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

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1864-04-06 -- 1864-04-07

of Col. Hubbard, rested and cooked our breakfast.  We remained here till two o’clock P.M. when our cavalry returned from their reconnaissance, reporting that the rebels had retreated 14 miles.  We embarked on our boat crossed the river and went into camp near it.  Feel quite tired from our recent march.  Read an interesting journal of a gambler this evening which portrays very forcibly the condition of southern society.  Duelling, Gambling, Whoring and Racing appear to have been the chief amusements among the elite chivalry here.  Our men are still increasing in their deeds of vandalism plundering private homes, and stealing property that suits their fancy.  One of my men stole a blanket, of a planter.  I made him return it under guard.  Why can this not be stopped?  Did we come here to destroy or to protect private property?  To violate or to execute the laws of our country. 
 
Wednesday 6.  Long before daylight we were ordered to get ready to leave here at six A.M.  My company unloaded some wagons and ammunition from the steamer “Meteor”, got ourselves in readiness to march, but the order was countermanded.  I saw my old class-mate Frank Bivins, who is a first Lt. in a colored regiment, he brought some recruits in from Natchitoches.  I am glad to see him.  He gave me a great deal of information about friends.  I deem him an excellent officer and wish him success.  He formerly belonged to the 24 Iowa Inf.  The present movement do not suit me all seems to be confusion.  Lt. Mayer displayed himself this morning at guard mounting in very grand style.

Thursday 7.  At 7 ½ this morning we left our camp, the sick men and our baggage having been placed on board

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of Col. Hubbard, rested and cooked our breakfast. We remained here till two o’clock P.M. when our cavalry returned from their reconnaissance, reporting that the rebels had retreated 14 miles. We embarked on our boat crossed the river and went into camp near it. Feel quite tired from our recent march. Read an interesting journal of a gambler this evening which portrays very forcibly the condition of southern society. Duelling, Gambling, Whoring and Racing appear to have been the chief amusements among the elite chivalry here. Our men are still increasing in their deeds of vandalism plundering private homes, and stealing property that suits their fancy. One of my men stole a blanket, of a planter. I made him return it under guard. Why can this not be stopped? Did we come here to destroy or to protect private property? To violate or to execute the laws of our country. Wednesday 6. Long before daylight we were ordered to get ready to leave here at six A.M. My company unloaded some wagons and ammunition from the steamer “Meteor”, got ourselves in readiness to march, but the order was countermanded. I saw my old class-mate Frank Bivins, who is a first Lt. in a colored regiment, he brought some recruits in from Natchitoches. I am glad to see him. He gave me a great deal of information about friends. I deem him an excellent officer and wish him success. He formerly belonged to the 24 Iowa Inf. The present movement do not suit me all seems to be confusion. Lt. Mayer displayed himself this morning at guard mounting in very grand style. Thursday 7. At 7 ½ this morning we left our camp, the sick men and our baggage having been placed on board