June 30,1863 
 
Dear Diary, 

Today was an interesting experience. I live in deep
thought about my immediate future based upon this 
day's events. To start with, I was awakened at dawn 
by Private Killrain with the news of new arrivals to 
my command. There are 120 "mutineers" currently under 
my command it would seem. I was informed that these 
men had enlisted with the second Maine regiment with 
a group of their friends. 

The problem is that the second Maine was disbanded and 
those members of it that were the first to enlist had 
only signed up for two years. These 120 men, however, 
ended up signing three year enlistments. The rest of the 
regiment went home while these men were detained. I guess 
I shouldn't be surprised, with the more than frequent 
changes of command in this army, that there would be mass 
confusion in this situation. In any event these men were 
assigned to my command because we are from the same state. 

In the midst of receiving these men, orders came from Col. 
Vincent that the corps was moving out headed towards a town 
called Gettysburg. I was ordered to send out advanced guards 
and flankers. This only means one thing:THE ENEMY IS NEAR!

Rumor has it that it is the entire Reb army. Upon reciept of 
this news I decided That I had better turn these mutineers 
back into fighting men. I outlined the reasons that we are 
all here of which there are different ones for different 
soldiers. After delivering my speech I ordered that those 
men be fed. We then marched the remainder of the day towards
Gettysburg. 

I feel that this fight will determine the fate of this nation. 
I pray that God gives me the presence of mind to succesfully
lead my men in the fight we are about to enter. I hope I'm 
here to write more at this time tomorrow.

Joshua L. Chamberlain