Abiel begins the month still on leave (due to his battle injury). After working his way through several major cities and then to his childhood home in the area around Newburgh NY (on the Hudson River), he begins November by heading out to the western part of the state to visit his beloved sister Susan and all the extended Potter inlaws and their neighbors in the area around Andover, Alfred Center, and Wellsville.
The memorandum entries are quite brief during this month, but tell a vivid tale of visits and entertainments. The election is held while Abiel is there, giving him a chance to vote in person. (I wonder what the arrangements were for soldiers to vote in the field in that era?) Eventually it's time for him to head back to his regiment, with a several-days stop in D.C. to visit old friends, hang out with a number of rather celebrated people, and enjoy a lavish Thanksgiving dinner. His company is delighted to have him back, with a touch of relief as they feared that--what with his hobnobbing with Colonels and so forth--he might have been tempted to pull strings for a more cushy posting.
[PUNCTUATION AND SPELLING ARE COPIED FROM THE ORIGINALS. EDITORIAL COMMENTS ARE IN BOLD TYPE.]
Tuesday November 1st 1864 Up and breakfasted at 6 A.M. Took my leave of the kind people. John took me up to the cars. We parted with many kind wishes and I was whirled away from friends whose kindness will ever remain fresh in my memory. At Hornillsville [Note: presumably Hornellsville] I got on the wrong train and instead of stopping at Andover [Note: not the better-known Andover MA, obviously, but a small town 10 mi east of Wellsville] had to go on to Wellsville and stayed all night. [Note: the "Alfred Center" that has been mentioned several times is midway between Hornellsville and Andover.]
Wednesday 2nd Took the 12th NM. train and came to Andover then came up to my dear sister's. Found all well but mother. She has put her shoulder out of joint by an accident but is very cheerful. I was very much delighted to see them all.
Thursday 3rd Wrote to Lieutenant Cox to let them know where I am. This evening I was going up to Perry's but Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Crandall came over, also Miss Clara, so I must of course stay and entertain them so did not go up.
Friday 4th I went up to Uncle Stephen Clark's from there after tea up [to] Perry's where I stop all night. Dell. Eaton stays with me. [Note: I'm not sure if the period after "Dell" indicates this is an abbreviation? The name appears both with and without it.]
Saturday 5th Went to church today, then up to Mr. Nelson Crandall's. Miss M. Livermore and Dell. Eaton were also there. Our evening was an exceedingly pleasant one. Clara entertained us with the piano. Did not retire until 2 A.M. [on the] 6th. Dell stayed with me. [Note: Although I haven't tracked down solid confirmation, I believe the Potters and their associates were Seventh Day Baptists, hence the Saturday services. I recall references to at least some of Abiel's children being Seventh Day Baptists. The entire Andover/Alfred area was originally settled by members of this sect.]
Sunday 6th Spent the day at home. Rains some still.
Monday 7th Promised Dell Eaton I would go home with him from the election tomorrow. Wrote to Uncle John LaF[orge].
Tuesday 8th Was down to Andover and put in a full Union Ticket. Lincoln for President, Fenton for governer. Had to swear my vote in, then could not get anybody to swear to my age, so done that part myself too. Rained nearly all day. No trouble at the polls, so had no occasion to use my revolver, which I took with me. [I feel the need to add an exclamation point here. !] Rained all the time while we were going up to Mr. Eaton's. Mr. Eaton said he would stay in town until the reports came from New York as to the way the election went. [Note: Abiel may have had to "swear his vote in" due to not being on the rolls. It's unclear to me whether he had been a resident of Andover before joining up, or whether his connection at this point was entirely through his sister. I'm curious about Mr. Eaton's plan to stay in town awaiting the results of the election. Was this expected to be a matter of days? For something important like a presidential election, I suppose telegraphs would spread the news rapidly, but how efficient would the reporting in be?]
Wednesday 9th Dell and I called on Mr. Rosebush and took dinner, then went down to Mr. Remington's. From there to Elder Kenyon's, where we took tea, after which I went up to Mr. Slocum Livermore's and Dell stopped and brought up Miss M. Crandall. We passed the evening pleasantly until nearly midnight, when as the old people did not retire we concluded we would, so came home. I found the doors fastened and tried to get in at the window without waking any body, but did not succeed as my sister heard me. Rained all day.
Thursday 10th Stayed at home until evening, then went up to Stephen Clark's, from there up to Perry Potter's. Made arrangements to go to Wellsville with Mr. Clark tomorrow. Windy and cold, but not rainy today.
Friday 11th Up and had breakfast before daylight and about 7 A.M. started with Stephen and his wife and daughter to Wellsville. Had a cold ride. Did not succeed in getting a pair of boots, for which purpose I started. Got a piece of cloth for Mrs. Eathan Green. She wanted me to take the money for it--could not think of it. When we got home, found that Sherman Crandall had came home from Alfred Center to see me and left word for me to call over to his house tonight. Went over and found a prayer meeting there. After it had broken up, had a good visit. Stayed all night. Cold day, snowed some.
Saturday 12th Attended church. The Elder had to illustrate one of his points by relating a dream which he had about seeing a man shot. He said he "supposed it was caused by hearing Mr. LaForge relate the proceedings of the shooting of two men which he had witnessed." After church went to Mr. Crandall's again. Sherman, Dell, Bill Clark and myself had been expecting to go to Alfred this evening, but the snowstorm which commenced this morning had continued all day, so we concluded to have a party at home. Sherman went out with the sleigh and got the girls around to come, so we had an exceedingly fine time. [A] lot of good singing and other enjoyment. Did not break up until the wee hours of the morning.
Sunday 13th Sherman went back to Alfred. I rode home with him, the first sleigh ride of the season. I sent my dress coat down to Andover to Mrs. Green to get it fixed. Macky took it down and brought it back.
Monday Oct. 14th Thawed very little to day. Quite good sleighing. This evening I took the cutter and went over to Mr. Crandall's. Miss Clara and myself spent the evening at Mr. Rosebush's.
Tuesday 15th Snowed a little today. Wind very cold, drifted some tonight. William Clark and I went up to Mrs. Cooper and found Miss Cooper and Miss Chadwick at home. Passed the evening very pleasantly. Beautiful moonlight nights now. I should just like to spend them in sleigh riding but the ladies think it is too cold.
Wednesday 16th Clear and warm enough to thaw considerably. Spent the P.M. at Perry's. Mrs. S. A. Potter and myself took the buggy and went to the Sab[bath] Meeting House to a singing school. Very pleasant evening and I enjoyed myself greatly. The ladies were very complacent as they always are up here. About 10 when we got home. [Note: this is probably not the "self-satisfied" sense of complacent, but an archaic sense, "pleasant."]
Thursday 17th November Opened somewhat rainy. I took the buggy and went over to Mr. Eaton's and got my revolver which has been there ever since election. Stopped at Mr. Crandall's on my way back to bid them goodbye as I start for Washington tomorrow. I got a letter from John Clemence, also one from W.J. Fuller. John sent his own and wife's photographs. Both want me to come back that way.
Friday November 18th 1864. Bade my kind friends at Andover goodbye and [took] the 12.20 P.M. train for Elmira. Felt pretty sad for a while. My thoughts were taken from my parting for a while by a flirtation got up by a couple of young ladies who got on the cars at Aldie and off at Horsehead. They were fine looking and very richly dressed. My first impression was that they were lewd characters but I soon became convinced to the contarary. As soon as I found they were determined on a flirtation, why of course I was in for it. We did not leave Elmira until long after dark, as a train had got off the track and delayed us. Snow all gone. Last night's rain melted it.
[Note: I alternate between being amused and annoyed at Abiel's relations with women. In his letters, he gave the appearance of carrying on a flirtation-by-proxy with his sister-in-law Janey, and he seems to have had several female pen-pals who may well have Had Expectations, but for all the references to a startling number of Misses in this visit, he seems to have no very serious interest in anyone in particular. We've previously seen suggestions that he's a bit prudish with regard to prostitutes, so his flip-flop here is all of a piece. Young women should be pretty and well dressed and interested in flirtation...but if they're too pretty and too well dressed then they're probably whores.]
Saturday 19th Arrived at Washington just at dark. Went to Willard's and put up. Got supper then went to see [gap in text] played Crosby, former Chief Clerk of Camp Distribution went with me. House crowded. After play returned to the hotel and went to bed. Has rained all day. [Note: the gap obviously contains the name of the play. I'm guessing perhaps there should be a period after "played."]
Sunday 20th Still raining. I was going over to Camp but it rained so I concluded not to. Went to the opera tonight. It was for the benifit of the Friendless women's society. Beaugureau was there and stayed with me all night.
Monday 21st Went over to camp today. Found myself quite a lion there. [Note: "quite a lion" appears to have the sense of "lionized, praised and famous."] Returned at night. Brought Beaugureau along. Went and saw the "Gamester" played, after which lunched and retired to my room, where we had a game of chess, although it was past midnight. I was beaten. [If "Gamester" is a play, then I'm uncertain of its identity. There was a 17th century play by that name by James Shirley which had adaptations into the 19th century under other titles. So possibly or possibly something else? As a food historian, I'm intrigued that one might eat "lunch" at night after seeing a play when it is almost midnight.]
Tuesday 22nd Run upon Lieutenant or rather Captain Burrows of the 6th Maryland. I knew him a short time (about an hour) last spring. He is a splendid fellow. Tonight he and I went to see the Seven Sisters played, then I went home with him. We had a game or two of Euchre, also checkers and then retired. Very cold, ground frozen. [Note: The Seven Sisters is perhaps this.]
Wednesday 23rd Was introduced to Captain "Late Lieutenant" Cushing, of the Ram Albermile notoriety, he is a young looking man, his long light hair making him look almost boyish. There is something about his face which shows a strong determination to do a thing once undertaken. With Captain Burrows I visited some young ladies on Capitol Hill. They are friends of the Captain and very fine ladies. Spent a pleasant evening. Made Capain stay with me tonight General Grant is here stopping.
Thursday 24th Thanksgiving was more generally observed than I ever saw it before. [Note: Lincoln's proclamation fixing Thanksgiving as a national holiday on the last Thursday of November was only issued the previous year, so Abiel is presumably observing the effects of this official recognition.] Places of business closed. Places of amusement were crowded. In accordance with a pressing request from Colonel Elison Quartermaster of the Department I dined with him at 5 P.M. Was introduced to Colonel Stephenson and another Colonel of the regular Army, also several other officers and citizens. There was ten of us gentlemen present. We had roast turkey, duck, and pig, Brandy, Whiskey, and several kinds of wine. Finished with segars [read: cigars] and stories. I passed so pleasant an evening that I forgot I wanted to leave at 8-1/2 until past that time. When I went down to the hotel I found Burrows had been there and left a note for me to meet him tomorrow at 10 A.M. I left a note for him stating I could not as I left for the front at 6 A.M. I must go back, as there is but two company officers left for the whole ten companies. The rest are either wounded, killed, prisoners, or on leaves of Absence, so I must return as am duty bound.
Friday. October [error for November] 25th 1864. Had breakfast and started from Willard's on the 6-1/2 train. Arrived in Martinsburg just before sundown. I went and stayed all night with our Regimental Quarter Master. We went to spent the evening with some ladyfriends of his, the Misses Cookes, with one of which I am prety sure he is in love. They have been having considerable rain here as is evident by the state of the streets. I forgot to mention that these young ladies were very rich once, but were burned out by the Rebs on account of their Union sentiments.
Saturday 26th Had breakfast and reported to the General Commanding to be sent to the front. Four ambulances loaded with officers, also eight mounted officers (among which was myself), and five wagons of thanksgiving things escorted by one hundred cavalry were to go up. We started at 10 A.M. Had a fine ride, expecting an attack every little ways from Mosebny. [Note: I believe this has a typo in the transcription and is a reference to General Mosby] He did not see fit, however. Us officers had some wild races and lots of fun. When in about 6 miles of Winchester, a staff officer and I rode on ahead and galloped into town at least three miles ahead of the escort. We had eaten our dinners by the time the rest came. Then we came on up to Kernstown where General Sheridan now has his Head Quarters. I found the Regiment by dark, having ridden over 30 miles between the hours of 10 and 4 and making necessary stoppages. Rained this P.M. Officers and men were as delighted to see me as I was to see them. My arms are sore shaking hands, and I am sore all over from the ride. It is the first I have had since I was at camp Distribution and am not used to it. Of course, the horse I had is the lamest of us two, I bet.
Sunday 27th Very pleasant day. Had time to look around. We are laying in a very pleasant position arround Kernstown. The hills are well fortified and our position strong. The men have excellent quarters for winter, being most of them in little log houses which they have built. I have been looking all around. Lieutenant Cox [and] my old messmate are going in together. He has a good log house built, about 9 x 14 feet, a good fireplace, and very comfortable quarters. 1st Lieutenant Robinson, 1st Lieutenant Snyder, acting adjutant 2nd Lieutenants Cox and Hall commanding companies, not a Captain in the Regiment. The boys are all looking fat and saucey. Company "I" hardly knew how to express their joy. They say it is much better than payday to see me back. Wrote to Colonel McKelvy, also to John Clemence. I cannot send the letters for several days. I will not write to my sister until I have a chance to send it.
Monday 28th Rained last night but has been very pleasant today. I was detailed as Brigade officer of the guard. The brigade guards are all mounted together now. My duties have been light. I only had to make my rounds once or twice. I made a certified invoice today and sent my ordnance report in. It had been sent back for it (the invoice). I wrote a letter to Mrs. P. J. Hawley, informing her of her husband's being missing on the march from Martinsburg to Winchester. We had Brigade Dress Parade tonight. it is a big thing.
Tuesday 29th Warm pleasant day, the air smokey like indian summer. Snyder, our Acting Adjutant was away and I had to act as Adjutant. I had to be on horse back. We had Brigade drill and parade. I find it much more pleasant being mounted than on foot. I have made my Ordnance Report for the first part of the 3rd Quarter 1864. That and my duties as Adjutant has kept me busy up to this time 9:25 P.M.
Wednesday 30th Still warm and clear. My conscience, if this weather continues, we shall have another fight. [Note: "my conscience" here seems to have a sense of "my thought, my opinion".] I don't believe General Sheridan can lay still if the weather will admit of his moving. The climate is too uncertain however at this time of the year to trust much to it. The rumor still continues that we (the 3rd Corps) is to leave the Valley. Of course we all hope such will not be the case, but it is only hope. Colonel Trueax, 14th New York Volunteers, who was dismissed last summer, has been reinstated.
LETTER Head Quarters "I" Company 106th New York Volunteers
Near Kernstown Virginia Wednesday November 30th 1864
My Dear sister and Friends,
I should have written you before, but the mail which leaves tomorrow is the first one which has left since I have been here. I stopped in Washington from the night of the 19th until the morning of the 25th. I had a splendid Thanksgiving dinner with Colonel Elison, the Quartermaster of the Department of Washington. There was several distinguished persons present, still how gladly would I have exchanged the Colonel's table for yours on that day.
I was interrupted in my letter for dress parade. It is now nearly 9 P.M. but I will finish, as I am sure you would like to hear from me. I heard that there was but two company officers left in the Regiment, so I would not stay in Washington, but hastened to the front.
We are having very pleasant weather here now. The air is soft and balmy. If you are having the same up there it must be your Indian Summer. Our camp life was somewhat varied today by a squad of four native women passing through here. They had came in through the pickets and were going to Sheridan's Head Quarters to make some request. One of them was very pretty. If the rest know when they are well off, they will let her do all the talking, for beauty has a great effect on an old soldier.
Today a recruit of Company A was in my quarters. He claims that his wife can foretell future events, also those which have transpired. To test the matter I have written her the following questions. Am I a native of this country? Am I married? Have I or shall I have children? Are my parents living? Has my lawsuit commenced? If so shall I be successfull? When these questions are answered, I shall inform you of the answers. Anything to pass the time. [Note: I'm guessing the bit about the lawsuit was a trick question because I don't recall Abiel mentioning one previously.]
When you write, you must be sure to inform me how the boy prospers. Also how mother is getting along. My love to Janey, Martha, Joe, Mother, and Perry's people.
I am sleeping on boards now, with only a slight cover over me. Still I sleep much sounder than when I was sleeping on your soft beds. I am now where the wind can come at my nose, which seems to be a great satisfaction to that important member, and has a soothing effect on all the rest.
I remain, your ever loving Brother.
A.T. LaForge
Lieutenant Commanding "I" Company 106th New York Volunteers
You can hardly imagine how pleasant and pleased the officers and men were to see me. They all knew I had influence in Washington and supposed I would stop there. They could hardly see how it was that I would not stop there when I could as well as not. [Note: This is "stop" in the sense of "stay, remain". They expected Abiel to pull strings to avoid returning to the front.]