Dwight Henry Cory Letters and Diary

Did just the same today as I did yesterday only had more help.

Rained like fury all the forenoon. Attended meeting in the evening.

Wednesday, March 8, 1865

Captain Stiles returns home to his Company from a tour at recruiting and comes to board with us.

Brings a Jubilee with him and we use it.

Sunday, March 12, 1865

During the past week which has been one of rain and shine events have transpired which will take prominent places in history. We received news of Sheridan's sweep in the valley and are of course glad but not so much joy was manifest among the troops as the magnitude of these victories would warrant. The fact is, the boys have such a constant series of good news from the armies of U.S. that they have cheered until they are hoarse and their joy is more like the still water of a mighty river.

Monday, March 13, 1865

Attended meeting at the Chapel last night and listened to a good sermon from Rev. Mr. Anzier of Mass. Also was gladly surprised to see the Band take their seats and make themselves useful as well as ornamental by playing several pieces of splendid sacred music. The house was crowded or rather the tent. General Smith was also there.

Have inspection of property today and it runs that there will be but little left after the inspection is over.

Wednesday, March 15, 1865

An order comes to have everything in readiness for a move at any time and this order throws life into the camps which were before as quiet and still. Surplus baggage is boxed and sent away. Condemned property is turned over and we "lay aside every weight" to prepare for the impending conflict. News comes to us that Sheridan is coming to join us and that he has destroyed large amounts of stores for the enemy in Lynchburg and that Stoneman has taken Danville.

Thursday, March 16, 1865

The work goes bravely on. Slackers are ordered to leave the army at once and all persons who won't want to fight are instructed to clear the track. The sky looks dark and threatening and the wind blows with awful fury from the south. The Secretary of war goes to Meade's Hd. Qurs. this afternoon and the word comes that they have decided not to move the army just yet and the dubious looking clouds seem to furnish a sufficient excuse for the delay.

Friday, March 17, 1865

The Regiment goes on picket this morning and all ideas of moving right away are dismissed. The wind blows a perfect gale and fears are entertained that our tents will have to give way to the intensity of the wind. Rain falls during the night in abundance.

Saturday, March 18, 1865

Go to Army Hd. Quarters for a ride mostly but partly to accompany Adjutant Davis on a shopping excursion.

Sunday, March 19, 1865

There being no meeting today and it being very pleasant start out in company with [name or rank-unable to determine] Clark R. John and proceed westward and continue our ride until we arrive at the Hd. Qrs of the 3rd Divis. of the 5th A.C. There we alight and call on the Provost Marshal of the division Captain Morgan. Pass a very pleasant day and return to camp pretty well tired out for it is the longest ride I have had for a long time.

Monday, March 20, 1865

Quite warm today and according to order we prepare for inspection at two o'clock P.M. and are pronounced the cleanest and best appearing Regiment in the Brigade.

Firing on the right of the line before Petersburg is heavy and continuous night and day.

Tuesday, March 21, 1865

Make a trip to Fort Hill and visit the Picket line which is only about 10 rods from that of the enemy and in the open field, and the Rebel Pickets were of course plainly visible but no conversation is allowed. Cap. Saxon receives an honorable discharge and starts home after having found out that the evils and oppositions against which he was contending were only imaginary. And the loss of his position under these circumstances seemed to effect him deeply.

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