Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 34.djvu/107

 Toivnsend's Diary January-May, 1865. 99

TOWNSEND'S DIARY JANUARY-MAY, 1865.

From Petersburg to Appomattox, Thence to North Carolina to Join Johnston's Army.

By HARRY C. TOWNSEND, Corporal 1st Company, Richmond

Howitzers.

January ist, 1865, Friday. Lying encamped in winter quarters at Mrs. Dunn's farm, near Port Walthall Junction, and about five miles northeast of Petersburg. The quiet of the military atmos- phere remains undisturbed. We are living in the hope of receiving and eating a large New Year's dinner, which the citizens of Virginia promise.

2d. This has been a day of disappointment. Our expected dinner was delayed until patience was exhausted, and then when it came it was of such meagre dimensions that we concluded to give our portion to the other companies of the battalion. We bore our disappointment quite well however under the circumstances.

3d-nth. All quiet. Succession of rains and warm sunny days.

1 2th. Went to Richmond (on mail pass) and returned on the I3th, finding everything "in statu quo."

I4th. All quiet.

1 5th. Sunday. Heard Mr. Oliver preach this morning. On guard today, and tonight.

i6th. Wrote to Mr. E, things remaining very quiet.

iy-2oth. No change to record in the aspect of affairs; com- menced today repairing some damages in our breastworks, caused by the late heavy rains.

2 1 st. Wrote to mother; cold and rainy; all quiet.

22-25th. No change in the aspect of military affairs.

26th. Employed ourselves in getting a load of wood, which was pretty cold work,

27th. Wrote to. All remains quiet.

28th. Exceedingly cold. A rumor current in camp that General Jos. E. Johnston has been given command of this army in place of General Lee, who is appointed General-in-Chief. This is supposed to have been done at the request of General Lee, who thinks that