Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: May 2, 1862

This morning we remain at Monterey, waiting for orders. We remain here all day and it seems that the army has come to a halt. This evening the Seventh is detailed for picket. The night is clear and the moon shines brightly, and the boys watch closely for any foe that may be lurking near, for we are in the enemy's country, and it is surmised that there is something threatening ahead. The soldier on picket—who can tell his thoughts at the midnight hour, when a mighty army is sleeping and depending upon his vigilance?

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 67

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: May 3, 1862

This morning we are still in camp at Monterey; it is said we are waiting for the siege guns. Our brigade is now in the advance, standing as picket-guard for, the army. To-day we move a short distance from Monterey, and go into camp in the woods.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 67-8

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

Southern News

WASHINGTON, May 3.

According to reliable information from Richmond the planters have determined to raise no tobacco this season, and the military had received the stock on hand to prevent its falling into the hands of the Federal army.  The Richmond Examiner of May 2d contains the annexed news and items:

SAVANNAH, May 1.

A dispatch from the Corinth correspondent of the Republican, dated 28th April, says the enemy have been reinforced and are advancing.  There is heavy skirmishing daily.  Quite an affair occurred to-day this side of Monterey.

MOBILE, May 1.

A special dispatch to the Mobile Advertiser, from Corinth, 26th ult., says that Col. Scott, of the Louisiana Cavalry, with two companies, had driven out a regiment of Federals from Tuscumbia, killing several and taking 40 prisoners.  The enemy burnt their stores and were pursued by the Confederates.  The result is unknown.  The telegraph operator from the Bay St. Louis has telegraphed the Mobile office that the stores at New Orleans were being emptied of sugar and molasses, which were thrown into the streets and river.  The city was to have been formally surrendered on the 16th ult., but the time was extended.  Some of the enemy’s vessels have gone up river.

AUGUSTA, April 30.

The New Orleans Bulletin of Friday, says that F. D. Renshaw, Confederate States Navy Agent telegraphed from Point Alabasche on the 26th, that seven of our gunboats had been fired after being overpowered by the enemy.

The Navy Department received a similar dispatch last Saturday, but it is not known what boats are referred to.

SAVANNAH, May 1.

Gen. Lawton has formally communicated to the city council his determination to surrender the city.  The council have resolved to sustain Gen. Lawton.

MEMPHIS, April 29.

Dr. Foulkes, editor of the Memphis Avalanche, has been arrested for publishing an article calculated to array the planters against the government.

CHARLESTON, May 1.

The Federals have captured a small battery of two guns near White’s Point, twenty two miles from Charleston.

Gen. Evans has sent a force to look after the Yankees.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 5, 1862, p. 1

From Tennessee

LOUISVILLE, April 29.

PITTSBURG, Tenn., 10 P. M., April 29th. – Heavy firing across Lick Creek this morning was caused by artillery practice with the rebels by our advance guards, who after slight skirmishing in which we captured several prisoners, occupied Pea Ridge and at 9 o’clock occupied Monterey, 12 to 14 miles from Corinth.

A very intelligent sailor from Boston deserted from the rebels this side of Corinth, reports that the capture of New Orleans was generally known in the rebel camps on the morning of the 27th.  It was also stated on the 18th, at the time of two Louisiana regiments enlisted for twelve months expired, but by a new conscript of law were required to serve two years longer, on being so informed, both regiments laid down their arms, and refused to fight, when Beauregard detailed for regiments to guard them as prisoners.

It was not known that Gen. Halleck was in command here, but the general impression among the troops is that Gen. Buell was, and our army retreating to Nashville.

Col. J. C. Kelton, A. A. G. arrived to-day, relieving Captain McLean, who was obliged to go to Cincinnati on account of ill health.

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