December 1864

This week’s diary excerpt covers the beginning of December 1864. Philip’s health is again the main subject of his diary entries.

Winter camp near Stoneman's Switch, Falmouth, Virginia

Twice in this excerpt Philip references receiving or being given a “back left” in relation to his illness. I was unable to find any references to the term “back left” or being “given a back left.” Based on how Philip uses the phrase, I am guessing he’s using it here to indicate that he has had or will have a setback in his health.

He also states that a snow storm “knocks the chill and fever weather in a cocked hat.” I had never heard the term “knocked in a cocked hat” before although my father was familiar with it. It means to outdo or defeat something, which makes sense in the context that Philip uses it.

Philip also laments the quality of the government rations at camp, fearing that they will make him sick again. His concern was valid. Much has been written about the poor quality of the camp food during the Civil War. Meat was often over or undercooked and the hardtack issued to soldiers was typically infested with worms. One soldier reported that “the mess pans were used to fry our pork in and also as a wash basin. Our soup, coffee and meat were boiled in camp kettles…which were also used for boiling our dirty clothes”.

Source:

_______

DECEMBER 1-7TH
Was on guard today. Took another man’s place. Stood my turn through and received a back left which laid me up again.

DECEMBER 8-9TH / 18TH
We had a very heavy snow storm this evening which made it very much pleasanter and knocks the chill and fever weather in a cocked hat. The guard had pleasure of going in the new guard house in the bomb proof rooms. I sent to town for some medicine to cure the night sweats I have been infected with for the last six weeks and has brought me down to a truly weak state up to this day. I have received no benefit of it yet. I have a very bad cold which has settled on me and has become of a very dangerous character if I don’t get it cured in a few days.

DECEMBER 10TH
I feel a great deal better this morning. Went up…and got something besides the government rations to eat but I fear that it will give me a back left again if I eat them. Snow laying on the ground and frozen hard enough to bear my weight up.

DECEMBER 12TH
Nothing new in camp. Cold weather still continues. My health is improving.

DECEMBER 13TH
We had target practice with the 100 pound parrot. Made some very fine shooting with it. We were very much afraid of it jumping off its tracks. We also had some practice with a 32 pounder. The firing was witnessed by Mrs. Fields and a sergeant. Weather very cold yet.

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