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Private Christopher C. Lobingier enlisted as a Private in the Company A, 100th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on March 3, 1862, for a three year term. The regiment, nicknamed the Roundheads, was assigned to the Ninth Corps and served in numerous theaters during the war. Lobingier would a little more than two years, being discharged by Special Order on March 20 (Bates) or March 31, 1864.During the first seven months of his enlistment he would keep a daily dairy of his activities, one that was in many ways refreshingly honest.
Christopher Lobingier was by no means a company officer's dream. He writes of unauthorized foraging expeditions to gather apples, corn and livestock, ditching equipment along the march because the knapsacks were to heavy, and missing a brigade review because he took off to the river for a bath. Lobingier mentions standing guard duty at Burnside's headquarters at which time he failed to salute McClellan during a visit McClellan made to Ninth Corps headquarters because he did not recognize the general. "I felt very bad about it and I feared I would be arrested and punished severely for my neglect of duty." He also wrote of illness, tiring marches, and quiet days of rest and relaxation. Lobingier liked some of his officers, others not so much.
The Roundheads marched with Burnside during the Maryland Campaign, participating in the battles at Fox's Gap and Antietam. Private Christopher Lobingier was not with them due to illness and a sore foot. He lagged behind, following the army as best he could, but did not arrive at Sharpsburg to rejoin his regiment until five days after the battle. He did keep up his diary during his march.
http://www.100thpenn.com/September 1862 CCLD.htm
September, Sunday 7, 1862
Weather intensely hot for September reminding me of July or August weather than the mild pleasant September - About 11 a.m. we received marching orders so we immediately pulled up stakes and left though we did not go on our way rejoicing and we were all very loathe to leave our beautiful camp guard and the City of Washington. We marched about 11 miles in a another direction encamping near the "Penna. Reserve Corp" on the left of the turn pike. We drew some clothing before commencing to march I drew a shirt and two pairs of socks I felt very unwell as usual for some time before and consequently marching in the ranks was rather difficult though I kept near by the Regt. I made me a bed of leaves in the woods and slept alone a squad of our Cavalry rode over me tying their horses near by and traveling for the night.
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Bivouacking
September, Monday 8, 1862
Weather intensely hot in my judgment for September – I awoke very early from my nest of leaves or slumbers and joined the Regt. in time for breakfast as they were very near by. We remained here all day and drew clothing – I drew a blanket, knapsack, cap, canteen, and shelter tent, These were the first shelter tents the "Roundheads" ever drew a single piece of tent only allowed for each man--so sad Capt. Pentecost. W. H. Lewis and I drew in co partnership. Our Company had an election for officers today. Lieut. L. H. Pentecost was elected Captain (I voted for him) only because I knew there was no possibility of defeating him and I did not like to throw away my vote). Serg. James Montford was elected 1st Lieutenant ( I voted for Lieut. Ceher). The 45th Penna. Regt. were put in our Brigade today and our new General arrived. Wilcox is his name.
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Marching – "Mechanicsville" – "Brookville"
September, Tuesday 9, 1862
Weather clear and very warm. We pulled up stakes in the morning and left marching on the turn pike about 11 miles. I felt very ill to day unable to march at all – I fell out of ranks and did not overtake the Regt. until evening in Camp near the little village "Brookville" or "Rockville" I don't know which is correct. We passed through the finest section of country I have yet seen in a slave state. Citizens were trudging along the roadside to see the troop and General McClellan. The fair sex was well represented-- water, milk and refreshments for the weary soldier as we passed through. I got nothing save water. Oh! such kind treatment made one's heart leap with joy even though we were not refreshed of any of the luxuries. Passed through "Mechanicsville" our Orderly Avery Templeton and Henry Dougan were straggling – diarrhea very severe.
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Bivouacking near "Brookville" Md.
September, Wednesday 10, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately. Sol shone with intense heat when he did shine indicating rain – I felt worse to day than ever. I attempted to eat some breakfast – but it would not lay on my stock I threw it up feeling very sick all day. I went to the Surgeon and he gave me a large dose of salts which I took as directed feeling never the better. We remained here all day in Camp Lewis and I put up our shelter tent and I remained in it the greater portion of the day unfit for any duty I had no appetite for any food to be had – I got a few potatoes and Lewis cooked them for me. Oh! I relished them very much. The Regt. was entirely out of rations and did not draw any until night – The boys helped themselves to the corn and potatoes they could find.
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"Brookville" Marching
September, Thursday 11, 1862
Weather very cloudy warm sultry and wet threatening rain in the forenoon several showers at intervals in the afternoon. I went to the Surgeons at the Call in the morning got some medicine – was excused – and the Surgeon gave me an order to secure the hauling of my knapsack, gun and accoutrements. In the ambivalence I felt very unwell more like a candidate for the hospital than undertaking a long march. The troops commenced to march in good time. I was so very weak I could scarcely walk. Before the Regt. started I went to inform Capt. L. H. Pentecost that I was unable to march and in addition to notify him I was excused and consequently could not keep pace with the Regiment but the Captain would not hear my plea but turned me his back and walked off turning me the cold shoulder and deaf ear – This was the hardest shock and coldest treatment I ever received from any man and I shall never forget it and especially under the circumstances as the Captain was spotted not 5 minutes previous to my appearance him he secure one Martin Burke a place in the hospital in the village-- he being unable to march. But it was nothing strange as the Captain was always the most hardest man I ever knew. Martin Burke afterwards deserted. Poor me was unfortunate on all hands today on presenting my paper to the ambulance driver he refused to have my trapps saying trudge along best as best I could. Resigned to my fate, I stepped in a tobacco house on the roadside during the rain spent the time reading my Bible finished Luke – General Burnside passed – I cleaned my gun – I made my bed in the woods on the roadside of leaves, was awakened in the night by rain and arose and went in search of a shelter marching a couple to a tobacco house.
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Marching – Bivouacking
September, Friday 12, 1862
Weather very cloudy warm and sultry in the forenoon but in the afternoon the clouds disappeared to a great extent, Sol shining hot at intervals. I arose very late renewing the march at a slow pace as I was able. I marched about 7 miles I overtook our baggage train as I thought it was very lengthy accompanying the whole road and interfered considerably with my marching. I was exceedingly weak today. I gathered some elderberries and made my supper of them cooking them in my tin cup – very cloudy, sharp lightning threatening rain. I slept in a Planters barn on the hay mow – saw quite a number of struggling soldiers – starvation stung me in the face.
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Marching
September, Saturday 13, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately mild September weather in every respect – I had nothing for breakfast save dry crackers scarcely nutrient enough in it to keep a sick mans soul and body together and I had but little hand lap at that. The only consolation I have is to be content with what I have (as the rat said -) Suffice it to say such food does not afford strength enough to sustain one on a march – much less a sick person. I lodged all night in a tobacco house near a little town on the B and O. R. R. I had a very poor bed – slept but little rolling about all night I was very hungry entirely out of provisions – and I never was so much tempted to enter a large brick house to ask for something to eat but my heart failed me I never was obliged to beg and it was hard to commence though I suffered from hunger.
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Marching – "Frederick City" Md.
September, Sunday 14, 1862
Weather clear at sunrise but became gradually cloudy all day indicating rain at sun set – I felt little or no better very weak and ill – I was at a loss what road to follow as troop had gone both ways on two roads. I went back trough the village and followed the Railroad about a mile when I took a road to the right on the R. R. I passed the first slate quarry I ever saw some fine slate for roofing is being taken out – On leaving the R. R. there was a house on the road side and being very hungry I asked the old lady for something to eat. She gave me nothing replying that the soldiers stole so much from her she had nothing to give to soldiers – but this did not suffice my hunger. I passed through "Frederick City" quite a place- found the Monacacy River – I picked up some bread or cake to eat in the road near the City. I have learned the road Burnside took the "Hagerstown" Road marching about two miles from the city. I slept in a farm on the road side. The planter was afraid we would burn his farm.
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Marching – "Middletown" Md.
September, Monday 15, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately mild September like in every respect – I felt little or no better to day my foot was worse – very painful and consequently it was with great difficulty I marched at all. I stopped at a house on the roadside and in the garden I found some cabbage .A soldier gave me some crackers and I made my dinner on cabbage, pears, plums, and crackers. After resting and reposing I renewed the march and on the way I found an old lady on the road side selling pies. I offered to exchange postage stamp for pies. She assented and I bought some and traveled on to "Middletown" Md. To the "Meeting houses" in town were filled with wounded soldiers from the last battlefield and it was impossible to procure nurses so a hospital steward was posted to seize all stragglers compel them to name the wounded. I kicked against it as I was anxious to join my Regt. but go I must on duty carrying out a dead soldier.
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Middletown Md.
September, Tuesday 16, 1862
Weather warm and very cloudy indicating rain in the forenoon – But in the afternoon it became windy and gradually colder all day – my foot was more painful today than ever before and yet I was obliged to wear my foot as I could find no old shoe. I had a conversation with some "Rebel" prisoners from North Carolina apparently tired of the war. I asked them what they were fighting for and they replied to prevent Lincoln from taking their ******s, saying that Lincoln wanted to rob them of their slaves. I saw some genuine Confederate money the prisoners had in their possession also postage stamp 5 and 10 cents stamps – They receive 11$ per month for soldiering all in Confederate scripts as nurses we have but two reliefs and I come on the first relief standing from 6 – 12 – Chaplain R. A. Brown called in the hospital to learn the whereabouts of injured "Roundheads" I learned through him that several of our Company were killed and wounded.
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"Middletown" Md.
September, Wednesday 17, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately warm September weather in every respect. We nurses have to stand or do duty twelve hours out of every twenty four – my foot is very sore and painful – We heard very heavy cannonading all day. I never heard heavier field artillery. There is bloody work going on not very far distant. One of our Generals was brought in wounded and the ambulance was there with Surgeons to render their professional aid voluntarily. I saw a member of the Secesh--a Lieut. Colonel. He was guarded in the upper appointment of our hospital was very filthy and slovenly in his dress-was wounded in the head. When off duty I went out in search of some apples to eat. I found some prime ones. We have milk in our coffee.
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"Middletown" Md.
September, Thursday 18, 1862
Weather very cloudy warm and sultry indicating rain drizzling rain at intervals during the day – my foot felt some better today, less painful than for some time. Since the Surgeons amputated three legs in our hospital today and I verily believe all of them could have been saved had their wounds been properly dressed and attended but for want of attention it was necessary to take off the limbs. I took a stroll through town when off duty – saw several barrels of cider, melons and apples which tempted me not a little but I was minus money and my mouth watered in vain. During my night watch several of the patients were very restless requiring great attention. I wrote a note to Mama for money. We had soup for dinner. We had a tremendous heavy rain shower in the evening and a beautiful rainbow.
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"Middletown" Md.
September, Friday 19, 1862
Weather cloudy and clear alternately pleasant after the rain. I went on duty as usual at 6 a.m.--the patients were exceedingly restless and troublesome keeping me more than busy. Only two were taken from us today to "Frederick City". Poor fellows were very anxious to go and there was many sad and heavy hearts at being disappointed. One of our men a "Buck Fail" died in the afternoon. In the afternoon I went out in search of apples and found a fine orchard and entered the house to ask for some apples. The inmates were just eating dinner and nothing would do but I must eat some with them. I did eat and afterwards they took me to the orchard and gave me as many apples as I wanted. I never received such kind treatment and I appreciated it. May God bless them.
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Middletown" Md. – Marching
September, Saturday 20, 1862
Weather warm and cloudy--September like in every respect. I went on duty as usual about noon. The Steward come around and asked me if I wished to remain any longer as Nurse together with two others to attend to all. But oweing to the mean treatment of the wounded, I prefer to join my Regt. rather than be connected with this concern. The wounded soldiers in the hospital were not treated with as much sympathy by the Surgeons, as I would treat a sick dog. All were lousy and all with amputated limbs were fly blown--skippers crawling over their wounds all for want of attention. Only the Surgeon, he would only dress amputated limbs once in 48 hours. Tthe doctors assembled in a little room in the house and drank the wines sent the wounded and sick. So I determined to leave this hole trap together and left. The Surgeon would not give me a mouthful if provisions to take with me which I thought rather hard – I lodged in a barn over night in the next town on the way. Going up South Mountain, a citizen gave me a half peach pie. I thought it was the best thing I ever ate.
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Marching – "Sharpsburg" Md.
September, Sunday 21, 1862
Weather clear and warm and pleasant--mild September weather in every respect. I know not the name of the village I remained over night at. I marched from the town on the "Hagerstown" around to "Sharpsburg" took the wrong road at "Sharpsburg". I could learn nothing of the route traveled or whereabouts of the 9th Corp. and I was delighted while endeavoring to learn the whereabouts of our Corp. I fell in with a couple of "Hilanders" who were also lost – however on returning to "Sharpsburg" after night I learned from a citizen where the Corp was encamped. I for the first time in my life begged to eat in "Sharpsburg". Hunger drove me to this unpleasant task. I received sweet meal of bread and tomato jam from a young female. I saw innumerable fresh signs of the last battle today over in "Sharpsburg" were leveled through with shells and grape. I slept in a stable in Sharpsburg.
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Sharpsburg – Marching
September, Monday 22, 1862
Weather clear warm and pleasant Sept. weather though very foggy in the morning. I awoke early hearing Marshall music towards "Harpers Ferry" the road and wanted to travel. I fell in the rear of a Regt. and marched along with them about two miles. I found the "Roundheads" on picket and I learned from them that our Regt. was trying a little to the left of the road; I had no difficulty in finding the Regt. and was but a short time in Camp until I was put on fatigue duty policing camp. I received a letter from Jonathan dated September 8th – I had some corn for dinner – I gave Capt. Pentecost the paper or pass the Surgeon gave me stating why he detained me. Capt. said nothing save to inquire if me the whereabouts of Lorenze Wilgus but I was entirely ignorant. Pickets returned to Camp about 4 p.m.
Christopher Lobingier was by no means a company officer's dream. He writes of unauthorized foraging expeditions to gather apples, corn and livestock, ditching equipment along the march because the knapsacks were to heavy, and missing a brigade review because he took off to the river for a bath. Lobingier mentions standing guard duty at Burnside's headquarters at which time he failed to salute McClellan during a visit McClellan made to Ninth Corps headquarters because he did not recognize the general. "I felt very bad about it and I feared I would be arrested and punished severely for my neglect of duty." He also wrote of illness, tiring marches, and quiet days of rest and relaxation. Lobingier liked some of his officers, others not so much.
The Roundheads marched with Burnside during the Maryland Campaign, participating in the battles at Fox's Gap and Antietam. Private Christopher Lobingier was not with them due to illness and a sore foot. He lagged behind, following the army as best he could, but did not arrive at Sharpsburg to rejoin his regiment until five days after the battle. He did keep up his diary during his march.
http://www.100thpenn.com/September 1862 CCLD.htm
September, Sunday 7, 1862
Weather intensely hot for September reminding me of July or August weather than the mild pleasant September - About 11 a.m. we received marching orders so we immediately pulled up stakes and left though we did not go on our way rejoicing and we were all very loathe to leave our beautiful camp guard and the City of Washington. We marched about 11 miles in a another direction encamping near the "Penna. Reserve Corp" on the left of the turn pike. We drew some clothing before commencing to march I drew a shirt and two pairs of socks I felt very unwell as usual for some time before and consequently marching in the ranks was rather difficult though I kept near by the Regt. I made me a bed of leaves in the woods and slept alone a squad of our Cavalry rode over me tying their horses near by and traveling for the night.
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Bivouacking
September, Monday 8, 1862
Weather intensely hot in my judgment for September – I awoke very early from my nest of leaves or slumbers and joined the Regt. in time for breakfast as they were very near by. We remained here all day and drew clothing – I drew a blanket, knapsack, cap, canteen, and shelter tent, These were the first shelter tents the "Roundheads" ever drew a single piece of tent only allowed for each man--so sad Capt. Pentecost. W. H. Lewis and I drew in co partnership. Our Company had an election for officers today. Lieut. L. H. Pentecost was elected Captain (I voted for him) only because I knew there was no possibility of defeating him and I did not like to throw away my vote). Serg. James Montford was elected 1st Lieutenant ( I voted for Lieut. Ceher). The 45th Penna. Regt. were put in our Brigade today and our new General arrived. Wilcox is his name.
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Marching – "Mechanicsville" – "Brookville"
September, Tuesday 9, 1862
Weather clear and very warm. We pulled up stakes in the morning and left marching on the turn pike about 11 miles. I felt very ill to day unable to march at all – I fell out of ranks and did not overtake the Regt. until evening in Camp near the little village "Brookville" or "Rockville" I don't know which is correct. We passed through the finest section of country I have yet seen in a slave state. Citizens were trudging along the roadside to see the troop and General McClellan. The fair sex was well represented-- water, milk and refreshments for the weary soldier as we passed through. I got nothing save water. Oh! such kind treatment made one's heart leap with joy even though we were not refreshed of any of the luxuries. Passed through "Mechanicsville" our Orderly Avery Templeton and Henry Dougan were straggling – diarrhea very severe.
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Bivouacking near "Brookville" Md.
September, Wednesday 10, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately. Sol shone with intense heat when he did shine indicating rain – I felt worse to day than ever. I attempted to eat some breakfast – but it would not lay on my stock I threw it up feeling very sick all day. I went to the Surgeon and he gave me a large dose of salts which I took as directed feeling never the better. We remained here all day in Camp Lewis and I put up our shelter tent and I remained in it the greater portion of the day unfit for any duty I had no appetite for any food to be had – I got a few potatoes and Lewis cooked them for me. Oh! I relished them very much. The Regt. was entirely out of rations and did not draw any until night – The boys helped themselves to the corn and potatoes they could find.
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"Brookville" Marching
September, Thursday 11, 1862
Weather very cloudy warm sultry and wet threatening rain in the forenoon several showers at intervals in the afternoon. I went to the Surgeons at the Call in the morning got some medicine – was excused – and the Surgeon gave me an order to secure the hauling of my knapsack, gun and accoutrements. In the ambivalence I felt very unwell more like a candidate for the hospital than undertaking a long march. The troops commenced to march in good time. I was so very weak I could scarcely walk. Before the Regt. started I went to inform Capt. L. H. Pentecost that I was unable to march and in addition to notify him I was excused and consequently could not keep pace with the Regiment but the Captain would not hear my plea but turned me his back and walked off turning me the cold shoulder and deaf ear – This was the hardest shock and coldest treatment I ever received from any man and I shall never forget it and especially under the circumstances as the Captain was spotted not 5 minutes previous to my appearance him he secure one Martin Burke a place in the hospital in the village-- he being unable to march. But it was nothing strange as the Captain was always the most hardest man I ever knew. Martin Burke afterwards deserted. Poor me was unfortunate on all hands today on presenting my paper to the ambulance driver he refused to have my trapps saying trudge along best as best I could. Resigned to my fate, I stepped in a tobacco house on the roadside during the rain spent the time reading my Bible finished Luke – General Burnside passed – I cleaned my gun – I made my bed in the woods on the roadside of leaves, was awakened in the night by rain and arose and went in search of a shelter marching a couple to a tobacco house.
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Marching – Bivouacking
September, Friday 12, 1862
Weather very cloudy warm and sultry in the forenoon but in the afternoon the clouds disappeared to a great extent, Sol shining hot at intervals. I arose very late renewing the march at a slow pace as I was able. I marched about 7 miles I overtook our baggage train as I thought it was very lengthy accompanying the whole road and interfered considerably with my marching. I was exceedingly weak today. I gathered some elderberries and made my supper of them cooking them in my tin cup – very cloudy, sharp lightning threatening rain. I slept in a Planters barn on the hay mow – saw quite a number of struggling soldiers – starvation stung me in the face.
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Marching
September, Saturday 13, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately mild September weather in every respect – I had nothing for breakfast save dry crackers scarcely nutrient enough in it to keep a sick mans soul and body together and I had but little hand lap at that. The only consolation I have is to be content with what I have (as the rat said -) Suffice it to say such food does not afford strength enough to sustain one on a march – much less a sick person. I lodged all night in a tobacco house near a little town on the B and O. R. R. I had a very poor bed – slept but little rolling about all night I was very hungry entirely out of provisions – and I never was so much tempted to enter a large brick house to ask for something to eat but my heart failed me I never was obliged to beg and it was hard to commence though I suffered from hunger.
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Marching – "Frederick City" Md.
September, Sunday 14, 1862
Weather clear at sunrise but became gradually cloudy all day indicating rain at sun set – I felt little or no better very weak and ill – I was at a loss what road to follow as troop had gone both ways on two roads. I went back trough the village and followed the Railroad about a mile when I took a road to the right on the R. R. I passed the first slate quarry I ever saw some fine slate for roofing is being taken out – On leaving the R. R. there was a house on the road side and being very hungry I asked the old lady for something to eat. She gave me nothing replying that the soldiers stole so much from her she had nothing to give to soldiers – but this did not suffice my hunger. I passed through "Frederick City" quite a place- found the Monacacy River – I picked up some bread or cake to eat in the road near the City. I have learned the road Burnside took the "Hagerstown" Road marching about two miles from the city. I slept in a farm on the road side. The planter was afraid we would burn his farm.
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Marching – "Middletown" Md.
September, Monday 15, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately mild September like in every respect – I felt little or no better to day my foot was worse – very painful and consequently it was with great difficulty I marched at all. I stopped at a house on the roadside and in the garden I found some cabbage .A soldier gave me some crackers and I made my dinner on cabbage, pears, plums, and crackers. After resting and reposing I renewed the march and on the way I found an old lady on the road side selling pies. I offered to exchange postage stamp for pies. She assented and I bought some and traveled on to "Middletown" Md. To the "Meeting houses" in town were filled with wounded soldiers from the last battlefield and it was impossible to procure nurses so a hospital steward was posted to seize all stragglers compel them to name the wounded. I kicked against it as I was anxious to join my Regt. but go I must on duty carrying out a dead soldier.
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Middletown Md.
September, Tuesday 16, 1862
Weather warm and very cloudy indicating rain in the forenoon – But in the afternoon it became windy and gradually colder all day – my foot was more painful today than ever before and yet I was obliged to wear my foot as I could find no old shoe. I had a conversation with some "Rebel" prisoners from North Carolina apparently tired of the war. I asked them what they were fighting for and they replied to prevent Lincoln from taking their ******s, saying that Lincoln wanted to rob them of their slaves. I saw some genuine Confederate money the prisoners had in their possession also postage stamp 5 and 10 cents stamps – They receive 11$ per month for soldiering all in Confederate scripts as nurses we have but two reliefs and I come on the first relief standing from 6 – 12 – Chaplain R. A. Brown called in the hospital to learn the whereabouts of injured "Roundheads" I learned through him that several of our Company were killed and wounded.
……………………………………………………………………………………………...
"Middletown" Md.
September, Wednesday 17, 1862
Weather clear and cloudy alternately warm September weather in every respect. We nurses have to stand or do duty twelve hours out of every twenty four – my foot is very sore and painful – We heard very heavy cannonading all day. I never heard heavier field artillery. There is bloody work going on not very far distant. One of our Generals was brought in wounded and the ambulance was there with Surgeons to render their professional aid voluntarily. I saw a member of the Secesh--a Lieut. Colonel. He was guarded in the upper appointment of our hospital was very filthy and slovenly in his dress-was wounded in the head. When off duty I went out in search of some apples to eat. I found some prime ones. We have milk in our coffee.
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"Middletown" Md.
September, Thursday 18, 1862
Weather very cloudy warm and sultry indicating rain drizzling rain at intervals during the day – my foot felt some better today, less painful than for some time. Since the Surgeons amputated three legs in our hospital today and I verily believe all of them could have been saved had their wounds been properly dressed and attended but for want of attention it was necessary to take off the limbs. I took a stroll through town when off duty – saw several barrels of cider, melons and apples which tempted me not a little but I was minus money and my mouth watered in vain. During my night watch several of the patients were very restless requiring great attention. I wrote a note to Mama for money. We had soup for dinner. We had a tremendous heavy rain shower in the evening and a beautiful rainbow.
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"Middletown" Md.
September, Friday 19, 1862
Weather cloudy and clear alternately pleasant after the rain. I went on duty as usual at 6 a.m.--the patients were exceedingly restless and troublesome keeping me more than busy. Only two were taken from us today to "Frederick City". Poor fellows were very anxious to go and there was many sad and heavy hearts at being disappointed. One of our men a "Buck Fail" died in the afternoon. In the afternoon I went out in search of apples and found a fine orchard and entered the house to ask for some apples. The inmates were just eating dinner and nothing would do but I must eat some with them. I did eat and afterwards they took me to the orchard and gave me as many apples as I wanted. I never received such kind treatment and I appreciated it. May God bless them.
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Middletown" Md. – Marching
September, Saturday 20, 1862
Weather warm and cloudy--September like in every respect. I went on duty as usual about noon. The Steward come around and asked me if I wished to remain any longer as Nurse together with two others to attend to all. But oweing to the mean treatment of the wounded, I prefer to join my Regt. rather than be connected with this concern. The wounded soldiers in the hospital were not treated with as much sympathy by the Surgeons, as I would treat a sick dog. All were lousy and all with amputated limbs were fly blown--skippers crawling over their wounds all for want of attention. Only the Surgeon, he would only dress amputated limbs once in 48 hours. Tthe doctors assembled in a little room in the house and drank the wines sent the wounded and sick. So I determined to leave this hole trap together and left. The Surgeon would not give me a mouthful if provisions to take with me which I thought rather hard – I lodged in a barn over night in the next town on the way. Going up South Mountain, a citizen gave me a half peach pie. I thought it was the best thing I ever ate.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
Marching – "Sharpsburg" Md.
September, Sunday 21, 1862
Weather clear and warm and pleasant--mild September weather in every respect. I know not the name of the village I remained over night at. I marched from the town on the "Hagerstown" around to "Sharpsburg" took the wrong road at "Sharpsburg". I could learn nothing of the route traveled or whereabouts of the 9th Corp. and I was delighted while endeavoring to learn the whereabouts of our Corp. I fell in with a couple of "Hilanders" who were also lost – however on returning to "Sharpsburg" after night I learned from a citizen where the Corp was encamped. I for the first time in my life begged to eat in "Sharpsburg". Hunger drove me to this unpleasant task. I received sweet meal of bread and tomato jam from a young female. I saw innumerable fresh signs of the last battle today over in "Sharpsburg" were leveled through with shells and grape. I slept in a stable in Sharpsburg.
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Sharpsburg – Marching
September, Monday 22, 1862
Weather clear warm and pleasant Sept. weather though very foggy in the morning. I awoke early hearing Marshall music towards "Harpers Ferry" the road and wanted to travel. I fell in the rear of a Regt. and marched along with them about two miles. I found the "Roundheads" on picket and I learned from them that our Regt. was trying a little to the left of the road; I had no difficulty in finding the Regt. and was but a short time in Camp until I was put on fatigue duty policing camp. I received a letter from Jonathan dated September 8th – I had some corn for dinner – I gave Capt. Pentecost the paper or pass the Surgeon gave me stating why he detained me. Capt. said nothing save to inquire if me the whereabouts of Lorenze Wilgus but I was entirely ignorant. Pickets returned to Camp about 4 p.m.
Bringing the