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Thoughts of home
| During the Civil War, at Christmas, soldier's thoughts often were of home and their families. This of course is as true today as it was then and the following entries from the diary of Capt. Charles W. Porter of the 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry echo these thoughts. Also included are several verses from the popular Civil War song "Tenting tonight on the Old Camp Ground" which reflects the feelings of the men who wore the Blue and the Gray and are still valid today. |
Thursday, Dec. 25, 1862:
| [Northeast, Ark.] |
"As today is Christmas, our THOUGHTS were naturally turned HOMEWARD to our mothers good Christmas dinners of roast turkey and other nice eatables too numerous to mention here. But we tried to substitute a dinner in my mess by getting up a chicken pot pie and warm biscuits and butter and for supper apple dumplings which was set up to us by our cook William A. Hawes. I think we praised the cook and done our repasts justice. Some of the boys were card playing and other amusements. I spent a portion of the day writing in my journal. Today rainy.
Friday, Dec. 25, 1863:
[Balltown, Mo.
"We received word from the Fort {Fort Scott] than Quantrells troop was expected to attack us. Capt. Vittum sent us to Balltown to notify Capt. Carpenter. J. Doppler accompanied me. I took dinner at Mr. Austins with Capt. Carpenter and with him spent the afternoon there very agreeably with the ladies. I attended a dance in camp tonight. Today cloudy and rain this evening.
Sunday, Dec. 25, 1864:
[Leavenworth City, Kan).
" This morning at an early hour I fell in company with Major Ketner, 16th, K.V. C. and Alex Crockett and Jack Beaton when we soon decided to make our advance on George Chryslers Strong-Hold [a saloon]. We soon gained an entrance in his castle and he soon surrendered and consented to our demands Egg-Nog was provided and we partook of it quite freely. Soon all of us were getting quite hilarious. Other drinks were taken of a mixed nature which soon got the Major down and I took him to his room and left him to contemplate his own condition. I returned to the castle and found Beaton engaged in a fight with some townsmen. I soon got Jack under control and quiet was restored. I spent a jolly afternoon and did not fall in the contest. Had a good dinner. Day was pleasant.
"Tenting on the Old Camp Ground"
This song was a very popular song during the Civil War and evokes a longing for home which has been in the thoughts of soldiers throughout history and today especially during the holiday season. The song was written by Walter Kittredge in 1863, was first performed in Lynn, Mass., and here are a few selected verses;
"We're tenting tonight on the old camp ground,
Give us a song to cheer,
Our weary hearts, a song of HOME
And friends we love so dear.
We've been tenting tonight on the old camp ground,
Thinking of days gone by,
Of the loved ones at home that gave us the hand,
And the tear that said "Good- By".
The lone wife kneels and prays with a sigh
That God his watch will keep
O'er the dear one away and the little dears nigh,
In the trundle bed fast asleep.
We are tired of war on the old camp ground,
Many are dead and gone,
Of the brave and true who've left their homes,
Others been wounded long.
Many are the hearts that are weary tonight,
Wishing for the war to cease;
Many are the hearts looking for the right,
To see the dawn of Peace."
Now then, here is wishing everyone a joyous holiday season and especially to the veterans, military personnel currently on active duty and those in harm's way throughout the world. Thank You!