Abraham Lincoln to Major-General Godfrey Weitzel, April 12, 1865, 9 a.m.

WASHINGTON, D.C., April 12, 1865 — 9 a.m.

Major-General WEITZEL,

Richmond, Va.:

I have seen your dispatch to Colonel Hardie about the matter of prayers. I do not remember hearing prayers spoken of while I was in Richmond, but I have no doubt you have acted in what appeared to you to be the spirit and temper manifested by me while there. Is there any sign of the rebel legislature coming together on the understanding of my letter to you? If there is any such sign inform me what it is. If there is no such sign you may withdraw the offer.

A. LINCOLN.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I Volume 46, Part 3 (Serial No. 97), p. 724

Major-General Godfrey Weitzel to Abraham Lincoln, April 12, 1865, 12 p.m.

RICHMOND, VA., April 12, 1865 — 12 m. 

(Received 3 p.m.)

His Excellency A. LINCOLN,

President of the United States:

You spoke of not pressing little points. You said you would not order me, but if you were in my place you would not press them. The passports have gone out for the legislature, and it is common talk that they will come together.

GODFREY WEITZEL,

Major-General, Commanding.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I Volume 46, Part 3 (Serial No. 97), p. 724

Abraham Lincoln to Major-General Godfrey Weitzel, April 6, 1865

Head Quarters Armies of the United States, 

City Point, April 6, 1865

Major-General Weitzel

Richmond, Va.

It has been intimated to me that the gentlemen who have acted as the Legislature of Virginia, in support of the rebellion, may now now [sic] desire to assemble at Richmond, and take measures to withdraw the Virginia troops, and other support from resistance to the General government. If they attempt it, give them permission and protection, until, if at all, they attempt some action hostile to the United States, in which case you will notify them and give them reasonable time to leave; & at the end of which time, arrest any who may remain. Allow Judge Campbell to see this, but do not make it public.

Yours &c.

A. Lincoln.

SOURCE: The Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Major-General Nathaniel P. Banks to Major-General Henry W. Halleck, May 30, 1863

HDQRS. DEPT. OF THE GULF, NINETEENTH ARMY CORPS,

Before Port Hudson, La., May 30, 1863.

GENERAL: Leaving Simsport, on the Atchafalaya, where my command was at the date of my last dispatch, I landed at Bayou Sara at 2 o'clock on the morning of the 21st. A portion of the infantry was transported by steamer, and the balance of the infantry, artillery, cavalry, and wagon train moving down on the west bank of the river, and from this to Bayou Sara.

On the 23d, a junction was effected with the advance of Major-General Augur and Brigadier-General Sherman, our line occupying the Bayou Sara road, at a distance of 5 miles from Port Hudson. Major-General Augur had an encounter with a portion of the enemy on the Bayou Sara road, in the direction of Baton Rouge, which resulted in the repulse of the enemy with heavy loss.

On the 25th, the enemy was compelled to abandon his first line of works. General Weitzel's brigade, which had covered our rear in the march from Alexandria, joined us on the 26th, and on the morning of the 27th a general assault was made upon the fortifications. The artillery opened fire between 5 and 6 o'clock, which was continued with animation during the day.

At 10 o'clock a.m. Weitzel's brigade, with the division of General Grover, reduced to about two brigades, and the division of General Emory, temporarily reduced by detachments to about a brigade, under command of Colonel Paine, with two regiments of negro troops, made an assault upon the right of the enemy's works, crossing Sandy Creek and driving him through the wood into his fortifications. The fight lasted on this line until 4 o'clock, and was very severely contested. On the left, the infantry did not come up until later in the day, but at 2 o'clock an assault was opened upon the works on the center and left of center by the divisions under Major-General Augur and Brigadier General Sherman. The enemy was driven into his works, and our troops moved up to the fortifications, holding the opposite sides of the parapet with the enemy. On the right, our troops still occupy this position. On the left, after dark, the main body, being exposed to a flank fire, withdrew to a belt of wood, the skirmishers remaining close upon the fortifications.

The works are defended by a garrison much larger than generally represented. There appears to be no want of ammunition or provisions on the part of the enemy. The fortifications are very strong, and surrounded by a most intricate tract of country, diversified by ravines, woods, plains, and cliffs, which it is almost impossible to comprehend without careful and extended reconnaissances.

Six regiments, under command of Colonel Chickering, were detailed at Alexandria to guard the train from that point and from Opelousas. These troops will be here to-morrow, and strengthen our force some 3,000 men. My effective force on the day of the assault was about 13,000; that of the enemy, within the works, ten regiments, of between 500 and 600 each — in all, about 8,000 men — with mounted infantry out side the works in our rear (2,200), consisting of the Ninth and Eleventh Regiments of Arkansas troops.

In the assault of the 27th, the behavior of the officers and men was most gallant, and left nothing to be desired. Our limited acquaintance with the ground and the character of the works, which were almost hidden from our observation until the moment of approach, alone prevented the capture of the post.

We occupy the enemy night and day with harassing attacks of infantry and artillery, giving him no rest or sleep. Numerous prisoners and deserters, who are captured or come in, report that the men are dispirited and depressed. We wait only the arrival of our troops and the completion of more perfect reconnaissances to renew our assault, and have strong hopes that it will be successful. No time will be lost.

To avoid possible failure in carrying this important post, I have notified General Grant by one of his staff officers, who was present on the day after the assault, of the details of our position and our strength, and have asked him, if it be possible, to send us 5,000 or 10,000 men, with whose aid we could accomplish its reduction in a single day. I understand the pressing circumstances of his position, but hope that he may be able to assist us in this emergency. We want only men. With the reduction of Port Hudson we can join him without delay with at least 15,000 men and a finely appointed siege train of artillery, which he greatly needs. We shall not, however, delay our operations or post-pone effective movements for the reduction of the post on account of this application to him for aid.

On the extreme right of our line I posted the First and Third Regiments of negro troops. The First Regiment of Louisiana Engineers, composed exclusively of colored men, excepting the officers, was also engaged in the operations of the day. The position occupied by these troops was one of importance, and called for the utmost steadiness and bravery in those to whom it was confided. It gives me pleasure to report that they answered every expectation. In many respects their conduct was heroic. No troops could be more determined or more daring. They made during the day three charges upon the batteries of the enemy, suffering very heavy losses and holding their position at nightfall with the other troops on the right of our line. The highest commendation is bestowed upon them by all the officers in command on the right. Whatever doubt may have existed heretofore as to the efficiency of organizations of this character, the history of this day proves conclusively to those who were in condition to observe the conduct of these regiments that the Government will find in this class of troops effective supporters and defenders. The severe test to which they were subjected, and the determined manner in which they encountered the enemy, leaves upon my mind no doubt of their ultimate success. They require only good officers, commands of limited numbers, and careful discipline, to make them excellent soldiers.

Our losses from the 23d to this date, in killed, wounded, and missing, are nearly 1,000, including, I deeply regret to say, some of the ablest officers of the corps. I am unable yet to repeat them in detail.

I have the honor to be, with much respect, your obedient servant,

N. P. BANKS,

 Major-General, Commanding.

Major-General HALLECK,

Commander-in- Chief, U. S. Army, Washington, D. C.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 26, Part 1 (Serial No. 40), p. 43-5

Diary of 1st Lieutenant John S. Morgan: Saturday, June 24, 1865

To Bagdad a. m. for provision for mess, most of streets foot deep in water, return 11. A. M. attend Off’s call. Col sends communication from Capt Lacy, that the 33d would go home, orders would be issued immediately & to prepare the enc papers for muster out, go to Bagdad P. M. with nearly all the offs of Regt return at dark, parade this eve & two offs in the line. Genls Sheridan Steele Weitzel & Granger, pass up river for Brownville per steamer Heroine, (of Mobile), We await Genl Steeles return for transportation. The British ship Wolvernie fired a national salute at daybreak this morning in honor of the aniversity of the Queens Coronation, 2 Brigades of Nigs moved up to White Ranch last night

SOURCE: “Diary of John S. Morgan, Company G, 33rd Iowa Infantry,” Annals of Iowa, 3rd Series, Vol. 13, No. 8, April 1923, p. 606

Diary of Sergeant George G. Smith: May 10, 1863

General Weitzel and Dwight's brigade started again in pursuit of the enemy up the Rapides Bayou about thirty-five miles to where they had burned a bridge and the chase was abandoned.

SOURCE: Abstracted from George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 52

Diary of Sergeant George G. Smith: August 30, 1862

Generals Butler and Dudley reviewed the brigade. After the review General Butler had the First Louisiana drawn up in close column by divisions. After complimenting them for their soldierly appearance he gave them a lecture on military discipline, closing his remarks with this sentence, “The lightnings of heaven do not fall more swiftly than will justice overtake the evil doer.” We found Camp Williams not the healthiest place in the world. Lake Ponchartrain opening out to sea, was of course affected by the tides. When the tides were in the marshes would be full of water, but when they were out the contrary would be the result, and the portions exposed covered with ooze and silt would fester and ferment in the burning sun: while on the other side was the swamp, furnishing prolific breeding grounds for the festive mosquito: It is not strange that the result should prove to be what it was. In less than a week fully one half the regiment was at the surgeons tent on sick call in the morning; there were from two to four funerals in a day. Most all the time officers were sick so that the non commissioner officers were in command of companies. The writer of this was put in command of Company A. When it left the recruiting camp, a little over four weeks before it numbered 112 enlisted men. One night, a few days before we left, but four men turned out for dress parade and other companies were in a similar condition. The First Louisiana 12th and 13th C. V., the 75 N. Y., a company of Louisiana cavalry and two batteries were brigaded, General Weitzel commanding.

SOURCE: George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 27-9

Diary of Sergeant George G. Smith: August 30, 1862

Generals Butler and Dudley reviewed the brigade. After the review General Butler had the First Louisiana drawn up in close column by divisions. After complimenting them for their soldierly appearance he gave them a lecture on military discipline, closing his remarks with this sentence, “The lightnings of heaven do not fall more swiftly than will justice overtake the evil doer.” We found Camp Williams not the healthiest place in the world. Lake Ponchartrain opening out to sea, was of course affected by the tides. When the tides were in the marshes would be full of water, but when they were out the contrary would be the result, and the portions exposed covered with ooze and silt would fester and ferment in the burning sun: while on the other side was the swamp, furnishing prolific breeding grounds for the festive mosquito: It is not strange that the result should prove to be what it was. In less than a week fully one half the regiment was at the surgeons tent on sick call in the morning; there were from two to four funerals in a day. Most all the time officers were sick so that the non commissioner officers were in command of companies. The writer of this was put in command of Company A. When it left the recruiting camp, a little over four weeks before it numbered 112 enlisted men. One night, a few days before we left, but four men turned out for dress parade and other companies were in a similar condition. The First Louisiana 12th and 13th C. V., the 75 N. Y., a company of Louisiana cavalry and two batteries were brigaded, General Weitzel commanding.

SOURCE: George G. Smith, Leaves from a Soldier's Diary, p. 27-9

Major-General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, January 17, 1865

Headquarters Army Of The Potomac, January 17, 1865.

To-day we have the news that the second expedition has succeeded in taking Fort Fisher, which is a most important and brilliant success. It will, however, have a most damaging effect on Butler's case, and will also materially injure Weitzel's reputation. I must confess I thought Butler's report cleared him in every particular except two. First, he should not have wasted three days, waiting for the enemy, when he knew the fort was weakly garrisoned. Secondly, he should not have left there because an assault was impracticable; and his statement that a siege was not within his instructions, is contradicted by Grant's written instructions, which say that, if a landing is effected, and the work not carried, he is to entrench and hold on. There will, no doubt, be bitter controversy on these points.

Grant has been away for three days, to parts unknown, though I suppose Wilmington.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 2, p. 256

Brigadier-General Thomas Kilby Smith to Eliza Walter Smith, November 18, 1864

Headquarters Armies Of The United States,

City Point, Va., Nov. 18, 1864.

I wrote a hurried note to wife a day or two ago upon my first arrival at General Grant's headquarters, simply to advise you all of my health and well-being. I was received here with open arms, unfeigned, and bounteous hospitality. I proposed returning with the General the day after my arrival, as he was about paying a visit to his wife at Burlington, but he pressed me to remain and inspect the lines, for that purpose mounting me on his own best horse with his own equipments, and assigning his chief aide-de-camp as my escort. The day before yesterday I rode the lines of the “Army of the James.” For this purpose a steamboat was detailed which took me up the river to a point just above the famous “Dutch gap” canal, where the extreme left of the army now under command of General Butler rests. Mounting our horses, we struck the field works at this point, and rode the whole circuit, visiting each fort en route, not forgetting the famous “Fort Harrison,” which cost us so dearly to wrest from the enemy; we were frequently in sight and within rifle range of the enemy's pickets, indeed at points within an hundred and fifty yards, and almost with the naked eye the lineaments of their countenances could be discerned; but we were not fired upon, for both armies on these lines decry the abominable practice of picket shooting, which for the most part is assassination, save when works are to be attempted by assault, and, relying on each other's honor, observe a sort of truce. I was so often within gunshot of them this day, and they so well observed the tacit understanding, that I did not dismount as is usual in exposed places, but always from the saddle made careful survey of their works. I rode as close as three miles from Richmond, whose spires could be discerned glittering in the hazy distance. General Butler had not then returned, but I was glad to be able to renew with my old friend General Weitzel then in command, an acquaintance formed at Port Hudson, which ripened into intimacy at New Orleans. He is an elegant fellow, and well worthy of the honors he enjoys. You may be sure he was glad to see me, and that he did all one soldier can do to make another happy, giving me his personal escort through the whole day. I also called upon General Terry, also in command of a corps, and two or three brigadiers. Their lines of fortifications display splendid engineering, their army in good condition and spirits, and the soldiers in first rate fighting trim. The enemy lies at short distance like a couchant tiger watching for the expected spring. There will be desperate fighting when we close. At night I re-embarked and returned to these headquarters. Yesterday our horses were placed upon a special railroad train provided for the purpose, and after breakfast we started for the headquarters of General Meade, commanding the Army of the Potomac. At “Meade's Station” our horses were unshipped and we mounted, riding a short distance to the general's tent. He received me with profound respect and consideration, excused himself upon the plea of urgent business from giving me personal escort over the lines, but assigned his chief aide-de-camp, Colonel Riddle, who gave me guidance. I rode through his entire army of sixty thousand infantry, and surveyed their lines of fortifications, in close view of the lines of the enemy, and of the town of Petersburg. It would be neither proper for me, nor interesting to you, to give close description of all I saw; suffice it to say, that I found a splendidly appointed army in tip-top condition, behind works that, well-manned, are impregnable, close to an enemy who are watching with argus eyes and making defences with the arms of Briareus. I called in the course of the day upon Major-Generals Parke and Warren. Parke I knew at Vicksburg, and should have called upon Hancock, who had made preparation to entertain me, but the night was closing in murky with promise of storm, and I felt compelled to hasten to the depot. Thus in these two days I have made very extensive reconnaissance, inspection and survey of these two great armies upon the movements of which the destiny of a nation, if not of a world, seems to rest. An incident occurred yesterday that may serve to interest the children. We often were, as on the day previous, very close to the picket lines and fortifications of the enemy, and upon one occasion, as we halted to make close observation of a certain point, the enemy sent over a dog with a tag of paper attached to his collar, upon which was written, “Lincoln's majority 36,000.” We detached the paper, offered the dog something to eat, which he refused, turned him loose, when he forthwith returned to his master. Surely this is one of the “dogs of war.”

I have been called off from writing, a moment, to be introduced to General Butler, who has called, and who invites me to dine with him to-morrow. If the day is not very stormy I shall go to his headquarters.

At Pittsburg, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Baltimore, Washington, I have been really oppressed, overwhelmed, with polite attentions. In the War Department, every officer I met, the Secretary, the Adjutant-General, the Assistant, were eager to give facilities. So at the Treasury, where I had occasion to transact some business. The Postmaster-General, our Mr. Dennison, promptly offered me every politeness, and here at these headquarters, from the General-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States down, all have done me, and all have seemed eager to do me honor. I am informed that none others save the General, since he has come into his possession, has ridden or been offered his favorite horse, a magnificent animal, which, caparisoned with his own splendid housings, he ordered for me, and has left subject to my order while I remain. His Chief of Staff offered me the General's tent and bed during his absence; this I refused. I am the honored guest at the long mess-table. Well these are trifles in themselves, but taken together are gratifying to me and will doubtless be to you. I am very proud to have the good opinion of my commanding generals. I believe I mentioned to you in a former letter that I had introduced myself to the President, who was pleased to say he had heard of me, and who, in our interview, was exceedingly polite. Of course, I take all this just for what it is worth, and nothing more, and should be mean to attempt self-glorification upon the reception of courtesy that costs so little. But I am writing to my mother, and to her I cannot refrain some hints of my position towards those who are now most prominent in the world's history, and who give countenance and support to me, because I have cheerfully given my humble efforts to uphold the glory of a nation, the sustaining of a wise and beneficent government, the crushing of an unholy rebellion, the exposition of a devilish heresy, the elevation of truth as opposed to error. Those efforts for a while have been paralyzed and even now I am warned that the flesh is weak. I am not as I have been. This poor abused body fails me when the spirit is most strong, and truly with me is the conviction forced, that just as I am learning to live I must prepare to die. And the world and its glories to me are so pleasant. No day, no night, is long, “every moment, lightly shaken, runs itself in golden sands.” My comrades are fast passing away. You have noted, of course, the death of poor Ransom, my comrade in battle, my bosom friend, whom I dearly loved. After being four times wounded in battle, he went back to the field to die like a dog of this disease, this scourge of the soldier, dysentery. I saw his physician a day or two ago, who told me his bowels were literally perforated. He retained his mind clear to the last moment, said he was dying, and called in his staff as he lay in his tent to take a final leave, and issue a final order. How much better to die as McPherson, with the bullet in the breast. I sometimes think my health is improving, and I run along for several days feeling pretty well, but I have had recent evidence that at this time I am unfit for active service in the field. A Major-General's commission is just within my grasp, but a week's march and bivouac, I fear, would give me my final discharge. Still, it is all as God wills. The God of Heaven has watched over all my steps, and with that careful eye which never sleeps, has guarded me from death and shielded me from danger. Through the hours, the restless hours of youth, a hand unseen has guarded all my footsteps in the wild and thorny battles of life, and led me on in safety through them all. In later days still the same hand has ever been my guard from dangers seen and unseen. Clouds have lowered, and tempests oft have burst above my head, but that projected hand has warded off the thunder-strokes of death, and still I stand a monument of mercy. Years have passed of varied dangers and of varied guilt, but still the sheltering wings of love have been outspread in mercy over me; and when the allotted task is done, when the course marked out by that same good God is run, then, and not till then, shall I, in mercy, pass away. Meanwhile, give me your prayers, dear mother, for in your prayers, and in those of the dear good women who remember me in their closets, alone with their God, do I place all faith. Pray for me that I be not led into temptation, that I may be delivered from evil.

We do not hear from General Sherman, but we have the fullest faith that all will be well with him, and that he will accomplish his great undertaking. My own command is by this time with Thomas at Paducah. Say to Joe and Margaret, that the same servants are about General Grant's headquarters, each man remaining true at his post, that they all inquired after Joe and Margaret and old Uncle Jeff, and that all of them were very much mortified when I felt compelled to tell them that Uncle Jeff had abandoned me. They were all glad to hear that Joe and Margaret were married, and all sent kind messages to them. General Rawlins's little black boy Jerry has got to be a first rate servant, and so has Colonel Duff's boy Henry; Douglass, and General Grant's William, are all on hand. Colonel Duff's sorrel horse, John, that great walking horse he was afraid of, the one that used to run away and that he got me to ride (Joe will remember him), was captured by the enemy. The General's little bay stallion, he thought so much of, is dead. He sent the cream-colored stallion home. I write this to interest Joe. Tell him to keep quiet, that I shall soon be home, and don't want him to leave me till the war is over, and then I will make provision for him.

Just as I am writing now, I am being complimented by a serenade from a splendid brass band. I would give a good deal if you were all here on the banks of the James, to hear the thrilling music, though I should want you away as soon as it was over. My best and dearest love to all my dear ones.

Blessings rest upon you all, forgive my haste and crude expressions. It is always hard to write in camp, but impossible almost to me with music in my ear.

SOURCE: Walter George Smith, Life and letters of Thomas Kilby Smith, p. 365-70