Thomas Wright's Diary

June 1863

20, June 1863

Well I have Second Platoon of Company I 60th Ohio Infantry. My who a thought, I sure of wouldn't picked an older fella name Philotis to be my runner.

Well, more like my idea listener and someone I trust ta keep me from gettin stupid. From out near New Richmond place called New Palestine. Haven't got settled in yet, most these fellas only seen that small skirmish. So don't know how they gonna act in a real battle, hell don't know how I am gonna act leadin these boys.

Just a might concerned is all, Theo may picked the wrong fella. Hope he didn't do it cuss we friends. My that just be wrong. Philotis say, no need ta worry on it, do what ya know best. The fellas a follow ya. Least we in camp next few days.

23, June 1863

Sent half the men out on fatigue duty, rest cleaning up our part the camp. Place looked a might awful, bones rotten meat such layin around. Place stunk ta high heaven, told them ta bury or burn the stuff. Seems the other Officers did the same after, they saw what I was doin. Be here again tomorrow no scoutin or picket duty. Be drillin an trainin to move as one. Want my fellas ta be the best in I Company hell the Regiment.

24, June 1863

Good day taday, they moved like a platoon. Acted like soldiers. Think they may hate me, we worked till almost dark. Rest the Company they only worked till about midday. Then done fatigue duty. Give them an early day tomorrow, let thum rest some.
Gots a letter from Betsy an Ma, pleased they doin good. Joe's boys a doin a good job. Betsy an Ma both say corn is growin good, beans are lookin nice. Ma say she ain't see Mister Bowman near the place in a while, same with Betsy. Good thin don't need more worry. Late best rest some.

25, June 1863

Decent day, fellas worked till about midday. Fatigue duty no real work. Told them ta enjoy the rest the day, heard them laugh talk.
Some say they can't wait ta get in a real fight. I tell Philotis boys best hope they fight, ain't no big battle. Ya stomach twists up, hands start ta shake. Be cold an sweatin somethin terrible like.

Mouth so dry can't make spit. Between cannon and musket fire, screams of wounded bugles and drums. Smoke fear fellas fallin next ta ya, behind an ta the front. That blame Rebel Yell, shouts of commands around Ya. Not seein ya guidon why wonder anyone lives. Then I tell him, most us probably won't make it home. Ifin we do some be crippled or have hand or arm gone. Ifin a bullet, bayonet or sword don't get ya, why some sickness might. I tell him ta keep the fellas a keeping our part the camp clean. Help cut back on sickness. Then I tell him have the fellas check they kits an musket clean make sure they have every thin they need. Then I tell him best take a walk. Have meetin ta get ta.

Meetin was on why workin the fellas so hard. Told the Captain wanted my fellas ready ta fight. Drill may be tedious, seem stupid ta some. It does one thin helps ta teach the men to follow orders quickly without hesitation. The blame camp stunk to high heaven!
They stay busy less problems, I give thum time ta rest. I work just as hard as they do. Captain say, no need ta defend yourself. You have charge of the companies sanitation. Do weekly inspections on the camp. It does have less a stench looks better also. More reason fer the other Officers ta hate me. Not much liked by thum.
Think I am unworthy I guess. Late tattoo is playin.

26, June 1863

Been thinkin on a list of a few thins. Write thum down here, just forget where it went I don't.

1, after each meal, burn any thin, not put back in the haversack.

2, every mornin pick up anythin that does not belong, burn or bury it.

3, at least once a month change latrine locations cut back on the smell.

4, clean haversack liner, at least once a week. When possible if not in camp.

5, change uniform once a week, if possible. Wash face and hands daily. Bath at least once a month.

6, try and keep your gear clean, organized and well maintained.

7, I should watch over my fellas, like family not just men. Look thum over do they look fit. Is the camp clean are they in decent spirits. If they look sick send thum off ta the Surgeon. It is my responsibility ta see those first six are done, when proper.

That done day was tedious at best, long might tired of camp and lookin an watchin over this here railroad. I'll see to it I talk ta the Captain about my thoughts an that list. Rest of the Company can do as they please my men well, they have those rules ta follow.

I think it best to close this chapter here. Thanks for your continued support. Your thoughts are always welcome. Please comment and vote.

I never thought Thomas and this story would ever draw the readers or make so many pleased readers. Thomas and his story has grabbed readers, from all over not just the United States, the U.K. Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Canada. I haven't checked recently so if I didn't mention a place let me know. Who would of known a story about a Tragic War in the U.S.in the 1800s, would hold any interest at all. It still remains a debated, part of American history. Removing of Southern Monuments, although you may not agree with the why they were made. They are a part of History that should be remembered, not tore down, or re-wrote. To not remember is the crime. Ok that is enough of a Rant. Thanks again Dram12 AKA Tim.