September, Sunday 28, 1862

Centerville.

In the meantime Sergeant Steckner has returned and is with me in my tent. Before I had the opportunity to report I am notified by Captain Theilkuhl, Assistant Adjutant General of the Division, that a forage party must leave for Manassas Gap to collect ordnance and other lost articles. I prepare myself to go along but first go over to the regiment to collect my salary from the paymaster $443.56 - for four months. When I returned the expedition already had left and I had to spur at full speed until I finally caught up with them.

Close by a farm near Manassas a great number of left and destroyed articles. Among other things nailed iron cannon whose gun carriage we destroyed. Many bayonets, limberboxes etc. etc. Here I find a beautiful colts revolver (navy) which I left with Assistant Adjutant General Theilkuhl, upon his request, with the understanding that he did not have one. Later I found out that he has a very beautiful one. - - "Oh how dirty."

The cannon was connected with a heavy cable (whch had been left there) To the front wagon of a guncarriage, attached to a freight wagon in the rear and so transported homewards. We had gone as far as the rail road of Manassas Gap where we found ruins of terrible destruction. About one hundred freight cars of the rail road with freight for delivery to the military. An endless row of iron implements, burned weapons, shot and burst bombs, chains, saws, vast stocks of horseshoes etc. axes, anvils. We loaded two wagons with horseshoes for the horses and mules. The fourth wagon pulled the cannon and had parts of weapons and accoutrements. Return arrival about three o'clock. Out there we met General Mc Leans brigade who were returning from an extended reconnaissance. They had been about eight miles beyond Manassas. Upon returning I find another wagonload of Infantry and Cavalry munitions in our camp which was found in a farmhouse in Centerville. (Northern Ammunition). Sergeant Steckner who went to Fairfax to obtain permission for disposal of the munitions which was given to us, for lack of transportation, by the Indiana battery, has returned and brings a letter from Captain Dessauer with $132 - which I am to pay out to the officers from the fortyfifth regiment for which purpose I go there and take care of several things. Bill from Pierz paid $17.97. - De Kalb and Blenker regiment are going as far as Stone Bridge. The horse which I borrowed from Fanninger (sentence not finished)

*******************************************************

Thus concludes the known existing diary of Friedrich Ludwig Bisky.

18 Oct 1817 - 2 May 1863

Photographic copy, of a portrait of Friedrich Bisky, drawn by Salomon Levy in 1849. Bisky was born in Prussia in 1817 and died at the Battle of Chancellorsville in May 1863. His military service file is available in NNMS. The photograph was donated by Dr. Kurt Wernicke of the Museum for German History in East Berlin*;  the original drawing is in the Jagella University Library in Krakow, Poland. The location of the negative is unknown.

Friedrich Ludwig Bisky

Birth Record copy

*Copy accessed 1986.

 

*******************************************************

I will periodically post further information about Louis Bisky and members of the 45th NY who were mentioned in the diary.

 

September, Saturday 27, 1862.

Washington.

Morning: I am riding to the transportation office in order to obtain from Captain Dana the wagons for for our weapons. Thereafter to General Quartermaster Colonel Rocke who tells me that the arsenal must send the goods by ship through Alexandria and then by railroad to us, as far as the railroad is going. - -

I ride to the arsenal and I am satisfied so that after dinner I am finished with my business in Washington.

Sergeant Heiland who promised the munitions for the Chief of Ordnance in Fairfax C.H. assumes the responsibility of taking my black mare along.

I am riding on quite pleasant roads with good weather, and, after an eight hour ride, arrive in Centerville.

September, Friday 26, 1862.

Washington.

In the morning I ride to Georgetown (by car) in order to receive a horse which quartermaster Rocke promised me (including trappings). There I find the last two wagons of the brigade with the camp utensils which are to be delivered to the government.

The horse which is determined for me is a black mare, a strong animal, a little neglected in cleanliness, which can perhaps be improved in appearance.

At the same time while in Georgetown I find Assistant Chief Officer of Ordnance Leibrand with my requisitions from the twentieth of September and General Ripley for signatures. I immediately requisition our quartermaster wagons in order to get the things out. Endless obstacles and running around. The business of turning over the wagons takes up my entire day, meantime I received the signed requisitions by Captain Schirmer Chief of Ordnance and General Ripley Chief of Ordnance of the whole. The result was that the wagons had to be delivered to the Government and I had to requisition new ones the following morning. I also was in the Ordnance Department (No. 42) in the morning where I asked for and received an ordnance manual and formula.

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One hundred fifty years later, government red tape and running around chasing your tail, things never change.

September, Thursday 25, 1862

Washington.

Morning: Delivery of articles to the arsenal. The quartermaster again cannot be located to deliver the wagons, finally about three-four o'clock he is found by the wagonmaster.

In the evening I meet friend Kallenberg from the fiftysecond regiment whose wife and children are now with him. By Engelhard and Unger interesting acquaintance of a former Prussian soldier who also was in the service (Austria) and participated in the Beleaguering of Vienna.

Endless hardships of the regiments under General Sumner and General Mac Clellan by Richmond. Lack of transportation. Just like us. For all privations. The fiftysecond regiment counts hardly one hundred and fifty men.

September, Wednesday 24, 1862

Centerville to Washington.

An empty wagontrain which is to obtain forage for the brigade is leaving for Washington. I receive my pass and leave towards noon on horseback comfortably trotting and at times galloping. The road is good and an occasional light rain is keeping the dust down. This time our road leads through Fairfax C.H., Anandale and Hunters Chapel. Interesting memories, looking back on to all the different places where in the past we did picket duty. Customhouse, the old customcollector a year older. Anandale schoolhouse etc. My munition wagon remains about one half hour behind the empty wagons.

In Fairfax we meet paymaster Johnson who at this moment is about to leave with heavy guard for Centerville, in order to pay the regiments after five months of duty. This time they are paid for four months. In the evening about eight-thirty o'clock arrival in Washington. Great difficulty finding the other wagons. Carelessness on part of the quartermaster who is sitting in the prescothouse. I lodge in the Union Hotel, fifty cents per night, noon - meal thirty cents evening meal and breakfast twentyfive cents. The price for horse is seventyfive cents per day.

The wagonmaster during the time of the battle by Bull Run was taking care of General Sigel's horses. He related very interesting reports about the General whom he adores.

*******************************************************

The Union Hotel, a three story structure, was in Georgetown. During the Civil War it was turned into a hospital as were many other buildings in Washington. Louisa May Alcott served there as a nurse for two months during the Civil War, she wrote a partially fictionalized book about her experience, Hospital Sketches. In her book she notes it had poor ventilation, damp cellars and no provision for bathing.

To see a photograph of the hotel and read a bit about Louisa May Alcott's experience go to:

 <blog.americanhistory.si.edu/osaycanyousee/2011/07/scenes-from-the-hurly-burly-hotel-louisa-may-alcotts-civil-war.html>

See also:

<xroads.virginia.edu/~cap/hospital/whitman.htm>

for further information about Civil War Hospitals in Washington, DC and Walt Whitman's experience there.
 

September, Tuesday 23, 1862

Centerville.

I don't feel quite as exhausted after this horseback ride as I did after my first one in Sperryville. Today I am again doing quite a lot of riding.

A number of twelve pound howitzer (?) cartridges and canister shells, fissured, were found hidden close by the headquarters of the regiment, in a blockbarrack (sic) covered with an old shingle roof. Great stocks of weapons, munition, quartermaster articles and medical supplies have been found in many places all over the entire neighborhood. During our return march  we burned some of it and left the rest. I have been instructed to collect the munitions etc. and gather a wagonload full, which I deliver to Washington the following day.

September, Monday 22, 1862

Balls Crossroad to Centerville.

In the morning the main quarters of the division and brigade are marching, also the wagontrain. Great disorder of the transportation for wagons are lacking.

Only the twentyseventh and fortyfirst regiment have their munitions on their wagons. The eighth and fortyfifth regiment have left great stocks of other articles behind, including munitions. - The brigade quartermaster also has left various articles, among others the weapon parts I found (Karoliner) and the box with repair articles. During the march I manage quite nicely with the horse also my riding skill. We arrived by good weather towards evening in Centerville (via Falls Church.) For the time being no tents are to be erected. The headquarters are in a farmhouse. I sleep outside.

Towards morning heavy dew.

September, Sunday 21, 1862

Balls Crossroad.

At noon Ordnance Sergeant Steckner who has been assigned by Washington to ordnance duty for the brigade arrives. He accompanies me to the regiments and later in the afternoon returns to Washington in order to take care of the requisitions.

Evening: Marching orders.

The regiments are to announce immediately through their adjutants  when departing. Special orders: The muntion train shall have guards for protections.

Fanninger, sorter of the adjutance (sic), offers the usage of his horse to me, since he claims to be ill. I accept for feeding and generally taking care of the animal.

Great confusion since marchingorders (sic) arrived very unexpectedly. I pack my things and quite late, write the consolidated requisitions in three copies.

September, Saturday 20, 1862

Balls Crossroad.

Morning: I am working on the requisitions for weapons etc. Since they still are scarce and have in the meantime been raised by some regiments I again find it necessary to go into discussion about the twenty-seventh regiment.

September, Friday 19, 1862

Balls Crossroad.

Today in the afternoon he told me that he spoke with Sigel's Adjutant Meisenburg who accepts and acknowledges my rights. 

The quartermaster is to issue the requisition.

The requisitions of the regiments for weapons are very much in absence and I find it necessary to speak with the Ordnance Sergeant about it so I can issue them myself with the exception of the twenty-seventh regiment who have promised to send same in the afternoon but have neglected to do so.

September, Thursday 18, 1862

Balls Crossroad.

Yesterday morning I prepared a requisition for a horse for myself, however Chief Von Gilsa hesitates to sign since he feels that he wants to discuss it on Friday with the quartermaster.

September, Wednesday 17, 1862

To Balls Crossroad.

I receive fifteen boxes of munitions for the brigade and return, complete the requisitions for the regiments and deliver same with munitions.

In the field of Georgetown where a quartermaster train stopped, I find a box with parts of gunlocks.

September, Tuesday 16, 1862

Washington.

Delivery of munitions to get to know the business procedure of the arsenal. The various articles are delivered into different storehouses and the receipts for same are given as verification for the invoice to the paymaster's office (Captain Stevens) who signs receipt. I delivered among other items fortysix guns, about ten different kinds, to Sergeant Wiegand.

In the evening I meet friend Kallenberg from the fifty-second regiment, who at present is on sick leave in Washington.

September, Monday 15, 1862

Balls Crossroad, Washington.

I receive orders through Lieutenant Lybrand to deliver the munitions to Georgetown. I obtain a pass to go there and have a chance to ride with quartermaster Rocke. The wagons with the munitions already are on the road to Washington. - I have great trouble finding quartermaster Rocke.

Towards evening the wagons are again going back to their camp in Georgetown, first a storehouse is to be rented. -

Monday evening visit to friend Engel in Washington. Most gracious there reception there. I find Mrs. Hamann with her three most beautiful children.

At night I ride back to Georgetown to the camp where the wagons are located. Great victory by ours causes excitement in Washington. 

*******************************************************

Surely celebrating the Battles at South Mountain. Little does he know that on this same day the devastating Battle at Harper's Ferry is going to have a far different effect.

September, Sunday 14, 1862

Balls Crossroad.

Day of rest.

Busy with generalities in settling. Towards noon I receive information from quartermaster Rocke that he still has seven loads of munitions in his charge which he wishes to deliver. Consequently I go to General Sigel's headquarters in the evening to obtain orders from the Chief of Ordnance.

In the meantime Captain Shirmer was appointed Chief of Ordnance in place of Captain Dalgreen, I shall be notified tomorrow. It was dark upon returning and I was compelled by the pickets to get the countersign from General Pyatt (?)

After I had proven my identity.

"PHARSALIA"

Moreover I missed my road.

September, Saturday 13, 1862

From Uptonshill to Balls Crossroad.

Morning: Marching orders to Balls Crossroad.

Arrival at Headquarters about noon, a beautiful place of a farm.

Tents are being erected.

Captain Sirinz who has been to Washington and spent several days there has returned. He has contracted a lame right arm and shoulder with an inflammation of the skin.

In the beginning he uses my tent.

September, Friday 12, 1862

Towards Uptonshill.

Morning: Report of Lieutenant Dietz arrival from New York with recruits and of his wishing for immediate departure. - 

Marching orders for one-half-hour to outpostduty of the brigade to Uptonshill, a fort about eight miles west from Washington. I remain behind in order to go with the wagons. Great shortage of capable direction in packing of the wagons. After a delay of several hours these too depart. I travel on one of them.

Arrival in Uptonshill towards noon.

Uptonshill is a highly situated fort or rather entrenchment and has in its center a deep well. Our brigade is being divided in the neighbohood. Schirmers battery and six cannons into the fort. A short time ago General Mac Griffin with his brigade camped in the fields close by the fort. Among others the Sixty-second Pennsylvania and Thirty-second Massachusetts. The old camps apparently were left in a hurry which arouses suspicion of a sudden flight rather than a departure. The fields are covered with all kinds of objects: weapons, discarded accoutrements, munition, clothing, some new, packs, blankets etc. etc. Ambulance wagons only partly damaged with five thousands cartridges sixty-nine cal. etc. etc. A great supply of hospital equipment. During last night we had a thunderstorm with rain and many of these things were soaked. I report about the ordnance objects to Chief Von Gilsa, who in the beginning instructed me to write to General Griffin about it, if he wants to enact or dispose of these objects. However since we were notified that we will be relieved by the second brigade the following morning, we shall notify the commander of the relieveing outposts, Colonel Smith, so he can take care and rescue the ordnance objects. Since it has started to rain again in the evening, I put covers over munitions etc.

For the night I sleep with all the writings of the brigade under the veranda of the farmhouse where the headquarters telegraph office ect. are located. -

Haughty, silly lady with strong secessionist coating. (sic)

September, Thursday 11, 1862

By Fort De Kalb.

I consolidate the information according to the reports about ammunition and send them to Captain Dahlgreen in the afternoon. I pay to the cook Joseph as share for kitchen $5 - deducted on account

September, Wednesday 10, 1862

By Fort De Kalb.

The following morning I receive orders through Lieutenant Lybrand to immediately present a consolidated report about the weapons of the brigade. I prepare same according to presented schedule and records about munitions, as well as the requisitions for weapons and other verbal communications for basic foundation. The requisitions for munitions are demanded for tomorrow.

September, Tuesday 9, 1862

By Halls Hill - Fort De Kalb.

In the morning I again report at headquarters and I am sent to lieutenant Lybrand who is assistant Officer of Ordnance of the the First Army Corps of Virginia under Captain Dahlgreen (sic) Chief of Ordnance. For the time being I receive very general instructions. After that I report to Colonel Von Gailsa, Commander of the First Brigade for General Stahl who at present is commanding the division in place of General Schenk who was wounded by Bull Run.

Colonel Von Gilsa receives me friendly and tells me to, for the time being, march with the regiment for right now the tents of the brigade's headquarters are being dismantled. We have quite a hot and dusty march.

Bivouac near Fort De Kalb.

We arrive about noon on a forestwing. (sic) After a short rest I leave the regiment to go to the headquarters of the brigade, where the tents are being erected quite late, in a farm yard.

In the meantime orders were issued to present information about munitions (account.)

Same presented by the adjutancy is returned to me as incomplete, accompanied with a schedule whereafter I draw up a new one which I have to send to Captain Dahlgreen in the morning. After I receive the information from the regiment I send the report with an orderly to General Sigel's headquarters.

Nine o'clock in the evening a letter from Lieutenant Lybrand arrives informing me that the report was not delivered. I send a different orderly with the information of the entire transaction.

"The letter is found."

Since the tent I first moved into was requisitioned by Doctor Peale of the brigade, I sleep in the tent with the Captain Brigadier Adjutant of the brigade. 

September, Monday 8, 1862

By Halls Hill.

Drinking bout by several of our young officers. (By Landmann wine.) Letande had to be put under arrest by the officer of the day. In the afternoon I am notified by Chief Amsberg through Lieutenant Basson of my reappointment to "Officer of Ordnance First Brigade First Division First Army Corps Virginia." This time the organization is by orders of General Sigel and Adjutant General Meisenberg.

Special Order No. 46

"Brigade Commanders will at once detail an officer, mounted if possible, who will act as Ordnance Officer for their respective commands. All the officers so detailed at one report to these headquarters in person."

By order General Sigel

Adjutant - General Meisenburg.

Already in the evening I go to report. Since adjutant Meisenburg is not there I report to Adjutant Captain Asmussen who informs me to come again in the morning. At night marching readiness.

We sleep on our rubber blankets since our baggage already has been put into the wagons.

September, Sunday 7, 1862

Halls Hill.

March to Halls Hill, General Sigel's headquarters. We have a gorgeous view upon Washington. The first night we camp in a magnificent oakforest, close by an open field where our wagons are located. We eat and drink thoroughly and administer to ourselves while enjoying this beautiful weather. Bluehmel, Company C, has fried an excellent beefsteak for us and so on. In the evening Hoefer and I visit Pierz and we drink with Schaefer.

The Chief and his wife arrive. The Chief appointed Schaefer to Brevet Lieutenant and he is very friendly, especially towards me, from whom he wants enlightenment about conditions of our regiment. 

(Lack of discipline etc.)

He told us that during the battle, he was commanded as Field Officer on General Sigel's staff, which was disputed by others.

September, Saturday 6, 1862

By Lewinsville.

Towards seven o'clock march.

We march close to Halls Hill onto a pleasant knoll.

Pierz arrived and he has butter in a bladder, condensed milk, etc. Hoefer, Mueller and I enjoy ourselves thoroughly. For the first time bread is again delivered to the brigade. In the evening Chief Wratislaw has a scene with a drunken soldier, who among other things criticized his behavior on the battlefield. He supposedly remained with his wounded horse and to have held a funeral oration for it, instead of commanding the regiment etc. on the battlefield. Consequently Chief Colonel Wratislaw draws his sabre and wounds the soldier deep in the shoulder. Some excitement among the men with soon abates. - - -

During the night Captain Leonhard arrives with about two companies who were left on the outposts without being relieved of notified.

I drink a bottle of champagne with Dr. Idler. He tells wonderful things about our Generals and so on, during the battle by Bullrun.

*******************************************************

Don't you wish he had written some of the stories he was told!

*******************************************************

RUF, ANDREAS,-Age, 26 years, Enlisted at New York city, to serve three years, and mustered in as a corporal, Co. C, September 10, 1861; returned to ranks, no date; deserted, May 1, 1862, near Winchester, Va.

45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 385
See post of May 8.

MULLER, ERNST.-Age, 27 years. Enlisted August 29, 1861, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in as first sergeant, Co. C, September 9, 1861; discahrged for disability, March 1, 1863, near Potomac Bridge, Va.

45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 365
See post of March 16.

SCHOENECKER, JOHN W.-Age, 38 years. Enrolled, September 1, 1861, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in as captain, Co. C, October 7, 1861; discharged, March 11, 1862; commissioned captain, November 4, 1861, with rank from September 9, 1961, original.

45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 396
See post of March 18.

DIETZ, HENRY.-Age, 35 years. Enrolled, September 2, 1861, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in as first sergeant, Co. D, September 9, 1861; as second lieutenant, Co. C, March 11, 1862; as first lieutenant, Co. H, November 1, 1862; tranferred to Co. B, January 1863;  mustered in as captin, May 3, 1863; captured in action, July 1, 1863 at Gettysburg, Ps.; paroled, no date; discharged, March 12, 1865; commissioned second lieutenant, May 26, 1862, with rank from March 11, 1862, vice L. Bisky, promoted;
first lieutenant, November 19, 1862, with rank from August 31, 1862, vice M. Peter, discharged; captain, August 7, 1863, with rank from May 2, 1863, vice F.A, Desseuer, killed in action.

45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 276
See post of March 17.
 

September, Friday 5, 1862

By Lewinsville.

We still remain here in the same place for today, yet our wagons advance for only one mile or so.

Sutler Schellenberg arrives.

I take for myself and Nachtmann credit for $2-.

Likewise Landmann arrives at night. I take with Hoefer together, a bottle of wine billed to Hoefer and one bottle billed to me. The latter I returned for tickets since the wine for $1.25 was spoiled. I am Officer of the Day and I have some trouble during the night with drunks.

Captain Leonhard on outpost.

September, Thursday 4, 1862

By Lewinsville.

Marchingreadiness (sic) at four o'clock in the morning however we remain here the entire day.

In front and along side us still many other regiments. 

During the night Adjutant Kandler brought me a parcel which Pierz had brought from New York. It contained my uniform, underwear, chocolate and roasted flour. To put on a clean shirt was of great comfort to me especially so since we have not seen our baggage from the time we left our camp in Sulphur Springs.* Afternoon about two or three o'clock our battery, about two miles in front of us, was active without our visibility of the enemy nor could we hear return activity from them. Likewise during the night we heard a distant cannonade in the direction of Alexandria.

*******************************************************

*Probably about the 24th of August.

 
TILBACH, ALOIS.-Age, 45 years. Enrolled, September 2, 1861, at New York city to serve three years; mustered in as second lieutenant, Co. D, September 24, 1861; as first lieutenant Co. G, July 1, 1862; discharged, January 11, 1863; commissioned second lieutenant, November 4, 1861, with rank from September 24, 1861, original; first lieutenant, August 28, 1862, with rank from June 15, 1862, vice Theo. Durban, promoted. 

45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 415
See post of March 7.

MATTHESIUS, HENRY.-Age, 35 years. Enrolled, September 6, 1861, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant-major, September 9, 1861; as second lieutenant, Co. B, January 18, 1862; discharged, July 21, 1862; also borne as Matthews; not commissioned second lieutenant.

45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 355
 See post of March 7.

LUTZ, CHARLES F.-Age, 23 years. Enrolled, September 2, 1861, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in as first lieutenant, Co. D, September 9, 1961; discharged, September 1, 1862; commissioned first lieutenant, November 4, 1861, with rank from September 9, 1861, original.

45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 352
See post of March 7.

HOCHLEITNER, CHARLES.-Age, 50 years. Enrolled, September 4, 1861, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in as captain, Co. I, September 9, 1861; discharged September 12, 1862; prior service in Co. C, Twentieth Infantry; commissioned captain, November 4, 1861, with rank from September 4, 1861, original; recommissioned, April 5, 1862, with rank from March 10, 1862, vice, himself, resigned.

45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 317
 See post of March 8.

CSERMELYI, JOSEPH.-Age, 31 years. Enrolled, September 6, 1861, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in as first lieutenant, Co. K, October 3, 1861; transferred to Co. I, November 22, 1861; mustered in as captain, Co. G, June 15, 1862; discharged October 3, 1862; commissioned first lieutenant, November 4, 1861, with rank from September 6, 1861, original; captain, July 21, 1862, with rank from May 16, 1862, vice A. Bracklin, discharged.

45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 272
See post of March 8.

September, Wednesday 3, 1862

Lewinsville across Georgetown.

Here is where we bivouac for several hours behind General Sigel's headquarters. (Tavern)

The surrounding countryside supplies a lot of apples, peaches etc. for the soldiers, however a strong tendency to plunder other belongings again is shown by some.

In the afternoon of the third, the brigade moves in a southern direction to a sort of outpost duty.

Southern direction of Lewinsville.

********************************************************

The diary entries are short again, so I am taking the opportunity to enter information about more men who have been mentioned in the diary.

*******************************************************

GRASSAN, HENRY.-Age, 34 years. Enrolled, August 29, 1861, at New York city, to serve 3 years; mustered in as first lieutenant, Co. C, September 20, 1861; transferred to Co. K, December 22, 1861; wounded in action, June 8, 1862, at Cross Keys, Va.; died of his wounds, June 21, 1862, at Harrisonberg, Va.; commissioned first lieutenant, November 4, 1861, with rank from September 9, 1861, original. 

45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 301

LINK, CHARLES.-Age, 34 years. Enrolled, September 17, 1861, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in as corporal, Co. C, September 14, 1861; promoted sergeant, December 1, 1862; wounded in action, July 3, 1823, at Gettysburg, Pa.; died of his wounds, August 17, 1863, at New York city.  

See post of March 5.
45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 349

MAURER, JOSEPH,-Age, 34 years. Enlisted, August 29, 1861, at New York city to serve three years; mustered in as sergeant Co. C, September 9, 1861; discharged for disability, December 4, 1862, at General Hospital, Fairfax Seminary, Va.

See post of March 5.
45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 356

September, Tuesday 2, 1862

Centerville Fairfax C.H.

Our march was extremely difficult.

Through the heavy rain the road had become very slippery and was in part flooded. Infantry, cavalry, artillery, even wagons were at times next to one another or in complete confusion. Our regiment was separated part of the time and after the main forces were again combined, we had to rest at daybreak about one mile from Fairfax for an hour or so to enable all to assemble again.

Morning:   March through Fairfax C.H.

Bivouac on a hill by Fairfax.

Rations of coffee and crackers are distributed. About four o'clock in the afternoon departure to Lewinsville* with an entire army corps. The march during the night was interrupted many times through halts and pushing of throngs. Our regiment again is separated and assembles near Arlington Heights or Church Falls. In the morning, dead tired, we arrive in Lewinsville. During our returnmarch (sic) from Centerville we hear of a battle which had taken place the night before last, close by Fairfax,** Generals Stevens and Geary were killed, also between four to five hundred dead and wounded suffered by ours. ------*** for us.

This success saved our army.

*******************************************************

*From Wikipedia: Traditionally, the center of Lewinsville has been located at the crossroads of Lewinsville and Chain Bridge Roads.

**Battle of Chantilly (VA)

***This word is illegible in the copy of the diary.

September, Monday 1, 1862

Centerville.

Rest.

Wagon upon wagon are returning to the battlefield as, Doctor Idler assures us, thousands of wounded are to be collected. During our return march at night, on the day of the battle, our Colonel Amsberg had already hurried far ahead to Fairfax and did not return until the following day to Centerville. On the day of the battle he was in General Siegel's Staff -----

In the evening a violent thunderstorm with a terrific downpour of rain. At night just as we are ready to retire, the brigade is marched to about ten minutes outside of Centerville in the direction of the road to New Market. Here we sleep under arms for about two to three hours in order to start the march during the night to Fairfax C.H.

*******************************************************

Corporal Pfoertner: (see yesterday's post)

PFORTNER, CHARLES.-Age, 30 years. Enlisted at New York city, to serve three years, and mustered in as private, Co. C, October 7, 1861; promoted corporal, July 5, 1862; discharged for disability, March 16, 1863, near Potomac Creek Bridge, Va.

45th_Infantry_ CW_Roster  @p. 376 

IDELER, HERMAN.-Age, 41 years. Enrolled, September 9, 1861, at New York city, to serve three years; mustered in as surgeon, October 9, 1861; discharged, April 18, 1863; commissioned surgeon, November 4, 1861, with rank from Ocotber 9, 19861, original.

45th_Infantry_CW_Roster  @p. 323