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Didn't make it to the reading and discussion yesterday? You're in luck because a recording of it is up on YouTube. I haven't had a chance to review it yet, so please be gentle if I ended up sounding ridiculous.

There have been several times in conversations on facebook groups where people threw out the question "what do you look for in a LesFic book?" My answer has often been "beautiful writing," but it can be hard to explain what I mean by that. So now I have something I can point to and say, "That's what I mean by beautiful writing in LesFic."

Minotaur by J. A. Rock isn't a book that would ordinarily have caught  my attention. In fact, I bought it entirely because it appeared on the Book Clips series at The Lesbian Talk Show podcast(*). (I confess it's the first time I've bought a book based on being included in the series.) I was so impressed by what I heard that I think I pulled out my iPhone and called up the iBooks store while still sitting in my car at the end of the commute when I listened to it.

Minotaur is a fantasy. Or maybe it's a YA-ish story of adolescent rebellion in a home for wayward girls. Maybe the titular minotaur actually did terrify the town in a previous generation. Or maybe it's an urban legend, whispered among the girls at the Rock Point Girls' Home as a terrifying entertainment. Maybe Thera has a vivid imagination, or maybe the tangled imagery in the opening monolog is remnants of her being hopped up on stolen drugs. Maybe she's an unreliable narrator...or maybe she really will become a hero that slays a monster.

I read this story not knowing whether the promise of fantasy was genuine or a misdirection, and I won't spoil that aspect for other readers. At its heart, this is the story of an unwanted, neglected girl who turns herself hard to survive, then learns how to open herself again for love--both the love of friends and romantic love. The setting is a dreary, narrow-minded small town, still stuck in an era when the sympathetic counselor at the Girls' Home who shows too much affection for the girls is whispered visciously to be a "BD," which it took me a while to decode as "bull-dyke." So when roommates Thera and Alle begin exploring their tentative desire for each other, there are layers of confusion, ignorance, and despair to work through. They promise to stay together when they age out of the home, not truly believing such a thing is possible and each doubting that she is worthy of that sort of love.

As I said above, on the surface, it isn't the sort of story that usually attracts me. But the language--oh my, the language. J. A. Rock has an extraordinary command of voice, of description, of easing you into an alien world (in this case, the world of Rock Point) and making you care about the inhabitants, even when they're people you wouldn't much like in real life.

The only place where the book faltered for me was in an extended descriptive passage after the book changes gears when Thera leaves the Home. (I'm being a little cagey here to avoid spoilers.) There was a section that went on aimlessly and--dare I say--self-indulgently just a bit too long. The plot picked up again just about when I was at the edge of my patience, but I certainly wasn't sorry I kept going.

This is not a light and fluffy book. There are dark bits and violent bits and a few squicky bits. But it's solid and compelling and ultimately triumphant. (I'd consider that last a spoiler, except that too many readers of queer stories need to know they aren't going to get punched in the face by Queer Tragedy.)

(*) Full disclosure: my own podcast series "The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast" also runs on The Lesbian Talk Show.

December is filled with bitter weather, made all the sharper by the constant troop movements that undermine all efforts to settle themselves in more comfortably. There's an eternal optimism (or perhaps just dogged persistence) in how the soldiers begin throwing up semi-permanent structures at each stop only to be ordered to abandon them before they can be enjoyed.

In my final copyediting pass of these entries, I always find that some of Abiel's regular spelling idiosyncrasies have slipped past me: staid for stayed, buisy for busy, prety for pretty. No doubt I've still missed some. I've only just noticed the auto-spellcheck function in this blog editor, so perhaps that will help with my regular spelling idiosyncrasies too.

Toward the end of December, there's brief note about Abiel being appointed to serve on a Court Martial (i.e., not a specific case but as a regular participant). As I mention below, this will be an unexpected turning point in his life, although I'm reconsidering the spin put on it that I'd picked up from family folklore about the matter. More on that later as events progress.

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The Diary and Letters of Abiel Teple LaForge 1842-1878

Transcribed, edited, and annotated by Phyllis G. Jones (his great-granddaughter)

Copyright © 1993, Phyllis G. Jones, All rights reserved

December 1864

[PUNCTUATION AND SPELLING ARE COPIED FROM THE ORIGINALS. EDITORIAL COMMENTS ARE IN BOLD TYPE.]

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DIARY

Thursday  December 1st 1864

Still fair weather.  I sent a letter to my sister in the mail which went out this morning.  I sent 7 letters.  I was in command of the Regiment two hours today.  This P.M., took out all the men who had loaded guns and fired them off.  The 1st Division of our corps moved this A.M.; where they are going we do not know but suppose to Petersburg.  We expect to move soon.  Hard at work on my clothing for June and July.  Today got those two months nearly finished.

[Note: There are a couple of cryptic references in this entry. What was the purpose of firing all the loaded guns? It doesn't sound like a target practice exercise--more like "guns shouldn't be sitting around loaded if we aren't going to use them, so we fired them to empty them out." But that's just a wild guess from context. The reference to working on clothing for June and July sounds like this may have been an inventory/supply record that Abiel is a bit behind on. This is supported by the reference to "clothing rolls" in the next entry.]

Friday  December 2nd 1864

Very busy again at the clothing rolls.  The fair weather with which we have been blessed for several days seems about to cease.  Considerable rain fell this P.M. and the sky looks like one of those long winter storms. Still warm, however.  Battalion drill this P.M. Dress Parade postponed on account of the rain.  Wrote to Mrs. Anst Ogdensburg N.Y.  I also wrote to Sherman Crandall.  Indications of a move of men of our corps as a body.  We dread Petersburg.

Saturday 3rd

Last night had orders to be ready to move at 7 O.C. A.M. today.  It only broke my rest for a few minutes.  I went to sleep again.  We packed up with rather heavy hearts and started for the R.R. station four miles below Winchester.  We could not take our pack animals on the cars with us, so we took what things we wanted for a few days with us and then sent the rest by the "overland" route, as we called it.  We had rather a cold ride on the cars (box cars) but lots of fun.

Sunday 4th

Arrived at the Capitol a little after sunrise,  although we are feeling rather as though we were wronged in being sent away from the Valley. Still, the joyful nature of a soldiers' disposition has overcome the feelings which tend to make them despond.  They are now making lots of fun--fine lusty-limbed fellows.  I wonder how many of those sturdy chaps will live to see Washington again.

Our Brigade were all embarked by one P.M.   Brigade Head Quarters was on our boat the "Matilda". Besides our Regiment, the 10th Vermont Volunteers was on board.  We left the wharf by 2 P.M.  I stood at the bow pointing out the various places of interest to the rest who were less acquainted with the notorieties.  Farewell Washington, with your magnificent public buildings, palatial residences of your aristocracy, your rich upper ten, and poor "lower thousand", your churches and haunts of iniquity, your sirens and your vices. When shall we see you again?  We are bound on an expedition where hard knocks will be more plenty than good times.  I was detailed as "officer of the day" to keep things in order on the boat.

[Note: Abiel sounds a bit more mindful of the statistical hazards of war than at some points in the past. Possibly a bit depressed, though it has inspired him to a rather lyrical flight of rhetoric.]

Monday 5th

Found ourselves going up James River this morning. Arrived at City Point at 10 A.M.  Disembarked and moved up on the hill.  Here we stacked arms and waited for the cars. While waiting, I found George Battersby.  He belongs to the sanitary commission.  Ezra Rounds (sister, you remember his likeness?) he has charge of the 9th Corps Commission.  They wanted me to come down and stay all night with them, if the Division stayed here all night.  We built fires at dark. The officers of the Regiment all got together at one end of a large wood pile and built a rousing big fire. We laid down near it and had lots of fun.

Took the cars by 8 P.M. for the front.  Went up 15 miles and got off in the rear of the 5th corps, whose position in the line we are to occupy.  We were short of blankets and tents as they are with the packs. The ground [was] wet, so we built up a large fire of pine boughs. The sparks in millions were soon flying high above the tallest trees. Our men cut down some trees and, breaking bushy boughs from them, soon made us a good bed to spread our blankets on. Then, after taking a drink to keep the rheumatism away, we laid down with our feet to the fire and faces to the sky, and went to sleep amid much more comfortable circumstances than one would have thought possible when we first came up.

Lieutenants Cox and Moor and seven men were left behind in Washington.  They left the boat and did not get back in time to start with us. It was not right for them to leave.

[Note: I'm guessing "our men" who made up the brush beds may have been the officers' servants? Or would they be coming behind with the baggage train? I have no idea whether Abiel would have come back to the same servant he had before his leave, or whether they would have been rotated around as needed. We only had the one reference to "Mr. Griffis" by name and no sense that Abiel related to his servant as an individual, so we may not be given any clues on this point.]

Tuesday 6th

Five months ago today we left this place for "My Maryland" with light joyful hearts.  Since then we have lost in battle 12 officers and some 250 men. Still we hate to return to this place where our losses were not nearly so great.  We stayed there until after dark when, just as I had laid down, the order came to move. To pack up was a short job and we were soon under way. We moved about a mile, which brought us on to the ground of the 2nd Division 5th Corps. They were not to move until daylight, so we had orders to make ourselves comfortable where we were. We spread our blankets on the hard Parade Ground and without fir[e] slept very comfortably even if it was the 6th day of winter. [Note: I'm emending "fir" to "fire" on contextual grounds, but given the mention of making up pine bough beds previously, the may not be as much of a no-brainer as it appears.]

Wednesday 7th

Up and breakfasted at daylight.  Did not move into our quarters until two hours after, at which time it had been raining for half an hour. The quarters into which we moved were nearly as good as those we left in the Valley. They were not quite finished yet, however.  I forgot to mention that one of our new Colonel's 2nd Lieutenants arrived while we were waiting at Harpers Ferry.  None of our companies were large enough to muster a 2nd Lieutenant, so this one had to shoulder his gun as a private!  When we were on the boat, I saw him standing among the men and looking pretty sad, so I got him to go up in my state room and occupy one of the berths.  I could see he was unused to the society in which he was thrown and felt sorry for him.  Rained until after dark, then cleared off.  I am stopping with Lieutenants Chilrton and Hepburn until my baggage comes down.

Thursday 8th

Morning broke fair. We were up and under arms at daybreak, merely as a precautionary measure.  Pretty cold in the A.M., but warm after sunrise.  At work on our new quarters.  Mine are very good, but I have nothing to cover it with yet.  Nothing of importance transpired today.  We have not heard of the 5th Corps yet. It was sent yesterday on some movement to the left.  What it was, of course, we do not know.

Friday 9th

Very cold, looks like snow. At M. [i.e., noon] the Strike Tents was sounded and we were soon ready for anything. We got out in line two hours before dark. We did not leave the camp ground until nearly dark. Very cold standing around so long, trying to keep ourselves warm.  Moved out beyond our left flank towards the South Side Railroad. Found one Division of the 2nd Corps on picket there. They had been out four days.  Our force consisted of the 1st and nearly all the 3rd Divisions of the 6th Corps: a Division of Cavalry and three Batteries of Artilary.  We moved on beyond the 2nd Corps and about 9 P.M. camped in a bitter North East wind blowing.

Before we could make fires and get supper, a cold sleet commenced falling, so our prospect for the night was anything but inviting.  Still all was not so bad.  My servant put up a shelter tent, then at the back he piled some cedar brush and in front built up a huge fire in front.  Then spreading our blankets down in it for a floor, it was quite comfortable.  Soon, my supper consisting of fried pork, hot coffee, hard tack, and butter was set before me and I was soon immused [?] in deep thought and supper. [Note: the contextual sense of "immused" is clear but I'm not entirely certain what word Abiel is aiming for here. Possibly "immersed"?]

As I sat gazing into the fire and listening to the damp wind soughing through the waving pine tops--and occasionally giving an eye or ear to the groups of soldiers sitting around their blazing bivouac fires, wrapped in their blankets, smoking and chatting with as much unconcern as if they were surrounded by the most favorable circumstances in the world--I could not help remarking to my self, what a happy nature a soldier is blessed with! I also wished for a moment that my friends in old Allegheny could get a glimpse of my present surroundings. Then I took it back, for fear it would spoil their night's rest.  Shortly after, I laid down and was soothed to sleep by the crackling fire at my side and slept very comfortably all night.  My servant kept the fire going.

Saturday, December 10th

On waking this morning, I found two inches of snow, an inch of water, and six inches of mud. Very agreeable for us to be sure! After an early breakfast, we moved into line of battle, sent the Cavalry to the front, stacked arms in the snow, and kept ourselves warm until after noon. We could hear cannonading away off to the left, probably the 5 corps engaged. About 3 P.M., considerable firing was heard at our front. (I afterwards learned it was the Cavalry coming in and discharging their carbines to have them empty.)  Then we got the order to move back to camp where we arrived an hour before dark. [Note: the reference to "discharging their carbines to have them empty" seems to answer my earlier question about the purpose of firing off guns.]

We went to work putting up our houses, but that was soon stopped by an order that we were to move again.  After dark, we moved half a mile, up to near Fort Keen, and went into some miserable quarters, all mud and snow and not room enough for all the men.  Remonstrance was useless, so we took them "as they were" and put our shelters over them. Hardly had this been done when an order came around to have the men ready to move at a moment's notice.  Lots of swearing, but no good.  Pack up they did, and then we stayed all night after all.  I slept very cold and was up and about nearly all night.  Moving around through the slush today has made me nervous.

Sunday 11th

A good breakfast this morning makes me feel much better.  Thaws a very little today, no orders to move so far.  I must write to sister. We have had no mail since we have been here, owing to some unaccountable reason.  When one comes, I expect some letters and others.  There is a rumor in camp, which I can trace to no reliable source, that this division is ordered back to the Valley, as Early has set Sheridan back.  This I do not believe, although it gives the boys a good deal of satisfaction to contemplate such a possibility, for they all disliked very much to leave the place where their principal laurels have been gained.

Most of the troops on this line have erected cantonments for themselves so as to keep themselves comfortable as possible,  but they cannot work with the feeling that they are to enjoy them long, for too much uncertainty envelopes all our movements at present. So they do not take as much pains as they would otherwise.  Were we sure of staying we would soon have good quarters that we should not be ashamed to bring our wives and sisters to look at.

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LETTER   Head Quarters "I" Company 106th New York Volunteers

Near Fort Keen, Virginia,  Sunday 11th December 1864

My Dear Sister,

I have as yet received no letter from you since I have been here, but this is in all probability owing to the fact that we have received no mail since I have been here.  That is, not since you could have answered my other.

The old 6th Corps is soldiering in earnest again: marching, countermarching, skirmishing, sleeping in the open air, and so on.  Such is life as a soldier.  We know not one minute what will befall us the next.  Running around the country seems to be the order of day, but when it comes to marching through the cold slush--which we have for the past two days--why it is pretty cold work.

How is the weather up there?  Pretty cold, I suppose.  Baby stands it well, I hope.  Have you heard from father yet?  How is mother and the rest of the family this cold weather?  For I am sure it must be cold there.

What is the gossip of the place?  Is anybody talking about my being partial to white stockings and long dresses?  If they are, just tell them, they are my sentiments on the subject.  As long as Janey and you agree with me, I don't care so much for the rest.

Yours in love,

A. T. LaForge

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DIARY

Sunday December 11th 1864

This evening Captain Briggs and Lieutenants Cox and Moore, with 13 recruits and 20 Convalescents, came into camp tonight. They left Washington day before yesterday,  stayed two nights on the boat. Cox and Moor were left by accident, they say, in the city, but had a pretty good time. [Note: see Abiel's previous comments on Cox and Moor's absence. His "they say" suggests that he's still suspicious of how accidental it was.]

Monday 12th

I slept very cold last night.  I gave Cox my bed and slept in Shaw's tent on the ground. It was extremely cold and I almost froze.  Tonight he must look out for himself, for I can't afford to freeze.  The day has been very cold.  Ice has formed over an inch thick.  Pretty cold for such houses.  No mail.

Tuesday 13th

Wrote to Government Claim Agent Johnson.  Still very cold.  No thaw.  Captain Robinson came back from home today, bringing with him our new battle flag with him.  It was made by a firm in New York.  It is of blue silk, with the U.S. Coat of Arms in the center.  The names of the battles in which we have been engaged are formed on it with yellow silk thread.  They are: Fairmont, Martinsburg, Wapping Heights, Culpepper, Kelleys Ford, Locust Grove, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Monocacy, Winchester, Fishers Hill, Cedar Creek.  Also the Wilderness.  Some are not mentioned.  This is, I think, as good a record as most regiments can show. These are only the names of the pitched battles; skirmishes are not mentioned.  The flag cost over four hundred dollars, $400.37.  We expect the flag will be formally presented to the regiment tomorrow, if nothing prevents.  Had Brigade Dress Parade tonight.

Wednesday 14th

The wind is from the South today and its moderating effects on the weather is felt by us all.  The flag presentation did not take place. Tomorrow will see the event, I believe.  We drew some clothing, of which the men were very much in need.  Did not get all we wanted.  Wrote to Miss Annie Porter.

Thursday 15th

Detailed for picket.  Went out.  Found our line ran within 400 yards of the Johnnies.  It looks strange to see two lines of men, composed of men from two hostile armies, thus pacing up and down in front of each other as quietly as if deadly hate was not rancoring in the bosom of each for the other.  The Rebs seemed to feel very sociable today. They came out of their lines shaking papers (the sign that they want to exchange papers, also tobacco, for coffee).  Our boys were not allowed to go out to them, as our orders are very strict not to have any communications with them.

This P.M. a few shots were exchanged. One of our men was shot through the body.  He had went out beyond the dead line and was shot by Mr. Rebs for it.  There is a kind of understood truce between our men and the Johnnies not to fire on each other unless they pass beyond a certain line.  Our boys were getting rather careless, which was the cause of the man's being shot.

Down on the left of our Division line, the Rebels breastworks come within three hundred yards of our picket line.  I went out there and stood for some time, watching the enemy away off on the hills to their rear.  I could see their entrenched camps gleaming in the light of our December Sun.  Woe be unto us, I thought, if we have to butt against those fortifications.  When I came back, I got some of the men on the reserve post which I command to put me up a pine bough bower. This they done in pretty good style, so that Captain Robinson (who is Division officer of the day) and I will be pretty apt to sleep with considerable comfort tonight.

Friday. December 16th

Another very warm pleasant day.  I went into camp this morning to get my breakfast.  The men are at work putting up new Shanties and making themselves comfortable.  I found a letter for myself from Mrs. Annie Wallace full of kind expressions and very pleasant indeed.  It is now evening and I sit down by the light of my blazing campfire to finish the record of the day.

The Rebs have been very uneasy for some reason, firing at our boys without any reason sometimes.  But as soon as night set in, they ceased firing, and every thing on the lines are as quiet as if two powerful armies bent on each others destruction did not lay within hearing of each other.  Behind us, within sight, our camps stretch away to the right and left.  They are now full of the music of hundreds of brass bands, which we can hear as far to the right and left as the ear can reach. I can distinctly hear the band of the 106th playing their favorite pieces. How carelessly they lay there, depending on the eyes and ears, which stretch from the Army of the James away up in front of Richmond about three miles to the left of us, a line nearly 40 miles long. Verily this is an extensive picket line.  I wonder what my sister would say to see me preparing to lay down with sword and pistol buckled on.  But such is picket duty.  We live in constant expectation of an attack, so have to be ready to spring to our feet in a second.

Saturday 17th

Had the men all under arms at 5 A.M., as that is the time the Rebs choose for their attacks.  Captain Robinson, who came out as officer of the day, sent in to be relieved as he was sick.  Captain Briggs came out early this A.M. to relieve him.  One of the soldiers who was killed the 12th of last August, but not buried until Sept 5th, was taken up today.  I think [it] is very foolish to remove a body after once being buried,  It can be but little satisfaction for his friends to see the disgusting mass humanity becomes after burial.  This man was the son of Dr. Johnson of Baltimore Maryland.  Many soldiers, both Union and Confederate, lie buried around us in the woods, and the trees and shrubs bear evidence of the fierce conflict which was waged here for the possession of the Weldon Rail Road. One of the trees which stands near my "Sylvan Bower" was struck over 30 times, and it is but a type of the rest. Not one is here but has been hit lots of times.

Last night, an Irishman deserted from the Rebs and came over to us. He was so scared he could hardly tell us anything.  He belongs to the 19th Mis[sissippi] Regiment Hills Corps.  His mother lives in Boston.  We sent him to Corps Head Quarters.  The Rebs followed him close to our lines.  Rather cold tonight.

Sunday 18th

Commenced raining a little after daylight.  Cold wind from the North. We were relieved at 9 A.M.  Came into camp, got a wagon, and sent out and got the timber for my house.  The boys are at work putting it up.  Lieutenant Cox and I are going in together. Hope we will have as fine a time as before.  Quite warm yet.  No word from our baggage.

Monday 19th

Pleasant warm day.  The 106th is acting as picket reserve and we have to be up at 5 A.M. every morning until we have served our time at it.  Very warm and pleasant, considering it is the middle of December. The men turn out and work like bees at their cantonments.  They wear no coats and none are needed, it is so warm.  Battery "M", which was with us up in the Valley, came to us this afternoon. Our trains probably will be here in a day or two.  I wrote to Sister and George Batersby, the latter is at City Point.

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LETTER

Head Quarters "I" Company 106th New York Volunteers, December 19th 1864

My Sister & Friends,

I wish you a "Very merry Christmas" to commence with, as I suppose this will reach you about the time you are celebrating that time-renowned holiday.  Your fireside is not like many in the land--one of mourning for some near and dear friend who has been lost in the tide of battle--but on the contrary, one of joy, for God has preserved your circle of loved ones from death, although they may be scattered far and wide over the land. For this, I join you in thanking our great Preserver.

If nothing happens, I shall spend my Christmas in a new house.  My boys are building one for me.  They split pine logs, then cut them about seven feet long.  These they stand on one end in a trench side by side and [the back of the letter either did not copy well or was poor to begin with and has not been transcribed.]

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[New page of diary duplicates entries for Dec. 18th and 19th.]

Sunday 18th

Relieved and came in from picket at 9 A.M.  Commenced raining a little after daylight, not much.  One hundred guns was fired from our right, in honor of the late successes under Thomas and Sherman.  I commenced work on my shanty today.  The Chaplain came around where we were at work and I asked him if it was wrong to do necessary things on the Sabbath?

"Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might," said he, and walked off.

So I continued at the work, or rather superintending it.

Monday 19th

The news from the West is glorious. Thomas is driving the enemy before him, "Like the hare before the beagle".  The Union horizon looks brighter than it has for many days.  Captain McBroom returned to the regiment from Camp Rendezvous of Distribution.  He reminds me that Sergeant Beaugureau's time is nearly out, so if I want a letter to reach him at Camp I must write soon.

Tuesday 20th

The flag presentation has not yet came off.  The officers are delaying it until they have a house finished for Regiment Head Quarters so that they can have a kind of spree after it is over, I suppose.  I wrote to George Battersby, U.S.S. Commission, and to Captain H. Burrows, General Banks' Staff today.  Looks like rain, and a rain is sure to bring on cold weather now.

Wednesday 21st

Raining this morning when I woke up.  Rained until M. [i.e., noon] then began to grow cold and is now freezing.  I have drawn clothing this month on the 14th, 18th, and 21st inst[ance]s.  C. Snyder 1st Lieutenant got a leave of absence for 15 days and left for Washington this M.  The Quarter Master is going down to City Point to see if our baggage has come, and to bring it up if it has.  He will do his best, I warrant.

Thursday 22nd

Froze up hard last night, very cold today.  I have been here now nearly a month.  Have written home three times, and as yet not had a word in reply.  I think I shall stop writing until I learn whether there is anybody to reply to my letters. I confess I feel rather vexed that I can get plenty of letters from every other place but from those I most desire to hear from.  I don't see what is the matter.  I wrote to Beaugureau. I think he will get my letter before he leaves camp.  Very cold.

Friday 23rd

Still very cold. The report is that the 8th Corps is here from the Valley and that the 9th Corps is shipping for this place also.  If such is the case, I rather think General Grant will soon be trying to see if he can't induce General Lee to let go his hold on Petersburg.  Once set back from here and Richmond, and I believe we could keep him running.  The Quarter Master has returned from City Point. Our baggage has not came yet, nor any news of its coming yet. I was up at Head Quarters and a tremendous cheer was set up by the 2nd Corps.  We learned that it was caused by a deserter's coming in and saying Savannah had fallen.  Our rations are very short. The men have scarcely enough to eat. [Note: Savannah surrendered to General Sherman on December 20.]

Saturday 24th

Still cold.  An official report came down that Sherman had captured Savannah, with General Harde and between 15 and 18 thousand prisoners.  This is a most gratifying report. I hope it may prove true. Things look bright.  Wrote to Mrs. Wallace.

Sunday December 25, 1864

Christmas Day has passed off very quietly, much more so than it would have done had our men received their pay for the last two months. As it was, they had very little money and temperance was forced upon them.  How few among the thousands who have celebrated this holiday have given serious thought to the manner of its origin?   A painful meaning, and still a hopeful one it has for the Christian believer.

The recent cold weather has had the effect of cooling off the loyalty of the rebel soldiers to their government. They are deserting to our lines in large numbers daily.

Received a letter from my sister.  Also one from Uncle John. It was enclosed in the one from sister, but she made no comments upon it, although there was several subjects which I know she must have objected to. Uncle, I am afraid, is a little Copperheadish in his views, as he opposes the administration somewhat. I received communications from the Ordnance Office that my returns for Companies "I" and "F" had been received and found correct.  Have not touched a drop of liquor today.  Only smoked twice. [Note: The Copperheads were a political party in the north that opposed the war.]

Monday 26th

Wrote to Perry Potter last night. Letter will not go until tonight.  I have had my house finished and gave the boys a canteen of whiskey for their work.  I could move in now, if my tents were only here, but they are still up to Washington. Lieutenant Snyder writes that they are loaded and the boat froze in below Washington, so of course we will not get them for some time yet.

I reduced 1st Sergeant Hungerford to Sergeant and promoted Sergeant Wilder in his place.  I also reduced Sergeant Munroe to the ranks for his long continued absence and promoted Corporal Cook in his place, and promoted private Labrake to Corporal in Cook's place.  The officers are going to work in dead earnest to keep Colonel Barney--who is one of Seymour's creatures--and his officers from coming to the regiment. If we can only succeed in keeping them away until Fenton takes the Gubernatorial chair, we can get new commissions in their place.  Then getting commissions for the field officers creates a "pisen difficulty" ["poison difficulty"?] in our regiment. There is too much confounded jealousy,  what with officers who want to jump others--and others who don't want to [be] jumped. They succeed in keeping themselves in hot water.  The probability is that Captain Briggs, who now commands the regiment, will recommend Major McDonald and himself for Lieutenant Colonel and Adjutant Robinson for Major.  This last, Captains McBroom and Robinson object to being jumped by, and Adjutant is not what they like.

Rained last night and some to day.

[Note: I'm having a little trouble following the details of the promotion politics described here. But the general sense is that favoritism in promotions is causing disgruntlement at all levels of the regiment.]

Tuesday 27th

Rained some last night, but pleasant today.  Just got my house all ready to move in, and tonight the order has came for us to move out and give place to the 67 P[ennsylvania] V[olunteers].  We go to the camp we went into when we first came here. Well, there is no use of swearing. If there was, I am very much afraid I should indulge.

General Seymour, Commanding Division, has issued orders that all men and officers must wear the proper badges.  The men must wear caps and non-commissioned officers must wear the proper chevrons, and commissioned officers must wear their proper insignia of office. Any found disobeying these orders will be at once arrested and tried by court martial.  All this is very good, but when he comes to moving us about without any apparent reason, although they must be obeyed, still we murmur some.  Having to move just as we should be at work on our rolls too, makes it worse.

The sun set beautifully to night.  Looks as if we should have a pleasant day tomorrow.  I came near forgetting to mention that an order came for us to recommend our enlisted men, who have distinguished themselves for bravery, for badges of honor.  But our boys are all so brave that we could not recommend some without doing injustice to others, so we sent up the names of none.

Wednesday 28th

Moved camp at 8 A.M. Considerable swearing.  Found quarters enough to crowd the men into for one night.  Lieutenant Cox and I took one of his company shanties until we could build a new one, which the boys are willing to do for us.  Our baggage came this P.M. and I have been at work on my company accounts until the present moment 10 P.M.  Had a letter from Mrs. Green thanking me for getting blanks sent her from Washington to enable her to get the monies due her husband from the U.S. Government.  Commenced raining while we were on Brigade Dress Parade. Has rained considerable since.

Thursday 29th

Have been at work on Payrolls nearly all day. Very cold tonight.  Cox and I feel very much at home in our own house--much better than living with anybody else.  The Adjutant and Lieutenant Chilton each got 20 day leaves today.  They will not start home until Monday, on account of muster days being so close at hand.  I shall work quite late so as to get the rolls done for the Adjutant to take to Washington.

Friday 30th

My boys are again at work making me a new shanty. I wonder if I shall have to leave it like the other.  At work most of the day on the Rolls. Sent my Quarter Master Returns for June and July to Washington.  Received a letter from Captain Burrows of Banks' Staff.  The young ladies he and I visited while I was in the city send their respects to me. Very kind! I was detailed tonight as a member of a court martial, which commences its sittings next Monday.  I expect to get some valuable information while a member of it.  A detail for me to act as brigade Officer of the Guard tomorrow.  Looks like rain.  I'll bet I have a bad day for duty. Nothing uncommon for the time of year.

[Note: Abiel being appointed to serve on the court martial will have significant consequences for the remainder of his life, though the precise nature of the connection is susceptible to debate. I'll discuss it further when the time comes.]

Saturday 31st

Rained A.M. and sleet (very cold) P.M.  Old Tom came from Washington with the mule he has got. Our Billy is here all right now, and we cannot keep him after all.  Too bad entirely I vow. [Note: I'm not sure I have the preceding sentence parsed correctly. The transcription has essentially no punctuation. Is "Billy" also a mule? Who is Old Tom? Who exactly is it that they can't keep after all? Mysteries abound.]

Could not finish my shanty today, it was so cold.  Finished the rolls, and had monthly inspection, and were mustered for pay.  My Pay Rolls were the first finished.

My duties as Brigade Officer of the Day have been very light.  I cannot help feeling a little vain to learn, as I did today, that my bravery at Winchester was a subject of comment among the officers of the Regiment for a long time.  It has been told to others and I find I am considerably known by reputation.

Our usual quiet was disturbed this morning by the Rebs making a dash on our picket line and capturing some of our men.  It was before daylight and people thought there was a general attack.  Lieutenant Cox rolled over me and said the Rebs were making an attack on us.  I listened a moment, made up my mind it was not much, and composed myself to sleep again, as I did not go to bed until late last night.  One of the Rebs deserted to our lines and says Lee intends to astonish the world by an attack on our lines tomorrow morning.  He will astonish me if he does it.

Received letter from Annie Porter.  Answered it.

[Note: There's a part of me that takes satisfaction in Abiel's own satisfaction at having his leadership recognized. Why shouldn't he be "a little vain"?]

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Abiel begins the month still on leave (due to his battle injury). After working his way through several major cities and then to his childhood home in the area around Newburgh NY (on the Hudson River), he begins November by heading out to the western part of the state to visit his beloved sister Susan and all the extended Potter inlaws and their neighbors in the area around Andover, Alfred Center, and Wellsville.

The memorandum entries are quite brief during this month, but tell a vivid tale of visits and entertainments. The election is held while Abiel is there, giving him a chance to vote in person. (I wonder what the arrangements were for soldiers to vote in the field in that era?) Eventually it's time for him to head back to his regiment, with a several-days stop in D.C. to visit old friends, hang out with a number of rather celebrated people, and enjoy a lavish Thanksgiving dinner. His company is delighted to have him back, with a touch of relief as they feared that--what with his hobnobbing with Colonels and so forth--he might have been tempted to pull strings for a more cushy posting.

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The Diary and Letters of Abiel Teple LaForge 1842-1878

Transcribed, edited, and annotated by Phyllis G. Jones (his great-granddaughter)

Copyright © 1993, Phyllis G. Jones, All rights reserved

November 1864

[PUNCTUATION AND SPELLING ARE COPIED FROM THE ORIGINALS. EDITORIAL COMMENTS ARE IN BOLD TYPE.]

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Tuesday November 1st 1864  Up and breakfasted at 6 A.M. Took my leave of the kind people.  John took me up to the cars.  We parted with many kind wishes and I was whirled away from friends whose kindness will ever remain fresh in my memory.  At Hornillsville [Note: presumably Hornellsville] I got on the wrong train and instead of stopping at Andover [Note: not the better-known Andover MA, obviously, but a small town 10 mi east of Wellsville] had to go on to Wellsville and stayed all night. [Note: the "Alfred Center" that has been mentioned several times is midway between Hornellsville and Andover.]

Wednesday 2nd  Took the 12th NM. train and came to Andover then came up to my dear sister's.  Found all well but mother. She has put her shoulder out of joint by an accident but is very cheerful.  I was very much delighted to see them all.

Thursday 3rd  Wrote to Lieutenant Cox to let them know where I am.  This evening I was going up to Perry's but Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Crandall came over, also Miss Clara, so I must of course stay and entertain them so did not go up.

Friday 4th  I went up to Uncle Stephen Clark's from there after tea up [to] Perry's where I stop all night.  Dell. Eaton stays with me. [Note: I'm not sure if the period after "Dell" indicates this is an abbreviation? The name appears both with and without it.]

Saturday 5th  Went to church today,  then up to Mr. Nelson Crandall's.  Miss M. Livermore and Dell. Eaton were also there.  Our evening was an exceedingly pleasant one.  Clara entertained us with the piano.  Did not retire until 2 A.M. [on the] 6th.  Dell stayed with me. [Note: Although I haven't tracked down solid confirmation, I believe the Potters and their associates were Seventh Day Baptists, hence the Saturday services. I recall references to at least some of Abiel's children being Seventh Day Baptists. The entire Andover/Alfred area was originally settled by members of this sect.]

Sunday 6th  Spent the day at home. Rains some still.

Monday 7th  Promised Dell Eaton I would go home with him from the election tomorrow.  Wrote to Uncle John LaF[orge].

Tuesday 8th  Was down to Andover and put in a full Union Ticket.  Lincoln for President, Fenton for governer.  Had to swear my vote in, then could not get anybody to swear to my age, so done that part myself too.  Rained nearly all day. No trouble at the polls, so had no occasion to use my revolver, which I took with me. [I feel the need to add an exclamation point here. !] Rained all the time while we were going up to Mr. Eaton's.  Mr. Eaton said he would stay in town until the reports came from New York as to the way the election went. [Note: Abiel may have had to "swear his vote in" due to not being on the rolls. It's unclear to me whether he had been a resident of Andover before joining up, or whether his connection at this point was entirely through his sister. I'm curious about Mr. Eaton's plan to stay in town awaiting the results of the election. Was this expected to be a matter of days? For something important like a presidential election, I suppose telegraphs would spread the news rapidly, but how efficient would the reporting in be?]

Wednesday 9th  Dell and I called on Mr. Rosebush and took dinner, then went down to Mr. Remington's.  From there to Elder Kenyon's, where we took tea, after which I went up to Mr. Slocum Livermore's and Dell stopped and brought up Miss M. Crandall.  We passed the evening pleasantly until nearly midnight, when as the old people did not retire we concluded we would, so came home.  I found the doors fastened and tried to get in at the window without waking any body, but did not succeed as my sister heard me.  Rained all day.

Thursday 10th  Stayed at home until evening, then went up to Stephen Clark's,  from there up to Perry Potter's.  Made arrangements to go to Wellsville with Mr. Clark tomorrow.  Windy and cold, but not rainy today.

Friday 11th  Up and had breakfast before daylight and about 7 A.M. started with Stephen and his wife and daughter to Wellsville.  Had a cold ride.  Did not succeed in getting a pair of boots, for which purpose I started.  Got a piece of cloth for Mrs. Eathan Green. She wanted me to take the money for it--could not think of it.  When we got home, found that Sherman Crandall had came home from Alfred Center to see me and left word for me to call over to his house tonight. Went over and found a prayer meeting there. After it had broken up, had a good visit.  Stayed all night. Cold day, snowed some.

Saturday 12th  Attended church. The Elder had to illustrate one of his points by relating a dream which he had about seeing a man shot.  He said he "supposed it was caused by hearing Mr. LaForge relate the proceedings of the shooting of two men which he had witnessed."  After church went to Mr. Crandall's again.  Sherman, Dell, Bill Clark and myself had been expecting to go to Alfred this evening, but the snowstorm which commenced this morning had continued all day, so we concluded to have a party at home.  Sherman went out with the sleigh and got the girls around to come, so we had an exceedingly fine time.  [A] lot of good singing and other enjoyment. Did not break up until the wee hours of the morning.

Sunday 13th  Sherman went back to Alfred.  I rode home with him, the first sleigh ride of the season.  I sent my dress coat down to Andover to Mrs. Green to get it fixed.  Macky took it down and brought it back.

Monday Oct. 14th  Thawed very little to day.  Quite good sleighing.  This evening I took the cutter and went over to Mr. Crandall's.  Miss Clara and myself spent the evening at Mr. Rosebush's.

Tuesday 15th  Snowed a little today.  Wind very cold, drifted some tonight.  William Clark and I went up to Mrs. Cooper and found Miss Cooper and Miss Chadwick at home. Passed the evening very pleasantly.  Beautiful moonlight nights now.  I should just like to spend them in sleigh riding but the ladies think it is too cold.

Wednesday 16th  Clear and warm enough to thaw considerably. Spent the P.M. at Perry's.  Mrs. S. A. Potter and myself took the buggy and went to the Sab[bath] Meeting House to a singing school.  Very pleasant evening and I enjoyed myself greatly.  The ladies were very complacent as they always are up here.  About 10 when we got home. [Note: this is probably not the "self-satisfied" sense of complacent, but an archaic sense, "pleasant."]

Thursday 17th November  Opened somewhat rainy.  I took the buggy and went over to Mr. Eaton's and got my revolver which has been there ever since election.  Stopped at Mr. Crandall's on my way back to bid them goodbye as I start for Washington tomorrow.  I got a letter from John Clemence, also one from W.J. Fuller.  John sent his own and wife's photographs.  Both want me to come back that way.

Friday November 18th 1864.  Bade my kind friends at Andover goodbye and [took] the 12.20 P.M. train for Elmira.  Felt pretty sad for a while.  My thoughts were taken from my parting for a while by a flirtation got up by a couple of young ladies who got on the cars at Aldie and off at Horsehead. They were fine looking and very richly dressed. My first impression was that they were lewd characters but I soon became convinced to the contarary. As soon as I found they were determined on a flirtation, why of course I was in for it.  We did not leave Elmira until long after dark, as a train had got off the track and delayed us.  Snow all gone.  Last night's rain melted it.

[Note: I alternate between being amused and annoyed at Abiel's relations with women. In his letters, he gave the appearance of carrying on a flirtation-by-proxy with his sister-in-law Janey, and he seems to have had several female pen-pals who may well have Had Expectations, but for all the references to a startling number of Misses in this visit, he seems to have no very serious interest in anyone in particular. We've previously seen suggestions that he's a bit prudish with regard to prostitutes, so his flip-flop here is all of a piece. Young women should be pretty and well dressed and interested in flirtation...but if they're too pretty and too well dressed then they're probably whores.]

Saturday 19th  Arrived at Washington just at dark.  Went to Willard's and put up. Got supper then went to see [gap in text] played Crosby, former Chief Clerk of Camp Distribution went with me.  House crowded. After play returned to the hotel and went to bed. Has rained all day. [Note: the gap obviously contains the name of the play. I'm guessing perhaps there should be a period after "played."]

Sunday 20th  Still raining. I was going over to Camp but it rained so I concluded not to.  Went to the opera tonight. It was for the benifit of the Friendless women's society.  Beaugureau was there and stayed with me all night.

Monday 21st  Went over to camp today. Found myself quite a lion there. [Note: "quite a lion" appears to have the sense of "lionized, praised and famous."] Returned at night. Brought Beaugureau along. Went and saw the "Gamester" played, after which lunched and retired to my room, where we had a game of chess, although it was past midnight.  I was beaten. [If "Gamester" is a play, then I'm uncertain of its identity. There was a 17th century play by that name by James Shirley which had adaptations into the 19th century under other titles. So possibly or possibly something else? As a food historian, I'm intrigued that one might eat "lunch" at night after seeing a play when it is almost midnight.]

Tuesday 22nd  Run upon Lieutenant or rather Captain Burrows of the 6th Maryland.  I knew him a short time (about an hour) last spring.  He is a splendid fellow.  Tonight he and I went to see the Seven Sisters played,  then I went home with him. We had a game or two of Euchre,  also checkers and then retired. Very cold, ground frozen. [Note: The Seven Sisters is perhaps this.]

Wednesday 23rd  Was introduced to Captain "Late Lieutenant" Cushing, of the Ram Albermile notoriety,  he is a young looking man, his long light hair making him look almost boyish. There is something about his face which shows a strong determination to do a thing once undertaken.  With Captain Burrows I visited some young ladies on Capitol Hill. They are friends of the Captain and very fine ladies. Spent a pleasant evening.  Made Capain stay with me tonight   General Grant is here stopping.

Thursday 24th  Thanksgiving was more generally observed than I ever saw it before. [Note: Lincoln's proclamation fixing Thanksgiving as a national holiday on the last Thursday of November was only issued the previous year, so Abiel is presumably observing the effects of this official recognition.] Places of business closed.  Places of amusement were crowded.  In accordance with a pressing request from Colonel Elison Quartermaster of the Department I dined with him at 5 P.M.  Was introduced to Colonel Stephenson and another Colonel of the regular Army,  also several other officers and citizens. There was ten of us gentlemen present.  We had roast turkey, duck, and pig, Brandy, Whiskey, and several kinds of wine. Finished with segars [read: cigars] and stories.  I passed so pleasant an evening that I forgot I wanted to leave at 8-1/2 until past that time.   When I went down to the hotel I found Burrows had been there and left a note for me to meet him tomorrow at 10 A.M.  I left a note for him stating I could not as I left for the front at 6 A.M.  I must go back, as there is but two company officers left for the whole ten companies. The rest are either wounded, killed, prisoners, or on leaves of Absence, so I must return as am duty bound.

Friday. October [error for November] 25th 1864.  Had breakfast and started from Willard's on the 6-1/2 train. Arrived in Martinsburg just before sundown.  I went and stayed all night with our Regimental Quarter Master.  We went to spent the evening with some ladyfriends of his, the Misses Cookes, with one of which I am prety sure he is in love.  They have been having considerable rain here as is evident by the state of the streets.  I forgot to mention that these young ladies were very rich once, but were burned out by the Rebs on account of their Union sentiments.

Saturday 26th  Had breakfast and reported to the General Commanding to be sent to the front.  Four ambulances loaded with officers, also eight mounted officers (among which was myself), and five wagons of thanksgiving things escorted by one hundred cavalry were to go up. We started at 10 A.M.  Had a fine ride, expecting an attack every little ways from Mosebny. [Note: I believe this has a typo in the transcription and is a reference to General Mosby] He did not see fit, however.  Us officers had some wild races and lots of fun. When in about 6 miles of Winchester, a staff officer and I rode on ahead and galloped into town at least three miles ahead of the escort. We had eaten our dinners by the time the rest came. Then we came on up to Kernstown where General Sheridan now has his Head Quarters.  I found the Regiment by dark, having ridden over 30 miles between the hours of 10 and 4 and making necessary stoppages.  Rained this P.M.  Officers and men were as delighted to see me as I was to see them. My arms are sore shaking hands, and I am sore all over from the ride. It is the first I have had since I was at camp Distribution and am not used to it. Of course, the horse I had is the lamest of us two, I bet.

Sunday 27th  Very pleasant day. Had time to look around. We are laying in a very pleasant position arround Kernstown. The hills are well fortified and our position strong.  The men have excellent quarters for winter, being most of them in little log houses which they have built.  I have been looking all around. Lieutenant Cox [and] my old messmate are going in together.  He has a good log house built, about 9 x 14 feet, a good fireplace, and very comfortable quarters.  1st Lieutenant Robinson, 1st Lieutenant Snyder, acting adjutant 2nd Lieutenants Cox and Hall commanding companies, not a Captain in the Regiment.  The boys are all looking fat and saucey.  Company "I" hardly knew how to express their joy.  They say it is much better than payday to see me back.  Wrote to Colonel McKelvy, also to John Clemence.  I cannot send the letters for several days.  I will not write to my sister until I have a chance to send it.

Monday 28th  Rained last night but has been very pleasant today.  I was detailed as Brigade officer of the guard. The brigade guards are all mounted together now. My duties have been light.  I only had to make my rounds once or twice.  I made a certified invoice today and sent my ordnance report in. It had been sent back for it (the invoice).  I wrote a letter to Mrs. P. J. Hawley, informing her of her husband's being missing on the march from Martinsburg to Winchester. We had Brigade Dress Parade tonight. it is a big thing.

Tuesday 29th  Warm pleasant day,  the air smokey like indian summer.  Snyder, our Acting Adjutant was away and I had to act as Adjutant.  I had to be on horse back. We had Brigade drill and parade.  I find it much more pleasant being mounted than on foot.  I have made my Ordnance Report for the first part of the 3rd Quarter 1864.  That and my duties as Adjutant has kept me busy up to this time 9:25 P.M.

Wednesday 30th  Still warm and clear.  My conscience, if this weather continues, we shall have another fight. [Note: "my conscience" here seems to have a sense of "my thought, my opinion".] I don't believe General Sheridan can lay still if the weather will admit of his moving.  The climate is too uncertain however at this time of the year to trust much to it.  The rumor still continues that we (the 3rd Corps) is to leave the Valley. Of course we all hope such will not be the case, but it is only hope.  Colonel Trueax, 14th New York Volunteers, who was dismissed last summer, has been reinstated.

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LETTER   Head Quarters "I" Company 106th New York Volunteers

Near Kernstown Virginia  Wednesday November 30th 1864

My Dear sister and Friends,

I should have written you before, but the mail which leaves tomorrow is the first one which has left since I have been here.  I stopped in Washington from the night of the 19th until the morning of the 25th.  I had a splendid Thanksgiving dinner with Colonel Elison, the Quartermaster of the Department of Washington. There was several distinguished persons present,  still how gladly would I have exchanged the Colonel's table for yours on that day.

I was interrupted in my letter for dress parade.  It is now nearly 9 P.M. but I will finish, as I am sure you would like to hear from me.  I heard that there was but two company officers left in the Regiment, so I would not stay in Washington, but hastened to the front.

We are having very pleasant weather here now. The air is soft and balmy. If you are having the same up there it must be your Indian Summer.  Our camp life was somewhat varied today by a squad of four native women passing through here. They had came in through the pickets and were going to Sheridan's Head Quarters to make some request.  One of them was very pretty. If the rest know when they are well off, they will let her do all the talking, for beauty has a great effect on an old soldier.

Today a recruit of Company A was in my quarters. He claims that his wife can foretell future events, also those which have transpired. To test the matter I have written her the following questions.  Am I a native of this country?  Am I married? Have I or shall I have children?  Are my parents living?  Has my lawsuit commenced?  If so shall I be successfull?  When these questions are answered, I shall inform you of the answers.  Anything to pass the time. [Note: I'm guessing the bit about the lawsuit was a trick question because I don't recall Abiel mentioning one previously.]

When you write, you must be sure to inform me how the boy prospers. Also how mother is getting along.  My love to Janey, Martha, Joe, Mother, and Perry's people.

I am sleeping on boards now, with only a slight cover over me. Still I sleep much sounder than when I was sleeping on your soft beds.  I am now where the wind can come at my nose, which seems to be a great satisfaction to that important member, and has a soothing effect on all the rest.    

I remain, your ever loving Brother.

A.T. LaForge

 Lieutenant Commanding "I" Company 106th New York Volunteers

You can hardly imagine how pleasant and pleased the officers and men were to see me.  They all knew I had influence in Washington and supposed I would stop there. They could hardly see how it was that I would not stop there when I could as well as not. [Note: This is "stop" in the sense of "stay, remain". They expected Abiel to pull strings to avoid returning to the front.]

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