THE CIVIL WAR DIARY OF JOHN G. MORRISON 1861-1865

a corn field close by. Ground awful wet. Bad to sleep, five
of us together. I had the third watch. Heard something like
sticks abreaking. It made my heart beat so that I could
almost hear it. Amounted to nothing. When my watch was up,
lay down to sleep but could not come it. The infernal
mosquitoes would not let me with their confounded hum-m-m. I
think they must be varmints there is not south of Mason and
Dixon's line. Managed after a while to get a snooze but woke
up suddenly, as is the case with me when I sleep on picket,
and found the whole party fast asleep. I done the rest of
the watching until morning myself.
About 5 this morning
(September 6th, Friday) The captain came to me and sent me
[19] and Frost and Chris Williams out to recconoitre the house and
see if there was any one round. So we crept off on our hands
and knees through the corn. Got up close to the house.
After a while heard some persons talking. Felt kind of
[narvish?] and thought, what a fine opportunity some secesher
had to pop us if he was around. Durst not raise my head out
of the weeds, where I was lying, for quite a while. Ventured
at last when the supposed enemy turned out to be our own men.
Was relieved about 10 o'clock by the 14th Brooklyn Zouaves.
Got home about 1/2 past 12, tired and sleepy after my
night's hard work. Inspected this afternoon by Gen'l Keyes
again. Did not make a very fancy appearance, not having time
to clean up, besides being so tired. I think we can hardly
go another week without fighting, from the uneasy look of
things about here.
September 7th, Saturday. Was supernumerary for guard today.
Got called to go on post about 1/2 past 1 P.M. on the
quartermaster's store. Had a visit from the Rev'd Thomas
Scully, Catholic chaplain to the 9th Massachusetts
volunteers, an Irish regiment. He heard confessions in our
tent. I made up my mind to go myself. It was hard work,
though, it being about a year since I was there before. Went
at last. Found him a very nice man. Told me to come to
communion on Sunday morning. Gave me an Agnus Dei, which I
wanted very much.
September 8th, Sunday. Got J. Dennison to stand the last
hour of my sentinelship to allow me to go to church. Went to
church with a party of about 30 under the Command of Ensign
Durgan of our company, who is a thorough good Catholic
Christian. Went to church. It made me feel good to see the
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass offered in the woods of old
Virginia and a congregation of 1200 sons of old Ireland
assembled to participate in the benefits of it. Received the
Holy [Scapula?] of Mount Carmel at the hands of the priest.
I hope I may lay it aside as long as I live. Dress parade at
9