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

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1863-06-25 -- 1863-06-26

Some of our officers are in favor of demolishing everything in the country, and sending the women and children into the woods, but I deem this an inhuman mode of warfare.  One officer remarked that ”it would please him if his men would tear Trible’s house down and sleep on the boards and carry off the carpet bedding and furniture to make themselves comfortable”.  As soon as such a mode of warfare is sanctioned by our Commanding general I will quit the service.  We had new potatoes, meat, cornbread, blackberries, & coffee for breakfast.  

Thursday  25  Became acquainted with Miss Carrie E. Martin a teacher in this country, she is a very accomplished lady.  I became familiar with Mr. Trible’s family.  They say they were in favor of the union until they president issued his emancipation proclamation.  They appear to be willing to return to the old union in order to secure peace.  Everything that was eatable was taken from them.  I conducted a few ladies through our camp.  In the evening a few officers and I went over to them and listened to some vocal & instrumental music.  

Friday  26  This afternoon about three P. M. our reg. left Camp, and went out on picket, about 3 miles from Camp, where we found a fine camping place a small creek and nice timber.  Went over to the house near by and took a goose, and other goods.  We camp near Bear Creek.

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Some of our officers are in favor of demolishing everything in the country, and sending the women and children into the woods, but I deem this an inhuman mode of warfare. One officer remarked that ”it would please him if his men would tear Trible’s house down and sleep on the boards and carry off the carpet bedding and furniture to make themselves comfortable”. As soon as such a mode of warfare is sanctioned by our Commanding general I will quit the service. We had new potatoes, meat, cornbread, blackberries, & coffee for breakfast. Thursday 25 Became acquainted with Miss Carrie E. Martin a teacher in this country, she is a very accomplished lady. I became familiar with Mr. Trible’s family. They say they were in favor of the union until they president issued his emancipation proclamation. They appear to be willing to return to the old union in order to secure peace. Everything that was eatable was taken from them. I conducted a few ladies through our camp. In the evening a few officers and I went over to them and listened to some vocal & instrumental music. Friday 26 This afternoon about three P. M. our reg. left Camp, and went out on picket, about 3 miles from Camp, where we found a fine camping place a small creek and nice timber. Went over to the house near by and took a goose, and other goods. We camp near Bear Creek.