Dewitt Clinton Farrar
Dewitt Clinton Farrar was born on August 4, 1838 in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, and was one of the four sons of Manson and Sybil Farrar that served in the military during the Civil War.. He enlisted as a Private in Company B of the Fourth Michigan Infantry on May 16, 1861, at Adrian, Michigan. He was mustered in Federal service on June 20, 1861. He was promoted in the summer of 1862 to Corporal and served as Color Guard. During the Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia, on December 13, 1862, Dewitt Farrar was mortally wounded, dying the next day. He was originally buried in a garden belonging to one of the residents of Fredericksburg, but was later re-interred and sent back home to Michigan to be buried. Another color bearer of the Fourth Michigan Infantry, Corporal George Fogle, of Company G, also received a fatal wound during the intense fighting at Fredericksburg.
This diary is shared through the courtesy of Jim Pimlott, a descendant of Dewitt Farrar. Please note that Dewitt often went by his middle name of Clinton or Clint in his letters (seen elsewhere on this site) and in this diary. Many days in the diary have no entries written in them, so only those that do are provided here.
1862
Wednesday, January 1, 1862 Stood guard tonight on outside picket posts until noon, then returned to camp at Miners Hill, Virginia, and wrote one letter to Mother and also received one from her.
Thursday 2 Today we were to be mustered in for our pay but it was put off until tomorrow.So this makes 3 days. We have rec’d our knapsacks from Uncle Sam. Rec’d two letters.
Friday 3 Mustered out for our pay and got new guns. Answered cousin J. and Cepha’s letters. Also received one from Helen and answered it. It has rained all day. Dress parade tonight.
Saturday, January 4, 1862 It also rained today. Tonight received one letter from home and two from Vespen (?). Laid around camp until dress parade.
Sunday 5 Today I was detailed to go on guard so I stayed in camp and answered Pa’s letters and Helen’s. Tonight have to stand guard.
Monday 6 Today it’s very cold. Had a little snow last night, had pretty hard fare. No breakfast, only bread. I have done nothing as I was on guard. Received one letter, Lib, and one from Lillian at Port Huron.
Tuesday, January 7, 1862 Just ‘ fore noon drilled on skirmish. Answered Lib’s letter and sent it by the mail today. Tonight had a spree, got plenty decently drunk, then went to bed sick.
Wednesday 8 It has been a pleasant day. Answered one letter to Port Huron and also Lillian. There was a fight at Dansville today. We could see the smoke.
Thursday 9 We rec’d our new guns today. Springfield rifles. It has rained all day so no drill or dress parade. Nothing new. Rec’d one letter from Mt. Clemens and answered it.
Model 1861 58 caliber 3 band rifled musket with bayonet
Friday, January 10, 1862 This morning is very wet and dreary. It rained all night last. Today passed in drill. Nothing new. Rec’d one letter from Mt. Clemens and answered it.
Saturday 11 Today drill on skirmish, drill, dress parade.
Sunday 12 This morning had inspection then went out to Upton’s Hill and saw the boys from Vespen(?). Had an oyster dinner. Got back in the night.
Monday, January 13, 1862 Drilled in bayonet exercise and skirmish and and dress parade. Rec’d one letter from home and one Helen.
Tuesday 14 Today was detailed to stand camp guard so I did not have anything to do. Mailed one letter home and also rec’d one from my pet.
Wednesday 15 Today rec’d a letter from Mt. Clemens , Lib, nothing new. There is about one inch of snow this morning, and ice.
Thursday, January 16, 1862 Mailed one letter to Mt. Clemens in answer Cous. Jennie’s and tonight went to a dance in Falls Church ____.
Friday, February 14, 1862 Today we have been out to Vienna on a reconnoitering expedition but did not see anything.
Sunday, March 11, 1862 4 Mich. Regt. went out to Vienna to repulse the enemy. Camped here tonight and sleep in the depot.
Monday 10 Rainy this morning. Went back to Camp Miner, rested an hour, then marched to Fairfax. Camped 3 miles from the court house in the woods.
Tuesday, March 11, 1862 Today marched 13 miles beyond Fairfax and camped.
Saturday, March 15, 1862 Today left Fairfax for Alexandria at 6 am in a hard rainstorm, making 18 miles. Stopped at the 64 N.Y. Vols. tents.
Monday, March 17, 1862 Moved today up the side hill under the Fort Worth, which mounts 9 guns.
Friday, March 21, 1862 Left camp at 9 o’clock and took the boat Daniel Web. which was the flagship.
Saturday 22 Today on the boat in Chesapeake Bay.
Sunday, March 23, 1862 Camped at Fortress Monroe today.
Fortress Monroe
Monday 24 Today moved two miles and camped at Hampton.
Thursday, March 27, 1862 Today marched to Great Bethel and back, making 30 miles travel.
Tuesday, April 1, 1862 Laying in camp and on drill. One day the same as another.
Wednesday 2 Laying in camp and on drill. One day the same as another.
Thursday 3 Laying in camp and on drill. One day the same as another.
Friday, April 4, 1862 Today marched within 4 miles of Yorktown and camped for the night.
Saturday 5 Marched up in front of the rebels fort and supported the batteries under a heavy fire.
Sunday 6 Still supporting the battery with an occasional shell distracting us.
Monday, April 7, 1862 Tonight on picket and have been out scouting. Had 3 shots at the devils. Our captain got wounded in the arm.
Men of the Fourth Michigan Infantry out on picket.
Wednesday, April 8, 1862 Fell back today in line with the rest of the army and camped in a peach orchard on the York River.
Wednesday, April 16, 1862 Working in the breastworks night and day.
Thursday 17 Working in the breastworks night and day.
Friday 18 Working in the breastworks night and day.
A detail of soldiers working on breastworks (Library of Congress)
Saturday, April 19, 1862 Working on the forts and doing camp duty.
Sunday 20 Working on the forts and doing camp duty.
Monday 21 Working on the forts and doing camp duty.
Sunday, May 4, 1862 Yorktown today was evacuated by the rebels and at daylight I was in their forts, being one of the first there. Sent Lib a letter.
Thursday, May 8, 1862 Started this morn from Yorktown up the York River, destination West Point. On the boat tonight at anchor.
Friday 9 Landed in Robinson Farm today at 9 o’clock, I mile from West Point, one day after the battle and helped bury the dead.
Tuesday, May 13, 1862 Today we have camped on the Potomac River at Cumberland Landing. Took one comp. of rebel prisoners. Got one watch from home.
Friday, May 16, 1862 This morn left for parts unknown but camped at White House Landing on the Pamunkey River. Sent one letter home.
White House Landing on the Pamunkey River
Monday, May 19, 1862 Marching commenced this morning at daylight. The whole army is now moving. We have halted at Tunstalls Station, 20 miles from Richmond.
Thursday, May 22, 1862 We came 8 miles today and camped within 10 miles of Richmond at Cold Harbor.
Friday 23 Mailed one letter to Mt. Clemens.
Saturday 24 Today had a fight at the Chickahominy River. Our loss 8 wounded and killed, theirs 200 killed, wounded, and prisoners.
Sunday, May 25, 1862 Today buried R. Piper and F. Drake. I made their coffins this forenoon.
Monday 26 Today moved on 2 miles and camped.
Tuesday 27 We have had a forced march today of 25 miles and also was at the fight at Hanover. Our loss 55 killed, 200 wounded. Took 1000 prisoners.
Wednesday, May 28, 1862 Tonight I have been on picket, walked 5 miles, got there at midnight and came to camp this morn.
Thursday 29 This morn pleasant and ready to march at seven but did not start until after dinner. Then we marched until 12 o’clock at night and camped at Gaines Mills, making 25 miles.
Friday 30 Mailed a letter home also one to Mt. Clemens.
Saturday, May 31, 1862 There has been a great battle on the Chickahominy today, about 8 miles from us. They move us first, but at last we move them.
Sunday, June 1 Today being the Sabbath and very warm, we were ordered to support the batteries, which we did until dark, when the rebels retreated.
Monday 2 This morning at daylight was woke up and ordered to fall in and go on picket on the banks of the Chickahominy River.
Tuesday, June 3, 1862 This is a very pleasant and beautiful morning. It rained the principle part of the night and this morn I am under an oak tree writing.
Thursday 5 Today went on guard at General Porters headquarters. Rec’d 2 months pay. Had a little cannonading today from both sides.
Saturday 7 Rained pretty much all day.
Sunday 8 Sunday at 8 o’clock went to guard a bridge over the Chickahominy.
Monday, June 9, 1862 Returned today at noon. This morning they threw a few bombs at us but did no damage. We returned the shots.
Tuesday 10 Drilled company drill this forenoon. At sundown had inspection.
Wednesday 11 Received a letter from Mt. Clemens tonight.
Thursday, June 12, 1862 Mailed a letter to Mt. Clemens this morn. Weather very warm.
Friday 13 Went to guard at Doctor Gaines house.
Saturday 14 Today went on picket across the Chickahominy River. Stood post within six rods of the rebel’s lines and conversed with them.
Sunday, June 15, 1862 On post all day.
Monday 16 This morning returned to camp. Got in about noon. Almost melted. Received a letter from home tonight.
Tuesday 17 I have got the fever today and am off duty. Wrote one letter home to Ma and one to Milwaukee.
Wednesday, June 18, 1862 This morn not much better. Still under the doctor’s care. It is very warm and the sun almost melts me.
Thursday 19 Today I am none better. Did not go to the doctors this morning.
Friday 20 Received a letter from Sylvania. All well there.
Dewitt Clinton Farrar’s diary entries for June 21, 22, 23 , 1862
Saturday, June 21, 1862 Mailed a letter this morning to Cousin Lillie. Tonight went out on brigade drill. Feel pretty near like old Clint again.
Sunday 22 Started the morning at 4 o’clock for the picket. Our company lay on reserve until night, then we were posted on the outside posts on the Chickahominy River, within ten yards of the rebels.
Monday 23 Still on posts talking with the enemy. We were relieved by 12th N.Y. Got to camp at noon. Rec’d a letter from Mt. C. and mailed one.
Tuesday, June 24, 1862 Started this morning and went to Fair Oaks and Seven Pines to see my brothers. Found them all well. Got back to camp at dark.
Wednesday 25 Clint I remember it well 37 years ago Uriel ____ _______ 1899
Thursday 26 This afternoon 4th Mich. was sent to reinforce the right wing and last night fought and supported the batteries until morning, losing 30 men in all.
Sergeant U. S. Farrar (written across the top of the diary page by Uriel Farrar)
Friday, June 27, 1862 This morning fell back on Porters Division was and the rebels are close in our rear. And now, 10 o’clock, fell back ½ mile and fought all the afternoon. At sundown, was forced to retreat but had reinforcements and drove the enemy and slept on the battlefield.
Saturday 28 This morning on the road to Richmond. Now at Fair Oaks Station, marched and camped at White Oak Swamp, across the creek.
Sunday 29 Marched on towards James River. Marched all night. Saw my brother Sted today, all well. Camp for 8 hours this morning.
Monday, June 30, 1862 Today marched all day and took dinner on the James River. This afternoon supported the batteries until dark. One man killed with bomb.
Tuesday July 1 Marched back to the front and formed line battle. This afternoon went into the fight, the first ones, and stood it fine for an hour. Shot 70 round cartridges. This fight was at City Point.
Wednesday 2 Last night retreated all night and struck the James river at Edwards Landing, where Gen’l. Wm. H. Harrison was born. It has rained all day. I got a place to sleep in a barn.
Dewitt Clinton Farrar’s diary entries for July 3, 4, 5, 1862
Thursday, July 3, 1862 This morning ordered to the front and formed battle line. Received a few bombs from the rebels but move them back and took their cannon. Paddled around in the mud till night and then camped in the woods.
Friday 4 A splendid Fourth. Went on review before Gen. McClellan and then went and found my brothers, all safe and well. Stayed with them all night.
Saturday 5 Left Kerneys Division this morn for my camp. Arrived at ten o’clock and rec’d. a letter from Mt. Clemens and also mailed one in return.
Sunday, July 6, 1862 Today unwell and off duty. Received one letter from Milwaukee and one from Mt. Clemens. Also rec’d a visit from brother Jud. Mailed a letter to Mt. Clemens.
Monday 7 This morning find myself no better.
Tuesday 8 Today went over and saw my brothers in Kerneys Division.
Thursday 10 Received a letter from Mt. Clemens and answered by today’s mail. Letter received mailed the 2nd
Friday 11 Received a letter from home and one from Sylvania, both mailed 3rd
Sunday 13 Sent a paper home in answer to Mother’s letter. Still off duty with the piles.
Monday 14 Received a letter from Helen and Toot sister’s well. Mailed a letter to U. B. Smith Milwaukee for spoony. [Spoony is a Civil War slang term for normally worthless, obsolete bank notes that soldiers were still able to profitably use as currency in the South.]
Tuesday, July 15, 1862 Mustered out of service for the last two months pay.
Saturday, July 19, 1862 Went out on the front lines and also visited my brothers.
Monday, July 21, 1862 Moved our camp near the river.
Tuesday 22 Mailed a letter to Mt. C.
Wednesday 23 Reviewed by Porter, our Division.
Thursday, July 24, 1862 Reviewed by Gen’l. McClellan. Hot enough to melt a fellow, the whole Corps.
Sunday, July 27, 1862 Received a letter from home tonight dated 22nd and all well in that quarter.
Monday 28 Mailed a letter to Ma in Columbus Mich. Feel pretty well today.
Thursday 31 Tonight the rebels fired into us with their cannon killing and wounding a number.
Friday, August 1 Mailed a letter to Mt. Clemens.
Saturday, August 2, 1862 Went on a reconnoiter across the river.
Monday 4 My birthday passed on the James River.
Wednesday, August 6, 1862 Went over to Kerneys Division to see my brother that is sick.
Thursday 7 Rec’d a letter from home and also one from Sylvania.
Friday, August 8, 1862 Mailed a letter to Sylvania, Ohio, also one home to Columbus.
Saturday 9 Mailed a letter this eve to Mt. Clemens.
Sunday 10 Sunday Inspection. It’s very warm.
Monday, August 11, 1862 This morning went out to Gen. Porters Headquarters and acted Sergeant of the Guard.
Major General Fitz John Porter, commander of the Fifth Corps of which the Fourth Michigan Infantry belonged.
Tuesday 12 On guard all daylight.
Wednesday 13 Returned from guard today at 10 o’clock.
Thursday, August 14, 1862 Packed up and start for the camp and stayed all night in the woods after walking one mile.
Friday 15 This forenoon marched by hitches. The captain orders a forced march until four o’clock in the morning.
Saturday 16 Found myself on the Chickahominy River. 4 o’clock and on the road for Williamsburg. March until 1 o’clock and stopped 2 miles beyond the city.
Sunday, August 17, 1862 Started this morning at 7 oc. for Yorktown and passed through the forts at noon. Camped in our old campground before Fort McGruder.
Monday 18 Started at 6 o’clock. Marched 25 miles to Hampton and bivouacked for the night. Today carried the colors all day as usual on this march.
Tuesday 19 Marched back to Newport News and here embark for Acquia Creek and sailed at dark on the ship Belvidere.
Wednesday, August 20, 1862 Landed this afternoon at the mouth of Acquia Cr. And marched 6 miles and camped to guard the wagon trains and R. Road.
Thursday 21 Forward march this march to Fredericksburg and camp 2 miles beyond. Pretty well worn out. Started tonight at 11 o’clock on to Rappahannock River.
Friday 22 Passed through Falmouth city and keep up quick time until sundown, then camped on the bank of the Rappahannock River.
Saturday, August 23, 1862 Rained all night without tents, pretty hard fare. Grub scarce.
Sunday 24 Laid in camp all day. Had orders to move and laid nearly all day.
Monday 25 Went out scouting. Got some milk and corn biscuit, apples, etc.
Tuesday, August 26, 1862 Got corn at Mrs. Jones and we got milk, ho cakes and I cut some apart with a knife. Owe Liz Jones $3
Wednesday 27 Started this morning on the road to Warrington Station. Passed at noon. Camped at Warrington Junction, 22 miles. Our Corps today are the advance.
Thursday 28 Camped on Bull Run battlefield. Fell in at 2 o’clock am and marched, very slow all day. Passed over yesterdays battlefield, engagement between Jackson and Hooker. March towards Manassas Junction some 15 miles.
Friday, August 29, 1862 This morning heavy cannonading at the Gap. Passed through Manassas Junction today, At 7 am saw some of our wounded from the Gap.
Saturday 30 Arrived at Centreville this afternoon. Heavy fighting at the stone bridge. Passed through Bull Runs forts this morning and got breakfast at noon. Last night laid under heavy cannonading for about __ hours. Tonight in the rifle pits at Centreville.
Civil War photographers Barnard and Gibson took this photograph of the fortifications on the Heights at Centerville, Virginia March of 1862.
Sunday 31 Rained very hard and all still long the lines this morning. Camped today and night within the breastworks of Centreville. A little cannonading today.
Monday, September 1, 1862 Laid inside of the forts at Centreville until daylight. Started back for Wash.
Tuesday 2 Passed through Fairfax at noon and then march on to Langdonsville, where we camped for the night on the road to the Chain Bridge.
Wednesday 3 Rec’d one letter from Mother. Started in the morning at 7 and marched to our old campground on Miners Hill in front of Arlington Heights.
Thursday, September 4, 1862 Rec’d and answered a letter from home and Mt. Clemens. Thursday got breakfast at Mrs. Gembys once again and more milk. Returned to camp and fell in the ranks to go out with the soldiers attacked on picket. Rec’d one letter, Lydia.
Friday 5 All quiet today. Sent a paper to Sylvania.
Saturday, September 6, 1862 Mustered out of service this afternoon. Tonight ordered out, stuck tents, and burned all we could not take with us. Sleep on Munsel’s Hill on the road to Albany Bridge.
Sunday, September 7, 1862 Doing duty on picket by eating and sleeping at Falls Church. Withdrew all the cannon from Ft. Buffalo and Munsel Hill.
Monday 8 Still our regt. is on picket at Falls Church in Fairfax Cty, Va. I have nothing to do being color bearer.
Tuesday 9 Sleep in the church last night. Rec. our knapsacks. Co. D are still doing picket duty on the turnpike to Alexandria.
Wednesday, September 10, 1862 Still on advance picket at Falls Church. Have plenty to eat. Rec’d a letter from Mt. Clemens tonight.
Thursday 11 Mailed a letter and money to Willy’s school written in a church that Gen’l Washington built in Va. Rain very hard.
Friday 12 Awoke this morning at 3 o’clock and ordered across the Potomac. Marched through the city Wash. And on 15 miles towards Frederick. Camped at 7 o’clock.
Saturday, September 13, 1862 Started on march at daybreak, made 20 miles, camped by. Pretty tired and foot sore. Get a lorey, well, hire a horse, all the while to carry my luggage.
Sunday 14 Commenced our march again at 5 o’clock. Passed through three towns and camped by the river Monocacy at Frederick City. Heavy cannonading all day.
Monday 15 Passed through Frederick City and camped to the west of Middletown, on the Blue Ridge Mtn.
Tuesday, September 16, 1862 Passed over yesterdays battlefield. Saw a great number of dead secesh and prisoners. Still driving the rebels camp on the battlefield.
Wednesday 17 This morning supporting the batteries under heavy cannonading, and continued all day in the same position. Tonight our men hold the battlefield fought at the heights of Keedysville.
Union positions as of 6 pm September 17, 1862 during the Maryland Campaign. (Map courtesy of the Library of Congress).
Thursday 18 Today all quiet except a little skirmish and firing of the pickets. Still supporting the batteries on the hills camped here on Sharpsburg Heights on the battlefield.
Friday, September 19, 1862 Passed through the city of Sharpsburg this morning. Rebels under full skedaddle and catched them at the Potomac. Our reg. made a charge and crossed the river and took six cannon, then recrossed again about 12 0’clock. Lost one capt. and 12 others.
Saturday 20 This morning at daybreak waded the river and reconnoitered, returned and had a fight with cannon all day. Supported the batteries as usual today. Camped in our old ground.
Sunday 21 Today sent a flag of truce over the river to get our wounded, also supported the batteries in front and on picket.
Monday, September 22, 1862 Moved our camp a little to (unfinished entry)
Saturday 27 Mailed one letter to Mt. Clemens.
Sunday, September 28, 1862 This week been putting on speculating in bread and pies, apples, etc.
Monday 29 This week been putting on speculating in bread and pies, apples, etc.
Tuesday 30 This week been putting on speculating in bread and pies, apples, etc.
Saturday, October 4, 1862 Laying in camp.
Sunday 5 Laying in camp
Monday 6 Laying in camp
Friday, October 10, 1862 Mailed one letter to Mt. C.
Saturday 11 Mailed one letter to brother Judd and one to Milwaukee. Sent a paper to Aunt C.
Sunday 12 Mailed a letter home with the recommendation (?) ___ in
Monday, October 13, 1862 Laying in camp and doing nothing. Battalion drill and dress parade. My duty constitutes.
Tuesday 14 Laying in camp and doing nothing. Battalion drill and dress parade. My duty constitutes.
Wednesday 15 Laying in camp and doing nothing. Battalion drill and dress parade. My duty constitutes.
Thursday, October 16, 1862 Mailed on letter brother at home, Sylvania one, and one to Mt. C. this afternoon. Crossed the river in a scouting party.
Friday 17 Returned tonight after driving the rebels 10 miles with them close in our rear.
Sunday, October 19, 1862 Mailed a letter to Judd to Jackson City, Mich. Still in camp at Sharpsburg.
Wednesday, October 22, 1862 Mailed a letter home to Helen today.
Thursday 23 This evening had the colored measles and am pretty sick.
Monday 27 Mailed a letter to Mt. C. this morn and sent my likeness.
Tuesday, October 28, 1862 Rec’d a letter from brother Sted this morning.
Thursday 30 Mailed one letter to Mt. C. this morning in answer to one mailed the 24th, rec’d last night by me.
Friday, October 31, 1862 Started for Harpers Ferry tonight. Travel all night.
Saturday. November 1 Took breakfast 2 miles from the city. Passed through and camped 5 miles on the road to Snickers Gap. Here we got sweet potatoes and other vegetables, and soft bread. Muster out of service today.
Sunday 2 Marched on today and stopped at Snickers gap, at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, near Snickersville.
Monday, November 3, 1862 Today reviewed by Gen’l. Griffin and inspected . Still in camp now in the valley.
Brevet Major General Charles Griffin in command of the First Division of the Fifth Army Corps
Tuesday 4 Moved onward again today. Passed through Middletown and camped on a hill. Pretty timid and very cold weather.
Wednesday 5 Started at 6 o’clock and marched within ½ mile of White Plain and camped in the woods, cold and in a snowstorm, wet and freezing.
Thursday, November 6, 1862 Started again at 6 am and made a forward march within 4 miles of Warrington City and camped for the night.
Friday 7 Still in camp doing camp duty and drill.
Saturday 8 Rec’d one letter from home and one from Milwaukee.
Sunday, November 9, 1862 Moved camp within a half mile of the city. The wind blows very cold. Mailed one letter home to Clio.
Monday 10 Today reviewed by McClellan for the last time and carried the banner of the Fourth Mich. Reg.
Wednesday, November 12, 1862 Reviewed by Gen’l Fitz Porter for the last time.
Friday 14 Today reviewed by Gen’l Hooker.
Saturday, November 15 Brother Uriel made me a visit and stayed overnight. Uriel 22 years old.
Sunday 16 Then, and now 57, July 9, 1899 14 February /90 (Written by Uriel)
Monday 17 Broke up camp this morning at Warrington and marched 2 miles beyond the junction at noon. Tonight marched 8 miles from the junction.
Tuesday, November 18, 1862 On the road at 8 o’clock. Traveled all day with a heavy pack, made 15 miles. Camped in the open field. Rained all day at intervals.
Wednesday 19 Cloudy and rainy and on the road to Fredericksburg. Camped tonight within 8 miles of the city. Rained all night. We are being in solid mass, the whole corps.
Fredericksburg, Virginia during the war ( Library of Congress)
Thursday 20 Moved. Camp 5 miles nearer the city and camped.
Friday, November 21, 1862 Mailed a letter home and rec’d one and also one from Mt. C.
Saturday 22 Mailed a letter to Miss Stook.
Tuesday 25 Rec’d and mailed a letter to and from Jackson City, Mich.
Wedenesday 26 Rec’d and mailed a letter to and from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Thursday, November 27, 1862 Went over to steamer Irvin (?) to see my brother Uriel. Stayed all night. Dixie US / (?)
Friday 28 Mailed a letter to Miss Stook, Lib. Best Girl
Saturday 29 Goodbye for the latrine.
Sunday, November 30, 1862 Laying in camp doing nothing, but attend dress parade in the evening.
Monday, December 1 Laying in camp doing nothing, but attend dress parade in the evening.
Tuesday 2 Laying in camp doing nothing, but attend dress parade in the evening.
Wednesday 10 Went to Falmouth a-day.
Thursday 11 Commence bombarding Fredericksburg at 5 am and moved to the front.
Witnessed by Sergeant U. S. Farrar
Friday, December 12, 1862 Moved down to the station on the Rappahanock and watched the bombardment. Camped here tonight. Three Corps cross into Fredericksburg.
Saturday 13 Commenced sieging again this morning at 9 o’clock and 11 o’clock heavy musketry and cannonading.
This was my brother D. Clint Farrar ‘s diary…Uriel Farrar I saw his regiment on the battlefield Fredericksburg, Va. ,and Clint was shot 3 times before he dropped the flag. Dixie
On this day Clint was wounded through the wrist and arm and breast. Died at one o’clock and buried, and his name on his headboard and his name cut on a tree Farrar, and a compass N.
The back end leaf of Dewitt Clinton Farrar’s diary with his soldier’s plea.
Diary’s back leaf inscription:
If I fall on the battlefield, please do me the favor to inform my parents which reside in St. Clair County
Address Manson Farrar Columbus St. Clair Co. Mich.
D. C. Farrar Private in company B 4 Mich. Regt.
You will have the thanks of a soldier
Diary’s back end page inscription:
Directions to my family
Mr. J. S. Farrar Capt. 5 Mich. Reg. Company B Union Army
Miss Libbie Stook Mt. Clemens Mich.
Mr. Manson Farrar Columbus St. Clair Co. Mich. is my father
Miss Lillian Fletcher Sylvania Ohio
Crossing Hell on a Wooden Bridge 