Journal, 1861 Sept. 9-1862 March 5.

ArchivalResource

Cummings, Hugh, b. 1827. Journal, 1861 Sept. 9-1862 March 5.

Journal, 1861 Sept. 9-1862 March 5.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/39447377

Cummings was mustered in 1861 May 25 and trained at Camp Ellsworth, Fresh Pond (Cambridge, Mass.). The regiment left Massachusetts on June 15 and encamped at Georgetown. Cummings and the regiment took part in the engagement at Blackburn's Ford, Virginia (1861 July 18) and in the Battle of First Bull Run (Manassas). Afterward, the regiment encamped along the Potomac, at Bladensburg and Budd's Ferry. Cummings reports on the activities of his company--drills, guard and picket duty, parades, inspections--as well as skirmishes with rebel forces and almost daily exchanges of mortar rounds. He describes the monotony of the soldier's life, bad rations, desertions and drunkenness (... "some liquor brought into camp in cans marked 'oysters, '" 1862 Jan. 18). Cummings also mentions significant Union victories during the first year of war.

1 v. ; 13 cm.

Boston Athenaeum