man all the fortifycations |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 30 |
Cleared of pleasent Mr and Mrs Rich made me a visit Wallace went to the Office O dear I have so much to do Well I guess it wont always be so no letter for me to night |
Stephen's Diary |
May 30 |
Plesant and warm In pioneer camp P.G. all day in camp nothing of importance ocurs |
Stephen's Letters |
Tuesday May 30th |
Dear family it is a very fine morning here and I have had my coffee a good wash and a good time reading in my bible and made my usual entry in my diary and will now spend a few moments in writing to you my health is good this morning Joseph is well and gitting along first rate the only thing new since yesterday of interest is a report that this division in orderd to Savannah Georgia which creates some excitement in the camp I do not think there is eny truth in the rumer but it may possibly be so a great many of the officers are determined to stay in the service as long as posiable as there is no danger but little to do and they git plenty of grub and whisky our lieutenant Colonel who earnes his living when at home by taping shoes has ben doing his best to keep the Reg't in the service Colonel Hubard it is said if the Reg't stays will resign I hope not I will leave this letter open till tomorrow and see how things turn Tuesday eavning 30th there has been quite an excitement here to day about going to servannah and there apears to be something in the report but I do not beleive we shall go there I think we are to moove some where soon but I hope not south it is a hot unhealthy place and I do not think they will send northern men down there at this season of the year and I cannot see the necessity of sending soldiers from here down there now if we should go there it is probable it will be for garrison duty and should have a long job I am sick of this soldiering O how I long to be at home with you farming I have thought we should git out of it this summer and shall stick to it a spell longer yet untill we moove from here eny way it has ben my mind that when we mooved from this place we should go to our own state and it would be a sad dispointment if we should fetch up in Georgia but I will see how it is another morning has arived very fine indeed and brings us to the 31st of May we are yet here in the oald camp and the Savannah fever has subsided and all seems quiet and serene this morning I think we shall moove from here within a few days and when we do I think I can make up my mind whether we shall git home soon or not my health is good this morning we have but very little to do hardly enough for exercise and the men are tired of the drill and feel no intrest in it I understand that one Reg't actualy refused to drill and resisted the orders of the officers yesterday and had quite a riot the report is that a number was killed and wounded I do not know the perticulars about the afair there is a great many soldiers around Washington now many that that have ben in the armey three and four years and they feel that the war is over and they are intitled to go home and when they are filled with whiskey many of them are reckless and hard fellows to keep in subjection and they care but very little what they do I think it will be very wise and prudent in the government and safe for the people to disperse them as soon as posible in the camp nothing of importance has transpired in camp to day very quiet except drawing rations we have drawn five days rations to day and I will close my letter and begin new it is very warm here strawberyes have ben ripe here about two weeks and saw green peas a week ago but we git none but we will trust in God he knows what is best for us and we shall surely come out right if we but faithfully and prayerfully trust in him may the blessing of God atend you my dear ones at home S.N. Richards Co,. G 30 Reg't Main Vols in Camp near Washington D.C. |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 31 |
Very pleasent have been the rounds this Morn + so on Wm & David come at noon and drawed rocks in the afternoon have made me a sun bonnet and run after lambs + so on |
Lydia's Letters |
Wensday Morn May 31st 1865 |
No.24th Upton Dear Stephen No letter for me last night - your last received was dated May 10 I think if you knew how your letters cheered us and how much better I feel when I know it is well with you you would spend more time in writing to us I want to hear you are comeing home Well Stephen I have been the rounds this fine Morn Methinks you will ask what it is that we'll will tell you first I got up and than milked four cows and fed the calves we have three pretty calves and than went down in the Sheep pasture to look after the sheep. found two the largest lambs I ever see and than fed my hens and little Bossie we had just one little born hutch and made a fire by this time the children was up. David has had the tooth ache he took on a good deal with it last night - poor little fellow his face was swoolen badly this Morn he has a decayed tooth I shall have to get it out some way I pited him for I knew just how I have not forgotten the nights I have gone without rest with the tooth ache and than got breakfast and read the bible and read the --llana had a sweet season in prayer let us live near to Jesus for we are needy of his care and Counsel I want you to come home so pen can not tell god has blessed us and we will trust in him and fear no danger I was pleased to see Mr and Mrs Rich yesterday the[y] was both here to dinner and staid all the afternoon he was speaking of you said they missed you very much in the Sabboth School wished you could be superintendant again the School was just nothing last summer David is coming here to day to help us get in the Indian wheat Stephen Norse has got last he looks quite smart we have got to have a road made here this summer don't you think that is good news they have a new bridge all ready to put in I have no Wagon and wishing to have you come home and buy one I must leave of now ----- ----- Monday I cleaned up the porch yesterday was quite lame for I had to look after the lambs ---- and milk in the rain we had a dreadfull rain and I got real wet my health is good and courage butter 25 cts a lb eggs 20 and pork 25 cts a lb June 2:nd Friday Morn it is very pleasant here now we are well and prospering David is here now fixing our Indian wheat flour it is quite a task to fix up the fences this year a fortnight to day since I heard from you I hope you are on your way home if not write me what you think about coming home according to the papers many of the Soldiers are coming home I hope you will be in the lot for who can be needed more at home than you it seems to me as though you are needed more at home than you are there I have worked some in my garden this week must close now by saying that I expect to see you soon be good and do rite yours in love Lydia E. Richards. (Up side down - written by Stephen after receipt of this letter) To the honorable secretary of war Sir I am a solier in the 30th Reg't Maine Vols Captan ----- company - came out with the Reg;t was with with my company every day (off duty _ days by sickness) untill the eighteenth day of larst March when I |
Stephen's Diary |
May 31 |
Plesante and fine In pioneer camp P.G. all day in camp mailed a letter for home No. 24 Received a letter from home mailed .27 Number.22. Draw rations 5 days. |
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June, 1865 |
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Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 1 |
very pleasent David drawed rocks and built fence and I have been busy working in the garden and doing my work done a large churning |
Stephen's Diary |
June 1 |
Plesant and warm In pioneer camp P.G. Sent a bundle home by express one year men discharged from the 30th Maine Regt |
Stephen's Letters |
June 1st 1865 |
Camp Near Washington D.C. My dear wife and children it is my duty and privilige this morning to command an other letter to you in answer to yours of the twenty seventh which was received larst night with much pleasure and satisfac- tion it is the greatest comfort and consolation to my mind here to know that you are blest with health prosperity and a sacred faith and trust in the great preserver and giver of all that we here have or enjoy. it apears this morning that we are to leave here soon and the general opinion is that we have got to go south if that should be the case it is my opinion that we have some time in the service yet but let us never dispair but always beleive and trust in him who has thus far protected and preserved us and given us health and strength acording to our day surficent to all our toils trials and temptations my health is good this morning think I will postpone this letter till tomorrow. |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 2 |
quite pleasent hope to hear from Stephen to day found that little lamb dead David drawed rocks to day Wallace did not get any letter but got a paper I feel bad to not get a letter |
Stephen's Diary |
June 2 |
Plesant and warm In pioneer camp P.G. detail from the 133 N.Y. leave the pioneer c. 30th Main break camp transferd from the third to Second Brigade musket firing in Sherman camp |
Stephen's Letters |
June 2, Second |
We had a very warm day here yester day and it is clear and warm this morn our pionear corps is breaking up some this morning the one year men have left and the detail from the 133rd N.Y. have left they are going home whether the pionear corps is to be all broken up or continued we do not know now but probaly I shall before I close this letter the one year men was discharged from our Regt yesterday I was told yesterday that if they did not serve one year they do not git the larst enstallment of bounty which is $33, dollars a man quite a saving to the Government and I think these recruits have ben well paid for all the service they have don I expressed a bundle home yesterday an overcoat I gess if you see it you will be convinced that soldiers wallow in the mud but perhaps you can soak it out and if we should go south I should have to throw it a way and I thought as Lizzia was so short for pens and paper I would send her some there is conflicting reports about our going south it is evident that there is an order for us to go somewhere I cannot believe we shall go to Savanah it may be so more tomorrow if nothing prevents |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 3 |
Very pleasent David drawed dressing to day I washed up the flours and done the work sowed some on my dress I dont feel contented by my trust is in god. |
Stephen's Diary |
June 3 |
Warm fogy & cloudy In pioneer camp P.G. ?80th? embarked for Savanah come of clear & hot |
Stephen's Letters |
Saturday morn June 3rd |
my Regt broke camp and mooved larst night at seven oclock they wer to report to the second Brigade about five milles from here on the other side of the City the report is that we are transferd from the third to the second Brigade and are to embark on bord the transprots to day ther has ben trouble between Col Hubard and Gen Dwite about the band which is the cause of the transfer Dwight sent an or for the band to his head quarters for five days they did not want to go and the Col sent word that the band instraments belonged to the Regt and they wanted them with the Refgt and was not willing they should go Dwight was mad and put the men in the ranks and detailed them to his head quarters what his object is in having the regt transfered I cannot tell I am left yet in the pionear corps but am expecting orders every minit to join my Regt I will keep this letter open to day and see if we imbark |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 4 |
quite warm I wanted to go to meeting to day but thought it was not best so I have wore time away sleeping and writing and seeing to things |
Lydia's Letters |
Sunday June 4th 1865 |
No. 25 Upton My Dear Husband perhaps you would like to hear from home anyway I would like to hear from you and think if I was with you I should not feel so lonely as I do to day our new Minister Duton preached to day I wanted to go very much but thought it was not prudent to walk so far as I have worked very hard and need rest very much and we have so much to se to I don't look for Comfort while you are gone but expect some when you get home don't you remember of seeing our new minister to quartly meeting you know I liked him very much O what would I give to go to a good meeting every Sunday but there if it is not my lot I will be content Sundays are very much enjoyed by me as they are a day of rest and that is what I need very much I have read the papers all through you sent Wallace friday and had a good long nap O Stephen when will you be with us before haying wont you for I want to get red of Manageing it I must tell you that I feel a little hurt to think you can't think of us only once in a month to write to us only think of us here all alone so disappointed when Wallace returned from the office with no letter we are so amused with your letters it seems as though you might find time to write now I wish I could have been there when the Army was reviewed my mind is there and it makes it seem near I would love to go very much and go round with you before you come home and come home with you I want you to write and tell me what you think about comeing home tell me all about it I suppose you have a good chance to go to meeting now don't you and to see a good deal as the Army is idle but be sure and keep in good company let the bad go untoced by you I don't feel like adviseing you only saying word to the wise I had rather you would be there than have a son there I often think that if I was writing to a son in the Army my letter would consist of Counsel and advice but should choose to lay a son in the grave than have him go in such a place unless I felt he was cautious enough to take care of him self I think I can have an idea of the influance of an army we are haveing nice luck with our lambs have five now the largest ones I ever see our brown 3 year old does nicely it is quite a job to milk now |
Stephen's Diary |
June 4 |
Clear and warm In pioneer camp P.G. Brigade review very warm day |
Stephen's Letters |
Sunday morn June 4th |
we are yet in the oald camp have not ben orderd to our Regt as expected yesterday our lieutenant of the pionear corps was to the city yesterday he says the 30th went on bord the stemer in the forenoon and we are to go with the Brigade baggage in another boat probaly tomorrow. |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 5 |
worked in the garden and sowed very pleasent I work very hard from one thing to another am very tired |
Stephen's Diary |
June 5 |
Clear and warm In pioneer camp P.G. Draw five day rations All day in camp |
Stephen's Letters |
Monday morn June 5th |
and yet in the oald camp but the talk is that we shall leave to day but no orders yet we had a brigade review yesterday it was a very hot day and bids fare for the same today my health is good I donot know but I am as well and rugged as ever in my life this is a healthy place here but it is a poor desolate forsaken looking country to me very different from what I expect the city setting aside the capital buildings is far inferior to Portland and is in my estimation rather a mien looking place how I shall stand it down south this summer I cannot tell but I shall adhear to my rule and determination never to indulge in or meddle my way with that which I know to be of no use or benefit to me but to use all my power and faculties to perserve my health and strength a good moral and vertious carictor and a concience void of offence and trust the event with him who doeth all things wright and well. |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 6 |
very pleasent cut my dress in the fournoon My horse got out of the pasture and went to Andover Wallace went after her so I went to the Office did not get any letter |
Stephen's Diary |
June 6 |
Cloudy & cool signs of rain I pioneer camp P.G. Job at headquarters A.M. Repair brig w:h:d, P.M. 133rd N.Y. Regt --- musters out |
Stephen's Letters |
Tuesday June 6th |
We did not move yesterday as was expected and are yet in the oald camp under marching orders waiting the order to strike tents and moove away I do not know where the Reg't is this morning I heard yesterday that they had disimbarked and goin into camp at Elexandria but I think there is no truth in the report it is a cool cloudy morning her and this is very refreshing for it has ben very warm for the parst week we drew five days rations yesterday three days hard bread that looks like a campaign I begin to think that our southern expidition will not amount to much I have some hopes yet that we shall not go south if we do I do not think we shall stop long it is said untill after the State convension and election if we go at all shall probaly leave here in a day or two I intend to keep this letter open untill I know whether we leave of not every thing is ready in camp to leave but the order may yet be countermanded |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 7 |
Very Warm Wallace got back but did not get the horse so I went down to Mr Newbury and got him to go after her David come back today we had a fine shower. |
Stephen's Diary |
June 7 |
Continues Cloudy & cool In pioneer camp P.G. all day quiet in camp sent a letter home No 25 comes off clear |
Stephen's Letters |
Wednesday morning |
Brings my letter to you ???????? and finds us in the same oald camp waiting orders to moove nothing new or interesting going on here now but rather dull time in this camp I do wish if they have nothing for us to do they would discharge us and send us home but the probability is now that those that came out under the Upton call of Sixty three and then reinlisted in the field are to be the larst discharged the talk is that the sixty two men are to be discharged and the larst year recruits have ben discharged leaving the vetrans to remain a while longer I long for the time to come when I can go home but I am determined to try and do right. In doing right in all things we become wise and fearliss In doing rong they grow bold and reckless I must close this weekly journal and prepare ??????? SNRichards it is said that Colonel Hub has sent in his resignation and if excepted he will leave the Reg't I hope it will not be approved for we should hate to loose our Col - he is one of the best of men all that know him respect and honer him it is quite the reverse with the lieutenant Col I hope he will not git the command of the reg't but it is what he has ben trying for some time. Savanah is six hundred miles from here south there is much opersition manifested with the soldiers to gong down there at this season of the year but it apears now that we have got to go and stay till after the state conventions and elections and sivil authority established in the state we verily thought that when we left here we should go to our own states and it is hard to be reconciled to another expedition south but I do not think we shall be required to stay long and if we go I shall make up my mind that it is right for God is with me his holy arms has thus thus far protected me and I will yield in humble submission to him I shall keep the letter open today |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 8 |
Wallace got my hourse to day David drawed rocks in the fournoon and gressing in the afternoon Susan Scribner is here Charles worked in the afternoon |
Stephen's Diary |
June 8 |
Plesant and warm In pioneer camp P.G. 133 N.Y. Regt leave for New York all day quiet in camp |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 9 |
very pleasent Henry Douglas sheared my sheep to day David + Charles drawed dressing drawed 21 loads from under the barn received a letter from Stephen and a bundle by express |
Stephen's Diary |
June 9 |
Clear and warm In pioneer camp P.G. all day in camp |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 10 |
some rainy Charles made me a horse stable in the after noon and David ploughed Susan went home I am feeling lonely |
Stephen's Diary |
June 10 |
Cool and cloudy & windy In pioneer camp P.G. draw three days rations All day in camp quiet |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 11 |
very pleasent am feeling very tired went up to Mr Winslows to a meeting and Mrs Small + Sister + John + Mary was here to supper |
Lydia's Letters |
Sunday June 11th 1865 |
No 29 Absent Husband, first will say that we are enjoying health and prospering but lonely long after Society I love I try to content myself hopeing that God will permit you to come home it seems as though I could not content myself any longer to stay here without you let your prayer support me it is a fine day here cool fine growing weather I never see grass look better I have corn 2 inches high potatoes coming up my wheat looks nice what I have done is done well better than last year it cost me five days and a half to get my fences fixed up but it pays well to have good fences seven days drawing rocks and that pays well I guess you would say so if you could see how nice it looks I have had the rocks all got of[f] the Indian wheat peace below the barn and most all dressed I have had one hundred loads drawed out this spring they was 29 under the barn nice dressing I tell you Charles and David got it out for me Charles has been real good to me this spring he has fixed up my fences and made me a horse stall and fixed my Harrow and so on I never thought Charles was so good to work Taxes is high this year my road tax is 13 dollars I guess I shall pay David the money and let him work it out save board and I don't want my oxen to go on the road unless I have a man see to them they are bare foot my ----- Andrews is all the cattle they is on the hill Mr Winslow lost his in the winter he is not doing any thing in the mill this spring I suppose you love to here all the news we have 8 nice lambs I had my sheep sheared Friday last * have a nice lot of wool my sheep I bought was the best wooled so Henry said I am making a nice lot of butter now I work very hard Sundays are the longest days I had had company today Mrs Small and her sister was here her sister is a nice woman I like her very much but I have so much to see to and do and the roads is so poor that I don’t go to meeting but mean to after you get home we have a splended horse she looks very much like Henry Douglas * only mine is a good deal the handsomest my horse got out of the pasture the other day and went down to Mr. Newtons so I got Mr Newton to go to Andover with her to a very nice (Balance of letter missing) [* this section appears as a fragment in Oz Ellis' transcription. This is a logical placement based on continuation of text and correlation visit with the diary - MR] |
Lydia's Letters |
Letter not dated...continuation on the 12th [Note: we assume that she is referring to Stephen’s letter of May 27 -31. - Oz Ellis] |
My Dear Stephen I received a letter from you last friday containing 2 sheets and a half dated from the 27 to the 31st was pleased to receive a few lines from you again but disappointed to not hear you was comeing home now I do want you to come home so dont go to Texas I should feel so I could go to you if you was to Washington if you should be sick beg for your liberity get a furlough if you cant do better and come home in the warm weather I must tell you that this is the paper you sent me and writen with one of your pens they was very much needed when Wallace come from the office he road up to the porch door and said father was ones have to stay Warren Douglas has got home I have looked for you home but I fear make a bleave sick think you had to if I write any thing you dont like forgive me it seems (??) was coming home and handed me your bundle you sent me it gave me quite a start and than he put your overcoat on I could not help crying for you know I never could bear the thoughts of you being a soldier and I try to make the best of it I would like to know how it is with you to day and where you are I shall be happy when I hear you are comeing home I should liked to have been to Washington when you had that reveiw I have writen this to you and a lot in my diary I have a nice diary why dont you send me your last year diary I would love to get hold of it we will have a good time readings each others diarys when you come I keep account of every thing I tell you it is a good plan now I must go and Milk O Stephen I would love to be with you tonight be good and obey god untill we meet and god will bless us love to Joseph hope to see you soon good night O Stephen hope it is well with you tonight take all the Comfort you can and preserve your health I am praying that god will bring you to home |
Stephen's Diary |
June 11 |
Cloudy and cool In pioneer camp P.G. All day in camp quiet |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday,12 |
very pleasent David worked ploughing washed and done lots of work I get very weary and long for rest but my trust is in god |
Stephen's Diary |
June 12 |
Cloudy and cool In pioneer camp P.G. All day in camp quiet Comes off clear & windy |
Stephen's Letters |
Monday morn jun 12th |
A fine cool morning but nothing of interest transpiring so I fear that I shall fail to make my letter pleasing or interesting to you I feel all most lost away from the Regt I have not ben away from them a week before since we left Maine since I have ben in the pioneer corps I have close by them and generaly visiting the company every day I have not heard from Joseph for over a week and do not know whether they have gone to georgia or not I think the Regt would have remand here if it had not ben for the ?????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????there has none of this Brigade gorn south excpt the 30th we are three miles from the Capital east of the city it is a baran looking place in general to me the inhabitance are an indolant inferor looking race many of them live in log hous ?????????? They that sow in tears shall reap in joy Let those that sow in sadness wait Till the fair harvest comes They shall confess their sheaves are great And shout the blessings home He that goeth forth and weepeth bearing precious seed shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him. Psalmes 126:5.6. My bible to me is an inexhaustible source of blessing holyness and truth in all situations and under whatever conditions we may be placed we can find relief in the holy inspired word and promise of God which is there recorded through faith and obedience to his holy commands we can enjoy that calm peace and reconsiliation of mind that the world can neither give nor take away to enjoy this faull and sacred asuriance within our own souls of the divine ?savour? and exceptance of God is mor to be desired then all the trasures of the ???? world |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 13 |
fine weather David ploughed and Charles spread dressing washed up the best room flour and churned had 9 lbs of butter was pleased to hear from Stephen |
Lydia's Letters |
tuseday 12th-[This is a continuation of the letter we attributed to Sunday the 11th....We have to assume an error in date] |
it is very pleasent to day and I wish I knew where you was I have thought all the spring you would be to home but it dont look much like it now I do wish that the men that send troops to texas now after they have been the rounds once had to go there and die it does seem to me as though they cared but little what becomes of the privits I should think they would knock down and drag out before they would go to Mexico I think your Reg’t has seen hard times enough to come home it dont seem right to me for them to send home one years men and keep men that has bore the heat in the burden of the day men that has not seen their familys for t[w]o years or more I would not be a Soldier any way tell about the Slaves what are the Soldiers but are slaves ruled by wicked men and Devels I wish they was all dead and than the privits could come home it is an easy thing for them to place other men in danger when all the head men on both sides are dead I shall look for peace I wish every man would refuse to drill and then stand up for their rights I should think they had drilled long enough you may think I write droll but it looks cruel to me to see the ones years men comeing and the old --- as though I could not bear to have you go south again you are going from home I should be apt to use my legs if it was me I think before they would carry me to Texas |
Stephen's Diary |
June 13 |
Cloudy and cool In pioneer camp P.G. All day quiet heavy showes in the eavning |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 14 |
pleasent Charles ploughed and I packed butter and washed up the flours and so on Mrs Lincoln came her to night and Mry Small I am very tired to night |
Stephen's Diary |
June 14 |
Cloudy and warm In pioneer camp P. Grove All day quiet in camp |
Stephen's Letters |
Wednesday morn June 14th |
Thy mercy is great above the heavens and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds Aproach my soul the mercy seat Where Jesus answers prayer There humbly fall before his feet For none can perish there Be thou exalted O God above the heavens and thy glory above all the earth Psalm 108:4.9. We had a fine shower larst eavning commencing at about five and lasted nearly two hours and the air is quite cool and refreshing this morning and we yet remain in our pioneer camp in the little pine grove we have to me a very plesant cituation though some find falt because there is not exitement enough and wish they could only be in the city we have daily rumors about leaving here and going south but they have as yet brought no definite order but I surpose we are liable to leave eny day the time wears away slow but I try to improove it as well as I can in reading and meditating I am determined to try and do right. if they had their way leave and go home declair they would |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 15 |
Wallace Harrowed all day Uncle Amos was her to dinner + Supper cut Lizzie dress and finished my skirt Mr Scribner was her to dinner |
Stephen's Diary |
June 15 |
Cloudy and cool In pioneer camp P.G. Work at headquarters Draw five days rations |
Stephen's Letters |
Thursday morn June 15th |
My dear family it is a very cool morning here for the season and we are enjoying of it in our same old pioneer camp and I had much rather spend the remainder of my time that I have got to stay in the army here then to go south again I have heard nothing certain about the Regt and do not know where they are the talk is that we shall be sent to our regiments now soon and paid off this month makes six months pay due me and a bounty I hope if we have got to stay much longer they will pay for I expect you need some money to carry on the farm dont try to do to much on the place write me if you git your state aid it has ben reported here that the stat aid was stoped the larst letter received from you was on the 31 of May mailed the 27 I expect it is on acount of being away from the Regt and the carlsness of the officers at Brigade head quarters I will close the letter for it is eight days long write to me if you like this kind of letter trust in God from your ever the same true and faithfull companion in the Lord do I put my trust daily journal |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 16 |
Charles Harrowed all day with his horse and mine and Wallace with the Oxen Mr Grover sowed it worked from one untill five finished Lizzies dress I am feeling very bad about Stephen |
Stephen's Diary |
June 16 |
Cloudy and cool In pioneer camp P. Grove Sent a letter home No. 26 All day quiet in camp Bought twenty five stamps |
Stephen's Letters |
Friday June 16th 1865 |
No. 24/27 In pionear camp pine grove near Washington D.C. To my dear family bing yet blessed with health and the privlege I feel it my duty to continue my protracted letter to you by so doing (thought there is nothing of importance or intrest going on here) I find at the close of every week I have a letter ready to mail for home if they fail in in- terresting you I mean they shall not in number and I hope they may through the blessings of God persess enough of the spirit of love truth and righteousness to make them exceptable to you, it seemes a long time that I have not heard from you I expect my letters have gorn to the Reg't I hope to learn soon where they are and if we do not join them have them letters if eny sent to me where I am Joseph will probaly write home if you hear from him write to me I think of writing to him if we remain here and have my mail directed to Brig headquarters more to morrow in love |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 17 |
very warm Churned and washed the flours and finished Wallace a pair of pants and cut him another pair Wallace went up to Mr Godwins and got five dollars |
Stephen's Diary |
June17 |
Cloudy and cool In pioneer camp, P. Grove All day quiet in camp comes of warm |
Stephen's Letters |
Saturday June 17th ,65 |
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in beleiving that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy ghost for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 19:15:13.17. I find these words very refreshing to me this morning and thought I could head my page to you with nothing better they teach us that there is a higher and more important calling for man then merely to feed our mortal bodies with meat and drink and spend our time on idle worldly amusements and furnish our hungry longing souls with that bread that cometh down from Heaven which if a man eat there off he shall never die I find but very few in the army that seek earnestly humbly and determinedly for this spiritual food which is the one thing above all other needfull all seam to desire excitement and present amusements to pass away the time void of spiritual enjoyments which are spiritualy obtained |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 18 |
fine day but a long one to night have been very busy all day plenty of work to do have been writing to Stephen my trust still in god who doeth right |
Lydia's Letters |
June 18th 1865 |
No. 27 Sunday Upton My Dear Husbund it is now -four Oclock and I have been busy all day seeing to things I have to look after things in doors and out you know and it is no fools play we are enjoying health and prospering but my mind is with you to day for I don't know where to think you are but fear you have gone South instead of comeing home as I expected little did I think you would go south again and it seems hard to think you are going further from home so far of[f] when I really thought you would be to home with us and it seems hard to hear of so many coming home and you going from home when you are so much needed at home if it is so it is best to commit ourselvles into gods care and do rite and he will bless us and permit us to meet soon with an unspoted Carictar I long very much to have you out of the army were you can enjoy yourself better and we can be together for it is hard to be parted only think it has been one year and five months since we parted I did not think it would be so long when my mind wanders back to the night we parted it seems longer than all the rest of our Married life I have seen many lonely hours often found my self weary and my mind wandering far far away and viewing you engaged in this aufull war that is so unpleasent for me to think of but - O god has wonderfully blessed us all as a family I am gratefull to my god let our prayers be united and fervent I long to be with you O I feel so thankful that you have never been taken a prisner under Jeff Davis control I should think he would think of the the passage of Scripture where it says vengence is mine I will repay sayeth the Lord I think we have great reason to thank the Lord that our Nation is sparied that god had Manifested his Mercy and goodness it is always safe to love and obey god and we feel honer when engaged in his service My Dear Hus it is everything to me to feel that you are a Christian Now I will tell you that we are done farming this spring finished last friday Charles Harrowed all day with his horse and mine Wallace with the oxen Harrowed it over twice and than brushed it in Mr Grover sowed it he has sowed all mine grain it cost me twelve days work had the rocks all got of[f] and forty five loads of dressing put on it it looks nice now it was very warm yesterday and to day nice growing weather I have had thirty three days work and paid for all only David he is going to work on the road for me Tuesday I am Moneyless now but not friendless I have hoped you would be to home by haying time but fear you wont if not tell me what the prospects is about your being paid of[f] so I can have some Money to cut the hay for the hay must be cut for I tell you it pays well I should have been a good deal better of[f] last year to hired it all cut than to have sold the grass I am tired of farming long to have you to home but mean to be patient and trust the event with god we have nine lambs our sheep and horse and little calf is in the sheep pasture I was pleased to receive a letter from you last Tuesday dated up to June 7th |
Stephen's Diary |
June 18 |
Cool and cloudy In pioneer camp P.G. Comes off clear & warm All day quiet in camp |
Stephen's Letters |
Sunday June 18th ,65 |
it is a fine cool morning here and another sabath finds us in the same oald pionear camp the excitement about going south has passed away and it is quite calm and quiet here this morning one of the men here received a letter yesterday from portland stating that the 30th Maine Regt had gorn home on sixty days ferlough but we beleive it to be a mistake and pass it of with the numerous other reports we have received in relation to the destination of the 30th since it left here we have no official acount of the 30th but take it for granted that it is in Georgia if it is I do not think this detail here will be sent to our Regt unless this Brigade goes down there the order is not countermanded the men think they have troops enough there and the Brigade will not go I sincerly hope we shall not I have not desire to go south but my mind is continualy north it is six hundred miles to savannah and eight hundred to Portland from here| But I try to be reconciled knowing that he who hath placed me here is able to bring me safely home to join my loved ones there |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 19 |
Very warm father and Mr. Godwin was here to dinner finished Wallace a pair of pants sent the children over to Mr Small and Wallace went over to Davids |
Stephen's Diary |
June 19 |
Clear and warm In pioneer camp P.G. Comes of clear & warm Showes in the eavning |
Stephen's Letters |
Monday June 19th, 65 |
My dear Wife and children if this letter is as dull and lifeless to you as every thing seemes here in camp this morning it will surely fail to please or interrest you at all, but in all this I am led to rearlize the answer to prayer and to witness the over ruling power of a kind indulgent and ever presant Savour ready to save to the uttermost all that come to him through faith and prayer one year ago at Morganza my desir and prayer was theat we might be transferd from that disagreable sickly place north acordingly on the first of july we wer placed on the northern line of the rebellious sates after Plesant Hill and Cane River I had the same feeling within in regard to the Battle field on the 19th Sept & Oct all though their on jest as improtant duty yet I was not compeled to walk over the bleeding groning and dying victims I have the same faith and trust in regard to going south and I am here yet and if it is Gods will that I sall go he will be with me to protect and take care of me O let us prais his holy name for his preserving care over us all |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 20 |
very warm have been sowing to day finished me a shirt + draws + Lizzie a gown Newton was here to see Wallace Wallace went to the Office |
Lydia's Letters |
Tuesday afternoon June 20 1865 |
it is very pleasant here to day and windy it has been very warm I thought I would drop a line to you to day to let you know that we are well and prospering finally I thought I must tell you that we are haveing a road built and a new bridge it is so pleasing to me (we) are going to have it built in good shape father and Mr Goodwin was here to dinner yesterday he come over to se about the road Mr Small and my oxen is agoing to work out my taxes he is owning me for hay so it will be paid for father said he had a letter from Joseph last mail from Savanna he wrote that you was not going there which I hope will be prove true I would rather hear you was coming home but god will take care of us and bless us if we do rite and soon permit us to meet I have been sowing some lately made me a dress and Lizzie one and Wallace apair of pants and so on you know there is lots of work to do in a family and I shall be glad when I can do my work and you do yours just think how lonely I am Mornings when I get up and go and Milk all alone for I rise with the sun and milk four cows and do lots of work before the children get up write often and do rite Dear Husband Excuse this for my hand trembled Yours in bonds of Christian love Lydia E. Richards Upton Dear Father do you think how I want to see you my Dear Father do you know that we have got three little Calfs wallace and David and Lizzie has been out this forenoon and picked some strabere from your loving daughter Lizzie E. Richards write soon as you get this |
Stephen's Diary |
June 20 |
Cool and cloudy In pioneer camp P.G. All day in camp Drew five days rations Wet and rainy in P.M. |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 21 |
Cloudy done a large washing + went over to Mr Smalls and got his wagon am very tired to night |
Stephen's Diary |
June 21 |
Cloudy and cool In pioneer camp P.Grove Comes of clear and warm all day quiet in camp |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 22 |
Very warm David + Henry Douglas came here this morning to board I and Susan + Wallace went to Andover staid all night Mrs Lincoln was here had a good ride |
Stephen's Diary |
June 22 |
Clear and warm In pioneer camp P.G. received a letter from home No. 23 M:- 31 May All day quiet in camp |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 23 |
started early and come home got home before noon Mr Small worked from me to day on the road and David + Henry + Mr Ballard Boarded here I got a letter from Stephen |
Stephen's Diary |
June 23 |
Clear and warm In pioneer camp P.G. . . . Sent a letter home No. 27 all day in camp |
Lydia's Diary |
Saturday, 24 |
quite warm Mr Small worked for me today on the road I had a severe head ache to day and am feeling lonely and tired |
Stephen's Diary |
June 24 |
Plesant and warm In pioneer camp P.G. Received orders to moove at 3 o’clock in the morning |
Stephen's Letters |
Wednesday June 24 1865 |
Another very fine morning and we are yet on board the Northern Light steaming down the southern coast the oald boat has kept on her way all night and the salors say we are off the coast of South Carolina near what they call Charleston bar it is sixty miles they say from Charleston bar to Savanah bar that is at the mouth of the Savannah river my health is good and I think I shall run clear of see sickness this time if we was runing to Portland instead of Georgia I should be satisfyed with my chance but this expedi tion is very disagreable to me and what I did not expect after the war was over I serposed after the rebellion was gorn and the war over we should be permited to go home but the rebs have all ben sent home and we must be scaterd all over the country to keep them in subjection the saying is that charity begins first at home but I think the Government have shown their charity to the rebs and one year recruits that saw no service at all |
Lydia's Diary |
Sunday, 25 |
quite warm and fine growing weather I worked untill noon and laid down 2 hours and then we went strawberrying and had a nice time eating them and wrote a letter to Stephen |
Lydia's Letters |
Sunday June 25th 1865 |
No. 28 Upton My Dear Stephen Happy to say to you that we are enjoying health and prospering finally was please to receive a letter from you last friday dated at Washington I do hope you will come home the next move you make I was plesed to learn to that you was enjoying health and fareing so well and haveing such an easy time hope you will soon come home and give me a rest for I need one very much God Grant in his tender mercy to bring you to home before haying for I dread it so but will trust in god who doith all things well well Stephen it is now four oclock and I worked untill 12 and then I sleeped t[w]o hours and then we all went strawberrying got a nice lot and just had a nice set down The children and I all alone it seems good not to have a lot of men folks to wait on to day it is so warm last Thursday and Friday & Saturday they was 8 men to work on the road David & Henry Douglas & Stephen Ballard hired their board here the Select men set them to work my tax is most worked out and pretty cheap to they low 20 cts an hour this year so I hired Mr Small for one dollar per day My Oxen has worked enough to come to five dollars and Mr Small 2 days making 9 dollars leaves 3.00 and 85 cts to work I expect to finish to morrow by paying 3.00 & boarding works out my tax so you see that is much better than to pay the Money as money is scarce with me now you spoke about the state Aid the[y] have payed me up to now said nothing about stoping it but Mrs Newton told me it was stoped I hope not for I should Miss it very much if you cant come home before haying send me some money if you can for the hay must be cut I tell you it looks nice now and everything a good deal better than last year my potatoes look nice never see potatoes look better my cows do nice the cow that lost her calf has gained nicely in her looks and milk I have one furkin most full of butter now butter is 25 cts a pound now things are falling corn is only a $1.25 per bushel now potatoes 25. Wallace and I had a fine little ride last Thursday went down to Mr Smalls Carried Susan Scribner down staid all night to Joshua he has sold his farm and lives to his fathers now got me t[w]o bushels of corn and one of potatoes it did not cost me anything had Davids wagon he has got him a good wagon well they say we have got a good road isn't that good news I have not been on the other hill for some time Wallace goes horseback - we are agoing to have a heavy shower and the children are all a sleep and I feel lonely my dear Husband pen can not tell how I want you to home but feel to praise god for his goodness to us as a family in giving you your health and blessing us so. let us praise him now and forever I am truly pleased to see in your letter so much confidence in god trust in god and do rite Dear Stephen and we shall soon meet god has blessed us as a nation to[o] we have not fought in vain I do rejoice that Rebellion is Crushed let us give god the glory dear Stephen get home as soon as you can write often and all about every thing Your letters are a great Comfort to me I can tell you Written around the top of first page: Horatio Chase has been very sick but is better it rained smartly and is very much needed |
Stephen's Diary |
June 25 |
Plesant and fine Break camp at day light March to city and ?imflurh? at sixth stree wharf at Alexandria transferd to the ocean steamer Northn Light Sail at two o’cl Anchor at dark in the river. |
Lydia's Diary |
Monday, 26 |
paid Mrs Lincoln 2,15 for Mr flagg for what I was owing him Shurned + washed up the flour Mr Small worked for me hoed in the four noon and worked on the road in the afternoon David + Henry boarded here |
Stephen's Diary |
June 26 |
Cloudy with wind Sail at day light pass fortress Monroe at five o’clock in the eavning one hundred and sixty miles from Washington pass Cape Henry light house jest as dark pass Cape Hatress light in the night |
Lydia's Diary |
Tuesday, 27 |
cool and pleasent David + Henry Douglas was here to day washing plenty of work to do My Cattle worked on the road sent a letter to Stephen and one to Uncle Charles Wallace went Mill with a bushel of corn |
Lydia's Letters |
tuesday afternoon [not dated...the text is in line with the diary and the letter of Sunday, July 2 mentions paying off the taxes.] |
Dear Stephen we are enjoying health to day we had a fine rain last night and it is a fine day here now there is a large crew to work on the road now Henry Douglas and David boards here this week I thought I should have a rest before haying but it don’t look much like it now grass is coming on fast and looks nice we are haveing a nice road built my is worked out - I have been washing to day Dear Stephen god grant that we may soon meet -- I can not write any more this time for Wallace is going to mill with bushel of corn write often and all about everything you in bonds of love Lydia E. Richards |
Stephen's Diary |
June 27 |
Cloudy and rain wind off the cost of North Carolina comes of clear and warm pass Morehead City light house: 7.P.M. very plesant eavning |
Lydia's Diary |
Wednesday, 28 |
Mr Small worked for me hoeing and boardman in the afternnon David was here Mr Douglas staid all night I hoed to rows and done my work am very tired but my trust is in god |
Stephen's Diary |
June 28 |
Plesant and fine on board the Northern Light off the cost of South Carolina |
Lydia's Diary |
Thursday, 29 |
bourdman worked for me I hoed 3 rows father was here to day David was here to day I have lots of work to do but my health is good and my trust is in god who doeth all things well |
Stephen's Diary |
June 29 |
Clear and warm on board Steamer Northern light at the mouth of Savanah River pass for Palaski land at Savanah Georgia at five o’clock. P.M. march threw the city and camp in the field Receiver letters from home Nos: 24:25:26 |
Stephen's Letters |
Thursday June 29/65 |
Another morning finds us on the oald steamer lying at anchor near the mouth of the savanah river they ran as far as they thought safe larst night and anchored about twelve oclock hoisted anchor early this morning and endevored to pass over the bar into the river but failed and threw the anchor again and waited for a pilot when a ship wants a pilot they hoist a blue flag with white stars and the pilot takes his boat and goes on board when he got on board they hoisted anchor run back a peace wheeled round and took a new start and went in over the bar and run up about eight or nine miles and stuck fast in the mud where we laid till the Gen and captain of the ship took a roe boat maned it and went up to the city and came back with a small steamer and took the Brigade headquarters and pionear corps brought them to this city Savanah Georgia and landed us about five oclock P.M. I drove a team for Gen Fesenden out to the 30th saw Josephe he is well and received three letters from you the Regt has jest ben paid to day I hear I am a little late to git paid shall try in the morning |
Lydia's Diary |
Friday, 30 |
bardman worked in the afternoon we had a smart shower at noon Mr Guptall and wife was her in the afternoon Mr Brown was her to night I hoed one row Wallace got a letter from Stephen |
Stephen's Diary |
June 30 |
Clear and hot I camp at Savanah, Ga. visit the Regment companys G & D leave for fort Palaski all day in camp quiet heavy shower – P.M. this city is a dismal gloomy looking place the buildings look like ?farms? ?more than dwellings or business houses? |
Stephen's Letters |
Friday June 30th/65 |
put your trust in the Lord he alone can sustain us We are in camp about half a mile from the city and one mile from the Regt I have ben over to the 30th found my Co. and one other Co. had left at six oclock for fort Palaski at the mouth of the river about eighteen miles below the city and the Col had gorn to Hilton Head and I had to give up gitting eny pay this time if I had known the company was goin off I would ben over there larst night and got the money they owe me if I stop here I shall wright to Joseph and have him collect it and send it to me and I will try and send you what I can to git help to cut the hat it is rather hard to have to stay here and git workd out of my pay they had some trouble about the bounty some got their bounty and others did not but I got nothing but if we can git along it will come next time I want you to wright how you git along with your work and about help and all about every thing Charles Bean is here in the city he is coming home so Joseph told me I have not seen him we have had a heavy thunder shower here this afternoon and the air is quite cool I intend to finish this letter tomorrow how I long to be with you God grant that I soon |