Danbury (Conn.) -- History.]]> Purdy, Horace, 1835-1909]]> Western Connecticut State University]]> Danbury (Conn.) -- History.]]> United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal Narratives.]]> Purdy, Horace, 1835-1909]]> Western Connecticut State University]]> Danbury (Conn.) -- History.]]> United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal Narratives.]]> Here ends my War Diary
AUGUST 03 – SATURDAY – A picnic at Oak Cottage for our special benefit in honor of our company just returned home from the war. The exercises were opened with prayer by Father Griswold and an excellent address delivered by Richard Busteed from New York. The day has been pleasant and we have had a delightful time. Our welcome home has been most enthusiastic. AUGUST 04 – SUNDAY – My first Sabbath home since my return for the war. I have enjoyed it much. Gussie attended church with me in the morning. We went up home after tea. We attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. At the request of Brother Pegg, I went into the altar and talked a little publicly thanking God for his goodness and mercy to me while away from home and friends and for his protection while on the battlefield and for his presence which was with me to comfort and sustain. AUGUST 05 - MONDAY – I went to the store in the morning and bought some groceries and provisions to commence housekeeping again. I went to the shop before coming home. I bought 4 yards of oil cloth for the sitting room. I fitted it around the stove and partly bound it myself before night. I rented Box 305 in the Post Office. I walked into the street with Gussie in the evening. AUGUST 06 – TUESDAY – I finished binding our oil Cloth. Edwin and Anne came unexpectedly on the morning train. They had just come from Hartford where they had been to attend her father’s funeral, but having to come from Ohio, they arrived too late for the funeral. After dinner, I went to the depot to get Edwin’s trunk. I used Dr. Bulkley’s horse. I moved the parlor stove upstairs. Henry Lawton came in to look at my upstairs rooms in the PM. He wants to rent them, but I refused him. Gussie went with me into the street in the evening and bought six tumblers and a carving knife and fork. AUGUST 07 – WEDNESDAY – George went with me in the morning to get my kerosene lamp fixed and to run some pistol balls at George Hull’s. We came home and fired at a target. We took dinner at home. We visited with Edwin and wife in the PM. I attended class in the evening. Wrote a letter to Elisha Dickerman in New Haven. AUGUST 08 – THURSDAY – I went to work today in the shop for the first time since I returned from the war. I earned $1.50. The day has been stormy. I did not attend the Prayer Meeting in the evening, but remained home to visit with Edwin. AUGUST 09 – FRIDAY – It is still cloudy with some rain. I worked in the shop again today. Mr. Crofut let me have a barrel of flour for work. I let father have half of it and gave him $2.50 in cash, the sane being for work while I was away at the war. He would not have taken a penny for the work he did had he not been very needy and of course, I could not refuse him. Our First Lieutenant J. G. Stevens was shopped at Mr. Crofut’s shop today. I spent the evening over home. AUGUST 10 – SATURDAY – I hired a horse in the morning to go to Ridgefield to get Aunt Mary to come and nurse for us. Before I started, Edwin rose down to the shop with me and bought a new hat. I went to Ridgefield but could not get Aunt Mary. I returned just in time to carry Edwin’s trunk to the depot with the team as I was going to the stables with it. I went to Singing School in the evening. AUGUST 11 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. I attended church all day. I came home at noon. Harriet came up at dinner and stayed with Gussie in the PM. Mr. Pegg preached in the morning from Matthew 11:28. He exchanged with Mr. Stone (Baptist) in the afternoon. Mr. Stone’s text was John, first chapter and the last clause of the 29th verse. I stayed at home in the evening. AUGUST 12 – MONDAY – I worked in the shop. I came home to dinner. It commenced raining just before night and continued all evening. I did not go out in the evening on that account. AUGUST 13 – TUESDAY – It rained very hard all day. I came home to dinner. Irish Mary washed for us. I stayed at home in the evening and helped Gussie put down carpet and oil cloth in the sitting room. AUGUST 14 – WEDNESDAY - Cloudy in the morning, but it cleared off before dinner. I have worked in the shop as usual. Father Griswold came home on the evening train. I attended class in the evening. Brother Lovejoy led in the absence of Brother Peter. AUGUST 15 – THURSDAY – Cool and pleasant. I came home from the shop to my dinner, but being sick with a headache, I did not return. I stayed at home in the evening on that account. AUGUST 16 – FRIDAY – Pleasant. I worked all day in the shop. Mrs. Richards called after tea. Mr. Fry, known as Uncle Jake, was fined 50 cents at the shop today for drawing a heater before there was enough heat to supply those present. The money was used for peanuts. I went to market in the evening. AUGUST 17 – SATURDAY – Cloudy. Sunshine with now and then a little rain in the AM. A picnic at McDonald’s Woods for the 2nd Company Volunteers, returned under Captain Moore. Speaking at Concert Hall by the Reverend Mr. Stone. The remarks were excellent and appropriate. Out 1st Company Volunteers, the Wooster Guard, turned out with them as an escort. Jackson’s Cadets turned out also. I went to market in the evening. AUGUST 1 8 – SUNDAY – Pleasant. I attended church. Brother Pegg preached from 1st Corinthians 11:26. I came home to dinner and returned to the afternoon service which was the Sacrament, the first I have attended since my return from the war. The last was in March. Harriet was here to tea. Brother Pegg preached in the evening from Psalm 87:7. Subject, Vocal Music. AUGUST 19 – MONDAY – Pleasant. I have not felt well today. I finished but one hat after dinner. We were paid $5.00 this afternoon. I went to market and to a public meeting at Concert Hall held for the purpose of recruiting Captain Skinner’s Company who are going to war as soon as the Company is full. Speeches were made by Smith Barnum, Ferry of Bethel, James Taylor, Mr. Jackson and Averill. AUGUST 20 – TUESDAY – Both sunshine and clouds. Real dog days weather. I sawed off the legs to our bedstead before breakfast. I went up to New Fairfield with Abel to get some whortleberries. We took dinner at his father’s. Their folks went out with us in the PM and gave us all the berries they picked. We had Fred Starr’s horse. AUGUST 21 – WEDNESDAY – I went to the shop, but there was no work. I went up home for some milk for dinner. I gave George a pair of shoes to help me spade up a strawberry bed and set out some new plants in the PM. I went to the market in the evening and traded on Mr. Crofut’s order at Benedict & Nichols. I did not attend class in the evening. Harriet spent the day with us. AUGUST 22 – THURSDAY- Worked all day in the shop. Rain in the PM and evening. I did not attend Prayer Meeting. I spent the evening in wrting up my journal, copying from my pocket diary, which was written while at the war. AUGUST 23 – FRIDAY – Pleasant. I worked in the shop in the forenoon, but did not go back in the PM on account of a headache. I put a new lock on our bedroom door upstairs. Gussie being up home, I went up to tea. From there, we went to market. Harriet walked down with us. AUGUST 24 – SATURDAY – Clear, cool and rain. I have been at work in the shop. Abel, Fanny, Marvin Boughton, and Mrs. White went up to New Fairfield whortleberrying. A party of our citizens and many of the returned volunteers went up to New Fairfield to a peace flag raising, where they raised the Stars and Stripes. It ended in a regular fight. A few of our men were slightly hurt while several of the New Fairfielders were severely and dangerously injured. AUGUST 25 - SUNDAY – Pleasant. I attended church in the morning. Brother Starr gave me a class in Sunday School at noon. I came home after school and stayed in the PM. Text in the morning, 1st Timothy 1:13. Harriet took tea with us. I attended Prayer Meeting in the evening. AUGUST 26 - MONDAY – Pleasant. I worked as usual in the shop. George came to the shop in the PM and waited until I finished my work and then I went with him to Charles Stevens’ to see about buying a coat for him. We did not conclude to take one then. He came home to tea with me. Able picked my crab apples for me in the PM. Mr.Wassen came in the evening to get my answer about my rooms. I engaged them to him. AUGUST 27 – TUESDAY – I took some crab apples over to Burr Bradley before breakfast. I was taken with a severe attack of the Bilious Cholic after breakfast. Better in the PM. I went down to the shop just at night. Bought a new coat at Yarkiski’s (?). Harriet spent the evening with us. Captain Skinner’s Company of volunteers for three years or the war elected their commissioned officers in the evening. They made the choice of Joseph Dunning for 1st Lieutenant and Thomas Horton for 2nd. AUGUST 28 – WEDNESDAY – Cloudy and a very little rain. No work in the shop. Captain Skinner’s Company went off in the PM to the rendezvous at New Haven. Elder Swan, a Judd from Bethel, and a lawyer from Bridgeport, addressed them at the depot previous to starting. Gussie taken sick with her confinement in the evening. AUGUST 29 – THURSDAY – I was up all last night with Gussie and the doctor. Mother, Mother Griswold and Mrs. Boughton were present at the party. A son born at 4 ½ o’clock this morning, weight, 8 ¼ pounds. Mother and Mrs. Boughton stayed to breakfast, after which I went for the nurse, old Mrs. Jackson. I went down to the shop, but did not go to work. I came home and went to bed. I went to the store in the evening and returned home immediately. AUGUST 30 – FRIDAY – Pleasant and warm. Irish Mary washed for us today. I came home to dinner. Harriet had a boy born this forenoon at 11 o’clock. Weight, 8 ½ pounds. AUGUST 31 – SATURDAY – Not quite so warm today. Worked all day in the shop. Bought a breast pump for Gussie in the evening, price, $1.00. Fanny sealed up Gussie’s crab apple jelly. Her mother stuffed her peppers for pickles for her. I put the vinegar in them in the evening and filled up the keg with old cider.
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Purdy, Horace, 1835-1909]]> Western Connecticut State University]]>
Danbury (Conn.) -- History.]]> United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal Narratives.]]> Purdy, Horace, 1835-1909]]> Western Connecticut State University]]> Danbury (Conn.) -- History.]]> United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal Narratives.]]> Friday and Saturday left blank in the diary.

JUNE 16 – SUNDAY – About 400 of our regiment headed by General Tyler went up the railroad to reconnoiter while I with a detailed party was at work putting up the telegraph poles and wire. One of the platform cars filled with soldiers was fired into near Vienna and seriously wounded one of Captain Comstock’s Company – Busbee, by name. One of our scouts while we were at work on the telegraph saw some men setting fire to the track between us and the train which had gone up. Frank Platt and myself rolled a handcar down to camp as soon as possible to get men to go up and drive them off. But when we got up there, they had left without doing any damage so we had our trouble for nothing. We saw some men up ahead on the track just on the edge of a piece of woods which we thought to be the enemy, but they proved to be our own. In a short time the train came down with the wounded man with the rest and others of us took the hand cars and went into camp. JUNE17 – MONDAY – At 2 o’clock PM, the regiment marched to Long Ridge for a review by General McDonald. There were 10,000 troops there. News came to the review ground that the Ohio boys were being cut in pieces up the railroad where we went yesterday near Vienna. We took a hurried march to our encampment where we had supper. We laid down to rest for a short time when two long trains of cars came up from Alexandria to take us to the scene of blood. We embarked as soon as we could. We took the first train and the 2nd Regiment (which came here from Washington last Friday night and arrived here early Saturday morning) took the second. For some reason or other, I know not what, the trains waited after we were all on board for 2 or 3 hours when they started very slowly on up the track. Not knowing where we might find the enemy, we felt our way along very slowly and cautiously. JUNE 18 – TUESDAY - Falls Church. We arrived near this place on the railroad about daylight or a little before this morning. We found the Ohio boys near the track by way of camp fires and a lantern. They were burying their dead and amputating the limbs of the wounded and caring for others who were badly wounded or otherwise. They had just taken off an arm of one poor fellow who submitted to it without a groan. It looked hard to see the long row of wounded, dying and the dead near the track. They numbered thirty, nine of them killed. We got off from the train and marched a short distance, went into a field nearby, and then lay or sat down to rest for nearly an hour, I should think, when we were ordered to march. We went partway back to where we got off the train and took a road partway up the hill to our right where we found another body of the Ohio boys on a sharp lookout for the enemy. We marched up the road for about a mile and halted near the four corners leading to Falls Church, Fairfax Courthouse, Alexandria and the one we came up on. Two platoons of South Carolinians and two pieces of artillery came by here en route to Fairfax about an hour before us. If we had come up here immediately after getting off the train, we would have capture them, but alas, we were too late. We took our position in a grove nearby, put out our pickets and kept a sharp eye out all day, but found no enemy. We bought some straw of a man living nearby and rolled ourselves up in our blankets as best we could for the night. Our orderly, Sgt. Knox, slept in a pig pen and our captain slept on top. JUNE 19 – WEDNESDAY – We slept very well last night, everything considered. I went down to the village and procured a cup of coffee and some corn cake at a house. Our camp train began to arrive before noon, so we moved our quarters about 1/8 of a mile back to the corners in a grove where we pitched our tents as soon as they came after first laying out the ground and cleaning it up for our encampment. (The distance from Washington or our old Camp Rockingham to Roaches’ Mill is about 10 miles – three miles to Long Ridge, 1 ¼ across the bridge and 5 ¾ from there to Camp Tyler at Roaches’ Mill The distance from Camp Tyler to Camp McDowell at Falls Church is about eight miles, the camp about 1 mile from the Alexandria, Hampshire & London Railroad). JUNE 20 – THURSDAY – I was detailed for Camp Guard duty this morning. I was posted at the colonel’s quarters. The corporal selected me for that post on account of me being one of the best soldiers, I being acquainted with the different salutes for the separate grades of officers. JUNE 21 – FRIDAY – I came off from guard duty this morning. The day has been very warm. No drill. I washed my clothes. We packed our uniform coats to send to Alexandria for storage. JUNE 22 – SATURDAY – No drill. A thunder shower last night. We were paid $10.00, one month’s bounty from the state and $.73 for two days at New Haven prior to being sworn in to the United States service. Captain Kellogg of the 2nd Regiment, officer of the day, has been taken prisoner by the rebels. JUNE 23 – SUNDAY – Very warm. A balloon was brought here this morning from Arlington Heights to reconnoiter the enemy and find out their positions, etc. I was detailed after supper to go on a scouting party during the night under Lieutenant Colonel Speidell. JUNE 24 - MONDAY – We came in from scouting early this morning. We took a position last night near two roads where the enemy would approach from Fairfax Courthouse if they were to attack us. With the exception of a few who were posted at other places nearby, we all remained in this position until morning. We were in a small piece of woods. We intended to fire upon the enemy from this position if they approached and retreat into the woods towards camp, keeping up a continuous fire all the way to camp to annoy them as much as possible. But all was quiet and consequently, we had nothing to do. The 3rd Regiment marched from Washington last night arriving early this morning before we returned form scouting. I believe they came by way of Chain Bridge. I wrote a letter to Gussie and sent her a gold dollar enclosed. JUNE 25 – TUESDAY - I received a letter from Gussie and one from Harriet. I wrote a letter to Gussie and one to George. JUNE 26 – WEDNESDAY- Cloudy in the morning with the appearance of rain. It came off clear and warm before night. JUNE 27 –THURSDAY – I was detailed for picket guard this morning. I was posted on a hill by the side of the Alexandria road from which I could see in the distance the dome of the Capitol Building. George Keeler was on post with me. It was just in the rear of a Union man’s house by the name of Munson. We heard Secession drums beat the tattoo at night in the direction of Fairfax Courthouse or that vicinity. JUNE 28 – FRIDAY – Heard the enemy’s drums again this morning as they were beating Reveille. After we came into camp this morning, I tried to sleep a little but could not on account of the flies which nearly tormented me to death. Received a letter from George. I wrote one to Gussie and one to Harriet. Very warm and dust. As nearly all our company was on guard, we did not go on dress parade at night. Our pickets took a South Carolina soldier prisoner. Captain Wildman brought him into camp. The Hartford boys were the ones that captured him thought. JUNE 29 – SATURDAY – The Regiment was reviewed this afternoon. JUNE 30 – SUNDAY- Stormy. I went on camp guard this morning. I received a letter from Gussie and one from Peter Starr. I had a severe headache in the PM. Our chaplain, Mr. Weber from Hartford, had service this afternoon at 4 o’clock for the first time. He has just been appointed and sent to us by Governor Buckingham.
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Purdy, Horace, 1835-1909]]> Western Connecticut State University]]>
Danbury (Conn.) -- History.]]> United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Personal Narratives.]]> From May 2nd until the 8th, I wrote nothing in my diary. As it is now (the time of copying this) August 19th, my memory does not serve me and therefore, I am compelled to leave the intervening time a blank, though it was filled up with the usual camp duties.
MAY 09 – THURSDAY – The day has been pretty warm and very dusty. William Wheeler, from Bethel, one of my old shop mates, was to the camp and stayed until we struck our tents and marched off from the ground to go to Long Wharf to take the steamer “Bienville” en route to Washington, which was about 4 1/4. PM. We arrived at the wharf and went on board about 6 o’clock. The other steamer to take the 2nd Regiment came in while we lay at the dock. We left the dock about 10 ½ o’clock, rounded the east end of Long Island during the night. MAY 10 – FRIDAY – I awoke about 4 o’clock this morning and went on deck just in time to see Long Island as we were leaving it and to see the sun rise. 8 o’clock – out of sight of land. Clear and pleasant, the weather fine. The sea is calm, just enough swell to give an easy motion to the steamer. At 10 ¾ o’clock, we passed a Danish barque and signaled her. We gave her three hearty cheers. Hazy in the PM. “Baltimore” – so-called (a comical fellow, a member of the Waterbury Company), is cutting up his friend and raising heck generally. All the men are in good spirits, except the few who are beginning to feel “sea-sick”. MAY 11 – SATURDAY – Smith’s Island, Cape Charles and the sand banks of Cape Henry hove into view about 6 o’clock this morning. We are now in Chesapeake Bay. Seven o’clock passed and we signaled a Swedish vessel. About 3 PM, we met two steamers, one of them, a U. S. Mail. About 3 ½ o’clock, we entered the mouth of the Potomac River. Hazy and scarcely any wind at all. On account of the removal of the lights and buoys by the rebels, we anchored at dark at a bend of the river. After pacing a guard fore and aft and at the side of a steamer to keep a look out (for we were very near the Virginia shore), we retired for the night. MAY 12 – SUNDAY – The crew began to weigh anchor about 4 o’clock and we immediately started on our way up the river again. At 5 o’clock, we met a war steamer, the “Mohawk”. She rounded up to us and her captain inquired where we were from and where bound, how many men on board, etc. He told us to go on up the river, while he would go down and meet the other steamer carrying the 2nd Regiment. Virginia and Maryland are on each side of us. At times, we are almost within hailing distance of either shore. About 8 o’clock, while a part of the regiment were eating breakfast, we passed Mount Vernon, the home and tomb of Washington. In passing, our band played a dirge and a national air. We passed Fort Washington soon after. We passed Alexandria about 9 o’clock. A war steamer lay off there to keep the rebels quiet. A little later, we cast anchor in the river near Washington, about halfway between the Arsenal Yard and the Navy Yard. While we lay there, a steamer came from the dock passing very near us having on board President Lincoln with a military escort. It was nearly noon when we were landed at the Arsenal Yard where we spent the remainder of the day very pleasantly. I spread my blanket upon the grass and wrote a letter home to Gussie. We staked out arms in the Armory and went on board the boat to quarter for the night. MAY 13 – MONDAY – We had our breakfast on board the boat this morning. A detachment was sent ahead early to clear up the ground and pitch our tents near Glenwood Cemetery, north of the city. In the afternoon, the regiment was marched to our encampment. The day was very warm and a number of our men gave out before we arrived there.
Five more days were omitted because I do not remember what occurred, there being no writing done in my diary. The time was occupied thought with the usual duties of camp and drilling.
MAY 19 – SUNDAY – I got a pass this morning and went to the city and attended Dr. Ryan’s church (Methodist). He preached an excellent sermon in which he alluded to the present condition of our country in a very feeling manner. Text, Daniel 6:10. One of the members, a good brother, took me home with him to dinner, after which I went to the camp where there was a preaching at 4 PM. Text, Proverbs 31:5. I went to the city again in the evening and attended church. Wellington Gibbs and Edgar Wildman were with me. It began to rain after we got started and rained hard all evening. Dr. Ryan preached from Ephesians 5:16. MAY 20 - MONDAY – Wrote a letter home. Received one from Harriet in New York, commenced writing one to her. The day has been stormy. MAY 21 – TUESDAY – Pleasant. I went over to the Brooklyn 14th Regiment in the evening to see their chaplain, Brother Inskip (?), but did not as there was only a detachment there to pitch their tents. The remainder of the regiment and Brother Inskip are to come into their camp tomorrow.
Wednesday and Thursday are blank in my diary.
MAY 24 – FRIDAY – Sick with diarrhea. I got some medicine from our surgeon, Dr. Stearns. I have done no duty except dress parade at 6 PM. The 3rd Regiment came and encamped near us today. MAY 25 – SATURDAY – I was up a good deal of last night. I had a touch of Cholera Morbus (Note: gastrointestinal illness characterized by cramps, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting). A shower after breakfast. At 1 ¼ o’clock, we were called away as we supposed at the time to battle. We marched as far as a long bridge, but did not cross over as far as Virginia. The alarm was a false one, or at least a small affair caused it. We were forthwith marched back to camp. Not feeling well, it was too much for me. I was obliged to give up my knapsack both ways, going and returning. MAY 26 – SUNDAY – I was detailed for guard duty this morning, but I was relieved just in time to attend preaching in the PM under a large oak tree on our parade ground. Text, 1st John 1:8, 9. We have no regular chaplain for our regiment. This man has come here from the city once before and kindly volunteered to preach for us. I do not remember his name.
Monday through Friday, inclusively are left blank again in my diary. I did not have time, I suppose, or some other cause. I do not now remember. The time was filled up with the usual duties of the soldier, I presume.

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Purdy, Horace, 1835-1909]]> Western Connecticut State University]]>