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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 1st, 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 atmosphere 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-11th.
All quiet.
Succession of rains and warm sunny days.
12th.
Went to
Richmond (on mail pass) and returned on the 13th, finding everything ‘in statu quo.’
14th.
All quiet.
15th.
Sunday. Heard
Mr. Oliver preach this morning.
On guard today, and tonight.
16th.
Wrote to
Mr. E——, things remaining very quiet.
17-20th.
No change to record in the aspect of affairs; commenced today repairing some damages in our breastworks, caused by the late heavy rains.
21st.
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
