Monday 29 Nov [1864]

X ^'day 29-' went in at
day light to see him
and he was a dying
then could not speak
but seemed to know
Me, I Stayed a while
and got a lock of his
hair and he was carried
to the dead house.
drew Bread & Soup
to day -- weather a
little warmer than
has been for some time
[The next line is lined through.]
Thos. W. Springer
Died Nov 29, about
6 am or there abouts

Sgt. James Eberhart and Sgt. Isaac Dick" Moore both survived imprisonment in Salisbury. Eberhart was paroled in Februay 1865 , reached Union lines in early March. On the 18th of March he reached his home in Pittsburgh, Penna., and wrote in his own diary "Thanks be Merciful God that brought me Home again."

Sunday Nov 28 - [1864]

Sun coming out bright
buy tonic for my self &
Tom. Drew Bread & Soup
this morning walked up
to the grove and minister
and a lady came in camp
and held a little service
it was pleasant to see
a lady once again &
to think of her a coming
in such a hole as this
after noon the Doctor
came about 4 and told
me if I would bring
my friend right a
long he had a place
for him in the brick
building so Dick Moore
helped me to get him in
and he thanked us and
gave and ambrotype a
piece of watch chain &
a gold pen to bring
home with him. I said
I would do so, I wanted
to stay with him but
he said no as I had
enough to do to take
care of my self -- stay
a while, and he asked
his Savior to Relieve
him of his pain. I left
him at dark

Saturday. Nov 27 [1864]

Weather a little warmer
mud a drying up some --
Drew a Ration of Bread &
Rice Soup to day -- had
the Doctor to see Tom
to day he said he would
get him one of the build-
ings as soon a Vacant
place was. More recruiting
to day -- went out for
wood for Rutter this Eve

Probably John R. Rutter, Co. G, 191st Pennsylvania

Friday Nov 26 [1864]

100^'day'
Up Early & went to the
well and drew water
for tobacco got quite a
lot. the wells were about
20 feet deep and you
had to have a string &
bucket or quart cup with
a bail on it the only
way to get water in camp.
No Rations drawn to day
brot a Reght of 3 or 4
hundred in camp to get
the guns Some were
broke around the trees
and some throwed down
the wells they hired our
Men to go down the
well for the guns gave
them a loaf of bread for
a gun --

Thursday Nov 25 [1864]

a little warmer to
day, but Very muddy
the mortality is
fearfull here now from
40 to 50 a day how long
will we last got up
at day break & went to
the well and drawed
water for tobacco sold
the tobacco and bought
a piece of bread from
a Johnny. got a Ration
of Rice Soup and Bread
to day about 11 A.M. at
Noon when the Relief came
in a lot of us our Squad
and one next to us Jump
on them and took thjeir
Guns got 14 and got
a few from the post
in side we tried to
get out the ones near
the gates came a running
to wards us to see what
was up in stead of a
taking the gates so
we failed they opened
with 2 guns on us --
the first was blank
and the boys cheered &
the next shot were
scrapnell. we had
28 men Killed and about
70 odd wounded, Tom
Springer wanted me to
get a mule if we got out
and come for him
I told him I would do so
but we did not get out.
we were ordered to get
in our holes and stay
there.

Wendsday Nov 24 [1864]

A Cold Rain last night
towards Morning. froze
Ice on the trees and
some limbs broke off --
with the weight of Ice.
Got a letter from home
Saw they had put in a
lot of stamps & 50 cents
but no Money & no Stamps
No Rations to day again
came in a Recruiting
a good many of the boys
go out. Sun Melted the
Ice all away --

Tuesday Nov. 23 [1864]

Weather a little brighter
News came that Lincoln
was elected Great cheering
through out the camp.
No Rations of any Kind
to day Tom not
so well to day.

Monday [November] 22 [1864]

Weather a little warmer
but Very Muddy went
out and carried in wood
for Toms turn. drew
a Ration of flour & Rice
soup to day.

Sunday Nov. 21 [1864]

Cold Morning. Tom
not as bright & gave
me his book to keep
for him & asked me
to bring them home --
I promised to if I live
to get out. only drew
Rice Soup to day it
is a getting worse

Nathan Patterson Died to day
of our Co - G

Every day, here

Saturday Nov. 20 [1864]

Slept some little last night
Got up a 7 A.M. and drew
our Ration of Corn Bread.
Boiled the last of the
Potatoes morning Cloudy --
Cold & Disagreable -

Handwriting changes as Sgt. James Eberhart continues the diary for the ill Springer, now too feeble to write.

Saturday Nov. 19th [1864]

Coughed all Night & did not
sleep a wink. The pain came
back in my Breast. The Med-
ecine run out. Just at dark
It rained some during the
Night. At 7 A.M. it commenced
Raining & Rained until 8 A.M.
it stoped for a while. We drew
Bread a little after 8. Bought
some Sweet Potatoes. Rained
all day. In the Afternoon we
drew Soup. Jim got mine.
Jim Eberhart went out & got
the Doctor to come to the Tent.
He gave me some cough medecine
And a sleeping Powder. The day
was very disagreeable, staid in the
Tent. Retired at 8 P.M.

Friday Nov. 18th [1864]

Slept a good bit last night.
Great deal better this morning
Still cough some the pain has
all left me. At 9 A.M. we drew
Bread & Meat. The day was
very pleasant. I walked around
a good deal. At 1 P.M. drew
Soup. Eberhart got mine
The day was very pleasant & I
walked around again this evening.

Thursday Nov. 17th [1864]

Slept some little during
the night. My cold was much
relieved. Today was a splendid
day but I did not get out
except to go to the Sink. At
11 A.M. we drew our corn
Bread. Gave my Bread
to [Sgt. James W.] Eberhart. At 5 P.M.
drew Soup. felt a great deal
better this evening. Traded
some Bread for Tobaco. Bought
a dollars worth of Sweet Potatoes
Got more medecine

Wednesday Nov. 16th [1864]

My breast pained me all night.
I did not sleep any of much very
little. I did not go out side of
Tent today. The Doctor was up to
see me he gave me some
Cough medecine And two doses
of Quinine. The cough medecine
relieved me a good deal. At 2
^'P.M.' we drew Bread & soup. Gave
Soup to [Sgt. James W.] Eberhart. Retired at 8 P.M.

Tuesday Nov. 15th [1864]

Up very early. I went to the dead
house. I found Rawley [H. Jolliff] & John
Malone both dead. At 11 A.M.
we drew Rice & Cabbage soup. At
4 P.M. we drew warm Corn
Bread. The day was pleasant
but quite cool. Dicky and I
buy $5. worth of Sweet
Potatoes. Cooked the bucket
full. My Breast got sore
tonight.

John Malone, Co. G., 191st Pennsylvania

Monday Nov. 14 [1864]

Morning cold. It froze some last night.
At 8 A.M. we drew our Ration of Corn
Bread. it was not half baked And very
small loaves. Yesterday we drew Salt
And part of the Camp drew Potatoes
instead of Meat. The Men are
dying off faster than ever. 185
last week. Average 26 per day
I spent the Afternoon in the
Hospital with Rawley [H. Jolliff] he was
very low. We drew soup in the
Afternoon. Dick [Sgt. Isaac Moore] bought some Rice
& Salt. My throat got very sore
today

Sunday Nov. 13th [1864]

Morning clear & very cold. At 8
We drew our Ration of Bread.
At 9 A.M. we drew our Ration of
Beef. half of it was raw. At 10 A.M.
we drew Rice Soup. the day was
chilly and wore slowly away. In
the Afternoon I got a dose of Quinine
very dull all day. Borrowed $5. Dick

Saturday Nov 12th [1864]

The morning clear & very cool with
a sharp wind blowing. At 9 A.M.
we drew our Bred and Beef. Salt
Meat. Mutton & fresh Beef Mixed.
our Ration was Salt Beef. At 11
A.M. we drew good Rice Soup
At 2 P.M. I had a Shake of the
Ague it lasted until 5 P.M.

Friday Nov 11th [1864]

Up at Reveille Morning clear and
very sharp. At 10 A.M. we drew our
Ration of Corn Bread. The Bread
was much better than we have
been getting half Flour & Baked
well. At 12 M we drew our Ration
of Rie Soup. In the Evening I
went out and carried in a big
stick of Pine. Aleck gave me a half
loaf of Bread. Rawley [H. Jolliff] is very low
today.

Thursday Nov 10 [1864]

Rained a good deal during the
Night. Morning clear and a strong
wind blowing. it dries the mud up
very fast. We had no fire in the
Tent last Night And we slept very
well as the Night was very warm
At 9 A.M. we drew Rice Soup. it was
very good plenty of Salt in it At 10 we
drew a Ration of Beef & Mutton. And
shortly after we drew Bread. Warm
Corn Bread The Day was very warm
I suppose the warmest we have had
since we have been here. At 3 P.M. I
had a severe shake lasted until 5 P.M.
I got Rawleys [H. Jolliff] Pants washed for him.
Made out the Discription List of the
Squad. for the Sergt today

Wednesday Nov 9th

Rained a good deal during
the night. Morning cloudy
But appearances of clearing
off. 30 Barrels of Corn Meal came
in yesterday, and the Bakers went
right to work. They issued Nothing
yesterday but soup. They say we
have a new Quarter Master this
Morning. Probably we will get our Rations
more regular. At 11 A.M. we drew our
Ration of Bread. the Bread was half
Flour & half Corn. At 1 P.M. we drew
Soup it was very good plenty of Rice
in and Pork boiled with it
Evening Cloudy & warm

Tuesday Nov 8th [1864]

Up at daylight. And made a tin
of Crust -- Coffee. Then took a turn
around by the Cook House, found
them issuing nothing, but they
commenced issuing soup to the 1st
Division a few moments after
Today is a memorable day to
all the prisoners. The Presidential
Election. there is a great deal of
speculation as to who will be
Elected. The weather is just like
it always was on Election day
Cloudy and drisling rain All day
The Navy Officers that was here
for a few day was sent away
yesterday. At 9 A.M. we drew soup
Nothing else in the Cook House
After dark we drew half Ration
of Soup. did not go all the way
around the Roll. Ague again
today

Monday Nov 7th [1864]

Clouded up after dark and rained
Some 600 more Prisoners came in
some time during the Night last
night. Captured on the 27th Oct. they
report every thing favorable inside
our lines. They had a General
engagement on the 27th Oct 1864
Rawley is still getting better,
Made a Pot of Mush & baked a
small cake early this Morning.
The day wore away slowly. At 3 ^'P.M.'
I took Rawleys Clothes for him
At 3 1/2 P.M. Drew our Rice soup. At
5 P.M. we drew Corn Bread right from
the Oven. The loaves were larger than we
got at Belle Isle, but it was not as good.
No salt in it And baked to quick. Made
it sour. Eat it all

Probably referring to engagement at Boydton Plank Road, S.W. of Petersburg, Va.

Sunday Nov 6th [1864]

Up at Reveille. Morning clear & cool
Sun came out and made it very
pleasant. Benj. G. Fuller of our Co.
"G" Died this morning. At 10 A.M.
we drew our Ration of Rice Soup
at 12 ^'noon' they issued 1 Paunch to each
Squad for tripe it had never
been cleaned not even washed

[in margin at top of page: 10,000 sick & wounded exchanged today
at Savanah]

but the Boys took it. And eat it
At 2 P.M. they issued Corn Meal
1 Barrel to 200 men. 1 Pint to the man
At 4 P.M. the Drum beat. All fell in
and marched under the trees and
formed in regular Order. Division
After Division. After the Counting was
over we made a pot of mush and
eat it then Retired. Some one
stole our salt.

Saturday Nov 5th [1864]

Up at reveille. Morning clear & cool.
At 8 A.M. we drew a Ration of Beef.
The sun came out and made it very
pleasant. A great many are taking
the Oath & volunteering for the Rebel
Army. they are to do Garrison duty
they went out this morning
The working Squad are done dig-
ing the ditch around the Camp
they are now diging dreans [drains]
through the Camp. At 11 A.M. we
drew our ration of Rice soup.
At 2 P.M. we drew Bread right from
the Oven. Sergt of the Squad gave me
a loaf for tearing my Blanket. Drew
wood green Pine

Friday Nov. 4th [1864]

Slept very well. Morning clear and
cool. Sn came out, but not very
warm. At 11 A.M. we drew Rice Soup
I eat mine. In the evening it
clouded up and at dark rained pretty
hard. After dark 700 more Prisoners
from Richmond came in. We have
drew no Bread today, they cannot
begin to feed what is here now

Thursday, Nov. 3rd [1864]

Rained very little during the Night. I
slept very little on account of the smoke.
Morning very cold & and cloudy. Looks
as if it was going to rain again. Camp very
muddy & disagreeable. Made Rawley [H. Jolliff] a
cup of Beef Stew. found him a great deal
better this morning. At 11 A.M. we drew
our Ration of Rice Soup. The day was
very disagreeable and drisling rain
at intervals most of the day. At 12
I made Rawley another cup of soup.

At 3 P.M. We drew our Ration of Hard
Tacks. they run 7 to a man. At dusk
we made a Bucket of soup. After
dark rained very hard for a while

Wednesday Nov. 2nd [1864]

When I got up this morning I found
it raining. At 9 A.M. we drew a Ration
of Beef. At 11 A.M. we drew Rice Soup
Rained steady all day a cold
drisling rain. The Tent smoked
so that we could hardly stay in it.
Just at dark we drew Flour
And very mean Flour. Sour & Musty
Dick. Eberhart & I made my Bucket
full of Dumplings. We dried our canvas
and retired.

Tuesday Nov. 1st [1864]

Up early and went down to see
Rawley [H. Joliff] found him much better
Morning cool and pleasant. At 10 A.M.
we drew Hard tack 6 to a man
At 11 we drew soup. [Sgt. James W.] Eberhart got
mine. Pleasant all day. Counted off
at 5 P.M. Drew a good ration of
wood.

Monday Oct. 31 [1864]

I awakened up at 1 A.M. and went
to the Hospital. Staid there until daylight
Drew Bread at 8 A.M. and soup at
12 M. Jerry died this afternoon at 2 P.M.
Our division moved up in line today
St up our tent by the Hospital
Drew wood. Counted at 4 P.M. Had
a skashake of the ague this afternoon

Private Jeremiah B. Jones of Co. G., 191st Pennsylvania

Sunday Oct. 30th [1864]

Up early and washed Rawley [H. Jolliff]. He
gave me Bread & Meat enough
for Breakfast. Got his Pants washed
and skirmished his clothes. Then I
went up to see Jerry. When I came
back the squad had drawn Bread
& Rice Soup. Made arrangements to
set up with Jerry. he is very low. Dick
took the first part of the night.

Saturday Oct. 29th [1864]

Up at daylight. Morning pleasant
but quite cool. No flour or Bread
yet at 10 A.M. (13 Dead) At 11 A.M.
we drew a Ration of Beef. At 1 P.M.
Drew one Pint of Rice Soup. At 3 P.M.
Drew another ration of Soup. Half Ration
rather. At 4 P.M. the Flour came &
the Bakers went to work. No Bread
issued, except to the Hospital & working
Squad. Counted at 5 P.M.

Friday Oct. 28th [1864]

Rained nearly all Night. Up at Sun-up.
The sun came out beautiful. The Camp
is very muddy and disagreeable. I
went into the Dead House this Morning.
I counted 22 died during the Night
Keys of Company H. Died today
they hauled out 27. At 10 A.M.
We drew a good Ration of
Beef & Mutton. I got Mutton. also
[Sgt. James W.] Eberharts Ration of Beef. At 1 P.M.
Drew Rice Soup. Eberhart got mine
The day were [wore?] away. it was very
pleasant. but we drew no Bread
Counted at 4 P.M.

Private David Keys, Co. H, 191st Pennsylvania

Thursday Oct 27th [1864]

Morning cloudy and sprinkling
rain. Made a bucket of dumplings
Meadwell of our company died last
Night. Average 100 Per Week. All of
them, or the Most of them die
from Diarea and Disentery
They haul them out in a
Wagon every day. No Coffin
Heistey of our Co. Died this
Morning. Continued raining at
intervals pretty hard all day
590 more Prisoners from Richmond
Captured in the Valley 19th Oct.
came in this Afternoon. At 8 P.M.
We drew Bread Hot from the Oven
nothing else. Drew Rice Soup

Private James A. Meadwell Co. G, 191st Pennsylvania
Private Frederick A. Heisely Co. G, 191st Pennsylvania

Wednesday Oct 26th [1862]

All quiet during the night
Morning clear & Pleasant. The day
passed away slowly. We did
not draw our rations until
4 P.M. Flour Molasses & Rice Soup
One Barrel of Flour to 200 men
no salt. Made a bucket of drop
dumplings in the soup

Tuesday Oct. 25th [1864]

Slept very well. although the tent
was crowded full. Morning
Clear & Pleasant. At 9 A.M. we
Drew Flour & Molasses. [Sgt. James W.]Eberhart
& I mixed ours up & Baked
6 cakes before the fire. And
made drop dumplings
in our soup.

Monday Oct. 24th [1864]

Morning Cloudy & cool. At 9 A.M.
commenced drawing Rations. We
drew Flour instead of Bread. Nearly
all the Camp drew Flour. Sprinkled
Rain, but cleared off by 12 M. In
the Afternoon they issued 2 tents
to the squad. Clouded up and
rained a little then cleared off.
We put up our tent a Sibley. Drew Rice Soup.
Also Wood

Sunday Oct. 23rd [1864]

Slept better last night although
it was a great deal colder than
the nights before. At 7 A.M. we
drew our rations of Bread and
Molasses. our Division being first
this morning. Warm during the
day. Drew soup at 2 P.M. Also
Wood. Evening cloudy & cool.

Saturday Oct. 22nd [1864]

Very cold. And Slept by turns. Kept
the fire up all night. burned up
all the Wood we had saved.
Made Rawley some Coffee & toast
at 8 A.M. Drew our Ration
of Bread & Molasses. Morning
cloudy and cool. The sun did not
come out but was cool all day.
At 12 M we drew our Rice Soup.
Bought a pint of Rice. Cooked
one half of it. Evening very cool
& cloudy. After dark the wind
fell. Drew a small Ration of
Wood.

Friday Oct. 21st [1864]

Very cold last night. Slept by
turns by the fire. Made Rawley
some coffee & toast. At 9 A.M. we
drew our Bread and Molasses. I
traded Molasses for Meat. Nothing of
any note during the day. At 3 P.M. we
drew Rice Soup. At 4 P.M. Drew
Wood. Evening clear & cool. Sick
in Camp increasing every day and
the mortality is also increasing. they
haul them out every [day] by the Wagon
loads. No shake today.

Thursday Oct. 20th [1864]

Very cold during the night did not
Sleep very much. At 9 A.M. Drew
Soft Bread & Molasses. And At 1 P.M.
Drew Rice Soup. Very hot during the
day, and cool in the evening. At
4 P.M. we were counted off by the
Quarter. Master. 5 P.M. drew our Rations
of Wood. One Man Shot sometime in
the Night last Night. for Some
cause our other. 10 men went out
at the sink 3 of them were caught
I suppose the Rest got away.
They say that 20 men left today
the Guard went with hem
No shake today.

Wednesday Oct 19 [1864]

Up at 3 A.M. quite cool. At 9
I went to the Doctors and got
a dose of quinine. At 12^'noon' Drew
Bread (48) Meat & Rice soup.
Rawley [H. Jolliff] got into the Hospital
552 more Prisoners came in this
afternoon. Dick Moore Dan Elgen
& [W.H.] Link were among them. The
Officers were sent off this Afternoon
at 5 P.M. Had no shake today.

[Isaac A. "Dick"] Moore, [Sgt. Daniel ]Elgin and [William H.] Link were among the men who escaped from the train carrying the prisoners of war from Belle Isle to Salisbury on the night of October 6th

Tuesday Oct 18th [1864]

Staid up until 12 oclock got a pretty
good nap from that till Morning. Some one
stole our Bread last night. At 11 A.M. Drew
our rations. Soft Bread & Molasses. the
day was cloudy and the Sun did not
come out much. At 1 P.M. Drew our
rice soup. At 3 P.M. Drew Wood
Shake at 4. Doc gave me a ^'X 8 A.M.'
dose of Quinine. Counted at 4 P.M.

Monday Oct. 17th [1864]

Up at 3 A.M. Morning clear & cold. the
Night was very cold. Warm after the
Sun came out. At 9 A.M. Drew
our rations. Soft Bread (50) & Molasses (1)
At 11 1/2 we drew rice soup, gave it to
[Sgt. James W.] Eberhart. At 4 P.M. had a shake
Drew Wood. Counted of[f] at 5
X X 11 1/2 & 11 A.M. last night

Sunday Oct. 16th [1864]

All quiet during the Night. Day very
warm. At 11 A.M. Drew Bread &
Molasses. At 12 P.M. Drew Soup
One of our Officers was shot by the
Guard to day, the cause I did [not?]
learn. The Mortality of the Camp
when we first came here was
Small. it has increased every day
It will average now about 12
a day. Drew Wood in the evening

Saturday Oct. 15th [1864]

Slept tolerable well last Night. All
quiet during the night. At 11 A.M.
we drew Warm Bread and
1/2 Pint of Molasses. At 1 P.M.
Drew rice soup. Quite warm
during the day. Counted off at
4 P.M. Drew wood X 12 M. X 4 P.M.
Had a shake at 4 P.M.
[Sgt. James W.] Eberharts Tin Cup was Stolen

Friday Oct. 14th [1864]

Up nearly all night. At daylight I
made Jerry a Tin of Coffee. At 8 A.M.
I made him a Tin of Beef Tea. Some
one stole [Sgt. James W.] Eberharts Cup last night
Commenced drawing rations at 7 A.M.
At 11 A.M. drew warm Bread (51)
and a large ration of Beef. At 4 P.M.
Drew rice soup. All passed off
Quiet. Counted off at 4 P.M.
Had a shake at 4 P.M.

Springer is probably suffering from malaria.

Thursday Oct 13th [1865]

Slept pretty well under the Blanket.
Did not get up until the drum beat the
fall in call. Counted off. At 11 A.M. Drew
our Rations Hard bread (4 1/2) & one Pint
of Rice soup. Quite warm during the day
At 4 P.M. was counted of by the Quarter
Master. Evening cool. I took the dumb
ague at 4 P.M.
Drew a small ration of wood

The "dumb ague" a generic term for chills and fever was the beginning of Springer's fight against typhoid fever.

Wednesday Oct 12th

Did not sleep very well last night
rather to cold. Morning clear and warm
after the sun came out. At 8 A.M. the
Drum sounded the fall in call. Counted off
by the Quarter Master. About 10 A.M.
we drew Bread (50) and nothing else
Day passed off quietly quite warm
Drew 2 sticks of wood. [Rawley H.] Jolliff bought a
Blanket ^'(25)' & 2 Potato Pies (5)

Tuesday Oct 11th [1864]

Slept very well better than I have
any night yet. I got up at 3 A.M.
to get water. (It is very scarce) but
the Guard would not let any
one out until 7 A.M. I burned my
bread and laid down again. At
7. we got out. Knox Campbell
got the water. I made a pot of
Coffee. I saw Lt. Springer this
morning. At 9 A.M. fell in and
was counted off by the Q.M. At
10 A.M. they issued Bread & nothing else
(50). Very hot all day. At 12 M they
commenced issuing soup, but it did [not]
reach us. We had to do with out.
We drew a pretty good ration of
wood. report says, they are going
to Parole us. This is the hardest
hole we was ever in. No water and
only one half loaf Bread. Got a
Shave today. Made a Bucket
of Coffee. Evening clear cool &
chilly

Monday Oct 10th 1864

The night was very cold. but I managed
to get some sleep. but I nearly froze
myself. Morning clear & very cool
Made Jerry some tea out of bark
At 8 A.M. the Drums beat And all
fell in and was counted off
for rations. Drew nothing but
soft Bread (50). Toasted some
for Jerry in the Hospital. Sun came
out and made it very comfortable
Slept all morning. In our corner of
the yard is the Main Building.
Cotton Factory. in it they had
confined their Deserters. they were
taken away today. At 4 P.M. Drew
1 Pint of Rice soup. Directly after
our soup. [Cpl. Rawley H.] Jollif[f] [Sgt. James W.] Eberhart Rutter &
myself got in the Building. 3
Stories high & capable of holding 300
on a floor. We slept on the 3rd floor
Evening clear & cool.

Pvt. John R. Rutter, Co. G 191st Infantry?
There was also a Thompson Rutter in Co. I.

Sunday Oct 9th [1864]

Passed the night pretty much the same
as last night. I laid down and slept
until I got cold, then I would take
a turn around the Camp to warm
up. Morning clear & cool. At 8 A.M.
all the Squads fell in And was
counted by Quarter Master then we
drew rations. Bread 1 days ration (50)
2 Buckets of Beef. Just about twice
as much as we drew on the Isle
About 3 P.M. 400 more came in
Camp. I suppose there is 6,000 here
now. At 3 1/2 we drew soup. 4 Buckets
Rice Soup. It was not worth any
thing. Evening cool. At 8 I layed down

Saturday Oct 8th [1864]

The night was very cold and was
spent in walking around to Keep warm
About 11 A.M. we marched back to the
Depot and shipped for Salsbury we got
on top of the Cars Started about 12 M
1st Station passed Jamestown (10) 2nd Passed
High Point ^'(15 miles)' 3rd Thomasville 20 Miles
4th Lexington (33) 5th Wattsburg (44) Miles
6th Salisbury ^'arrived at sundown' 51 miles from Greensboro
We were on the W & N.C. Rail Road
286 miles from Richmond
to Salisbury
when we arrived at Saulsbury we
were nearly frozen Having been on
the Cars 7 hours. We were formed into
line and marched out to the Camp
About 1/4 mile from town, and counted
off in Squads of 100 men. Ours was the
10 squad 5 Division. The camp is a very
pleasant one. One half is shaded by tall
oak. And a row of [erased word] brick buildings
through the middle. the Officers Quarters
are log huts Just in the rear. When we
started we had two days rations. they
were up last night. -- we have had no
rations ississued to us. or nothing to eat
except what we bought on the Road.
The guards with us trreated us very
mean. Stopping all the Pedlers
and buying their goods. And selling
them to us for four times their worth
Jolliff sold his watch for $100
I borrowed $5.00 from him
The women along the road treated us very
Kindly waving thir Kerchiefs &c. Men are
scarce. At three Houses I counted 18
women & not a Man to be seen. The crops
along the road appear to be pretty good
When we were dismissed. I made my
Bucket full of Wheat Coffee. With that &
the Hard tack One pie (sweet potato) and
one large sweet cake we made a pretty
good supper. Jerry laid down and soon
we were along side of him but ^'it' was
to cold to sleep

Cpl. Rawley H. Jolliff 191st Pennsylvania

Friday Oct 7th [1864]

Run all night. Ten (10) men of our
Company leaped from our Car
Sergt [Isaac A.] Moore, Corpl J.[ames] C. Darnell

[new page headed Richmond & Danville Rail road

Corpl. J.[ohn] L. Frances. Prv. G.[eorge] W. Darby
I.[saac] N. Mitchel[l], D.[avid] Richey [Ritchie], D.[aniel] Elgin [Elgyn], W.[illiam] H. Link
J.[ames] W. Axton & Beth.[Bartholomew] Warman. We arrived
in Danville about 10 A.M. And changed
Cars and run all day. arrived in
Greensboro about 12 M. And was
marched about 1/2 mile and Camped
50 miles from Salsbury

Thursday Oct 6th [1864]

We were wakened up this morn-
ing. And drew 2 days ration of
Corn Bread (100) and one days
ration of Meat And one quart
of salt. At 5 A.M. we marched out
of Camp. [Erased]
(Nine (9) squads, 900)
[Erased] down the
Rail Road to Manchester and stoped there
Very warm during the forenoon. About 1 P.M.
it clouded up and slightly sprinkled rain
but none of any account. About
4 P.M. another squad came from the
Island (About 400) and shiped aboard
of the Cars immediately. We did not get
Aboard until nearly dark. We got
Aboard about 5 1/2 P.M. 65 men were put
in a car. We got off about dark.

Wednesday Oct 5th [1864]

5 Squads (500) men sent away this
morning at 3 A.M. with two (2) days rations
this makes 1,600 sent away. destination
supposed to be Nth Carolina. Up at Reveille
And turned out at sun-up. Morning
clear and pleasant. Commenced going
in at 9. A.M. All in Camp at 10 A.M.
At 11. I drew the rations Corn Bread
(25) one Bucket of Meat. One quart of salt.
Very hot during the middle of the day
At 2 P.M. 500 more men were sent away
with 2 days rations. They are up to 17th
Squad. At 4 P.M. Drew corn Bred 25
and soup (2) Evening very pleasant.

Tuesday Oct. 4th [1864]

Up at daylight -- Drums beat the
Reville at 5 A.M. Morning very
foggy. Turned out at 7. A.M. Did not
go in till very late. Sick call at
9. A.M. Sent 1100 men ^'Sent' away to day
with 3 days Rations. [Sgt. James W.] Eberhart
took charge of the squad today
Myers & Cooper of our Co went in
with the squad that left. At 3 P.M.
the squads were filled up and 3 1/2
we drew Rations Corn Bread (28)
1 Bucket of fresh beef. 1 quart of
salt. At 4 P.M. Drew Rations Corn
Bread (25) Bean soup (4) extra
Warm Corn Bread. Boiled my
soup Evening

Private Joseph Cooper, Co. G., 191st Pennsylvania
Corporal Gotleib Meyers, Co. G., 191st Pennsylvania

Monday Oct 3rd [1864]

Up before the drums beat and
washed. Morning cloudy. Sultry
and appearance of rain. Turned
out at 7. A.M. One Man killed and
one wounded last night. At 8 A.M.
Commenced going in Camp. All in at 9. A.M.
Drum beat the sick call at 9 A.M. At 10 A.M.
the Drum Sounded the Breakfast call
I drew the rations. Corn Bread (28) and
One Bucket of Beef. 1 Quart of salt. At 12 M
we drew a small ration of Beeff. About
300 more Prisoners came in at 1 P.M.
5600 All told. commenced raining About
2 P.M. Quit a little before dark. At 4 P.M. The
Drum sounded the Supper call. Bread
(24) and bean Soup (2). Built a fire and
boiled My soup & Bread. Evening Cloudy
& cool. I retired at tattoo. 7 P.M.

Sunday Oct 2nd [1864]

Rained at intervals all night
After dark it got to be a little

at this point at the top of the next page he writes man shot last night

warmer. We slept very well
At 7 A.M. turned out the Camp
policed &c. Morning cloudy & cool
appearances of rain. All in Camp
at 8 1/2 A.M. Sick call at 9 A.M.
At 10 A.M. the Drum sounded the
Breakfast. We drew 20 loaves of Corn
and 5 of soft Bread and one Buck-^'et'
of Meat. It did not rain. The Sun
came out in the Afternoon and
made it very pleasant and dried
up the mud. At 5 P.M. we drew
our Rations Corn Bread (28) and
fresh Beef (1) the largest ration
we have ever drawn yet. A new
Q. Master was put in to day
At sun down we drew our
Bean soup. With the fresh beef
we draw 1 quart of salt. every
day. since we commenced drawing

Saturday Oct 1st 1864

The night was very cold, but we
slept pretty well. Up before day-
light and stole a tin bucket
The morning cloudy and very
cold. Turned out at 7. At 8 A.M.
a North-east commenced blowing
and soon it commenced to
rain. a cold drisly rain. All in
Camp at 9 A.M. when the sick
call beat. They did not sound
the Grub call until 2 P.M.
they issued one meal of Corn Bread (20) and
one of soft Bread (25), and
fresh Beef (2). Continued
Raining all day. The sound
of the cannonading seemed
to be nearer. it was very
plain. Musketry could also
plainly be heard. At 4 P.M.
they issued Bean soup (4)
(extra) [George W.] Darby & I put our Meat
Bread and soup together &
Boiled it and made my
Bucket full 1/2 gallon. A first
rate meal. continued raining
all day at intervals. And made
it very disagreeable. All retired
at 8 P.M.

Friday, Sept 30th 1864

Slept very well in our new tents
As the night was not very cold
the wind blew all night. Up
early and turned out at 7 A.M.
Late last evening they planted
2 Guns on the hill opposite the
Camp. 2 Men of the Squad sent to
the Gen. Hos. yesterday. Morgan
& Phillips. Sick call at 9 A.M.
At 10 the Drum sounded the
Breakfast call. Bread (25) and
fresh beef. Rained slightly during
the forenoon. In the Afternoon
7 Squads of new men from Libby
came in. Found one man
among them that we knew
Bill Davis 1st Va. Cav. At 5 P.M.
they issued Bread (28) Rained
a little in the afternooon. At 4
P.M. they issued the soup. Built
a fire and Boiled it. Evening cool
& cloudy. Very heavy fireing all day.

Three men in the 191st were named Morgan: James, John & Peter. None were in Company G.
Private William Phillips was in Co. G.

Thursday Sept 29th 1864

Up at 7. and turned out but not
as early as usual. [David] Richie & [James] Darnell
were still in the hole when we went
out this morning. Dick gave them
some thing to eat. Sick call at 9.
They tore down the old tents that
we stayed in, And commenced
putting up better ones, they put
up 34 rows of tents and quit
At 2 P.M. they commenced to go
in. All in at 3. Then they issued
One days ration of Bread (48) and
(2) buckets of meat. At 4 P.M. drew
soup (2). After eating soup they
gave us tents and we soon
put them up. 9 tents to 100 Men
Cannonading very heavy very
[?] All day. Richey & Darnell came
were put in camp.

A double Federal offense on the 29th would have produced the cannonading Springer heard. Richmond's outer defenses north of the James were attacked and Fort Harrison captured in an operation directed personally by Ulysses Grant. At the same time troops under George G. Meade continued the encirclement of Petersburg to the west of the Weldon Railroad (where Springer had been captured) beginning the four day battle of Peeble's Farm.

Wednesday Sept 28th 1864

All quiet during the night. Slept very
well. Up before sun up and washed.
Morning warm and pleasant
Turned out at 6 1/2 A.M. All in Camp
at 8 1/2. At 9 A.M. the sick call beat. Lynch
of our Company sent to the Gen. Hos. At 11 1/2
the drum beat the Breakfast Call
Drew soft Bread (24 1/2) and one Bucket of
fresh beef. At 1 P.M. I drew the extra
meat. At 3 P.M. they issued the Bread
(24 1/2). Commenced raining shortly
after and rained until we got our
soup ^'(4)' 5 1/2 P.M. Boiled the Soup. Some-
one stole my Tin Cup. Richey and
Darnell tried to escape, but was
discovered this evening. Some-
body informed in them. They
dug a hole in the ground. And covered
themselves up.

Private Malon Lynch, Co. G., 191st Pennsylvania
Corp. David Richie, Co. G., 191st Pennsylvania
Sgt. James C. Darnell, Co. G., 191st Pennsylvania

Tuesday Sept 27th 1864

All quiet during the Night. Slept very
well, but it was pretty cold. Up at
7 and turned out immediately
Old Sol came up in all his glory
and made it very pleasant.
The sickness of the Camp is pretty large
but the mortality is very small. A great
many is sent to the General Hospital.
the No. of men in camp when we first
came was 5791, it has come down to
4724. Sick call at 9 A.M. Cannonading
heard in direction of Petersburg. All in at 9 A.M.
27 Men sent to Gen. Hos. Bulford McGarvy
At 11 1/2 Drew soft Bread (25) & fresth beef (2)
at 4 P.M. Drew Bread (25) but did not
get the soup until 6 P.M. Boiled
my soup. The day pleasant
cool & Windy. [Word erased] 2 Men
sent to fill up the squad.

Cpl. John Bulford of Co. G
Could not identify McGarvy

Monday Sept 26th 1864

Slept tolerable well considering
the coldness of the weather. Up at
7 A.M. and turned out right
away Morning very clear and
tolerable cool. All in camp at
9 A.M. Cannonading heard
in the direction of Petersburg.
Sick call at 9 A.M. 6 Men sick
in the Squad. two sent to the Gen'l
Hospital. Ross and Lemby. the day
Clear and warm. The grum was not
issued until 1 P.M. on account of the
Bread not getting here in time
We drew Soft Bread (25 1/2) & fresh
Beef (2) the first had a Liver in it
At 5 P.M. the drum sounded the
Soup call Soft Bread (25) & Bean
soup (2) 2 Men sent to us to fill up
the squad. All retired at 8 PM.

Andrew J. Ross or John W. Ross? Both in Company G

Sunday Sept 25th 1864

Very cold during the Night. did
not sleep well. Morning clear
and very cool. Not a cloud to be
seen. Turned out at 7 A.M.
All in Camp at 9 A.M. Sick call at
9 A.M. One man Griffith of the squad
sent to the General Hospital. At
11 A.M. the Drum sounded the
Breakfast call. Soft Bread (25 1/4)
and one Bucket of Beef. At 12 M we
drew another Bucket of Beef
Continued windy & cool all day
at 3 P.M. Drew soup (4) & Soft Bread
(24 1/4) Loafed around all evening
evening clear and very cool
All Retired at 8 P.M.
Darby hooked 2 39 tent Blankets

John M. Griffith of Co. G?
George W. Darby of Co. G

Saturday Sept 24th 1864

All quiet during the Night. Slept
well. Up at 7 A.M. And turned out
immediately. Morning cloudy and
sultry. Commenced raining at 8 A.M.
All in camp at the sick call 9 A.M.
Jim Malone of our company sent
to the General Hospital. Stoped rain-
ing at 10 1/2. At 11 A.M. the Drum beat
the Breakfast call. I drew the
Rations. soft Bread (24) and one
bucket of meat. At 1 P.M. they issued
another bucket of meat. Nothing of
interest until 3 P.M. when the
Drum sounded the supper call.
Soft Bread ^'(24)' and Rice soup (2)
Rained and blowed very hard
in the evening. very cool

Friday Sept 23rd 1864

Up at 7 A.M.. turned out
immediately Morning cloudy
cloudy and sprinkling rain
Sick call at 8 A.M. all in
camp at Nine A.M. At 11 A.M.
the Drum sounded the Break
fast call, Soft Bread (24 1/2) &
fresh beef (1) Stoped raining at
12 M. At 1 P.M. they issued the
extra Meat (1) continued cloudy
during the rest of the day
At 4 P.M. the Drum sounded
the Supper call Bread (24 1/2)
and 4 buckets of Bean soup
Warmed my soup and made
a cup of coffee for Jerry
Cleared off late in the evening
& sun set beautiful. All retired
at 8 P.M.

Jerome Donze/Douze or Jeremiah Jones of Co. G.

Thursday Sept 22nd 1864

Rained very near all Night
I was up at 3 A.M. Stoped raining
at daylight. Turned out at 7 A.M.
Camp Policed. dreaned off &c.
Heavy Cannonading heard in the
direction of Deep Bottom. Morning
Cloudy & Sultry. Sick Call at 9 A.M.
All in Camp at 10 A.M. At 11 A.M.
the Drum sounded the Breakfast
call. I drew the Rations. Soft Bread (25)
and fresh Meat (1) At 1 P.M. Drew
another Bucket of Meat. At 4 P.M.
Drum beat supper call. Soft Bread
(24) and bean Soup. traded my
soup for Meat with [Sgt. James W.] Eberhart
Made coffee out of ^'a' crust of Bread.
Continued cloudy & cool all day

Wednesday Sept 21st 1864

Bells made a great fuss in the
City last night. No light could
be seen. could not make out
what it was for. Slept tolerable
well. Up at 7 A.M. Morning
foggy and cool. turned out at
7 1/2 A.M. Sick call at 9 A.M. All in
Camp at 10 At 11 1/2 A.M. the Drum
sounded the Breakfast call. Soft
Bread (24) the best we have drew
yet & fresh beef (1) At 1 P.M. they one
Bucket of meat extra. Made
Coffee out of the crust of Bread
At 4 P.M. Drew soft Bread ^ '(24 1/2)'. the
same Kind we drew this
Morning & Bean Soup (2). Made
Coffee again this evening
Evening clear & warm

Tuesday Sept 20th 1864

All quiet during the Night (Very
cold) and did not sleep much.
Up at sun-rise Turned out at
7 A.M. the Camp was policed &
limed and the sink cleaned
out. All in at 9 A.M. Sick call
at 9 A.M. 5 men sick in the Squad
At 11 A.M. Drum sounded the
dinner call. Soft Bread ^'(24)' and
fresh Beef ^'(2)' instead of Bacon
Very hot during the middle of
the day. Nothing of any note
until 4 1/2 P.M. the Drum sounded
the supper call Soft Bread (24)
and 4 buckets of Bean Soup
Traded my soup with Eberhart
for his Ration of Meat

Sgt. James W. Eberhart Co. G 191st Pennsylvania

Monday Sept 19th 1864

All quiet during the night
up at sun up. Turned out at
7 A.M. Started in at 8 A.M.
I took the Sick out at 9 A.M.
Six Men sick in the squad.
At 10 A.M. the Drum sounded
the grub call. Soft Bread (25)
and Meat. Traded my soup with
Dick for 1/2 ration of meat. Nothing
of any importance until 3 P.M.
when the Drum sounded the
supper call. Soft Bread (24 1/2) and
Bean soup (2). Toasted my Bread
I feel better this evening than
I have for some time. the
Diaria has nearly stoped on
me. Retired at 8 P.M.

Sunday Sept 18th 1864

Nothing transpirred during the
night. Up at 6 A.M. Cloudy & Cool
Turned out at 7 A.M. At 8 A.M.
they commenced going in by Squads
Cleared off and the sun came
out hot. Sick call at 9 A.M. 4 Men
sick in the squad. Between 10 &
11 A.M. Drew soft Bread (24) & Meat
When we went in we were
put in old tents, did not get our
Sibleys. After dinner I took a
sleep. Wakened up at 3 P.M.
Clouded up & was raining. Drew
Bean Bean soup (2) & Soft Bread
(24 1/2 at 4 P.M.) Give my Soup
to Rawley & Darby. Stoped rain-
ing at dark. All retired at
8 P.M.

Sgt. George W. Darby, Co. G, 191st Pennsylvania
Corporal Rawley H. Jolliff, Co. G, 191st Pennsylvania

Saturday Sept 17th 1864

Up at Sun up. Passed the Night
tolerable well although it was
very chilly. The Bells Rang furiously
in the City last night. Heavy Dew
this morning. At 7 A.M. we
were turned out. Sick call at
9 A.M. At 10 1/2 I drew the Rations
Dick sick. (24) we got a good Buck ^'et'
of meat today, but the Bread was
sour. At 11 they commenced going
in. All in at 1 P.M. At 4 P.M. I
drew the Rations Soft Bread (24 1/2)
& Bean Soup (2) After supper I went
after the Sergts extra Ration, but
did not get it only 16 Squads
drew. Cool and pleasant in the
evening. At 8 P.M. we all
retired

Friday Sept 16th 1864

Slept very well. Up at 3 1/2 this
morning and the Bells were
ringing and making a big fuss
in the City. Supposed to be another
large fire. Sick Call at 9 A.M.
At 11 A.M. Drew soft Bread (23 1/2) &
Meat, a tolerable good ration. At 2
P.M. we had roll Call. The day
warm & very pleasant. At 4 P.M.
Drew soft Bread (24) and Soup (2)
After eating supper we drew (2)
Buckets of extra soup. This is the
29th Day of Captivity. In the evening
it got very cool And after dark it
was very chilly. Retired about
8 P.M. the 18th Va was relieved tonight
by the Militia.

Thursday Sept 15th [1864]

Passed a very pleasant night
last night. Up at 7 A.M. Old
Sol out in all his glory and
prospect of a hot day. The Diarea
has nearly [word lined out] stoped on me
and I feel a great deal better
this morning. Sick call at 9
A.M. 3 men sick. At 10 1/2 A.M.
Drew Soft Bread (23) & Meat. [?]
Some says the paper states that
Gen Lee had evacuated Petersburg
At 12 M we turned out and the
squads filled to 100 men. At 4 P.M.
they issued soup (2) & Bread (23 1/2) the
Bread was miserable very sour
Roll call in the evening. All
present.

Monday Sept 14th [1864]

Slept pretty last night as it
was not so cold as night before
Sick call at 9 A.M. 3 men Sick.
At 10 A.M. Drew Meat & Bread
(24). the day was cool and
pleasant. And the evening
warm. Staid out and walked
around until about 8 oclock
[Line erased]
In the Evening heavy Cannon-
ading, [letter lined out] could be heard it
appears to be close and many
are the speculations as to
where it is.

Springer probably heard the guns from the Second Battle of Deep Bottom, fought in Henrico County, Va., August 14-20, 1864.

Tuesday Sept. 13th [1864]

Extremely cold during the night
and early this morning.
Sick call at 9 A.M. 2 Men
sick in the squad
At 10 1/2 A.M. Drew Bread (24 1/2)
& a Ration of Meat. The Meat
has been cut down form 1/2
to 1/4 lb. Nothing of any note
until 4 P.M. When we drew
Soup (4) & Bread (24). 79 Men
went to Richmond to day
but no one knows what for
Report says 6 took the Oath
The Sergts of Squads met &
appointed a committee
to get up a Petetion to the
authorities to Parole us
the Sergts to sign it

Monday Sept 12th [1864]

Slept very little last night on
account of the Diarea and Pain
in the Stomach. Up early. Turned
out at 7 A.M. Prospect of a hot Day
Sick call at 9 A.M. 2 Men sick in
the squad. 25 day of Captivity. At 10
A.M. commenced clouding up. Slight
sprinkling of rain & a heavy wind.
At 10 1/2 A.M. Drew soft Bread (24 1/2) &
Meat. Got into Camp about 12 M
Did not rain any of any account
but continued cloudy & Windy.
At 4 P.M. Drew Bean Soup (2) &
Soft Bread (24). Built a fire
& Boiled my soup & Bread together
And made a pretty good
super. A Sudden change in
the weather very cold

Sunday Sept 11th [1864]

Rained all night. Turned out
at Sun-up. They did not Keep us
long. They commenced going in
as soon as they got out. At 11
A.M. we drew Bread -- (soft (25) &
meat[)] Cloudy At 1 P.M. commenced
raining Turned out the squad
and had roll call. Rained
abut one hour. At 3 P.M. Drew
Soft Bread (25) & Bean Soup (2)
Give my soup to Jerry. I could
not eat my soup or Bread
Had the Diarea very bad and
had no apetite.

One man in the regiment was named Jerry, Jerry O'Connell of Co. E. Seven men in the regiment were named Jeremiah or Jerome. Other good candidates for Jerry would be two from Co. G: Jerome Donze or Douze and Jeremiah Jones, both privates

Saturday Sept 10th [1864]

Up at daylight. Cloudy & Cool.
Did not turn out this morning
until 10 A.M. Cleared off and became
very warm (Sick call at 9 A.M.
4 Sick) At 10 A.M. they issued
rations of Soft Bread (24) & Meat.
Lay Around all day. At 3 P.M.
we got in. And was ordered to
get tents where ever we could
We took a row next to 19', but
was ordered out. We then went
to our old Sibleys. At 4 P.M.
beef issued soft Bread (23) & rice
Soup (2). After we had eaten our
supper they fixed it up about
the tents. We got our old tents
After dark commenced rain
ing

Friday Sept 9th [1864]

Turned out again this morning
for the purpose of fixing camp and
arranging tents &c. Sick call 9 A.M.
Issued rations at 11 A.M. Soft
Bread (23 1/2) instead of Corn Bread
At 4 P.M. they commenced to go in
by Squads Calling the Roll & taking
the names. Each Squad got its
rations as they went in.
Bread (24) & Rice Soup (2). The Squad
were all filled to 100 men. The thing
was mixed up. We did not get out
tents. While we were out 12 men
tried to escape by swimming
to a little Island. They were found
out and brought back but
were not punished. The men
did not all get in until long after
dark.

Thursday Sept 8th [1864]

Very cold last night and early
this morning. Sun-up turned
out to count us and to Police Camp.
[most of this line erased] Sick call
at 9 A.M. Kept us out nearly all
day Very hot. While we were out I
washed my Shirt socks and
Hand Kerchief. At 1 P.M. they commen^'ced'
going ^'in'. It took 2 hours for them all to
get in. At 3 P.M. They issued Meat
and Bread (1 Days ration) (17) At 4 P.M.
It commenced raining 4 1/2 issued
soup (2) I sold my God Ring for $4.00
I bought 6 Apples (25) and one loaf Bread
(25) traded the Wheat Bread for 1 Days
Ration of Corn Bread. Rained all
night. Eberhart slept in our tent.
Quit chewing tobacco.

Sgt. James W. Eberhart, Co. G., 191st Pennsylvania Infantry

Wednesday Sept 7th [1864]

Rained all night. Sun came
out this morning in all his
glory. we are going to have a
hot day. Sick call at 8 A.M. One
man sick in our tent. (Malon
Lynch) 2 Men sick in the Squad
At 12 M. Drew meat and Bread (21)
About 1 P.M. the bells began to
ring in the City. And a large
smoke could be seen. Another
large fire. At 4 P.M. Drew soup (2)
and Bread (23). The rest of the day
passed off quietly. In the evening
saw a Richmond paper. No
News except the notice of the death
of John Morgan. And several
pieces on McClellans nomination

Tuesday Sept 6th [1864]

Cloudy & cool. slight sprinkling of
rain. Turned out and counted. I
was up sometime in the night. A
large light could be seen in the City
and bells ringing. Supposed to be
another fire. Sick call immediately
after we were counted. Our squad are
all in pretty good health. Only one man
gone to the Hospital yet. At 2 P.M. we
drew one days ration of Bread (45) &
meat. at 3 P.M. we drew soup (2).
Continued raining at intervals
all day. In the evening it got
very cold. Fixed up the tent and
made it pretty comfortable. Sergts
drew an extra Ration today
No news

Monday Sept. 5 [1864]

Clear and appearances of a hot
day. Heard that Atlanta was
evacuated. It was published
in their morning papers. At 11 A.M.
we drew Bread (24) but only half
rations of meat. The day exceed-
-ingly hot. About the hotest we have
had yet. The day passed away
slowly. the Richmond papers
state that Atlanta was evacuated
on the 1st Sept. and Hardee's Corps
had been driven from their
position with the loss of 9 Guns
At 4 P.M. we drew soup (2) & Bread
(25). Mitchel & I bought a loaf of Brea^'d'
After dark it commenced to rain
rained very hard

Isaac Mitchell was a Corporal in Co. G, 191st Pennsylvania

Sunday Sept. 4th [1864]

Cloudy and sultry Rained during the
night. We were turned out and
counted this morning. Cool & appearance
of rain. Traded my Pocket Book off
this morning for 5 Apples & 3 Peaches
At 10 A.M. we drew meat & Bread
(23) Cleared off and became very hot
traded my hat and got One loaf of
Bread. Heard that Zed Springer was
a prisoner in Richmond
At 4 P.M. we drew Soup (2) & Bread
(23) Darby traded his hat and got
four (4) loaves of Bread. He gave us
one half loaf apiece. At dark Davis
brought a small piece of Corn
Bread & Meat. Prayer Meeting in
Camp, Attendence pretty large

Lieutenant Zadoc B. Springer, Co. K, 116th Pennsylvania, a second cousin of Tom Springer, was captured at the Battle of Reams Station, August 25, 1864 Eberly. "Bouquets from the Cannon's Mouth"

Saturday Sept 3rd [1864]

Slept better last night than any
night for some time. it was
not so cold. When I got up it
was cloudy and looked like
rain. About 7 Oclock A.M. it
commenced to rain. The fire
bells rang again in Richmond
last night. This is my birth-
day. today I am 20 years old
At 11 A.M. we drew meat & Bread (21)
it cleared off and only rained
about one hour. 25 of our men went
to Richmond to work for the Gov
at 4 P.M. Drew Soup (2) and Bread (22 1/2) the
day turned out a very pleasant one
At dark Davis brought another loaf
Made a new place for a sink
and to get water.

Friday Sept 2nd [1864]

Sleep tolerable well last night. I was up some time in the night
and the Bells were ringing in the
City a big light could be seen
Supposed to be another large fire
Very pleasant and cool in the
morning until 9 A.M. Bread fell
to three (3) loaves for $1 Green back. Pies
250 in script. At 11 A.M. Drew Meat
& Bread (23). Layed around until
4 P.M. when we drew Soup & Bread
(23) & (2). Exceeding hot during the
After part of the day. Darby made
arrangements with a man named
Davis for Bread, he brought one
loaf of Corn Bread and small
piece of Pork Just at dark He is
to bring one every night for 21 nights

Sgt. George W. Darby was also a member of Company G, 191st Pennsylvania. In 1899 he published his memoirs "Incidents and adventures in rebeldom: Libby, Belle-Isle, Salisbury."

Thursday Sept 1st [1864]

Up early on account of getting cold
Saw a Richmond paper and it
stated that the Commissioners
met. The Confederate Commissioner
Ould proposed to exchange man
for man & Officer for Officer, but
the Commissioner on our side
had no instructions from the
Government whatever.
At 12 M. Drew our meat and Bread (21)
At 4 p.M. Soup ^ '(2)' & Bread (24) the day
was exceedingly hot. the bells ring in
Richmond & a big smoke can be
seen from Camp another fire
Let our tent down and fixed it to
make it warmer. Report say the
Evening ^'paper' said we were to be exchanged
immediately.

Judge Robert Ould (1820-1822) Commissioner for the Exchange of Prisoners His 1864 "Report of the agent of exchange, with accompanying papers, relative to arrangements for the relief of soldiers who are prisoners of war in the hands of the enemy" is available in Special Collections, University of Virginia Library.

Wednesday Aug 31st [1864]

It is getting to be so cold during the
nights that we cannot sleep without
blankets and does not get warm in
the morning before Eight O clock A.M.
Bread trade going on brisk behind
our tent $1.00 per loaf Greenbacks Apples
2 for $1.00 At 10 1/2 A.M. Drew meat &
Bread (22). Saw in the Richmond
Papers that the Commissioners of
exchange meets today. At 2 P.M. we
got 2 buckets of Soup & Bread (21)
very warm during the day
There was some Artilery firing
beyond Richmond but could
not tell what it was

Tuesday Aug 30th [1864]

Tolerable cold during the night &
early in the mornings. they did
not turn us out to count us this
morning. Prospects of a hot day
10 A.M. drew rations (21) ^'loaves' Nothing of interest
until 4 P.M. drew rations (21) and
only two Buckets of soup instead of
four (for 100 men) Slight shower of
rain at 4 P.M. Nothing of any interest
during the rest of the day
After we had retired some one
in a tent close by raised a big
noise they had a fight one
man got hurt considerable
There was a fire in Richmond
some time before 12 oclock the
Guard says the Central Depot & two blocks
were burned down

Monday Aug 29th [1864]

Marched out by squads this morn-
ing and was counted. Rained very
hard in the night last night
Sun shining and prospect of a hot
day. At 8 A.M. the citizens guarding
us were returned (to go home) by regular
soldiers (Heavy Artillery) just from Peters ^'burg'
(18th Va.) At 12 M we got our meal. At 2 P.M.
another squad of Yanks came into
camp and swells the number to 5,900 or
59 squads of 100 each. these last men were
taken at Reams Station, Weldon R.R.
At 4 P.M. we drawed grub. Squad 39 &
40 were consolidated made it the
20 Squad (100 men in it) Sergt moore
in charge. Camp is very much
crowded.

Sunday Aug 28th [1864]

We were turned out again at sun-
up and counted over thus far I
believe only three are missing. there
are a great many rumors in camp in
regard to exchange and Parole, but I think
there is no truth in any of them. Sun
shining beautiful but not hot. A strong
wind blowing makes it cool. Between
10 & 11 A.M. they gave us our regular meal
today. they hoisted the stars & bars by our
camp. its a white rag with a red field in
the corner & bars (blue) across the red field
thirteen (13) stars in the blue bars. At 2 [?] P.M.
we got our soup & Corn Bread. Bread
selling at $5.00 a loaf. [a word erased here] I made an
effort to get some bread but did not
succeed. The day passed away pleas-
antly.

Saturday Aug 27th [1864]

We were wakened up a little after day-
light & taken out in the same place &
counted over again. cloudy & ^'cool' signs of
rain. rained nearly all last night
At 10 A.M. they issued us our meal
Wrote a letter home this afternoon --
This is our Ninth (9) day of imprisonment --
At 3 P.M. they issued soup & Bread
[This line has been erased.]
In the evening the rebs planted two
Cannon on the hill overlooking
our camp. they are looking for a
raid. A train of cars passed over the
Bridge into Richmond loaded with
Yanks the cars loaded
with them supposed to be about
1000 or 1200

Friday Aug 26th [1864]

Did not sleep very well last night
on account of the rain. We were all
put out in the green out side of
the Guard. Marched back single
file & counted. They posted a paper
on the gate, that no rations would
be issued until the man was
found that struck Sergt Mark
yesterday while he was selling
Bread in camp. Four shots were
fired last night. they killed one and
wounded one of our men, 3 P.M.
no rations yet & no prospect of getting
any. At 6 P.M. they commenced
drawing tents and soon our
squad (40) had our ^'a sibley' & were putting
them up when they sung out
for the Sergts to come & draw
rations. put our tent up
ready to sleep in Another
man shot this afternoon
by one of the Guards [a word erased]
25 men in a tent

Thursday Aug 25 [1864]

Got up at 7 and took our regular
wash at the river. Nothing of note trans-
pired during Issued one days rations
at 1 P.M. At dark it commenced
to cloud up and soon we had a good shower it rained for about 1/2 hour. Made the ground very wet- so that we could not sleep

Wednesday Aug 24th [1864]

Sun came out very hot and very
good prospect of being extraordinary
hot today. Got our regular meal at
10 A.M. About 3 P.M. another
Squad of Yanks were brought
in and Swells the number
up to about 3500 on the Island
at 4 1/2 got other meal 2 Buckets
Bean Soup & Corn Bread the day wore
away as usual

Tuesday Aug 23rd [1864]

Slept pretty considering the damp-
ness of the ground. Sky cloudy
sun came out & very hot all
day at 10 A.M. they issued our meal
1/2 loaf Corn Bread & fat pork. In the
afternoon another Squad came in
altogether on the Island 3140 or
63 squads at 5 P.M. they gave us
two buckets of Rice Soup & Bread
Still putting up tents

Monday Aug 22nd [1864]

We at daylight built a little
fire and after blowing about an
hour got a tin of coffee made.
About 10 A.M. they commenced
putting up tents two Squads in
one row or 10 men in one tent
1 P.M. they issued one days rations
1/2 loaf corn bread 1 Bucket Soup &
some fat pork. At 5 P.M. Commenced
raining. rained about two hours
We all layed down on the wet
ground in a row & Spooned it
Very hot until 5 P.M.

Sunday Aug 21st [18]64

Wakened at daylight. About 9 1/2
A.M. the other squad came in
the room pretty well crowded
at 10 A.M. we were taken to Libey
just across the Street. We got in
the upper Story the room about
the Size of the other About
300 in here. One of Butlers Nigers
in the same room with us.
he is a Sergeant and has charge
of the room. They gave us some
thing to eat. Corn Bread & Boiled
Beef. After dinner our names
were taken & the room swept up
we number all told in this room
172299. After our names
were taken they gave Corn Bread &
Bean soup. then we were drawn
up in line and went through
another Searching, they took our
Haversacks left us nothing but
our private effects. we were put
into another room. As soon
as they were done we were
marched out through Rich
to Bell Island. Divided
into squads of 50. Sergt Moore
has charge of our squad (No. 40)
we arrived here about 8 P.M.
Lay down to sleep.

Sergeant Isaac A. Moore, Co. G, 191st Pennsylvania, is frequently referred to as "Dick" in Springer's diary.

Saturday Aug 20 [1864]

rained pretty much all night. About
9 AM our names were taken and
every thing but our Haversacks -- two
more squads came in this morning
altogether about 2,000. About 2 PM we
[?] squad marched to the
Depot about 3 miles from
Petersburg we arrived at the
Station at 4 P.M. (20 miles from R)
We got on open cars. Started at 4 1/2
Commenced raining and rained
until we arrived in Richmond.
we got to Richmond about 6 1/2
and was taken to a Prison on
Cary Street. The room was 100 by
40. we only had one hundred
in here tonight.

Friday Aug 19 [1864]

5 P.M. we received orders from Maj.
to fall back. the line fell back about 1/4
mile and found we were surrounded
as near as we can judge the whole line
was taken prisoners. We were marched
out to the right on a double quick.
We formed in line about 3:00 and
marched through Petersburgh and
camped on low ground for the night
rained all day. About 48 of our
Com. and nearly all of the regt taken

Battle of the Weldon Railroad
"During the afternoon troops of A.P. Hill's Confederate corps hit Warren's Federal infantry in the dense woods south of Petersburg, Va. The Union forces suffered severely and Warren had to pull back toward Globe Tavern, seized the day before in his operations against the Weldon Railroad. But the Northerners still held the important railroad. Warren lost 382 killed and wounded, but 2518 were missing, many of whom were capturred from S. W. Crawford's broken divison." E. B. Long. The Civil War Day by Day An Almanac 1861-1865. According to a postwar article by Silas Crocker of Co. E, the men of their regiment had actually captured Confederate General William Mahone when they found themselves surrounded and Mahone in turn captured them. Eberly "Bouquets from the Cannon's Mouth."

Thursday Aug 18 [1864]

Received orders to move at 4 a.m.
took up our line of march about
5 direction South. Struck the Rail Road
at 12m. halted in an open field About
1PM Our batteries commenced fireing
we were drawn up in line. Deployed
[?] Skirmishers and advanced through
very thick woods until they opened a fire
on us the line advanced & fell back
several times and finally took a
position near the edge of the wood. In
sight of ^'Rebel' rifle Pits. rained all day 12th

Thomas W. Springer from Uniontown, Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He was a 16 year old student the son of a tailor. See "Bouquets from the Cannon's Mouth, Soldiering with the Eighth Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserves" by Robert E. Eberly, Jr.