131

Calvin M. Burbank.

Diary of a corporal with the Peninsular Campaign and at Fredericksburg.

Various places, 1 January 1862 to 24 February 1863
[122] manuscript diary pages, plus [12] pages of memoranda. 16mo, 4¾ x 2¾ inches, original limp cloth, worn; minor dampstaining, some entries faint or overwritten; signed on front free endpaper.

Calvin Morris Burbank (1832-1866) of Boscawen, NH served in the 2nd New Hampshire Infantry. He was promoted to corporal in May 1862. 

Burbank kept this daily diary in ink through May 1862, and then added entries in pencil through early 1863. Most of his entries are very brief, with a bit more detail after a battle. The regiment served on the Peninsular Campaign starting in April 1862. On the 5 May Battle of Williamsburg: "Started at sunrise on the march in pursuit of the Rebels. Come up with them at Williamsburgh at 6 o'clock. One division held the enemy in check for 9 hours when, reinforcements coming up, we drove them back into their entrenchments." Preceding Malvern Hill, 29-30 June: "Evacuated our camp and retreated towards James River. Hard fighting all day.  . . . Still retreating towards James River. Rebels in hot pursuit." On 8 July 1862, he noted: "President Lincoln arrived at the landing and reviewed the troops." At Second Bull Run, 27-29 August: "Engaged the enemy near Manassas at Bristow Station. . . . Started in retreat, camped 4 miles from Manassas. . . . Moved forward to Bull Run and camped. Severe fighting all day."

The regiment fought at Fredericksburg, 11 to 15 December 1862: "Marched toward the river to take part in the attack on Fredericksburg, which commenced at 5 today. . . . Action commenced at 9 o'clock A.M. and raged till dark with great vigor and but little success. . . . The fight recommenced at daylight, and we carried on in front of our division, mostly by skirmishing till night. . . . Relieved from the front and fell back to the rear. At dark, ordered to the front again, and at 12 o'clock fell back across the river."

Burbank was later wounded at both Gettysburg and Drewry's Bluff, and mustered out in 1864. He then died of smallpox in 1866.

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