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George C. Burmeister diary, 1861
1861-07-28 -- 1861-07-30
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Sun. 28 We are encamped upon a high hill, a small creek flows at its base, which is visited by hundreds of our dirty soldiers for personal ablutions, some however would rather remain filthy than to bestir themselves out of their accustomed laziness. Many of our boys have body lice, itch, and other diseases owing partly to the abovementioned state of things partly to the scanty food and ragged clothing which we have at present. Our daily rations are mush, meat and coffee for breakfast ditto for supper, and do. for dinner, and hardly enough of it. Mon. 29 Again it became my duty to stand sentinel, which is a great task at present since I feel pretty weak on our fare. The report is circulating that Maj Ben McCulloch is nigh with 15,000 Arkansas troops, and he is reported to have said "I will take my supper next Thursday either in Springfield or in hell," I think the latter place would be more congenial to his soul and if he dares to pay us a visit it is very probable that he and old Nick will sup together soon. A private by the name of McGhennis of Co. A died of billious fever this evening, he is the third whom we lost from our regiment. Tues. 30 I had a grand washing day. Every thing went on smoothly till midnight when the alarm of an attack was given, Co. K was first under arms and a great battle was expected, but soon this expectation vanished like a bubble, the alarm was false. Our friend who died was burried with military honors.
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Sun. 28 We are encamped upon a high hill, a small creek flows at its base, which is visited by hundreds of our dirty soldiers for personal ablutions, some however would rather remain filthy than to bestir themselves out of their accustomed laziness. Many of our boys have body lice, itch, and other diseases owing partly to the abovementioned state of things partly to the scanty food and ragged clothing which we have at present. Our daily rations are mush, meat and coffee for breakfast ditto for supper, and do. for dinner, and hardly enough of it. Mon. 29 Again it became my duty to stand sentinel, which is a great task at present since I feel pretty weak on our fare. The report is circulating that Maj Ben McCulloch is nigh with 15,000 Arkansas troops, and he is reported to have said "I will take my supper next Thursday either in Springfield or in hell," I think the latter place would be more congenial to his soul and if he dares to pay us a visit it is very probable that he and old Nick will sup together soon. A private by the name of McGhennis of Co. A died of billious fever this evening, he is the third whom we lost from our regiment. Tues. 30 I had a grand washing day. Every thing went on smoothly till midnight when the alarm of an attack was given, Co. K was first under arms and a great battle was expected, but soon this expectation vanished like a bubble, the alarm was false. Our friend who died was burried with military honors.
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