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

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1864-02-22

Monday 22.  This is Washington’s birthday, I feel as if I could feel his noble spirit above me imploring his countrymen to cease this cruel war for the destruction of the noble republic of his own erection, over which he presided and watched so many years with so much anxious care, and to whose people he left one of the grandest legacies, mortal man ever bequeathed to his heirs that is his farewell address, which has been basely trodden under foot, if it had been read and studied by the American people this war would never have commenced, but alas his wise council was not taken.  O, spirit of our noble Washington, breathe upon us thy holy influence, that we may soon have peace.  I have not been well all day and had to be in my bed while the rest of our troops had a grand review, which is said to have ben a fine affair, it wound up by the firing of cannon.  The city of Vicksburg was also treated to a review by general McArthur, the commander of the post.  It is said the negro troops, at that place made a very good appearance, the black soldiers are meeting with more favor now than they did in the beginning of their organization, because they appear to do their duties well as soldiers, they keep their arms, accoutrements and clothing in very good order, and as far as I know have always behaved with commendable bravery before the enemy.  The army is a fine place to prepare them for freedom.

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Monday 22. This is Washington’s birthday, I feel as if I could feel his noble spirit above me imploring his countrymen to cease this cruel war for the destruction of the noble republic of his own erection, over which he presided and watched so many years with so much anxious care, and to whose people he left one of the grandest legacies, mortal man ever bequeathed to his heirs that is his farewell address, which has been basely trodden under foot, if it had been read and studied by the American people this war would never have commenced, but alas his wise council was not taken. O, spirit of our noble Washington, breathe upon us thy holy influence, that we may soon have peace. I have not been well all day and had to be in my bed while the rest of our troops had a grand review, which is said to have ben a fine affair, it wound up by the firing of cannon. The city of Vicksburg was also treated to a review by general McArthur, the commander of the post. It is said the negro troops, at that place made a very good appearance, the black soldiers are meeting with more favor now than they did in the beginning of their organization, because they appear to do their duties well as soldiers, they keep their arms, accoutrements and clothing in very good order, and as far as I know have always behaved with commendable bravery before the enemy. The army is a fine place to prepare them for freedom.