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

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1863-11-21 -- 1863-11-22

Saturday 21.  Our day’s work was begun, at daybreak this morning, our regiment having the advance, we passed through a village called Moscow, where the 2d West Tennessee colored regiment is stationed; they are pretty well fortified.  Stopped nearly two hours near this place during which time we regaled ourselves with the contents of our haversacks and canteens.  Proceeded on our march towards La Grange, which we reached at sunset.  Met several friends here.  Camped on the east end of the town very tired and foot sore.  Had my tent pitched & retired early.  

Sunday 22.  I took a look at the town of La Grange today.  It must have been a very pleasant and thriving little city, of 500 inhabitants before the commencement of the war.  A large college building recently used as a rebel prison, several churches and schoolhouses, numerous store buildings, and some fine dwelling houses with tastefully arranged gardens around them, indicate that a very intelligent and progressive community dwelt there formerly, but what a change has come over the place!  Where the boys and girls sang and laughed, and the beaus and belles promenaded, is nobody but the soldiers of the union.

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Saturday 21. Our day’s work was begun, at daybreak this morning, our regiment having the advance, we passed through a village called Moscow, where the 2d West Tennessee colored regiment is stationed; they are pretty well fortified. Stopped nearly two hours near this place during which time we regaled ourselves with the contents of our haversacks and canteens. Proceeded on our march towards La Grange, which we reached at sunset. Met several friends here. Camped on the east end of the town very tired and foot sore. Had my tent pitched & retired early. Sunday 22. I took a look at the town of La Grange today. It must have been a very pleasant and thriving little city, of 500 inhabitants before the commencement of the war. A large college building recently used as a rebel prison, several churches and schoolhouses, numerous store buildings, and some fine dwelling houses with tastefully arranged gardens around them, indicate that a very intelligent and progressive community dwelt there formerly, but what a change has come over the place! Where the boys and girls sang and laughed, and the beaus and belles promenaded, is nobody but the soldiers of the union.