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

Transcribe
Translate

1862-07-03 -- 1862-07-05

Thurs 3. Went out on the fair grounds where the celebration of the 4th will be held, went in company with Albert and Charles Libley to erect a stand for refreshments out on the grounds. Studied my German [oration]. This is a warm day.
Fri. 4 The procession moved according to the programme about 10 o'clock, met several of my friends with whom I marched out of town. The Americans commenced their exercises first but after the first speaker finished the Germans commenced. Mr. Oberman delivered his [oration] first, but it being principally concerning slavery he came very near being hissed. We then had music. I spoke and met with a success which i did not expect, cheer after cheer went up as I continued and after i closed a perfect storm of applause echoed through the grove. Every one of my friends congratulated me upon my success. I spoke to more people than any other speaker upon the grounds and even those who could not understand me admired my manner. Everywhere I was hailed with enthusiasm. This is flattering for me, and encourages me much.
Sat. 5 I felt very [liked] therefor i studied but very little, employed most of my time in strolling about and in resting myself. Bad news from Richmond has reached us. Seven days hard fighting, Mc Clellan [refused] witha loss of 20,000, rebels loss 30,000.

Saving...

Thurs 3. Went out on the fair grounds where the celebration of the 4th will be held, went in company with Albert and Charles Libley to erect a stand for refreshments out on the grounds. Studied my German [oration]. This is a warm day. Fri. 4 The procession moved according to the programme about 10 o'clock, met several of my friends with whom I marched out of town. The Americans commenced their exercises first but after the first speaker finished the Germans commenced. Mr. Oberman delivered his [oration] first, but it being principally concerning slavery he came very near being hissed. We then had music. I spoke and met with a success which i did not expect, cheer after cheer went up as I continued and after i closed a perfect storm of applause echoed through the grove. Every one of my friends congratulated me upon my success. I spoke to more people than any other speaker upon the grounds and even those who could not understand me admired my manner. Everywhere I was hailed with enthusiasm. This is flattering for me, and encourages me much. Sat. 5 I felt very [liked] therefor i studied but very little, employed most of my time in strolling about and in resting myself. Bad news from Richmond has reached us. Seven days hard fighting, Mc Clellan [refused] witha loss of 20,000, rebels loss 30,000.