1862 November 19 Camp near Fairfax Seminary

[from the diary of the Rev. Francis Butler, chaplain of the 25th New Jersey]


Wed 19.  Another man died last night.  I had
been talking & praying with him day before.
Visited all the sick, gave little books   talked & prayed
Went to Every tent of men – Also rode to picket out-
posts – after dinner wrote letter about poor Simpkins
found same on picket, sick, ordered Ambulance –
Attended funeral of S.   buried in grave yard close by
Camp – Our regt. went on picket at 9 A.M. & at 11
the 15th Conn were ordered to relieve them & we to be
ready to march at moments notice.  Some think
it is to Texas.  Some to Manassas.  Some to
Harpers Ferry, & some only to review.   tomorrow
drizzling day.   feel better but strange no letters
from home in long time –
Regt. came struggling in thro. the mud & darkness –
till near one oclk –

[transcript by Mary Roy Dawson Edwards]

MSS 12935