Rebellion, 1864.
9th The weather, which has been warm and fine so long has changed at last. This morning is freezing cold and overcoats are in ascendance. 8th It is now storming a mixture of hail and snow and bids fair to cover this part of the Old Dominion with a mantle of white. Snow you may guess is quite a curious sight to me. 10th This morning rain has taken the place of snow and hail and all is fog, slush & mud. Sunday 11th Though this should be a day of rest, yet we are unusually busy. Last night an order came in for 18,000 ft. of lumber to be carted on saw mills on the other side of the river to batteries on this side. Though I do not have the depot myself for any such work; yet is some considerable trouble to see that a train of 16 teams is got off and openly provided with everything necessary for such a journey. A waggon master and one assistant is attached to the train but still there is a great deal for me to see to. Lately some additions have made to the train in the shape of pontoon boats and waggons. Large numbers of shovels, picks, axes & other tools. Each morning hundreds of men report here who have to be supplied with tools to work on corduroy roads, and at night all have to be returned again. If much more is thrown on my shoulders the situation will not be so pleasant a one after all. 12th Clear and snapping cold. The ground is as hard as a rock. 16th The weather has changed to beautiful and warm. To day Sergt Westervelt came up from Fortress Monroe for his discharge. 17th The two Westervelts left here for home to day. During the afternoon I was informed un-offlcialiy that I had been promoted but under the circumstances I could take no notice of it. 18th Sunday This morning Capt. Cruso notified me of my promotion and requested I put on my stripes immediately. I soon complied and soon was overrun with compliments and congratula-
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