Diary of Corporal John Worrell Northrop: Friday, June 17, 1864

The night of the 11th a well caved in; two men asleep slid in; one was killed. Soon after coming in, we learned that one of the dealers, or "raiders" bore the name of Cary. He was at Belle Isle and is charged with being the cause of several deaths. Today he was pointed out to us and we recognized Sullivan of our company (76th N. Y.) who deserted October 10, 1863, near the Rapidan River south of Mitchell, Va. He was a substitute from Buffalo, a "gambling, fighting, bad tempered fellow, feared in the company. He thinks we suspect him, and tonight sends word by Mooney, who knew him in Canada, that if we do not expose him, Company F shall never be disturbed by raiders.

SOURCE: John Worrell Northrop, Chronicles from the Diary of a War Prisoner in Andersonville and Other Military Prisons of the South in 1864, p. 76

Diary of Major Joseph Stockton, March 14, 1863

The past few days have been attended with some excitement in various ways. In the first place, there has been a "revival" among the division, the different regimental chaplains being interested in it, particularly an Indiana chaplain, who is a regular camp-meeting Methodist and understands his business. Quite number have participated and I sincerely trust with good results. The men had quite a hunt for a large eagle that flew over our camp, but it was soon lost to sight. We embarked on board the transport "Empire City," Captain Hazlitt. The boat is terribly crowded, our own regiment and part of the 11th Ohio Battery on board. There was a disturbance on board by the latter attempting to take possession of the boat, but it was soon quieted. Last night one of the battery was drowned by falling off the boat as he was carrying a bag of grain on board. Poor fellow, he could not be saved; the current of the river was too swift. We are now on our way for the Yazoo Pass and now as far as Moon Lake.

SOURCE: Joseph Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph Stockton, p. 9-10

Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel John Beatty: August 18, 1861

The name of our camp is properly Elk Water, not Elk Fork. The little stream which comes down to the river, from which the camp derives its name, is called Elk Water, because tradition affirms that in early days the elk frequented the little valley through which it runs.

The fog has been going up from the mountains, and the rain coming down in the valley. The river roars a little louder than usual, and its water is a little less clear.

The party sent in pursuit of the bushwhacker has returned. Found no one.

Two men were seen this evening, armed with rifles, prowling among the bushes near the place where the affair of last night occurred. They were fired upon, but escaped.

An accident, which particularly interests my old company, occurred a few minutes ago. John Heskett, Jeff Long, and four or five other men, were detailed from Company I for picket duty. Heskett and Long are intimate friends, and were playing together, the one with a knife and the other with a pocket pistol. The pistol was discharged accidentally, and the ball struck Heskett in the neck, inflicting a serious wound, but whether fatal or not the surgeon can not yet tell. The affair has cast a shadow over the company. Young Heskett bears himself bravely. Long is inconsolable, and begs the boys to shoot him.

SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 57-8

Diary of Lieutenant-Colonel John Beatty: August 21, 1861

Francis Union was shot and killed by one of our own sentinels last night, the ball entering just under the nose. This resulted from the cowardice of the soldier who fired. He was afraid to give the neccesary challenge: four simple words: "Halt! who comes there?" would have saved a life. This illustrates the danger there is in visiting pickets at night. If the sentinel halts the man, the man may fire at the sentinel. The latter, if timid, therefore makes sure of the first shot, and does not challenge. We buried the dead soldier with all the honors due one of his rank, on a beautiful hill in the rear of our fortifications. He was with me on the mountain chopping, a few days ago, strong, healthy, vigorous, and young. No more hard work for him!

SOURCE: John Beatty, The Citizen-soldier: Or, Memoirs of a Volunteer, p. 62-3

Secretary Seward’s Condition Improving.

We are gratified to learn that Secretary SEWARD is much better to-day, and that the somewhat alarming reports about him in circulation last evening are without foundation.

SOURCE: “Secretary Seward’s Condition Improving,” National Republican, Washington, D. C., Friday Evening, April 7, 1862, p. 2, col. 4

Accident to Secretary Seward.

We regret to learn that Secretary Seward was severely injured yesterday afternoon. He together with his son, F. W. Seward, his daughter, Miss Fannie, and Miss Titus, started from his house for a drive. When the driver stopped to shut the door of the carriage the horses became restive, and the driver endeavored to close the door while holding the reins. Mr. F. W. Seward sprang from the carriage for the purpose of assisting the driver to stop the horses, but in doing so he fell, and before he could recover the horses became unmanageable. They reached the neighborhood of H street, and suddenly turned, careening the carriage, and throwing the Secretary violently upon the ground. In falling he fractured his right arm near the shoulder, and bruised his face. He was conveyed to his residence, where the limb was braced, it not being sufficiently injured to require setting. By 7 o’clock he was free from pain, other than in his face and jaw. The shock was violent, and the reaction produced restlessness and some pain; otherwise he was comfortable. The ladies remained in the carriage, and escaped uninjured. There was a report that the driver was killed, but such is not the fact though he was somewhat injured.

SOURCE: “Accident to Secretary Seward,” Daily National Intelligencer, Washington, D. C., Thursday, April 6, 1865, p. 2, col. 1

Serious Accident to Secretary Seward.

We are deeply pained to learn that Secretary SEWARD met with a sever accident yesterday afternoon, which must prevent him from leaving his house for some time to come. He was about to start from his house for a drive, accompanied by his son, F. W. SEWARD, Assistant Secretary of State; his daughter, Miss FANNIE SEWARD, and Miss TITUS.

The door of the carriage refusing to be shut, Mr. SEWARD ordered his driver to close it. The driver dismounted from his box and, with his reins in one hand, slammed the door. The horses were restive and started as the driver took his seat. He jumped off and attempted to hold them, and Mr. FREDERICK SEWARD, seeing the animals were starting to run, jumped to the ground to assist the drive, but he fell to the ground and was unable to get hold of the reins. The horses ran around a corner, swinging the driver by the reins as one would swing a cat by the tail. They went on madly, and Mr. SEWARD, before they had got to the top of their speed, jumped from the carriage, thinking he could maintain his footing, and with a vague notion, perhaps, that he could get hold of the reins. He fell violently to the ground upon his right side, breaking his arm close to the shoulder joint, bruising his nose, cheek, and jaw in a terribly painful manner. He was at first insensible, but on being taken home it was found that he had suffered no internal injuries.

Meanwhile the ladies, with remarkable presence of mind, remained in the carriage, (Miss SEWARD had remonstrated against her father’s getting out,) and the horses were turned into an alley and brought to a stand-still by their colliding with a brick well, when the ladies quickly alighted and the horses recovering themselves, ran into a stable.

We are glad to be able to state that at twelve o’clock to-day Secretary SEWARD was much more comfortable, the severe pain of his contusions having been much moderated. He has been visited by members of the Cabinet and many distinguished people, and the kindest solicitude in his welfare is entertained by our citizens generally.

Hon. F. W. SEWARD, who had such a narrow escape yesterday, has but recently recovered from a broken arm, caused by being thrown from a carriage.

SOURCE: “Serious Accident to Secretary Seward,” Daily National Republican, Washington D. C., Thursday Evening, April 6, 1865, p. 2, col. 1

The Accident To Secretary Seward.

In our third edition yesterday, we announced a serious accident happening to Secretary Seward. It appears that the Secretary, with Miss Fannie Seward and Mr. Frederick Seward, started from his resident on 15½ street, near Pennsylvania avenue, for the purpose of taking a drive, and when on Vermont avenue stopped to take in Miss Titus, who was to accompany the party. When Miss Titus entered the carriage the driver got down from his box to shut the door, (at the same time holding the reins,) but experienced considerable difficulty in doing so. The horses becoming restive, Mr. Frederick Seward attempted to grasp the reins to assist the driver, but failing to do so, he jumped from the carriage in order to stop them, but fell, and somewhat bruised himself. Before Mr. Frederick Seward could regain his feet the horses broke away from the driver, he being unable to regain his seat; and when the horses suddenly turned into H street, Secretary Seward attempted to get out of the carriage, but fell violently to the ground, bruising his face severely, and badly fracturing his right arm just below the shoulder blade. The horses continued running, and when turning into the yard adjoining Mr. Seward’s resident one of them fell which stopped the carriage when the ladies alighted in safety.

The Secretary was immediately picked up in an insensible condition and conveyed to his residence, where the fractured limb was braced, Surgeon General Barnes, Dr. Verdi and Surgeon Morris attending him.

The driver was not killed, as at first reported, but was somewhat injured.

The fracture of the limb is a bad one, but Mr. Seward’s injuries are not considered dangerous, we are mostly happy to state.

The news of the accident to Secretary S. caused much excitement last night, as it was at first feared it might prove fatal, and the general feeling that his loss would be irreparable to the country was mingled with the feeling of high personal regard entertained for him by all in the community.

P. S.—We regret to learn since writing the above that Secretary Seward’s injuries are more serious than was at first supposed. On examination this morning, the attending physician discovered a fracture of the right jaw. The operation of setting it was very painful, but since it is bandaged, the Secretary feels more comfortable.

At 3 o’clock this afternoon he was comparatively easy, and there seems every reason to believe that he will soon be in a way of convalescence and able shortly to resume the functions of the office he fills with such distinguished ability.

SOURCE: “The Accident To Secretary Seward,” Evening Star, Washington, D. C., Thursday, April 6, 1865, p. 2, col. 4

Accident to Mrs. Lincoln.

Mrs. LINCOLN met with an accident this forenoon. Her horses took fright and ran away as she was riding from the Soldier’s Home to the city. Seeing her imminent danger she leaped from the carriage, and was stunned and severely bruised, but no bones were broken. Surgeons from Mount Pleasant Hospital were promptly in attendance. She soon recovered sufficiently to be taken to the White House.

SOURCE: “Our Special Washington Dispatches. Washington, Wednesday, July 2,” The New York Times, Friday, July 3, 1863 p. 5, col. 2

The horses attached to the carriage . . .

. . . in which Mrs. Lincoln was coming into the city this morning from the Soldiers’ Home ran off in consequence of fright, arising from the driver falling to the ground by the breaking of his seat. Mrs. L. leaped out and was considerably bruised, and also received a cut on the back of the head, which bled freely. Surgeons from the Mt. Pleasant Hospital promptly attended Mrs. L., and the injuries fortunately not being serious, she was put into a passing carriage, and came on to the White House.

SOURCE: “Correspondence of The Baltimore Sun. Washington, July 2,” The Sun, Baltimore, Maryland, Friday Morning, July 3, 1863,  p. 4, col. 1

Sad Accident to Mrs. Lincoln.

We regret to learn that a painful accident occurred to Mrs. Lincoln yesterday morning, about ten o’clock near the Mount Pleasant Hospital. It appears that Mrs. L. was passing across the lot near the hospital in her carriage, when the driver’s seat became detached from the carriage in some way, precipitating the driver to the ground. At this the spirited horses became frightened and dashed off at the top of their speed.

Mrs. L. was alone in the carriage at the time, but observing the great danger she was in, quietly and quickly spring from the carriage, her presence of mind and courage not deserting her for a single instant. Although the horses were running at full speed at the time, Mrs. L. fortunately received no more serious injuries from the fall than several severe bruises, which stunned her for a moment. The most severe of these wounds is upon the back part of her head, but we are glad to learn it is not at all dangerous.

Several surgeons from the Carver Hospital were soon upon the spot, and Mrs. L. was taken to the hospital, where the wounds were dressed by Dr. Judson, the efficient surgeon in charge. It was soon ascertained that no bones were broken, and it was thought that she could be conveyed to the White House without too much risk. Dr. Judson quickly had his carriage in waiting, and Mrs. Lincoln was placed in it and driven home. The escape of the lady was almost miraculous considering the circumstances, and we learn that she has entirely recovered from her fright. The injuries are not of a serious character and we hope to see Mrs. Lincoln about in a few days.

SOURCE: “Sad Accident to Mrs. Lincoln,” Daily Morning Chronicle,Washington, D. C., Friday, July 3, 1863, p. 2, col. 7

In Washington . . .

. . . this morning the horses attached to Mrs. Lincoln’s carriage ran away knocking the coachman from his seat. Mrs. Lincoln who was alone in the carriage at the time leaped out as was stunned, receiving several severe bruises.

Source: “In Washington . . .,” The Alexandria Gazette, Alexandria, Virginia, Thursday Evening, July 2, 1863, p. 3, col. 3

Accident to Mrs. Lincoln.

This morning, as Mrs. Lincoln was passing in her carriage in the vicinity of Mount Pleasant Hospital, the driver was accidentally thrown to the ground; and the horses left without a managing hand, dashed off at full speed. Mrs. Lincoln ventured to Jump out. This act resulted in the infliction of several severe bruises, especially a painful contusion on the back of the head. Surgical skill was speedily administered to her injuries, and she returned home.

SOURCE: “Accident to Mrs. Lincoln,” Daily Constitutional Union, Washington, D. C., Thursday Afternoon, July 2, 1865, p. 2, col. 5

Accident to Mrs. Lincoln.

We regret to announce that this forenoon while Mrs. Lincoln was riding from the Soldier’s Home in her carriage, the pole was accidently broken, the horses took fright and ran away, smashing the vehicle badly and throwing Mrs. Lincoln out with great violence. She was quickly attended and conveyed to the Soldiers Home, when the President and Dr. Stone were sent for. We do not learn the extend of the injury received by Mrs. Lincoln at the moment of going to press, but are glad to learn that no bones are broken. We shall be able to give further details in our next edition.

P. S.—Since the above was in type, we learn that Mrs. Lincoln escaped with a slight cut upon the forehead. When she discovered that the horses had become unmanageable she coolly leaped from the carriage and was thrown upon her face, inflicting the wound described. We are truly glad it was no worse.

SOURCE: “Accident to Mrs. Lincoln,” Daily National Republican, Thursday Evening, July 2, 1862, p. 2, col. 1

Gleanings.

The Richmond Examiner of May 2 announces the sudden and violent death of Joseph E. Davis, a lad four years of age, second son of Jefferson Davis, by a fall from the portico of his father’s dwelling, a distance of fifteen feet.

SOURCE: “Gleanings,” The Brooklyn Daily Union, Brooklyn, New York, Thursday, May 12, 1862,  p. 2, col. 2

The Funeral of Little Joseph.

The accident which has brought mourning to the hearthstone of President Davis is sad indeed, and the afflicted family will have the sincere sympathy of the entire people. This blow, added to his responsible position, must weigh heavily upon Mr. Davis, but he will doubtless be consoled by the reflection that little Joseph has been transplanted to a fairer and better clime, where wars and strifes are unknown, and where anthems of praise ever ascend to the Great Source of all perfection. The earthly “mansion” may be clothed in the habiliments of mourning and each member of the family circle will feel an aching void whenever the little prattler is missed from the group, but Joseph has a mansion “not built with hands eternal in the heavens.”

Of the death and funeral of this interesting little boy the Enquirer says:

“The afflicting dispensation of Providence which removed from this world a beautiful child of President Davis, has created a void never to be filled, but the deep sympathy of a whole country with the afflicted family may in some measure mitigate their grief. The funeral of little JOSEPH DAVIS on Sunday last, from St. Paul’s Church, was attended by one of the largest gatherings of the citizens of Richmond that any of the events of the last three years have called together. It was a tender and silent expression of the sympathy and regard of a large community for the President and his family. The whole country will join in condoling with the distressed family.”

SOURCE: “The Funeral of Little Joseph,” The Daily Progress, Raleigh, North Carolina, Wednesday, May 4, 1864, p. 2, Col. 3

Fatal Accident—A Son of President Davis Killed by a Fall

A most distressing accident occurred at the President’s Mansion on Saturday afternoon last. About 5 o’clock Joseph E. Davis, about four years old, son of President Davis, who had been playing about the yard during the earlier part of the evening, was missed, when search was instituted, and in a short time he was found lying in an insensible condition on the brick area below the east portico of the residence, with his left thigh broken and a severe contusion on his forehead. When discovered, an elder son of the President, named Jefferson, was kneeling by, endeavoring in the most affectionate manner to make him speak, but apparently not realizing the reason which prevented his brother from doing so. As soon as possible Drs. Wellford, Haxall, Conway, and Peticolas, were in attendance; but all their efforts proved ineffectual, and the little fellow, after an hour’s suffering, during which time he was perfectly insensible, breathed his last. The exact cause of the unfortunate accident is not known; but as there was a step-ladder leading from the area in the yard to the porch above, a distance of from fifteen to twenty feet, it is conjectured that he was standing near its top, and losing his balance, fell over into the yard below. The funeral took place at five o’clock yesterday afternoon, from St. Paul’s Church. A large crowd of sympathizing friends were in attendance, and the ceremonies of the occasion were of the most impressive.

SOURCE: “Fatal Accident,” Daily Dispatch, Richmond, Virginia, Monday Morning, May 2, 1864, p. 1, col. 6

Diary of 4th Corporal Bartlett Yancey Malone: June 29, 1862

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

Diary of George Templeton Strong: January 11, 1860

News today of a fearful tragedy at Lawrence, Massachusetts, one of the wholesale murders commonly known in newspaper literature as accident or catastrophe. A huge factory, long notoriously insecure and ill-built, requiring to be patched and bandaged up with iron plates and braces to stand the introduction of its machinery, suddenly collapsed into a heap of ruins yesterday afternoon without the smallest provocation. Some five or six hundred operatives went down with it— young girls and women mostly. An hour or two later, while people were working frantically to dig out some two hundred still under the ruins, many of them alive and calling for help, some quite unhurt, fire caught in the great pile of debris, and these prisoners were roasted. It is too atrocious and horrible to think of.

Of course, nobody will be hanged. Somebody has murdered about two hundred people, many of them with hideous torture, in order to save money, but society has no avenging gibbet for the respectable millionaire and homicide. Of course not. He did not want to or mean to do this massacre; on the whole, he would have preferred to let these people live. His intent was not homicidal. He merely thought a great deal about making a large profit and very little about the security of human life. He did not compel these poor girls and children to enter his accursed mantrap. They could judge and decide for themselves whether they would be employed there. It was a matter of contract between capital and labor; they were to receive cash payment for their services. No doubt the legal representatives of those who have perished will be duly paid the fractional part of their week’s wages up to the date when they became incapacitated by crushing or combustion, as the case may be, from rendering further service. Very probably the wealthy and liberal proprietor will add (in deserving cases) a gratuity to defray funeral charges. It becomes us to prate about the horrors of slavery! What Southern capitalist trifles with the lives of his operatives as do our philanthropes of the North?

SOURCE: Allan Nevins and Milton Halset Thomas, Editors, Diary of George Templeton Strong, Vol. 3, p. 4

Diary of Musician David Lane, June 16, 1863

At about four o'clock this afternoon we met two of our gunboats near Napoleon, Mississippi, who told us they had just dislodged a Rebel battery planted on the shore, and had burned two small villages. Thinking it not safe to proceed, our fleet was hauled inshore, a strong guard was posted and pickets stationed on shore to prevent surprise. Most of the men threw themselves down, their arms beside them, to rest as best they might. Some few had gone ashore and were enjoying a social chat around their blazing camp fires, while the more restless ones were working off the effects of the bad whisky they had imbibed during the day with boisterous, hilarious merriment. It was half-past ten; feeling wakeful, I had not retired, but sat on the railing of the vessel, talking over past events with a friend from Jackson. Presently two rifle shots rang out, followed by a volley from our pickets. Then was there hurrying to and fro. The men sprang instinctively to arms. Officers rushed from their rooms in dishabille, the timid crouched behind anything that offered the slightest protection. Confusion reigned. But soon our Colonel appeared, cool and collected, calm as a summer eve. "Steady, men, stand by your arms and wait orders." More pickets were sent out and we patiently awaited the attack. But it did not come. It was, probably, an attempt by some cowardly wretches to murder one or two of our pickets and escape under cover of darkness. No one was hurt. We started soon after daylight, convoyed by two gunboats, prepared for any emergency, and expecting fun. One gunboat led the way, the other followed in our rear, their bright little guns portruding from their coalblack sides. They have a jaunty, saucy air, that seems to say: "Just knock this chip off my shoulder, if you dare." We were all excitement for a while, eagerly scanning every tree or log, thinking to see a puff of smoke or a "cracker's" head at every turn. Seeing nothing for so long a time, we began to think it all a hoax, when suddenly, as we rounded a point, running close inshore, the transport in front of us was fired on by a concealed foe. Their fire was instantly returned, and the saucy little gunboats rounded to and gave them a broadside of grape, followed by shell, at short range. Our boys were quickly in line, watching with eager eyes for Rebel heads. Fortunately not a man was injured on either vessel. A sad accident occurred this afternoon. A young man of Company H was standing guard at the head of the stairs. He stood on the upper step, leaning on his gun. It slipped and the hammer struck the step below. The bullet passed through his stomach and lodged near the spine.

SOURCE: David Lane, A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 50-2