ORIGINAL HAMPTON'S BATTERY F
Part of the original Diary of Corporal John C. Shaler
(Center Section of guns, Hampton's Battery)
Oct. 1, 1862 - Wednesday are encamped on Capital Hill Washington City. The morning is clear and cool. Have been quite sick for some time. Received a box from home containing flannels, books, buttons, preserves, etc. To pass away time we have a game of ball this afternoon.
Oct. 10- Morning cool and clouding with indications of rain. Get an order to leave this place in the morning at six o'clock to go to Maryland Heights near Harper's Ferry. Get four new recruits from -old Suosky-today.
Oct. 12- There is an alarm of rebels. We on top of a hill and prepare to meet them. Find they are moving the same we are and we start again. Encamp near Hyattsville after making 15 miles....
Typical Union Artillery Battle (above)
Oct. 20- Letters from Pittsburgh for our Lieut. Atwell of Knapp's Battery.
Oct. 23- Commence cutting logs to build a hospital. Expect to put up quarters in a few days.
Oct. 30- Get unexpected orders to move at 10 o'clock and going to Bolivar Heightd. Cross pontoon bridge at Harpers Ferry. See a government balloon tied down in a ravine. The view from the heights which we reached late in the afternoon is magnificent. One of the most desolate sights I ever saw a large deserted camp here.