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Transcribed
by
Robert H. Moore, II
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Introduction

Michael Shuler was born in February 1844, in Grove Hill, Page County, Virginia to John and Mary Ann Kite Shuler. Michael, the second oldest of John and Mary, was one of ten children which included five sons and five daughters. Harriet, the oldest child, was born in 1841 and died before the Civil War. One sibling, Emily Jane or "Emma", was later betrothed to Sergeant Isaac Newton Koontz who, in turn, was one of the two men executed without trial in the moving Summers-Koontz incident in June 1865.

In 1860 Michael left to attend Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. However, Shuler would be unable to attend the full ten month session as his college career was cut short when Virginia cast its lot with the Confederacy and seceded in April 1861. By June 1, Shuler had enlisted in the Page Grays and was subsequently elected as third lieutenant. After the death of Captain Ambrose Booton Shenk at the Battle of Kernstown on March 23, 1862, Shuler, as 1st lieutenant, assumed command of the "Page Grays." When the company was officially reorganized on April 21, 1862, Shuler, at age 18, was elected to the post of captain. He would remain in this capacity for the remainder of his military service.

Two years later, with the victories of the past two years behind him, the young captain would finally face his own death on the battlefield. On May 5, 1864, in action near Saunder's Field at the Battle of the Wilderness, Shuler's company faced a severe attack by the enemy. In the ensuing fight in the mid-afternoon, numerous men of the company were wounded or killed, including Captain Shuler. Whether Shuler's remains had been taken in the horrific forest fire that took place just after the battle or if he had been buried in an unmarked or mass grave remains uncertain. Today, the memorial stone for Captain Shuler stands in the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Cemetery at Grove Hill. The stone, erected years after Michael's death by his brother Isaac Shuler, records the basic tombstone information for the young captain's service and span of life as well as bearing a porcelain plate with the image of his young face. On the opposite side of the stone can be found a tribute to an older sister, Harriet E. Shuler, who had preceded Michael him in death four years prior to the Civil War.

Thurs. June 11th I started at Mr. Ferries sick and have suffered a great deal on account of fever headache and weakness.
Frid. June 12th I am still with Mr. Ferries. I feel better this morning. I want to start for camp in a day or two. I wrote a letter home and sent it by Mr. Eppard yesterday.
June 21st. I am feeling bad today . . . . (illegible).
Sunday June 22nd. Capt. Gatewood staying (illegible) . . . . last night. I am . . . . Pappa came and is here now . . . will go home with him.
June 23d Mond. We started this morning . . . . feel very weak . . . .
June 24 After a very tiresome ride I reached home almost exausted.
June 25 Wed. Felt tolerably well in the morning but had a violent headache and fever in the evening . I took the medicine as Dr. Jennings directed.
June 26 Thurs. I feel better this morning but very weak.

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July 1st Tuesday - The Company was engaged in the fight, loss one killed + 5 wounded. Viz. Killed [:] James H. Alger, wounded [:] Geo. D. Buswell in the Arm, David C. Hite: wrist, Benj. F. Coffman: Side, Jesse W. Riley [:] hand + Willis Cubbage [:] hand.
July 2nd Wednes. Remained close to the Battlefield. Went ahead and took care of the wounded.
July 3rd Thurs -
July 4th Frid. Marched on the Charles City Road towards the enemy about 10 miles distance from Richmond 30 miles.
July 8 Tues. Fell back towards Richmond about 14 miles.
July 9 Wednes. Marched back within 3 miles of Richmond distance about 13 miles.
July 10 Thurs. Marched about 5 miles and encamped near Mechanicsville about 4 miles N.E. Richmond.
July 15 Tues. Marched to Richmond and took cars to Louisa C.H. got there 16th. Camped 2 days.
July 19th Satur. Marched to Gordonsville, distance 14 miles. Remained to 21st.
July 21st Mond. Marched about 4 miles N. of Gordonsville - on Madison Road - and encamped. I got back to camp today found about 42 of the men present all generally well.
July 22nd. Commenced work at out Muster Rolls.
July 23 Wednes. A.H. Keyser returned yesterday, I sent a letter home by Col. Funk. Reorg. went to Liberty Mills.
July 24th Thurs. to Saturday Morning every thing quiet when we were ordered to cook 2 days rations immediately. We marched from camp about 9 AM to Gordonsville lay there some time when we were again ordered back to camp. I learned the enemy had advanced to Orange C.H. which I suppose caused the stir. They were driven back.
Sunday 27th July. Perry(?) And I got a pass to Cons (?) Harrison Kites. It is very warm indeed.
Monday 28th July - Every thing still quiet, I had the Pay rolls examined and calculated.
July 29th Tues. Reville at 2 � this morning marched at sun up. Nothing known as usual as to where we were going took the Green Spring Road at Gordonsville. It runs very near one (?) from there keeping between the Railroads. Marched through Mechanicsville and (?) about 1 � miles below - Making a distance of about 11 miles we marched today.
July 30, Wednes. Nothing of interest. Every thing quiet. We have been drilling and setting up camp as though we were going into Regular Encampment - Purdham came back the 31st. I wrote a letter home the second of Aug.

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Aug. 3 Sunday Every thing is beautiful this morning have had but little rain since we have been at this Camp. Had a very heavy rain this evening.
Aug. 4th Mond. Reville at 2 � AM, orders to be ready to move by day light but were soon countermanded. Dr. Bittle visited me today. I paid him $30 Dollars to pay to Capt. Holland.
Aug 5th Every thing very quiet this morning but about 2 � P.M. very unexpectedly the long roll beat and we were on line. March by 3. Was very hot. Marched back to our old camp North of Gordonsville.
Aug. 7. Thurs. Had orders to cook two days rations about 12 M. We marched about 4 P.M. in the direction of Orange C.H. of which place we encamped about . . . . Distance 6 miles.
Aug. 8. We marched by daylight this morning by Orange C.H. took the Culpepper [Culpeper] Road. It is exceedingly hot. Encamped about a mile below the Madison Mills. The Yankees scouted very close to our camp in the night but were met by some of the 3rd Brigade.
Aug. 9 We were in line this morning before day thought we would have the enemy upon us it was nothing but their scouts. Marched by sun up in direction of Culpepper [Culpeper] C.H. It is very hot again today. The men suffer a great deal by the heat. When we arrived within about 8 miles of C.C.H. [Culpeper Court House] rested and found our artillery getting in position cannonading commenced about 12 M[idday]. We were soon advancing ; from the hill we could see the Yankee line. Our batteries soon advanced from the hill. Ewell's division on the right; Hill's in the centre; ours on the left. We lay under a very heavy fire of shell before going in the fight. Not more than 10 minutes after the musketry commenced upon our Right we were ordered to advance. Col. Reynolds in advance of the Brigade (he having command after Gen Winder fell). We had not got far before he came galloping back and say, "1st Brigade prepare for a charge bayonet." The Brigade charge with a terrible yell the yanks fled. The men fought well. I had two wounded. Captured a great many prisoners. The enemy were driven from the field leaving their killed and wounded and a great amt of arms. We encamped at the Battlefield.
Aug. 10th Some very heavy cannonading last night. We fell back about 3 miles from the Battlefield and encamped don't think the enemy have advanced any today. Tis sure they are in Madison. Orders to cook a day's rations and repack the wagons.
Aug. 11 Monday. The wagons left last night about 12. Father came to camp this morning. We were all day awaiting orders to march. At dark we Recd orders to build Regular camp fires and be ready to march in a short time. We lay in line all night expecting to march. Our Brigade was ordered to bring up the rear. The Army was all night passing us.
Aug. 12th Tues. Did not march until after sun rise. Road was very good. Lieut Kite was away with the prisoners. Tis very warm marched very hard. Had a very heavy rain when we got this side of Orange C.H. Got to camp about an hour by sun. Found Nichols here who had been exchanged. Hite + Cullars had also returned.
Aug. 13th Wednes. Father started home today. I sent by him $510.00 I drew $483 this morning. Every quiet.
Aug. 14th Thurs. This day has been set apart by order Gen. Jackson for prayer and thanks giving for the late victory at Cedar Run. I have for the first time the duties of field officer of the day to perform. Robe Aleshire, Jno. Wilson and Reub Comer came in today.
Aug. 15th Friday. Resumed the regular drills. Recd orders to cook two days rations immediately. Drew clothing today for the company. Tom Deeker + Joe Deeker came in this evening. I was relieved by Capt. Nadenbush. Col. Cummings came to camp today.
Aug. 16th Saturday. Packed the wagons by day light and marched very early in the direction of Orange C.H. Marched through the fields to the right of the C.H. took the old Fredericksburg Road to the Plank Road which we kept about a mile when we turned to the left and encamped East of the Rapidan Station. Marched 12 miles.
Aug. 17th Sunday. Every thing very quiet this morning. Our pickets report a yankee camp not more than 5 miles distance. The officer's baggage was wayed and cut down to the field allowance. Cooked two days rations. The Yanks are moving their camp.
Aug. 18th Monday. Everything quiet this morning expect to move today. No move today, orders to cook two days rations and put in haversacks by sun set. Expect to move early in the morning.
Aug. 19th Tues. Slept on my gum cloth, did not rise until after sun up. No move yet as expected. I witnessed the execution of 3 men this evening, one from the 5th Reg, 2 from the 10th Regt. Both the 1st and 3rd Brigade were drawn up to witness the execution. Orders to keep cooked on hand 3 days rations in haversacks and canteens ready filled. We have been disappointed as to moving but expect to move early in the morning.
Aug. 20th Wednes. Reville at 1 this morning but it is after sun up now and we have not moved yet. Troops are moving on down the road. Took up march about 9 A.M. Crossed the Rapidan River. Tis very warm and dusty. The yanks are retreating. Had a cavalry fight this evening, drove the enemy to the Rappahannock. We encamped below Stephensburg. Marched about 12 miles today.
Aug. 21st Thurs. Marched by day light this morning. Passed Hill's division. Our division is in front today. Cavalry crossed the Rappahannock but were compelled to fall back. We encamped in a woods close to the river within shelling distance of the Enemy. Cannonading has been kept up all day.
Aug. 22nd Friday. Ewell's division was marching by us to the ford very early this morning and we expected would cross the River but the enemy's Batteries were still in position and opened a heavy fire upon the wood. We lay in, shelling continuous until about 9 A.M. when we left our position following Hill + Ewell's division, we marched up the river and about 5 P.M. crossed the south fork of the Rappahannock. Our advance was engaged with a Brigade of enemy and drove them across the River. We lay in line of Battle all night. The Heaven's looked terrible, as a heavy rain might be approaching. Fiery streaks of lightening was quickly followed by sharp peals of thunder.
Aug. 23rd After all the threatening prospects we had but little rain last night We were exposed again for about two hours this morning to the shelling. We changed position about 9 A.M. Marched about 8 miles up the River to join Jackson at Lee's Springs. It was extremely hot. Our rations ran out last evening and our wagons have not been able to get to us. We are getting hungry. Bob Cubbage came to the company yesterday. Daniel Abbott came to the Co. today.
Aug 24th Sunday. We are all suffering in fact for something to eat. Got beef and had to boil it no bread. Drew a days ration of hard bread and bacon about 12 M[idday] Cannonading came about 10 A.M. Our forces fell back from te other side of the river. Cannonading is kept up pretty lively. I have not heard with what results. Reuben Somers + Jno. Printz just came to camp. Cannonading kept up until dark. Drew and cooked 2 days rations.
Aug. 25th Monday. Slept very well last night. Took up march before sun rise. Marched through Jeffersontown [Jeffersonton, Virginia] to the Warrenton + Spereville [Sperryville] Turn Pike then through Amissville . . . about 2 miles we left the Pike to the left. Crossed the Rappahannock, got to Orleans about dark after which we marched 10 miles toward Salem. Encamped for the night 2 miles from Salem. Making about 20 miles we marched today.
Aug. 26th Tuesday. Marched by day light through Salem then by the White Plains through Thoroughfare Gap by Haymarket [Hay Market, Virginia] and by Gainesville in direction of Bristoe Depot. Encamped for the night about two miles of Bristoe about 12 at night making again about 20 miles we marched today.
Aug. 27th Wednesday - Marched by day light our Brigade in front had a slight skirmish across the creek to the left of Bristoe then marched to Manassas found the yankees had retired but a short distance. Got rations, then took the Breastworks and waited for the enemy to advance which they did. There was but one Brigade of the enemy they were soon routed. Started for Manassas after night. Burnt all the cars and stores that were there. Marched in the direction of the old Battlefield. We marched all night.
Aug. 28th Thursday. We rested a little bit north of the old Battlefield of Manassas, shifted positions often during the day and had nearly given out the idea of a fight as the sun was last sinking in the west. About an hour by sun we heard a distant cannonading in the direction of Thoroughfare Gap. We were ordered forward to the right of Grafton [Groveton] lay in the woods a short time advanced just at sun set and fought for about an hour and a half, the severest infantry fighting I ever saw; drove back, lay upon the Battlefield all night. I went to see my wounded, I had one killed and 8 wounded in my Co. Killed Jno. Wilson. Wounded Serg. Menifee, Privates Webster, Ambrose Huffman, David Hite, Geo. Kite, Jos. L. Cullars, Silas A. Somers, I.P. Printz. None I think dangerously.
Aug. 29th Friday. I went early this morning to the hospital to see my wounded when on the road the yankees run in upon our ambulance train and came very near getting me. I was not able to get to my Regt. This day. The Regt. Was again engaged, my company lost 2 killed Hiram Strole, John W. Modessitt. Fell back a short distance and were not able to get the dead off.
Aug. 30th Saturday. Got with the Regt. About 10 A.M. We lay in line of Battle until 3 P.M. when the Greatest Battle of the War Commenced in earnest. Regular skirmishing had been kept up all day. The Battle opened right in our front we were ordered immediately forward. We met a desperate fire but pushed forward until we gained the old Rail Road. Soon got the Yanks in full retreat. Longstreet closed in upon the right and did some desperate fighting finally got them running. We followed in pursuit about an hour after dark encamped the night near Stone Bridge. We had in to days fight the following wounded Serg. Mauck, Corp. D. Stomback, Private Charles A. Young, Robert Cubbage, John L. Good, + Joseph Deeker. I am now left with not over 15 men present in my company.
Aug. 31st Sunday. Wrote a letter home this morning made a detail to Bury the dead, knapsacks, Blankets + oil cloths strung in all directions. Cooked some rations and took up march in direction of Fairfax C.H. Encamped at Little River about 10 P.M. Marched about 10 miles.

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Sept. 1st Monday. Took up March very early, our Brigade near to front. We advanced in line of Battle several miles until we arrived at the Road leading from Centreville in direction of Leesburg where a portion of our force engaged the enemy and repulsed them. Had one wounded in my company. We marched back 1 � miles. Drew days rations of hard bread and bacon.
Sept. 2nd Tues. Marched opposite the Battlefield and lay in line of Battle all day sent men back to wagons to cook 3 days rations and bring it up. The whole army is just in our rear.
Sept. 3rd Wednes. Got our ration this morning and took up march early this morning in direction of Dranesville, was very warm. Encamped about a mile from Dranesville on the Leesburg Pike. Marched about 10 miles.
Sept. 4th Thurs. Marched early got to Leesburg about 4 P.M. Encamped about 2 miles from Leesburg in direction of the Potomac. Marched about 13 miles today.
Sept. 5th Friday. Marched very early, got to the Potomac River at 1 P.M. forded the river at Nollan's Ferry, marched on Frederick City Road about 16 miles.
Sept. 6th Saturday, Didn't get out rations last night, marched before day towards Frederick City. March by Monacacy Junction passed through Frederick City about 1 P.M. and encamped 2 miles North of city on Baltimore + Frederick City Road. Remained in camp 3 days - - - Every thing quiet. Citizens welcome us in Maryland. Many flocking to join us. Soldiers anxious to purchase at the stores in town not many open after Saturday. We are treated very kindly by the citizens. Strict orders in regard to interrupting citizens property. Geo. Griffith, Benjamin F. Beahm Israel Shaffer returned to company also Printz joined the company. A.J. Stoneberger was discharged Monday 8th by order Col. Grigsby sent a letter home by him.
Sept. 10th Wednes, Marched 3 A.M. this morning. Passed through Frederick City before day light to the F City + Hagerstown Road. Marched through Middletown crossed the Blue Ridge into Washington County encamped at the foot of the Mountain near Boonsboro. Cooked three days rations. Marched 16 miles to day.
Sept. 11 Thurs. Marched out the meadow by day light. Passed through Boonsboro and took the Williams Port Road, passed through Williams Port. Crossed the Potomac into Va after marching some 2 miles on the Martinsburg Pike we took a road leading through Hegersville [Hedgesville, (now)West Virginia] Marched within a mile of North Mountain Station. The Regt. was on picket at the station. Marched about 20 miles. All very nearly broken down.
Sept 12. Friday Marched by day light. Passed through Hegersville [Hedgesville, (now) West Virginia], took the Martinsburg Road arrived within sight of Martinsburg in a woods. Was exceedingly warm marching. The Yanks left town 2 this morning. Marched 8 miles. Hill + Ewell's divisions have passed on. We had orders to march but has been countermanded. Wrote a letter home.
Sept. 13. Saturday. Marched out camp at 4 � this morning. Passed through Martinsburg by day light. Took the road to Harpers Ferry. Marched by the Cross Roads. Left the direct road to Harpers Ferry to the left and took a road leading to the Charlestown [Charles Town, (now) West Virginia] + Harpers Ferry Pike about 2 miles below Charlestown . . . in sight of Boliver [Bolivar, (now) West Virginia], and very plain view of the enemy camp. Shelling commenced about 12 M[idday] and kept up until dark. Marched about 16 miles today.
Sept. 14th Sunday. Shelling commenced before sun up this morning, we marched out camp about 9 AM. Marched to the left of Boliver near to the Railroad and lay there until 3 P.M. when we marched across the Rail Road and took position on a hill to the left of Bolivar. Two of Capt. Poges pieces opened about 3 � P.M. and kept firing until dark. About 9 P.M. in the night we still changed our position farther to the left and nearer to the Ferry . . . marched in all today about 5 miles.
Sept. 15th Monday. Marched back to the same positions we had last evening. Before day this morning cannonading commenced on the right of our line before sun rise the enemy reply from Bolivar. Capt. Poge opened two parot guns on Boliver but the enemy do not reply. Moved to the position and held last night when the white flag was discovered on Boliver. The number of prisoners is estimated at 12 thousand, great many wagons. were ordered back to the wagons to cook rations. Jno. Hite + Jno. Deeker returned to the Co. Marched about 6 miles today. Orders to march as soon as we get rations.
Sept. 16th Tuesday. Reville about 12 in the night, marched at 1 AM passed through Sheperdstown [Shepherdstown] a little after sun up. Waded the Potomac again and again are in Maryland. Cannonading commenced in our front very early this morning. Marched to a woods but a short distance from the cannonading and rested. Marched to the left of Longstreet's line of Battle, took position in line about sun set. The yankees opened a very heavy fire of shell upon us. Infantry skirmishing to our right. Marched 15 miles.
Sept. 17th Wednes. We lay on our arms all night in line of Battle, skirmishing kept up all night to our right. day light heavy firing commenced, the enemy advanced upon our line about sun up, the fighting was terrible, we have possession of the Battlefield. The fight has been general to day and very hotly contested. I am feeling very ill this evening, went to the rear.
Sept. 18th Thursday. Got with our wagons to day. found Lt. Kite with them. Cooked rations. No fighting to day. Our division moved out line about 12 in the night.
Sept. 19th Friday. Got to the Potomac about sun rise, found the whole army was crossing in Va. We crossed and marched through Sheperdstown [Shepherdstown] took the Martinsburg Road. Encamped about 4 miles from town. I took command of the Regiment this morning. Marched about 11 miles. didn't get any sleep last night.
[On the opposite page of the September 19th entry was written a list of needed supplies for a few of Shuler's men]:
Sept. 7 -
Shoes Pants Jackets
Chrisman 1
Comer 1 Lawler 1, 10 1 1
H. Aleshire 1 1
Price 1 1
Stoneberger 1, 9
Oden 1 1
Rinica 1
Rosenberger 1 1
McAlister 1, 10 1
Huffman 1
Total 1/9 2/10 10 5
Sept. 20th Saturday. Marched out of camp this morning at 5 3/4 AM in direction of Sheperdstown [Shepherdstown]. Marched to the right of town, lay in a woods for some time near the ford below Sheperdstown. The enemy had crossed a small force but were soon driven back and a no. captured. A great deal cannonading across the river. Our Division was held in Reserve. Were marched out the woods back towards camp but took a road leading from the road to the right of the road we were on. Encamped near the Opeckan [Opequon] about 4 miles from Martinsburg. Marched about 15 miles today.
[Attached to the facing page of the September 20th entry is this overall list of casualties for the Battles of Second Manassas and Ox Hill - apparently Captain Shuler had made the entries further ahead in the diaries for lack of paper otherwise.]
Men killed and wounded in the Battles of Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Monday 1st Sept.
Killed Jno. S. Wilson Thurs.
" Hiram P. Strole Friday
" Jno. P. Modesitt "
Wounded Charles W. Webster Thurs.
" Joseph L. Cullers "
" Geo. W. Kite "
" Serg. James W. Menifee "
" Irenus P. Printz "
" Silas A. Somers "
" David C. Hite "
" Ambrose C. Huffman "
" Serg. Edward C. Mauck "
" Corp. David Stomback "
" Private Charles A. Young "
" Joseph W. Decker "
" John L. Good "
" Henry H. Griffith "
" Robert Cubbage "
" James F. Printz "
Sept. 21st Sunday. Left (illegible) . . . of Martinsburg . . . the Opequan River . . . came to camp today . . . Wrote a letter home. Cooked 3 days rations this evening.
Sept. 22nd Mond. Reville at day light no appearance of a march to day, have orders to rest up and inspection of arms at 4 P.M.
Sept. 23rd Tues. Still in camp. I had seven conscripts in my camp this morning Was . . . off of the day posted pickets about 2 miles from camp. Had a good dinner and supper.
Sept. 24th Wednes. Re . . . (illegible) [the remainder of the entry for this day is too faded to read]
Sept. 25th Thurs. Marched out of camp about 7 A.M. crossed the Opequan passed through Martinsburg and went in a woods about a mile from town on the Right of the Hedgersville [Hedgesville] Road. Encamped about 5 miles. Simpson Cubbage, E. Cubbage, Jno W. McCoy + Christian Lucas came back to the company.
Sept. 26th Friday. In camp drill went to town saw William Dorraugh sent note home by him. William T. Jenkins returned to co. To day. Orders to cook a day's rations and march in the morning at 8 AM. R . . . (illegible) in the direction . . .
Sept. 27th Saturday. Marched out camp at 8 AM and lay in a woods near by awaiting the movements of other troops until about 3 PM when we marched through Martinsburg and took the road to Winchester. Marched very slow stopped very often. Encamped in a field near Bunker Hill about 2 in the morning. Marched the greater part of the night. Marched 11 miles.
Sept. 28th Sunday. Marched out of the field about 11 AM to a woods about a mile distant to the East of Bunker Hill. Wrote a letter home to day in answer to one I recd. last evening.
Sept. 29th Mond. In Camp to day. Drill a morning report required. Phillip Long came to camp yesterday . . . (illegible).
Nothing of importance every thing quiet in camp. Father came down Wednesday and left for home Friday evening brought some things to eat for me. Have had regular drill.

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Sunday Oct. 5th Inspection and preaching to day. R M Aleshire Returned to Co to day. Were in camp very quietly until Thursday 9 Oct. When we moved camp but a short distance nearer water and a much better place. After dark we again recd. order to pack up and be ready to march at a moments warning.
Oct. 10 Friday. No move yet, got various cooking utensils and . . . (illegible) orders to repack. . . . drilling and making Rolls until Wednesday the 15th. James Comer Returned the 14th. Rosenberger left the 13th.
Oct. 15th Wednesday. We packed up and left Camp about 3 PM Only our Brigade marched to the Bunker Hill + Charlestown [Charlestown (now, West Virginia] Pike, took direction of Charlestown, Bivouack for the night near Smithfield in woods to the right of the road. Marched 5 miles.
Oct. 16th Reville at 3 this morning. Cooked Breakfast and march out of camp by day light through Smith Field, took the Sheperdstown [Shepherdstown] Road, and marched to the Baltimore + O[hio] Rail Road at Kearneyville, Commenced to tear up the Rail Road but were . . . interrupted by yanks. After a slight skirmish we . . . the Enemy, did not . . . Marched back some two miles after dark through the rain and encamped in a large mill.
Oct. 17th Friday. Got up by day light and marched back to our old Camp distance about 7 miles. My feet are very sore. Lewis Chrisman + Wm. McAlister came back to day. Orders to cook 3 days rations and move as soon as possible, marched out about 6 PM through Bunker Hill in direction of Martinsburg. Bivouack for the night in woods . . . left of the Pike just at the edge of Starksburg. Marched . . . miles.
Oct. 18th Saturday. Marched about 7 AM passed through . . . very soon. Jno Middleton, Henry Aleshire, Wm. A. Keyser + Isabius Printz left yesterday Evening. I got in a wagon. This Regt. went to the depot to tear up the Rail Road. Encamped in a woods North of Martinsburg.
Oct. 19th Went again to tear up the Rail Road, Burnt all the public buildings. Tis getting pretty cold these nights.
Oct. 20th, Monday. Went to tearing up the Rail Road again to day. Burnt another public house.
Oct. 21st Tuesday. Completed the Rail Road about town. Moved our camp some 2 miles beyond Martinsburg on the Charlestown Road near the Opequon.
Oct. 22nd Wednes. Marched back to our old camp at Bunker Hill. Tis pretty cold was long in camp quietly until Tuesday Oct. 28 When we marched at 8 AM through Smithfield + by (illegible) and encamped about 28 miles from Berryville on the Charlestown [Charles Town] in a woods. We remained there having been mustered there on the 31st of October and had brigade . . . (illegible) when we cooked a day's ration and marched out camp Monday the 2 November. Marched through Berryville and Winchester Pike. Esq. Brubaker came to see us the 3rd Nov. Remained there making out ar Rolls until Wednesday - Nov. 4th when we marched about 6 miles in the direction of Millwood, encamped near the Winchester and Millwood Pike in a woods about 13 miles from the Carter [?]. . . (illegible) Ruffner, Huffman, Aleshire + Burns came to camp. Thursday Novem. 5th Finished in Pay Rolls Father + Mother came down the 8th Saturday brought us many things. Had orders Reville at 4 AM Sunday Nov. 4th and to cook a day's rations and load the utensils about after that was done we had orders again to unload and cook an additional ration. The enemy are reported at Front Royal. Father + Mother left about 2 PM to day - we move up to an hour by sun in the evening. Tis pretty cold.

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Nov. 10 Monday- Marched out of Camp this morning about sun up - Marched through Winchester on the pike to Martinsburg. Encamped in a woods near Camp [?] Stephenson. Marched about 12 . . . wrote a letter home to night. Remained in camp without any move until Wednes the 12 Nov when we went to Bunker Hill on picket. Returned to Camp late Thursday Evening.
Nov.14 Friday - Finished the Rolls for Sept + Oct. Lieut Kite + I got a pass to New Town [Newtown, Virginia]. To start in the morning.
Nov. 15. Sat. Lieut. Kite and I went to Newtown and returned to camp Sunday evening found the Regt had marched a slight distance in an other woods close by on account of small pox. Remained quiet in Camp until Thurs Nov 20 when we went on Picket . . . Our Company went . . . on the Smith field road. About 10 in the night we recd. orders to withdraw the pickets and march back to camp. Got to camp about 3 AM. Was very [?] and dark. Cooked one days rations, marched 18 miles.
Nov. 21st Marched this morning at day light. Passed through Winchester, Kernstown, [?] and encamped in a woods close to Middletown. Marched about 17 miles.
Nov. 22nd Saturday Marched out Camp at day light passed through Middletown + Strausburg [Strasburg, Virginia] and encamped in a woods about � miles
[The next two pages of the diary consisted of one blank page and one page mentioning the examination of the contents of John Decker's personal items. Decker had been murdered near Camp Bayton on November 18, 1862. However, there are no details regarding the particulars of the murder.]
Examination of Body of Jno Decker
Nov. 19, 1862
Examined his pants pockets and found nothing but penknife pocket comb screw driver pencil small piece of tobacco and leather string. When his shirt pockets, found the left pocket torn, which it seems had been buttoned up, and the right pocket was still buttons and contained a teaspoon small piece of soap and little paper with two buckles in it the right side of his head seemed to be [nothing further was written regarding the examination]
[undated - apparently a continuation from November 22] . . . from Woodstock. Marched 12 miles to [illegible] orders to cook a day's rations, Reville in the morning 4 AM Nov 23 marched out camp about sun up passed through Woodstock + Mt Jackson and encamped in a woods to the right of the pike about � mile above Mt. Jackson got permission for the Company to go home I got home about 9 AM . . .
Nov. 24th Mond. [This day has been scratched through by Shuler, but is still fairly legible] Father + Mother accompanied . . . to the River. Crossed at the Columbia Bridge. I remained home to day, the Division encamped near the River.
Nov. 25 Tues, Father + Mother accompanied me to the river did not get there in time to see the troops cross. I stayed at Esq. Brubakers to day. The Division encamped at the foot of the Blue Ridge on the other side.
Nov. 26th Wednes. I started to day . . . crossed the Ridge and stayed with Mr. Mat Graves.
Nov. 27th Thursd. We started early this morning some heard the Regt was encamped near Madison C.H. and would not move to day. Passed through Criglersville and found the Regt. About a mile to the left of the Court House. Marched 11 miles to day.
Nov. 28th Friday. I put Mark Berry, D.H. Buracker, A. B. Buracker + Jno. Parks in the guard house as soon as I got to camp yesterday. Marched out camp by sun up, passed through Madison crossed the Rapidan at Liberty Mills. Took the road to Orange C.H. Encamped in woods to right of road about 2 miles from L. Mills. Marched 14 miles. Corp. Rosenberger, Lawler, AH Koontz R Cubbage and Willis Cubbage returned this evening.
Nov. 29. Sat Marched out camp by sun up, passed through Orange and encamped about 7 miles below marched about 12 miles. Alfred Kite came in to day.
Nov. 30th Sund. Marched out camp at 8 this morning. William Purdham was detailed as wagoner. Encamped for the night in a woods about 15 miles of Fredericksburg. Marched about 14 miles to day.

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December 1st Monday. Marched by 8 AM Encamped in a woods about 6 miles and to the right of Fredericksburg. Marched about 12 miles to day.
Dec. 2nd Marched by 7 AM to the Fredericksburg + Richmond Road the road leading to Guinea Station. Encamped in a woods to left of road about 2 miles of station. Marched about 10 miles to day. I was ordered under arrest by Col. Lee for shooting my pistol at a squirrel when we stopped this evening.
Dec. 3rd + 4th We lay in camp quietly was relieved of arrest the evening of the 3rd. Jesse Riley + D.B. Abbott came in the 3rd.
Dec. 5th Friday. Moved camp about � mile at 9 AM to where wood was more plentiful, commenced snowing this evening.
Dec. 6th Sat. Tis pretty cold. Snowed some last evening. Capt. Hensley [?] + I went hunting to day. Caught an opossum. Every thin quiet very cold this evening. Remained very quietly in camp until Thurs. 11th Dec, when we were awakened very early by heavy cannonading in direction of Fredericksburg. Were ordered to cook and keep 2 days rations on hand order to move by 6 in the morning. Friday Dec. 13th Marched out camp [Battle of Fredericksburg]

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