Rienzi. The 3rd Section, Lieutenant Hood, went out in
front and the first fell back to its old grounds. Foraging party brought in two
loads of corn, three neat cattle, one sheep, twelve geese, seven hens, two or
three bushels of sweet potatoes.
SOURCE: Jenkin Lloyd
Jones, An Artilleryman's Diary, p. 5
*A something
whispers to me that if this should ever be read by housekeeper, it may call up
unpleasant reminiscences of "ironing days." I hope not.
SOURCE: Alfred L.
Castleman, The Army of the Potomac. Behind the Scenes. A Diary of
Unwritten History; From the Organization of the Army, by General George B.
McClellan, to the close of the Campaign in Virginia about the First Day
January, 1863, p. 37
Haines Bluff, Miss. Once
more on land, and glad are we of the change. We arrived at the mouth of the
Yazoo at ten o'clock yesterday morning, six miles from Vicksburg, and, turning
upstream, came to anchor at this place, fifteen miles from its mouth, at 12 m.
We had a perilous
voyage down the river. It would seem, on looking back on the dangers through
which we were safely carried, that a power higher than man's had been exerted
in our behalf. To say nothing of the guerillas, three times were we in imminent
danger of being "blown up." Once nothing but a miracle—men called it
luck—saved us from capsizing; once we were driven on shore by a hurricane on
the only spot, so said our pilot, where we could by any possibility have
escaped being wrecked.
Part of our
division, two days in advance of us, has reported at Vicksburg. Two divisions
of the Ninth Corps are here, the other—the Third—is at Suffolk, Virginia. The
place we now occupy was lately in possession of the Rebels. It is strong by
nature, and has been made still stronger by man, but those terrible little
gunboats made it too hot for secession, and they left in haste, leaving part of
their baggage, a few horses and cattle, and even poultry, which our boys found
skulking in the bushes. Of course, they arrested the cowardly creatures and
brought them into camp.
The inhabitants have
all left, driving their stock with them, and burning what furniture they could
not carry.
The face of the
country is rough and broken, quite as much so as Maryland and Virginia. Spite
of Jeff. Davis' prohibition, I find much cotton planted in this part of
Mississippi, but it will not come to much unless Uncle Sam soon gives it in
charge of his colored children, who literally throng our camp. I wish I could
describe the beauty and grandeur of these forests, but to be appreciated they
must be seen. That which gives them their greatest charm is the long, wavy,
gray moss which hangs suspended from every limb, from the smallest sapling to
the mighty, towering oak. Wild plums and blackberries, large and luscious,
abound and are now in season. Figs will soon be ripe. Among other things, good
and bad, fleas and woodticks are in evidence.
SOURCE: David Lane,
A Soldier's Diary: The Story of a Volunteer, 1862-1865, p. 52-3
I wrote to Locke's
Mills pupils. Messenger arrived from Alexandrian woods at 7 a. m., 1,000 men
coming and 500 cattle.
SOURCE: Lewis C.
Paxson, Diary of Lewis C. Paxson: Stockton, N.J., 1862-1865, p. 7
I introduce the following letter to a friend, as sufficiently explicit as to the occurrences since the last date:
CHAIN BRIDGE, VA., Sept. 6, 1861.
I
commence this letter with the reiteration, Poor Virginia! That State, which for
forty years has stood as the guiding star of our galaxy of States,—that State,
which alone could, six months ago,
have assumed the position of umpire to the belligerents, and which only would
have been respected in the assumption—now stands at the very foot of the list.
In the commencement of this contest she degraded herself by offering to become
the cat's paw for South Carolina, and was still farther degraded by South
Carolina rejecting the proposition to become her menial. By her officious
subservience, however, she got her paw into the fire, and how dreadfully it is
burned only those who are on her soil can form any idea. Everywhere is the
destruction going on. Her soil is the battle-field, and, so far as the
destruction of property is concerned, it matters but little which party is
successful. Armies must have room to move and manœuvre, soldiers will have the
fruits and vegetables which grow around their encampment, and camp life is a
poor fertilizer of that moral growth which marks the line of "meum et tuum."
This letter is
written on sheets taken from the former residence of Hon. W. W. Slade, once a
member of Congress from Virginia. I rode around with a foraging party. We
entered his fine old mansion, and I could not but weep over the sad changes
which I could see had taken place within a few hours, Within no living soul was
left. The soldiers entered; for a time I stood back, but when I did go in what
a sight presented itself! Already the floors were covered knee-deep with books
and papers, which it must have required a long life of toil and trouble to
amass, fine swinging-mirrors shivered into thousands of pieces—a fit emblem of
the condition to which efforts are being made to reduce this glorious
government—each piece reflecting miniature images of what the whole had shown,
but never again to reflect those pigmy images in one vast whole. In the large
and spacious drawing-room stood the ruins of one of those old-fashioned
sideboards, around which had grown so much of the reputation of Southern high
life and hospitality; its doors, wrenched from their hinges, lay scattered on
the floor; large mahogany sofas, with their covers torn off, marble-top tables,
stationery, china, stoves and spittoons, were there in one promiscuous heap of
ruins. I stepped into the library, hoping to bring away some relic that had
been untouched by the soldiers, but I was too late—all here was ruin. In a
corner I picked up a few yellow pamphlets, and read "Constitution and
By-Laws of the National Democratic Association." Sadly enough I left the
house, and seated myself, to rest and think, on the spacious verandah. For a
moment I looked on the vast orchards, the beautiful flower garden, the long
rows of laden grape vines, the broad acres of corn and clover, and thought,
"What a place and what a condition to pass old age in comfort and
quiet," and my heart began to lighten. How momentary the lightning, for
just then company after company from the different regiments came up; gates
were thrown open, fences thrown down, and horses, cattle and mules were
destroying all these evidences of prosperity and comfort. And this is but one
feature in the great haggard countenance of war which stares at us whenever we
look at Virginia's "sacred soil." Alas, poor Virginia! This subject
alone would give interest to a whole volume, but I must leave it.
On Tuesday night, at half-past ten o'clock, the "long roll" brought our brigade, of five regiments, to their feet, when we found ourselves under orders to march at once for the Virginia side of the river, where, it was said, a large body of rebels had been collecting just at night. We had had slight skirmishing in that neighborhood for several days, and now the crisis was expected, and our regiment was to have a chance. All was excitement, and in half an hour from the alarm we were ready to start. By the time we arrived here it had commenced raining—we found no enemy—bivouaced for the night, and slept in the rain to the music of the tramp, tramp of infantry, and the rattling, roaring tear of artillery wagons over the roughly macademized road which passed by our encampment. Yesterday it rained all day, as if every plug had been pulled out; still we kept on our arms and ready for action—our general and brigade officers dashing about all the time, and warning us to be ready for an attack. Day before yesterday a scouting party of our brigade went in pursuit of a party of cavalry who had been seen hovering about us. When they came in sight the cavalry took to their heels, leaving to us only three large contrabands, who "tink massa oughten to run away from poor nigga so, heah! heah! They just run and leab us to de mercy of de darn abolishuns, heah! heah!" They report that around Fairfax and Centreville there are sixty or seventy regiments, who are well provisioned, but that there is a great deal of sickness among them, measles being the prevailing disease. We had, when we left Kalarama, about twenty-five in the hospital, whom we left there under the charge of Dr. There are three or four here who have sickened in consequence of exposure to the two days and two night's rain, but they will be out in a day or two. We have not yet lost a man by disease or accident, though I hear that one man yesterday received a musket ball through his cap, but as it did not hit his head it is thought he will recover. The musket was carelessly fired by some soldier in our camp.
A little occurrence
to-day has caused quite a stir in our camps, and I deem it worthy to be noted
here for my remembrance. Capt. Strong, of the Second Regiment of Wisconsin
Volunteers, was with a small party on picket guard. He strolled away from his
company, and suddenly found himself surrounded by six of the rebel pickets.
Being out of reach of help from his men, he surrendered himself a prisoner.
After a short consultation as to whether they should kill the "d----d
Yankee" on the spot, they concluded that they would first take him into
camp. They demanded his pistols, which he took from his belt and presented. But
at the moment when the rebels were receiving them, they both went off, killing
two of his captors on the spot. But there were four left, two on foot, two on
horseback. He dashed into a pine thicket, they discharging their pieces after
him and immediately giving chase. He struck into a deep hollow or ravine
leading down to the Potomac. It was so precipitous that the horsemen could not
follow. But when he emerged from it near the river; he found himself confronted
by the two horsemen who had ridden around and reached the spot in time to head
him off. He had received a shot through his canteen. Immediately on seeing his
pursuers he fired again, killing one more of them, and simultaneously he
received another shot through his cheek. He continued firing with his revolvers
till he had made in all eleven shots. By this time the fourth man had been
unhorsed. The footmen did not pursue, and he made his way into camp. This is
the story, though some are so uncharitable as to discredit it, notwithstanding
one hole through his canteen and another through his cheek.
SOURCE: Alfred L.
Castleman, The Army of the Potomac. Behind the Scenes. A Diary of
Unwritten History; From the Organization of the Army, by General George B.
McClellan, to the close of the Campaign in Virginia about the First Day
January, 1863, p. 21-5
The great day of
battle commenced at daylight and raged heavily all along the line until 3
o'clock. Yanks drove back four miles. Our Boys took in prisoners by the
hundreds. Captured twelve cannon and during the day about 2000 prisoners, 160
odd beeves, some wagons, etc.
SOURCE: Ephraim
Shelby Dodd, Diary of Ephraim Shelby
Dodd: Member of Company D Terry's Texas Rangers, p. 5
OUR FIRST MARCH.
This morning, at four o'clock, we thought the Old Nick was to pay, but soon found it was only the long roll. It would have sounded better if a little later, but we got up just the same, formed in line, marched across the city, and embarked aboard the steamer "Geo. Collins." The old saying about large bodies and their slowness, applied here; we might have slept two hours longer, for it was nine o'clock before we started. The vessel had evidently just returned from a voyage with cattle on board, so all who could, remained on deck. We were well paid, for the scenery for fifteen miles was fine; after that the banks of the river were swampy and dismal. We saw a portion of the old fighting ground of the last year when Mass. troops fought to obtain possession of New Berne.
We passed into the sound about three o'clock, and at dark had not entered the Pamlico river, so supper and bunks were in order. The supper was fair, but "distance lent enchantment to the" smell of the bunks.
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. 16
Sunday morning the
regiment was ordered out on grand guard. Went up on hill some two miles from
camp—heavy firing heard in the distance—McArthur's division in the advance and
the rebels are falling back before him. As I sat on a log this morning about
church time I thought of many dear friends wending their way to church and how
the church bells were ringing at home, speaking of nothing but peace, while, in
dear old St. James, many are listening to the glorious anthems and the litany
of the church. I wondered to myself if any there give their thoughts to the
absent ones who loved their country better than all the pleasure and comforts
of home and are willing to die for it. How different here; everything speaks of
war and desolation—foraging wagon trains constantly coming in, bringing cattle,
pigs, chickens, turkeys, everything they can lay their hands on. On the other
side of the creek are regiments marching forward, their colors flying, bands
playing, men chewing, while in the distance is the sound of McArthur's guns or
rebel ones returning their fire. I would not be in Chicago if I could.
SOURCE: Joseph
Stockton, War Diary (1862-5) of Brevet Brigadier General Joseph
Stockton, p. 5
Rained in torrents last night; cold this morning and cloudy.
All quiet below. But there was an alarm, night before last, growing out of a stampede of some 50 of the enemy's beeves. They charged upon our line, regardless of the fire of cannon and musketry, and were all captured after penetrating our works. Brave cattle!
Gov. Vance writes that if Wilmington be attacked by a large force in the rear of Fort Fisher, its fall is inevitable, unless two brigades of veteran troops be sent from Gen. Lee's army. He says the defense of Wilmington is as important as that of Richmond. The President directs the Secretary of War to communicate with Gen. Lee on the subject.
We learn that Gen. Grant is on a visit to his family at Burlington, N. J.; and yet the departmental troops (clerks) are still kept in the trenches. It is said the President's family keep them there by the most imploring appeals to Gen. Lee, and that the President himself does not feel altogether safe while the Federal army is so near him.
His house is on the side of the city most exposed, if a sudden attack were made, of which, however, there seems to be no danger at present. Several brigades of Gen. Early's troops have arrived from the Valley.
Gold sells to-day at $42 for $1. And it rises in the United States. This produces trepidation in the cabinet.
Snowed a few minutes to-day, 4 P.M. The clouds are breaking—cold.
What appetites we have! Shin-soup and bean-soup alternately are relished with shark-like appetites.
Evening.
About six, the
Burnside came down the river with horses, hogs, chickens and prisoners. They
took Col. Bryant, just as he returned to his plantation after running his
negroes into the back country. They report great quantities of cotton and
cattle up the river, so I hope we really are to have fresh beef again.
It is nothing like
as damp and unwholesome here as in South Carolina. The same amount of exposure
there that our men have had here, would have given the hospital twenty or
thirty cases of pleurisy and pneumonia, while today, we have but a single case
of acute inflammation. There is coughing enough to keep back several rebel
regiments. I see no reason, however, why the officers should not get
intermittent fever from this handsome river, by and by. It looks as if
midsummer might load it with miasma and alligators. . . .
I am gradually
confiscating furniture for my spacious chamber in the best house of a beautiful
town, as if it were my final residence. I enjoy the long cedar closet that
opens out of my room. The fragrance is so sweet I cannot understand why moths
object to it. having a perfect bath room, without any water in it and costly gas
fixtures without any gas! The war has greatly deranged the machinery of this
town. Almost everywhere, except in this house, I have found the lead pipes cut
by the rebels and used, I suppose, for bullets. When Colonel Sanderson left
here he placed his house in charge of a Union man, saying that it would
naturally be the headquarters of any Union commander. Hence the more perfect
preservation of the property.
SOURCE: Proceedings
of the Massachusetts Historical Society, Volume 43, October, 1909—June,
1910: February 1910. p. 375-6
We are in Yankeedom
this time, for certain, and a beautiful and magnificent country it is too.
Since we started we have traveled about fifteen miles a day, resting at night
and drawing rations plentifully and regularly. We are about fifteen miles over
the Pennsylvania and Maryland line and within seven miles of Chambersburg. We
are resting to-day (Sunday) and will get to Harrisburg in three more days if we
go there.
We hear nothing of
Hooker's army at all, but General Lee knows what he is about. This is certainly
a grand move of his, and if any man can carry it out successfully he can, for
he is cautious as well as bold.
We are taking
everything we need—horses, cattle, sheep, flour, groceries and goods of all
kinds, and making as clean a sweep as possible. The people seem frightened
almost out of their senses. They are nearly all agricultural people and
have everything in abundance that administers to comfort. I have never yet seen
any country in such a high state of cultivation. Such wheat I never dreamed of,
and so much of it! I noticed yesterday that scarcely a horse or cow was to be
seen. The free negroes are all gone, as well as thousands of the white people.
My servant, Wilson, says he “don't like Pennsylvania at all," because he
"sees no black folks.”
I have never seen
our army so healthy and in such gay spirits. How can they be whipped? Troops
have so much better health when on the march. I must say that I have enjoyed
this tramp. The idea of invading the Yankees has buoyed me up all the time.
Last year when invading Maryland we were almost starved, and of course anyone
would become disheartened. My health was never better than it is now, and I
feel gay and jovial every way.
My brother Billie is
out to-day guarding a man's premises. He was also out last night, and he told
me this morning that they fed him splendidly. The reason houses are guarded is
to prevent our troops plundering and robbing, which would demoralize them,
thereby rendering them unfit for soldiers. Soldiers must have a strict and
severe rein held over them; if not, they are worthless.
I have George's
picture with me, and I look at it frequently.
You will see by this
letter that we have gotten back into “Old Virginia" again. It seems that
our invasion of the North did not prove successful. We fought a dreadful battle
at Gettysburg, Pa. It was the greatest battle of the war. We drove the Yankees
three miles from the battlefield to a long range of high hills, from which it
was impossible to dislodge them. General Lee had to fall back to keep them from
getting the advantage. My brother was not hurt in the battle. Milton Bossard,
Captain Cromer, Buford Wallace, Mr. Daniel's two sons and many others from
Newberry were killed; but it is better for us all to be killed than conquered.
We have had some
very disagreeable marching, as it has rained so much, but I have gotten hold of
an old horse, which helps me along very much.
We have plenty of
beef and bread to eat. We gathered up thousands of beeves in
Pennsylvania-enough to feed our army until cold weather. This is a great
consideration.
My servant got lost
in Maryland. I do not think it was his intention to leave, but he was negligent
about keeping up and got in rear of the army and found it too late to cross the
river.
One of your letters
came to me in Pennsylvania, and three since we left there.
We hear that
Vicksburg has fallen. That is unfortunate, but I do not feel at all
discouraged. Countries have been overrun, and then not conquered.
When we get settled
down in camp again I will try to write you a longer and better arranged letter.
We don't know what minute we may move, and under such circumstances I never can
write with any satisfaction. I have George's picture yet. It is a wonder I did
not lose it.
SIR: I have the
honor to report that I arrived here on Saturday last, by order of General
Zollicoffer, and assumed command of this post on Sunday. I found stationed here
Colonel Wood's battalion and several companies of infantry and cavalry. There
seemed to be much uneasiness and apprehension felt in reference to the
disaffected portion of the population. I have put the city under military rule
and have restored peace and security.
I have detailed and
sent to the various districts where I had information there were any gatherings
of disaffected citizens and had them dispersed, and in many instances the
leaders arrested. As soon as possible, I dispatched companies of mounted men to
scour the country, with instructions to arrest and send here all persons who
were inciting rebellion or were found with arms, resisting the authorities. In
all instances where there was no proof of disloyalty I have discharged the
prisoners upon their taking the oath of allegiance.
There are now in
custody here about 70 persons, many of whom, it, is believed, were either
directly or indirectly connected with the burning of the railroad bridges.
Colonel Wood, who was in command here before my arrival, had in contemplation a
court-martial for the trial of those upon whom proof of guilt seemed to be
strong. I concurred with him, and ordered the meeting on the 28th. The board
will be composed of some of the most intelligent officers within this post, and
I have no doubt their action will be prudent and discreet.
It is important that
steam-power should be secured for the purpose of driving the machinery
necessary in the alteration of arms. I therefore took possession of the
printing establishment of Brownlow. The steam-engine and building are suitable
for our purposes, and it was the only one that could be procured here. Brownlow
has left, and no certain information of his whereabouts can be obtained; it is,
however, certain that he is aiding and abetting our enemies. I have assured his
sons, who profess to have sold the establishment to a Mr. Baxter, that full
indemnity for the use of the establishment would be paid by the Government. I
have every assurance that the sale to Baxter was a false one, and feel that
Baxter is not reliable in his loyalty to our Government.
In obedience to your
instructions, Novemeber 22, I have given orders that all contracts for hogs or
cattle made with the agents of the Confederate Government shall be complied
with, and have dispatched several armed parties to see that it is properly
executed.
There are 1,140
sacks of salt here. I have directed 400 sacks should be delivered to D. Morris
& Co. and 400 sacks to Wilson & Johnson. This is sufficient to meet
their present wants, and the balance will be returned, to meet such other
demands as may arise. I will report to you again soon.
Cool and cloudy;
symptoms of the equinoctial gale.
We have intelligence
of another brilliant feat of Gen. Wade Hampton. Day before yesterday he got in
the rear of the enemy, and drove off 2500 beeves and 400 prisoners. This will
furnish fresh meat rations for Lee's army during a portion of the fall
campaign. I shall get some shanks, perhaps; and the prisoners of war will have
meat rations.
Our people generally
regard McClellan's letter of acceptance as a war speech, and they are
indifferent which succeeds, he or Lincoln, at the coming election; but they incline
to the belief that McClellan will be beaten, because he did not announce
himself in favor of peace, unconditionally, and our independence. My own
opinion is that McClellan did what was best for him to do to secure his
election, and that he will be elected. Then, if we maintain a strong front in
the field, we shall have peace and independence. Yet his letter convinces me
the peace party in the United States is not so strong as we supposed. If it
shall appear that subjugation is not practicable, by future success on our
part, the peace party will grow to commanding proportions.
Our currency was,
yesterday, selling $25 for $1 in gold; and all of us who live on salaries live
very badly: for food and everything else is governed by the specie value. Our
$8000 per annum really is no more than $320 in gold. The rent of our house is
the only item of expense not proportionably enlarged. It is $500, or $20 in
gold. Gas is put up to $30 per 1000 feet.
Four P.M. We hear
the deep booming of cannon again down the river. I hope the enemy will not get
back the beeves we captured, and that my barrel of flour from North Carolina
will not be intercepted!
J. J. Pollard's
contract to bring supplies through the lines, on the Mississippi, receiving
cotton therefor, has been revoked, it being alleged by many in that region that
the benefits reaped are by no means mutual.
And Mr. De Bow's
office of Cotton Loan Agent has been taken away from him for alleged
irregularities, the nature of which is not clearly stated by the new Secretary
of the Treasury, who announces his removal to the Secretary of War.
The President has
had the porch of his house, from which his son fell, pulled down.
A “private” letter
from Vice-President Stephens was received by Mr. Secretary Seddon to-day.
The cannonading
ceased at sundown. The papers, to-morrow, will inform us what it was all about.
Sunday is not respected in
war, and I know not
what is. Such terrible wars as this will probably make those who survive
appreciate the blessings of peace.
DUNN'S HILL,
September 17, 1864.
At daylight
yesterday the enemy's skirmish line west of the Jerusalem plank road was driven
back upon his intrenchments along their whole extent and his location
ascertained. Ninety prisoners taken in the operation. At the same hour General
Hampton attacked his position, north of Norfolk railroad, near Sycamore Church.
Captured about 300 prisoners, some arms, wagons, large number of horses, and
2,500 cattle. General Gregg attacked General Hampton on his return in the
afternoon at Belches' Mill, on the Jerusalem plank road, but was repulsed and
driven back. Everything was brought off safely. Our entire loss does not exceed
50 men.
Several detachments were sent out over the country after beef cattle. Some sixty beeves were brought in during the day.
The battalion moved some three miles nearer Camp Buckner.
SOURCE: Richard
R. Hancock, Hancock's Diary: Or, A History of the Second Tennessee
Confederate Cavalry, p. 67
SEMINARY, June 28,
1860.
. . . Last week I
dismissed summarily two cadets of good families and large connexions. One has
appealed to the Board of Supervisors who may be weak enough to yield to such
influence. And if they do it will severely weaken my power and influence and
may shake my faith in my hold on their confidence. They meet on Saturday. This
is Thursday and I will then see whether I am to govern here or be governed by
the cast off boys of rich planters.
So well impressed
are all gentlemen here of the necessity of some restraint on the boys, who have
been indulged at home to an unlimited extent, that I doubt not they will
approve my acts, but like all deliberative bodies they may take some half way
course and recommend me to receive them back on their promising reformation. I
will not do so unless they command me, which they have a right to do.
We will celebrate
the 4th of July by a cadet oration and Declaration of Independence, etc., and
our examination July 30 and 31 will be celebrated by a large attendance.
The weather has been
warm but never as warm as at St. Louis or in Ohio. The summers here are long,
but the proximity to the sea gives us the same air as we felt off Cuba which I
think perfect. Indeed I don't object to the summers here. All are well and
healthy and there is no apprehension of epidemic. These always originate in New
Orleans and spread by the steamboats so that here they always have full warning
and can take due precaution. Take the year all round this must be a healthy
place.
The only drawbacks
and they are serious are servants and marketing. All here own their slaves and
there are properly speaking no servants for hire. White girls or boys will not
come from New Orleans though in time they may. All groceries and meats must
come from New Orleans – the grass is so poor that sheep and cattle are
skeletons and milk exceedingly scarce. Goat milk will be better. This year the
drought has been unbearable destroying all gardens, but the season is so long
that they can plant two or three times. The soil on the river bottom is very
perfect, here in the pine hills as poor as poverty itself. Still by care we can
make lettuce, potatoes sweet and Irish, beans, peas and such things when the
season favors. There are no market gardens; the negro slaves have small patches
which they are allowed to cultivate and sell off – but these are all on the
other side of the river. . .
Clear and warm.
The local troops did
not march until this morning, and no one supposes Richmond is seriously menaced
by Grant. I believe the object of the demonstration on the part of the enemy is
to draw our forces away from the vicinity of Washington.
The Chief of the
Signal Corps reports, on information supposed by him to be reliable, that Gen.
Early's captures in Maryland were worth $12,000,000—consisting of some 10,000
horses, 10,000 cattle, 7000 hogs, 4000 sheep, 20,000 barrels of flour, and a
large amount of bacon, etc. Also, that he got between 2000 and 3000 recruits.
All this doubtful.
Mr. G. W. Lamar,
Augusta, Ga., writes the Secretary of War that he knows, personally, over one
hundred men who have bought exemptions, and that they are
bought and sold every day at a certain price. Now will the Secretary order an
investigation? Mr. L. has, or had, nine sons in the army, and he says he could
have bought exemptions for all, as he is rich. And yet a poor ensigncy is
refused one of his sons.
GENERAL: It is with
pleasure I congratulate you upon your removal of the last obstacle to the free
navigation of the Mississippi. This will prove a death to Copperheadism in the
Northwest, besides serving to demoralize the enemy. Like arming the negroes, it
will act as a two-edged sword, cutting both ways.
Immediately on
receipt of your dispatches I forwarded them by Colonel Riggin, of my staff, who
will take them as far as Cairo. I ordered the boats and other articles you
required at once, and as many of the boats as can be got ready will go down at
the same time with this. I also ordered, on the strength of Colonel Smith's
report, about 1,000 men to Natchez, to hold that place for a few days, and to
collect the cattle that have been crossing there for the rebel army. I am also
sending a force to Yazoo City, to gather the heavy guns the rebels have there,
and to capture, if possible, the steamers the enemy have in Yazoo River.
Sherman is still out
with a very large force after Joe Johnston, and cannot well be back under six
or seven days. It will be impossible, therefore, for me to send you the forces
asked for in your letter until the expiration of that time. I telegraphed to
Washington, however, the substance of your request and the reason for it. So
far as anything I know of being expected from my force, I can spare you an army
corps of as good troops as ever trod American soil. No better are found on any
other. It will afford me pleasure to send them if I am not required to do some
duty requiring them. When the news of success reached me, I had General
Herron's division on board transports, ready to start for Port Hudson. That
news induced me to change their direction to Yazoo City.
SOURCES: The
War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and
Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 24, Part 3 (Serial No. 38), p. 499-500;
John Y. Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S. Grant, Volume 9, p.
31-2
[Washington, July
23, 1863]
I have had one
interview with the Secy of War & two with the President. Every one in the
Gove't & many out of it appear to be thinking strongly towards this subject
but as yet it seems likely to be accomplished only by pieces, &, in the
Secy's office there would appear to be lack of well defined system in what has
already been undertaken. The Secy understands that he has an officer to attend
to such subjects but the office does not understand that his instructions
embrace them:—simply the organisation of colored troops:—yet all matters
connected with these organisations in you Dept. are now determined by Ajt.
Genl. Thomas—refered to him as they arrive. His health though better is such
that he is kept away at lighter duty. It would have gratified me could I have
placed before Mr. Stanton a more general & comprehensive view of the facts
in the Dept in regard to these people. He asked me who appointed me to the
charge of these people as if he did [not] know anything had been done for them
save through the Commissioners. He is evidently well disposed towards you.
Bothe interviews with the Prest. were full of interest—the last very lengthy.
He spoke with great freedom of his difficulties, so much so as to charge me
with silence & perhaps as I send this by the customary mail, I had better
omit the details. He remarked that it gratified him to know the observation of
so many facts in your Dept. had suggested plans which agreed in the main with
the outline ideas in his own mind. He is pleased that you have made them so
useful to the army, and that your management of them meets present exigencies
without attempting to determine impossibilities. He has heard that Mr. Dana has
said that you had remarked that you could not have taken Vicksburg had it not
been for the proclamation; but as he was not assured that Mr. Dana had said it
he doubted somewhat whether you made so strong a statement. The order that you
prepared to issue I am confident will give satisfaction here. I think the
President would prefer these people should be called freed-men or freed people
though he is not so particular as Mr. Chase who said to me he would not read a
doccument that had the term contraband in it. It appears several prominent
gentlemen have been directed to gather matter upon the whole subject of the
management of these people & the Prest. has directed me to go to N. York
& see two of them Hon. Messrs. Owen & McKay. Mr. Lincoln with every
body of loyal sentiments is taking great satisfaction in the issue of your
operations. He was full of it, repeated your last despatches, laughed over your
capture of cattle, read his letter to you. He had a map of your operations on a
tripod in his room. Those who made such effort to interfere with you, now are
ashamed to aver it. Mr. Washburne's course in support of you is greatly
commended. Genl. Sherman is being strongly vindicated. At Cincin. I met the two
Societies that have been furnishing us supplies; at Columbus among others Ex
Gov. Dennison, Gov. Todd, Ajt Genl. Hill, Judge Swayne—every where I am unable
to say enough. I hope my visit will not only result in good at W. but in
various ways in other directions—I enclose some of the many straws which indicate
how the wind blows. Hoping your health is good & that your efforts will be
crowned with every success.
[John Eaton Jr.]
SOURCE: John Y.
Simon, Editor, The Papers of Ulysses S.
Grant, Volume 8, p. 343-4
