Dairy of Joseph E. Wible 1861-1862

Donated by Susan Disinger

Submitted by: Mark Dudrow

August 28[27], 1861 - Left home yesterday in Horner’s Cavalry Company for Frederick where we are to be sworn in. Reached Emmitsburg at half past four where we still remain. We were very well received here. At Mrs. Stanwell's house opposite the hotel where we stopped early in the evening, they struck up the Star Spangled Banner and we all drew near to hear better and, perhaps more especially, to see the pretty girls which were out in numbers and made themselves very agreeable.

August 28, 1861 - Frederick City- Arrived here at about 2 ½ o'clock, had a hearty reception by the people, who gave every sign of loyalty to our glorious old banner. The receptions we received win long be remembered.  In Creagerstown we were received with substantial patriotism. A gentleman there, but formerly from Emmitsburg, treated us to as many melons and crackers as we could eat.

August 29, 1861 - Today has been wet and gloomy but it cleared off late in the afternoon.  In the evening Joe Wills and I went to Church. There was a soldier buried here this afternoon.

Friday, August 30, 1861 - Today has been very warm. We had a little sprinkle this evening but it soon cleared off again.

Saturday, August 31 - Today has been cool and very pleasant. We had our measures taken for our uniforms today; also, got in several recruits. Three companies came in camp today of which one was cavalry. We had quite a scene in Camp today. There were several Secessionists who came in Camp today and our boys happened to recognize them, and such a bowl I have never heard.  They commenced firing at them and they took to a “double Quick” and made an inglorious exit from Camp. They were Secession delegates to a nearby convention.

Sunday, September 1, 1861 - Left Camp about nine O'clock this morning and after taking a short walk, went to Church and enjoyed myself very much.  I went to prayer-meeting in the afternoon and in the evening went to preaching again.

Monday, Sept 2, 1861 - The weather has been very pleasant today.

Tuesday, September 3, 1861 - has been a very warm day. We had a little rain this evening.

Wednesday, Sept 4 -This day has been exceedingly warm. I felt rather indisposed today, but feel quite well this evening. The soldiers of this Camp are quite sociable. We drilled but twice today.  We have a dress parade every evening.  There was (sic) seven recruits brought in today by Mr. Maxwell of the vicinity of Emmitsburg. Our men were glad to see them. Our men were glad to see them. Our Company will now soon be full.

Sept 5, 1861 - This is an unpleasant rainy day. There was four-teen of our recruits come in today.

Sunday, Sept 8, 1861 - I had to stand guard today.  It has been a very warm day. We had preaching in the Camp today.

Monday, Sept 9 - I feel very tired after having been on guard for twenty four hours. We got two more recruits today from Gettysburg and this evening we were mustered in. Recruits axe steadily coming in.

Wednesday, Sept 11 - This has been a rainy and very disagreeable day. About the time we were ready for dress parade it commenced raining in good earnest. We had quite a scare in our boarding house today. They were late with their dinner as usual, and some of the men broke in and took possession. They got in the kitchen and ransacked the whole house. The proprietor ran for a guard and the cooks ran and hid themselves, but no guard came so we proceeded with our dinner unmolested. Although it is rainy and very unpleasant out, still we are very comfortable in our quarters.  There is four of us in our tent at present, and I find everyone more pleasant than I anticipated. We have very soft boards to lie on with a blanket spread under us.

Thursday, Sept 12 - We had quite a lively time both in town and in Camp today. The weather today has been very fine. This day has been celebrated both by the Civil and the Military. The American band was out in full bloom. There was several of the companies in Camp went up the street and when they returned they were gaily decked out with flowers. There was also a flag presentation in the morning to Capt. Glessner’s Company. It was small but it was very beautiful. There was several very patriotic speeches made.

Friday, Sept 13 - Today has been an exciting one in Camp on account of some Wisconsin soldiers coming to town. About noon there was two cavalry companies passed through town on their way to Williamsport, and in the evening, about eight o'clock there was a full regiment of infantry come to town where they are still encamped. The cheering from our camp was terrific. They are dressed in grey uniforms and look very lively. They have a splendid band along with them.

Saturday, Sept 14 - Today has been a beautiful one, although last night was very cool, yet the days are very warm, the Wisconsin band is discoursing some very good music tonight.

Sunday, Sept 15 1861 -Went to a Love Feast this morning and enjoyed myself very poorly. After that I went to the German Reformed Church and slept during the delivery of the sermon.  In the afternoon there was a squad of five of us went to the country in search of fruit. We were at several houses and got about as many peaches as we wanted to eat.  All the houses we stopped at were Secession; nevertheless, they treated us very courteously.

Monday, Sept 16 - This has been a very warm day.  I noticed this afternoon, a man, carrying a kettle on his back with a stick running through the handle of it, as a punishment for some misdemeanor, which is a very common punishment around here.

Tuesday, Sept 17 - This has been an exciting day both in Camp and in town. The Wisconsin Regiment, which has been lying here for some time, has been doing good service to the legislature; they have arrested twelve or fourteen of them already and are still going on with their good work. This course of procedure took many of them by surprise, and has caused great indignation among the Peace Party men. They have them cooped up in the barracks surrounded by a strong guard. There was a sad accident happened in Camp this evening. While several men were examining some old guns, some of which were loaded, one was accidentally discharged and shot a man, standing nearby. The ball entered his breast and came out at his back. He died immediately. He belonged to one of the Sharpsburg companies, and is said to have been a very fine young man.

Wednesday, Sept 18 - Today ten of the caged Secessionists were moved to Fort McHenry.  They were placed between four files of soldiers and sent to the depot and from thence to Fort McHenry. The remainder were discharged on taking the oath of allegiance.  It looked very comic to see them trudging along between, files of soldiers with their carpet sacks in one hand and their cane in the other and their mouths a little awry. It was a comic adjournment of a legislature.

Thursday, Sept 19 - The picket guards with which the town was surrounded were withdrawn today. Nothing unusual happened today.

Friday, Sept 20 -There was nine more Secessionists brought to the guard-house today. Such scenes are causes of great excitement in I saw several of our friends from Gettysburg today. I have been standing guard this afternoon and will be on guard till tomorrow at ten o’clock.

Saturday, Sept 21 - This day turned out to be a very rainy day. Our tent is as snug and dry as we could wish and we all feel as content as if we were in a parlor, while the rain makes music on our tent.

Sunday, Sept 22 - Today has been unusually cool. It remained quite cool all day. I went to preaching this morning with a squad under Sergeant Maxwell, went again this evening. Were at the Methodist both morning and evening.

Monday, Sept 23 - The weather has moderated considerably today. Our Captain returned home from a furlough this morning. I was out in the country today with, friends, Wills and Buckingham, for fruit found it very scarce, and the people rather reluctant to give, but got as many as we could eat.

Monday, Sept 23 (cont’d) - Today has been very quiet and very especially. There was a negro cowhided in Camp today for brining whiskey to the soldiers. After being whipped he was sent from Camp.

Tuesday, Sept 24 - Our men returned from Washington today with the horses. They brought two hundred and eighty horses for the saddle and thirty six for wagons. Both men and horses were very fatigued.

Thursday, Sept 26 - The horses were divided among the companies today. We got 76 horses.

Friday, Sept 27 - Today has been a very wet and stormy day. It commenced, raining last night and rained all day, and about noon it became very windy, upsetting tents, and unroofing many of the stalls in which we have our horses. It is rather cool this evening and has the appearance of clearing. This is the day we were to be presented with a flag by the ladies of Emmitsburg and vicinity but as the day was very bad they did not make their appearance but have promised to be here on

Saturday, Sept 28 - This morning we received from the ladies Union Association of Emmitsburg and vicinity a wagon load of provisions consisting in part of butter, peach butter, pickles and a variety of other things. I was at prayer meeting tonight at the barracks. The meeting was carried on exclusively by the soldiers, one of which delivered quite an interesting lecture.

Monday, Oct l (Note; Monday was September 30) - Today has been a very busy day in our Company. The ladies of Emmitsburg brought the flag today, There was quite a number of ladies that came with the flag. Some very pretty ladies and others not so pretty but all passable.

Tuesday, Oct 2 (Should be Oct 1) - Today the balance of our horses were selected and all distributed among the Company. The horses were divided by lot, and everybody seems very well pleased with their luck in drawing. My luck was to get a small sorrel.

Wednesday, Oct 3 (Should be Oct 2) - Today we drilled for the first time on horse back. In my opinion we were very successful for the first time.

Sunday, Oct 7 (Should be Oct 6) - Was on guard yesterday as well as all last night and at this hour, six o’clock, am not yet relieved. This is a beautiful morning and it has also been a pleasant night unusually warm for this time of year. It is so pleasant that a person can sleep out all night on the ground without cover.

Monday, Oct 7 - Tried hard all forenoon to get my horse shod but did not succeed. This afternoon at one O'clock we started for home to be there for the election tomorrow. We reached Emmitsburg about five O'clock in the evening and fed there. About seven O'clock we started for home again rain pouring down all the while) and reached Gettysburg about 9 O'clock and marched up town (to the music of a bugle) single file. We marched to the diamond and retired to our respective abodes.

Tuesday, Oct 8 - Cloudy, damp morning indicating rain. Remained about home all morning. After dinner went up and deposited my vote after which I took a short ride to the country. Partook of a few apples, drank a little cider, played with the children, bid goodbye and returned home.

Wednesday, Oct 9 - Exercised my “family horse” a little this morning and then prepared to leave. Left home at 11 O'clock for Emmitsburg where we met the balance of our men, remained there about half an hour, then marched through the principal streets when we left for Frederick. About five miles from Emmitsburg while passing a house some persons standing nearby hurrahed for Jeff Davis.  A drove of turkies being in a field nearby, our men made a charge on them capturing six of them (the turkies), Arrived safely in Camp at 8 o'clock P.M., tired and hungry.

Thursday, Oct 1O - Cloudy but pleasant.  The Connecticut 5th Regiment arrived in town in the morning and went on the Williamsport Turnpike. About an hour after marching thru town, they came back and encamped three miles south of town.  A light battery attached to the Regiment also returned and put up at the Wisconsin camp where they are now.  Several Secessionists were arrested during the day some were discharged. One of our men brought a captured gun into Camp.  He having captured it from a Secesh in Middleburg, Carrol Co.Md.  The evening was damp and disagreeable, very unpleasant.

October 11, 1861 - Camp Thomas - Another pleasant day has ended and our many tents have been pitched “one day's march nearer home”. The 13th Massachusetts Regiment and Indiana 12th arrived about 5 o'clock this evening. The former encamped on the Fair-Ground around the barracks. The latter along the Hagerstown turnpike, a short distance from the city.  Everything is tranquil and quiet   in our Camp tonight. Some are singing good old Methodist hymns and others are amusing themselves in different ways. The -13th Massachusetts Reg. were on dress parade this evening an excellent band in attendance.

October 12 - Camp Thomas - Another mis-spent day has passed into eternity. I feel rattier sad this evening. Human nature seems very frail and demonstrates from day to day, and this day to me in particular, that we are all subject to many changes. There is no stability in our nature, often as I caused to shed tears for the disappointments caused by the recklessness of the human race, yet it teaches us to look to a higher source for comfort, the source from whence all blessings flow. The 12th Indiana and 13th Mass. Regiments left today for Williamsport along with a battery of two guns manned by thirty men. Last night was a very cold, rainy night, the most unpleasant night we have had yet. The rain came through our tent in places; the first time it happened since we have been in it. We had a review of the whole Regt today marching through the principal streets of town.

Sunday, Oct. 13, 1861 - Stayed at home from church today to cook dinner, but this evening went to Church and slept while the preacher delivered his sermon. We do not drill on the Sabbath.

Monday, Oct. 14 - Today all the infantry that was in our camp left for another place, out of town a short distance. Everything seems quiet and altogether different since their departure.

Tuesday, Oct. 15 - Today has been a very pleasant day.

Wednesday, Oct. 16 - Today we moved our tents and are now in our new home. About twenty yards from where we were before encamped.

Thursday, Oct. 17 - There was a fight at Harper’s Ferry yesterday in which engagement: there was 4 killed and six wounded, all of which belonged to the Wisconsin Third.  It is reported that about one hundred and fifty of the rebels were killed, amongst which was one of their Colonels. There was about five or six hundred engaged on our side, while on their side there was about two thousand. The killed and wounded were brought here to the hospital today. The wounded seemed very cheerful and are doing well.

Friday, Oct.18 - This afternoon those killed in the action at Harper's Ferry were buried in the cemetery at this place with the honors of war. It was a very solemn sight to see five persons put into one grave. The fifth one was one that died here at the hospital of some disease contracted previously. The corpses of those that were shot in the action wore a smiling countenance. This is a very rainy night.

Saturday, Oct. 19 – Today is very damp and warm. This afternoon the company went to Monocacy Creek a few miles below this place to wash themselves.  It was a very muddy side.  It is still damp and rainy.

Sunday, Oct 20 - Was at Church three times today.  This has been a very dull day.

Monday, October 21 - Today has been very cool. Have been on guard today. The Wisconsin "boys changed their camp today but still remain our neighbors. We had a skirmish this evening, a man of our own called “Legs”.

Tuesday, Oct. 22 - Today the Wisconsin Regiment left for the Potomac River where General Banks’ Column is now engaged with the enemy. It is very cool and has rained very hard today. The roles of the Camp have been made very strict today. No one is now permitted to come in without the escort of a soldier.

Wednesday Oct. 25 - This has been a very cold and windy day. Went up town with, a friend this evening to take tea and returned in time for roll call. We had quite a disturbance in our happy family today arising from the ingentlemen liness of Maxwell I. Coble, after which we decided to hire a cook and dispense with quarreling.

Thursday, Oct. 24 -   We moved our tents today about twenty rods [16 ½ feet/5 ½ yards] from where we were before. This evening First lieutenant of Cole's Company took out a squad of about seventy-five men among which were a number of our Company. Lt. Colonel Dennis directly after sent several squads after us to bring back but it was some time before they found us all.

Friday, Oct.  25 - Today has been very cool. Nothing new has happened today.

Saturday, Oct. 26 - Was at Monocacy Creek this afternoon. We found the water very cool. We saw some very pretty black curls behind a piece of fine furniture.  One of our Sergeants was court-martialed today.  The charges against him were circulating false reports and prejudicing the men against our First lieutenant. After a tedious hearing he was honorably acquitted.

Sunday, Oct 27 - Had preaching on our camp grounds today by Rev. McCord a Methodist minister. His text VIII Chap. Jeremiah and 22 verse. Was on guard today so that I was prevented from going to preaching this evening. The weather is getting very cool tonight.

Monday, 28^th - Had an election for Corporal today (28th). About half the Company ran for the office.  George Sponcler was elected. The vote showed Sponcler 34 - Trostle 24. We now drill six hours every day, commencing at eight we drill until eleven o’clock; dine at twelve, at half past twelve we have drill on foot for one hour. Commencing at two we again drill on horseback until four, and at five we have dress parade.

Tuesday, Oct 29 - Today I acted as cook, rather an unpleasant duty to cook for ten men. There is ten of us in our mess and we have our names arranged alphabetically and commencing at the head we cook alternately.

Wednesday, Oct 30 - Took a trip to Frederick Junction in Company, on horseback today. Two companies of the Wisconsin Third are there at present.  It is about three miles from this place.

Thursday, Oct 31 - Today we had an inspection and a parade around town of the whole forces encamped here.  The Regiment made quite a creditable appearance.  Our pay-roll was made out and sent to Washington today. We expect to get our pay in a day or two.

Friday, November 1 – Today we are in another month. It is now over two months since I commenced soldiering, and I am not tired of it yet. We went through the regular routine of drilling today. It commenced raining about eight o’clock this morning while I was standing guard, which made it very unpleasant.

Saturday, Nov. 2 – It has been raining and very cold all day today. The wind has been very high and tonight it still blows with increased violence.

Sunday Nov. 3 – Went to Church today, both morning and evening. We had a preaching in camp this afternoon. The weather has been clear and cool today.