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

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1861-05-25 -- 1861-05-28

sat 25. news reached me that Alexandria VA was taken by us troops, and that Col. Ellsworth if the N.Y. Fire Zouaves was assassinated, great indignation was expressed by the military here who are anxious to avenge his death. His murderer was killed afterwards by one of Ellsworth's men. I am unwell.

Sun 26.  I scarcely left the barracks on account of being ill. Rumors of all kinds about out departure and destination were circulating this afternoon, but little credit of their truthfulness is manifested. I and many other soldiers attended the colored congregation whose black pastor preached a very fair sermon. It rained today.

Mon 27. News of the capture of Newall's Point reached us, which was cheered greatly by the volunteers. Also that our legislature passed a bill providing for uniforming us. Resolutions with regard to the brutal assassination of Col. Ellsworth were passed.

Tues, 28. It rained pretty hard, nevertheless we were marched out to our camp where I've found the greatest confusion prevailing on account of the poor preparation for our reception, that was made. We went to work briskly and put up our tents. I slept exceedingly well for the first time on the bare wet ground. Great noise in the camp,

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sat 25. news reached me that Alexandria VA was taken by us troops, and that Col. Ellsworth if the N.Y. Fire Zouaves was assassinated, great indignation was expressed by the military here who are anxious to avenge his death. His murderer was killed afterwards by one of Ellsworth's men. I am unwell. Sun 26. I scarcely left the barracks on account of being ill. Rumors of all kinds about out departure and destination were circulating this afternoon, but little credit of their truthfulness is manifested. I and many other soldiers attended the colored congregation whose black pastor preached a very fair sermon. It rained today. Mon 27. News of the capture of Newall's Point reached us, which was cheered greatly by the volunteers. Also that our legislature passed a bill providing for uniforming us. Resolutions with regard to the brutal assassination of Col. Ellsworth were passed. Tues, 28. It rained pretty hard, nevertheless we were marched out to our camp where I've found the greatest confusion prevailing on account of the poor preparation for our reception, that was made. We went to work briskly and put up our tents. I slept exceedingly well for the first time on the bare wet ground. Great noise in the camp,