DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1861

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1861-01-01 Page 1

Tuesday January 1st, 1861
A new period of time has dawned upon 
our earth. Once more we look with anxious 
expectations into the future, and fondly 
cherish this day as a harbinger of anticipated 
fortune. Many are the joyous exclamations of, 
"I wish you a happy new year!" But, how very 
few of these wishes become realized! Let us 
look at the bright side of life, and presume 
at best that the fickle dame, fortune,
has something for us in store which
shall promote our prosperity.
I, it is true, have been, and am still,
the adopted child of poverty and adversity,
and apparently fate has decreed my eternal
minority and bondage, yes could I but
lift the mystic veil of futurity, I might
break my bonds and triumphantly assert
my independence. As certain as the orb
of day illuminates this terrestrial globe
so certain does Jehovah reign the universe
and control the power of fate, and upon
Him do I cast all my anticipations for
the future. Trusting Him, because He has
lead me, most wonderfully thus far.
As it is customary at this time to make new resolutions
for my guidance and encouragement I resolve
to put forth all my energies in acting my
part well, so that when I come to grapple
with the angel of death, I may look back upon a useful life.

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Tuesday January 1st, 1861 A new period of time has dawned upon our earth. Once more we look with anxious expectations into the future, and fondly cherish this day as a harbinger of anticipated fortune. Many are the joyous exclamations of, "I wish you a happy new year!" But, how very few of these wishes become realized! Let us look at the bright side of life, and presume at best that the fickle dame, fortune, has something for us in store which shall promote our prosperity. I, it is true, have been, and am still, the adopted child of poverty and adversity, and apparently fate has decreed my eternal minority and bondage, yes could I but lift the mystic veil of futurity, I might break my bonds and triumphantly assert my independence. As certain as the orb of day illuminates this terrestrial globe so certain does Jehovah reign the universe and control the power of fate, and upon Him do I cast all my anticipations for the future. Trusting Him, because He has lead me, most wonderfully thus far. As it is customary at this time to make new resolutions for my guidance and encouragement I resolve to put forth all my energies in acting my part well, so that when I come to grapple with the angel of death, I may look back upon a useful life.