DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1863

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1863-05-02 -- 1863-05-03

Sat.  2.  We were ready to march at 9 A. M. but did not start till 2 P. M.  Left 11 men of my Company sick in quarters.  Marched about 10 miles, which were the longest ever marched by most of the men.  The heat was almost intolerable, some of the men were sunstruck.  Passed some splendid plantations, numerous buildings, had been destroyed on them, and no persons save a few blacks remained on them.  Halted at 8 P. M., Companies C and I were the only Comp’s that came up in line together, the rest had dispersed, their men being too much fatigued by the march.  I spoke to general Matthies, who recognized me having made my acquaintance, in the Iowa 1st.  Tried to sleep but could not on account of the innumerable musketoes, which hovered over me anxious to try my blood.  

Sunday 3.  We left our camping ground at 6 A. M. in good spirits, and kept our course along the bayou, the road was in good condition.  The men felt the heat more than yesterday, a great many gave out.  Reached a small town called Richmond which has a few hundred inhabitants.  I was tired, ate little and retired.

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Sat. 2. We were ready to march at 9 A. M. but did not start till 2 P. M. Left 11 men of my Company sick in quarters. Marched about 10 miles, which were the longest ever marched by most of the men. The heat was almost intolerable, some of the men were sunstruck. Passed some splendid plantations, numerous buildings, had been destroyed on them, and no persons save a few blacks remained on them. Halted at 8 P. M., Companies C and I were the only Comp’s that came up in line together, the rest had dispersed, their men being too much fatigued by the march. I spoke to general Matthies, who recognized me having made my acquaintance, in the Iowa 1st. Tried to sleep but could not on account of the innumerable musketoes, which hovered over me anxious to try my blood. Sunday 3. We left our camping ground at 6 A. M. in good spirits, and kept our course along the bayou, the road was in good condition. The men felt the heat more than yesterday, a great many gave out. Reached a small town called Richmond which has a few hundred inhabitants. I was tired, ate little and retired.