DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1864

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1864-01-11

Monday 11: I looked l about the place, to acquaint myself, with the location and find out how things were going. I found the command in a state of poor discipline, every body was doing just as he saw proper.  The officers had been carrying on about as bad as the men. A short time ago they had a ball here when they  permitted the ladies to talk the worst kind of secession doctrines, and had considerable liquor to drink, the men got hold of the liquor and they had quite a jolly time.  Major John who was in command here permitted this conduct yet and, even indulged in it as much as any other officer. The major has become popular here on that account, and they fear that I will introduce too stringent discipline, some do not like my coming on that account, others because they think that I have no right to command them. But all agree that I cannot help it as I am here under orders I am situated rather unpleasantly, and would not remain here if I could possibly get away.  As long as I remain here however I intend to discharge my duties as faithfully and as impartially as possible.  We had a dress parade today, and I must say I felt very much astonished as I looked upon my command to behold it in such a ragged condition.  The men and officers came out in a very poor style.

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Monday 11: I looked l about the place, to acquaint myself, with the location and find out how things were going. I found the command in a state of poor discipline, every body was doing just as he saw proper. The officers had been carrying on about as bad as the men. A short time ago they had a ball here when they permitted the ladies to talk the worst kind of secession doctrines, and had considerable liquor to drink, the men got hold of the liquor and they had quite a jolly time. Major John who was in command here permitted this conduct yet and, even indulged in it as much as any other officer. The major has become popular here on that account, and they fear that I will introduce too stringent discipline, some do not like my coming on that account, others because they think that I have no right to command them. But all agree that I cannot help it as I am here under orders I am situated rather unpleasantly, and would not remain here if I could possibly get away. As long as I remain here however I intend to discharge my duties as faithfully and as impartially as possible. We had a dress parade today, and I must say I felt very much astonished as I looked upon my command to behold it in such a ragged condition. The men and officers came out in a very poor style.