Diary of Private William S. White, September 1, 1862

Left Rapidan Station this morning for some point near Manassas. What a beautiful sight it is to see the long columns of troops fording the stream! Each man seems eager to push on until we reach the goal of our desires, and that is Washington! Nevertheless, I fear greatly that we will never be able to accomplish that, although it is within the range of possibility.

Another great battle has been fought at Manassas, and we have again been victorious. Our troops are rapidly pushing on after the enemy, and it is very probable that we will cross the Potomac into Maryland; then the Marylanders will have a chance to rid their soil of Yankee soldiery, if they desire it.

Marched all day and halted for the night at Culpeper Courthouse; had a drenching rain in the afternoon and slept on the wet ground. All this region of country has been utterly devastated by the vast quantities of troops passing through it. For miles you scarcely see a white inhabitant, and there are not a hundred barrels of corn from Rapidan Station to Manassas. The churches are defiled by the sacrilegious Yankees, who scribble and write all sorts of blasphemous epithets on the walls of buildings consecrated to God.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 127-8

Diary of Private William S. White, September 2, 1862

After a hard day's march through mud and mire we halted at Jeffersonville (or ton), a small, dilapidated village in Culpeper county. Our provision wagon broke down to-day, and will not reach us until to-morrow. We have had nothing to eat since this morning, and, of course, cannot get anything until our wagon reaches us.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 128

Diary of Private William S. White, September 3, 1862

Our wagon reached us this morning and right glad were we to see it. Reached Warrenton, Fauquier county, to-day, and remained there several hours.

This village is crowded with the wounded of the late fights, and the streets present a horrible aspect. About sun-down we moved a few miles from Warrenton and halted for the night.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 128

Diary of Private William S. White, September 4, 1862

Reached Gainsville, Fauquier, about 1 o'clock and as it was a good place for our horses we halted for the night. This village being only some two and a half miles from the battlefield of Manassas, and as I had an abundance of time, I rode over to the battlefield. Oh, what a scene of horror it was! Hundreds and thousands of dead and dying Yankees strewn all over the field—the dead, putrefied and swollen even to bursting, made the air redolent with a smell so nauseous and disgusting that it seemed to thicken the very air. Although nearly a week had passed since the battle, the wounded were still lying on the field, and none were buried save our own men. This seems, at first glance, wholly unchristian, yet one must remember that we are contending against a powerful enemy and for our very existence; therefore, we cannot spare the time to bury the enemy's dead, nor care for his wounded, when all medical stores have been declared "contraband of war" and we are destitute of them. Ten thousand Yankees lie unburied upon the field, and every moment of time is worth millions of money to us. The wounded, we have cared for as well as circumstances would permit, though we are much in want of proper stores for our own men.

General Lee most humanely allowed the Federal Government permission to send an ambulance train from Washington City, attended by proper surgeons, to look after the Federal wounded and give them proper treatment.

I conversed for some time with a citizen of Washington and he seemed very sanguine of the ultimate success of the Federal arms—by this time, however, he has found out how terribly in earnest we are. In this Second Battle of Manassas the positions of both Federal and Confederate armies were almost exactly reversed from that of the First Battle of Manassas of last year, and yet we whipped them again. Our left wing under Stonewall Jackson, swung around upon the Federal right and struck the mighty Pope en reverse before he was aware of the Confederate movement. But, danger of dangers, Lee's army was separated and if Pope could succeed in keeping Longstreet south of Thoroughfare Gap, Jackson would be isolated and would fall an easy prey to the countless thousands of that boasting Army of the Potomac, "the finest army the world ever saw." The vainglorious boaster who had never seen anything but the "backs of his enemies," and whose "head-quarters were in the saddle," was not equal to the emergency and Longstreet quietly and easily drove away the Federal brigade guarding a gap that a corps ought to have held, whilst he, hurried on to join that Achilles of the South, the ever present Jackson, and all the while Fitz John Porter doubting whether or not he must fight or wait. He who doubts loses, the combined corps of Jackson and Longstreet make one grand dash and the dismayed Federals were swept from the field.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, pp. 128-9

Diary of Private William S. White, September 5, 1862

Started this morning at 6 o'clock, and marched to within six miles of Leesburg, where we camped for the night. A portion of our forces have crossed the Potomac, and are now in Maryland; we will cross in a few days.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 129

Diary of Private William S. White, September 6, 1862

Reached Leesburg, Loudon county, to-day and camped near the village; presume we will remain here a few days, in order that our broken down horses may recuperate. We have had only one feed of corn for our horses since we left Rapidan station.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, pp. 129-30

Diary of Private William S. White, September 7, 1862

Left Leesburg this evening at 5 o'clock, crossed the Potomac River and marched eight or ten miles into Frederick county, Maryland.

'Twas a beautiful night; the crystalline waters of the lovely Potomac danced and sparkled in the soft moonbeams of that autumn night, whilst the neighing of horses, the clanging of sabres, the gleaming of muskets, the artillery's rumble, and the merry jest of many a careless soldier, made it a scene ever to be remembered. The "die is cast," the Potomac is crossed, and Maryland is invaded or aided, just as she may see fit to call it. If she fails to join us now, let us hear no more about oppressed Maryland, but let the proud land of the Carrolls, the Howards and the Cecils be known to us of the sunny South no more forever.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 130

Diary of Private William S. White, September 8, 1862

Marched to within four miles of Frederick city; here we have an abundance of food for our half starved horses.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 130

Diary of Private William S. White, September 9, 1862

Remained quiet all day; many of our boys went to Frederick city and remained several hours. According to some reports, the people of Maryland are overjoyed to see our troops, but as I have conversed with only a very few Marylanders, I am not able to judge. Some few recruits have been secured in Frederick city.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 130

Diary of Private William S. White, September 10, 1862

Our battery is hitched up, and we are now awaiting orders to move. Our destination is unknown, but it is thought we will go to Hagerstown. About 5 o'clock we commenced moving slowly along the road to Frederick city. Although many of the houses were closed—this being a strong Union city—yet a goodly number of Southern ladies appeared upon the balconies and at the windows, waving their handkerchiefs and wishing success to our brave troops. Camped near Middletown.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 130

Diary of Private William S. White, September 11, 1862

Passed through the villages of Middletown and Boonsboro'; halted within six miles of Hagerstown. A great many ladies wear the Secession badge, but most of the people seem afraid of us, and seem to look upon our troops as invaders.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, pp. 130-1

Diary of Private William S. White, September 12, 1862

Moved to within a mile of Hagerstown, to the little village of Funktown—not a very euphonious name.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 131

Diary of Private William S. White, September 13, 1862

Heavy firing in the direction of Harper's Ferry; many camp rumors afloat concerning it.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 131

Diary of Private William S. White, September 14, 1862

Firing to-day towards Middletown, in our rear. Left camp to reinforce our troops, who are sharply engaging the enemy at Boonsboro'. We moved on towards that place when we met a portion of our troops returning; they report the enemy to be falling back.

Camped near Boonsboro'. The Yankees now begin to understand our plans, and are making strenuous efforts to save their troops penned up in Harper's Ferry by Stonewall Jackson, but "Old Jack" is bound to "gather them in."

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 131

Diary of Private William S. White, September 15, 1862

In some way McClellan succeeded in getting his hands upon one of General Lee's orders, which gave him a pretty correct idea of the disposition of our forces, and thinking he could throw a heavy force upon D. H. Hill, at Boonsboro', cut our army in two and get to Harper's Ferry in time to save the Federal forces stationed there and now penned up by Jackson, he made a heavy attack upon Hill. Hill made a desperate resistance with his gallant troops, but it remains to be seen whether or not he held out long enough.

Certain it is that Hill has had to fight against very heavy odds, and has lost many men.

The Yankees having pushed us so closely at Boonsboro' it becomes necessary for us to gather up our forces before we can offer McClellan battle. The larger portion of our troops moved last night, and this morning, towards Sharpsburg, whilst my artillery command moved on to Williamsport, on the Potomac, to guard the ford—had neither infantry nor cavalry support, and we were smartly excited on getting within a few miles of that place to find the Yankees had possession of it and had destroyed a good many of our ordnance wagons. It seems that a body of Yankee cavalry had escaped from Harper's Ferry, and from the clutches of the rapacious Jackson, and had made their way to Williamsport. Crossing the Potomac at that place they came upon our ordnance train, which being unprotected was completely at their mercy. Our artillery regiment was also unprotected, and had the Yankees been aware of it, we could have been easily captured; but war is a game of chance and I presume they concluded that they had accomplished enough for one day escaped from Jackson at Harper's Ferry and captured a Confederate ordnance train. They beat a hasty retreat, and we entered Williamsport without opposition, crossing the Potomac and bringing our guns "into battery" once more upon Virginia soil. So far, our march into Maryland has resulted in but little good to our cause, and has lasted but a single week. There is no doubt of this fact (and 'tis useless to attempt to conceal it) the people, or at least the larger portion of them, are against the South, and that, too, most bitterly.

Confederate money, in most places, was not current, and as we had nothing else, we made but few purchases.

We remained on the Potomac until dark, then marched six or seven miles and camped for the night.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, pp. 131-2

Diary of Private William S. White, September 16, 1862

Moved on towards Shepherdstown. Having loaned my horse to a comrade to visit his home, I had a fine prospect of marching all day, but as good fortune willed it, I met a cavalryman with two horses. He loaned me one, and we started for Shepherdstown on our own hook. We reached that place about sundown, having had a splendid time on the way. We stopped at several farm-houses, and were most hospitably entertained, both in Berkeley and Jefferson counties.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 132

Diary of Private William S. White, September 17, 1862

Camped near Shepherdstown last night. This morning we can faintly see, far over towards Sharpsburg that another great battle is commencing.

McClellan very well knew that the time to attack Lee was when Jackson was absent, and the bloody battle of Sharpsburg is the consequence.

This little village is filled with our sick and wounded, and the citizens are straining every nerve to render them comfortable. Jackson has gained a glorious victory at Harper's Ferry, and that, too, without loss. His troops have passed through Shepherdstown on the way to Sharpsburg.

This little village of Shepherdstown is the most intensely Southern place I ever saw, and what makes it more surprising is its proximity to Maryland.

Our battery has just received orders to move, not to Sharpsburg, as we supposed, but to Williamsport.

In order to relieve Lee at Sharpsburg, General J. E. B. Stuart is to recross the Potomac at Williamsport, and make a diversion. McClellan, not knowing Stuart's force and fearing a flank movement, will withdraw, possibly, a large force to watch or catch him.

Camped near Martinsburg.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 132-3

Diary of Private William S. White, September 18, 1862

Although this place is only ten miles from Shepherdstown, its character is very different; most of the people are bitter Unionists, and show us few favors. Such I find it pretty much the case in every village situated on the "Baltimore and Ohio Railroad." Soon this morning our two Parrot guns were ordered back towards Shepherdstown, and the remainder of our battery, the two howitzer guns, together with five other guns belonging to our regiment, are preparing to move on to Williamsport. Lieutenant Paine, of my company, with two or three others and myself, were sent on in advance to reconnoitre. Went on to Williamsport, but there was no enemy on the south side of the Potomac. Our force camped at Falling Waters, about four miles from Williamsport.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 133

Diary of Private William S. White, September 19, 1862

SKIRMISH AT WILLIAMSPORT, MARYLAND.

Moved on to Williamsport; placed our guns on a large hill on the south side of the river, and shelled the Yankees from the town, then sent a company of cavalry across the Potomac, and soon afterward our artillery crossed, taking position on the Maryland side. We left two guns belonging to Captain Dance's Powhatan battery, on the south side of the river, to protect us in the event of our being driven back. Hampton's Legion of cavalry crossed a few miles higher up the river. We have about 200 infantry belonging to the Second Virginia Regiment; in all about 1,200 men, commanded by Major-General J. E. B. Stuart.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 133

Diary of Private William S. White, September 20, 1862

All quiet last night save an occasional picket skirmish. About 8 o'clock this morning my gun, of which I am the "gunner," was ordered about one mile farther up the Hagerstown Turnpike to reënforce our pickets, who had been driven in by the enemy. On gaining our position we found the enemy had quite a large force of cavalry, many of whom they had dismounted, and were shooting at us with long-range guns. A squad of the enemy coming in range, I fired a "case-shot" at them, but the fuse being defective I did them no damage. I then gave them another, and it exploded just above them, scattering its deadly contents into their ranks. One of our pickets told us he was hid but a short distance from them, and that shot killed and wounded fifteen. We fired several more rounds at them and they wisely kept out of reach. My gun was then ordered back into Williamsport by Major Boggs. General Stuart, seeing this ordered us to retake our former position, and sent us another gun, belonging to Hupp's Salem Artillery. The Yankees would every now and then creep up upon us and send a Minie ball whiz zing past us. How they whistled! They then brought up a rifled cannon and fired a few rounds at us, but without effect. About this time a heavy skirmish occurred on our right, and we could plainly hear the Yankee officers vainly endeavoring to rally their men, but they would not stand, and our batteries opening upon them soon sent them scampering across the field. A little later the Yankees came up in heavy force upon our right and endeavored to break our line, but our men fought too gallantly for that. A young girl came out from Williamsport and fired one of our cannon (Second Company's) at the enemy. My gun was then ordered to the right, some three miles down the road, and we started off at a brisk trot, leaving Hupp's gun in charge of a Corporal and four men. Just as my gun was about to take position it was ordered across the river by General Stuart, and he sent me back to bring Hupp's gun off the field. The fighting on the right had been quite heavy, and although we had driven the enemy back, yet we well knew that it was impossible for us to hold out much longer, the enemy now outnumbering us ten to one. It was time for Stuart to be getting on the south side of the Potomac. He had succeeded in his purpose; had drawn a full corps of the enemy from Sharpsburg, and had relieved Lee that much. Stuart had ordered Hampton to cut his way through the enemy's line and cross back into Virginia at another ford, but the Yankee force was too strong for that, and Hampton had to cross at Williamsport. I dashed off after Hupp's gun and the cannoniers were full glad to hear the order "Limber to the rear." When we had reached the river we found that we were the only Southern troops on the north side of the Potomac, for all the others had crossed over.

General Stuart had not ordered me to “cross the river," but I had no notion of being captured, so I got over as speedily as possible. In the meantime, Dance's Powhatan artillery, which had been left on the south side of the Potomac, had opened a brisk fire upon the enemy, and a very pretty artillery duel was in progress as we were crossing over to the Virginia side.

Reported to General Stuart, and he seemed much pleased that I had brought off the gun.

Moved some four miles farther back, and camped for the night. 

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 133-5

Diary of Private William S. White, September 21, 1862

Moved to Martinsburg.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 135

Diary of Private William S. White, September 22, 1862

Left Martinsburg to-day for the little village of Darksville

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 135

Diary of Private William S. White, September 23, 1862

Remained at Darksville all day; good grazing.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 135

Diary of Private William S. White, September 24, 1862

Left Darksville to-day to join General D. H. Hill's division. Hill is stationed near Tabb's Mill, on the Opequon River, five miles from Martinsburg. After marching three and a half miles we met Hill's division coming back, and we returned also.

Camped two miles from Martinsburg.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 135

Diary of Private William S. White, September 25, 1862

Returned to Martinsburg.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 135

Diary of Private William S. White, September 27, 1862

Left Martinsburg to-day for Winchester, but halted and camped at Bunker Hill, eleven miles from Winchester. As soon as our battery halted, I rode out into the country on a foraging expedition. When I returned, I found my company had moved, no one could tell where. Supposing it had gone to Winchester, I started for that place. After riding several miles I met a soldier who informed me that my division had been ordered back to Martinsburg, and I immediately retraced my steps. Blundering about in the dark for two or three hours, I found my company about three hundred yards from where I first left it. Provoked beyond measure, I dismounted and soon found the soldier's solace in sleep.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 135

Diary of Private William S. White, September 28, 1862

We expect to remain here some time. Again went out on a foraging expedition, and at a Mr. Deck's I procured a splendid supper; that took the last cent I had, and I must now remain in camp until we are paid off.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 135

Diary of Private William S. White, September 29, 1862

Moved camp about a mile; water is scarce, something unusual in the Valley of Virginia, and a long way off. I am so sick of beef that I really am ashamed to look a cow in the face.

SOURCE: William S. White, A Diary of the War; or What I Saw of It, p. 135

Alfred Hyde to Abraham Lincoln, March 25, 1858

Alton Mch 25th/58

Abram Lincoln

Springfield

Dear Sir allow me to call your attention back to the 4th of last March & also to the conversation that took place between Your Honor & myself, then a prisoner on the cars from Chicago, for being concerned in the American Exchenge Bank of Georgetown D. C. I write this to you with refferance to engageing you to obtain a pardon for me I was sentenced for 4 years, But I did not have a fair trial nor was I allowed time to get my witnesses, I was indited for haveing ficticious Money, But it was not such thare was such a Bank; & no one ever lost a dollar by it. The Mayor of the City of Georgetown D. C. will satisfy you as to that (the then Mayor)/56

further I had nothing to do with the concern, & more I am not a Villian nor a rascall, have always been in Mercantile buisiness & will refur you to Hon D. S. Dickinson, of Binghamton Judson Smith Esq same place Wm Ross Wallace N. York City Ex Governrr Wm Wood of Cleveland Ohio, & Wm H Seward — for as to my pased life for 10 years— In Chicago to Hanson Abbot G. W. Gage Jencks & Beers & Capt. A. Pellittere, I am here innocent. Now what will you ask to obtain a pardon for me, cash upon my freedom, & it put in Bank before subject to my Pardon, Wm Rutherford & S A. Buckmaster I am told will give me a fair Bill of conduct since here 13 months, James C Brayman has advised me to write you, he works beside me— My Brother Alvin of Brookfield Mass will pay the fee that we may agree upon.—

I write this & send it (Sub Rosa) & you I hope will be so kind as answer it at once & let me know your views & then I will get permission to write you in full — you will need only to go to Chicago once & send here to Mr Rutherford Agent— I am anxious to be out as I am loosing money & time. You can write me without saying you received this letter by evading it & say you have heard from me, Pleas write me at once & I will answer fully & be much obliged to you — while I remain here yours

Most Gratefully

Alfred. Hyde

To Hon A Lincoln

Springfield Ill

Please direct care of Mr S A Buckmaster

SOURCE: Lincoln, Abraham. Abraham Lincoln papers: Series 1. General Correspondence. 1833 to 1916: Alfred Hyde to Abraham Lincoln, Thursday,Legal. 1858. Manuscript/Mixed Material. https://www.loc.gov/item/mal0074200/.

Abraham Lincoln to Daniel S. Dickinson, August 3, 1858

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., August 3, 1858.

SIR—In March, 1857, I saw upon the railroad train, being taken from Chicago to Alton to the Penitentiary there, a man of gentlemanly appearance by the name of [Alfred Hyde]. He accosted me, and conversed some as to the chance of obtaining a pardon. A year after, he addressed me the enclosed letter from the prison. You see he mentions your name. Do you really know him? If our Governor could learn that he has been respectable and is of respectable connections, perhaps he would pardon him. Please answer.

Pardon the liberty I take in addressing you. Several years ago, I knew you slightly at Washington.

Your obedient servant,

A. LINCOLN.

SOURCES: John R. Dickinson, Editor, Speeches, Correspondence, Etc., of the Late Daniel S. Dickinson of New York, Vol. 2, pp. 513; for the name of the inmate see Daniel S. Dickinson to Abraham Lincoln, August 9, 1858.

Daniel S. Dickinson to Abraham Lincoln, August 9, 1858

Binghamton

Aug. 9, 1858

Dear Sir

Your favor of the 3d with enclosure of Mr Alfred Hyde toyou, has just been recd. Hyde was here and in business, a few years, and I know him, not intimately, but as I know men of that class who are here for two or three years. He consulted me as counsel, on one or two occasions, & I conducted some business being against him. He came here from Boston as I understood, where it is said he was well brought up & respectably active in domestic & business relations. His intercourse with me was always frank & honorable. He was connected here in a mercantile establishment, and was one of a good many free trade speculators and as it was speculating [?] their dealings were pretty miscellaneous, but I saw nothing in Hydes course but that he was as good as the average. His establishment here failed badly, as it was natural it should, and he was a good deal censured in connection with it, but I not not [sic] know that he was more censured that [??ings], [???liss] dealers generally are.

This is all I know of him personally. he went west and the stories circulated concerning him there, and among them his booking &c, were not creditable, but I know nothing of their truth He is said to have married respectably in Cleveland

Sincerely Yours

D. S. Dickinson

Hon. A. Lincoln

SOURCE: Lincoln, Abraham. Abraham Lincoln papers: Series 1. General Correspondence. 1833 to 1916: Daniel S. Dickinson to Abraham Lincoln, Monday,Legal. August 9, 1858. Manuscript/Mixed Material. https://www.loc.gov/resource/mal.0119100/.

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 16, 1863

When we were called to breakfast at seven this morning we found we were steaming down the river and just entering the Sound, After a pleasant sail, we arrived at the wharf at Little Washington about four P.M., and marched with colors flying and band playing, by Grist's, to the earthworks, where we busied ourselves in an entirely new occupation, — pitching our shelter-tents for the first time. It was done finally, and after a fashion of our own; and now we are trying to write, but are bothered, as the gas is poor.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 42

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 17, 1863

This morning while eating breakfast we were ordered to "Strike tents." We supposed it meant march, but found it was for symmetry, and we pitched them again in a more regular manner; having the privilege of messmates sleeping together, with the understanding that in case of being aroused in the night we will take our places in line with promptness and snap. After fixing up tents, several of us took a stroll down town, visiting the earthworks. The town is of little account; the earthworks interest us more. They consist of a line of breastworks, extending from the river below to the river above the town, two miles or more in length. At the centre of the line is a star fort of ten guns, and at about equal distances on the line are four blockhouses with one gun each. At the Greenville Road is stationed an old 32-pounder called "Aunt Sally," cracked and battered, and held to its carriage by ox-chains. They told us this gun was the key to the fortifications.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, pp. 42-3

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 18, 1863

Had a thunderstorm and gale this evening which nearly destroyed our camp, but the tents stood it as well as could be expected. We had a brigade dress-parade to-day, and had a good chance to see the troops stationed here. They consist of eight companies of the 27th M. V., two companies N. C. troops, one of cavalry, and one of artillery, with Col. Lee in command; in all about 1200 men. (Our colonel's report, 1863, to Adjt.-Gen. Schouler says the actual force was 1160 men). The parade was good, and after a dusty march, we found ourselves back in our tents again. We are wondering what we are sent here for. As yet we have seen no rebels, but watch the woods, supposing they are doing the same thing, waiting for us.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 43

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 19, 1863

It has commenced to rain again, and we are in a fine condition, everything both in and outside the camp is in a damp state, with the wind continually lifting one end or other of the tent; but we eat our three meals after a fashion, and then turn in and sleep what we can, waiting for events.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 43

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 20, 1863

One of the events came last night, or rather this morning at half-past four. "E" was ordered out and marched to the edge of the swamp, beyond Blockhouse No. 1, close to the river one side and the woods on the other, with water in front of us. It rained steadily, and we lay crouched against the wall of the building until it was too light for the rebels to surprise us; then we were faced about and marched to our tents. At noon we moved again. This time the change is for the better. We are down town in a deserted store. It was owned by a rebel; so we pulled down the counters and shelves, and soon had rousing fires. We don't know where the other companies are, but hope they have as good quarters as we are enjoying. We are told to expect an attack to-night, which expectancy is as common as "About this time look out for rain." Lieut. Newell told us to-day we might be in New Berne soon. A boat left to-day which took our mail. If it would only clear up, we had rather stay here than be at New Berne, as red tape, guard, &c., are of little account.

The captain delivered a tobacco ration to-day. The question is, "Did he buy or forage it?" We don't want him to get demoralized yet.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 43

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 21, 1863

Rained all night; we were ordered out at half-past four this morning, and remained under arms till the pickets were changed. We are detailed for picket to-night, so about all we intend to do to-day is to sleep.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 43

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 22, 1863

We had a regular old-fashioned rain last night for a change. At ten P.M., in the dark and storm, we started from town; marched about a mile and were posted around an old cart, a little way from the road. The company was divided, a squad taking the posts on each road, and two men sent to the rear on inside post. It was a hard night's duty, but came to an end at last, and at seven this morning we were relieved, and crawled back to town, finding our old store a palace.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 43

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 23, 1863

A steamer came up this morning bringing a sutler. We made another move to-day, going back to our old place under the breastworks in our shelter-tents. Everything is wet through and uncomfortable; but we acknowledge we are handier in case of trouble. It is rumored we are going North to guard prisoners, and that Capt. Richardson, of "A," goes to New Berne to-day. Another rumor is, we are going to Plymouth to have another trial at Rainbow Bluff, but we had rather stay here. This morning our captain distributed towels, soap, plates, and knives and forks to each man. How or where he found them we don't know, but would have saved him the trouble of purchasing, if he had mentioned where they were. A mail arrived to-day.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 44

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 25, 1863

Yesterday it rained most all day, and the drills Col. Lee had inaugurated Monday have not amounted to much as yet. We played cards, read, wrote letters, and slept; so the day worried out. To-day we have been firing at a target for a change. It was on a couple of bread-boxes, one on the top of the other, in the field immediately in front of our breastwork. The target was small, only two feet square, — but still a few hit it.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 44

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 26, 1863

No drills or excitement for two days, excepting a slight conflagration yesterday. Millar's tent caught fire and was destroyed; and last night many more were blown down by a high wind, with plenty of rain.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 44

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 30, 1863

SIEGE AT WASHINGTON.

It has rained nearly all this week, and until yesterday we have been loafing, trying to kill time. Last night our company was on picket again up the road towards Tarboro, coming in this morning about six o'clock. They had a most miserable time. Twitchell was sent to the hospital sick. A few of us were on guard here, so escaped picket duty.

Gen. Foster arrived here this morning, and by noon Companies A and G, under command of Capt. J. M. Richardson of "A," with one howitzer, were tramping across the bridge towards New Berne on a scout. Those who could went to the water's edge to watch them. They were soon in action, meeting a force of rebels who handled them severely. Finding quite a strong force protected by breastworks, they were ordered back, to give the "Louisiana" a chance to shell the woods. Capt. Richardson of "A" was wounded twice in the left arm.

They left Sergt. Hobart, Corp. Lawrence, and John Leonard of "G," who were taken prisoners. The rebels closed on them and carried them off. Several others were struck, but none seriously hurt. About every man at the head of the column was hit. Capt. Richardson was heard to say, "It is rough to go through what I have (five or six battles) without a scratch, and get hurt in this affair."

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, p. 44

Diary of Private John J. Wyeth, March 31, 1863

Last night about seven o'clock, as we were standing behind the breastworks looking towards the woods, we were startled by a flash, and heard a heavy report. The fort had opened fire upon the woods, the scene of our picket duty. We were immediately under arms, and after a short march were halted at the edge of the town facing the fort. Here we stacked arms and waited. It rained all the evening, and the gun-boats kept up an incessant fire over our heads. We tried to sleep, but with little success. The house immediately behind us was full, so Robbins and myself crawled underneath for shelter. We awakened to find the regiment had moved. After diligent inquiry, and some walking, we found "E" in the Academy, where we passed the rest of the night. We left our quarters about noon, and moved to the breastworks at the left of the fort, where we heard that Gen. Hill had sent in a flag to the COLONEL IN COMMAND, demanding the surrender of the town. He must have been somewhat surprised to receive a reply from GEN. FOSTER, little thinking that he is here, and has no idea of giving up, at least on the first day.

Our breastwork is about five and one-half feet high inside, one foot thick on top, and from ten to twelve feet thick at the base, with a ditch outside. In front the wood is cut away for the distance of a mile. We pitched our shelter-tents close under the breastworks, leaving room to stand between them and the works, and things began to look home-like again. How long it will last remains for the rebels to say. We have built a house for our officers, by taking a roof from a shed in town, and making it water-proof, or hoping it will be so, and banking it up with dirt. Not a very handsome edifice, but better than none.

SOURCE: John Jasper Wyeth, Leaves from a Diary Written While Serving in Co. E, 44 Mass. Dep’t of North Carolina from September 1862 to June 1863, pp. 44-5

John S. Barbour Jr. to Senator Robert M. T. Hunter, August 1, 1857

ALEXANDRIA, VA., August 1st, 1857.

MY DEAR SIR: When I wrote you some ten days ago I entertained much uneasiness from the efforts which I learned were making against you in Virginia, and which I feared, from the vaunting tone of certain parties, might be more formidable than I had conceived, or that you might be aware of. I was acting upon the wisdom of the maxim, "forewarned, forearmed." With the exercise of ordinary prudence on the part of your peculiar friends I do not now think that you have anything really to fear. My brother Alfred has within a few days paid us a visit, and he assures me that his region is entirely sound. Haymond, Mortimer, Johnson, and the body of the North West (of the legislature elect) decidedly favour your reelection, and perhaps would not support Mr. Wise, if you were out of the way. I saw Dr. Graham (of Rockbridge Co.) a few days since and was informed by him that no opposition would be offered against your reelection, this of course depends upon the strength of the enemies. My brother James announced publicly his intention to support you, but neither he or Alfred deem it good policy to be too forward at present in this behalf. While you may rest assured that they will support you in good faith at the proper time, they conceive that more influence may be exerted by remaining quiet (unless called out) in the earlier stages of the matter. These views are communicated to me of course without any special expectation that I was in correspondence with you upon the subject.

I write in some haste, but if you will permit the liberty taken, I would suggest that you hold yourself free at present from any committals about this Kansas controversy. Every one knows where you will be found at the proper time, and you have nothing to gain by agitation now in advance of the action of Congress. Your enemies may endeavour to make capital of a different course on your part, and you have nothing to gain by the proceeding. Your policy I should think would be to remain quiet and let Pryor fight the battle through the South until next Winter.

In reply to your inquiry about De Witt I learn that he has abandoned all intention of taking the paper at this place. He is without means, and is very much under controul of the other side in Virginia.

SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), pp. 214-5

Congressman John Letcher to Senator Robert M. T. Hunter, August 1, 1857

LEXINGTON, VA., August 1st, 1857.

MY DEAR SIR: I received your letter of the 27th ulto this morning. I have been spending the past week at the Alum Springs, where there is a large Company, and where of course, I have met with a large number of persons from different counties of the State. I have conversed with many on the subject of the Senatorial Election, and I have met with but one man, who expressed opposition to your election, and declared himself for Wise, and that was Chapman of Orange Co[unty]. Kindred of Southampton told me that you would lose no votes in his section of the State, and from all he had seen and heard, he was entirely satisfied that you would be elected. I have no doubt of it myself, and do not believe, they can organize an opposition, that can defeat you. The vast majority of the people are just, and they will sustain you, against all combinations, that can be gotten up. I do not feel the slightest apprehension of the result.

The controversy between the South and Enquirer, at this particular time, and the temper with which it is conducted, is unfortunate. The tactics of the last named paper, are palpable. The object being to make the impression that all who were not for Buchanan as a first choice, are now inclined to embarrass his administration. I do not think however, that they can succeed in this, so transparent a trick. I shall be on the alert, to see what is going on and to thwart the schemers.

SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), p. 215

Congressman William O. Goode to Senator Robert M. T. Hunter, August 4, 1857

BOYDTON, VA., August 4th, 1857.

DEAR HUNTER: In reply to your favor of 30 July I have to say, that, at the time of the election, all the members elect from this Congressional District to the General Assembly were reported to be favourable to your reelection. I heard the members for Mecklenburg and Prince Edward severally pledge themselves in public speeches to vote for you against any other candidate. I made inquiries every where as to all the counties and was assured as to all.

In Charlotte, Wyatt Cardwell is returned, and he is an old line Whig-Know Nothing-and Distributuonist. I do now know his preference between you and any candidate who may be run against you. I suppose he would be controlled by party associations, Which I suppose cannot be expected to carry any one against you in favor of your probable competitor. As for me, I had not a doubt about my election. I told Meade before the Convention that I should receive more votes in the District than both of my competitors together if all three should run.

SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), pp. 215-6

C. W. C. Dunnington to Senator Robert M. T. Hunter, August 7, 1857

WASHINGTON, D. C., August 7, 1857.

DEAR SIR: I received your favor and have made inquiry as to the position of members of the Legislature elected from Gov. Smith's district on the Senatorial question. I am assured they will vote for you. I had a short conversation with R. M. Smith, of the Sentinel yesterday. He is of the opinion that your reelection is certain. Seymour Lynn, the newly elected delegate from Prince William, is very unfavorably disposed towards Gov. Wise. I do not know how DeWitt stands upon the question. From what I can learn, his negotiations for the purchase of the Sentinel have failed for want of funds.

Forney's new paper is out, and professes to be strongly in favor of Mr. Buchanan. Some say it is in the confidence of Cobb. The Editor of the Union is very "suspicious" both of Cobb and of the "Press." The Treasury Department seems to be very much engaged upon the business of removing light-house keepers with salaries ranging from $250 to $500 per year.

The work on the Capital extension is progressing with great rapidity; but although the new chambers may be completed, it will not be prudent to occupy them next winter, on account of the dampness of the walls.

Hon. A. C. Dodge will return very soon to the United States, and will be the next democratic candidate for governor of Iowa. If he succeeds it will make him a prominent candidate for the Vice-Presidency, which, with the growing ill feeling between the friends of Messrs. Bright and Douglas may result in the selection of a Virginian. There is no possible chance for governor Wise before a National Convention. His denunciations of democratic principles and men in former days will not be forgotten, by the people, if they should be by politicians. They would not have been overlooked in Virginia, but for the extraordinary reasons then existing.

Gen. Rusk, had he lived, might have been a formidable candidate for the nomination; as he was deservedly popular. There is now no man in the East, North, West or South who can command the vote in the next convention that you will be able to obtain; and I think our Western friends will defeat themselves.

SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), p. 216

William Old Jr. to Senator Robert M. T. Hunter, August 15, 1857

[PETERSBURG, VA.?], August 15th, 1857.

DEAR SIR: Doctor Harvie sent me two letters from you to Mr. L. E. Harvie, who is absent on a trip to the north, as he will be away from home for some weeks, and I do not know certainly at what point a letter would reach him, I will keep them until his return. As he is in the habit of giving me your letters to read, I have read these supposing that they referred to your reelection, a matter in which you are aware I feel a deep and friendly interest. I believe now, you will encounter a violent but not a formidable opposition as far as success is concerned. The alliance between Wise and Floyd is at present a close one, but as neither wishes to advance the other, and can assail you only, through your friends, I do not think they can seriously effect your election. They certainly cannot, if Wise is your opponent, he can get a certain but small vote. The danger is, in my opinion, that they may unite on Judge Daniel of Lynchburg, he is strong in the section of the state where you would get with his aid an almost unanimous vote, and he can array against us all of the old democrats, who have not abandoned their hate of the States rights portion of the party. The Enquirer has used its influence; and it is still strong, to impress the democracy, with the idea that your peculiar friends are resolved to assail Buchanan. I do not believe it has as yet, excited any feeling against you. I wrote Pryor, as soon as this Kansas controversy, assumed a decided character, urging him, to confine his attacks to Walker and his action, and as far as he could to separate Buchanan from the controversy. But Wise, who is editing the Enquirer (perhaps indirectly) has continued to produce an impression with many, that the "South" was established for the purpose of making opposition to Buchanan. Wise has as yet, suffered personally, in the contest, but I think he has managed to hurt you, and advance Floyd. In this last is our danger. I am on good terms with James Booker, but I know he is a warm friend to Floyd, and he will be very influential in the House of Delegates. I hear from various sources that he is in favor of your election. If he is so, not only as against Wise but as against any other, you will be in little danger. Your opponents, will have no really good leader in the House, and the Senate will be safe, unless the House overrules it.

The Northwest I hear from authority I consider good, is for you against Wise, it will be thoroughly for you against Wise and Floyd. If Mr Letcher can make Daniel stand firm and work and Layne the Senator from Roanoke, is true, we have little to fear from the Valley or the Southwest. Neither of these men can be relied on, but they have influence, and can be controlled by men in their congressional districts. I am so ignorant of the character of the delegation from Garnett's district, that I cannot form any opinion of the amount of Wise's strength in it. I look on Claybrook as most dangerous to you. Disaffection in this district and in the Lynchburg district, form our chief source of dread in Piedmont and Tide [water]. I will write to Barbour, and ask him frankly, what his position will be, he will tell me, I am sure; and if he is really for you against all competitors, he will fight the contest out and more adroitly and efficiently, than any man I know. There are men still in the Legislature over whom he used to exercise much almost entire control, and they are the class of men you have to dread. In reading your letter I see you suggest a plan of contest with these men which I hope may be used most advantageously. With it, we can certainly destroy Wise. Pryor can rally the old democrats, easily enough, for his services against the Know Nothings, and his difficulties as Editor of the Enquirer have given him a hold on the rank and file of the party, which he will not have, except by open opposition to the democratic administration. I think it would be well for the present, for him to show that his assailants are resolved to unite Virginia to the Northern States and sever her connection with the South. It can easily be done by extracts from the Examiner and Enquirer. Their assaults upon "secessionists," "Ultras," "Extremists," "opponents of the Manouvres of 1850" &c and their effort to show that we must be dependent upon the Northern democracy, can be so used as to show their intention to prefer allying the democracy to the party North, to granting anything to the Cotton States. If he would use this well, with the conviction now prevailing that Wise edits the Enquirer, and will keep back until just before the legislature meets, the proof he can bring to show that this is the scheme of Wise, we can utterly destroy him. Those who remember his conduct previous to the nomination of Pierce, know how easy it is to fasten this charge upon him.

But it is not desirable I think to kill off Wise early. When he is found too weak, and from what his weakness proceeds, they will take up another candidate, who is not so obnoxious. He is at present I hear sanguine, confident of your defeat, while he is so, they can not prevent his being your competitor. He has been all along disclaiming any intention to be a candidate, his friends say, lately he may be forced to be one. This and the course of the Enquirer and what I hear of Hughes lead me to believe he is more confident than heretofore. We can always defeat him, and send you to the Senate without disturbing the democratic party, but he and Floyd might put up another, whose defeat would be less certain, and an election over whom might add to the number of your opponents. There is another matter, which causes me some alarm, it is the action of the

Southern States, in the organization of the House of Representatives. Should the democracy of Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi, unite and carry off enough Southern members, to defeat the election of the Administration Candidates for Speaker and Clerk, it may seriously effect us here. The threat of such action may frighten Buchanan, and its execution will prostrate him, but it will exasperate the democracy here, and throw off many from your support. This matter, of course, you and others better acquainted with its possible effects upon the democracy and the South, can judge of better than myself. I am for making no move, in the South, in which Virginia cannot be carried for her natural allies, unless it be forced upon us. And a contest which results in the election of a Black Republican however severe a blow to Buchanan, will react upon us not only in V[irgini]a but in States further South. These suggestions are offered with a full sense of my own want of information, as to the necessity, that may operate on representatives from States further South, and as to ultimate effect on the people there, of a conflict with the administration, which I believe by the democracy of V[irgini]a will be deemed preventable and perhaps utterly condemned by the mass of the people here. I have written to you hastily and frankly, and you will I am sure believe that I write impelled solely by desire to advance our common cause, and aid your reelection.

SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), pp. 217-9

William Lamb to Senator Robert M. T. Hunter, August 19, 1857

NORFOLK, VA., August 19th, 1857.

DEAR SIR: The report that you sympathize with the attacks upon the Administration, made by certain journals in the South, having been industriously disseminated throughout Virginia, thereby embarrassing the mutual friends of Mr Buchanan and yourself, you will oblige me, if convenient and agreeable, by stating your position towards the Administration, which you contributed in a great degree to place in power.

SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), p. 219

Senator Robert M. T. Hunter to William Lamb, August 23, 1857

LLOYDS, ESSEX CO., [VA.], August 23, 1857.

DEAR SIR: I recognize in your letter a friendly spirit and I answer you with the same feeling. But my answer is for yourself alone, not for publication, or to become the subject of public allusion. I have never said or done anything against the administration nor have I any hostile feeling towards it. On the contrary I wish it success. What possible interest could I have in breaking it down or dividing the party? Nor am I responsible for the course of any newspaper. I do not see their editorials until after they are published nor am I consulted in regard to them. No one speaks for me.

I am responsible for my own sayings and doings and for nothing farther. Nor do I feel called upon to criticise the course of newspapers. If I have to commence with this there would be no end to it during the residue of my public life. In conclusion I must repeat the request that this letter is to be considered strictly private.

SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916, in Two Volumes, Vol. II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter (1826-1876), pp. 219-20

Diary of Private Adam S. Johnston, May 1, 1863

Went to Murfreesboro' on a visit from camp, as we were resting in camp on this day from the fatigue of our scout ; being two miles to town and two back again, making 4 miles. Gave up our Sibley tents and set up our dog or shelter tents for the first time, and have a fine berth. A clear day, very warm and dry, and all quiet in camp.

The following table will give you the names of the towns traveled through up to this time in the States of Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama:

KENTUCKY.	TENNESSEE.	ALABAMA.
Louisville,	Mitchelsville,	Rogersville,
Elizabethtown,	Springhill,	Florence,
Mumfordsville,	Nashville,	Lawrenceburg,
Woodsonville,	Franklin,	Mount Pleasant,
Horse Cave,	Columbia,	Fayetteville.
Cave City,	Linnville,
Bowling Green,	Pulaski,
Franklin,	Winchester,
Brunettstown,	Salem,
Fishersville,	Jasper,
Taylorsville,	Chattanooga, on the line of Ga., Ala. and Tenn.,
Bloomfield,	Watrace,*
Chaplin,	Altamont,*
Maxville,	Manchester,*
Perryville, battle,	Shelbyville,*
Lebanon,	Tullahoma,*
Louisville,	Smithland,*
Nolinville,	Nashville,*
Lavern,	Lavern,*
New Albany, Ind.	Murfreesboro', battle 30 Dec, '61 [sic]
Louisville,
Clarksville,

It is unnecessary for me to set forth the number of miles between the towns mentioned above, as it can be found carried out in the preceding pages of this book. I will now call your attention to a few of our foraging and picket marches, and number of miles marched on those occasions.

_______________

* A counter-march into this State.

SOURCE: Adam S. Johnston, The Soldier Boy's Diary Book, pp. 31-2

Daniel Webster to Richard M. Blatchford, August 23, 1851

Elms Farm, August 23, 1851, Thursday morning, five o'clock-?

A little foggy, but will be a fine day.

MY DEAR SIR, — At noon yesterday I received your letter of Monday, P. M. The warmth with which you express your friendship towards me deeply touches me. Be assured, my dear Sir, that your affectionate regard is fully reciprocated. I like your intelligence, I respect your judgment, I have sympathy with your principles, and your feelings, and I like your society. It is my fervent wish that your friendship, as a source of happiness to me, may continue to refresh and gladden my way through all the little remainder of the path of life, which is yet to be trodden. Heaven's blessing ever rest on you and yours! and may you see many, many happy days, when all that you know of me, shall be matter of memory!

In regard to health, my dear friend, I remain as when you left me, except I think my general strength has improved, and the affection of the feet, which I am forced to believe is gout, is less troublesome and painful. Still, my feet are quite tender, and not without occasional twinges. I cannot say, that at this moment I feel any symptom of catarrh whatever. Still, I am cautious, and continue the use of all the medicines, keep indoors, except in fine weather, and avoid every thing, which might give the enemy an opening, through which he might enter.

In the P. M. yesterday, I received your despatch, and suppose that an hour hence, you will be at the Tremont. I thank you for having written to Mrs. Webster, for really I hardly know where to direct letters for her. I have not as yet heard from her, as actually at Niagara.

My dear Sir, may I ask if I am likely to get any slippers, or soft shoes, or boots? You undertook a very humble service, but you are so sure to perform what you undertake, that I relied on no one else. I suppose you could find none ready made, and I write this only to pray you not to let even so small a matter to slip out of your memory.

If detained in Boston, though but for a day, and that day be not a busy one, I trust you will come up. I wrote you yesterday on a subject of some little interest, but no great. You will find the letter at New York.

Yours, always sincerely and truly,

DAN'L WEBSTER

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 464-5

Daniel Webster to Richard M. Blatchford, August 31, 1851

[Franklin, August 31, 1851.] Sunday evening.

MY DEAR SIR, — This has been a lonely and rather unhappy day. Since last evening the pain in my feet has been constant and intense, and I do not think I slept twenty minutes at one time, last night, between nine o'clock and three. Nor have I been able to sleep to-day. The weather is fine, and I drove up to the village this P. M. to ask the doctor to come down and see if he could not give me something, colchicum, or something else, to relieve pain without opium. He says he will try.

Friday about noon, I thought I felt catarrhal symptoms. There were some tendency of defluxion from the nose, the eyes did not feel right, and what was more important, I felt a degree of general depression, which belongs to the disease. I fought the demonstration off, however, and at present feel nothing of it. Indeed, while I write this, such is the burning in my feet, that I could not well feel any thing else. The complaint in the feet does not spread. It is confined to the extremities, the toes of the two feet. No external application gives any relief.

Monday morning, seven o'clock. I am glad I did not fill up this sheet last evening, as I am better to-day, and have no bad signs or symptoms about me.

I expect to hear from you at eleven o'clock.

Yours, truly always,

DAN'L WEBSTER.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 468-9

Daniel Webster to Millard Fillmore, September 8, 1851

Franklin, September 8, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR, — I was delighted to receive your letter of the 2d, and to find you are at home, safe and well. I saw you had your hands full of Cuban matters. I think your course entirely right. What patriots and hot-headed men will next undertake, respecting Cuba, remains to be seen. We must expect that every possible effort will be made to embroil us with Spain.

I have had rather a hard time. I have been able to keep off the catarrh so far, but it has called on me to take so much medicine as a good deal to derange my system. In addition to this, I was attacked three weeks ago by a violent pain in one of my feet, which the doctor says is gout. I can hardly believe this, as we never had gout in our family; but there is something, and which is by spells exceedingly painful. The physician says it will do my constitution a great deal of good, and go off in good time.

I go to Boston to-day, where Mrs. Webster is, and thence immediately to Marshfield. By the process, thus far, I have lost flesh, and am not a little reduced. Yesterday and Sunday were exceedingly hot, bright days; and although I did step out of the house, the heat affected my eyes, much after the catarrh fashion. I resisted the attack, however, by the application of ice. This effort to avert the catarrh, and this appearance of gout, if it be good, will produce a change of some sort, in the state of my health. I do not know how it will come out, but hope for the best.

I think you will do very well to make Mr. Crittenden acting secretary on his return. I shall make every effort to get to Washington before the month is out, and am the more anxious to do so, as I must be in New Hampshire to meet friends one day in the early part of October, at Manchester. All depends, however, on the progress I may make in regard to health.

I do hope Mr. Corwin will not quit. Conjure him, in my behalf, to remain for the present.

I shall give Mr. Derrick directions to recall Mr. Forward.

I shall not attend the Boston celebration, and I should not if I were well. I cannot accept any invitation in which the mayor and aldermen form part of the inviters.

Yours, always truly,

DAN'L WEBSTER.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 469-70

Daniel Webster to Peter Harvey, September 13, 1851

Revere House, Friday. September 13, 1851.

MY DEAR SIR, — It has been suggested as possible, that some of those who will dine on the common to-day, might be inclined, afterwards, to make me a call of civility and respect, in numbers. I hope this may not happen. Such an occurrence, immediately after the President's departure, might be liable to misconstruction. It might be represented that it had been planned, or designed, or, if not so, that it was disrespectful to the President. My deep and sincere regard for the President, as well as my official relations to him, would make it exceedingly painful to me, if any thing should occur, in which my name should be concerned, however remotely, manifesting disrespect to him or the slightest want of kindness, or delicacy towards his feelings. Besides, I am desirous that he should get through this occasion in a manner every way the most gratifying to him.

I shall have another opportunity, ere long, of meeting the citizens of Boston. I hope it may not be necessary to show this letter, or even to suggest its existence to any one, but, nevertheless, I wish my friends to be aware of my feelings, should the case arise.

Yours, truly always,

DAN'L WEBSTER.

P. S. The President is not quite well this morning, and does not come down to breakfast. I presume he has experienced a little too much fatigue.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 470-1

Daniel Webster to Richard M. Blatchford, September 15, 1851

Marshfield, Green Harbor, September 15, 1851.        

Monday morning, eight o'clock.

MY DEAR FRIEND, — Since I wrote you last, I have gone through sudden and various changes in regard to my health. Things wore on, much as they had been going, until the first of this month. Then excessively hot weather set in, and gave a new turn to matters. Saturday the 6th, Sunday the 7th, and Monday the 8th were intolerable days for heat. On Saturday, although I did not step over the threshold, my eyes became strongly affected, much after the catarrh fashion, and this continued. Monday afternoon the weather appearing to cool a little, and the cars not passing till six o'clock, I ventured on board for Boston. We were unlucky. The engine was thrown off the track by running over cattle; it was midnight before we got in. I took a heavy cold, and the next day was quite ill all day. Wednesday afternoon I broke away by violence, and came hither by way of the Hingham boat. While in Boston, Dr. Jeffries advised me to leave off all medicine for a time, which I did, and have not yet resumed the taking of any. These things, or some of them, have caused a very sudden improvement. My feet became at once quite well, nor have I felt any great influence of catarrh, since I have been here. On Thursday, I caught thirty very fine Tautog, under Sunk Rock. It was just the day for them; mild, still, and a little cloudy. On such a day, and just at the commencement of flood tide, throw your hook into their den, and the chiefs will all contend for it. I took one seven pound fellow. On Saturday, I went out in the Lapwing with Fletcher, and some of his Boston friends. We had no great luck, and it came on to rain, during a perfect calm, so that we did not escape a wetting. I took little harm from it.

Saturday night wind and weather changed, and we have had it quite cold. This morning the wind is east, and at sunrise the mercury stood 51°. I doubt whether I shall leave the house to-day. Mr. Lanman came with me from New Hampshire, has been here, and went off this morning for New York. Mrs. Webster, Miss Kate Le Roy, and myself constitute the parlour part of the household.

I received an invitation from the City Government to attend the railroad celebration, which I declined. The President wrote me on the 10th, that he should not be here, but a telegraphic despatch announced, Saturday evening, that he would leave Washington this morning for Boston.

Mrs. Webster and I propose to go to town to-morrow, to see the fashions a little, and spend two or three days. Then one more short stay at this place, will bring us to October.

Marshfield looks finely, and every thing is right but the potatoes. The rot has taken them. The barns are crowded full of hay and grain, the fields have quite an English green about them, and the cattle are up to their knees in fresh grown grass. N. B. Since writing so far, I have yours, saying you have flown off to Niagara.

Yours truly,

DAN'L WEBSTER.

SOURCE: Fletcher Webster, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Daniel Webster, Vol. 2, pp. 471-2