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

Transcribe
Translate

1861-04-19 -- 1861-04-20

Friday.19    While Mr. E.B. Soper and myself were busily engaged in writing, we heard a sudden rap at the door and in came, Mr. G.C.Eckles who wanted me as president of the Western Light Guards to call a meeting of the company instantaneously, we left our writing and hastened to discharge our duties. The meeting was appointed in response to a call made by a committee from Cedar Rapids, for the purpose of soliciting volunteers for the northern army, as the country is in danger of being overrun by the southern rebels; news was also received that a great force of the secessionists was going to storm the federal capital. Immediate action is required from Northern men who wish to enjoy their liberty. Glowing speeches were made by numerous gentlemen and great enthusiasm and patriotism pervaded the meeting. Many boys are in favor of joining the army of the U.S. 
Saturday 20.    A meeting was call consisting principally of those who intended to volunteer for the defense of our country. The following became members of the Cedar Rapids Company: Geo. C. Burmeister, Eckles. Vanmeter, Soper McKee Stiles, Collier, Whisler, Richardson Van arsdel Reeves, we went to the Rapids and were received in grand style. The people in Cedar Rapids took a great interest in us and did every thing to make us feel at home.

Saving...

Friday.19 While Mr. E.B. Soper and myself were busily engaged in writing, we heard a sudden rap at the door and in came, Mr. G.C.Eckles who wanted me as president of the Western Light Guards to call a meeting of the company instantaneously, we left our writing and hastened to discharge our duties. The meeting was appointed in response to a call made by a committee from Cedar Rapids, for the purpose of soliciting volunteers for the northern army, as the country is in danger of being overrun by the southern rebels; news was also received that a great force of the secessionists was going to storm the federal capital. Immediate action is required from Northern men who wish to enjoy their liberty. Glowing speeches were made by numerous gentlemen and great enthusiasm and patriotism pervaded the meeting. Many boys are in favor of joining the army of the U.S. Saturday 20. A meeting was call consisting principally of those who intended to volunteer for the defense of our country. The following became members of the Cedar Rapids Company: Geo. C. Burmeister, Eckles. Vanmeter, Soper McKee Stiles, Collier, Whisler, Richardson Van arsdel Reeves, we went to the Rapids and were received in grand style. The people in Cedar Rapids took a great interest in us and did every thing to make us feel at home.