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

Transcribe
Translate

1863-12-17

The gentlemen kept pretty quiet until we got near Memphis and had a better acquaintance with each other.  But one man, an Irishman, and an officer kept up a very loud conversation, the Irishman was telling the officer of his exploits among the guerillas, and boasted very much of his courage and military skill, to my amusement.  At Grand Junction we received, the Memphis paper of today.  Nothing of great interest is contained in it.  About four o’clock we arrived at the city.  We took our little baggage and travelled to the German hotel Kept by Mr. Lehner, where we were welcomed, and assigned rooms.  We then went to Mr. Nagel’s restaurant and partook of something to eat, and drink.  Transacted a little business, and after supper, went to the National Theatre, where we were amused with comedies, and gymnastics.  We then returned to the hotel and shortly afterwards sought our rooms.  But behold my astonishment upon discovering, my bed to have but one thin quilt to cover myself with.  What should I do but to go to bed with my entire clothing.  Nothing I abhor more than to sleep cold all night.

Saving...

The gentlemen kept pretty quiet until we got near Memphis and had a better acquaintance with each other. But one man, an Irishman, and an officer kept up a very loud conversation, the Irishman was telling the officer of his exploits among the guerillas, and boasted very much of his courage and military skill, to my amusement. At Grand Junction we received, the Memphis paper of today. Nothing of great interest is contained in it. About four o’clock we arrived at the city. We took our little baggage and travelled to the German hotel Kept by Mr. Lehner, where we were welcomed, and assigned rooms. We then went to Mr. Nagel’s restaurant and partook of something to eat, and drink. Transacted a little business, and after supper, went to the National Theatre, where we were amused with comedies, and gymnastics. We then returned to the hotel and shortly afterwards sought our rooms. But behold my astonishment upon discovering, my bed to have but one thin quilt to cover myself with. What should I do but to go to bed with my entire clothing. Nothing I abhor more than to sleep cold all night.