Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, December 12, 1864

December 12, 1864

Clear and cold we have had it this day, blowy this morning but still in the evening. Last night it blew in a tremendous manner. My tent flapped in a way that reminded one of being at sea, and my chimney, for the first time got mad and actually smoked. My only consolation was that the General's smoked a great deal worse. He made quite a bon-mot at breakfast, despite the smoke: “Grant says the Confederates, in their endeavors to get men, have robbed the cradle and the grave; if that is the case, I must say their ghosts and babies fight very well!” I did not fail to ride out and see the raiders come in. The head of the column arrived about noon, or an hour before. I was much amused by a battery, the first thing that I met; one of the drivers was deeply intent on getting his pair of horses over a bad bridge, but, midst all his anxiety and pains on this head, he did not fail to keep tight hold of a very old rush-bottomed chair, which he carefully held in one hand! How far he had brought it or what he meant to do with it, I know not, but his face wore an expression which said: “You may take my life but you can't have this very old rush-bottomed chair which I have been at much pains to steal.” Then came the infantry, with a good deal of weary straggling, and looking pretty cold, poor fellows; then another battery spattered with mud; then a drove of beef cattle, in the midst of which marched cows, calves, and steers that never more will graze on Rebel farms. Finally a posse of stragglers and ambulances and waggons, all putting the best speed on to get to a camping-place. I pitied the poor bucks who, for six days, had endured every fatigue and hardship.

SOURCE: George R. Agassiz, Editor, Meade’s Headquarters, 1863-1865: Letters of Colonel Theodore Lyman from the Wilderness to Appomattox, p. 297-8

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: March 19, 1862

He who runs may read. Conscription means that we are in a tight place. This war was a volunteer business. To-morrow conscription begins—the dernier ressort. The President has remodeled his Cabinet, leaving Bragg for North Carolina. His War Minister is Randolph, of Virginia. A Union man par excellence, Watts, of Alabama is Attorney-General. And now, too late by one year, when all the mechanics are in the army, Mallory begins to telegraph Captain Ingraham to build ships at any expense. We are locked in and can not get “the requisites for naval architecture,” says a magniloquent person.

Henry Frost says all hands wink at cotton going out. Why not send it out and buy ships? “Every now and then there is a holocaust of cotton burning,” says the magniloquent. Conscription has waked the Rip Van Winkles. The streets of Columbia were never so crowded with men. To fight and to be made to fight are different things.

To my small wits, whenever people were persistent, united, and rose in their might, no general, however great, succeeded in subjugating them. Have we not swamps, forests, rivers, mountains — every natural barrier? The Carthaginians begged for peace because they were a luxurious people and could not endure the hardship of war, though the enemy suffered as sharply as they did! “Factions among themselves” is the rock on which we split. Now for the great soul who is to rise up and lead us. Why tarry his footsteps?

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 147-8

Brigadier-General John A. Rawlins to Mary Emeline Hurlburt Rawlins, April 9, 1864

Culpepper C. H., Va., April 9, 1864.

. . . Rain. The ride of yesterday was too much for me and has excited my cough.

Read the Sermon on the Mount — “the Lord's prayer lifted the gloom from my soul.”

To-day's information is that Lee has but thirty-five thousand infantry in our front, with 15,000 more at Lynchburg under Longstreet, or 50,000 in all, exclusive of cavalry and artillery. The rebel conscription has brought but few men to their ranks.

I am of the opinion that Lee's force is much larger than is stated above, but this statement does not vary much from the estimate made by Generals Meade and Butler.

Enclosed I send you what I had written Enos Ripley in December, 1862, from Oxford, Miss. It is hurriedly written but gives my impression of affairs at the time. It was never finished or sent, but please preserve it, for it may some time be of benefit to me¹  . . . I send you also a general order issued by General McPherson. You will see the point of interest in it; also the order from the adjutant general's office announcing General Grant's staff, in which you will not fail to see my name. I sent you the other day for preservation, without note or comment, a copy of a letter written by me to Hon. E. B. Washburne from the rear of Vicksburg, also General Grant's original order to his troops after the battle of Port Gibson.

_______________

¹ Not found.

SOURCE: James H. Wilson, The Life of John A. Rawlins, p. 414

Diary of Margaret Junkin Preston: April 3, 1862

I regret now that I did not, a year ago, make brief notes of what was passing under my eye. Not write a journal, — I have no time nor inclination for that, — but just such slight jottings as might serve to recall the incidents of this most eventful year in our country's history. It is too late now to attempt the review. While the year has not brought the sorrow and trial to me, which it has to such multitudes of hearts, it still has had in it much of trouble and perplexity. The sudden breaking up of my Father's family — his and Sister Julia's departure to Philadelphia—my husband's long absence in the army — my many cares incident upon this absence — my days and nights of torturing apprehension while he was campaigning with General Jackson — my entire ignorance of all that appertained to my Father, Sister, and most of my friends — these were the troubles that made my year sorrowful. Thanks to God's mercy, I got through all somehow, and was blest by having my husband restored to me by February 1st.

Darkness seems gathering over the Southern land; disaster follows disaster; where is it all to end? My very soul is sick of carnage. I loathe the word — War. It is destroying and paralyzing all before it. Our schools are closed —all the able-bodied men gone — stores shut up, or only here and there one open; goods not to be bought, or so exorbitant that we are obliged to do without. I actually dressed my baby all winter in calico dresses made out of the lining of an old dressing-gown; and G. in clothes concocted out of old castaways. As to myself, I rigidly abstained from getting a single article of dress in the entire past year, except shoes and stockings. Calico is not to be had; a few pieces had been offered at 40 cents per yard. Coarse, unbleached cottons are very occasionally to be met with, and are caught op eagerly at 40 cents per yard. Such material as we used to give nine-pence for (common blue twill) is a bargain now at 40 cents, and then of a very inferior quality. Soda, if to be had at all, is 75 cents per lb. Coffee is not to be bought. We have some on hand, and for eight months have drunk a poor mixture, half wheat, half coffee. Many persons have nothing but wheat or rye.

These are some of the very trifling effects of this horrid and senseless war. Just now I am bound down under the apprehension of having my husband again enter the service; and if he goes, he says he will not return until the war closes, if indeed he come back alive. May God's providence interpose to prevent his going! His presence is surely needed at home; his hands are taken away by the militia draught, and he has almost despaired of having his farms cultivated this year. His overseer is draughted, and will have to go, unless the plea of sickness will avail to release him, as he has been seriously unwell. The Institute is full, two hundred and fifty cadets being in it; but they may disperse at any time, so uncertain is the tenure of everything now. The College has five students; boys too young to enter the army.

SOURCE: Elizabeth Preston Allan, The Life and Letters of Margaret Junkin Preston, p. 134-5

Brigadier-General John A. Rawlins to Mary Emeline Hurlburt Rawlins, February 1, 1864

Nashville, Feb. 1, 1864.

. . . News from Knoxville is uninteresting. So says General Foster, commanding there. Scouts of General Dodge report great commotion among the enemy in front of Chattanooga. They are moving troops from Dalton south on the Mobile road, either for Mobile or Meridian. This is consequent no doubt on the movement of Sherman eastward from Vicksburg and of the cavalry southeast from Memphis, which I mentioned in previous letters. If we had supplies and the reenlisted regiments were back from furlough, we could now strike such a blow as it would be impossible for the enemy to recover from. We are doomed, however, to wait, I fear, till the enemy recovers from the injuries he received at Chattanooga and becomes once more a strong man in the fight.

Hundreds fleeing from conscription are coming into our lines daily; great dissatisfaction exists because the rebel government is conscripting men who have already sent substitutes into the army. This is regarded by the people as an act of great injustice, but what can they do against an organized despotism? Literally nothing. Should this discontent seriously infect the army, we may hope something from it, because, as at the recent battle of Chattanooga, they will not fight with the determination that has characterized them in all the other battles I have been in or known anything about. . . .

If there is anything I can do for your friends at Vicksburg, not inconsistent with the good of the service, I will do it cheer fully. I desire you to say this, not more on account of their friendship to you than because of their uniform kind treatment of me and of the general regard shown by them to the military authorities, whatever may have been their feelings.

General Grant has not got back from St. Louis yet, but is on his way and will be here, I suppose, to-morrow evening. I am really anxious for his return, although everything has gone on smoothly in his absence and the public service has not suffered. Still here is his place, and when he is about I feel much easier in mind. . . .

SOURCE: James H. Wilson, The Life of John A. Rawlins, p. 393-4

Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Lyman to Elizabeth Russell Lyman, May 30, 1864

It has been a tolerably quiet day, though there was a quite sharp fight at evening on our left — the Rebels badly used up. The people in Richmond must hear plainly the booming of our cannon: they scarcely can feel easy, for we are closing in on the old ground of McClellan. Fair Oaks was two years ago this very day. What armies have since been destroyed and rebuilt! What marchings and countermarchings, from the James to the Susquehanna! Still we cling to them — that is the best feature. There is, and can be, no doubt of the straits to which these people are now reduced; particularly, of course, in this distracted region; there is nothing in modern history to compare with the conscription they have. They have swept this part of the country of all persons under 50, who could not steal away. I have just seen a man of 48, very much crippled with rheumatism, who said he was enrolled two days ago. He told them he had thirteen persons dependent on him, including three grandchildren (his son-in-law had been taken some time since); but they said that made no difference; he was on his way to the rendezvous, when our cavalry crossed the river, and he hid in the bushes, till they came up. I offered him money for some of his small vegetables; but he said: “If you have any bread, I would rather have it. Your cavalry have taken all the corn I had left, and, as for meat, I have not tasted a mouthful for six weeks.” If you had seen his eyes glisten when I gave him a piece of salt pork, you would have believed his story. He looked like a man who had come into a fortune. “Why,” said he, “that must weigh four pounds — that would cost me forty dollars in Richmond! They told us they would feed the families of those that were taken; and so they did for two months, and then they said they had no more meal.” What is even more extraordinary than their extreme suffering, is the incomprehensible philosophy and endurance of these people. Here was a man, of poor health, with a family that it would be hard to support in peacetimes, stripped to the bone by Rebel and Union, with no hope from any side, and yet he almost laughed when he described his position, and presently came back with a smile to tell me that the only two cows he had, had strayed off, got into a Government herd, and “gone up the road” — that's the last of them. In Europe, a man so situated would be on his knees, tearing out handfuls of hair, and calling on the Virgin and on several saints. There were neighbors at his house; and one asked me if I supposed our people would burn his tenement? “What did you leave it for?” I asked. To which he replied, in a concise way that told the whole: “Because there was right smart of bullets over thaar!” The poorest people seem usually more or less indifferent or adverse to the war, but their bitterness increases in direct ratio to their social position. Find a well-dressed lady, and you find one whose hatred will end only with death — it is unmistakable, though they treat you with more or less courtesy. Nor is it extraordinary: there is black everywhere; here is one that has lost an only son; and here another that has had her husband killed. People of this class are very proud and spirited; you can easily see it; and it is the officers that they supply who give the strong framework to their army. They have that military and irascible nature so often seen among an aristocracy that was once rich and is now poor; for you must remember that, before the war, most of these landowners had ceased to hold the position they had at the beginning of this century. There, that is enough of philosophizing; the plain fact being that General Robert Lee is entrenched within cannon range, in a sort of way that says, “I will fight you to my last gun and my last battalion!” We had not well got our tents pitched before the restless General, taking two or three of us, posted off to General Hancock. That is his custom, to take two or three aides and as many orderlies and go ambling over the country, confabbing with the generals and spying round the country roads. There, of course, was Hancock, in a white shirt (his man Shaw must have a hard time of it washing those shirts and sheets) and with a cheery smile. His much persecuted aides-de-camp were enjoying a noon-tide sleep, after their fatigues. The indefatigable Mitchell remarked that there were many wood-ticks eating him, but that he had not strength to fight them! The firing was so heavy that, despite the late hour, General Meade ordered Hancock and Burnside to advance, so as to relieve Warren. Only Gibbon had time to form for an attack, and he drove back their front line and had a brief engagement, while the other commands opened more or less with artillery; and so the affair ended with the advantage on our side. — The swamp magnolias are in flower and the azaleas, looking very pretty and making a strong fragrance.

SOURCE: George R. Agassiz, Editor, Meade’s Headquarters, 1863-1865: Letters of Colonel Theodore Lyman from the Wilderness to Appomattox, p. 132-4

Proclamation of Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood, July 9, 1862

Executive Office,

July 9, 1862.

PROCLAMATION OF THE GOVERNOR.

To the People of Iowa: — I have this day received from the Secretary of War a telegram, requesting me to raise as soon as practicable for the United States service, for three years or during the war, five regiments of volunteer infantry, being a part of the quota of this State under the late call of the President for 300,000 men.

The preservation of the Union, the perpetuity of our government, the honor of our State, demand that this requisition be promptly met.

Our harvest is upon us and we have feared a lack of force to secure it, but we must imitate our brave Iowa boys in the field, meet new emergencies with new exertions. Our old men and boys unfit for war, and if need be our women, must help to gather our harvest, while those able to bear arms go forth to aid their brave brethren in the field. The necessity is urgent. Our national escutcheon is at stake. The more promptly the President is furnished these needed troops, the more speedily will this unholy rebellion be crushed, and the blessings of peace again visit our land. Until then we must expect the hardships and privations of war. The lime has come when men must make, as many have already made, sacrifices of ease, comfort and business for the cause of the country. The enemy by a sweeping conscription have forced into their ranks all men capable of bearing arms. Our Government has as yet relied upon the voluntary action of our citizens, but if need be the same energies must be exerted to preserve our government that traitors are using to destroy it.

SAMUEL J. KIRKWOOD

SOURCE: Henry Warren Lathrop, The Life and Times of Samuel J. Kirkwood, Iowa's War Governor, p. 215-6;

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Elizabeth Budd Smith, December 22, 1863

Headquarters First Brigade,

Fourth Div., Seventeenth Army Corps,

Department Of The Tennessee,

"Camp Kilby" in The Field, Dec. 22, 1863.

I am glad to learn that you are all living comfortably and contented. You none of you have the most remote idea of the horrors of war, or the desolation and despair that is left in the track of large armies. I have known women whose husbands and brothers, and sons, have been forcibly conscripted, torn away from them at midnight by the rebels, left without food, fire, or clothes, sometimes sick in bed. I have known others who, two years ago, were of the most opulent in the land, who counted their yearly incomes by the hundreds of thousands, begging for food from our commissary. I don't know how it may be at the North. I am told by those who have returned from visits home, that the people they have met are callous and careless, and ignorant of the state of affairs here. This war has had its origin in lawless and malignant passion, and is the severest calamity with which this land could be visited. Seas, rivers, and harbors are blocked up, cities are depopulated, fertile regions are condemned to eternal desolation. Mourning, tears, anguish, misery, in its worst form, is the lot of a vast number of our people. Those who have immunity are blessed, and should be grateful to God. I imagine, that, aside from the evanescent sensation that a vivid description of a battle-scene gives, few think of the soldier in the field, or of those who sorrow for him dead. Part of the country is dripping with the blood of heroes slain, part is given up to feasting and revelry, at Washington the glory of Babylon has come again.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 345-6

Major General George B. McClellan to Abraham Lincoln, April 20, 1862

Private

 Head-Quarters, Army of the Potomac

Camp Winfield Scott, April 20 1862

His Excellency The  President

My dear Sir

I enclose herewith a copy of the first reliable map we have prepared of this vicinity – it will give you a good general idea of positions. In a day or two we will have one on a larger scale which will be more satisfactory to you.

I will soon send you one of the immediate front of Yorktown on which I will mark the batteries now being constructed & send such information as will enable you to put down the new works as they progress.

We are now actually at work, & nearly through, with 6 batteries for guns, have commenced a series for 10 13" mortars, & commence tomorrow morning another gun battery. As soon as these are armed we will open the first parallel & other batteries for 8" & 10" mortars & more heavy guns. Everything is going on admirably & we shall soon open with a terrific fire. I hope to hear hourly of the arrival of Franklin's Division, & shall lose no time in placing him in position. I hope the Galena will be here to assist us very soon. Gnl Robt Lee is in command in our front – Johnston is under him! I learn that there has been quite a struggle on the subject between Davis and his Congress, Davis insisting upon Johnston. I prefer Lee to Johnston – the former is too cautious and weak under given responsibility – personally brave and energetic to a fault, he yet is wanting in moral firmness when pressed by heavy responsibility & is likely to be timid & irresolute in action.

The difficulties of our position are undeniable, that is the enemy is in a very strong position – but I never expected to get to Richmond without a hard fought battle, & am just as willing to fight it here as elsewhere – I am confident of success, not only of success but of brilliant success. I think that a defeat here substantially breaks up the rebel cause.

They are making great efforts – enforcing the conscription with the utmost vigor, & now have their regiments full – whether the infusion of raw & perhaps unwilling men will benefit them remains to be seen – I doubt whether it is a disadvantage to us.

I am, sir, most respectfully

and sincerely your friend

Geo B McClellan

SOURCE: The Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress

From the South

PITMAN’S FERRY, Ark. 8.

Gentlemen who have been in the South since the commencement of the blockade, arrived here today.  They say they left Memphis two weeks since, coming to Jacksonport on the steam ram Hale, which arrived there last Tuesday; but her officers hearing that our troops were marching on that town, she immediately started down the river.  Our troops reach there the following evening.

Provisions, clothing, and all merchandise are very scarce, throughout the South.  Tennessee money is at a premium of 20 per cent., and gold 100 per cent.  Drafting for the army is going on regardless of position and money.  Union men are flying to the mountains and swamps.

Fort Pillow is the only defense on the Mississippi that is considered secure on the water side.

Price’s army has gone to Fort Pillow and Corinth.  The force at Corinth is supposed to be 100,000.  Fifteen boats are now at Little Rock, taking on board 12,000 Arkansas troops for Corinth.  The rivers have been very high, and Napoleon is now flooded.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 1

From Tennessee

MONTEREY, Tenn., May 6.

Rain has fallen in torrents for the past thirty hours, putting the roads in horrible condition.

Yesterday the commanding General arrived from camp near Pittsburg Landing, and encamped near here.

Our pickets can distinctly hear the drums beat and locomotives whistle at Corinth.

Because of the horrible condition of the roads, the army has not moved.  The enemy are receiving heavy reinforcements daily.  On Sunday last, Bragg made a speech to his troops assuring them that it was the intention of Beauregard and his generals to give a battle at Corinth.  Great dissatisfaction prevails among the twelve months men on account of the conscription law.

The roads are improving fast.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 8, 1862, p. 2

From Pittsburg Landing

PITTSBURG, Tenn., May 3. – 9 P. M.

Six deserters arrived yesterday, and 10 to-day.  All confirm the capture of New Orleans.  A few days ago, one Tennessee, and one Mississippi regiment of 12 month men, stacjed their arms, their time having expired, and refused to serve any longer though required by the Conscript-law.  Beauregard put 2 regiments to guard them.

20 deserted yesterday and numbers are leaving daily.

All rumors of a battle here or in vicinity unfounded in fact.  Weather clear, roads will be [passable] in a day or two, so the army can advance.

Hospital boats and stores are arriving [daily].  Gen. Finnell of Ky. and a host of surgeons and nurses arrived to-day.

PITTSBURG LANDING, via Louisville,

May 3.

The following dispatch, dated near Farmington, has been received at headquarters:  A reconnoissance sent towards Farmington found the enemy 4,500 strong, with four pieces of artillery and some cavalry, occupying a strong position near the town.  Our forces advanced at once to the assault, and after a short skirmish carried the position in handsome style.  The enemy left their dead on the field; also tents and baggage.  The cavalry are pursuing them.  The whole affair was very handsome – our regiments charging the battery and their line of infantry at double quick.  The enemy fled in wild confusion.  A regiment of cavalry sent through to Boonville took possession of the town, tore up the railroad track, and destroyed two bridges.  We have a good many prisoners; can’t tell how many yet.  Our loss was two killed and twelve wounded,

Signed,

JOHN POPE,

Maj. Gen.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, May 6, 1862, p. 2

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: Friday, July 17, 1863

At last we have the authentic announcement that Gen. Lee has recrossed the Potomac! Thus the armies of the Confederate States are recoiling at all points, and a settled gloom is apparent on many weak faces. The fall of Charleston is anticipated. Subjugation is not apprehended by the government; for, if driven to an interior line of defense, the war may be prolonged indefinitely, or at least until the United States becomes embroiled with some European power.

Meantime we are in a half starving condition. I have lost twenty pounds, and my wife and children are emaciated to some extent. Still, I hear no murmuring.

To-day, for the second time, ten dollars in Confederate notes are given for one in gold; and no doubt, under our recent disasters, the depreciation will increase. Had it not been for the stupidity of our Dutch Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Memminger, there would have been no financial difficulties. If he had recommended (as he was urged to do) the purchase by the government of all the cotton, it could have been bought at 7 cents per pound; and the profits alone would have defrayed the greater portion of the expenses of the war, besides affording immense diplomatic facilities and advantages. But red-tape etiquette, never violated by the government, may prove our financial ruin beyond redemption. It costs this government five times as much to support an army as it does the United States; and the call for conscripts is a farce, since the speculators (and who is not one now?) will buy exemptions from the party who, strangely, have the authority to grant them.

The last accounts from Jackson state that Burnside is reinforcing Grant, and that heavy .skirmishing is going on daily. But all suppose that Johnston must retreat. And Bragg is in no condition to face Rosecrans.

Whether Lee will come hither or not, no one knows; but some tremble for the fate of Richmond. Lee possibly may cross the Potomac again, however, if Meade detaches a heavy force to capture Richmond.

What our fate would be if we fall into the hands of the invader, may be surmised from the sufferings of the people in New Orleans.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 381-2

From Virginia

HARRISONBURG, Va., April 29.

Three thousand rebels, under Edward Johnson, formerly of the Federal army, are posted a few miles from Stanton, but in a position easily accessible to escape in case of Gen. Milroy’s approach.

The most reliable news from Gordonsville, is that there are only four brigades there, not numbering 15,000.  Gen. Longstreet, with his command, has gone to Yorktown.  Should Johnson retire there he will probably reinforce Jackson on the Blue Ridge.

The Richmond Examiner, of the 22d, says, in effect that the destiny of the Confederacy is trembling on the result at Yorktown.  If successful, it will give us six months for carrying out the conscription act, arming and equipping a large army, and launching a fleet of Merrimacs; but if unsuccessful, Virginia is lost.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

Spirit of the Rebel Press

CAIRO, April 1.

F. B. Wilkie, of the New York Times, who accompanied the expedition to Union City, returned this evening with copies of the Memphis Appeal of the 27th, and the Charleston Mercury of the 22d, from which we condense the following intelligence:

President Davis, in secret session, had advised the Confederate Congress, that the prisoners released by the Yankee Government upon parole be absolved from their oath and allowed to take part in the approaching struggle for independence.  He urged it as a retaliation for the infamous and reckless breach of faith exhibited by Lincoln in the exchange of prisoners.

Attempts are being made to raise troops by conscription.  Editors and compositors are not to be enrolled, except for local duty.

The New Orleans Delta of the 26th, referring to the gallantry exhibited by Capt. Rucker in the defense of the battery at Island No. 10, says that one single battery has thus far sustained the brunt of the bombardment, repulsing the Federal gunboats and sending one of them back to Cairo crippled, for repairs.

The Appeal says the recent reverses on the Confederate army are nerving them with new faith and confidence in the hope and that it entertains no doubt of ultimate success.  Also that Gens. Van Dorn and Jeff Thompson are concentrating large forces at Pocahontas, Arkansas, preparatory to an attack upon the Federals at New Madrid, and that Gen. Pope will be compelled to evacuate.

No damage had been done to Island No. 10 up to Wednesday, but the Confederates had sunk two Federal gunboats.

The works at Fort Pillow were completed.  General Pope was building flatboats at New Madrid to transport his troops across the river to the Tennessee shore.

In Mississippi planters were piling up their cotton for fire and fagot.  Gen. Pillow has gone to Richmond.

A dispatch from New Orleans, dated March 26th states that the Confederate steamer Vanderbilt had foundered at sea with all on board.  The Appeal is issued on a half sheet.

The Mercury, in view of the scarcity of lead, suggests that linings of tea chests be melted and run into bullets.

The ladies of Charleston are contributing jewels, silver spoons, watches, and money to build a gunboat to be called the “Ladies Gunboat.”

The Mercury and Appeal contain extensive extracts from Northern papers, but no important military news.

The Conestoga arrived from Island No. 10 this evening, and reports no change in affairs there.  The mortars fire every half hour eliciting no response.

A rebel mail captured yesterday at Union City, contains letters from the Confederate troops at the Island representing the forces there as disheartened and dispirited.  There is nothing from Gen. Grant’s column.  The river is falling.

Today forty or fifty rebel soldiers came into Hickman and gave up their arms, and desired to return allegiance and join the federal army.

They were a portion of those who escaped from Union City yesterday.  They report that large numbers of rebel troops are also disposed to yield.

– Published in the Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 12, 1862, p. 4

Cairo News

CAIRO, March 31. – Scattered columns of the rebel infantry and cavalry have been collected together and are hovering about Columbus, Hickman, and Cape Girardeau.  Preparations are being made to meet these guerilla bands and beat them back at once.

About 250 bushels of upland cotton seed is on the way to Washington and northern points for distribution.  The Government agents are having unexpected success in the collection of seed.

The latest information from below Columbus puts the enemies present strength at Corinth at 65,000 men, and their force is being increased as rapidly as impressment and their means of transportation will admit.

Since the murder of Joel, yesterday, the Commanding General of this post has received orders for the arrest of all liquor dealers and destruction of their stock, and the breaking up of all gambling saloons.

No news from below to-day that can be sent.

There is nothing new from below.

The troops at Pittsburg are being paid off.

Secession Cavalry are scouring the country along the Tennessee river, pressing the inhabitants into the rebel service.

A military Colonel who raised a regiment under Harris’s proclamation, and refused  to take the field, says he can easily 1,000 for the Union [sic].

Many secession cavalry have also been seen back of Columbus.

The river is now falling fast.  Weather cloudy and warm.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4

Gen. Grants Column --- A Reconnoisance ---- Rebel Prisoners Seized, &c. &c.

CAIRO, March 28. – A gentleman returned here this morning from Pittsburg and Savannah, on the Tennessee river and reports that on Sunday and Monday last Gen. Sherman made a reconnoissance in force to Pea Ridge, near the line of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, where it had been reported the rebels were fortifying.  The reconnoissance was completed in every particular, no enemy was found, however, in the neighborhood.  The expedition returned to Pittsburg on Tuesday.

Our forces at Pittsburg are being rapidly augmented.  Steamer after steamer are continually arriving laden with fresh troops.

The latest advices from the rebel camp at Corinth gives the strength of their force there at 170,000 and the apparent efforts of the rebels to fortify the town of Corinth would seem to demonstrate an intention to make a vigorous resistance there.  It is, however, the general belief of all prominent officers of Gen. Grant’s command, that the rebels will retreat on our approach, but should a battle occur Corinth will doubtless be one of the hardest fought and bloodiest affairs of the present war.

On Sunday last information was received at headquarters of Gen. Grant that a considerable amount of pork was stored at a point on the river called Nicholas Landing, sixty miles south of Savannah.  Major M. Smith of the 45th Ill. with one hundred and fifty infantry and Capt. Osband’s company 5th Illinois cavalry was dispatched on a steamer to secure said property. – Arriving at Nicholas Landing information was given by contrabands regarding the locality of the pork in question.  Within a circuit of fifteen miles fifteen thousand pounds of fresh pork, forty-five thousand pounds of pork hams and shoulders were discovered and confiscated and placed on board the steamer and brought to Savannah and turned over to the Commissary Department.  Nicholas Landing and vicinity has been the mart of the pork business for a long time, and immense quantities have been brought there and stored for the use of the confederate army.  Had the information been received two weeks earlier it would have secured to the United States upwards of two hundred thousand pounds of meats.  Within that time the rebels have transported large quantities southward by teams.

On Monday the gunboat Taylor [ran] up the river to the vicinity of Eastport, near which point a masked battery opened upon them at a distance of two hundred yards, one shot striking the smoke stack of the Taylor.  A number of shots were exchanged, but with what effect on the enemy’s works is unknown.  The engagement was spirited while it lasted; upwards of fifty shots were fired.  The Taylor received no other injuries and nobody was hurt.

Captains Bernard and Corson of Gen. Smith’s scouts returned to Savannah from Nashville, overland, on Tuesday night as bearer of despatches from Gen. Buell.  Capt. Bernard reports a strong loyal sentiment in several districts of Tennessee between Columbia and Savannah. – He overtook certain bodies of marauding rebels, but their identity not being suspected they were allowed to pass unmolested.  Union men live in extreme fear of these marauders prowling about the vicinity, and are anxious for the approach of the Government forces.

A man named Morris, one of the Jesse scouts, was hung at Savannah on Sunday for stealing thereabouts.

Gen. Grant has entirely recovered from his recent illness.  Gen. Smith is still confined at his headquarters, but is convalescent.

A steamer arrived early this morning from the flotilla and reports no change in the condition of affairs at Island No. 10.  The bombardment continues with but little interruption, but the results are not indicative of any signs of evacuation by the rebels.

Rumors were afloat that the rebel gunboats had passed Pope’s batteries at Point Pleasant, from below, but they can be traced to no reliable source.  The store is undoubtedly a canard.

The rebels are impressing citizens of Kentucky and Tennessee into service and arming them with axes and pikes.

Four rebels armed with Arkansas toothpicks were arrested near Charleston yesterday, and brought to Bird’s Point; they claim to be refugees from Tennessee.  Their story is disbelieved.  They remain in custody.

Gen. Strong visited the Island to-day.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, April 5, 1862, p. 4

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, February 18, 1863

CAMP BEFORE VICKSBURG, Feb. 18, 1863.

My Dear Brother:

. . . We have reproached the South for arbitrary conduct in coercing their people — at last we find we must imitate their example. We have denounced their tyranny in filling their armies with conscripts, and now we must follow her example. We have denounced their tyranny in suppressing freedom of speech and the press, and here too in time we must follow their example. The longer it is deferred the worse it becomes. Who gave notice of McDowell's movement on Manassas, and enabled Johnston so to reinforce Beauregard that our army was defeated? The press. Who gave notice of the movement on Vicksburg? The press. Who has prevented all secret combinations and movements against our enemy? The press. . . .

In the South this powerful machine was at once scotched and used by the rebel government, but at the North was allowed to go free. What are the results? After arousing the passions of the people till the two great sections hate each other with a hate hardly paralleled in history, it now begins to stir up sedition at home, and even to encourage mutiny in our armies. What has paralyzed the Army of the Potomac?  Mutual jealousies kept alive by the press. What has enabled the enemy to combine so as to hold Tennessee after we have twice crossed it with victorious armies? What defeats and will continue to defeat our best plans here and elsewhere? The press. I cannot pick up a paper but tells of our situation here, in the mud, sickness, and digging a canal in which we have little faith. But our officers attempt secretly to cut two other channels — one into Yazoo by an old pass and one through Lake Providence into Tensas, Black, Red, &c., whereby we could turn not only Vicksburg, Port Hudson, but also Grand (Gulf), Natchez, Ellis Cliff, Fort Adams and all the strategic points on the main river, and the busy agents of the press follow up and proclaim to the world the whole thing, and instead of surprising our enemy we find him felling trees and blocking passages that would without this have been in our possession, and all the real effects of surprise are lost. I say with the press unfettered as now we are defeated to the end of time. ‘Tis folly to say the people must have news. Every soldier can and does write to his family and friends, and all have ample opportunities for so doing, and this pretext forms no good reason why agents of the press should reveal prematurely all our plans and designs. We cannot prevent it. Clerks of steamboats, correspondents in disguise or openly attend each army and detachment, and presto! appear in Memphis and St. Louis minute accounts of our plans and designs. These reach Vicksburg by telegraph from Hernando and Holly Springs before we know of it. The only two really successful military strokes out here have succeeded because of the absence of newspapers, or by throwing them off the trail. Halleck had to make a simulated attack on Columbus to prevent the press giving notice of his intended move against Forts Henry and Donelson. We succeeded in reaching the Post of Arkansas before the correspondents could reach the papers.

Affectionately,

SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 191-3

Special to New York Papers

(Herald’s Special.)

WASHINGTON, March 24. – The party which left here on Tuesday to look for the remains of Colonel Slocum, Maj. [Ballou] and Capt. Tower of the 2d Rhode Island Regiment, killed at Bull Run, returned this morning bringing their remains.  The party was composed of Governor Sprague, Col. Arnold, Mr. Walter Coleman, his secretary, Lieut. Col. Sailges, Capt. Dennison and Surgeon Grady of the Rhode Island Cavalry, accompanied by two of the Rhode Island Volunteers who had been taken prisoners at Bull Run and had noted the place were officers were buried.  The party arrived Friday at Dudley’s Church.  Col. Slocum and Maj. [Ballou] were buried in the yard of [a] building nearby which was used as a hospital on the day of battle.  This building had been destroyed by the rebels, but the graves were found.  After they had commenced to dig a negro girl inquired if they were digging for the body of Col. Slocum and stated that about six weeks after the battle some soldiers of a Georgia regiment had dug it up, cut off the head and buried the body at the side of the run close by, and taken the coffin away to bury a dead negro.  Her story was corroborated by a white boy and man who lived in the same neighborhood.  On repairing to the spot indicated there was found a pile of ashes and which were pronounced by the Surgeon to be human corpses, which were buried in a box and Major [Ballou] in a coffin.  Upon opening the graves the box was recognized by Mr. Richardson who was present at the interment, and the remains in it were identified as Col. Slocum’s.  Upon opening the other grave it was found to be empty, showing that the body dug up and burned by the Georgia barbarians was that of Maj. [Ballou], as only the two have been interred in that yard.

(Tribune’s Dispatch.)

It is rumored that Green Clay will be transferred from the Secretaryship of Legation at St. Petersburg to that at Turin, the present incumbent, Mr. Fry, having declined on account of ill health.

Dr. John Evans of Chicago has been nominated and confirmed as Governor of Colorado territory, vice Gov. Milliu.  Stephen S. Hardin, of Indiana was on Friday nominated Governor of Utah, vice Geo. Dawson, rejected.

Small squads of rebel horsemen are scouring the country within five miles of Manassas impressing all able bodied men left, robbing the farmers for the hundredth time and destroying what they can’t carry away.

The Saturday’s work of the Ways and Means Committee on demands of delegations for the modification of the tax bill was to put a 3 percent ad valorem charge upon paper of every description; to adopt the schedule on leather substantially as they were presented to the Committee by Mr. Alley, a tanner, and a member of the House; to fix the rate on hoop skirts, umbrellas and parasols at f per cent ad valorem; ready made clothing at 3 per cent ad valorem; to leave salt is in the bill; and later long discussion to let the tax as first reported on tobacco and all its manufactures stand unaltered.  The tax on billiard dabbles was reduced half – to ten dollars a year.  On rock oil petroleum and coal oils the only change was of phraseology so that the refining and produce from distillation shall not be charged for brokers.  The committee took off the tenth of one per cent on their stock sales. Thinking that through their use of powers of attorney, transfer stamps and other assessable incidents of their business they would get taxed enough.  Flour was not disposed of.  The desire to tax of course exists.  The only difficulty in fixing the rate has been presented by the Canadian reciprocity treaty.  The belief has at least obtained in the Committee that flour can be taxed by branding the barrels and taxing the sales without violating the stipulations of that treaty.  The charge on the gross receipts of horse railroads was reduced one half.  It was decided not to tax coal at all, because it enters in the business of nearly the whole nation.  During the discussion on this bill the work on the tariff progressed.  Reference is continually had to it and when an article is taxed for income revenue at the same time an equivalent custom duty is placed on the tax list.  This principle will be adhered to throughout.

The Times’ Washington correspondence says the Commission of State Prisons will, to-morrow, take up the case of the celebrated Mrs. Grenshaw [sic], who will probably be transferred from a state prison to a Lunatic Asylum.

Gen. Montengrey [sic] has been transferred from his post as Military Governor of Alexandria, and placed in a like command at Annapolis.

Painful rumors have been afloat for two days, affecting a prominent officer in the civil department of the Government.  We are promised the denouement this week.

It is not true that the steamer Vanderbilt has been purchased by the Government to be altered to an iron clad vessel.  She is merely chartered for a short time as transport.

The commanding officer at Fort Craig writes to the Government that he has not a doubt of being able to hold the post.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, March 29, 1862, p. 4

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: Tuesday, April 15, 1862

Prescott is too clever ever to be a bore; that was proved to-day, for he stayed two hours; as usual, Mr. Chesnut said “four.”  Trescott was very surly; calls himself ex-Secretary of State of the United States; now, nothing in particular of South Carolina or the Confederate States. Then he yawned, “What a bore this war is. I wish it was ended, one way or another.”  He speaks of going across the border and taking service in Mexico. “Rubbish, not much Mexico for you,” I answered. Another patriot came then and averred, “I will take my family back to town, that we may all surrender together. I gave it up early in the spring.”  Prescott made a face behind backs, and said: “Lache!”

The enemy have flanked Beauregard at Nashville. There is grief enough for Albert Sidney Johnston now; we begin to see what we have lost. We were pushing them into the river when General Johnston was wounded. Beauregard was lying in his tent, at the rear, in a green sickness — melancholy — but no matter what the name of the malady. He was too slow to move, and lost all the advantage gained by our dead hero.¹  Without him there is no head to our Western army. Pulaski has fallen. What more is there to fall?

Mrs. Middleton: “How did you settle Molly's little difficulty with Mrs. McMahan, that ‘piece of her mind’ that Molly gave our landlady?”  "Oh, paid our way out of it, of course, and I apologized for Molly!”

Gladden, the hero of the Palmettos in Mexico, is killed. Shiloh has been a dreadful blow to us. Last winter Stephen, my brother, had it in his power to do such a nice thing for Colonel Gladden. In the dark he heard his name, also that he had to walk twenty-five miles in Alabama mud or go on an ammunition wagon. So he introduced himself as a South Carolinian to Colonel Gladden, whom he knew only by reputation as colonel of the Palmetto regiment in the Mexican war. And they drove him in his carriage comfortably to where he wanted to go — a night drive of fifty miles for Stephen, for he had the return trip, too. I would rather live in Siberia, worse still, in Sahara, than live in a country surrendered to Yankees.

The Carolinian says the conscription bill passed by Congress is fatal to our liberties as a people. Let us be a people “certain and sure,” as poor Tom B. said, and then talk of rebelling against our home government.

Sat up all night.  Read Eothen straight through, our old Wiley and Putnam edition that we bought in London in 1845. How could I sleep? The power they are bringing to bear against our country is tremendous. Its weight may be irresistible — I dare not think of that, however.

¹ The battle of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, in Tennessee, eighty-eight miles east of Memphis, had been fought on April 6 and 7, 1862. The Federals were commanded by General Grant who, on the second day, was reenforced by General Buell. The Confederates were commanded by Albert Sidney Johnston on the first day, when Johnston was killed, and on the second day by General Beauregard.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 155-7