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

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1863-11-17

when we lay in the woods waiting for rebels we not spend any money for luxuries but now when we see them we think that we cannot do without them.  This city is a very gay one, where a person can easily spend $25.00 and get very little for his money.  I must be careful or my funds will not last till next payday.  

Tuesday 17.  I never saw so many peddling women at any place as here, the camp is full of them selling all kinds of goods even liquor.  They arrive early in the morning and stay with us nearly all day.  In fact peddling is carried on to a great extent in this place, and the men can not withstand the temptation to buy many articles which if they did not see, they could easily do without.  General Hurlbut  has issued an order forcing all the able bodied citizens into the army, that are in this state.  I expressed $150.00 to father.  The city of Memphis is doing a grand business in everything at present.

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when we lay in the woods waiting for rebels we not spend any money for luxuries but now when we see them we think that we cannot do without them. This city is a very gay one, where a person can easily spend $25.00 and get very little for his money. I must be careful or my funds will not last till next payday. Tuesday 17. I never saw so many peddling women at any place as here, the camp is full of them selling all kinds of goods even liquor. They arrive early in the morning and stay with us nearly all day. In fact peddling is carried on to a great extent in this place, and the men can not withstand the temptation to buy many articles which if they did not see, they could easily do without. General Hurlbut has issued an order forcing all the able bodied citizens into the army, that are in this state. I expressed $150.00 to father. The city of Memphis is doing a grand business in everything at present.