Thursday, May 28, 1863. "They know plainly what freedom means."

Two Shoulder bars, which belonged to Capt. Robert B. Arms, Co. B 16th Vermont
(Gettysburg College Digital Collections)

"May 28. No change in the condition of affairs in our brigade for the past few days. Contrabands are daily arriving at this point, and most of them are very intelligent. They know plainly what freedom means, and in order to secure it are taking leg-bail for the Union lines." ~ John C. Williams, Corporal, Co. B, 14th Regiment, Life in Camp 124 (1864)

"Thursday 28th. Battalion drill in A.M. & Co. drill in P.M. & dress parade; about 5 hours drill in all. Hot & uncomfortable. Drilling all the rage, now, & I do not doubt we shall get enough of it, for our own pleasure." ~ Diary of Horace Barlow(UVM), 123, Horace Barlow, Pvt., Co. C, 12th Regiment