Description

Keeping a diary while serving in the Civil War was not unusual.  This chronicler, Samuel S. Weidler, had a typical education and his spelling was poor, yet in most cases able to be interpreted. Weidler joined 1 Company, 111^th Regiment, of the Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteers. 

His descendants know that this book follows the first volume, but volume one has never been found.  Weidler was wounded and recovered away from the action, which took him to the end of volume one. In the process of returning to his company, he began this book.  His journey took him to Tennessee where he served as an orderly in a hospital near Nashville. 

As important things happen at the front, he mentions them, such as the rumor of the death of General Jackson.  His first entry is February 25, 1864, and the last is July 25, 1865.  Weidler returned home, built a fine house, proposed to his sweetheart, …. and lived a long life. 

During his veteran years, he was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, attending many campouts and rallies. Several descendants remain in the Fairview area.

Excerpt: (Written here as spelled)

(In Tennessee) Wendesday Jun 29. 

It is som clodey & looks like rain  I went down town & saw the Capton & went over to the Sutters & got a lot of cider to drink  it raind in the evening  I went to the river & took a wash.  Nothing took plase  I prepard to go to the front.  All redey to start tomorrow morning at 6 O

Thursday June 30/1864

It looks like rain  I left convelesants amp at 6 Oclock & got aboard the cars: we left Chattanooga at 8 Oclock & run to kingston & laid all night  Saw prisners goin back

Friday Julty 1

We left kingston & run to big Shantey. Got of the cars & got Brakfast & started to the regt   got 2 the regt at dark.  It was very hot: found the boys all fealing well   thar was picket fiering all along the line

Saturday July 2

It is som clodey  thar was hevy cannaden this morning & picket fiering  it raind in the evening.  We put up our tents  the picket kept fiering till midnite

(In “Gorga”) Sunday July 3/1864

It is clear.  The enemy comenst to retreat.  We broak camp after them at 8 Oclock: march a mile & com on thar pickets  we keep driven them & take a grate many prisners: we went into cap at 5 Ol  picket fiering all night.