DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1864

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1864-03-16

After I was relieved as officer of the day I went up town to “take a peep” at it.  I got acquainted with several German families and learned that there were a good many Germans in the place, who had been much persecuted on account of their union sentiments, they are very glad to see us and hope we may remain here, if we go away again they intend to go with us.  I gave one woman a guard of two men to protect her store, her husband fled to New Orleans, because he would not join the confederate army.  She appears to be a fine woman, her name is Nicolas.  It is said this town is three fourths union and I almost believe it for I saw a good many people who profess to be glad to see us.  Notwithstanding General Smith’s order, our men are committing many depredations, it is exceedingly difficult to prevent them from committing lawless acts, it has been allowed them too long in our army.  I arrested two Germans who made themselves known as deserters from the rebel army.  The town of Alexandria is situated on the Southern bank of the Red River, it contains perhaps 4,000 inhabitants, who seem to possess good business qualifications, for many fine business houses are found in the town.  The private residences of the citizens are mostly built of frame and have gardens about them.  There are three respectable business streets here.  It is located on a large level prairie, where numerous large plantations can be seen.  The opposite side of the river has also a good many houses, perhaps it is a town, but I have not learned its name.

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After I was relieved as officer of the day I went up town to “take a peep” at it. I got acquainted with several German families and learned that there were a good many Germans in the place, who had been much persecuted on account of their union sentiments, they are very glad to see us and hope we may remain here, if we go away again they intend to go with us. I gave one woman a guard of two men to protect her store, her husband fled to New Orleans, because he would not join the confederate army. She appears to be a fine woman, her name is Nicolas. It is said this town is three fourths union and I almost believe it for I saw a good many people who profess to be glad to see us. Notwithstanding General Smith’s order, our men are committing many depredations, it is exceedingly difficult to prevent them from committing lawless acts, it has been allowed them too long in our army. I arrested two Germans who made themselves known as deserters from the rebel army. The town of Alexandria is situated on the Southern bank of the Red River, it contains perhaps 4,000 inhabitants, who seem to possess good business qualifications, for many fine business houses are found in the town. The private residences of the citizens are mostly built of frame and have gardens about them. There are three respectable business streets here. It is located on a large level prairie, where numerous large plantations can be seen. The opposite side of the river has also a good many houses, perhaps it is a town, but I have not learned its name.