The
The Joseph Downs Collection of Manuscripts and
Printed Ephemera
Henry Francis du Pont
5105 Kennett Pike,
302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883
OVERVIEW OF
THE COLLECTION
Title: Canby-Roberts-Rumford family papers,
Dates: 1773-1981, 1801-1875 (bulk
dates)
Call No.:
Acc. No.: 81x469
Quantity: 41 items
Location: 18 H 2 and map case 3,
drawer 2
BIOGRAPHICAL
STATEMENT
Members
of the Canby family were early settlers of
Charles
Grubb Rumford was the son of Lewis Rumford and Mary Caldwell Gilpin. He was born on August 12, 1841 in
SCOPE AND
CONTENT
A small collection of papers relating to the Canby,
Roberts, and Rumford families of
As well, the collection contains two certificates of
shares in the United States Centennial International Exposition, one issued to
Lilly M. Canby, and the other to Samuel Canby.
The certificates were issued in June 1875. There is also a program from a children’s
afternoon tea party and musical entertainment held at the
The collection also contains a collection of calling
cards and invitations, most from the first half of the 19th century. The calling cards are those of Lilly M.
Canby, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles G. Rumford.
Most of the invitations were issued to members of the Roberts family,
including Esther, Catherine, Hester, and Eliza.
Several invitations were extended to Hettie R. Canby and to James and
Elizabeth (Roberts) Canby. The
invitations were handwritten, some on small cards, and some on decorated note
paper. Many of the invitations came from
members of the Tatnall, Morton, Canby, Yarnall, and Pennock families. In 1773, Robert Roberts had the back of a
playing card printed with an invitation to join him at the Liberty Fishing
House on the
Lastly, the collection includes a name stamp for
Samuel Canby and a blue and white box from
ORGANIZATION
The items are in accession number order, with
oversize materials in
LANGUAGE OF
MATERIALS
The materials are in English.
RESTRICTIONS
ON ACCESS
Collection is open to the public. Copyright restrictions may apply.
PROVENANCE
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Rumford II.
ACCESS POINTS
People:
Rumford, Charles Grubb,
1841-1901.
Canby family.
Roberts family.
Rumford family.
Topics:
Military Order of the Loyal
Legion.
Centennial Exhibition (1876 :
Artillerymen - Diaries.
Marking devices.
Diaries.
Invitations.
Calling cards.
Playing cards.
Stock certificates.
Membership certificates.
DETAILED
DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION
Location: 18 H 2 and map case 3,
drawer 2
Note: all accession numbers begin with 81.469
Folder 1: Diary of Charles Grubb Rumford,
1864.
Expenditures are noted at the
back of the volume. Written in pencil.
(.1)
Note: partial
transcription of this diary, covering only January-April, is found at the end
of this finding aid.
Folder 2:
.6 “Admit Bearer to Academy of Music,
December 17, 1873,” with times, illustrated with picture of the Boston Tea
Party; penciled on back: E.C. Rumsford;
.7 program for “Children’s Tea Party and
Musical Entertainment” at the
[note: program
is in two pieces]
Folder 3: Invitation from Robert Roberts (.8)
“Robert Roberts presents
his respects to Docr. Tho. Parke and desires his Company To-morrow at the
Liberty Fishing House, on
Printed on back of playing
card of three of spades
Folder 4: Invitations to Eliza Roberts, 1798,
1801
.9 W. Warner & E. Tatnall invited
Eliza Roberts to dinner on April 19, issued April 2, 1798;
.10 Sarah Morton and John R. Coates invite
Eliza Roberts to dinner on fourth day next, issued June 6, 1801 [same as .16
below]
Folder 5: Invitations to Robert and Catherine
Roberts (all written on cards)
.11 Phebe Lewis and Robert Waln invite the
Roberts to dinner, issued Oct. 6, 1787;
.12 Jemima Walter and James Morton invite
Catharine Roberts to visit, issued October 27, on card with decorative gold
border;
the year 1803 is penciled in, however, .23
appears to be an invitation to the same event, but it bears the date 1806 [see
also .20 and .23 below];
.13 Jane Bowne and Reuben Haines invite
Catherine Roberts to dinner on the 13th, at 250 Pearl Street, New York, issued
May 1, 1812 [same as .17 below];
.14 Margaret Canby and John Morton invite
Catherine Roberts to visit on the 18th, B’wine, issued February 10,
1808;
.15 Jacob and Elizabeth Howell invite the
Roberts to visit the next evening, no date, written within a printed oval
border
Folder 6: Invitations to Esther M. Roberts
.16 Sarah Morton and John R. Coates invite
Esther Roberts to dinner on fourth day next, issued June 6, 1801 [same as .10
above];
.17 Jane Bowne and Reuben Haines invite
Esther M. Roberts to dinner on the 13th, at 250 Pearl Street, New York, issued
May 1, 1812 [same as .13 above];
.18 James Price invites Esther Roberts to tea
on the 20th,
.19 Margaret Morton invites Esther M. Roberts
to tea on June 5, issued May 22, 1845,
.20 Jemima Walter and James Morton invite
Esther M. Roberts to visit, issued October 27, no year, on card with decorative
gold border [same as .12 above, where the year 1803 is penciled in, and .23,
where the year 1806 is included]
Folder 7: Invitation to Hester Roberts, 1819
.21 Sarah S. Morris and Elisha Tyson, Jr.,
invite Hester Roberts to dinner on the 19th, issued October 10,
1819,
Folder 8: Invitation to Hettie R. Canby, no date
.22 Dr. & Mrs. Pennock at home, Wednesday
evening, March 20th,
[note: for
additional Pennock family material, see Col. 847 in this repository]
Folder 9: Invitations to James and Elizabeth
Canby
.23 .20 Jemima
Walter and James Morton invite James and Elizabeth Canby to visit, issued
October 27, 1806, on card with decorative gold border; lower left corner is cut
off [same as .12 above, where the year
1803 is penciled in, and .20]
.24 James Price invites James and Elizabeth
Canby to tea on the 20th,
.25 Frances Canby and Richard Clement invite
James and Elizabeth Canby to dinner at home of Samuel Canby on May 18, issued
April 29, 1826
.26 Edward and Margery Tatnall invite James
and Elizabeth Canby to tea on the 20th, Brandywine, May 6, 1830,
with the names Eliza Sipple and Merrit Canby added in pencil at bottom, on
light pink paper;
.27 Ashton and Mary Richardson invite James
and Elizabeth Canby to tea on April 15, issued April 1, 1852, Ashley, with the
names John Tatum and Lucy Richardson added in pencil at bottom; on decorated
paper with matching envelope;
.28 Edward Tatnall invites James and
Elizabeth Canby to tea on the 25th,
.29 Ellis Tatnall invites James Canby and wife
[Elizabeth] to tea on the 23d,
.30 Margaret Morton invites James and
Elizabeth Canby to tea on June 5,
.31 Edward Tatnall invites James and
Elizabeth Canby to dinner on the 30th,
Folder 10: Wistar Party invitations
.32 William Sellers invites Thomas M. Ferris
for January 30, with year 1897 penciled in; card decorated with image of Mr.
Wistar [different from that on .33]; on back: penciled on back: name of Jos.
Jakob, gun maker in
.33 Mr. Cary invites Mr. Vander Kemp for
Saturday evening, issued January 16, 1854; card decorated with image of Mr.
Wistar [different from that on .32]
Folder 11: Calling cards
.34 Miss Lilly M. Canby;
.35 Mr. & Mrs. Charles G. Rumford;
[no number] envelope labeled “old wedding cards &
invitation cards”
Folder 12: Photo and genealogical notes
.38 photo (from circa 1980) of an inventory
book, opened to the entry which describes a porcelain box and name stamp (.36
and .37 in this collection); the inventory entry reads “Box blue and white
china, with the material [i.e. paste] and the stamp used for stamping
names in books by Samuel Canby 2nd who died in 1822.” The inventory seems to have been kept by a
member of the Davids family, but the current location is unknown.
.39 genealogical notes (one page) about the
members of the Roberts, Canby, and Rumford families whose papers are in this
collection.
.2 printed roster (entitled
“Soldiers Memorial”) of members of the First Battery, Delaware Light Artillery,
including Charles Grubb Rumford as junior first lieutenant; the certificate was
copyrighted in 1862 by J. Wesley Waterman & Co., color lithography by Ehrgott,
Forbriger & Co. of
.3 Military Order of the Loyal
Legion membership certificate, for Charles Grubb Rumford, February 5 and March
1, 1890, signed by John P. Nicholson, recorder in chief, and Rutherford B.
Hayes, commander in chief
.5 certificate for one share
in the United States Centennial International Exhibition, issued by the
Centennial Board of Finance to Lilly M. Canby, June 22, 1875; the certificate
is decorated with vignettes showing progress in agriculture (from harvesting by
hand to harvesting by machine) and industry (from windmill to steam factories),
and incidents from American history
[see also .4, which is
flat, not rolled]
.36 blue and white Chinese
porcelain box, with paste still inside; written on bottom of the box is “Samuel
Canby the 2nd died in 1822 [illegible] 68”
.37 bone [possibly ivory] stamp
for the signature of Samuel Canby
Map case 3, drawer 2:
.4 certificate for one share
in the United States Centennial International Exhibition, issued by the
Centennial Board of Finance to Samuel Canby, June 22, 1875; the certificate is
decorated with vignettes showing progress in agriculture (from harvesting by
hand to harvesting by machine) and industry (from windmill to steam factories),
and incidents from American history
[see also .5]
Diary of Charles
Grubb Rumford, 1864. (acc. 81x469.1):
partial transcription of this diary, covering only January-April.
Note: Rumford
used little punctuation in his entries; some has been supplied, but may perhaps
have been placed incorrectly.
Furthermore, he rarely began sentences with a capital letter. Many abbreviations have been spelled out.
Not all entries
have been completely transcribed, but gaps are noted.
Friday, January 1, 1864: called on M & K 11:30 dined there,
met Capt. [part of passage not
transcribed] took Miss Martin Easton Misses
B to party Miss Adams, pleasant to meet old friends... walked back to WB very
cold, reached camp around 3 ½ [illegible] but had a pleasant time. Tom was with
me on this occasion
Saturday, January 2, 1864: [note: this entry is on the page for
Jan. 4; the entry for Jan. 4 is on the page for Jan. 2]: Capt Peter and self
Mr. Al[illegible] rode in ambulance left Couller[?] at 6 &
Sunday, January 3, 1864: Officer of the Day...did not attend
divine worship but had some amusement singing hymns... usual routine of duty
for the rest of the day
Monday, January 4, 1864: nothing transpired worthy of note, snowed
all day.
Tuesday, January 5, 1864: snow quite deep, cloudy in the morn, but
finally cleared off. Capt Paul Jones & two friends from F.S. Lincoln were
here. Tom, Capt & Peter in town at night
Wednesday, January 6, 1864: usual routine of duty, battery
inspection with Gen Barry & two English officers in afternoon of this day.
did not amount to much, only inspected Rt Sect, considerable bombast displayed
by our Lords from
Thursday, January 7, 1864: in camp. M & K came out all alone,
with them the Capt & Tom came from court Mart. [i.e. martial?] Tom & I
walked in with them, slid on a little pond and as always with them had a good
laugh. M & S went to Church Commission thence to their houses [or homes],
met Peter at National. took him thence to see the girls and returned to camp
about 9. am had some sewing done while M
was here, thoughts of the future move is sad. snowing as we came on
Friday, January 8, 1864: ground covered with snow when we awoke.
Sharpless & self determine to build a sleigh, get timber, and started it,
but for want of lumber and night coming on put off till “a more convenient
season” viz, the morrow, at recitation that night
Saturday, January 9, 1864: Sharpless & I at the sleigh again,
finish it at about 4 p.m. after supper Capt S & self rode in. bought two string
of bells and took the ladies out riding, first went to Collumbia College
Hospital, got out and had a chat with Mrs Finlay & Pomroy. thence to their
house, thence to
Sunday, January 10, 1864: Capt & Peter rode in to town to
church. after church had a grand upset, besmeared with mud. sleigh broke, end
of sleighing for the present. I was
Monday, January 11, 1864: doing nothing all day. a sharp thing
against Sharpless. Lady's talking subscription for sanitary comm. Subscribed
$1. Tom & [illegible] paid for them
with $5 but woman kept it. considered by all as a sharp practice on the old
fellow, recitation as usual in the eve
Tuesday, January 12, 1864: Sharpless & self took 48 horses to
Govt shoeing shop in the morning, returned to camp about 3 o'clock. Capt Peter,
Sea, Sharp & self in. in the eve all but Sea called on Miss R's. left soon,
met Sea at Willards. with Jones, Sharpless visited Old Abe….
Wednesday, January 13, 1864: remained in camp all day. nothing of
importance, inspected section preparatory moving, recd a letter from LH.
answered it. informed her of proposed move, recitation at night, retired early
Thursday, January 14, 1864: in camp all day. Dr. Vaughn visited us
in morning, company paid off by Major Austin. Tom, Capt & Peter at theater in eve. took the ladies.
Sharpless, Sea & self in camp, having good times, recd letter from
Harrison, at
Friday, January 15, 1864: in camp all day. Mr. Gause & lady,
sisters & Miss Cotter called in the morn, glad to see them, afternoon as
all afternoons in camp, bought hat. recitation in eve. Gen Barry to hear us.
gave some useful instruction, time of moving uncertain. Vessel due 4 days ago. Tom & Peter in
town [illegible]
Saturday, January 16, 1864: Peter left today 11:40 train, packed
up. went in town after dinner, made several purchases, met Major Marvin, called
on Misses RS with Sharpless. met Sea, Capt & Tom[?] at Metropolitan, called
on HS. returned to camp about 8[?] ½ o’ck. … recd a letter from Rod. jacket
$15.00. stockings $3.00. collars $2.00
Sunday, January 17, 1864: in camp all day. Tom officer of the day.
usual Sunday morning inspection, did not attend divine worship, sang in the
evening, damp, dreary and looked like rain, not feeling well all day
Monday, January 18, 1864: a rainy day in camp, recd a letter at
noon stating Mrs. Porter, Emmie & Lizzie would be down on 6 p.m. train,
went in to meet them, train did not get in till 8 o'clock, glad to see us. went
to Jays, remained till 11. excused from recitation to meet them.
Tuesday, January 19, 1864: in town 11 a.m. saw our friends, took
them to Congress. J.A. Byard speaker in Senate, visited all the rooms, dined at
Jays, called on Misses R.S. went back to Jays to tea. then called on M & K.
took them to see our friends, spent a pleasant evening and think the ladies
were all pleased, kissed each other when they left
Wednesday, January 20, 1864: officer of the day. friends at camp,
lots of suggestions as to clothes and wished us to take 5 times as much as
[illegible]. left around 9 o'clock &
called on Mrs. R's [illegible] delivered
message [two words illegible] whilst Tom
went around to Jays, returned to camp whilst I was making rounds
Thursday, January 21, 1864: rode in after dinner with Tom. called
on our friends and Misses Rs. then
to camp, took tea & then rode in took sisters & Mrs P to Remseys[?]. delightful
evening, all enjoyed themselves hugely, bid them all good bye. Returned to camp
about midnight, was inspected by Capt Campbell just before dinner.
Friday, January 22, 1864: took the horses & harness to arsenal
at daybreak, packed harness & returned to camp, busy in staff[?] commander
of batteries choosing horses, rest turned in. sisters & Mrs Porter came out
in afternoon. Fixed our things, walked
in with them, very tired. made
arrangements with Capt Woodbury of 4 NY
Saturday, January 23, 1864: up early, packed my goods and fixed
generally all my things, awaiting orders. Mrs. P Emmie & Lizzie Mollie
& Kate came out at dinner time, staied till 4. Tom rode in. I would not go
because of a little trouble with M. girls stayed. Capt rode in with them. I nor
Tom would not go. Corp Wells took my place, sad parting with one's relations
& friends, first in tears, last no display but very sad. Tom, Mum[?], Sea
& self went for tea to Sutlers. orders came at 11 p.m. to move at 6 am.
tomorrow, the last of
Sunday, January 24, 1864: left camp early. 79 NY brought our guns
down, shipped the 3 Batteries 2nd Company
[illegible] & started at 12 o'clock. M R came down to see us off.
arrived in
Monday, January 25, 1864: awoke early, breakfasted at [illegible] with Capt & Porter. Arago
came in about noon, shipped, left 1st and had all on board by 7 1/2 o’ck
pm. got supper & retired early, Capt.
Whiting & friends also Mrs Ferris Miss Kate Rice & Mrs Warner Capt
Massey of Gen Lockwoods stayed here, slept on board the “Arago.” good & sound, nothing of note but very
tired of waiting. 7th Mass shipped from 7 till 12.
Tuesday, January 26, 1864: commenced shipping Battery wagon &
cargo about noon, went up & down the rations for 3 batteries, returned and
saw them shipped, strayed around, got Supper at Guys [or Greys], after supper
Tom & all the officers, Muss & I
walked about the upper portion of the town, met some old friends F.
Charles, Frank Buzby, and a few others.
Telegraphed to mother [or Mollie] "We leave tonight on the
Arago". made some purchases, returned 11 ock
Wednesday, January 27, 1864: left
Thursday, January 28, 1864: out at sea. passed two Russian ships,
mail & pilot left us. water very calm, clear, nothing of note transpired on
the trip today, as I believe the life of the sailor to be monotonous and rough,
I prefer to battle with adversity on land
Friday, January 29, 1864: clear as usual, battery officer of the
day. slept most of the day. slightly sick in the morning, lost breakfast,
drilled 7 Mass Infantry with muskets, took sedlitz powder, felt a little better
at night, had the men of 2nd Com. singing & playing in cabin of the vessel,
retired early
Saturday, January 30, 1864: up early, clear and beautiful, felt
sick 1st but soon got better. read &
slept all morning, after dinner 7 Mass drilled at Infantry & [illegible] of 7 & 1st
Sunday, January 31, 1864: a splendid sabbath morn, rainbow, then a
storm, did not last long, an alarm put the ship around, found brakers on
starboard 12 fathoms, porpoise sharks & pelicans to be seen in great
plenty, officer shot at them. Tom & I not feeling well, slept [illegible]
&c most of the day
Monday, February 1, 1864: off the
Tuesday, February 2, 1864: 6 a.m. pass
Wednesday, February 3, 1864: very rough—and sick all day. slept
most of the time, eat breakfast but not any other meal, rather an unpleasant
day. taking all together, do not wish for a return, running 6 knots an hour,
strong head winds
Thursday, February 4, 1864: bale of cotton discovered taken on
board at 4[?] a.m. made mouth of Mississippi at 9 o'clock, signaled for a
pilot, took him on board and run till about 11 o'clock when we cast anchor to
wait day light and change of tide, during the day things as usual.
[rest of passage on this page is for Feb. 5, and is transcribed
under that date]
Friday, February 5, 1864: enter
Saturday, February 6, 1864; off the [illegible – possibly just a
word which has been crossed out] Crescent city, Capt Nelds[?] & Stover
& Lt. Hotchkiss went on shore to report.
returned to the ship about 11. got under weigh & made fast to the
wharf at foot of
Sunday, February 7, 1864: as usual commenced [illegible] Sunday.
Gen Arnold Chief of artillery on Gen Bank's staff on board ship.... [part of
passage not transcribed] the people of
The chimes of the Catholic cathedral were plainly heard at intervals
during the day.
not much like the Sundays of old
Monday, February 8, 1864: commenced unshipping the batteries &
stores early this morn. 1st [illegible, perhaps abbreviation for
battery] was two hours & a half in unshipping their pieces. paid bill
$18.00 to purser. took dinner on board &
immediately after pieces & stores were drawn by horses of Battery G[?] 5
Tuesday, February 9, 1864: up early, breakfasted, then had 18[?]
horses of 1
Wednesday, February 10, 1864: slept well in our new quarters,
arranged the manner of the mess tents & pieces in park thus [diagram
drawn]. [part of passage not
transcribed] the bells of churches
ringing merrily. wrote to Rod Smith “private opinion given.” large political meeting up town. [part of
passage not transcribed]
Thursday, February 11, 1864: Lt Russel of Gen Arnold's staff here
in the morning. Capt sick in bed all day. Rod May here to tea. Tom & Rod to
theater in the evening.
Friday, February 12, 1864: much as usual. Lt Robbinett here in the
afternoon after tea. Lt Porter, Lt Sharpless & self walked to St. Chas. hotel,
got a bath, 25 cents, then Sharpless & I went to Varieties Theater 75
cts. Saw ticket of leave man, not much.
Lt Benson of 7 Mass & Mr. Allen formerly of 6 Mass Regt with us at
the fight on
Sat February 13: about camp all day in the evening. Sharpless
& self walked uptown, got some oysters & had a little look at the town,
went to St. [illegible], Estiment, and to see the riding circus, horses of wood
revolved by machinery, women turning hand organ, then to T. Phillips, saw a
person from Del.[?] McCulla. Blanch
there also. returned to camp in good
time.
Sun February 14: in camp all day. Lt Monger here at noon. Lt.
Robinett in the afternoon. Tom to tea with him. Mr.Downing spent the eve here,
put 1st sergt & Chas under arrest, particular about some things. [part of
passage not transcribed] nothing of any importance
Mon February 15: much as usual, heavy rain in the morning, clear
at night. Corp [illegible] reduced to the ranks. Rod May here after tea. Tom
& I took walk with him. went to his room, had some music, back by 4. mail
for our boys, this day did not get anything
Tues February 16: went to market after breakfast. Lt R. 1 Infantry
here, brought me invitation to Mrs Banks bal masque for 22d. Sharpless sick with rheumatism,
walked to 7
great day. Snowing & had to build a fire, coldest weather
since we came down here & people say for last 30 years have not known it to
be so cold
Wed February 17: ice two inches thick, formed in the park. Batty
officer of the day
Thurs February 18: nothing of interest transpired this day
Fri February 19: Batty officer of the day. exercised horses, in
the
Sat February 20: Tom & I rode to Lake Pontchartrain in the
morning, enjoyed it hugely, road made of small shells and very hard, after
dinner drew 90 horses & turned over our old lot to Capt Stoner 7 Mass. recd
letter from Jos A Green[?] Libby Prison Richmond Va. in the eve grand torch
light procession for Michael Hahn. found
a man laying on pavement & had him taken care of. met officers of 2nd Conn.
Tom with me
Sun February 21: not feeling well, took a sidlitz powder and
remained on my bunk most of the day. in the afternoon took our pieces to foot
of
Mon February 22: Washington's birthday, marched with the men to
foot of
Tues February 23: battery officer of the day. fitted harness &
collars to our new horses and did not go away from camp till eve when Sea &
self went as far as 2d Conn spent an hour very pleasantly, retired early, had
horse shod for which paid $1.00. J. H. Husbands promoted to corporal
Wed February 24: harnessed & hitched our horses for 1st time,
all worked well, had a little drill.
In afternoon Tom & I rode long shell road and down
Thurs February 25: drilling again, went as far as
Fri February 26: battery officer of the day. did not drill,
cleaned pieces & harness & prepared in Gen [i.e. general] for review.
Rod here to dinner. Capt & I took a walk after tea. visited a few friends,
retired early
Sat February 27: left camp 8 1/2 a.m. & proceeded by the river
road to the review grounds near
Sun February 28: in all day. sleeping after dinner, after tea Lea
Sharpless & self took a walk. Lea left us & returned to camp. Muss
& I then tramped around till midnight.
Saw[?] some friends
Mon February 29: inspection for muster. Williams & Bean here,
quite sick in the morn, lost a plug, property condemned in the afternoon,
battery officer in the eve. did not go out. retired early
Tuesday, March 1, 1864: up to reveille[?], to commissary
& dentists. rec'd a letter from Emmie, wrote to Lizzie. Capt arranged
battery officers. I prepared rations for our mess, had a tooth filled at Dr.
Wed March 2: received orders, left park at 9 a.m. waited a long
time at foot of Canal St. crossed Mississippi, about 4 o'clock to Algiers,
loaded on cars, started for Brashear City about 6 p.m. arrived at one a.m. crossed
Bayou Teche. moved l mile towards
Thurs March 3: started after breakfast to buy provisions, took
McCray & got a ham $2.30 at sutlers. returned to camp, found battery
hitched & ready to move, also Lt Barn[?]
Fri March 4: up early, breakfasted & broke camp, a horse of
battery became so cross that no one could approach, so to get rid of him we
shot him. we marched to
[includes diagram of the camp]
Sat March 5: battery officer of the day. had picket rope, pieces,
cook tent &c arranged. J.P. Wells sick, visited
Sun March 6: inspection of battery in the morn [this word has line
drawn through most of it] afternoon. Over[with line drawn through it] Eve Tom
& I walked into
Mon March 7: like most days in camp, not much doing
[skip to what should have been March 15-18 to find the entries for
March 8-11]
Tues March 8: another hot day. clouds at times, boys fishing in
Bayou Teche [rest of passage not transcribed]
[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 15]
Wed March 9: rain all day. hail storm whilst at breakfast, battery
officer of the day. witnessed with Capt Muss Mr. Swain a document of Greggs.
out most all day & quite wet, to see John Wells in the eve. not any
better. Paid wash[?] bill &c
[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 16]
Thurs March 10: cloudy & tried to rain, did a little in my
tent, not feeling well all day. took seidlitz
read some from Bleak House, at night an unaccountable fire in my
tent, burnt hat under pipe, [illegible] cup, &c. awoke at 1 a.m. & found said things
turned to smoke, [illegible] said fire [illegible] caugh from a candle which.
[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 17]
Fri March 11: [first part
of passage not transcribed]
2 regiments of negro troops just passed [rest of passage not transcribed]
[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 18]
[entries for March 12-14 are on proper pages]
Sat March 12: horses exercised, took the sorrel horse which was
picked up. the day was consumed mostly in cleaning & arranging pieces for
review, battery officer of the day mounted at sunset
Sun March 13: grand review of 7 batteries of St Arty [i.e. state
artillery?] by Major Gen. Franklin occupied the morning, passed off well, slept
after dinner. Souther returned from hospital at
Mon March 14: making still further preparation for moving,
anxiously awaiting orders, bought stores & whiskey from [illegible] orders
came at night, up town with Tom. expect mail
[entries for March 15-18 are on pages for March 8-11]
Tues March 15: up at 4 1/2 a.m. pack goods & leave camp at 6
1/2. much delay in starting, marched through a beautiful country & encamped
about 3 pm on the Bayou Teche on a sugar plantation, had a long talk with the
owner, in eve the men made candy from molasses taken from sugar house,
plantation in utter ruin, slept well, thickly inhabited
[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 8]
Wed March 16: broke camp at 7 ½, marched about 18 miles, country
much as we have seen, encamped at 4 p.m. 5[?] miles beyond New Iberia on shores
of lake Lasse[?], plenty of wild ducks & horses also cattle seen on this
day's march, one soldier fell dead by the roadside today, very dusty but good
air. splendid place to camp, mounted as battery officer of the day
[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 9]
Thurs March 17: St Patrick's day. up at 5 a.m. broke camp at 7 ½,
very desolate country, stagnant pools to be found in abundance, haults [halts]
abound and troops straggling more than on either of the other days, encamped on
Teche a little short of Vermilionville. recd mail, 1 from mother, 2 from Lizzie, note
from [illegible], 1 from Emmie, & 2 from Rod, also paper, some 200 letters
for battery returned[?]. quite exhausted
& to prepare for the coming morrow
[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 10]
Fir March 18: broke camp 6 o'clock moved soon after, passed
Vermilion Bayou at 7 am, through Vermilionville (Lafayette) a little after, not
much of a place, thence across prairie, large stagnant ponds, plenty of ducks,
passed carrion [illegible] Bayou saw 3 graves of 25 NY Battery, effects of
fight there, passed about 5 miles further & encamped on a little stream
called Grande Coleau [or Coteau] Bayou, at 3 o'clock pitched tent and went to
slaughter house to buy liver, men foraging a little, pleasant march of 5 miles
but hot
[Note: this entry is on what should have been March 11]
[the entries return to their proper pages]
Sat March 19: up at 3 a.m. moved from camp at 5 ½ am [part of
passage not transcribed] passed through
Sun March 20: a day of rest, remained in camp all day. both man
and beast needed it. Had had pieces oiled. boys foraging, some sugar & veal
principle products. am [part of passage not transcribed] took a fresh supply of forage & provision
for 4 days
Mon March 21: up at 4 a.m. broke camp at 6 am, took the line of
march at 8 am. the morn was rainy and very unpleasant and cold. Roads very heavy [part of passage not transcribed] went into camp at 3 pm on Courils[?]
plantation on Bayou Boeuf, pitched tents in a rain storm, rained all night but
never slept better
Tues March 22: [part of passage not transcribed] took up line of march, day very cold, in fact
painfully so. found roads much worse than yesterday, marching slow and very
tiresome [part of passage not
transcribed] horses much fatigued &
sore from the chafing of harness
Wed March 23: [part of
passage not transcribed] took up line [of – omitted] march [part of passage not transcribed] went into camp at Chaneyville, a beautiful
place, the country was fertile but poorly cultivated, negro & white men
few. plenty of sugar and cotton along the road
[entries for March 24-25 were not transcribed]
Sat March 26: [most of
passage not transcribed] did not rest
well at night, quite a tendency to diarhoea [sic]. recd letters from Lizzie
& Emmie
Sun March 27: still at
[entry for March 28 not transcribed]
Tues. March 29: [most of passage not transcribed] reports
of fighting ahead, the day was exceedingly disagreeable & we suffer with
eyes full of dust
Wed March 30: [part of passage not transcribed] made a steady march through a dense pine
forest and went into camp at 2 p.m. in an open place just across a little
stream [part of passage not
transcribed]
Thurs March 31: [part of passage not transcribed] took of
line of march [part of passage not transcribed] came to
Cane River which we crossed on pontoon bridge, after crossing, my section was
placed in position to command the road &
bridge & so left till the bridge was taken up [part of passage
not transcribed]
Friday, April 1, 1864: up & gathered forage for horses. Left camp at 11 am. Made a march of 15 miles with a hault [sic],
very dusty & windy [part of passage
not transcribed] I then went to brigade
headquarters for rations & had much difficulty getting provisions, returned
at 12 p.m. pickets commenced firing, turned section out to their posts. Did not [illegible passage]
Sat April 2: [part of passage not transcribed] nothing transpired to create an alarm, rested
well. Men had a cow[?]
Sun April 3: [part of passage not transcribed] do not particularly admire serving with
cavalry unless with horse artillery, have had a tough time, but enjoyed
it. Find a pleasant camp on my return
& plenty to eat.
Mon April 4: [part of passage not transcribed] started for Grand E Core the landing on
Tues April 5: [part of passage not transcribed] rode to Grand E Core the landing on Red River
saw some Reb prisoners taken on the march being shipped to N. Orleans [rest of passage not transcribed]
Wed April 6: [part of passage not transcribed] we
marched all day through pine woods, very little water, but plenty of dust, saw
prisoners taken to the rear, expect a fight tomorrow, hope it may be [illegible]. Hot at night
Thurs April 7: [part of passage not transcribed] made a rapid march of 21 miles, heard firing
at 1 p.m. thunder storm about same time, made
[the entry for April 8 takes up the pages for April 8 and 9, and
the entry for April 9 is found in the memorandum section at the end of the
diary]
Fri April 8: [part of passage not transcribed] heard
firing at intervals all day. [part of passage not transcribed] Rebs
contested our advance, killing Col Webb of Maine[?] & wounding many cav
& infantry [part of passage not
transcribed] at sunset we rec'd orders to go to the front,
started at once in Cp[?] marching order, went about 4 miles when we found the
road completely blocked with wagons, cavalry, infantry, all fleeing &
disorganized. Capt sent me to the front to state the position of things. I went
about 6 miles to Gen
[the following passage is found in the memorandum section,
following Dec. 31:]
we marched through the road we came stopping for a few min [minutes]
to get our traps[?] on at our camp, & marched all night & brought up at
our old camp at
[Sat April 9 – in memorandum section, immediately following the
passage above and starting at bottom of page, continuing onto next page:]
we were followed by our infantry who made a stand a short distance
from
[the following passages are on their proper pages;]
Sun April 10: up & under weigh at 6 am. made a rapid march to Grand E Core where we went
into camp on
[Monday, April 11 – passage not transcribed]
Tues April 12: [passage not transcribed] mail, I got no letters [most of passage not transcribed]
[Wednesday-Thursday, April 13-14 – passages not transcribed]
Fri April 15: [most of passage not transcribed] Capt in
a tantrum all day. nothing goes to suit him—letter from K would be of advantage
to us
Sat April 16: [passage not transcribed] negro troops clashing as they have been for
two days past, in front of our battery, give us a good position & range of
1000 yds or so. No one here. Gen Smith
reviewed his troops on our right flank, he quite a favorite
Sun April 17: [passage not transcribed] Capt as
usual, not as he used to be. tantrum still affecting him. a quiet day
put me in mind of
Mon April 18: [passage not transcribed] Capt flying about the fortifications, did not
rest well at night, heard firing but no attack up to 12 ock
Tues April 19: had an alarm about 3 a.m. reported by Gen B's spies
that enemy were going to attack us. sent Muss and his section on Pleasant Hill
road, infantry in line of battle, all false, rec'd orders to be ready to move
at an hours notice & have everything packed to go against enemy, dreamed of
M—pleasant but never can be reality, would that it were. Not well at night, expect to move soon
[Wednesday, April 20: passage not transcribed]
Thurs April 21: [passage not transcribed] expecting orders which came about 3 p.m. to move at 5 p.m. by which hour
Fri April 22: we moved on and forded
Sat April 23: at head of date: White House shelled April 23, 1863
[passage not transcribed] we soon met the enemies, skirmishers driving
them before us. we found 4 pieces of artillery in position & were ordered
to drive them back, came into position & succeeded but they made it hot for
us striking a limber and caisson, wreaking[?] spare wheel for me. Troops drove
them from the crossing, crossed & I with 1 piece pushed on "reported
to Capt Hibbard" 6 miles at a run. [passage not transcribed] joined our battery at camp in Piney Hill woods
Sun April 24: up a 6 a.m. made a forced march till 5 p.m. lost the
road which occasioned much delay but finally getting strait again we made a
point about 20 miles from Alex [Alexandria] where we encamped for the
night [passage not transcribed]
[Monday, April 25: passage not transcribed]
Tues April 26: [passage not transcribed] rec'd official notice of the death of Thomas D[?]Gregg
private in our battery of typhoid, left us on Apr 3rd died at New O [rest of passage not transcribed]
Wed April 27: [passage not
transcribed] gunboats firing - all night [rest of passage not transcribed]
Thurs April 28: [passage not transcribed] rec'd
orders to leave camp at once which we did & moved down
Fri April 29: [passage not transcribed] another great scare, yesterday and this morn
[Saturday, April 30: passage not transcribed]
Sunday, May 1, 1864: [passage not transcribed] visited hospital, found all improved. had a scare that night, ordered to be
prepared to move but nothing occurring we slept well till morning, by order I
destroyed 65 case shot, 5 shell & 10 canister by throwing them in
the
[transcription
of this diary ends here, but there are entries for every date for the rest of
the year]