Christmas revelry results in cut whiskey rations. Owen has not been paid for six months. The diminished 14th Indiana is recognized as the best regiment in the division. The troops are stuck in the mud.

January 1, 1863

New Years.

Another eventful year is added to the history of the nation and the world. How changed the scene of one year since!

Many of our comrades in arms, have been stricken down by the storm and but a mere handful remains of that once-proud Regiment, the 14th.

We have about 120 men on duty. Still the Rebellion is as it appears farther off from a solution than it was in 1862. It is the talk now that the old Regiments will be consolidated till they number 1020 men. This I think would be unwise and would breed much trouble.

January 17, 1863.

Reviewed by General Sumner and General Burnside.

January 20, 1863

Division drill by Genl. French.

We have had orders to march for the last three days but not gone yet. It is raining tonight and will I expect countermand it.

A circular from General Sumner this evening stating (or rather from Genl Burnsides) that we were about to meet the enemy.

January 2, 1863

It rained dreadfully hard on last night and will no doubt raise the streams so high that Military movements would be very dangerous. Part of the army has been moving and I understand that some of our troops have crossed fourteen miles up the river from Falworth. There are rumors afloat concerning ours and the enemy’s movements.

January 22, 1863

Today General French received a nice Sharps rifle to be presented to the best Regiment in his Division. It was conveyed by the Corporals of the 14th including one color sergeant to General Masons Hd Qrs. At dress parade, Brigadier General Mason brought it out before the Regiment and presented it to us. He, making an appropriate speech for the occasion.

Three rousing cheers were given for our Gallant Generals, also three for Maj Cavins who in response made a very nice little speech.

It was the 1st our boys would cheer since McClellan was removed. The boys are again in good “spirits.”

January 23, 1863

The troops that started on the late expedition have returned and it is reported that the Rebs have left from before Fredericksburg. This is mere rumor.

The troops returned on account of the dreadful state of the roads and weather. Ordered this morning by Cap Trundin to do duty as Sergeant. Though!(sic).

January 26, 1863

Today General Burnsides took his leave of the army, having previously resigned his position as Commander thereof.

General Hooker has succeeded him in command and I hope maybe rewarded with an early victory.

The mud is so deep that it would be utterly impossible to move the troops.

February 3, 1863

General inspection to know the number of men present and absent with a view to reorganize the army of the Potomac.

February 4, 1863

Today and the 5th is the coldest weather we have had this winter.

February 6, 1863

Most all the snow that fell yesterday has melted and run into the hollows.

February 12, 1863

Stupendous efforts are being put forth, to crush the rebellion and I have the utmost confidence in the mighty means employed to number the rebellion amongst the things that were! May providence aid us in the mighty work which will tell on the pages of time and eternity.

A powerful expedition is in progress on the coast and one also at Vicksburg, which if successful will no doubt brake(sic) the backbone of the rebellion, but if not will cause a gloom over the land and will bring deep anguish to many hearthstones.

May the ruler of the universe aid us in the work of Freedom.

February 14, 1863

St Valentine’s day. May the lads & rosy lasses have a fat time of it today.