State Wide Virginia USGenWeb Archives Military Civil War.....Hougan, Ole G. Corporal Diary from 1863 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/vafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Unknown Contributor Civil War Diary Diary from the year 1863 Written by Tarje Tallefson and Ole G. Hougan in the old Norwegian language. Translated by Emma Hansen (Mrs. William P. Hansen) December, 1961 Ferndale, Washington Born in N. Bjart by Kolding Jyland, Denmark - 1903 - Came to America in 1915. OLE G. HOUGAN, Corporal, enlisted January 23, 1862, Company B, 19th Regiment, Wisconsin, Infantry Volunteer. Discharged May 17, 1865, at Madison, Wisconsin. Corporal Hougan was in the following engagements: Siege of Suffolk, Virginia, April and May, 1863 Brice's Creek, North Carolina, February 1, 2, 3, 1864 Bermuda Hundred May, 1864 Petersburg and Richmond R. R. , May, 1864 Spring Creek, Virginia, May, 1864 Drury's Bluff, May 15 and 16, 1864 65 days in front of Petersburg, Virginia, constantly under fire in June, July, and August, 1864, Richmond, Virginia, which he entered April 2, 1865. March 20, 1882, he received title to 160 acres homesteaded in Norman County, Minnesota; by the President Chester A. Arthur. (After the - O - is the writing by Ole G. Hougan): Jan. 1: Clear and, cold weather. There was a big Negro celebration here. They arched through the streets with Union flags and music. We were over to Norfolk and guarded the Negro brigade. We stopped first at the Custom house and from there into a large church, and then to the Capital House. Then came the Negroes, 5,000 in number. We followed them to the Ferry landing. There came also a Regiment and we had quite an uproar with them. -0- I am well and feeling fine. It is clear and cold. There are many Soldiers in town (Norfolk) from different Regiments. They were placed at 1/7-62-38-07. They are going to New Bern, North Carolina. They came from Suffolk. There are many Negroes in town to celebrate their people's "Liberty Day." Jan. 2: Clear weather. On guard. There was a big uproar over in Newton with some Marines and one of our company. We took two of them to the guardhouse. Part of our Company were over to Norfolk for the Spa Ellen comedy. -0- The Provost guard was called up last night and made ready for battle. Names of the Norwegians in Company B; Regiment 19th, Wisconsin Volunteers: Pete Erickson-Houston;-A. O. Reding; Ole G. Hougan; Tarje Tallefson; Pete Thompson, all of Houston, Minnesota. Thomas Thompson, Aslag Gunderson; G. P. Blom; Nels Thompson, Jens Hanson, all of Fillmore, Lawrence Thompson; Anund Knudson; Jan Halvorson of Houston; Jonas Sorenson, Wisconsin. Jan. 3: Clear weather. Today all secessionists who had not made their oath under the Union were forced to close their shops and also they must have a license. Jan. 4: Clear weather. On guard. Everything was quiet and cool today. A "stray" Regiment of McClelland's old Army Came marching here. They had been in seven days of battle by Richmond. The first cannon boat was wrecked by a storm on the coast of North Carolina. -0- Elling Semmen from Fillmore and I were at the Theater this evening, and I became aware that the 19th also are theater actors. They simulated some of Napoleon's great battles. It was very interesting and fun. A large building at the Brewery burned down. They think that the fire was set. There were six good-for-nothing engines to put out the fire. Jan. 5: Clear weather. There were 20 men of our Company over to Norfolk for night Patrol. Our quarters were in a large Church. I put myself under a bench and there I slept the whole night. News from Rosencrans: he has taken 15 cannons and 3,000 arms. We have lost 6,000 men and the Rebels lost 12,000 or 15,000 men. Rosencrans will now be here at times. -0- We Provost guards haven't much to do. Jan. 6: Clear in the morning and rain in the afternoon. On guard. We got orders in the evening to look and listen well, and if we heard any picket shooting, we should report it right away to the Marshal. We didn't hear anything and all was quiet. -0- A little rain today. Jan. 7: Good weather. I was in quarters. News today that 52 cannon boats had come quite close to Vicksburg, and they say they have been captured. A fire over in Norfolk last night. There was a real uproar. -0- I was over to Portsmouth. Sold Bread, and bought Potatoes, Jan. 8: Clear weather. On guard. Nothing new on guard except that the girls get so much. Union people are friendly toward the Soldiers; and red, white, and blue is to be seen on them all. Fire in a small house here. -0- Today 150 secessionist ladies left from Norfolk to go to Richmond under the Parliamentary flag. We took a lot of clothes off a woman, which she wanted to take to Richmond., Jan. 9: An inch of snow. Very cold. It was reported today that Union Troops were driven back two miles from Vicksburg because they did not get their reinforcements. They had taken several Barricades but had to give them up again. Names of the decorated: Martin Thompsen (Houston), Elliot Larson (Houston); Andrew G. Nase, Annes G. Nase, Gunder J. Nase, Soren Sanderson, all of Fillmore. Ole G. Gjermundsen (Houston). We lost a lot of men. -0- I was at the Theater last night. Snow on the ground this morning but it disappeared quickly. Sergeant Sutlof came here to be assistant Pro-Sergeant. Rain today. Jan. 10: Rain all day. In quarters. Today was a bad day for a woman who tried to send clothes to her husband in Richmond. We discovered it and took it all away from her. Jan. 11: Clear weather. On guard. We were two men on post and guarded a secessionist's house. No one was allowed to go in or out during the night. I talked to a Norwegian sailor from Bergen. He has been over here around 20 years. There came a new locomotive named "General Dix." It was the biggest and best of first class. Its "run" is to be from here to Suffolk, Petersburg, and North Carolina. -0- I was at the Theater last night. It was very funny. They simulated "Iron Chest" and Ireland as it was. The 2nd Wisconsin Battery came through here today, bound for Suffolk. Myself and Ole Jenson had a good reward, or gratuity. Jan. 12: Clear weather. On guard. The 4th Wisconsin Battery came today. They shall go to Suffolk. They have been in Fort Monroe a whole year and were very glad that they got out in the world a little again. There were four Norwegians among them. They stopped here for three days. -0- The 4th Wisconsin Battery traveled through here, bound for Suffolk. Elling Semmen began to lose his mind. Jan. 13: Clear weather. In quarters. There was nothing new of importance. -0- B. Richardson is in the Hospital, doctoring for Dropsy. I. Barker is in jail because he forged a Sutler order. Moved downstairs. Jan. 14: Cloudy today. On guard. Last night we were over to Newton to a dance hall. We had lots of fun with the girls. We had orders to take them home, but we left a few of them. Everything was orderly and it was a merry dance. -0- At the Theater last night. Jan. 15: Storm and heavy rain. Fighting by Suffolk. There came an order that there were 6,000 Rebel cavalries inside our lines and they would come here in the night. We got orders to pack and be ready any minute. There came also a lot of cannon boats and anchored in the harbor. They probably had greeted them in due course. Last night fire broke out and ruined a lot of houses. We all thought it was a signal that the Rebels were coming. -0- I took a Sutler order for $1.00. Myself and John Halvorson had a good drink for $1.50. Today there was an order to capture deserter Marines. Some of the Provost Guard made $70 that way. Jan. 16: Rainy weather. On guard. Everything was quiet and cool after the stirring night. The secessionists were very sad because they did not get a chance to burn down our Hospital, which they had planned on doing. -0- Rain in the A.M. Jan. 17: Clear and cold weather. I and seven others went over to Norfolk to patrol. There was a bit of an uproar in one saloon, but it stopped as soon as we came in. One person had acquired a black eye. -0- James D. Henry and I followed orders and arrested two sailors from the cannon boat Waindotte, and brought them on board. We are to get $20 for that. Cold today. Jan. 18: Clear and cold weather. On guard. I patrolled around the Hospital. It is rumored that the secessionists will burn it down if they get the chance. Many cannon boats are in the Harbor today. What that means, I do not know. -0- Cold today. I was on guard at the Theater last night. I am on guard every fourth night and also I am there for fun most every other night. I dreamed last night that I saw my sister Aslaug lying dead. She seemed to me unusually lovely. It seems that I cried a lot. Jan. 19: Clear and cold weather. In quarters. Nothing new; everything stays the same. -0- I and Henry and Sampson were over to the cannon boat Waindotte. Jan. 20: Rainy weather. I talked with a woman who said that the mail to Richmond should leave tonight, and there also should be mail coming in from the same place. -0- Today I bought a cap and boots for the money I received from the two sailors we delivered. Jan. 21: Rain and storm. Little news. They say that Burnside had to move again. -0- The days go fast so we have really good days. Jan. 22: Rain and storm. On guard. There was some trouble among the secessionists, and they are not in very good humor. Rain today—all right. Jan. 23: Cloudy weather. Today the gunboat the "Weehauken" came here. A crowd of people came to see the sight. It looked more like the half end of a cannon boat. There are many other cannon boats in the harbor. What they are here for, I do not know. -0- Last night we got strict orders to stop all whiskey trading, and to keep prostitute houses well restricted. Also, we must take all uniforms from both the civilians and the Rebels. Drizzling rain. Jan. 24: Cloudy weather. On guard. There was music on board the cannon boat, and they cannonaded at the Navy Yard in honor of him. -0- Cloudy. Checker playing is the order of today. Jan. 25: Clear weather. I was over to Norfolk. We followed a soldier of the New York Regiment to his last resting place. Little news except that Burnside must move, but it goes slowly because of the rain and soft roads. -0- I was on board the ammunition boat, the "Weehauken." Jan. 26: Clear weather. On guard. Today the mail should have gone from here to Richmond. In the evening 20 men were sent out to hunt it up. We searched through forests and fields all night and did not come in until 6 o'clock in the morning, -0- Today, six New York soldiers were sent from Suffolk to Fort Norfolk for stealing. Jan. 27: Rainy weather, I was over to Norfolk last night on guard. My post was by a warehouse which had 180 tons of ammunition in it. -0-Storm. Today I brought a Rebel sergeant to Fort Norfolk. Jan. 28: Clear weather, I am in quarters. -0- Rain and mud, I think it best to stay inside and read the newspapers and play checkers. Jan. 29: Clear weather. Early today we heard loud cannon shooting. 8,000 Rebels were driven back over the Blackwater. We took 5,000 prisoners and twelve cannons. -0- Clear and cold. Today we got orders to take all loose creatures found in the streets. We got so many that our back yard got full. The owners had to pay one dollar per head to get them back. Jan. 30: -0- I heard loud shooting in the night. I think that they are fighting by Suffolk. Jan. 31: Clear weather. We expected the Rebels the night before Sunday, but they did not come. Fire broke loose and burned three houses and at the same time a fire over in Norfolk burned down a big hotel. -0- Provost guards who belong to the 99th Regiment, New York Volunteers or United States Coast Guard got their pay. Feb. 1: Clear weather. On guard. We got paid for four months. -0- We, the 19th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers, got paid for 4 months. Feb. 2: Drinking and tumult. There were many drunk, and there was wrestling in the house. -0- I went to Portsmouth and paid my laundry woman and newspaperman and the others that I owed. We Norwegians had a good drink together. Feb. 3: Eight inches of snow. On guard. -0- Today we have weather with six to eight inches of snow, but nevertheless, we got ordered to close all prostitute houses and arrest all prostitutes who had soldiers with them. I sent two prostitutes to jail, but let the soldiers go because they belonged to the cannon boat "West End." Feb. 4: Snow storm. I was downtown and there I saw a driving contrivance, or a vehicle, like I have never seen before. The sleigh consisted of two boards and looked like a Norwegian sled. On top of that stood a clothes basket and on top of that again sat girls and boys and an ugly-looking Mule was hitched to the Sled. -0- Today the "driving" in town is done by sleighs. It is really funny to see them with their royal sleds. Feb. 5: Rain and sleet. On guard. At two o'clock last night, fire broke out in a store and three houses were ruined. -0- It is raining today and the snow is disappearing. Feb. 6: In quarters. Rain today. Feb. 7: On guard. Cloudy weather. I had a good drink of whiskey, and a good meal of oysters. -0- I went to Suffolk to visit my Norwegian comrades in arms in Wisconsin Batteries. Feb. 8: Clear weather. It was reported that Calston was burned to ashes and Fort Sumter is taken. -0- I came from Suffolk. There I had a good time with the Norwegians in the 2nd Battery. They are all friendly and hospitable and kindhearted. After I came back, I went to Portsmouth and had a very good time with my comrades. Feb. 9: Clear weather. On guard. We heard today that Calston was not taken, but the Rebels had tried to evacuate the Blockade but they were driven back. -0- Came from Portsmouth. Feb. 10: Clear weather. I was over to Norfolk. I took several good drinks and also had two good meals. There was a dance for the soldiers. It cost one dollar a ticket. We heard loud cannon shots. -0- Today we arrested 22 soldiers from the 99th Regiment from Camp Mansfield by Deepcreek, Virginia. They came here without a pass or permission. They were all brought to jail. Feb. 11: A little rain. On guard. All was still and quiet. I won myself a watch and a gold ring. There was a big fire over in Norfolk. It ruined fourteen shops and many other houses. There was also a fire in Newton. A soldier of the 14 8th New York Regiment got married over in Newton. -0- We sent a lot of the 99th to jail. The Provost guards had a small battle with them down in "Little water" Street. McGrath and Murphy got quite a few bruises and scratches. I got letters from Gunder Brake and Ole Skree. Feb. 12: Rain. I was in quarters. -0- A destroying fire happened in the night on Main Street and Market Square. Many stores burned down. The soldiers stole a lot of what was taken out of the buildings. The Provost guards had plenty to do to watch over the saved clothes, and to train civilians how to "work" the fire engines. Many of the 99th were taken from jail and brought to the railroad cards, but on the way they overpowered the guards and some escaped, one hid, and one died. Many came back to Norfolk. Feb. 13: Clear weather, On guard. -0- Who knows how near the end is for me. Time hurries by so fast. Feb. 14: Clear weather. -0- I was over in Portsmouth all day and had lots of fun. "See the Soldier who on guard is standing!" Oh, see how he is freezing, So the Blood in him is shuddering. But whiskey, yes, whiskey is his medicine. Feb. 15: Rainy weather. On guard. I and O. Roding and A. Knudson were over to Newton. We visited some girls. -0- It is quiet in town today. I now weigh 175 pounds. Feb. 16: Clear weather. I was up to Mr. John's and had a good drink of whiskey. There is very little news through the day. -0- These are quiet and good days. Feb. 17: Rainy weather. On guard. I stood post guard by a warehouse that was taken by Uncle Sam for a Marine Hospital. -0- Rain all day. Feb. 18: Rainy weather. I was reprimanded by Sergeant Sampson because I did not keep it quiet enough at the Theater tonight. Feb. 19: A mixture. On guard. My post was at the front of "Ocean House." -0- It is now a soft quiet rain like in Norway. We sent a citizen to jail today because he drank to the health of Jeff Davis (President of the Confederacy). Feb. 20: Clear weather. I was over to Norfolk. -0- Provost guards took a lot of Beer and Whiskey today. Feb. 21: Rain. I was a little bit. sick. -0- Rev. P. C. Armstrong from Chicago came today from Camp Parole. He is a relative of S. Jackson. I followed him around town. We went to the Jews' Synagogue and listened to their sermon and saw their old customs. Feb. 22: Rain and sleet and storm. The mail boat did not come today, probably because of the storm. -0- It rained and snowed all night and today it is still raining. I was out on Patrol last night. I caught Mr. Jacobs when he tried to smuggle two big sacks of shoes and boots out to the boat. He was going to send them to the Rebel. Feb. 23: Clear and cold. On guard. We were over to Norfolk to a big meeting. All of the 19th Regiment gathered at the Theater. Also a company of the 148th New York Regiment and their musicians. Our Colonel Sanders gave a big speech first, then the Preacher, and at the conclusion, General Wiley. It ended with the hurrah cheers. Then we went home, -0- Gusty and cold. General Wiley gave a speech in the Opera House in honor of the day which was George Washington's birthday (February 22). Feb. 24: Clear weather. In quarters, -0- Over to Portsmouth. Feb. 25: Clear weather. On guard. My post was by the "Ocean House" and I talked to an old Norwegian who had been over here for 32 years. He was born in Skien, and had two sons in the Rebel Army. He had been sick for a long time and was in poor circumstances. We Norwegians each gave him a dollar. News today that Vicksburg was bombarded. We took part in the funeral service of a Union man. He was a good man and he thought a lot of the Soldiers. -0- Forward to truth and education. Feb. 26: In quarters. News that Vicksburg was captured. I and Gunnar Tallefson of Company F. were over to Portsmouth and had a very good day. Feb. 27: Cloudy weather. On guard. We put one of our company, William Denmit in jail. This person is a sailor and lives here in Portsmouth. There is a lot of drunkenness here. -0- I was on guard at the Theater last night and got in an argument with the doorman or door guard for the Saloon. Lt. Colonel Whipple was the cause of it, as he had given the doorman advice not to pay attention to the Provost Marshal. I got sent to quarters by the Provost Sergeant, but I got my "rights" the next morning. Feb. 28: Rain. We mustered up for pay. It was Colonel Whipple who mustered us. -0- We mustered for pay, both in the Company and also, in the back yard, we Provost Guards. Mar. 1: Clear weather. On guard. I went in to see a Norwegian man by the name of John Bottger. He came from Skien in Norway and has two sons in the Rebel Army. -0- Today there came twenty men of the 148th Regiment New York, and twenty men of the 173rd to be Provost guards instead of the 99th New York who were sent to camp for their villainy. Sent letter to Sigurd B. Mar. 2: Clear weather. It is quiet these days. -0- The new men are smart and willing to do their duty. Eighteen New Yorkers are street guards, and conscripts are Wharf guards. Mar. 3: Clear weather. On guard. People are beginning to plant potatoes now and the flowers are beginning to grow in the fields. -0-Sergeant Satty of the 2nd New York is now Commander over the Theater guards. We patrol now more than usual, but we do not arrest as many soldiers as we did as they have spent most of their money by now. In the P. M. Stormy. Mar. 4: Clear weather. We "drew" clothes today. I was over to Norfolk. I was also up to see Bottger and bought a dagger from him which he had taken away from a girl in the southern Army twenty years ago. -0- I was over to Portsmouth. Sergeant Sampson came back from his home in Massachusetts. Mar. 5: Clear weather. On guard. I patrolled around town many times. All was quiet except some Soldiers from the 99th New York Regiment. We frightened them a little and then we let them go. News today that the town of Vicksburg was evacuated. -0- It was really cold last night. There are many prostitute house dances that are allowed to stay open until 12 o'clock at night. Lt. Pullman of Company G. came and took over chief command of the Provost Guards. Letter to Abraham Bukorn. Mar. 6: Clear weather. -0- The Theater was really full, and funny too. Mar. 7. Clear weather. On guard. -0- We must now patrol four times daily. Mar. 8: Clear weather. I took a real good drink and in the evening we went up on the Border. A soldier of our Regiment got shot by his comrade who shot a Sailor, but it defected. News today that three of our Regiments are "edged up" in Tennessee. -0- Lt. Pullman came and took command of the Provost guards. He is a heavy, and quiet Polisher. Mar. 9: Clear weather. On guard. -0- Alfred J. Millward of Company I got shot last night while he stood guard by the jail. It happened that the Provost guards came with some prisoners that they had arrested and were bringing to jail, but when one tried to flee, the P. G. shot at him but, unluckily, he missed the escapee and hit the one who stood on guard. He belongs to the 19th Regiment Wisconsin Volunteers. Mar. 10: Rainy weather. I was in quarters. Today four men of our Regiment got desk guard: Erick Olson, Mikker, Plit Thorvald, and Ed Engelsen. -0- Still raining. Mar. 11: Rainy weather. On guard. Today Erick Olsen went home, and three others of our Regiment. They were some old "duffers." They are better now than when they enlisted. -0- I was on guard at the Theater last night. We had a lot of trouble with two Navy officers who were a little drunk and resisted the Provost Guard. We brought one back to his senses and duties. The other one we dragged off to jail. He complained a lot and said we mishandled him and did not pay any attention to his high rank. Mar. 12: Clear weather. I was in quarters. No news except a little fighting in Tennessee, by Vicksburg. -0- Thirteen men a Corporal Sedgewick from 148th Regiment New York Volunteers came as reinforcement to the Provost guards. I wrote to Madison for some books. Sent $2.15. Mar. 13: Clear weather and cold. On guard. Thirteen trunks with shoes and clothes in them were taken; they were going to Richmond. They left at 4 A. M. this morning, but they were taken back when they got to the Pickets. At 2 P. M., our Pickets were driven back by the Blackwater. -0- The rest of the 99th Regiment who were on the Provost guard got sent to their own Regiment in Suffolk. I and Storms and Vanvie and Vanaldstyne took a Sailor, got $10 for it. An Army Corps passed by here today. They went to Suffolk and came from Newport. I got a letter from Sigurd Bakke and I and Sedgewick took two sailors for which we got $10. Mar. 14: Clear weather. I am in quarters. A lot of Regiments passed by here yesterday. We arrested two men and fourteen women who were going to Richmond. They had seven wagon loads of costly wares, between three or four thousand dollars worth. -0- The Provost Guards were very active after Sailors for which a reward has been offered. Mar. 15: Clear in the morning, rain at night. On guard. Three big steamboats came here with soldiers. -0- The 3rd Division of the 9th Army Corps traveled through here today, bound for Suffolk. Mar. 16: There came three steamboats loaded with Mules and Wagons. We worked nearly all day unloading them from the boat. In the evening, we got free tickets to the Theater. Clear weather. -0- Rain. I was relieved of street duty today, presumably to be wharf-guard. I do not like it, because this way I shall get Conscripts to govern. I wrote to Sigurd Bakke. Mar. 17: Clear weather. On guard. There came a lot of transport ships loaded with mules, wagons, and ammunition. They were from Burnside's old Army. They had also passed by here before in a former year. Loud cannon shooting by Suffolk. Reports say that there were four hours of fighting. Reported from Mississippi that we have captured 26 cannonboats and 7,000 prisoners. -0- I moved up into the Custom House where they "drafted" before. Mar. 18: In quarters. Good Weather. There was loud cannon shooting. They say that there is a battle by Blackwater. -0- I and four men took twenty-six prisoners up to Suffolk. Most of them belong to the 99th. They came out of jail from Fort Norfolk. I brought them there safely. Fifteen Rebel prisoners came from Suffolk; they were captured in battle yesterday. Mar. 19: Snow and sleet. On guard. -0- Corporal Gamble of Company D was today sent to his own company, because he got into too much trouble at the "Lewd houses." Nasty weather, half sleet, snow. Mar. 20: Six inches of snow. -0- It is snowing hard, really hard. Orders are that all Bowling alleys must close at 9 o'clock; and other Saloons and sordid or lewd houses must close at 10 o'clock P. M. All sleighs are in full operation now. I got a letter from Tarje Aslakson Rui. Mar. 21: On guard. Snow and sleet. I was over to Newton. It is raining really hard now and the snow is disappearing. I sent a letter to Tarje A. Rui, and newspaper to Ole Skrae. Mar. 22: Clear weather. In quarters. I was up to Mr. Bottger. Reports are that Calston was bombarded by six turret guns. -0- The ordinary duties we do the best that we can. Mar. 23: Clear weather. On guard. At 4 o'clock this morning, fire broke out in a large farm house over in Newton. I and Nils Thompson were the first to reach the fire. I heard that there was a big uproar in Baltimore between the Soldiers and the Secessionists. -0- We go out and patrol and we smoke cigars and drink beer and cider. Then we go in again and play checkers and amuse ourselves the best that we can in any way. Mar. 24: Clear weather. In quarters. -0- Swedish Andrew Anderson was sent from P. G. to Mason Hospital. He is very sick. Hans Sandsman and William Vedlin are mourning for him. Mar. 25: Clear weather. On guard. We took three travel cases that belonged to some secessionists. We presume that they were going to Richmond. I do not know what was in them. We set them in by the Provost marshal. There were three dances last night over in Newton. Our Company had their dance, -0- William Vedline is a polite comrade. Mar. 26: Clear weather. In quarters. Today we got general orders that no one was to leave quarters, and each man was given forty cartridges in his kit. I and Vedline were over to Portsmouth and visited A. Anderson. He seemed to be better. A.O. Roding is also in the Hospital. He is bothered with rheumatism. I got books from Madison. I sent the newspaper to Ole Skrae. Mar. 27: Clear weather. On guard. Today was Jeff Davis' (President of the Confederacy) "Prayer Day." People gathered in large crowds and wanted to go into the church to pray for him. When they had gathered there and the Priest had closed the doors to the Church, then we came and chased them all to their various quarters. -0- This evening orders were given that no civilians will be allowed on the street after 9 o'clock, nor will a Soldier unless he has a Pass which is compulsory. Mar. 28: Rainy weather. I was in quarters. -0- I and two other men brought five prisoners to Fort Monroe. At the same time there were brought four Rebel officers who were sent to Richmond. Mar. 29: Clear weather. On guard. -0- Cold. Rumors are that Fort Sumter is taken. I got a letter from Madison. Pete Thompson sent a letter to Norway. Mar. 30: Clear weather. In quarters. We signed the Payroll. I was told that Fort Sumter was bombarded by seventeen turret guns. -0- 148th Regiment got their wages today. Seven men came here who had just escaped from the Rebel Army. Mar. 31: Clear weather. On guard. One thinks that when a Soldier comes home with his clothes in ruin, the first thing he asks, when he gets home, is if his dearest one is living yet. -0- I signed the Payroll for four months wages. Apr. 1: Clear weather. -0- Orders from Post Marshal that all public businesses must within five days procure a Union flag and hoist it in the clear by their stores so that it will be in full view. We Provost Guards had to go around and warn them. A lot were very unhappy about the order. Apr. 2: Clear weather. On guard. A lot of Soldiers, wagons, and mules came here. Richmond must be almost empty of Soldiers. They are taking the road to Tennessee. -0- A Rebel in United States uniform came in. We took him for a spy. Apr. 3: Clear weather. A secessionist captain came today from Richmond. We were hunting for him but did not find him. Today 20,000 Rebels stood in the Front line by Williamsburg. They are waiting for "battle orders" every day. Today Company D moved from here over to Norfolk. -0- Cold weather. Apr. 4: Three inches of snow. On guard. We were port guards today. My post was by the Ocean House. -0- It is blowing and snowing something frightful. Apr. 5: Snow. In quarters. -0- I was at the Theater tonight. The weather was so nasty that not a single woman could get there. There was a private from the 99th Regiment who had a first Lieutenant's insignia on his shoulder. I sent him to jail. Apr. 6: Clear weather. On guard. My post was by the Provost Marshal. Today we mustered the Fire brigade. -0- Nothing new through the days except just ordinary patrolling and bringing one to jail now and then for various crimes. Apr. 7: Clear weather. I am in quarters. -0- Lying around and getting fat. Apr. 8: Clear weather. On guard. Today a secessionist Colonel came and delivered his horse and saddle. -0- A Rebel Major came in. He had escaped from the Rebel Army. He was held in contempt by all when he came here to his acquaintances. Freedom and ? ? Apr. 9: Clear weather. In quarters. Fighting by Blackwater. General Foster is surrounded by the Rebels by Washington in North Carolina, but they say that he should be able to hold out for seventeen days of fighting and then he should be getting some help. -0- Warm and good weather. Apr. 10: Clear weather. On guard. Some of the 19th Regiment went to Suffolk. -0- We got our pay. We were told that many carriages were thrown from the railroad because General Peck had in haste broken up a bridge because he was a coward and afraid that the Rebels would capture the railroad station. Eighteen carriages went off the railroad tracks. They blamed General Peck for it and say that he was put under arrest for it. Got a letter from Abraham Bukoen. Apr. 11: Clear weather. -0- 160 men of the 19th Regiment were ordered out last night with three days Ration, bound for Deepcreek or Suffolk. We got orders to pack up and be ready to march. They say that the enemy is threatening Suffolk and this place. We do not feel any fear for Norfolk. I wrote to Christian Brakke. Apr. 12: Clear weather. On guard. Today all of us got orders to pack our knapsacks and be ready. At 12 o'clock Suffolk got shelled by the Rebels and the Union people came here. At the same time the women and children were ordered to leave town. The Rebels were driven back four miles from Suffolk. -0- We slept with our guns last night as if they were our "girls" ready to fall in any minute, but all was still. Many gunboats have gathered here ready to greet the Rebels. Got a letter from Tarje Rui. Apr. 13: Clear weather. Orders today that all secessionists who will not swear themselves under the Union are to leave here in the morning. We heard loud cannon shooting by Suffolk. Two of our cannon boats were shot to pieces. -0- The Union people had a meeting today where they suggested and requested that the authorities to send all secessionists inside the line to the Rebels. The secessionists set their noses high in the air, as they were waiting for the Rebels to come and "free" them from the "Yankee tyranny" as they call it; but we held them strictly to themselves today. I wrote to Tarje Rui. Apr. 14: Clear weather. On guard. We traveled from Portsmouth at 9 o'clock in the evening and came to Suffolk in the night. We did not stop but marched further over stick and stone; I do not know for how long. We stopped in Enston camp. We went into some empty tents, and shooting and artillery firing was heard through the night. I think that the Rebels were in on it. -0- We are now ready to go to Suffolk at 10 o'clock tonight. I had a fine "drink" with my comrades before I go. The 148th P. G. are reluctant to leave us. Apr. 15: Raining hard. We lay in camp by Suffolk. There were skirmishes and cannon shooting all around us. We left here in the afternoon for another camp. We set up our tents there. At 12 o'clock in the night we heard drumming and "Long roll." We were ready and traveled to a place where the Rebels wanted to cross a river. We marched for four hours through forests and fields and over sloughs and creeks. We walked in mud that went over our knees, and some of us lost our shoes and had to march barefooted. When we got forth, we lay ourselves down in a Fir forest, as wet as we were. -0- I do not have the room to write down my Lexical. Apr. 16: Clear weather. Today was the first time that I saw the Rebels behind their barricades. We sent them bullets and shells. Our camp was in a thick Fir forest close to the Nansemond river. At 12 o'clock in the night the "Long roll" sounded and we started off. We, Company B., P.C.E., traveled on another border and marched rapidly. We marched through forests and sloughs and water and mud that went over our knees. Many lost their shoes and had to go barelegged. Others fell full length in the mud. By daybreak we lay ourselves down on the grass by the forest. Rain. Apr. 17: Clear weather. In camp by Nansemond river. I was nearly up to Suffolk. In the night we were out scouting. We were supposed to cross the river and take a Battery. -0- Good weather. We are now doing Picket duty and supporting the Battery. The "firing" goes on uninterrupted, sometimes it is Picket shooting and sometimes the Batteries and the cannon boats. Two were killed and two wounded on one of our cannon boats today. We had to sleep in the open air. Apr. 18: Clear weather. We were out scouting. We were out until one o'clock in the night. We had thought of crossing the river to take a Battery but it was not all frozen, so we could not do it. -0- I was on picket last night. All was still where I was. I heard that my friend James D. Potter of Company F, 99th Regiment, is fatally wounded. Sent a letter to G. John Brakke. Apr. 19: Clear weather. Today a Fort was captured with five cannons and 135 prisoners and 200 guns. This Fort lay a mile in front of our camp. Bombs and shells came near our tent. Artillery fire kept up all night from the cannon boats and Batteries. -0- I was up and visited the 99th Regiment. It has its camp where the enemies' bullets cut across all through the day. Sent a letter to A. O. Roding. Apr. 20: Clear weather. Cannonading and skirmishes are all around here along the Nansemond river. Some of our men crossed and barricaded themselves on the other side. On picket. I stood at one point and there lay six cannon boats "shelling" at the Rebels. -0- We have now received our provisions. Tonight we got our Shelter tents. Some of the 89th Regiment New York Volunteers went over the river one mile from us and took a Battery. Six cannons and 175 prisoners. Apr. 21: Clear weather. On picket. We left Nansemond river and went to Fort Dix. We lay there overnight and went back the next day. We set up our tents at another place on a large cornfield close to General Gedes headquarters. -0- We, Company B and Company E went up to Forts Dix where we found the other six companies. It is rumored that General Haleck is coming to see how everything is going. Apr. 22: Clear weather. We went back to Nansemond river. In the evening we went out on picket, then came back and went out again. We worked on our fortification nearly all night because the Rebels were "snipe" shooting much during the day that we had to build at night. -0- We went to our Supply tent camp, got our first whiskey ration, and left again. Apr. 23: Rain. We were out on a "Spit" and built a Fort. The Rebels shot at us and we at them. We were up all night. A soldier of our Regiment shot a cow on the other side of the river. A shell from Fort Suffolk killed a Rebel that we could see. A bullet came close to my ear. Apr. 24: Good weather. We went to Fort Dix. 15,000 men were going out there to chase the Rebels for two miles. We set up our tents there. At 10 o'clock in the evening we got orders again to march back to Nansemond river. We struggled along all night, and shooting and artillery fire was heard from all directions. We had to stand in "battle line" all night. -0- I had better not say anything. Apr. 25: Clear weather. All who were able were out digging. But it was not many after the hard work and march of two nights and two days. -0- Today we again got marching orders but Company B had only twenty-six men. The others were sick or footsore. Yesterday we had thirty-eight men ready for battle. Major E. A. Bovey went to Norfolk again to take his place as Provost Marshal. It is better for him as he is no warrior. Had a letter from Jacob Gjevanty. Apr. 26: Clear weather. We went up to our first camp in the evening. We were down on a fort and worked all day. The Rebels' bullets and shells whistled around us, but we gave them some too. -0- Myself, together with 99 others from the 19th Regiment, observed the Sabbath with a shovel in hand and we worked diligently on Fort Sanders. We were relieved and then went up to our Supply tent camp. There were many there before us who were sick or footsore and exhausted from the work and marching which we have had since we came here. Apr. 27: Clear weather. We lay in camp; some were on Picket. -0-Lovely weather. We have it quiet today. An order was given by Brigade General Getty which was given to hurt our Regiment. I think that our officers are without reason, very embittered at both the General and his orders. He blames us for childish behavior and is sending us back from the battle line. We had to put pickets by our camp in abasement. There is a lot of card playing for money going on here. Some make ten, fifteen, or twenty dollars a day. Wrote to Jacob Juvland. Apr. 28: Rainy weather. We lay in camp. We got march orders so we took down our tents, then we fixed them up again. -0- Regular orders forbids card playing for money or articles of value. Transgressors will be punished with ten days extra duty, and put on just bread and water. Cannon and picket shooting go on both night and day. We got march orders and took down our big tent. Then we got other orders and we set up our small tents. Myself and Peter Thompson are tenting together, as usual. Apr. 29: Rain. We moved from our first camp up to Suffolk Depot. We set up our big tent on a muddy field. Today General Stoneman's Cavalry crossed the Rappahannock with 20,000 men and took the road to Richmond. -0- It rained last night and the mud is deep and bad. We moved up close to town and set up our big tent in the mud. As usual, we are nine Norwegians and three Germans in this tent. It is a peaceful tent. Apr. 30: Rainy weather. We lay in camp. In the night the Rebels were restless and shot without ceasing, but we gave them the broadside again. Two men from the 99th New York Regiment were shot, and a few in some other Regiment. -0- Today General Hooker crossed the Rappahannock. He took 5,000 prisoners in the first town. F. Wolsey was arrested by Colonel Sanders for disobedience. Last night it rained so hard that the water came into our tent. We mustered for pay. Ben Rikliggen escaped. May 1: Clear weather. We worked on our new camp ground. Some Regiments went over the river and drove the Rebels back, but there they met six Rebel brigades so we had to back out. Regiment 99th New York lost forty men, killed and wounded. -0- Lovely weather. I became acquainted with some Swedes, William Peterson, and Nelson, and others in Company A 112th Regiment New York Volunteers. They are from Jamestown in Chautauqua County, New York. We are working on our camp ground. B. Richardson escaped from us this evening. It is a beautiful "May Day." I am on guard. Nils Thompson, L. Elmer, and D. Ward left on the steamboat. May 2: Clear weather. Some of the Artillery and Infantry went over the Nansemond river the night before Sunday. There was "Long roll", and shooting all night. We were up three times and stood in line and rank. -0- The 99th had a battle this evening. We lost fifty men, dead and wounded. Loud cannon shooting. Long roll. Many troops went down to the river. They are going across to "try" the Rebels. Target practice for the 19th Regiment of New York (Arald). May 3: Clear weather. Early this morning Union troops crossed the Nansemond river at different places. Here by Suffolk we drove the Rebels back two miles. There came around 130 dead and wounded to Suffolk. -0- They say that General Longstreet's horse was shot from under him. I was up in a tree and could see a part of the fighting that was going on, on the other side of the river. The firing began really early today. Myself and others were down on the river bridge and observed how they battled, just three-fourths of a mile from us. It was a majestic sight to see all those Bayonets flashing in the bright morning sun. Our Battery is chasing them now. Noon: The dead and wounded are coming in. May 4: Clear weather. Today we followed the Rebels all the way to Blackwater. The Rebels began to retreat on Sunday afternoon and all through the night until Monday. -0- Part of our troops followed Mr. Longstreet and his bandits toward the Blackwater river and they took a lot of prisoners. Some came in voluntarily and they say that they have fought long enough for the Rebel slave drives. P. S.: At the first pay day in Madison, Company B had eighty-seven men. How many have we now! May 5: The weather is clear. Today a lot of divisions traveled to Fortress Monroe. We do not know where they are going. They say that they are to go up the James river to Williamsburg, and come toward Richmond on this side. -0- To the 14th of April, 1863 when we left Norfolk, our Company B had lost thirty-three men, some wounded, fifteen escaped, twelve got their discharge, six died. We have seven enlisted men since we came south. Two of them are mulatto, but are as fair as I am. So we had on the 14th of April, sixty-one men in the Company, officers included. The 3rd Division of the 9th Army Corps left here bound for Fort Monroe. The 2nd and 4th Battery Wisconsin are traveling too. May 6: Rain. Today we are in camp by Suffolk. We are waiting for march orders and it is said that we shall go to North Carolina to General Foster. Good news from General Hooker: He has crossed the Rappahannock and taken Fredericksburg from behind with all entrenchment and four to five thousand prisoners; and at the same time Stoneman has cut off the railroad to Richmond in different places and is coming again by the White House and York River. -0-Pouring rain last night. I have a little stomach sickness. Waiting for march orders. Wrote to Sigurd Brakke. May 7: Cloudy weather. In camp. We are anxiously waiting to hear from Hooker. Rebel General Stonewall Jackson's left arm was shot off. -0-Today I was on the sick list for the first time since last October. May 8: Rainy weather. In camp. Good news from General Hooker: 10,000 to 12,000 prisoners taken. General Stoneman cut off the rail road and bridges at different places from Richmond to Fredericksburg. -0- I am in good health today. It is still raw, wet and damp and foggy and many have a little stomach sickness. May 9: Clear weather. Different news. It is said, that Hooker has been driven back over the Rappahannock, but with not too much loss; 2,000 prisoners. Stoneman has been two miles near Richmond and destroyed all that got in his way. -0- We bathed in the Nansemond river today. We are not getting any newspapers and are very anxious to hear from General Hooker and his Army. I was on duty all day. May 10: Clear weather. News that Hooker was driven back over the Rappahannock, but in good order. Rebel General Stonewall Jackson died today from his wound. -0- Mr. Cooper of Company D shot himself through the hand last night while he was lying with his musket by his side. Some think that he did it on purpose so that he can get discharge. He is from Minnesota, (by Tallefson): Mr. Cooper of Company D shot himself through the hand imprudently in the guard house. May 11: Clear weather. Good news - they say that Fort Sumter is taken. At the same time, a report came at 8 o'clock in the evening that Richmond was taken. An Army had come up from Yorktown. -0- The 99th moved down and lay themselves beside us. They say that we belong to a brigade and that Colonel Waldrop shall act as brigade General. I think that he is capable of the job. On guard. It is a year ago today that the Merrimac was destroyed. May 12: Clear weather. Different news. Some said that Richmond was taken; and others said that it was not, and that is probably the truth. -0- Today a lot of sick and wounded from here were sent by steamboat to Chesapeake and Hampton Hospitals. They say that the traitors are coming close here again and therefore the Hospital must be ready. Dress parade. General orders that Sergeants of Company H and of Company K should be demoted to privates. The first because he wrote to the Secretary of War without permission; and the second because he went to Norfolk without leave or a pass. May 13: Clear weather. Some Regiments went over to Blackwater. They say that we are all going up there. Good news from Vicksburg. May 14: Clear weather. We took down our tent at nine o'clock this morning. We moved it a little way. We took a prisoner by Blackwater. The first thing that he said was that General Stonewall Jackson was dead. -0- We moved our camp closer to the town, in line with three other Regiments that belong to our General Wistar's Brigade. They are the 19th Wisconsin, 9th Vermont, 118th and 99th Regiment New York Volunteers. May 15: Clear weather. We got marching orders at noon. We went out thirteen miles toward Blackwater. We stopped by a large Farm which was called "Deserted House." There had been two battles there. One this year and one before, and it showed the ruins. Also, there were many dead horses and the houses were burned. I was on picket during the night around the forest. -0- At 12 o'clock we left with three days ration and sixty rounds of cartridges, and came to Deserted House. May 16: Clear weather. I talked to two Norwegians of the 26th Michigan Regiment and a Dane. We went six or seven miles forward this day. In the afternoon we stopped by a creek bridge and Mill. We made a barricade there. They say that the Rebels are coming there during the night, but they did not come. We had orders to defend this place to the utmost. The night went by quietly. Many troops came here and settled on this old battle field. We traveled six or seven miles southwest and settled by a flour mill. May 17: Clear weather. We worked all day building our barricade by the bridge. Here by our station is a Mill and it is coming in mighty handy. We grind grain and bake bread and Pie every day. The grain we take from the Rebels. -0- We, Company B, worked diligently on our barricade here, because we have to hold this place and not let the enemy come over to hinder us while we are taking up the railroad. Obersten opened the Mill and started to grind grain to provide food for his boys. We shall not lack for beef or pork, as there are enough pigs and cattle here. May 18: Clear weather. We built our Fort taller. Our transport is cut off, they say, and our bread sacks are empty; but we take grain and pork off Jeff Davis and we live quite well. I was on Picket this evening. I saw signal lights in all directions. At 12 o'clock in the night we heard a volley of musketry, about 300 or 400 shots. They say that our own soldiers shot at one another in error. -0- The weather is still good. We worked a little on our barricade. Myself and some of my comrades went farther inland and saw that the land resembles the big Fir moors in Norway. May 19: Clear weather. At 3 o'clock this morning, we retreated back to Ronock railroad. We went back several miles and stopped on the outskirts of a farm in the forest. In the evening we moved several miles again to Deserted House. There were around 8,000 or 9,000 men there before we came. We were put up into the battle line. We lay with our guns in our arms. -0- At midnight our provisions and mail came. By daybreak we got orders to "fall in" with three days ration, and marched quickly on the road to Suffolk for six miles. Then we got other orders and went back four miles, for the most on the double quick. We lay ourselves in battle line by a large farm. There were many troops there before us. May 20: Clear weather. At 9 o'clock in the morning we moved into a forest and were set up in battle line. We were there until evening. Then we marched around six miles through forests and fields and came again to Petersburg railroad. We stopped on a prairie and lay down beside our gang. -0- We lay quiet last night in the forest. I think that the biggest part of the Troops have come back to this place. At 7 P.M. we left the Deserted House and went to Windsor by Norfolk and Petersburg railroad. At 11 o'clock at night we lay down beside four other Regiments. We and the 99th moved and lay ourselves on the south side of Windsor. May 21: Clear weather. At 9 o'clock this morning we moved a mile on our way. We stopped along a fence in that region. We lay there all day and the next night. This station is called Windsor. -0- I was on picket last night. Myself and some Germans killed a steer to get some fresh meat, but because we "shot" we were all arrested by a staff officer. I had the gun and I took flight with it. The others were brought before the General, but they put all the blame on me and said that they did not know me, and that way we all went free, (written by Tallefson—"I got a letter from my father in Norway .") May 22: We got up at 3 o'clock this morning and stood in the battle line until 6 o'clock. We lay still all day. In the evening we went out on picket. We were fourteen men of the station where we were. -0-We and the 99th stood in the battle line for three hours early this morning. A.O. Reding, and A. Knutsen came after us. They just got out of the Hospital. May 23: Clear weather. We got up at 3 o'clock this morning and stood in rank with full packs until 6 o'clock (this morning). We were ready for the Rebels. Our pickets were driven in by Deserted House. -0-Also today we had to stand in line like yesterday. At 10 o'clock P.M. we were awakened to receive our three days ration. We have had it quiet today, but are waiting for march orders tonight. I wrote to G. Johnson Brakke. We draw our plans in the evening. May 24: Clear. We got up at 3 o'clock in the morning. Left Windsor station at noon today and marched eight miles and stopped at Phillips Mill, seven miles from Suffolk. Here is the largest camp in the south. -0- At noon we left our camp by Windsor and went nine miles on the way to Suffolk until we came to the Church, and then on northward to a Mill in Western Branch. We made camp there to hold the Rebels back in case that they should try to cross over. It was very warm, and the march was the hardest that we have ever had. All Corporals except myself were too tired or sick to go on Picket. May 25: Cloudy weather. A Rebel soldier from the 4th Mississippi came and turned himself in. He said that his comrades would soon come after him. It has been eight days since a Rebel got shot. 0- We lay quiet today by Phillips Mill. A Rebel deserter came here today. May 26th: Cloudy weather. We left Phillips Mill at 1 o'clock midday, and went to Suffolk. We went through the Rebels' barricades and they showed that we had harpooned them good. Dead horses lay around and also there were graves with "humans" buried in them. -0- Cold and cool. Left the Mill and came to our camp in Suffolk at 5 o'clock P. M. All is well. May 27: Clear weather. We signed the payroll in the morning. We drilled a little in the forenoon. We got marching orders at midday. We waited all day but we did not leave. We were paid at 8 o'clock in the evening. -0- Got orders to pack up and be ready to travel from here. We were paid for March and April. May 28: Clear weather. We drilled a little in the forenoon, and a little in the afternoon. We have marching orders at any minute and three days ration in the Knapsack. Lying ready. -0- We are now waiting for marching orders. Today we had our first trial at Skirmish drill. I sent my Draft to Christian H. Brakke. May 29: Clear weather. We drilled for three hours. Good news from Vicksburg: General Grant has surrounded it and taken with cannons by the hundreds from them. It says in the papers that the Rebels hereto have cut themselves off, just in case they had to march out of Vicksburg with the Army people, then they should leave everything like ammunition and arms. -0- We now have to drill 3 times a day. May 30: Clear weather forenoon, rain afternoon. I was on guard, Police guard, We veneered our drill pads, and our marching orders were held up until further notice. -0- Sergeants and Corporals drill alone now for the first time. May 31: Clear weather. We had inspection for Colonel Sander. Telegraph dispatch at Vicksburg was taken and General Grant killed. -0- All is well. Jun. 1: We got up at 4 A.M. and drilled until 5 o'clock. -0- Excellent weather. Jun. 2: Clear weather. I was a little sick and did not drill. -0- We are still skirmish drilling. Jun. 3: Rainy weather, We did skirmish and battalion drilling. Dress parade at 6 o'clock P.M. Jun. 4: Clear weather. On guard. There was double guard. Two men at each post. Lieutenant Spen of Company D was officer of the guards and we had a real good comedy with him today; he behaved like a fool. -0-Lt. Pullman accidentally got shot through the arm by a revolver which was held in Lt. Carmodie's hand. Jun. 5: Clear weather. We were over to Fort Dix and drilled brigade drill. We were four Regiments. -0- On police guard. Our brigade had the first brigade drill today, by General Isaac P. Wistar. Our Regiment made a mistake in the drill. Jun. 6: Clear weather today. Rained in the night. We drilled battalion drill. There are many here who are ill with the stomach sickness which I suppose is caused by the water. Many wish that we could move again. I got a letter from Sigurd Brakke. Jun. 7: Clear weather. I was on guard today. My post was by the Quartermaster. -0- We drill now every day, battalion drill. General Wistar today sent one of his staff officers to help our Colonel at commanding. Up one and all in the north corner, and Swords! Jun. 8: Clear weather. We were in camp. The weather is still good, but cold at night. Jun. 9: Clear weather. A Regiment came here today. -0- I was on guard. — Peter Paar.) Jun. 10: Clear weather, Two companies went to the river and bathed. -0- Col. Wadropp of the 99th New York was with us today to help our Colonel command the battalion drill. We learned fast under him. He brought another battle drill. Jun. 11: Little rain. A brigade went to Blackwater. -0- Colonel Sanders thanked Colonel Wadropp for the drill which he gave us. We gave Col. Wadropp three Hurrahs, for which he thanked us very politely. Jun. 12: Clear weather. We lay in camp. A few Regiments went over to Blackwater. The Guerillas have shot some of our cavalry men. -0- N. Thompson and A. S. Sili went to the Hospital. General Corcoran left with 12,000 men to lead them after the Rebels. Jun. 13: Good weather. We were in camp. -0- There are not many white families in Suffolk, but many colored ones, and many Sutlers. Jun. 14: Clear weather. We lay in camp. It is said that the Rebels are going into Maryland and Pennsylvania. Hooker broke up his headquarters by Falmouth. -0- There came eighteen men of the 99th to our camp under arrest for different crimes, among others, for stealing away when the Regiment should go to Blackwater. They are sentenced to march as long as they are able to, and then they will be bound and gagged or have to sit bent over. This is General Wistar's sentence, and they shall be punished for a long time. Jun. 15: Clear, Drilling every day; Company and Battalion drill. General Lee has forsaken his camp by Fredericksburg and marched in a northerly direction. -0- Albert Othman got his discharge and went home today. A.E. Elmore has also received his, but he must wait until morning so that he can publicly be dishonored at dress parade because he stole $10.00 from his comrade D. Hagton. He is being held under guard until he leaves. Jun. 16: Clear. We drilled. It is said that we are to leave here in the morning, but we do not know where. -0- Elmore left today, dishonored, though many doubted if it were as they said. Islag Gunderson cut off his little toe. Good weather. Jun. 17: Clear, We left Suffolk in the evening. We stopped in Norfolk for several hours; then we went on board a large Steamer there. We were stowed together like swine. We got plenty of whiskey on board for two dollars a bottle. Got a letter from J. Juvland. -0- Last night at 12 o'clock we got orders to get ready to march with three days ration. At 6 P.M. the 19th and 9th Vermont left our camp by Suffolk. Traveled by railroad to Norfolk. Got there at 10 o'clock. Five sick Norwegians were left behind. They were: P.E.; A.G.; N.T.; E.S.; and T. Thompson. Jun. 18: Clear. We got to Yorktown at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. We got whiskey on board and we were as drunk as Pigs when we landed. We marched up over town, and one lay here and another there. -0- At One P.M. we left Norfolk on the steamer "Maple Leaf." At Two o'clock we struck a sandbar. At Seven o'clock we got loose again with the help of two tug boats and we went merrily on our way. PM.: Landed in Yorktown and lay ourselves in camp on the battlefield of George Washington and Lord Cornwallis. Jun. 19: Rainy weather. We lay in camp outside the town on a prairie. Here it was that the English General Cornwallis gave up his sword to General Washington and the peace was founded in a former Revolution. -0- On guard. We got orders to return our Knapsacks and our superfluous clothes. The "left section" came after us. Jun. 20: Rain. We drilled battalion drill. -0-. General Terry's brigade came here. We had general inspection today. The whole "Plain" is white with tents. The 3rd division of the 9th Army Corps is here. There came many Batteries today and laid themselves on the "Plain" toward the river. Jun. 21: Rain. We had inspection. Troops came in by the thousand. I do not know how many. -0- More Troops are coming in. Jun. 22: Clear weather. We drilled Battalion drill. Many Regiment Troops came in. -0- We six Norwegians went into the country and picked Cherries, of which there was an abundance. We also got the best kind of Buttermilk from a Negro farmer. Here is a settlement of Negroes who own their farms. Apples and Blackberries are not ripe yet as they were a year ago at this time. Jun. 23: Clear weather. We turned in our Knapsacks to the Quartermaster. We have marching orders about this time. -0- We turned in our supply tent, our Knapsacks, and our superfluous clothes. We are fresh as fish and cheery as birds. Jun. 24: Clear weather. General inspection at Nine o'clock this forenoon. We got our Knapsacks again. We drilled for General King of Wisconsin. -0- We were inspected by brigade General Rufus King. We got our Knapsacks again. Uncle C. Wilber is discharged and left us today. He is a good old man. Jun. 25: Rain, We left Yorktown at 3 o'clock in the afternoon for West Point. We went by "steamboat" and landed late in the evening,. We marched, up on an old campground which was barricaded well. Here the York River divides into two branches. The one branch is called Monk [Pamunkey] river and the other [Mattaponi]. -0- P.M.: We left Yorktown on the steamer "City of Alabama" and came to West Point in the evening. We marched one and one-half miles and lay ourselves in a deserted camp. Jun. 26: Rainy weather. We moved our camp a little farther forward. We set up our tents in a thick leafy forest on the outskirts of some large grain fields. -0- We moved us again a little way and lay us in camp in a Forest by a large "Plain" with a very good situation. It is just the "right" wing of our brigade and the 16th New York Battery that is here. The others went farther up. We lay here to make sure our backwards march. On guard. Jun. 27: Clear weather, We stayed in camp and fixed our house. -0- It rained merrily last night. I wrote to John Lui. Jun. 28: Cloudy. The 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry has taken 140 prisoners and among them a General Lee, brother, to the highest commanding General in the South, and a Colonel and eight Captains and 500 mules. -0- The Regiment is very healthy now. Jun. 29: Clear. On guard, camp guard. There was little news in camp today. A Rebel soldier came in and gave himself up. -0- We set up our good tents and shelters of Pine boughs. Jun. 30: Rain. We mustered for pay. It is said that Lee has taken Harrisburg, but it is not for sure yet; but women and children have deserted the town. -0- Inspection and mustering. Rain. Jul. 1: Clear. Today there are twenty-four of our men out on picket. I am in camp. -0- On picket one and one-half miles outside our barricade in a deserted field which now gave an abundant crop of Blackberries which we can gather by the bushels. We use a lot of them for sauce. Jul. 2: Clear weather. It is said that Port Hudson is taken. We heard loud cannon shooting up by Richmond in the evening. -0- 7 P.M. We heard a lot of loud cannon shooting in the direction toward Richmond. Warmer weather now. Jul. 3: Clear. We drilled. There shall be hard fighting by Fort Dalling and Richmond. General Foster has come with 30,000 men. -0- We drilled today for the first time since we came here. Jul. 4: Clear weather. Three men of our company unloaded Provisions from a Steamer. We went out at 4:30 P.M. In the morning we came back at 8 o'clock. We drilled battalion drill in the evening. It is said that we have taken 6,000 prisoners in Pennsylvania. Today General Grant took Vicksburg. This is for sure. He took over 20 Generals and 20,000 prisoners. Today General Lee attacked in rear, and went back to the Potomac. -0- There is no celebration here in honor of the great day. We were many outside our barricade to gather Berries. It was against the General's orders and many were arrested by the General's staff. Myself and Jens Hansen escaped them, but A.B. Cheeney and G. Larken of our company were taken. They were sentenced to the punishment march and labor. G. T. of Company F was also taken. Jul. 5: Clear weather. We are twenty-four men of Company B on Picket. I was on post No. 5; we are three men there. This post is on a big prairie. -0- We, Company B, had the pleasure to be on picket today, but we could not find a single "Gray back." Jul. 6: Rain. I came off picket duty. We drilled-battalion drill in the evening. Today it is said that Vicksburg is taken with 10,000 prisoners, Reported today that Longstreet is taken prisoner and 20,000 Rebel soldiers. -0- There is much joy among the Soldiers because of the good news from the Potomac Army. Jul. 7: Clear in the forenoon, rain in the afternoon. Company drill. Longstreet was killed today. At 9:30 P.M. we got marching orders to go at 11 o'clock. We packed our Knapsacks and took down our tents and were ready by 11 o'clock, but there was no marching that night. There was pouring rain in the night and we got as wet as crows. Jul. 8: Rainy weather. We left West Point at noon and got to Yorktown in the evening. We stayed on the Steamer all night. From West Point to Yorktown is fine land and large Farms on both sides of the river. -0- Last night at 11 o'clock we got orders to get march ready which we did, except myself and P. and a few others. We left our tents stand, but the most part took theirs down and therefore had to sleep under the open sky while the rain poured down from Heaven until P.M. when we left West Point on the steamer "Hero." The other Troops also came over again. Jul. 9: Clear weather. We left the steamer and went up to our old camp. We stopped there until evening, then we went into the Fort. We, Company B., got shore Battery, -0- We landed today and lay us in camp outside our barricade. There was great jubilation among the troops because of the good news from Vicksburg and Potomac. P.M.: We the 19th moved inside the Fortress. We were divided around the whole Fortress and Company B were set to commandeer Water Battery. It requires us to be artillery men. Jul. 10: Clear weather. On guard. We are six men and have two defective cannons on this post. Our post is close to the river. A lot of Troops left from here. They came from the White House. We suppose that they are going up the Potomac. -0- We were on guard all around town. T. Tallefson was born the 10th of July, 1829. Jul. 11: Clear. On guard. A lot of Troops left from here today, and also through the night. We do not know where they are going but suppose it is to Washington. -0- We fixed up our tents and have it cozy and comfortable now. Two divisions went from here to Fort Monroe and Washington. Some went by land some went by water. Today I have been a Soldier for eighteen months here in America. Jul. 12: Rainy weather. Good news from Potomac. They think that General Lee will have trouble coming back. Today Troops left here also. In Norfolk a Union officer got shot in the street. He was there drilling a Negro company. He was shot by a Doctor, but the Devil will come to take that Doctor at once. -0- Rain. Jul. 13: Clear weather. Rain in the afternoon. On guard. We all fell asleep and L. Thompson stood at the post all night. I woke up at 4 o'clock in the morning. -0- Rumors that we shall travel. Jul. 14: Rainy weather. We moved from the Shore Battery up to town. We set up our tents on a Plain by the Fortress. -0- We must, to our great disappointment, leave Water Battery and move up in town and set up our Supply tent. All Negro women worked on the streets on General Wistar's orders. P.M.: General Keyes came back from Bowers Hill. Jul. 15: Clear. I was in camp. Good news. It is said that Port Hudson is taken and also that Lee is driven out of Hagerstown, and cannot cross the Potomac. -0- They say that General Wistar is under arrest because he put the Negro women to work on the roads. Myself and Thompson went out in the country and picked Cherries and Blackberries. Also bought a lot of Buttermilk for 12.5 cents a quart. Jul. 16: Rain and Storm. We had general inspection. General Lee has crossed the Potomac. A soldier of our Company by the name of Alfred Cheeney died. -0- Alfred B. Cheeney, Company B., died today. The origin of his sickness was from the severe punishment that he got from General Wistar for "berry picking." Today it is the date on which we lost the first man, G. Anderson, a year ago. Jul. 17: Rainy weather. We drilled before Breakfast. News today that Port Hudson is taken and they say that they took 7,000 prisoners and 10,000 small Arms. Jul. 18: Rainy weather. I was on guard. My post was No. 7 on the Fort. General Foster came here last evening. He has come in place of General Dix. -0- We put our camp ground on the north side of the fortress in a low place where General Magruder had buried all his dead Mules and Rebels. Warm weather. Jul. 19: Clear. We mustered for General Foster at 8 o'clock in the morning. He left here again today. -0- A.B. Cheeney was buried today in a metal casket. No music or firing squad was allowed. Jul. 20: Clear and warm. We moved our tents a little bit. Reported that Fort Dalling, was taken. -0- I had a high old time last night and I do not feel very good today. Company B. had to move our camp ground again. P.M.: We were out and picked Berries. P. Sorenson came from Hampton Hospital. General Foster came here yesterday. He was greeted with the ordinary salute and General Wistar and Staff and 9th Vermont and Band escorted him to headquarters. Our brigade and three Batteries were reviewed by General Foster who is now this department's Commander. We went out and gathered Dew-berries. Jul. 21: Clear and warm. Rain in the afternoon. I was detailed to help bury a soldier of the 1st New York Battery. The newspaper did not come today. -0- Many are getting sick now from Diarrhea and Fever. Jul. 22: Rain. We were on "Dig" duty. We had battalion drill outside the Fort. News that the Rebel General Moran has been hemmed in by the Ohio river. -0- On guard by General Wistar's quarters. Very warm. Jul. 23: Clear. We were on "Dig" duty. Good news from the West. -0-Today I have served half of my three years time. It seems to me that it has gone luckily and hastily, and I hope that the next half will go just as quickly, as I hope that the war will end before my time of service is over. All is well. Jul. 24: Rain in the morning, clear in the afternoon. Here came six Rebel deserters. Two Sergeants and four privates. 9th Vermont Regiment went out at one o'clock in the night. They came back with horses and two bushels of flour. Letter from Richmond. -0- We are not drilling now but some must work on the camp ground. Not me. Jul. 25: Rain. More deserters came. They say that in about a week many more will come. -0- Sickness is taking over. Jul. 26: Clear and warm weather. -0- Warm enough for sure! Jul. 27: Clear. Deserters are coming in every day, -0- The 2nd Battery Volunteers came inside the Fortress. The 4th is also here. Jul. 28: Rain and Thundering. Good news: Rebel General Morgan has been taken prisoner. -0- I should wish that we could get out of this stinking "rat hole." Jul. 29: Cloudy and Rain. I was on guard. My post was No. 5. There are many sick in the Regiment. There were over 240 men excused for duty. -0- On guard. Half of the Regiment are on the sick list; for the most part, stomach sickness. Stormy and pouring rain today. Jul. 30: Rain and Storm. I was in camp. -0- I am not feeling well today. More sick today. Rain. Jul. 31: Clear. I lay in camp. No newspapers came here today. We heard loud cannonading up by Williamsburg. -0- Fever and Malaria is visiting us too. Strong rain showers every afternoon. Aug. 1: Clear. I was excused for duty. I was along and helped bury a Soldier of Company A. There is much sickness in the Regiment. Around 250 went to the doctor today. I got myself a canteen of whiskey from L. Garden today. -0- Two of our Regiment were buried today. Captain, Lieutenant, and Sergeants are all sick. I and three others got us a canteen of whiskey. Each of us paid 40 cents a piece. Aug. 2: Clear. -0- The above mentioned word is the last word that Tarje Tallefsen has written in this book. I shall keep this book as a remembrance of Tarje. Also I shall enter from my book as much as I have written or as much as there is room for on each date. Such a sign -0- stands for what I have taken out of my book. -0- Last night I was more drunk than I ever was in my life. I think that it drove the unhealthiness away and I seem to be lighter and healthier. Tarje did not drink. It is unusually warm. Aug. 3: Our brigade was reviewed by General Naglee. Our Regiment came out with eighty men in rank and a few Officers. The others are sick. The other Regiments came out also, as they were able; so many companies. I got a little fever while I was out. It is warm, warm! Aug. 4: I feel a little fever as if it were the Ague. Blanchard, Hanson, Sorenson, Blom, Knutson, Semen, Barker, Krybs, Seeley, Cares, Larken, Stuart, Capman, Minzer, Stark, Cheeney, Mosher, Thompson, Doney, Nilson, Thompson, P., Dovey, Osburn, Thompson, N., Giles, Pulver, Thompson, T., Gutman, Pulver, C., Underwood, Gretter, Powers, Vail, Gunderson, Roseman, Ward, Halvorson, Richardson, Ward, D. Aug. 5: Today I am on the sick list for the first time since last harvest. Aug. 6: I feel better today. Aug. 7: We got paid today, and we needed it badly to buy different things to eat and drink as we now have little or no appetite for government rations. The Regiment seems to be improving, but perhaps it is not so. Aug. 8: I am quite well today. Aug. 9: The heat is a lot stronger than it was last year. Aug. 10: Tarje Tallefson got very sick last evening. We had to work continually with him to warm up his feet and hands, and we had to shake him and talk loud to him each minute to keep him awake so that he would not sleep away into Eternity. I had to take the Orderlies place today at dress parade because all the other Sergeants and Corporals are sick except Reding. Aug. 11: Tarje Tallefson died this morning at 4 o'clock. Diarrhea was the beginning of his sickness. Two Soldiers of Company E were grabbed when they tried to escape. They had clothed themselves in civilian clothes and wanted to travel on the Steamboat. Aug. 12: Tarje Tallefson was buried in Union Cemetery here outside the Fortress. Peter Thompson was very sick last night. The Officers spend merrily on whiskey every day. They do it to preserve our health. Aug. 13: Our position was changed in line so that Company D is on the left of Company B., etc. It shows now that the Soldiers have recently been paid, as they buy fruit and eating and drinking wares and live like gentlemen, as many as are well. The Captains are sick so Second Lieutenant Semmen had to act as Colonel on Dress parade. Aug. 14: It is not quite as warm as it has been the last two weeks. Aug. 15: Myself and Reding had dinner in the Dining room at Reding's expense. Aug. 16: There is much card playing here while the Soldiers have money. A. O. Reding has now sat for twenty-four hours straight and lost a lot. Forty men from our Regiment were today sent to Hampton Hospital. Six of them were from Company B. General inspection today. Sergeants and Corporals are so sick that I had to act as Orderly. Company B just mustered ten men. Lt. Col. Whippel is now with the Regiment. Evening: Got orders to get march ready. This order was received with great pleasure as we were very glad to leave from here, as there is "Stink" enough to break down an iron constitution. Aug. 17: A. M.: Our Captain and other officers went to Hampton Hospital. P.M.: We, the 19th Regiment, went on board the transport boat. Myself and Davie worked hard to load and unload our clothes as there were few who were well enough to work. Our Good Lieutenant W. W. Gordon came and refreshed me from his strong canteen after dark. We are now on board three small boats and we anchored out in the stream to while away the night. Aug. 18: A.M.: 5 o'clock we raised anchor and sailed down the stream and out into the Bay. We got a strong wind and many got seasick, but I thought it was a very pleasant sailing trip. Arrived at Newport News and landed at noon. This place is lovely and airy and I think that we soon will get well again here. Roanoke and Sangamon are lying at the mouth of the James river. Here in Newport News. There are no other people except the 19th Regiment and two white settlers and some Negro families. Aug. 19: Elling Semen came from Hampton Hospital where he had been for two months; but then five other people went to the same Hospital, namely: Jens Hanson, John Halvorson, G. P. Blom, L. Thompson; so now we are just five Norwegians again in the Company, namely: O. G. Hougan, P. Thompson, A. Knutson, E. Semen, and A. O. Reding. Aug. 20: Company B and E are together in this large barrack, and we have plenty of room. Aug. 21: Orderly Seeley, S. D. Stark and F. Wolsyleft for Hampton Hospital today. We began to work on a camp ground. I got tired and had to quit. Perhaps I am getting sick. Aug. 22: We exchanged our rations for vegetables and farm products to agree with our poor appetites. Aug. 23: Five people, namely, Andrew Knutson, Peter A. Nilson, C. Vail, I. Underwood, and D. Mosher were today sent to a Hospital, either at Hampton or Fort Monroe. I reported sick today at 10 o'clock A. M. I had chills and then fever which lasted the whole day. P. T. is very worried and sorry for me. Aug. 24: I had a high fever and a cold sweat last night. I am better today. Sergeant A. E. Hichcok, Carl Gutman, Charles Pulver, and George Larkin were sent to Hampton Hospital. I had the Diarrhea last night. P. M.: Got chills and fever. Lt. Gordon wants me to go to the Hospital. I do not think that it is necessary. Aug. 25: Five of us were ordered to go to Hampton Hospital, but got ordered back because a Surgeon was coming to this place. We went back to our quarters except P. Nilson who went in the Hospital here. 8 o'clock P.M. I feel better. I am glad I did not go to the Hospital. My countryman, from the ammunition boat, came to see me and the rest. Aug. 26: The new Surgeon gives us such doses of quinine and whiskey four times a day so he will either cure or kill. Reding said that he would not report sick this morning, though he said that he did not feel quite well. Monroe wanted him to go and he did go. When he came down, he got so sick so he had to go to the Hospital. I got a letter from S. C. H. dated the 18th. It was friendly. She wanted me to send something for a remembrance, and that I should keep on writing to L. A. A. Aug. 27: Early. I do not feel well. I got six doses, amounting to 18 grains of quinine to take every four hours. Yesterday we had double that dose. P. M: I do not have any chills or fever now. We sell our rations and buy again farm products, cakes, pies, fish, etc. The trading goes fast between the Soldiers and the darkies. Aug. 28: Early. I did not feel well at sick roll. Got four powders. P.M.: Quite well. I can eat some now. Nice cool day. Everybody feels better. I believe that the two Doctors are curing the 19th Wisconsin Volunteers or what is left of it here in Newport News, Virginia. Lt. W. W. Gordon went to Norfolk to be a witness against our Colonel Sanders where he is being court marshalled. Aug. 29: Early. I do not feel well. Got six powders. Rain. Showers. Carl Gutman came from the Hospital. P. M.: I feel better. Aug. 30: I am quite well today. We Norwegians who now are here again, cook together and eat together, sometimes porridge, sometimes potato mush, and other things that can please a Norwegian's stomach. Elling Semmen is remarkably good at cooking. Aug. 31: Five people came from the Hospital, namely, A. Knutson, B. Krybs, J. Underwood, C. Roseman, and D. Mosher. Sep. 1: I feel all right today. Did not take medicine. I and A. O. Reding and A. Knutson were out in the country and bought watermelons and milk. The melons for ten cents a piece and the milk five cents a glass. Sep. 2 * * * Sep. 3: We Norwegians fixed up our Hotel or Shanty in the afternoon. It is roomy enough for the whole Norwegian family in Co. B. Sep. 4: Myself and Knutson were very sick to our stomachs last night. Too much work yesterday, perhaps brought it on. P. M.: I am weak and sick. We moved up to the damp this morning. We have here a fine camp. It is cool and airy. Sep. 5: We have stomach sickness yet. We Norwegians eat porridge and milk until it growls in our stomachs. An Excursion boat, from Norfolk, filled with Ladies and Officers, came here and stopped a couple of hours. Sep. 6: There are many sailors from Roanoke. We give them our bread which we cannot eat. They are very anxious to get this bread as they get nothing but crackers on board. Orderly Charles W. Seeley came from the Chesapeake Hospital. Sep. 7: I am not on the sick list today. We live quite comfortable in our Norwegian Hotel. Dress parade. Company B, twelve men present; the balance accounted for. Regiment, 140 men present. Colonel Sanders came again, acquitted of the charge which was put against him. The Soldiers are glad, while the Line Officers resent him. We drew clothes. Sep. 8: I do not feel very well. There are now twelve gunboats and two ammunition boats lying out in the stream, waiting for the three Rebel gunboats. Sep. 9: We have good weather constantly now. I am on the sick list today. Letter from John Halvorson. Sep. 10: I had a strong shivering spell today, and a fever in connection with it. Sep. 11: No shaking today but a little fever. This evening Peter Nilson got shot by a farmer, with "small shot" in the wound and in the legs, while he and two others wanted to go in his field and help themselves to whatever they found that was good. We now have strict orders from T. Sanders not to do such things here, as we are just here for the present time. Sep. 12: There are many sick here yet. Both myself and others are in delicate health. This bad Malaria or Chill fever is not easy to get rid of. Last night I had such a disturbance and confusion in my head; I did not know if I stood guard or slept. I got a letter from Tarje Aslakson Rue. He is sad over the loss of his related T. T. He wants to know if the money is rightly being sent to his Father, if not, he will try to get it done. Sep. 13: Elling Semmen went to the Hospital. He is weak and confused in the head. Colonel H. T. Sanders is himself on dress parade. A. O. Reding has been the most healthy this summer. Sep. 14: Good weather. I am a little better. I sent a letter to my Mother to let her know how it goes. - "Kross mess." Sep. 15: We get little medicine now and do not need it as much now as we did a month ago. Doctor Hineman knows how to "doctor" the Regiment now. The borrowed doctor has gone again. Colonel Sanders went to Yorktown. Sep. 16: It is said that as soon as the Regiment can muster 200 well men, we shall move from here; but where—that is the question. They say that we shall go to Norfolk, though the most trustworthy say that we shall go back to Yorktown. Peter Thompson went to Portsmouth today, probably to visit his Martha McPherson. Sep. 17: I am almost well again. P Thompson came back again. I got greetings from P. G. in Norfolk. We Norwegians cook every day and have regular feasts. I got information that C. S. Hoyt and E. Roding are getting married. Congratulations. Col. Sanders came from Yorktown with the sick of P. G. who belong to our Regiment. Sent a letter to S. C. H. Enclosed a "Stone" in it. Sep. 18: Hard wind and drizzling rain from morning. Cleared up during the day. I am not on the sick list now. Sep. 19: Rain and cold, exactly like Minnesota harvest weather. I think that it is better to be a Soldier today than to dig potatoes in Minnesota. I am on police duty today, but there is not much to do. L. Thompson went to the Hospital, so we are now just four Norwegians left in the company, but we are well. Sep. 20: It was rather a cold wind and weather last night. Myself and P. Thompson were in the Forest and tried out our guns. (Springfield Rifle 1861). They are particularly good. P.M.: is clearing up now but blowing hard. Sep. 21: Sergeant C. B. Lelly and Peter Erickson, Jens Hanson, John Halvorson, and Aslak Gunderson Dale came back from Hampton Hospital, so now we are eight Norwegians in the Hotel. Good weather. Draw-day for ten days. Sep. 22: Elling Semmen came from the Hospital. We had general inspection; Company, thirteen men. Sep. 23: General inspection again today; this time by the general inspector of General Wistar's staff. We are afraid all this inspection means something like going to Yorktown or some other filthy hole again. There is now a tense expectancy to hear how it goes with Rosencrans. I am the cook today. Sep. 24: I am on guard. Am plumb full of Beer. There are just three Posts to stand guard for the whole Regiment. Sep. 25: I wrote a letter, for Gunder Tallefson, Company F, 19th Regiment, Wisconsin to his father-in-law, Hans Hanson, of Winchester, Winnebago, C. O. Wisconsin. Sep. 26: Today we were out in the country and picked Grapes and "Fox grapes." The weather is cool but pleasant. I am catching a cold. Sep. 27: I feel a little of the Ague again today, and with it I have a bad cold. Clear and cool. Sep. 28: L. Thompson came from the Hospital. I am on the sick list today. Took six quinine pills all at once. I had chills all afternoon and pains in my back and limbs. Sep. 29: Got three quinine pills. I find myself not quite well. P.M.: We got paid except those who had mustered to the Hospital. They did not get anything. Sep. 30: Today the Regiment got Lamb and Mutton. There are many who drink so much beer that they get drunk. I am a little better today. Still good weather. Oct. 1: Got three quinine pills. I am better today. Some of the Norwegians are today jolly from beer mixed with a little whiskey. Good weather. Oct. 2: Three quinine pills. I am better today. The weather is now quite mild again. I have a bad cough. Warm wind; little rain; very strong wind. Oct. 3: Got cough medicine. It is rumored, and I hope, that we shall go to Portsmouth. Sent a letter to A. Lomeland. Sent a letter to Mother with ten dollars. Good weather. Oct. 4: Sunday is no day of rest for the Soldiers. If he does not feel like drilling, then he must sweep up the street and brush his clothes and shine up his shoes or boots, belts, and boxes, etc. Also he must pack up his Knapsack and also be inspected in every joint and limb. Oct. 5: Nearly every man has bought himself a silver finger ring with his name. Company, and Regiment on it. The Company drills two hours a day. It is the first drill since we came here. Myself and Reding sent today to J. H. Winslow, Company 208 Broadway, New York, P.O. 462, for a long guard chain. I got a gold pen today. Oct. 6: I am taking cough medicine. Oct. 7: Took three quinine pills, seventh day after the fever day. G. P. Blom and J. Gretter came from Hampton Hospital. Oct. 8: Four packages. Dove powders. Oct. 9: Dove powders were good for my chest but bad for my Liver. P. M.: Got orders to get march ready so that we can leave the next morning, and also we must leave the Norwegian Hotel. I sent a letter to my Mother with five dollars enclosed. Oct. 10: P. M.: At 3:45 we left Newport News on the steamer "Convoy." The "Convoy" is a new, large, lead-colored steamboat, where the whole Regiment has plenty of room. Quiet Fortress Monroe. A merry sailing trip, moderate wind. When we have passed Cape Charles and Henry, it is seldom that we see land and then on one side only. Night has fallen and I must go to sleep as I am not well. Oct. 11: Fine weather, Nice sailing. A. M.: Going through Hatteras inlet and into the big Pamlico Sound. We see little land on one side, but nothing on the other. At 4:45 P. M. we came to New Bern. The Regiment is going on land but the sick are staying on the boat, and I am one of them. The Ague prevails and another sickness rules. Oct. 12: A. M.: We sick left the boat and traveled up to the town and came to a stop one mile from Comrades who are quartered in good and pleasing barracks on the edge of the town by the river. It has a very beautiful setting. Oct. 13: Got sent to Regiment Hospital. I was there just a couple of hours. Then we had march orders, and we sick got sent to Stanley General Hospital. We could not get in because our dumb Officer had not supplied us with our description list. I got separated from my Company. They had to go back for their lists, but I finally got into Stanley general Hospital Division 4. I am quite sick and had to vomit a lot. Oct. 14: I am taking cough medicine. Quite sick. Here is a good bed, good house, good nurse, good Doctor; and I can see that they have good food, but I do not taste it, as I have no appetite. There are forty-two patients in this hospital now. Oct. 15: Today, as yesterday, I am taking quinine today. Rain. Oct. 16: Rain. Two spoonfuls of quinine and five drops of tincture of iron. P. M.: I slept for three and a half hours and I dreamed that I was home and I got in a big feud with Hoyts family. I fought with them for a long time and at the close I got a hold of some sharp irons with which I drove them away from me. Then I went to a large basement, and there many of my friends of both sex, came to help me against the enemy. But then came my Mother and I started to sing and dance real fast. I had to stop right away, and then my Mother began to sing a lively tune and dance fast. I awakened. —Only half written. Oct. 17: I have taken thirty grains of quinine today. Rain. Oct. 18: I did not have much pain in the night but had a strong humming in the head and was restless. Two doses quinine and pills. Good weather. Oct. 19: On this date in 1781 Lord Cornwallis surrendered with 8,000 men to General Washington. Two doses quinine. I am better today. Letter to P. Thompson. Letter to 208 Brady, New York. Cloudy weather. Oct. 20: I am better today. I am not taking any medicine today. This Hospital is 100 feet long, 30 feet wide, 14 feet high, a chimney at each end, 50 iron beds with two mattresses, two sheets, two blankets, two pillows, a bedspread on each bed, and 50 small tables or stands. Sent letter to Peter N. Hougan. It was cold last night, but now it is warm and pleasant. Oct. 21: Quinine and tincture of iron. Mr. Howe goes home on furlough because of Dropsy. Continual changing - one gets well and leaves and another gets sick and takes his place. Lovely weather. Oct. 22: Elling Semmen visited me today. He had a pass from the Company camp which is four miles from here. I sent to New York for a medicine Box for him. I put on my boots today and went out in the town and looked around a little. Quinine and tincture of iron. Cloudy weather. Oct. 23: I became acquainted with William Holme from Stavanger, Company A, Rhode Island Artillery. Quinine and ten drops of tincture of iron. Cool at night. Clear. Oct. 24: Peter Thompson visited me today. Forty Guerrilla prisoners came here today from Wilmington, North Carolina. Today I was put on a full diet but it seems that I am just on a half diet, as there is just one meal a day that is creditable. The other two are for the most just bread and tea or coffee without any coffee taste. Well, then we must provide for ourselves. One has butter, one has cheese, sausage, and etc. That is the way that we have to do it to make a contract independently right. Quinine and tincture of iron. Noon—pouring rain. Oct. 25: Last night the one by my side died. He was sick just two days. He complained over a stitch or pull from his back through his body. The doctors did not understand his sickness so therefore could not cure him, but just make him worse. He was sixteen years old, Company F, 5th Rhode Island heavy Artillery. Fifty dollars was stolen last night from an old sick man of 58th Pennsylvania. I went to Church today. At 11 o'clock inspection of the Hospital. Six doctors are the inspectors. Letter from P. Thompson and Reding. No medicine today. Cold and Cloudy. Oct. 26: Cold and gusty. We sick have lots of freedom to go out in the town after pleasure. Many call themselves sick, but just go and make a racket and stroll out in town all day except at mealtime and 7 o'clock A. M. and P. M., which are doctors call. Others spend their time reading different books, as there is a large Library which belongs to the Hospital. Oct. 27: I am feeling pretty well today. This town looks like a Forest as there are big trees on both sides of the streets all over town. Big town but small houses. Peter Nilson and David Mosher visited me. Quinine and tincture of iron. Clear and cool. Oct. 28: P.M.: I was up to the 99th Regiment New York Volunteer. Many troops left from here. Quinine and Tincture. Oct. 29: I am not very well today. Against oppression. Genesis 1-2. Exodus XIII-9: Thou shalt not return unto his master, the servant which is escaped from his master unto thee. We shall dwell with thee, even among you, in the place he shall choose in one of thy gates. Where it liketh him best. Thou shall not oppress him. Deuteronomy XXIII-15; Deuteronomy XXIV-14-15; Psalm IX-9-12 Powder. Oct. 30: Peter Thompson visited me and brought the clothes that I got from New York. Powder. Mild weather. Oct. 31: The Forest seems to stay green. No medicine today. Warm weather. Nov. 1: Forty Negroes have died of Small Pox this past week, and today the Doctors vaccinated 1225 colored men, women, and children. Letter from Ellen G. Hougan, dated the 8th of October, 1863. Cloudy weather. Nov. 2: Letter from A. Lomeland, dated the 15th of October. Letter from C. H. S. Brakke, dated the 14th of October. Powder, 4 P. M. Nov. 3. Page missing. (E. H.) Nov. 4. Page missing. (E. H.) Nov. 5 Sent a letter to C. H. S. Brakke. Powder and Acid. Nov. 6: Oscar Reding visited me. I got acquainted with a Swedish watchmaker, Oscar; and a Shoemaker, Carl. I am reported for duty now but I must stay here until I get my pay. I got a letter from S. C. H. written October 14, 1863; another from L. M. A. dated the 15th of Sept. Got a letter from sister Aslaug dated October 8, 1863. Nov. 7: Take the trousers off him (Henry Ames)! It is a good plan to keep the fellow in so that he won't run out in the town all day. Nov. 8: I was to that remarkable Negro meeting today. P. M.: Also to Banner meeting, A.M. Nov. 9: I am now free to pass the time as I please as I am now well again, but have nothing to do, and I cannot leave the Hospital before I have received my pay. I can pass the time best with different books and also take a tour or two around the town until the Doctors' necessary power of movement comes. Nov. 10: Letter from P. Thompson, written Nov. 9, 1863. Cold today. Nov. 11: I was up to my company today. There are many still sick with Malaria. Fifty deserters from the enemy's army came here today from Wilmington, North Carolina. Upon their arrival, they immediately enlisted in the 2nd North Carolina Union Regiment. It was so cold last night that the water was frozen clear to the bottom. Nov. 12: Mild and good weather. Nov. 13: The invalids signed the payroll today, but the payroll has not got my name on it and so, therefore, I do not get any pay this time. Nov. 14: The sick soldiers and Negroes were paid today. Many of the hospital tenants are drunk now in the evening. Wrote a letter to J. D. Henry. Warm weather. Nov. 15: One in this Division got robbed of ten dollars last night, but he got it back again from the waiter who presumably had taken it. At 8 A. M. I was to Banner meeting. 3 P.M. to Mess. Wrote a letter to Aslaug. It rained last night, but today it is clear and warm. Nov. 16: I left the Hospital today P. M., and reported for duty in my Company. Many still have malaria. Nov. 17: Wrote a letter to Andrew Lomeland. Nov. 18: I was on guard today. Nov. 19: Sent a letter to P. D. Bland. Nov. 20: Sergeant A. C. Hickcock, Nils Thompson, Corporal Ed Dany, and C. Vail came from the Hampton Hospital today. Letter to S. C. H. with a Portrait. Nov. 21: Danforth Houston went to Wisconsin today to bring recruits to fill up the Regiment. Got a letter from Peter Nielson Hougan. Nov. 22: On guard today. Received a letter from L. M. A. dated the 11th of November. Warm weather. Nov. 23: Myself and P. Thompson and Fred Minzer and Gustaf Sayres started to logs for our winter quarters. Wrote a letter to L. M. A. and sent it together with her Portrait. Nov. 24: November is the loveliest time of the year here in the South. Warm and good weather. Nov. 25: ** ** ** Nov. 26: We are building on our winter quarters. Each one builds his house to suit himself. Nov. 27: On guard. Warm weather. Keiser Octavianne Chronicle 30-3-Graah's Historic Tale about our forefathers' bravery -40-5. Gloom cast over Norway -65-2. Nov. 28: We had inspection today by a sharp inspector, staff officer of the regular army. He found some kind of fault with each one in the Company. Pouring rain all night. Nov. 29: I have a fever today. Nov. 30: November ends with rain. Six quinine pills. Dec. 1: December begins with cold. The mud froze hard last night. Dec. 2: Letter from Aslaug, dated the 12th of November. On guard today. Healthy and well. Cold. Dec. 3: Sent a letter to Mother and sister. Dec. 4: We were paid today for two months September and October. I went to town New Bern, North Carolina, and bought; groceries, etc. I sent money, $15.20, to Richard Catily and Co. Bra, cjg, the great retreater. Grant the great repeater. Dec. 5: On Pickett Dec. 6: * * * Dec. 7: On picket today. We set our picket quarters in order. P.M. I got the fever. Dec. 8th Guner Tallefson came here today from Company F's camp, which is sixteen miles from here, to visit his Norwegian comrades in Company B. Three quinine pills. Fever, P.M. Dec. 9th: I sent a letter with an order and $3.06 to Anders Gulicksen of Decorah Iowa, Box 124 for some Norwefian books. R. Underwood, fugitive, came here today under guard, but left again forheadquarters to receive his sentence. F. D. Blanchard came from Chesapeake Hospital, Three quinine and three Ayers pills. I am not very well today either. Dec. 10: I am too sick to go on duty today. P. M.: John Halvorson, Lawrence Thompson, Jonas Sorenson came from the Regiment Hospital today. Two Negroes came in to our picket last night. They had been on the road for three weeks and had traveled 150 miles through Forests and Swamps so that they would not be seized again by the Rebels. Got a letter from Knud Sorum. Dec. 11: Feel the same, no appetite. Six quinine pills. Dec. 12: I am feeling a little better today. I should be more economical, says my purse. Dec. 13: On Picket. Dec. 14: Sent a letter to Ole Olson Kragener. Sent letter to J. D. Bland, Portsmouth. Dec. 15: On Picket. Sent letter to A. P. Veum. Dec. 16: Myself and Peter Thompson and Lawrence Thompson were to New Bern, North Carolina, today and had a good time. We had beer and wine to make us jolly, but it is hard on the pocketbook to have Christmas Day here in the South. Today I received the sad, and for me the painful, unpleasant news, that my dear and true friend Andrew Anderson Lomeland has been killed in battle. Dec. 17: Washed and baked today. Peter Erickson went to the Hospital again with Rheumatism. Dec. 18: On picket today, Sir. Pouring rain and wind last night. Dec. 19: * * * Dec. 20: On picket today, Sir. Healthy and brisk: Cold last night. Blockhouse No. 2 - four miles from New Bern, North Carolina. Dec. 21: We toured a little today. We drill now for the first time since we came here to New Bern, North Carolina. Dec. 22: Myself and Peter Wilson went to New Bern, North Carolina, with the Horses to the general officer of the day. Received a letter from L. M. A., dated the 10th of December; portrait enclosed. Dec. 23: On guard at the Blockhouse today. Dec. 24: It was quite cold last night. Dec. 25: Christmas Day. I am on guard. I see no more of Xmas today than the drink of whiskey which the Officers spent on us, but it is not enough to get "gay" on. Dec. 26: Washed and baked and swept the camp. Gunder Tallefson came down here to visit today. Dec. 27: Mild weather. Dec. 28: On Picket. C. Vail is detailed to be Orderly for Major Strong. Dec. 29: High fever and malaria. Three quinine pills. Dec. 30: Rain today. Fever and malaria. Dec. 31: I am not very well today. We mustered for pay today in Blockhouse No. 2, near New Bern, North Carolina. The old year is gone; the new gradually approaches. Oh, dear God! Be Thou near us and be Thou our Vision. Pouring rain. This 1863 Diary of Ole G. Hougan was typed by Dora Mae (Hougan) Overman, in January, 1962.