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 9, 1864
Cold + Windy. Worked until noon on the Fort and finished it. Recieved my stamps from Washington.
Monday October 10, 1864
Cool + Windy. Heavy frost last night. Done some slashing (Editor: or “washing”) during the forenoon. Recieved marching orders + for Fort McMahon after dinner.
Tuesday October 11, 1864
Beautiful day. Worked all day on Fort Blaisdell. Recieved a letter from my Sister Malvina + a reciept (sic: receipt) from Snyder + Co for my Boots.
Wednesday October 12, 1864
Beautiful day. Worked all day on Fort Blaisdell. Rained in the evening. Recieved my Pouches from Washington.
Thursday October 13, 1864
Cold + Windy. Wrote to Malvina Bruso + to Mary Bruso. Recieved a letter from my Wife.
Friday October 14, 1864
Cool + pleasent. Wrote to my wife. Worked all day getting out poles + abattis (sic: abatis) stuff.
Saturday October 15, 1864
Beautiful day. Excused from duty. Unwell. Wrote to Geo. W. Cochran + sent $2.50 for Tobacco. Recieved a letter from my Wife.
Source:
- “1864 Diary of Private Octave Bruso, 50th NY Engineers, Company E” edited by Tom Bauerle, Buffalo, NY, 2010. ↩