Thomas Wright's Diary

May 1865 / The Grand Review of The Armies

10, May 1865

We are marchin towards the Capitol, Washington, DC, we will be takin part, in the Grand Review. Befer we muster out an go on home! My fellas are a, might happy as am I. Who would a thought, I would be seein the capital? My I figured Louisville be as far as I would go at one time. My feet are a bit sore, glad we a stoped fer the night. Had supper with Theo, think we both excited about gettin back home. We had real beef, my that wasn't expected, some wine, an a bourbon after.

We sat around the tent an, listened ta the bands play. Talked not of war, but of thins ta come. How we wanted ta pay back the slaves an help thum make a life. The bourbon flowed fer at least three drinks. Think we both felt relaxed, not used ta havin that much drink. About hour after tattoo I left, fer some sleep.

12, May 1865

We are at the Capitol, least outside it made camp near Arlington Heights, my the boys are over joyed ta be here so close ta goin home. Theo invited few us Company Commanders ta join him at the Inn up the road aways. We be a sleepin in real beds tanight havin real food! Lan sakes, what a day it has been. Best move or won't make the wagon ride over!

I have not felt so at ease, in what seems like ten years or more. The fear a wakin ta death and destruction, the storm of mini balls an canister shot, the smoke an noise of death. The thunder a cannon fire, shouts of commands, the sweat even in the chill air.
Johnny Reb with his yell, that a send chills through ya. I haven't laughed nor smiled this way, why fergot how it feels.

The beer an bourbon the steak, I am stuffed ta a breakin point.
I excused myself touch after midnight, my mind not ta clear needed sleep an nothin more.

14, May 1865

Two nights at the Inn, I feel refreshed an ready ta do what ever is needed. Told the fellas ta pick out they best uniform they gots wash it make sure all the brass an such is shining clean they bayonets are ta glimmer in the sun. I want ta look like ya care who ya are! The best damn Company the Union Army has.

We drilled some, not much just nough ta make sure they could still march like soldiers. Told thum at least once a day we a goin ta do this ta look best we can.

18, May 1865

Fellas played some base ball taday, had great time a watchin. I took a walk ta that Inn,  had myself a beer an read the paper. Can't tell ya what I read, just I read it guess needed somethin ta keep me busy. My walk back ta camp, couple fellas were a shoutin about who's Regiment was better. I said, it don't matter who's is better, whether it Michigan or Pennsylvania, we all the same dang Army. They both looked at me like I was stupid. I said besides ain't worth the shouts, they laughed then I say, besides everyone knows the Ohio 60th is the dang best, I smiled we all went our separate ways.

Regimental pride beats out Brigade an Corp pride any time, hell Company pride beats thum all out.

20, May 1865

Theo told me, we both be a musterin out here in the Capital, the rest of the men be mustered out back in Ohio. Some time after this review, we be a heading Home! They say Sherman's Army ain't that far away. Hopin they make it soon, want ta look fer Leonard an some of the guys from the 59th K Company. Be nice ta see some those boys. Guess I should at least work on a goodbye speech fer the men. Work on that one tomorrow. Might late.

21, May 1865

Some of Sherman's men been showin up, 59th made it in! Soon as we done drillin fer about an hour. Think I'll take look see ifin I can't find Leonard. Theo had nothin ta do so he is comin along.
Drillin done, me an Theo best be leavin.