Osband's entries from January 1-April 1, 1863 mainly focus on the progress of the war, Osband's ongoing correspondence with his soon-to-be wife Louise (m. February 3, 1864), and his new role as a hospital worker. Osband's entries jump around from time to time and there are no entries from April 2, 1863-September 30, 1864. When he picks back up on October 1, 1864, Osband's entries mostly discusses battlefield reports, his tasks with the 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics, and his mustering out process (completed October 31, 1864). In addition, Osband observes the damage done to the city of Atlanta in the aftermath of the Union siege and he complains about the drinking habits of his superiors. After the diary entries end (the last entry is November 13, 1864), Osband includes home remedy "receipts" for various maladies including burns and "rheumatis." After the war, he uses the diary to keep track of his financial transactions and expenses, the names and addresses of his fellow soldiers in Company H, and his distance traveled via railroad.
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