Octave Bruso Diary: Week of December 4, 1864

Note: This is one week’s worth of diary entries of Octave Bruso, who participated in the Siege of Petersburg as a member of the 50th New York Engineers.¹

Sunday December 4, 1864

Most Delightful day. Dress Parade at 4 P.M. Relieved from duty at 5 P.M. Recieved a letter from the Repository.

 

Monday December 5, 1864

Beautiful Day. Worked all day in the woods getting out Tent material. Recieved a letter from my Sister Malvina + from Higgins + Co.

 

Tuesday December 6, 1864

Beautiful Day. Worked all day putting up winter quarters.

 

Wednesday December 7, 1864

Rainy Day. Worked all the forenoon on Tents (Editor: unclear) . Recieved marching orders + packed-up. But did not leave. Recieved my tobacco from Washington.

 

Thursday December 8, 1864

Beautiful day. Wrote to my dear Wife. Worked all day on our winter quarters.

 

Friday December 9, 1864

Very Cool Day.  Worked all day on our winter quarters. Got orders to pack up at 3 P.M. + 60 rounds of ammunition. I was ordered to City Point on official Business. Snowed and rained all night. Very cold.

 

Saturday December 10, 1864

Pleasent but very muddy! at City Point! Returned to Camp at 7 P.M. The Reg’t Gone!

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