The Press., 1896-03-26
(For The Press.) A SOLDIERS DIARY-A FRAG- MENT,
INTRODUCTORY NOTE.

INTRODUCTORY NOTE.
 George N. Champlin, who wrote this , diary, was we'll and favorably known in Stafford at the outbreak of the civil war He was getting to be something of pub lie character when he enlisted In both religion and politics he took an active part. In the former he was an enthusi- astic Methodist and in the latter he was Douglas democrat. He enlisted August 2, 1862, at the age of 20 years. This diary is a simple affair, but it will be found to contain many items of general interest. Personal allusions will have an interest for many, so we let them stand. The writing is mostly in pencil and some of it is nearly effaced. In few instances it has been difficult to decipher names or parts of names, but we have done the best we could. It seemed to us, in copy ing it, recently, to be worthy of preser- vation in some public form, and so we give it to The Press. It has seemed to us best to allow it to be printed without much editing. It covers the entire year 1864 and will be found to deepen in in- terest, as the year, with its stirring ex- periences, advances.
 Some may find it worthy of place in sclap-books. If the old soldiers still liv- ing in Stafford and elsewhere, who were with him, could supplement it with diaries of their own it's value might be enhanced.
 or c.
 January 1, 1964.-This has been cloudy and windy day. This evening it is very windy and cold. The regiment 18th Connecticut Volunteers - started this morning on fatigue to wo, building corduroy road. After marching most down to where we work we came back hence, we have done nothing to-day The past year has been memorable one. Great battles have been fought, and we have gained many great victories We have great reason to thank God for what he has led us through, and should trust in him in the future.
 Jan. 2.-This has been a cold, windy day. I am on guard. Nothing special took place to-day. 1 received a letter from Mrs. J. C., and was glad to hear from old Stafford once more. One year ago 1 was at home on a brief fur tough. To-day I am in Virginia. Great changes have taken place during the year past, and no doubt will during this. Great battles, no doubt, will be fought, and I think the next campaign will terminate the war.
 Jan. 3. This has been very warm and pleasant day, I went to church over to the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry camp this fc 'I2on. The Sacrament of the Eofo~ .tper was admfn1stered. This afternoon our new chapel was dedicated. It was filled to overflowing long before the services commenced. Rev. MT. | Smith, of the 9th Connecticut, preached the sermon, text, John 2; 29. We had good meeting. About twenty ladies were present. We had good singing. This evening we had good prayer meeting house full.
 Jan. 4.-This has been a wet, misty | day, but not very cold. was detailed to work, and worked @ little helping to move little house, etc. Went to our temperance meeting this evening. About | twelve signed the pledge. The house was full. The question for debate was |; "Resolved, That intemperauce is greater evil than war" It was debated | for an hour and a half, and finally de- cided in the affirmative. The next ques- | tion is: Resolved, That the present war is productive of more good than evil"
 Jan. 5.-Another wet day. We went | on fatigue, building corduroy road. Yes terday fifteen recruits came for the regi- | ment and were put into Company's A and G. The 18th is in good winter quarters, about four miles from Ports | mouth and Norfolk, near Port Griswold. | We have about two hundred men present | for duty. 1 received a letter from my sister E. and letter, two papers and a composition from my brother O. this af- ternoon. Sent three "War Records" to 1 my father. Detailed for guard duty to- morrow.
 Jan. 6.-Rather cold to-day and little | cloudy. This evening it began to snow. It is the first of consequence this winter. I am on guard to-day. Nothing special 1 to record. Everything is quiet and likely to be for some weeks to come. 1 think the next campaign will end the war. No doubt much hard fighting will bc done, but I have no doubt as to the final over throw of this wicked, unholy, and cause less rebellion.
 Jan. "A cloudy day also, quite cold. I came off guard this morning. Went down to the Sth Connecticut this forenoon and saw Henry Phillips. Came back after bringing in three or four hand fuls of wood and eating my dinner. It halls tonight. About 1l2 pounds of stuff came tonight for the 18th from Con- necticut. (The rest of the record is that of receiving and writing letters, and send ing papers s-mOstly to members of his fathers family.)
 Jan. 8.-Rather cold to-day. It stormed about all night-rained, hailed and showed. Have done nothing to-day Received a letter from A. w. F. and an- swered it. Wrote, also, to Andrew Whiton. Heard to-day that Andrew Whiton and Ruth E. Waldo were mar ried. Edwin A. Thlall, of Company B, 11th Connecticut, was here to-day. Wrote to Andre Cummings and to Capt. Charles Warren to-day. Am detailed to- night for guard tomorrow. We had good prayer meeting last evening,
 Jan. 9.-A pleasant day. am on guard. No news tonight. A few of us met tonight and organized Christian Association of the 18th Regiment of Con- necticut Volunteers. TWenty.one joined