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

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1861-05-08 -- 1861-05-09

Wed. 8.    We passed through the Rock Island bridge safe, which is almost an obstruction to navigation and pretty dangerous to pass.
Early this morning, we arrived at the city of Davenport, where the Iowa City company came on board, among whom were Mc. Pherson, Langdon, Brooks, and Shockey, former students of Western College. We spent a very pleasant day with each other.  At Burlington, another company come on board which came from Mt. Pleasant, the members of the same are a set of fine young men.  The boat is crowded with soldiers, who are enjoying themselves exceedingly, the cabin is strong with eucre sets all over, those who do not play cards, shout, dance and amuse themselves in diverse manners.  About midnight we arrived at Keokuk.
Thurs. 9.    We disembarked a little before one o'clock A.M. and were marched to headquarters to recieve a blanket each, thence  to our quarters, which were in a large brick building, and were prepared, by nailing a board at the distance of about 6 1/2 feet from the walls, and filling out this space with hay, it was not a very envious place to rest but being tired we soon sank into the arms of Morpheus.  We took breakfast in a fire engine house, dinner also, coarse diet.  Rested all day.  The entire regiment is in town.

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Wed. 8. We passed through the Rock Island bridge safe, which is almost an obstruction to navigation and pretty dangerous to pass. Early this morning, we arrived at the city of Davenport, where the Iowa City company came on board, among whom were Mc. Pherson, Langdon, Brooks, and Shockey, former students of Western College. We spent a very pleasant day with each other. At Burlington, another company come on board which came from Mt. Pleasant, the members of the same are a set of fine young men. The boat is crowded with soldiers, who are enjoying themselves exceedingly, the cabin is strong with eucre sets all over, those who do not play cards, shout, dance and amuse themselves in diverse manners. About midnight we arrived at Keokuk. Thurs. 9. We disembarked a little before one o'clock A.M. and were marched to headquarters to recieve a blanket each, thence to our quarters, which were in a large brick building, and were prepared, by nailing a board at the distance of about 6 1/2 feet from the walls, and filling out this space with hay, it was not a very envious place to rest but being tired we soon sank into the arms of Morpheus. We took breakfast in a fire engine house, dinner also, coarse diet. Rested all day. The entire regiment is in town.