Gilbert Thompson was an exceptional young man. Raised in the experimental, reformist community of Hopedale, Mass., he received a thorough education that included at least some artistic instruction. It was likely his skill at drawing that prompted him to join a planned company of topographical engineers in November 1861 when he was 21. Because of poor recruitment results, though, that company was never fully organized, and Thompson and fellow recruits were transferred to Company B of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which later became part of the U.S. Engineer Battalion that served with the Army of the Potomac throughout the war.
Thompson kept at his artwork during his service and used it to illustrate written journals of his wartime experience. About 15 years after the conflict, he went back to his journal and added material, producing a hybrid of wartime writings and recollections, though it is possible to differentiate the eras from another. Some of Thompson’s wartime entries and sketches, many produced during the Army of the Potomac’s camp at Brandy Station, Va., in the winter of 1863-64, are presented here. Spelling has been left as found, and brackets have been inserted around material added for clarity.
Nov. 1861.
Thurs. 21.
Too-morrow morning I am for Boston, thence to Fort Warren [corrected to “Fort Independence”] as a soldier. I was down yesterday and was examined. I am to go in the Topographical Engineers (Co. A).
Nov. 22. 1861.
Off to the wars with other intelligent men. I have joined the Topographical Engineers (Co. A) sworn in today, A fine day in prospect; Hopedale never seemed so gay as last night. Two weddings and light and mirth, music and song…. Though I am going away to encounter I know not what, yet I feel a buoyancy, an exulting spirit; whether I am possessed or not I am happy.
FORT INDEPENDENCE, BOSTON HARBOR.
Dec. 1861.
Sun. 29th
On the opposite side of the table () from me
