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

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1863-12-07 -- 1863-12-08

Monday 7.  I must censure myself for not employing my time more profitably.  The uncomfortable condition of my tent compels me to seek more easy quarters, where I find good company, and while away my time in playing checkers or cards, or spend it in foolish conversation.  I received a good many letters within the last few days but have not found sufficient time nor good opportunity to answer them, no doubt my correspondents will feel anxious to have a reply, but they must wait.

Tuesday 8  It rained nearly all day and I remained at Head Quarters of the 6th Indiana Battery.  My stove arrived from Memphis this afternoon, I am glad of it for I will now make myself more comfortable and remain more at home.  The news from our Eastern army is not encouraging, it is said that it has again retreated over the Rappahannock, and is now in winter quarters.  It appears that this army has done but very little good compared with the success achieved by our Western troops.  President Lincoln is reported very sick.  I hope we may not lose a great and good a man as he is, it would most certainly be a dreadful calamity to our country.

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Monday 7. I must censure myself for not employing my time more profitably. The uncomfortable condition of my tent compels me to seek more easy quarters, where I find good company, and while away my time in playing checkers or cards, or spend it in foolish conversation. I received a good many letters within the last few days but have not found sufficient time nor good opportunity to answer them, no doubt my correspondents will feel anxious to have a reply, but they must wait. Tuesday 8 It rained nearly all day and I remained at Head Quarters of the 6th Indiana Battery. My stove arrived from Memphis this afternoon, I am glad of it for I will now make myself more comfortable and remain more at home. The news from our Eastern army is not encouraging, it is said that it has again retreated over the Rappahannock, and is now in winter quarters. It appears that this army has done but very little good compared with the success achieved by our Western troops. President Lincoln is reported very sick. I hope we may not lose a great and good a man as he is, it would most certainly be a dreadful calamity to our country.