DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1861

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1861-04-12 -- 1861-04-15

Friday 12.   I commenced speculating in stock by buying a calf of Professor Bartlett for $2.  Wrote home, for our folks to come and get it. Friday is considered as a day of bad omens, but I cannot persuade myself to believe in the superstition.
Sat. 13.   The streets are full of rumors concerning the hostilities in the south and the people are pretty much excited with regard to them. We had a meeting to determine upon the proper celebration of the first of May, I was appointed to deliver an oration, and made such arrangements as will tend to make it interesting to all participants.
Sun. 14.   Contrary to almost every body's prediction this day turned out one of the finest of the season, and I spent it very pleasantly, in the evening I listened to an old pioneer preacher, father [Banebrake?], who was rather eccentric in his discourse on the value of the soul. I did no feel so full of laughing for a long time. 
Mon. 15.   I read an essay on "Calisthenics" we had tolerably fair exercises, very good time in discussing the immortality of the soul. The students organized a military company called " The Western Light Guards." I was elected President of the company. We had a tolerably fair time in the B.M.J.

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Friday 12. I commenced speculating in stock by buying a calf of Professor Bartlett for $2. Wrote home, for our folks to come and get it. Friday is considered as a day of bad omens, but I cannot persuade myself to believe in the superstition. Sat. 13. The streets are full of rumors concerning the hostilities in the south and the people are pretty much excited with regard to them. We had a meeting to determine upon the proper celebration of the first of May, I was appointed to deliver an oration, and made such arrangements as will tend to make it interesting to all participants. Sun. 14. Contrary to almost every body's prediction this day turned out one of the finest of the season, and I spent it very pleasantly, in the evening I listened to an old pioneer preacher, father [Banebrake?], who was rather eccentric in his discourse on the value of the soul. I did no feel so full of laughing for a long time. Mon. 15. I read an essay on "Calisthenics" we had tolerably fair exercises, very good time in discussing the immortality of the soul. The students organized a military company called " The Western Light Guards." I was elected President of the company. We had a tolerably fair time in the B.M.J.