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George C. Burmeister diary, 1861

1861-08-05 -- 1861-08-07

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Mon. 5. We camped, where the pure crystal water gushed from the mountain, refreshing us with its coolness. No one can imagine, without having experience of marching in ranks on a hot day, it seemed impossible sometimes to endure the heat, dust, thirst and fatigue, yet we firmly persevered, and finally conquered all these. The troops were marched into Springfield very dirty and fatigued, we camped a few miles from town, had excellent water and sufficient rest. Our company was ordered out at 9 o’clock P.M., and owing to some mismanagement, we were compelled to walk up and down the roads near our camp till midnight trying to find our position as picket guard, we were unsuccessful and lay down, while 6 guarded our company, thus we were deprived of valuable and necessary rest. Tues. 6. I had a grand wash of person and clothes. Our soldiers are not very well satisfied with the treatment they receive, we are ragged worn out and hungry, many barefooted. The order to strike tents was given, the report is the enemy is advancing; we ate our dinners hastily. O, this march will be hard. We took our position for battle near Springfield and sent out pickets to warn us of the approach of the enemy, who is expected at every moment. Wed. 7. I did not feel very well and liked it much that we staid in camp all day, some uncertain reports concerning the enemy are continually afloat. The weather is excessively hot. The sick list is increasing
 
Civil War Diaries and Letters