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 October 30, 1864
Beautiful day. Recieved a paper from my Wife a letter from New York And my stationary from Washington. Wrote to my Wife. Wrote to Shellington + sent $5.00.
Monday October 31, 1864
Beautiful Day. Mustered for pay at 8 A.M. recieved two letters from my Wife and one from Mary Bruso. Wrote to my Wife. Ordered to report to Mr. Chase of the Christian Commission tomorrow morning with 10 men.
Tuesday November 1, 1864
Pleasent day. Left camp at 7 A.M. with 10 Men. Worked all day putting a Chapel and getting out lumber for a Store Room. Attended meeting in the Chapel. My Company left Camp for the Avery House.
Wednesday November 2, 1864
Pleasent most all the forenoon and it commenced to Rain at 11 A.M. Commenced putting up the Store Room. Worked only ½ a day on account of the rain. Rained all night.
Thursday November 3, 1864
Wet + Rainy. Did not work all day on account of rain.
Friday November 4, 1864
Windy all day. Worked all day on the Store Room. Put one office Tent.
Saturday November 5, 1864
Windy all day. Finished the Store Room. Build a Stable for 6 Horse + put up 1 wall Tent. Returned to Camp from the Christian Commission at evening. recieved a letter from my Sister Malvina. Recieved a box from my loved wife with buttons + c.
Source:
- “1864 Diary of Private Octave Bruso, 50th NY Engineers, Company E” edited by Tom Bauerle, Buffalo, NY, 2010. ↩