Description

This diary continues on June 26, "at Meadow Bluffs" (most likely Dietz Farm). Sackman is sick several times but on the 29th he and others gather strawberries in the rain. Confederate "deserters" surrender and say the hills are full of deserters. The camp celebrates Independence Day (July 4) by firing the cannon; the sutler receives five loads of goods; and on the 10th scouts go out. On the 11th members of the 47th Regiment follow as reinforcements; and on the 12th they return with prisoners and the news that rebels are right across the river. The sentences of a court martial include dishonorable discharge for Patrick Hart of Company A of the 44th Infantry (Sackman's regiment), and hard labor for a cavalryman for desertion. On the 16th they start to build a new camp with the help of prisoners, since theirs is in the middle of a swamp and they feel it's unhealthy. On the 21st companies from each regiment (Ohio 44th, 36th, and 47; Virginia 9th) go scouting. Sackman continues to pick and sell berries and remarks on the poor health of his comrades. A man dies daily at the hospital, and Sackman attributes one death to a punishment march with a knapsack full of rocks. The diary ends on August 2 with an order to pack three days' rations and be ready to march.