Friday, September 27, 2013

Extra Rations of Whiskey and Strong Coffee

Sunday, September 27, 1863

The Thirteenth New Hampshire spent a quiet week at Camp Gilmore, working hard slashing trees and brush around camp. The Thirteenth spent their Sunday in the usual inspection and drill. The weather had turned sharply colder this week, and the men enjoyed daily rations of whiskey and strong hot coffee to dispel the chill.1

References:
1S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 204-207.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Heavy Rain and Wind at Camp Gilmore

Sunday, September 20, 1863

After a day of intense rain followed by high winds tents collapsed throughout Camp Gilmore. The Thirteenth New Hampshire spent a fairly quiet week in camp with the exception of the capture of spies lurking in the woods near camp. On Saturday six men of the Thirteenth New Hampshire marched eight miles to and from Portsmouth in a heavy rain to witness a court martial.1

References:
1S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 204-207.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Stringent Inspections at Camp Gilmore

Sunday, September 13, 1863

The Thirteenth New Hampshire began their day as usual in the weekly inspection, which goes poorly and is repeated. As the men have been heavily engaged at work in camp attention to clothing and equipment have been neglected. Responsibility and scoldings are passed down the chain of command to the enlisted man.1

References:
1S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 200-204.

Friday, September 6, 2013

On Alert at Camp Gilmore

Sunday, September 6, 1863

The Thirteenth New Hampshire Regiment engaged in review and drill at 10:00 this morning, followed by a formal review at noon. Camp Gilmore was on alert as the Confederates was rumored to be advancing upon the camp in lines.1

References:
1S. Millett Thompson, Thirteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteer Infantry in the War of the Rebellion, 1861-1865 : A Diary Covering Three Years and a Day (Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton, Mifflin and Company, 1888), 200-201.