Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 18, 1863

There is heavy firing, day and night, on Wagner's battery and Fort Sumter. The enemy use 15-inch guns; but Sumter is 4000 yards distant, and it may be hoped will not be reduced.

After all, the enemy did not, durst not, shave the head of Gen. Morgan, and otherwise maltreat him, as was reported.

The Secretary of War is, I believe, really in earnest in his determination to prevent future blockade-running on private account; and is resolved to send out cotton, tobacco, etc. by every steamer, so that funds and credit may be always available in Europe. The steamers go and come every week, in spite of the cruisers, and they bring munitions of war, equipments, provisions, iron, etc. etc. So long as this continues, the war can be maintained; and of late very few captures have been made by the enemy.

There are rumors of some manœuvres of Gen. Lee, which may indicate an approaching battle.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 17-8

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 7, 1863

Nothing new from Lee's army — only that his troops are eager for another battle, when they are resolved to gain the day. There will probably not be so many prisoners taken as usual, since the alleged cruel treatment of our men now taken at Gettysburg, and the sending of Gen. Morgan to the Ohio Penitentiary, and shaving his head, by order of Gen. Burnside.

A dispatch from Beauregard, to-day, states that the enemy are getting large reinforcements, and are at work on their island batteries. There was a slow firing — and but one man killed.

It is believed that Governor Letcher will, reluctantly, call the Legislature together; but he says the members will exhibit only the bad spirit of the people they represent. What that means, I know not.

The Governor elect — commonly called “Extra-Billy Smith” — has resigned his brigadiership. But he is a candidate for a major-generalship, until inauguration day, 1st January. He has had an interview with the President, and proposes to take command of the troops defending the city — that Gen. Elzey may take the field. Smith would undoubtedly have a strong motive in defending the capital — but then he knows nothing of military affairs, yet I think he will be appointed.

Gen. Wise's batteries crippled and drove off the enemy's monitor and gun-boats day before yesterday. The monitor was towed down the James River in a disabled condition.

To-day, for the third time since the war began, I derived some money from our farm. It was another interposition of Providence. Once before, on the very days that money was indispensable, a Mr. Evans, a blockade-runner to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, came unexpectedly with $100 obtained from my agent, who has had the management of the farm for many years, and who is reported to be a Union man. To-day, just when my income is wholly insufficient to pay rent on the house — $500 per annum and $500 rent for the furniture, besides subsisting the family — at the very moment when my wife was about to part with the last of her little store of gold, to buy a few articles of furniture at auction, and save a heavy expense ($40 per month), the same Evans came to me, saying that although he had no money from my agent, if I would give him an order on the agent for $300, he would advance that amount in Treasury notes. I accepted the sum on his conditions. This is the work of a beneficent Providence, thus manifested on three different occasions, — and to doubt it would be to deserve damnation!

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 7-8

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: August 4, 1863

The partial gloom continues. It is now ascertained that Gen. Morgan is a prisoner; only some 250 of his men out of 3000, having escaped.

Lee is falling back on this side of the Rappahannock. His army has been diminished by desertions; but he has been reinforced pretty considerably since leaving Pennsylvania. The President's address may reinforce him still more; and then it may be possible a portion of Bragg's and Johnston's armies may be ordered hither. If this should be done, the next battle may be fatal to Meade. Our people are thirsting for another victory; and may expect too much.

Confederate notes are now given for gold at the rate of $12 or $15 for $1. Flour is $40 per barrel; bacon, $1.15 per pound; coal, $25 per cart-load; and good wood, $30 per cord. Butter is selling at $3 per pound, etc. etc.

Nevertheless, most men look for relief in the foreign complications the United States are falling into. England will not prohibit the selling of steamers to the Confederate States, and the United States say it shall not be done; and France has taken possession of Mexico, erecting it into an Empire, upon the throne of which will be seated some European ruler. We think recognition of our government is not far behind these events; when we shall have powerful navies to open the blockade. We are used to wounds and death; but can hardly bear starvation and nakedness.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 5

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: July 29, 1863

Still raining! The great fear is that the crops will be ruined, and famine, which we have long been verging upon, will be complete. Is Providence frowning upon us for our sins, or upon our cause?

Another battle between Lee and Meade is looked for on the Upper Rappahannock.

Gov. Harris, in response to the President's call for 6000 men, says Western and Middle Tennessee are in the hands of the enemy, and that about half the people in East Tennessee sympathize with the North!

Some two or three hundred of Morgan's men have reached Lynchburg, and they believe Morgan himself will get off, with many more of his men.

The New York Herald's correspondent, writing from Washington on the 24th inst., says the United States ministers in England and France have informed the government of the intention of those powers to intervene immediately in our behalf; and that they will send iron-clad fleets to this country without delay. Whereupon the Herald says Mr. Seward is in favor of making peace with us, and reconstructing the Union — pardoning us — but keeping the slaves captured, etc. It is a cock-and-bull story, perhaps, without foundation.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 390

Captain Charles Wright Wills: March 5, 1863

Camp 103d Illinois Infantry, Jackson, Tenn.,

March 5, 1863.

You certainly should not complain of my neglect, in writing no more than once in ten days while we are quartered at such an intolerably stupid place as this, for there really have not been two incidents ocurred worthy of notice, since we pitched our tents on this ground. Never since I first entered the service have I passed two months in which there seems so little worth remembering Nothing but a dull round of picket, fatigue, and camp guard; no alarms and no enemy within a hundred or more miles of us, save “citizen guerrillas,” and they in no force sufficient to scare even a foraging party. In lieu of something real to talk of and speculate about, I give you the following items: There seems this morning to be some movement on foot, though I have not heard a word of the object which has raised such a commotion in our usually quiet military circles. I only know that all the mounted men stationed here have this morning started under command of Colonel Mizner, with an ammunition train and small provision ditto. Also hear that Dodge at Corinth and the command out at Trenton have set all their cavalry in motion. To make the case a little stronger I will add that one of Sullivan's aids galloped into camp half an hour since, and required at short notice the number of rounds of ammunition on hand. Well, I expect that Van Dorn or Morgan is on our side of the Tennessee again. It can't be more than that. I'd give a month's pay to get this regiment into a fight. Don't want it for myself particularly, but think it would do the regiment a great deal of good. The feeling is some better among the men, but there is still much room for improvement. Desertions are not so numerous, but one slips off occasionally. Colonels Kellogg and Babcock were both here a few nights ago. Both in good health, never saw them looking better Don't know that anything of importance was connected with their visit. My own health continues prime. I know that I don't fully appreciate the Lord's goodness to me in granting me such continued excellent health, but I assure you I do feel grateful to the Power that rules that matter, although I am tolerably regular in my habits and intemperate in none, yet I know I am very careless of myself and health in regard to dress, sleeping any and everywhere, etc. General Sullivan will visit our camp at 3 o'clock to-day to look into its sanitary conditions, and inspect our policing. The health of the regiment is much improved. Two months more and we will be veterans. Another of my boys, the second, died in General Hospital at this place yesterday. James Conyers, is his name. Formerly worked for Stipp.

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 158-60

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: July 25, 1863

Gen. Beauregard telegraphs that preparations should be made to withstand a bombardment at Savannah, and authority is asked, at the instance of Gov. Brown, to impress a sufficient number of slaves for the purpose.

Gen. Jos. E. Johnston telegraphs the President that Grant has fallen back to Vicksburg, and, from information in his possession, will not stay there a day, but will proceed up the river. Gen. Johnston asks if this eccentric movement does not indicate a purpose to concentrate the enemy's forces for the reduction of Richmond.

Grant's men, no doubt, objected to longer service at this season in the Southwest; perhaps Lincoln thinks Grant is the only general who can take Richmond, or it may be necessary for the presence of the army in the North to enforce the draft, to overawe conspirators against the administration, etc. We shall soon know more about it.

Misfortunes come in clusters. We have a report to-day that Gen. Morgan's command has been mostly captured in Ohio. The recent rains made the river unfordable.

It appears that Gen. Pemberton had but 15 days' rations to last 48 days, that the people offered him a year's supply for nothing if he would have it, and this he would not take, red tape requiring it to be delivered and paid for, so it fell into the hands of the enemy. He had a six months' supply of ammunition when he surrendered, and often during the siege would not let his men reply to the enemy's guns.

Advertisers in the papers offer $4000 for substitutes. One offers a farm in Hanover County, on the Central Railroad, of 230 acres, for a substitute. There is something significant in this. It was so in France when Napoleon had greatly exhausted the male population.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 387

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: July 20, 1863

Nothing from Lee or from Johnston, except that the latter has abandoned Jackson. From Bragg's army, I learn that a certain number of regiments were moving from Chattanooga toward Knoxville — and I suspect their destination is Lee's army.

But we have a dispatch from Beauregard, stating that he has again repulsed an attack of the enemy on the battery on Morris Island with heavy loss — perhaps 1500 — while his is trifling.

A thousand of the enemy's forces were in Wytheville yesterday, and were severely handled by 130 of the home guards. They did but little injury to the railroad, and burned a few buildings.

An indignant letter has been received from the Hon. W. Porcher Miles, who had applied for a sub-lieutenancy for Charles Porcher, who had served with merit in the 1st South Carolina Artillery, and was his relative. It seems that the President directed the Secretary to state that the appointment could not be given him because he was not 21 years of age. To this Mr. M. replies that several minors in the same regiment have been appointed. I think not.

Governor Brown writes a long letter, protesting against the decision of the Confederate States Government, that the President shall appoint the colonel for the 51st Georgia Regiment, which the Governor says is contrary to the Confederate States Constitution. He will resist it.

A Mrs. Allen, a lady of wealth here, has been arrested for giving information to the enemy. Her letters were intercepted. She is confined at the asylum St. Francis de Sales. The surgeon who attends there reports to-day that her mental excitement will probably drive her to madness. Her great fear seems to be that she will be soon sent to a common prison. There is much indignation that she should be assigned to such comfortable quarters — and I believe the Bishop (McGill) protests against having criminals imprisoned in his religious edifices. It is said she has long been sending treasonable letters to Baltimore — but the authorities do not have the names of her letter-carriers published. No doubt they had passports.

A letter from Lee's army says we lost 10,000 in the recent battle, killed, wounded, and prisoners. We took 11,000 prisoners and 11 guns.

Thank Heaven! we have fine weather after nearly a month's rain. It may be that we shall have better fortune in the field now.

Some of the bankers had an interview with the government today. Unless we can achieve some brilliant success, they cannot longer keep our government notes from depreciating, down to five cents on the dollar. They are selling for only ten cents now, in gold. In vain will be the sale of a million of government gold in the effort to keep it up.

Gen. Morgan, like a comet, has shot out of the beaten track of the army, and after dashing deeply into Indiana, the last heard of him he was in Ohio, near Cincinnati. He was playing havoc with steam-boats, and capturing fine horses. He has some 3000 men we cannot afford to lose — but I fear they will be lost.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 383-4

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 26, 1863

Columbus, Ohio. At noon moved on. Passed through Groveport and reached Columbus a little before dark. Passed Camp Thomas and reached Camp Worthington about 11. Had hardly fed the horses when a squad of men came for us. Kept us under guard. Whole town and Militia near Columbus turned out. Morgan's advance reported at Worthington. Ludicrous.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 80

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 20, 1863

Went on to Tupper's Plains. Rebs got around and made for 8 Miles Island near the shore. Moved rapidly. At Harrisonville and Rutland the hungry boys were satisfied. Little rain. About dusk the report came back that the rebs, 1800, had surrendered. Duke, Col. Morgan, Ward and other field officers. Had quite a visit with some. Seemed queer to see our Ky. boys hunting our brothers and cousins. Marched to Cheshire and camped. Rained during the night.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 80

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 21, 1863

About noon the Scioto came up with rations. Drew one day. Went to a kind old gentleman's for dinner. Thede and I went up and saw the prisoners. Boys went out and got good apples. Volunteers, 1000, went on with Shackleford and Woodford after Morgan. Would go but for horse.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 80

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 14, 1863

Entered Harrison on state line at 2 A. M. Napped and breakfasted. Seemed good to be in Ohio again, and see faces of Ohio people. Passed through New Baltimore, New Springfield, Sharon, Montgomery, Miamiville, in sight of Camp Dennison and camped 5 miles. Morgan has today burned 48 cars, captured 300 militia, etc. People very hospitable.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 79

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 15, 1863

Moved out at 2 A. M. Mistake in road and went several miles out of way. Morgan 8 hours ahead. Passed through several little towns near Cincinnati. People out with provisions, very warm. Dinner at Batavia. Passed through Williamsburgh and camped at Sardinia. People out with baskets and loads of provisions. Bridge burning continues.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 79

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 16, 1863

2nd Ohio in advance. Rations came and delayed us a little. Drew none. Breakfasted at Winchester. Our brigade ordered to the front and to act independently. Moved over a rough road by Jacktown and Locust Grove. A high mountain to climb. Stout work. Morgan but a few miles in advance. Bridge over the Scioto burned. Bridge and mill at Jasper burned. Bivouacked two hours. Could not ford the stream. Built a temporary bridge. One Union man shot because he would not take the oath. Put him in skiff.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 79

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 17, 1863

Up at sunrise. Crossed after some trouble and breakfasted at Piketon. Morgan well in advance. A Miss Lou C. Bailey wanted my photograph. None along. Rather pretty girl. Newton, old Oberlin student, along. Reached Jackson a little after dark and found an abundance of good things for our craving appetites. Horse mired. Camped near the fair grounds, nice village.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 79

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 18, 1863

Moved at 3 A. M. Up at 1:30 awakening officers, etc. Reached some large iron furnace where we fed our horses and got breakfast. Morgan stripped Rutland of most everything. Rested an hour and fed. Some old Vermonters. Reached Chester at midnight. Hour's rest. Got a lunch. People much frightened. “A” 31 bivouacked one mile in rear of Morgan. Awful roads through woods.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 79

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 11, 1863

Started at daylight. Thede, Steve and I went ahead to town. Several met us with “Have you been to breakfast?” “Come with us.” We accepted an invitation of a gentleman, but a Mr. Lyon insisted on Thede and me going with him. Very pleasant people. Wanted to do everything for us. A girl, Emma, Ella or Anna Lyons, beautiful girl, 16 or 17 years. She went up town and we had a good visit here. Brought me some paper. Wrote home and to Fannie. Depot and bridges burned. Stores gutted. Levies made upon the people. A good many pretty girls — one Miss Reed. Oh it cheered our hearts to meet with such kindness and friends. Passed through Lexington and camped at 12 P. M. Morgan 25 miles.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 78

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 12, 1863

Moved out at 3 A. M. 10 miles from Paris. Reached Paris in time for breakfast at Mr. Dixon's, and little Lizzie Dixon attracted my attention, resembles, etc. Morgan served the town as others. Moved towards Vernon. Morgan turned off to Dupont, bridges and depot burned. Some Ohio people, Charlie McKane's mother. Very hearty reception, bread, beef and pies. Went to Versailles and camped at 11 P. M. in a meadow. Only 25 miles from Ohio line. Think Morgan will go to Ohio.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 78-9

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 4, 1863

All aroused by the booming of cannon, Law's Battery. We understood it. 12th R. I. got out under arms. At 4 A. M. marched to town and got breakfast preparatory to a fight. Returned to camp. Went to the 12th and drew 3 days' rations; returned some to 1st Ky. Train came in — our boys. A very heavy thunder shower, wet through. At 5 P. M. orders came to march with 3 days' rations. Drew one more and issued three. Got off at 8 P. M. Thede waits till morning on account of his horse. Marched 10 miles and camped at 2 A. M. Morgan has succeeded in getting into Ky. and now the drama is to see if he can get out or whether he is to succeed in his raid. We are all anxious to overtake him and if possible to capture or annihilate him. Letter from Minnie.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 77

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 6, 1863

Aroused early and breakfasted. Marched two or three miles and got forage. Our brigade in advance. Passed through several villages. A beautiful country for farming, good residences. Reached Lebanon at 3 P. M. 20th Ky. 350, surrendered here to Morgan, but not till punishing him. Out a mile, fed and got supper. Passed through Springfield, 9 miles and camped on Pike, 8 miles.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 77-8

Diary of Sergeant Major Luman Harris Tenney: July 7, 1863

Morgan still 20 hours ahead of us. Out at 2 A. M. Passed through Fredericksburg. Forded Rolling Fork and through Bardstown. Got breakfast 2 miles farther on. Rested an hour. Reached Bardstown Junction (Kentucky) near dark. Got supper and fed. Train came in from Louisville, 36 miles with rations, bacon and bread. Issued them before midnight. Slept till morning, a very hot day.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 78