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

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1864-02-14

Sunday 14.  Today I took several companies out to get more lumber, we went to Dr. Philip's plantation which was entirely deserted, it is about five miles from our camp. On the way we found several persons who reported from 150 to 200 rebels in the vicinity, I had my command completely organized and moved on carefully I even discovered numerous horsetracks, but was not disturbed. The doctor's plantation is very beautiful, it costs a great deal of labor to to bring a plantation to such a degree of culture as this is, it is almost a paradise, and it seems to me that if I would be the honor of such a beauty-spot I would certainly stay on it and defend it at all hazards, but it is said the doctor took fright one night at his slaves , since he entertained the horrible idea that they intended to kill him.  We found a great many valuable books in his house which we took with us.  I procured a small library and only wish that I could send it home, but the very next time we move I will be compelled to abandon it.  We tore down his splendid mansion, and took other goods which would make us comfortable in camp.  The furniture which the doctor left in his house had been taken by the slaves of the surrounding plantations, well if it had been at the house at our arrival there it would not have been after our departure.  We arrived in camp very late tired and hungry.

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Sunday 14. Today I took several companies out to get more lumber, we went to Dr. Philip's plantation which was entirely deserted, it is about five miles from our camp. On the way we found several persons who reported from 150 to 200 rebels in the vicinity, I had my command completely organized and moved on carefully I even discovered numerous horsetracks, but was not disturbed. The doctor's plantation is very beautiful, it costs a great deal of labor to to bring a plantation to such a degree of culture as this is, it is almost a paradise, and it seems to me that if I would be the honor of such a beauty-spot I would certainly stay on it and defend it at all hazards, but it is said the doctor took fright one night at his slaves , since he entertained the horrible idea that they intended to kill him. We found a great many valuable books in his house which we took with us. I procured a small library and only wish that I could send it home, but the very next time we move I will be compelled to abandon it. We tore down his splendid mansion, and took other goods which would make us comfortable in camp. The furniture which the doctor left in his house had been taken by the slaves of the surrounding plantations, well if it had been at the house at our arrival there it would not have been after our departure. We arrived in camp very late tired and hungry.