Chelmsford Historical Society
Daniel P. Byam, August 1864

Monday, August 1st, 1864

Received 2 letters from home, from M. Bean and from Newell. Alpha Richardson and wife came up to see me this evening; he leaves soon to join his Reg. in Virginia.

Wednesday, August 3rd, 1864

Stable duty today; very hot; thermometer only 112; plenty to do.

Thursday, August 4th, 1864

On guard; very hot, but cool nights. Capt. Ludwick is in command of the camp. Exchanged pictures with Naley, formerly a rebel Lieut.

Friday, August 5th, 1864

Was on Magazine St.; it was terrible hot; glad to get back.

Saturday, August 6th, 1864

Stable duty; very hot; we hear reports of the capture of Mobile. Expect our boys are there.

Sunday, August 7th, 1864

Had a mounted pass; went all over the city of N. Orleans; saw a great many steamers loaded with troops and munitions bound for Mobile Bay; was caught in a terrible thunder shower; was on Canal St.; the water overflowed the sidewalks; the water was 8 feet deep in the streets–came near being drowned. A great city this, the thunder so heavy it rung the church bells.

Monday, August 8th, 1864

On guard today; quite cool.

Tuesday, August 9th, 1864

We had a mounted cavalry drill–like it much. A New York steamer____

Wednesday, August 10th, 1864

Stable duty; quite cool and pleasant; hear of 2 of our boys being blown up in Mobile. The Federals have captured 800 prisoners, 26 cannon, with Fort Gaines; the prisoners are on their way to N. Orleans.

Thursday, August 11th, 1864

On guard today; received a letter from home, from Lysander, 1 from Henry and 2 papers from Lysander; have written home and to Lysander. Have heard the old 6th has gone again; hear of our going to Virginia.

Friday, August 12th, 1864

Stable duty; very hot.

Saturday, August 13th, 1864

On guard. Hot 2 men arrested for stealing Signal and Opera glasses from the Quartermaster's tent; they sold $100 worth. They will catch it!

Sunday, August 14th, 1864

A very warm day; have been down street, but glad to get back it was so hot; have written to Henry and Uncle Stillman; sent a paper to Father. Great battle of Atlanta.

Monday, August 15th, 1864

Not well today; mail came in, but none for me; very hot, 5 115

Tuesday, August 16th, 1864

On guard; quite cool; a New York boat arrives; salute fired on the levee; Mollie Able arrives.

Wednesday, August 17th, 1864

Am not well–have a terrible headache–hope to be better soon. Received a letter from home; answered it; received a paper from Lysander.

Thursday, August, 18th, 1864

Went down to the Surgeon's; he gave me some castor oil and laudanum–was excused from duty. High winds.

Friday, August, 19th, 1864

Went to the Surgeon; he gave me some Rochelle powders; not much better still continue to feel the same. Received a letter from home, also a Journal. Meserve came from the hospital today; was glad to see him. Hear of the old 6th at Arlington Heights.

Sunday, August 21st, 1864

A pleasant sabbath morning. Inspection by Adj. Bailey. Capt. Marston arrives from Mobile Bay. He says the boys are all right. He said it was terrible fighting.

Monday, August 22nd, 1864

On guard; pleasant day; am better. 10 men examined to go to Mobile with Capt. Marston. Saw a piece of wood and the flag that was on the rebel ram Tennessee. Another man arrested for being concerned with the others in stealing glasses. They have been taken to prison.

Tuesday, August 23rd, 1864

Quite cool today. We had a cavalry drill after supper. Our horses were rather green; there was some kicking and plunging when we drew sabre; had a regular charge with drawn sabre, full gallop; like it.

Wednesday, August 24th, 1864

Several boys have come in from the Bay. Fort Morgan has surrendered with Gen. Page and 600 prisoners. Our flag floats over the Fort.

Thursday, August 25th, 1864

On guard, Meserve and I had a big Johnny cake for supper with butter–very nice.

Friday, August 26th, 1864

Was down town. Received the money we signed for in Georgetown, $12.90. Went to Gen. Canby's Headquarters; saw Gen. Grainger; bought some syrup.

Saturday, August 27th, 1864

Moved our camp around today; came near being sun struck. It was awful hot; terrible! The Ariel arrives from N. York.

Sunday, August 28th, 1864

The hottest day ever was known. Had a violent shower in the evening; blew the tens down to the ground. Thermometer 120.

Monday, August 29th, 1864

Received a letter from home, 1, from Laura, 2 papers from Lysander; have written home. Steamer California arrives from N. York; ten men leave here for Mobile.

Tuesday, August 30th, 1864

On guard today; still very warm. Meserve and I had flapjacks for supper. Saw McDonald of the 15th Mass. Battery; was on provost guard at _____

Wednesday, August 31st, 1864

Very hot; in the evening a tornado, but the old shanty stood like a rock. I held one pole, Meserve the other. Most all tents went down; Cleared off quite cool. Gay night to sleep.

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