DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1862

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1862-04-15 -- 1862-04-17

Tue 15.  The news reached us today, that the 8th, 13th & 14th regiments of Iowa, are taken prisoners of war, while gallantly fighting under Gen. Prentiss.  I have numerous friends in the 14th poor boys, I can feel for you; but I hope you may be speedily exchanged.  My fellow teacher Adam Brown, who generously resigned is commission as teacher and shouldered his musket for the defense of our country, is killed, he was a true hero, farewell noble friend, I’ll meet you in that better land, where wars and wickedness will trouble us no more.  “Requiescat en Pace”.  It was a bloody battle.
Wed 16  The streets are still filled with divers rumors concerning the battle of Pittsburg Landing.  Henry Ady was killed and others of my friends were wounded.  William Weaver, as fine a youth as ever drew the breath of life, my school-mate, died of the typhoid fever in the hospital at St. Louis.  Sleep gently my brother, I loved you much, I will ever cherish thee in my memory as the truest friend, the most exemplary youth, and the bravest soul, I ever knew.  O it is sweet to die for one’s native land.  Farewell William.
Thurs. 17  Received some letters from my friends.  I still keeps raining, we have not seen our friendly Sol for more than a whole week.

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Tue 15. The news reached us today, that the 8th, 13th & 14th regiments of Iowa, are taken prisoners of war, while gallantly fighting under Gen. Prentiss. I have numerous friends in the 14th poor boys, I can feel for you; but I hope you may be speedily exchanged. My fellow teacher Adam Brown, who generously resigned is commission as teacher and shouldered his musket for the defense of our country, is killed, he was a true hero, farewell noble friend, I’ll meet you in that better land, where wars and wickedness will trouble us no more. “Requiescat en Pace”. It was a bloody battle. Wed 16 The streets are still filled with divers rumors concerning the battle of Pittsburg Landing. Henry Ady was killed and others of my friends were wounded. William Weaver, as fine a youth as ever drew the breath of life, my school-mate, died of the typhoid fever in the hospital at St. Louis. Sleep gently my brother, I loved you much, I will ever cherish thee in my memory as the truest friend, the most exemplary youth, and the bravest soul, I ever knew. O it is sweet to die for one’s native land. Farewell William. Thurs. 17 Received some letters from my friends. I still keeps raining, we have not seen our friendly Sol for more than a whole week.