DIY History | Transcribe | Civil War Diaries and Letters | George C. Burmeister diary, 1863

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1863-08-13 -- 1863-08-14

Thursday 13.  I have commenced some very important improvements, which I think will add very much to the comfort and heath of my men, commenced digging a well, and building a bake oven of 6 ft by 7½ ft.  Had a thorough cleaning up of my quarters.  

Friday 14  Nothing of special note occurred this morning.  But this afternoon a serious accident happened to my friend Lieutenant E. B. Soper, who was ordered to take a musket, and drill by the major commanding the 12th Iowa (J. H. Stibbs).  He unfortunately got hold of an old loaded musket, which had been left in his tent, while standing with his right hand over the muzzle of the gun, it went off, and the ball, paper and powder passed through his hand inflicting an awful hole.  It was horrible to see how his hand was torn, he suffers a great deal of pain, yet he bears it like a hero.  It is indeed a sad accident for him, it may ruin him forever, he intended to become a professional man, and of course would have to do a great deal of writing.  Perhaps he must have his hand amputated.  Ah, how sadly all his bright hopes for the future are annihilated, by a little powder and lead.  He intends to go home, either on a leave or on his resignation.

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Thursday 13. I have commenced some very important improvements, which I think will add very much to the comfort and heath of my men, commenced digging a well, and building a bake oven of 6 ft by 7½ ft. Had a thorough cleaning up of my quarters. Friday 14 Nothing of special note occurred this morning. But this afternoon a serious accident happened to my friend Lieutenant E. B. Soper, who was ordered to take a musket, and drill by the major commanding the 12th Iowa (J. H. Stibbs). He unfortunately got hold of an old loaded musket, which had been left in his tent, while standing with his right hand over the muzzle of the gun, it went off, and the ball, paper and powder passed through his hand inflicting an awful hole. It was horrible to see how his hand was torn, he suffers a great deal of pain, yet he bears it like a hero. It is indeed a sad accident for him, it may ruin him forever, he intended to become a professional man, and of course would have to do a great deal of writing. Perhaps he must have his hand amputated. Ah, how sadly all his bright hopes for the future are annihilated, by a little powder and lead. He intends to go home, either on a leave or on his resignation.