I'd love to write and read norvels too

October 27, 1861 - I rose quite early this morning had quite a bad rest last night. It drizzled rain all night I built a large fire eat my Breakfast &c As this Sunday I ought to read the Bible but as I have none I will read a norvel. This is a beautiful day. I would like to spend a few hours at my old Homestead. I took a nap & when I awoke Black had bought a nice fat Pig which we Barbequed elegantly. After dinner our Three Companies were called into a line & orders were read to us, Bill, Black & I then cut two or three Trees down made a fine log heep fire & fixed our Bush hut finely. We then took a nice supper. We have fared as well so far as in camp. But I guess we will be put on posts tomorrow.

Source: Civil War Diary d'A.L. Peel