The fight comenced a
little before the sun rose And we was plast (placed) in a line of Battel And
was expecting to go in to it evry minuet but we staid there all day and was not
cauld on; General Longstreet divishion don the most of the fighting on Sunday
And from that time till the 11th we stade in the Swamp down on Chickahominy
River
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 20-1
we left Chickahominy
And went to Richmond and taken the cars and went to the Junction that night And
the next morning we left thar And about a hour befour the sun set we arived at
Linchburg
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 21
we stade at
Linchburg
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 21
we got on the cars
about dark and the next morning we found our relief at Sharlottsvill
(Charlottesville) which was about 75 miles from Linchburg And we chainged cars
at that plase
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 21
we traveld threw the
Mountins And about too hours befour the sun set we got to the little town cauld
Staunton And we stade ther tell the 18
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 21
And the 18 which was
just twelve months from the time I taken the oath we left Staunton And marched
about 15 miles wright back the railroad the way we came down And stade all
night at a little town cauld Wainsborough (Waynesboro) clost to the Turnel
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 21
we croust over the Blew
ridg and marched to Mitchiners River And staid thar all night
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 21
[On the morning of
the 21th] we taken the cars at Mitchiners River and road up to Sharlottsvill
And then taken a railroad thar that went to Gordnesvill And we got to
Gordnesvill about 2 oclock in the eavning and we taken the Richmond Railroad
thar And road about 25 miles toward Richmond at a station cauld Frederickshall
And thar we got off
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 21
we stade at
Frederickshall
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 21
And also the 22 we
stade thar
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 21
we started out again
on our march and marched all day long threw the hot sun and dust for it was
very hot and dusty the 23 but it raind that night.
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 21
we still continued
our rout and when we stopt for night we was in 6 miles of Ashland
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 21
we travield all day long and at night we campt a mile west of Ashland
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 22
we travield sloley
down the Chickahominy River driving in the pickets as we went
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 22
we still went on and
about 3 oclock in the eavning we come up with the main body of the Yankees (at
Cold Harbor) and attacked them And from that time untell dark we had a wright
warm time of it But we whipt them And in our company A. Burk was kild and A.
Tucker and Page was slitley wounded
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 22
we marched about a
mile the other side of the battle field and stade thar all day
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 22
we stade at the same
place And about 2 oclock in the eavning we had orders to fall in to march but
we did not go And as we was stacking our armes again one of Captain Tates men
shot another one threw the thigh but it was don axidentley
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 22
we was rousted up
about too oclock in the night and about day break we started out again And
crost the Chickahominy River and marched untell we came to the York river
Railroad 8 miles below Richmond And then we taken down the Railroad and about 2
hours befour sunset we come to a little creak whar the Yankees had burnt the
bridg And left sum of thir peases thar to bumb us so we couldent build the
bridge untell they could get thir armey futher along, And we never got the
bridge built untell next morning about a half of a hour by sun
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 22
Clifden. was married yesterday by special licence at St. James's Church. The bride was lovely to behold, full of grace and graciousness of demeanour. There was a sumptuous luncheon after the ceremony at Spencer House, but fortunately no toasts or speeches.
A curious despatch written by Prince Gortchakoff to the Russian minister at Washington, and to be shown to Mr. Seward, has been published in the American and English newspapers. It professes warm interest in the American Union and people; deplores the present state of things, and strongly urges the Government to try and come to some agreement which shall put an end to the war. Mr. Seward confines himself to a courteous reply, thanking the Russian Government for the interest shown by them in the internal differences 'which for a time have threatened the American Union.' The Times' remarks (probably justly) on this correspondence, that the advice it contains is excellent, but obviously not to be taken by a proud and obstinate people—more blood must be shed, and more treasure squandered, before the counsels of St. Petersburg will be listened to by the United States.
SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 401-2
Hatchford. I have been at Frognal and Hillingdon and came here yesterday. When at the former place I received a letter from Fanny Kemble, who declares there is not a man in the Northern States who is not convinced that the South will be conquered—whether or no they can be coerced back into the Union is another question, and can only be settled when they are reduced to make peace. She complains of the evident sympathy of this country with the South, which she says is very apparent, notwithstanding the professed neutrality of the Government. I reply that we have no sympathy with either party, and all we wish is that the war should come to an end.
At Hillingdon I assisted at a pretty concert in the Town Hall, composed of Georgy Greville's choir, and that of Ickenham, and assisted by Miss Grosvenor, Seymour Egerton,1 and B. Mitford. They sang glees, madrigals, &c., and acquitted themselves in a manner to do credit to their teacher.
From thence I went to pay a visit to the Ponsonbys at Windsor, where I met Granville, just returned from Berlin, where he said all had passed off very well, and the Fêtes very handsome.
I have a letter from Naples to-day stating that everything there is in a very unsatisfactory state. Brigandage is busy at the very gates of the city. Indeed all Europe may be said to be in a very anxious state. France is in the midst of great financial embarrassment, owing to a bad harvest, to the reckless extravagance of the Government and Court, and above all to the American war. Russia is much agitated by the question of the emancipation of the Serfs, which has been much mismanaged, as also by the state of Poland, added to which their finances are in a deplorable condition. Of Austria and Italy it is needless to speak, and there does not appear to be any master mind in any country capable of dealing with great difficulties.
The Queen held an investiture of the new Indian order, 'The Star of India,' on Friday at Windsor. The Prince Consort and the Prince of Wales were first invested privately, and entered the throne-room with the Queen, wearing their blue satin mantles. Dhuleep Sing, Lords Combermere, Gough, and Clyde, and Lord Harris, Sir T. Lawrence and Sir J. Pollock, with two or three more, were invested. Lord Combermere, however, was prevented by illness from attending. Lord Ellenborough refused the order, and in doing so said that he had accepted an earldom and a Bath merely that he might be 'righted with posterity,' and that he wanted no further honours. The order is a cameo of the Queen's head set in diamonds and with the collar costs 900l. These insignia are given by the Crown, but are to be returned on the death of the holders. I believe Canning thinks there may be some difficulty in procuring the restoration of the order from the Indian Princes.
_______________
1 Afterwards third Earl of Wilton.
SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 407-9
Wrest. I came here on Monday. The party is composed of Dowager Lady Spencer and Lady Sarah, Lord and Lady Proby, Dufferin, A. Egerton, E. Lascelles, H. Calcraft, and Arthur Scott.
This morning I was startled by a paragraph in the 'Globe' stating that intelligence had reached London last night that an American frigate, the 'San Giacinto,' had stopped the Royal Mail steamer 'Trent' bearing the British flag. That the 'Trent' had been boarded by armed men, who forcibly seized Messrs. Mason and Slidell, envoys from the Confederate States to France and England. The captain of the 'Trent' was unable to offer any resistance, and these gentlemen were carried off under protest. This is a very serious affair, and is sure to rouse the British Lion. A Cabinet was at once summoned.
SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 410-1
London. I came back yesterday, and this morning heard that the Cabinet had decided, on the advice of the law officers, that the act of the American officer is entirely illegal, and a demand is to be at once sent for the immediate release of Messrs. Mason and Slidell, and for an apology for the outrage. Every one I meet deems it very improbable that the Americans will agree to this demand, and that war will be declared before long. The case is well put in a 'Times' article.
Dined at Flahault's. Granville, Pahlen, Bagots, &c. It is hoped some tidings of the effect produced at Washington by the seizure of the Confederate envoys may be brought by the 'Persia,' which is due to morrow.
There was a meeting the other day at which the Duke of Cambridge presided, and which was very numerously attended, to consider of a fitting tribute to the memory of Sidney Herbert. Granville told me he had never seen a more sympathetic audience, or had heard better speaking. It was resolved that a statue should be erected and subscriptions be raised for the endowment of exhibitions or gold medals in connection with the Army Medical School at Chatham, and to be given at the end of each course in instruction to the candidates for commissions who show the greatest proficiency in the art of preserving the health of troops both at home and in the field.
SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 411-2
London. The 'Persia' arrived at Queenstown yesterday, having left New York on the 20th. The American newspapers are full of quotations of precedents, to prove that the seizure of Messrs. Mason and Slidell is no breach of international law, and urge that promotion and testimonials should be conferred on Commodore Wilkes for his 'spirited conduct.' Messrs. Mason and Slidell had been conveyed to Fort Warren. No one here seems to think the American Government, even if so disposed, will be permitted by the mob which governs the country to make the required apology to us.
There was a council on Saturday, when a proclamation was issued forbidding the export of saltpetre. It appears to have been the design of the United States Government to lay up a store of that commodity sufficient for a long war, and in a week or two the whole stock to be found here (we have almost a monopoly of it) would have been shipped off. In the present state of affairs it is a wise precaution to defeat this scheme.
SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 412
Hatchford. It was asserted some days ago, and it was generally believed, that old General Scott, who has lately come to France from America, had stated that the seizure of Mason and Slidell had been determined on by the Cabinet at Washington. The General has written a letter to the United States Consul at Havre (I believe), denying that he had ever said anything of the kind, and expressing his own opinion (without, however, pretending to know what may be that of the U. S. Government), that this affair ought not to lead to war between the two countries, but affirming at the same time that 'no impartial man could say that rebels carrying despatches were not contraband of war.' This letter is so far important that it seems to prove that there was no foregone conclusion on the part of the Washington Cabinet.
SOURCE: Alice Countess of Stratford, Leaves from the Diary of Henry Greville: 1857-1861, p. 412-3
General Beauregard
has been ordered to make arrangements to defend the railroad in North Carolina
against Stoneman. Generals Echols and Martin are directed to co-operate and
obey his orders.
R. E. LEE.
SOURCE: The
War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 47, Part 3 (Serial No. 100), p. 736
The undersigned,
members of the Legislature of the State of Virginia, in connection with a
number of the citizens of the State, whose names are attached to this paper, in
view of the evacuation of the City of Richmond by the Confederate Government,
and its occupation by the military authorities of the United States, the
surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, and the suspension of the
jurisdiction of the civil power of the State, are of opinion that an immediate
meeting of the General Assembly of the State is called for by the exigencies of
the situation.
The consent of the
military authorities of the United States to the session of the Legislature in
Richmond, in connection with the Governor and Lietenant-Governor, to their free
deliberation upon public affairs, and to the ingress and departure of all its
members under safe conducts, has been obtained.
The United States
authorities will afford transportation from any point under their control to
any of the persons before mentioned.
The matters to be
submitted to the Legislature are the restoration of peace to the State of
Virginia, and the adjustment of questions involving life, liberty, and
property, that have arisen in the State as a consequence of the war.
We therefore
earnestly request the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and members of the
Legislature to repair to this city by the 25th April (instant).
We understand that
full protection to persons and property will be afforded in the State, and we
recommend to peaceful citizens to remain at their homes and pursue their usual
avocations, with confidence that they will not be interrupted.
We earnestly solicit
the attendance in Richmond, on or before the 25th of April (instant), of the
following persons, citizens of Virginia, to confer with us as to the best means
of restoring peace to the State of Virginia. We have procured safe conduct from
the military authorities of the United States for them to enter the city and
depart without molestation: Hon. R. M. T. Hunter, A. T. Caperton, Wm. C. Rives,
John Letcher, A. H. H. Stuart, R. L. Montague, Fayette McMullen, J. P.
Holcombe, Alexander Rives, B. Johnson Barbour, James Barbour, Wm. L. Goggin, J.
B. Baldwin, Thomas S. Gholson, Waller Staples, S. D. Miller, Thomas J.
Randolph, Wm T. Early, R. A. Claybrook, John Critcher, Wm. Towns, T. H. Eppes,
and those other persons for whom passports have been procured and especially
forwarded that we consider it to be unnecessary to mention.
A. J.
Marshall, Senator, Fauquier; James Neeson, Senator, Marion; James Venable,
Senator elect, Petersburg; David I. Burr, of House of Delegates, Richmond City;
David J. Saunders, of House of Delegates, Richmond City; L. S. Hall, of House
of Delegates, Wetzel County; J. J. English, of House of Delegates, Henrico
County; Wm. Ambers, of House of Delegates, Chesterfield County; A. M. Keily, of
House of Delegates, Petersburg; H. W. Thomas, Second Auditor of Virginia; St.
L. L. Moncure, Chief Clerk Second Auditor's office; Joseph Mayo, Mayor of City
of Richmond; Robert Howard, Clerk of Hustings Court, Richmond City; Thomas U.
Dudley, Sergeant Richmond City; Littleton Tazewell, Commonwealth's Attorney,
Richmond City; Wm. T. Joynes, Judge of Circuit Court, Petersburg; John A.
Meredith, Judge of Circuit Court, Richmond; Wm. H. Lyons, Judge of Hustings
Court, Richmond; Wm. C. Wickham, Member of Congress, Richmond District; Benj.
S. Ewell, President of William and Mary College; Nat. Tyler, Editor Richmond
Enquirer; R. F. Walker, Publisher of Examiner; J. R. Anderson, Richmond; R. R.
Howison, Richmond; W. Goddin, Richmond; P. G. Bayley, Richmond; F. J. Smith,
Richmond; Franklin Stearns, Henrico; John Lyons, Petersburg; Thomas B. Fisher,
Fauquier; Wm. M. Harrison, Charles City; Cyrus Hall, Ritchie; Thomas W.
Garnett, King and Queen; James A. Scott, Richmond.
SOURCES: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 477-8; “To The People of
Virginia,” The Richmond Whig,
Richmond, Virginia, April 12, 1865, p. 1
Copy of order to be
published in the city paper to-morrow, April 14: Owing to recent events the
call for the reassembling of the gentlemen recently acting as the legislature
of Virginia is rescinded. Should any of the gentlemen come to the city under
the notice of the reassembling, already published, they will be furnished with
passports to return to their homes.
SOURCE: The
War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 46, Part 3 (Serial No. 97), p. 735
Clear and pleasant.
Walked to the department. We have vague and incoherent accounts from excited
couriers of fighting, without result, in Dinwiddie County, near the South Side
Railroad.
It is rumored that a
battle will probably occur in that vicinity to-day.
I have leave of
absence, to improve my health; and propose accompanying my daughter Anne, next
week, to Mr. Hobson's mansion in Goochland County. The Hobsons are opulent, and
she will have an excellent asylum there, if the vicissitudes of the war do not
spoil her calculations. I shall look for angling streams: and if successful,
hope for both sport and better health.
The books at the
conscript office show a frightful list of deserters or absentees without
leave-60,000—all Virginians. Speculation !
Jno. M. Daniel, editor
of the Examiner, is dead.
The following
dispatch from Gen. Lee is just (10 A.M.) received:
HEADQUARTERS, April 1st, 1865.
HIS
EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT DAVIS.
Gen.
Beauregard has been ordered to make arrangements to defend the railroad in
North Carolina against Stoneman. Generals Echols and Martin are directed to co-operate,
and obey his orders.
R. E. LEE.
A rumor (perhaps a
1st of April rumor) is current that a treaty has been signed between the
Confederate States Government and Maximilian.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 464
Bright and beautiful.
The tocsin was sounded this morning at daybreak, and the militia ordered to the
fortifications, to relieve some regiments of Longstreet's corps, posted on this
side of the river. These latter were hurried off to Petersburg, where a battle
is impending, I suppose, if not in progress.
A street rumor says
there was bloody fighting yesterday a little beyond Petersburg, near the South
Side Road, in which Gen. Pickett's division met with fearful loss, being
engaged with superior numbers. It is said the enemy's line of intrenchments was
carried once or twice, but was retaken, and remained in their hands.
I hear nothing of
all this at the department; but the absence of dispatches there is now
interpreted as bad news! Certain it is, the marching of veteran troops from the
defenses of Richmond, and replacing them hurriedly with militia, can only
indicate an emergency of alarming importance. A decisive struggle is probably
at hand—and may possibly be in progress while I write. Or there may be nothing
in it—more than a precautionary concentration to preserve our communications.
Mrs. Davis sold
nearly all her movables—including presents— before leaving the city. She sent
them to different stores.
An intense
excitement prevails, at 2 P.M. It pervaded the churches. Dr. Hoge intermitted
his services. Gen. Cooper and the President left their respective churches, St.
James's and St. Paul's. Dr. Minnegerode, before dismissing his congregation,
gave notice that Gen. Ewell desired the local forces to assemble at 3 P. M. and
afternoon services will not be held. The excited women in this neighborhood say
they have learned the city is to be evacuated to-night.
No doubt our army
sustained a serious blow yesterday; and Gen. Lee may not have troops sufficient
to defend both the city and the Danville Road at the same time.
It is true! The
enemy have broken through our lines and attained the South Side Road. Gen. Lee
has dispatched the Secretary to have everything in readiness to evacuate the
city to-night. The President told a lady that Lieut. Gen. Hardee was only
twelve miles distant, and might get up in time to save the day. But then
Sherman must be in his rear. There is no wild excitement—yet. Gen. Kemper was at the department looking for Gen. Ewell, and
told me he could find no one to apply to for orders. The banks will move
to-night. Eight trains are provided for the transportation of the archives,
etc. No provision for civil employees and their families.
At 6 P.M. I saw the
Hon. James Lyons, and asked him what he intended to do. He said many of his
friends advised him to leave, while his inclination was to remain with his sick
family. He said, being an original secessionist, his friends apprehended that
the Federals would arrest him the first man, and hang him. I told him I
differed with them, and believed his presence here might result in benefit to
the population.
Passing down Ninth
Street to the department, I observed quite a number of men—some in uniform, and
some of them officers—hurrying away with their trunks. I believe they are not
allowed to put them in the cars.
The Secretary of War
intends to leave at 8 P.M. this evening. The President and the rest of the
functionaries, I suppose, will leave at the same time.
I met Judge Campbell
in Ninth Street, talking rapidly to himself, with two books under his arm,
which he had been using in his office. He told me that the chiefs of bureaus
determined which clerks would have transportation-embracing only a small
proportion of them, which I found to be correct.
At the department I
learned that all who had families were advised to remain. No compulsion is seen
anywhere; even the artisans and mechanics of the government shops are left free
to choose to go or to stay.
A few squads of
local troops and reserves-guards—may be seen marching here and there. Perhaps
they are to burn the tobacco, cotton, etc., if indeed anything is to be burned.
Lee must have met
with an awful calamity. The President said to several ladies to-day he had
hopes of Hardee coming up in time to save Lee—else Richmond must succumb. He
said he had done his best, etc. to save it. Hardee is distant two or three
days' march.
The negroes stand
about mostly silent, as if wondering what will be their fate. They make no
demonstrations of joy.
Several hundred
prisoners were brought into the city this afternoon-captured yesterday. Why
they were brought here I am at a loss to conjecture. Why were they not paroled
and sent into the enemy's lines?
At night. All is yet
quiet. No explosion, no conflagration, no riots, etc. How long will this
continue? When will the enemy come?
It was after 2
o'clock P.M. before the purpose to evacuate the city was announced; and the
government had gone at 8 P.M.! Short notice! and small railroad facilities to
get away. All horses were impressed.
There is a report
that Lieut.-Gen. A. P. Hill was killed, and that Gen. Lee was wounded.
Doubtless it was a battle of great magnitude, wherein both sides had all their
forces engaged.
I remain here,
broken in health and bankrupt in fortune, awaiting my fate, whatever it may be.
I can do no more. If I could, I would.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 465-7
Another clear and
bright morning. It was a quiet night, with its million of stars. And yet how
few could sleep, in anticipation of the entrance of the enemy! But no enemy
came until 9 A.M., when some 500 were posted at the Capitol Square. They had
been waited upon previously by the City Council, and the surrender of the city
stipulated—to occur this morning. They were asked to post guards for the
protection of property from pillage, etc., and promised to do so.
At dawn there were
two tremendous explosions, seeming to startle the very earth, and crashing the
glass throughout the western end of the city. One of these was the blowing up
of the magazine, near the new almshouse—the other probably the destruction of
an iron-clad ram. But subsequently there were others. I was sleeping soundly
when awakened by them.
All night long they
were burning the papers of the Second Auditor's office in the street—claims of
the survivors of deceased soldiers, accounts of contractors, etc.
At 7 A. M. Committees
appointed by the city government visited the liquor shops and had the spirits
(such as they could find) destroyed. The streets ran with liquor; and women and
boys, black and white, were seen filling pitchers and buckets from the gutters.
A lady sold me a
bushel of potatoes in Broad Street for $75, Confederate States money—$5 less
than the price a few days ago.
I bought them at her
request. And some of the shops gave clothing to our last retiring guards.
Goods, etc. at the
government depots were distributed to the poor, to a limited extent, there
being a limited amount.
A dark volume of
smoke rises from the southeastern section of the city, and spreads like a pall
over the zenith. It proceeds from the tobacco warehouse, ignited, I suppose,
hours ago, and now just bursting forth.
At 8½ A.M. The
armory, arsenal, and laboratory (Seventh and Canal Streets), which had been
previously fired, gave forth terrific sounds from thousands of bursting shells.
This continued for more than an hour. Some fragments of shell fell within a few
hundred yards of my house.
The pavements are
filled with pulverized glass.
Some of the great
flour mills have taken fire from the burning government warehouses, and the
flames are spreading through the lower part of the city. A great conflagration
is apprehended.
The doors of the
government bakery (Clay Street) were thrown open this morning, and flour and
crackers were freely distributed, until the little stock was exhausted. I got a
barrel of the latter, paying a negro man $5 to wheel it home—a short distance.
Ten A.M. A battery
(United States) passed my house, Clay Street, and proceeded toward Camp Lee.
Soon after the officers returned, when I asked the one in command if guards
would be placed in this part of the city to prevent disturbance, etc. He
paused, with his suite, and answered that such was the intention, and that
every precaution would be used to preserve order. He said the only disturbances
were caused by our people. I asked if there was any disturbance. He pointed to
the black columns of smoke rising from the eastern part of the city, and
referred to the incessant bursting of shell. I remarked that the storehouses
had doubtless been ignited hours previously. To this he assented, and assuring
me that they did not intend to disturb us, rode on. But immediately meeting two
negro women laden with plunder, they wheeled them to the right about, and
marched them off, to the manifest chagrin of the newly emancipated citizens.
Eleven A.M. I walked
down Brad Street to the Capitol Square. The street was filled with negro troops, cavalry and infantry, and
were cheered by hundreds of negroes at the corners.
I met Mr. T. Cropper
(lawyer from the E. Shore) driving a one-horse wagon containing his bedding and
other property of his quarters. He said he had just been burnt out—at Belom's
Block—and that St. Paul's Church (Episcopal) was, he thought, on fire. This I
found incorrect; but Dr. Reed's (Presbyterian) was in ruins. The leaping and
lapping flames were roaring in Main Street up to Ninth; and Goddin's Building
(late General PostOffice) was on fire, as well as all the houses in Governor
Street up to Franklin.
The grass of Capitol
Square is covered with parcels of goods snatched from the raging conflagration,
and each parcel guarded by a Federal soldier.
A general officer
rode up and asked me what building that was—pointing to the old stone United States
Custom House—late Treasury and State Departments, also the President's office. He
said, "Then it is fire-proof, and the fire will be arrested in this
direction." He said he was sorry to behold such destruction; and regretted
that there was not an adequate supply of engines and other apparatus.
Shells are still
bursting in the ashes of the armory, etc.
All the stores are
closed; most of the largest (in Main Street) have been burned.
There are supposed
to be 10,000 negro troops at Camp Lee, west of my dwelling.
An officer told me,
3 P.M., that a white brigade will picket the city to-night; and he assured the
ladies standing near that there would not be a particle of danger of
molestation. After 9 P.M., all will be required to remain in their houses.
Soldiers or citizens, after that hour, will be arrested. He said we had done
ourselves great injury by the fire, the lower part of the city being in ashes,
and declared that the United States troops had no hand in it. I acquitted them
of the deed, and told him that the fire had spread from the tobacco warehouses
and military depots, fired by our troops as a military necessity.
Four P.M.
Thirty-four guns announced the arrival of President Lincoln. He flitted through
the mass of human beings in Capitol Square, his carriage drawn by four horses,
preceded by out-riders, motioning the people, etc. out of the way, and followed
by a mounted guard of thirty. The cortege passed rapidly, precisely as I had
seen royal parties ride in Europe.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 467-70
Another bright and
beautiful day.
I walked around the
burnt district this morning. Some seven hundred houses, from Main Street to the
canal, comprising the most valuable stores, and the best business
establishments, were consumed. All the bridges across the James were destroyed,
the work being done effectually. Shells were placed in all the warehouses where
the tobacco was stored, to prevent the saving of any.
The War Department
was burned after I returned yesterday; and soon after the flames were arrested,
mainly by the efforts of the Federal troops.
Gen. Weitzel
commanded the troops that occupied the city upon its abandonment.
The troops do not
interfere with the citizens here any more than they do in New York—yet. Last
night everything was quiet, and perfect order prevails.
A few thousand
negroes (mostly women) are idle in the streets, or lying in the Capitol Square,
or crowding about headquarters, at the Capitol.
Gen. Lee's family
remain in the city. I saw a Federal guard promenading in front of the door, his
breakfast being just sent to him from within.
Brig. Gen. Gorgas's
family remain also. They are Northern-born.
It is rumored that
another great battle was fought yesterday, at Amelia Court House, on the
Danville Road, and that Lee, Johnston and Hardee having come up, defeated
Grant. It is only rumor, so far. If it be true, Richmond was evacuated prematurely;
for the local defense troops might have held it against the few white troops
brought in by Weitzel. The negroes never would have been relied on to take it
by assault.
I see many of the
civil employees left behind. It was the merest accident (being Sunday) that any
were apprised, in time, of the purpose to evacuate the city. It was a shameful
abandonment on the part of the heads of departments and bureaus.
Confederate money is
not taken to-day. However, the shops are still closed.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 470
Bright and pleasant.
Stayed with my next
door neighbors at their request last night—all females. It was quiet; and so
far the United States pickets and guards have preserved perfect order.
The cheers that
greeted President Lincoln were mostly from the negroes and Federals comprising
the great mass of humanity. The white citizens felt annoyed that the city
should be held mostly by negro troops. If this measure were not unavoidable, it
was impolitic if conciliation be the purpose.
Mr. Lincoln, after
driving to the mansion lately occupied by Mr. Davis, Confederate States
President, where he rested, returned, I believe, to the fleet at Rocketts.
This morning
thousands of negroes and many white females are besieging the public officers
for provisions. I do not observe any getting them, and their faces begin to
express disappointment.
It is said all the
negro men, not entering the army, will be put to work, rebuilding bridges,
repairing railroads, etc.
I have seen a New
York Herald of the 3d, with dispatches of the 1st and 2d inst. from Mr.
Lincoln, who was at City Point during the progress of the battle. He sums up
with estimate of 12,000 prisoners captured, and 50 guns.
The rumor of a
success by Gen. Lee on Monday is still credited. Per contra, it is reported
that President Davis is not only a captive, but will soon be exhibited in
Capitol Square.
The Rev. Mr.
Dashiell, who visited us to-day, said it was reported and believed that 6000
South Carolina troops threw down their arms; and that a large number of
Mississippians deserted giving such information to the enemy as betrayed our
weak points, etc.
Three P.M. I feel
that this Diary is near its end.
The burnt district
includes all the banks, money-changers, and principal speculators and
extortioners. This seems like a decree from above!
Four P.M. The Square
is nearly vacated by the negroes. An officer told me they intended to put them
in the army in a few days, and that the Northern people did not really like
negro equality any better than we did.
Two rumors prevail:
that Lee gained a victory on Monday, and that Lee has capitulated, with 35,000
men.
The policy of the
conquerors here, I believe, is still undecided, and occupies the attention of
Mr. Lincoln and his cabinet.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 471-2
Showery morning.
I perceive no
change, except, perhaps, a diminution of troops, which seems to confirm the
reports of recent battles, and the probable success of Lee and Johnston. But all
is doubt and uncertainty.
The military
authorities are still reticent regarding the fate of those remaining in
Richmond. We are at their mercy, and prepared for our fate. I except some of
our ladies, who are hysterical, and want to set out on foot "for the
Confederacy."
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 472
Slight showers.
Wm. Ira Smith,
tailor, and part owner of the Whig, has continued the publication as a Union
paper.
I visited the awful
crater of the magazine. One current or stream of fire and bricks knocked down
the east wall of the cemetery, and swept away many head and foot stones,
demolishing trees, plants, etc.
It is said President
Lincoln is still in the city. Dr. Ellison informed me to-day of the prospect of
Judge Campbell's conference with Mr. Lincoln. It appears that the judge had
prepared statistics of our resources in men and materials, showing them to be
utterly inadequate for a prolongation of the contest, and these he exhibited to
certain prominent citizens, whom he wished to accompany him. Whether they were
designed also for the eye of President Lincoln, or whether he saw them, I did
not learn. But one citizen accompanied him—GUSTAVUS A. MYERS, the little old
lawyer, who has certainly cultivated the most friendly relations with all the
members of President Davis's cabinet, and it is supposed he prosecuted a
lucrative business procuring substitutes, obtaining discharges, getting
passports, etc.
The ultimatum of
President Lincoln was Union, emancipation, disbandment of the Confederate
States armies. Then no oath of allegiance would be required, no confiscation
exacted, or other penalty; and the Governor and Legislature to assemble and
readjust the affairs of Virginia without molestation of any character.
Negotiations are in
progress by the clergymen, who are directed to open the churches on Sunday, and
it was intimated to the Episcopalians that they should pray for the President
of the United States. To this they demur, being ordered by the Convention to
pray for the President of the Confederate States. They are willing to omit the
prayer altogether, and await the decision of the military authority on that
proposition.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 472-3
Bright and pleasant
weather.
We are still in
uncertainty as to our fate, or whether an oath of allegiance will be demanded.
Efforts by Judge
Campbell, Jos. R. Anderson, N. P. Tyler, G. A. Myers and others, are being made
to assemble a convention which shall withdraw Virginia from the Confederacy.
Hundreds of civil
employees remained, many because they had been required to volunteer in the
local defense organization or lose their employment, and the fear of being
still further perfidiously dealt with, forced into the army, notwithstanding
their legal exemptions. Most of them had families whose subsistence depended
upon their salaries. It is with governments as with individuals, injustice is
sooner or later overtaken by its merited punishment.
The people are
kinder to each other, sharing provisions, etc. A New York paper says Gen. H. A.
Wise was killed; we hear nothing of this here.
Roger A. Pryor is
said to have remained voluntarily in Petersburg, and announces his abandonment
of the Confederate States cause.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 473
Bright and
beautiful. Rev. Mr. Dashiell called, after services. The prayer for the
President was omitted, by a previous understanding.
Rev. Dr.
Minnegerode, and others, leading clergymen, consider the cause at an end. A
letter from Gen. Lee has been found, and its authenticity vouched for (Rev. Dr.
M. says) by Judge Campbell, in which he avows his conviction that further
resistance will be in vain—but that so long as it is desired, he will do his
utmost in the field.
And Dr. M. has
information of the capture of three divisions of Longstreet since the battle of
Sunday last, with some eight generals among them Lieut.-Gen. Ewell, Major-Gen.
G. W. Custis Lee, etc.
The clergy also seem
to favor a convention, and the resumption by Virginia of her old position in
the Union—minus slavery. Charlottesville has been named as the place for the
assembling of the convention. They also believe that Judge Campbell remained to
treat with the United States at the request of the Confederate States
Government. I doubt. We shall now have no more interference in Cæsar's affairs
by the clergy-may they attend to God's hereafter!
Ten o'clock P.M. A
salute fired—100 guns—from the forts across the river, which was succeeded by
music from all the bands. The guard promenading in front of the house says a
dispatch has been received from Grant announcing the surrender of Lee!
I hear that Gen.
Pickett was killed in the recent battle!
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 473-4
Raining. I was
startled in bed by the sound of cannon from the new southside fort again. I
suppose another hundred guns were fired; and I learn this morning that the
Federals declare, and most people believe, that Lee has really surrendered his
army—if not indeed all the armies.
My Diary is surely
drawing to a close, and I feel as one about to take leave of some old familiar
associate. A habit is to be discontinued and that is no trifling thing to one
of my age. But I may find sufficient employment in revising, correcting, etc.
what I have written. I never supposed it would end in this way.
Ten A.M. It is true!
Yesterday Gen. Lee surrendered the "Army of Northern Virginia." His
son, Custis Lee, and other generals, had surrendered a few days previously. The
men are paroled by regimental commanders, from the muster rolls, and are
permitted to return to their homes and remain undisturbed until exchanged. The
officers to take their side-arms and baggage to their homes, on the same
conditions, etc. There were 290 pieces of artillery belonging to this army a
few weeks ago. This army was the pride, the hope, the prop of the Confederate
cause, and numbered, I believe, on the rolls, 120,000 men. All is lost! No head
can be made by any other general or army—if indeed any other army remains. If
Mr. Davis had been present, he never would have consented to it; and I doubt if
he will ever forgive Gen. Lee.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 474
Cloudy and misty. It
is reported that Gen. Johnston has surrendered his army in North Carolina,
following the example of Gen. Lee. But no salutes have been fired in honor of
the event. The President (Davis) is supposed to be flying toward the
Mississippi River, but this is merely conjectural. Undoubtedly the war is at an
end, and the Confederate States Government will be immediately extinct—its
members fugitives. From the tone of leading Northern papers, we have reason to
believe President Lincoln will call Congress together, and proclaim an amnesty,
etc.
Judge Campbell said
to Mr. Hart (clerk in the Confederate States War Department) yesterday that
there would be no arrests, and no oath would be required. Yet ex-Captain Warner
was arrested yesterday, charged with ill treating Federal prisoners, with
registering a false name, and as a dangerous character. I know the contrary of
all this; for he has been persecuted by the Confederate States authorities for
a year, and forced to resign his commission.
My application to
Gen. Shepley for permission to remove my family to the Eastern Shore, where
they have relatives and friends, and may find subsistence, still hangs fire.
Every day I am told to call the next
day, as it has not been acted upon.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 474-5
Warm and cloudy.
Gen. Weitzel
publishes an order to-day, requiring all ministers who have prayed for the
President of the Confederate States to pray hereafter for the President of the
United States. He will not allow them to omit the prayer.
In answer to my
application for permission to take my family to the Eastern Shore of Virginia,
where among their relations and friends shelter and food may be had, Brevet
Brig.-Gen. Ludlow indorsed: "Disallowed-as none but loyal people, who have
taken the oath, are permitted to reside on the Eastern Shore of Virginia."
This paper I left at Judge Campbell's residence (he was out) for his
inspection, being contrary in spirit to the terms he is represented to have
said would be imposed on us.
At 1 P.M. Another
100 guns were fired in Capitol Square, in honor, I suppose, of the surrender of
JOHNSTON's army. I must go and see.
Captain Warner is
still in prison, and no one is allowed to visit him, I learn.
Three P.M. Saw Judge
Campbell, who will lay my paper before the military authorities for
reconsideration to-morrow. He thinks they have acted unwisely. I said to him
that a gentleman's word was better than an enforced oath—and that if
persecution and confiscation are to follow, instead of organized armies we
shall have bands of assassins everywhere in the field, and the stiletto and the
torch will take the place of the sword and the musket-and there can be no solid
reconstruction, etc. He says he told the Confederate States authorities months
ago that the cause had failed, but they would not listen. He said he had
telegraphed something to Lieut.-Gen. Grant to-day.
The salute some say
was in honor of Johnston's surrender—others say it was for Lee's—and others of
Clay's birthday.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 475-6
Raining.
Long trains of
"supply" and "ammunition" wagons have been rolling past our
dwelling all the morning, indicating a movement of troops southward. I suppose
the purpose is to occupy the conquered territory. Alas! we know too well what
military occupation is. No intelligent person supposes, after Lee's surrender,
that there will be found an army anywhere this side of the Mississippi of
sufficient numbers to make a stand. No doubt, however, many of the dispersed
Confederates will join the trans-Mississippi army under Gen. E. Kirby Smith, if
indeed, he too does not yield to the prevalent surrendering epidemic.
Confederate money is
valueless, and we have no Federal money. To such extremity are some of the best
and wealthiest families reduced, that the ladies are daily engaged making pies
and cakes for the Yankee soldiers of all colors, that they may obtain enough
"greenbacks" to purchase such articles as are daily required in their
housekeeping.
It is said we will
be supplied with rations from the Federal commissariat.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 476
Bright and cool.
Gen. Weitzel and his
corps having been ordered away, Major Gen. Ord has succeeded to the command at
Richmond, and his corps has been marching to Camp Lee ever since dawn. I saw no
negro troops among them, but presume there are some.
Gen. Weitzel's rule
became more and more despotic daily; but it is said the order dictating prayers
to be offered by the Episcopal clergy came from Mr. Stanton, at Washington,
Secretary of War. One of the clergy, being at my house yesterday, said that
unless this order were modified there would be no services on Sunday. To-day,
Good Friday, the churches are closed.
The following
circular was published a few days ago:
TO THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA.
The
undersigned, members of the Legislature of the State of Virginia, in connection
with a number of the citizens of the State, whose names are attached to this
paper, in view of the evacuation of the City of Richmond by the Confederate
Government, and its occupation by the military authorities of the United
States, the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia, and the suspension of
the jurisdiction of the civil power of the State, are of opinion that an
immediate meeting of the General Assembly of the State is called for by the
exigencies of the situation.
The
consent of the military authorities of the United States to the session of the
Legislature in Richmond, in connection with the Governor and
Lietenant-Governor, to their free deliberation upon public affairs, and to the
ingress and departure of all its members under safe conducts, has been
obtained.
The
United States authorities will afford transportation from any point under their
control to any of the persons before mentioned.
The
matters to be submitted to the Legislature are the restoration of peace to the
State of Virginia, and the adjustment of questions involving life, liberty, and
property, that have arisen in the State as a consequence of the war.
We
therefore earnestly request the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, and members of
the Legislature to repair to this city by the 25th April (instant).
We
understand that full protection to persons and property will be afforded in the
State, and we recommend to peaceful citizens to remain at their homes and
pursue their usual avocations, with confidence that they will not be
interrupted.
We
earnestly solicit the attendance in Richmond, on or before the 25th of April (instant),
of the following persons, citizens of Virginia, to confer with us as to the
best means of restoring peace to the State of Virginia. We have procured safe
conduct from the military authorities of the United States for them to enter
the city and depart without molestation: Hon. R. M. T. Hunter, A. T. Caperton,
Wm. C. Rives, John Letcher, A. H. H. Stuart, R. L. Montague, Fayette McMullen,
J. P. Holcombe, Alexander Rives, B. Johnson Barbour, James Barbour, Wm. L.
Goggin, J. B. Baldwin, Thomas S. Gholson, Waller Staples, S. D. Miller, Thomas
J. Randolph, Wm T. Early, R. A. Claybrook, John Critcher, Wm. Towns, T. H.
Eppes, and those other persons for whom passports have been procured and
especially forwarded that we consider it to be unnecessary to mention.
A.
J. Marshall, Senator, Fauquier; James Neeson, Senator, Marion; James Venable,
Senator elect, Petersburg; David I. Burr, of House of Delegates, Richmond City;
David J. Saunders, of House of Delegates, Richmond City; L. S. Hall, of House
of Delegates, Wetzel County; J. J. English, of House of Delegates, Henrico
County; Wm. Ambers, of House of Delegates, Chesterfield County; A. M. Keily, of
House of Delegates, Petersburg; H. W. Thomas, Second Auditor of Virginia; St.
L. L. Moncure, Chief Clerk Second Auditor's office; Joseph Mayo, Mayor of City
of Richmond; Robert Howard, Clerk of Hustings Court, Richmond City; Thomas U.
Dudley, Sergeant Richmond City; Littleton Tazewell, Commonwealth's Attorney,
Richmond City; Wm. T. Joynes, Judge of Circuit Court, Petersburg; John A.
Meredith, Judge of Circuit Court, Richmond; Wm. H. Lyons, Judge of Hustings
Court, Richmond; Wm. C. Wickham, Member of Congress, Richmond District; Benj.
S. Ewell, President of William and Mary College; Nat. Tyler, Editor Richmond
Enquirer; R. F. Walker, Publisher of Examiner; J. R. Anderson, Richmond; R. R.
Howison, Richmond; W. Goddin, Richmond; P. G. Bayley, Richmond; F. J. Smith,
Richmond; Franklin Stearns, Henrico; John Lyons, Petersburg; Thomas B. Fisher,
Fauquier; Wm. M. Harrison, Charles City; Cyrus Hall, Ritchie; Thomas W.
Garnett, King and Queen; James A. Scott, Richmond.
I
concur in the preceding recommendation.
J. A. CAMPBELL.
Approved
for publication in the Whig, and in handbill form.
G. WEITZEL, Major-Gen. Commanding.
RICHMOND,
VA., April 11th, 1865.
To-day the following
order is published:
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF VIRGINIA,
RICHMOND, VA., April 13th, 1865.
Owing
to recent events, the permission for the reassembling of the gentlemen recently
acting as the Legislature of Virginia is rescinded. Should any of the gentlemen
come to the city under the notice of reassembling, already published, they will
be furnished passports to return to their homes.
Any
of the persons named in the call signed by J. A. Campbell and others, who are
found in the city twelve hours after the publication of this notice, will be
subject to arrest, unless they are residents of the city.
E. O. C. ORD, Major-Gen. Commanding.
Judge Campbell
informs me that he saw Gen. Ord yesterday, who promised to grant me permission
to take my family to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and suggesting some
omissions and alterations in the application, which I made. Judge C. is to see
him again to-day, when I hope the matter will be accomplished.
Judge Campbell left
my application with Gen. Ord's youngest adjutant, to whom he said the general
had approved it. But the adjutant said it would have to be presented again, as
there was no indorsement on it. The judge advised me to follow it up, which I
did; and stayed until the adjutant did present it again to Gen. Ord, who again
approved it. Then the polite aid accompanied me to Gen. Patrick's office and
introduced me to him, and to Lieut.-Col. John Coughlin, "Provost Marshal
General Department of Virginia," who indorsed on the paper: "These
papers will be granted when called for."
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 476-9
Bright and clear.
I add a few lines to
my Diary. It was whispered, yesterday, that President Lincoln had been
assassinated! I met Gen. Duff Green, in the afternoon, who assured me there
could be no doubt of it. Still, supposing it might be an April hoax, I inquired
at the headquarters of Gen. Ord, and was told it was true. I cautioned those I
met to manifest no feeling, as the occurrence might be a calamity for the
South; and possibly the Federal soldiers, supposing the deed to have been done
by a Southern man, might become uncontrollable and perpetrate deeds of horror
on the unarmed people.
After agreeing to
meet Gen. Green this morning at the Provost Marshal's office, and unite with
him in an attempt to procure the liberation of Capt. Warner, I returned home;
and saw, on the way, Gen. Ord and his staff riding out toward Camp Lee, with no
manifestations of excitement or grief on their countenances.
Upon going down town
this morning, every one was speaking of the death of Lincoln, and the Whig was
in mourning.
President Lincoln
was killed by Booth (Jno. Wilkes), an actor. I suppose his purpose is to live
in history as the slayer of a tyrant; thinking to make the leading character in
a tragedy, and have his performance acted by others on the stage.
I see no grief on
the faces of either officers or men of the Federal army.
R. A. Pryor and
Judge W. T. Joynes have called a meeting in Petersburg, to lament the calamity
entailed by the assassination.
I got passports
to-day for myself and family to the Eastern Shore, taking no oath. We know not
when we shall leave.
I never swore
allegiance to the Confederate States Government, but was true to it.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 479-80
Yesterday windy,
to-day bright and calm.
It appears that the
day of the death of President Lincoln was appointed for illuminations and
rejoicings on the surrender of Lee. There is no intelligence of the death of
Mr. Seward or his son. It was a dastardly deed—surely the act of a madman.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 480
During the past
month the right section done picket duty once on the Potomac.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 31
The left section
relieved the right section to-day.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 32
Received the news of
the surrender of Fort Henry.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 32
General Stone was arrested to-day. General Sedgwick takes his command.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 32
The centre section
relieved the left section at Conrad's Ferry.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 32
Considerable picket
firing. Captain Owen opened with his twenty-pound Parrott guns, from Edwards
Ferry, on Fort Beauregard. Kept up firing for an hour. Four negroes crossed the
river, bringing two horses along. Owen's Battery opened a second time in the
afternoon.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 32
One of the pickets
of the Thirty-fourth New York, shot the rebel officer of the day, passing the
picket line alongside the river.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 32
Heavy firing in the
direction of Drainesville. Snow-storm.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 32
Official news of the
taking of Fort Donelson.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 32
We (centre section)
were relieved from picket duty by the right section, Lieutenant J. G. Hassard.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 32
Camp Wilkes. The
rebels fired salutes in honor of Washington's birthday.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 32
The rebels opened
with their artillery, the first time during the winter, demolishing a
government wagon.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 32
Orders came in the
afternoon to get ready to march the coming day. New knapsacks were issued, and
rations kept ready for three days. Great times in camp, especially in the sixth
detachment, all the rations on hand being sold to Benson's for whiskey. Who
would not remember S. that evening, the stove, and O! Su!
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 33
Sedgwick's division
left Poolesville at eight o'clock, A. M. Marched through Barnesville, and after
several unsuccessful attempts to get the artillery across the Sugar Loaf
Mountain, stopped over night at the foot of the mountain. A very cold night. No
tents.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 33
Marched at seven
o'clock A. M. Arrived at Adamstown by eleven o'clock A. M. General Banks was at
Harper's Ferry already. Troops were passing by railroad, en route for Harper's
Ferry, all the time. Our battery went in park, for the rest of the day, close
to the railroad. General McClellan passed through in a special train. Rain all
night.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 33
The battery was
loaded on cars in the morning. The baggage teams, and the drivers with the
battery-horses, went on the turnpike road, through Jefferson City, Petersville,
Knoxville, and Weavertown, and arrived at Sandy Hook by nightfall. The
cannoniers, coming by railroad, made a raid on a number of express boxes, after
which, eatables and all sorts of liquors being plenty, all night, the happiness
of the men reached such a degree, as to make it impossible to post a guard,—Novel
and Drape being the happiest men in the sixth detachment, while Jim Lewes
hallooed for Billy Knight all the time. The night was extremely windy and cold.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 33-4
The battery crossed
the Potomac to Harper's Ferry on a pontoon bridge. We occupy one of the
government buildings on the hill.
SOURCE: Theodore
Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery,
p. 34
