Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary

The sun rises this morning as bright as though it's face has never been hid by clouds or the warmth of it's rays chilled by cold winds and rain. The troops are just coming over the hill yonder and look tired and sleepy although they come with a shout of joy which shows they prize their home even though it be in the field. A pleasure which none but the soldiers knows. We had eight men wounded in the fights of the last three days.

Friday, February 10, 1865

Detailed to act as Adjutant of the Regiment "Special order No. 14" dated Head Quarters 6th OH Cav. Feb. 10th and thereupon I commence the arduous duties assigned me. Lt. C. W. Fenton has gone home and his absence is felt by me especially as I now have to sleep alone and it ain't very warm weather just now. The River Potomac is so badly frozen that our meals are very irregular and the supply of vegetables is very much diminished.

Saturday, February 11, 1865

Receive an order detailing me as A.C.S. of the Brig. by Command of Col. Knowles Commanding the Brig. but do not act on it for it seems as though it would be only for a short time and will make more bother than it will all be worth. However, the order is very flattering to my pride and assures me that my duty was well done while in the same place a short time ago.

Friday. February 17, 1865

Relieved from duty as acting Adjutant by Lt. W. M. Davis who has been promoted and mustered for the place.

Tuesday, February 21, 1865

Lt. Col. G. W. Dickinson leaves us for his home having been discharged for physical disability. He seems glad to get out of the service but there seems to be something of sorrow on leaving his comrades and Brother Officers who have been so long associated with him. Captain John Saxon being the senior officer now in the regiment takes Command and seems to feel himself full colonel or at least Lt. Col. But the Ass even though he wears the lions skin will eventually show his ears.

Sunday, February 26, 1865

The sky is again clear and the air feels like a day in May but no employment except reading, writing, and riding out can be had and these are improved to the best advantage.

Finish answering Mary's long neglected letter and conscience ceases to smite me for a neglect which is not to occur again.

The Paymaster's Clerk calls to tell us to be ready to sign the rolls and obtain our pay tomorrow. Read Godey's seedy book with much satisfaction.

Monday, February 27, 1865

A pleasant day and all the more pleasant by reason of the presence of the long looked for Paymaster, but part of the regiment have to wait until tomorrow for their well earned Greenbacks. Drew rations today for the last two days of the month and received in lieu of one day of coffee, 756# vegetables which were gladly received by the regiment. Gen'l Smith returns from his leave of absence and is again in command of his brigade.

Tuesday, February 28, 1865

Received payment of all dues from the Government up to the present day amounting to $440.00 and have paid out the most of it. Rained nearly all day and is consequently rather disagreeable.

Lonesome enough to give me the blues only my pocket feels more important than for some time past and debt is all paid again.

Buy one pair of shirts for the small sum of nine dollars and begin to look more like a man about town.

Wednesday, March 1, 1865

The monotony of a life in camp is varied by the erection of a large Chapel tent for the benefit of this 8th Cav. Brig. and considerable interest is manifested by the soldiers in the affairs of Religion. Attend the meeting tonight at the chapel and have the pleasure of listening to a very interesting discourse from a text to be found somewhere in the book of Psalms. As in water answereth to face - etc. [Actually this is probably Proverbs 27:19]

Thursday, March 2, 1865

Rained all day today and the soldiers feel all the more certain that they will not be disturbed by orders to move for some time to come if this state of things continues. The roads are awful to look at even.

Attend church again tonight with the same result as before but a different text. The tent was so crowded that the seats were nearly all broken down. Comparatively good singing.

Friday, March 3, 1865

Read storys or novels as they are commonly called and answer letters. In fact these two vocations are the chief employment of the soldier in camp. His life is diversified only by his light camp duty, storms and calms, but these do not furnish employment to keep the mind occupied so as to exclude mischief entirely. Attended weekly meeting as usual at night. All Quiet on the James.

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