Diary of Private Alexander G. Downing: Monday, November 9, 1863

An order was read at dress parade today announcing that ten men from each regiment would be detailed to go home to their respective states to solicit recruits for their regiments. Lieutenant Alfred Carey has been selected to represent Company E of the Eleventh Iowa.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 151-2

Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: December 30, 1863

On our return regular duty was resumed. Fourteen new recruits came to the regiment from Connecticut. Nine assigned to our company, C. Recruits were known as fresh fish. That was the way they were greeted. Most of them had relations and friends in the regiment. The recruits were always welcome and used kindly. Some were very young boys.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 34

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, September 24, 1863

There is no news of importance. I have entirely recovered and am in good health again. Our regiment, as also the entire brigade, is slowly regaining its strength and increasing in number. The boys from the hospitals are taking their places and those on furlough are returning and bringing new recruits with them.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 144

Brigadier General George G. Meade to Margaretta Sergeant Meade, September 4, 1862

HEADQUARTERS WHIPPLE'S DIVISION, RESERVE ARMY CORPS,

ARLINGTON, VA., September 4, 1862.

I wrote you yesterday, informing you of my arrival at this place. We came here under orders from McDowell (in whose corps we are), who directed us to march from Fairfax Court House to Arlington. Since reaching here we have had no orders of any kind, and we cannot tell where we are going, though I presume we will take post somewhere in the vicinity of the city, for its defense. I hardly think the enemy will make an attack on the city, but believe he will cross a column above into Maryland. Our division, the Reserves, is pretty well used up, and ought, strictly speaking, to be withdrawn, reorganized, filled up with recruits, and put in efficient condition.

SOURCE: George Meade, The Life and Letters of George Gordon Meade, Vol. 1, p. 308

Major General William T. Sherman to Thomas Ewing, December 31, 1864

SAVANNAH, Geo., December 31, 1864.

I have received yours of the 18th, and by Christmas day you must have heard that my army had possession of Savannah and all its Forts which have heretofore defied the Navy and the expeditions hitherto sent against it. I ought to have caught its garrison but the swampy ground prevented my reaching the Causeway on the South Carolina shore, but if Hardee had given me two more days I would have closed that also. As it was, however, only his men escaped, and with Savannah I got all the guns, stores and gun-boats which made it formidable. Of course I feel a just pride in the satisfaction you express, and would rather please and gratify you than all the world beside. I know full well that I enjoy the unlimited confidence of the President and Commander in Chief, and better still of my own army. They will march to certain death if I order it, because they know and feel that night and day I labor to the end that not a life shall be lost in vain. I always ignore secondary objects and strike at principals with a foreknowledge that the former follow the latter, nor are my combinations extra hazardous or bold. Every movement I have made in this war has been based on sound military principle, and the result proves the assertion. At Atlanta I was not to be decoyed from the fruits of my summer's work, by Hood's chasséeing to the left, but I sent my oldest lieutenant in whom I had confidence (Thomas) to Tennessee, and give him a liberal part of my veterans and all my recruits, which I knew would enable him to cope with Hood defensively, as also hold the vital parts of former conquests: there again has my judgment been verified by events. Nor was I rash in cutting loose from a base and relying on the country for forage and provisions. I had wagons enough loaded with essentials, and beef cattle enough to feed on for more than a month, and had the Census statistics showing the produce of every county through which I designed to pass. No military expedition was ever based on sounder or surer data.

Besides, my Army has by time and attention acquired too much personal experience and adhesion to disintegrate by foraging or its incident disorganizing tendency. I have just reviewed my four Corps and challenge competition for soldierly bearing and behavior. No city was ever occupied with less disorder or more system than this of Savannah, and it is a subject of universal comment that though an army of 60,000 men lay camped around it, women and children of an hostile people walk its streets with as much security as they do in Philadelphia. I attach much importance to these little matters, as it is all important our armies should not be tainted by that spirit of anarchy that threatened the stability of our government, but on the contrary that when war does end we may safely rest the fabric of government if necessary on the strong and safe base of a well disciplined army of citizens. . . .

SOURCES: M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of General Sherman, p. 320-2

Death Of A Soldier

Mr. Henry Love, of Washington county, died yesterday morning at the residence of Mr. McEwen, on the Jersey Ridge road.  When camp McClellan was broken up, Mr. Love was removed to McEwen’s house, sick, and supposed to be deranged.  He sank gradually till he died.  He was quite young, and a new recruit for the 16th Iowa regiment.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, May 19, 1862, p. 1

Major General William T. Sherman to Ellen Ewing Sherman, August 2, 1864

NEAR ATLANTA, Geo.,

August 2, 1864.

. . . I have for some days been occupying a good house on the Buckhead Road, about four miles north of Atlanta, but am going to move in the morning more to the right to be nearer where I expect the next battle. You have heard, doubtless, full accounts of the battles of the 20th, 22nd, and 28th, in all which the enemy attacked a part of our lines in force, but was always repulsed with heavy loss. But I fear we have sustained a reverse in some cavalry that I sent around by the rear to break the Macon road. It was commanded by McCook,¹ a cousin of Dan's. They reached the railroad and broke it; also burned a large number of the baggage wagons belonging to the enemy, and were on their way back when they were beset by heavy forces of cavalry about Newnan and I fear are overpowered and a great part killed or captured. Some 500 have got in and give confused accounts, but time enough has elapsed for the party to be back, and I hear nothing further of them. Somehow or other we cannot get cavalry. The enemy takes all the horses of the country, and we have to buy and our people won't sell. Stoneman is also out with a cavalry force attempting to reach our prisoners confined at Andersonville, but since McCook's misfortune I also have fears for his safety. I am now moving so as to get possession of the railroad out of Atlanta to the south — we already have possession of those on the north and east — when it will be difficult for Hood to maintain his army in Atlanta. This army is much reduced in strength by deaths, sickness, and expiration of service. It looks hard to see regiments march away when their time is up. On the other side they have everybody, old and young, and for indefinite periods. I have to leave also along the railroad a large force to guard the supplies; so that I doubt if our army much exceeds that of Hood. No recruits are coming, for the draft is not till September, and then I suppose it will consist mostly of niggers and bought recruits that must be kept well to the rear. I sometimes think our people do not deserve to succeed in war; they are so apathetic.

McPherson was shot dead. I had his body brought up to me, and sent it back to the railroad. He was shot high up in the breast with a bullet, and must have fallen from his horse dead. Howard, who succeeds him, is a fine gentleman and a good officer. . . .  I expect we will have a hard fight for the railroad about the day after to-morrow, and [it] must be more heavy on us as we must attack. I am always glad when the enemy attacks, for the advantage then is with us. Now our line is as strong as theirs, but being on the outer circle is longer. I see that Grant has sprung his mines at Petersburg, and hope he will succeed in taking that town, as it will be a constant threat to Richmond, but Richmond itself can only be taken by regular siege. Atlanta is on high ground and the woods extend up to the forts which look strong and encircle the whole town. Most of the people are gone — it is now simply a big fort. . . .

__________

¹ General E. M. McCook.

SOURCES: M. A. DeWolfe Howe, Editor, Home Letters of General Sherman, p. 304-6.  A full copy of this letter can be found in the William T Sherman Family papers (SHR), University of Notre Dame Archives (UNDA), Notre Dame, IN 46556, Folder CSHR 2/17

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Monday, January 26, 1863

Today I was one of a detail of two thousand men sent down the river a few miles to repair the break in the levee on the west bank of the river. The break is two hundred feet wide and the water rushes through with terrible force. I was glad when the order came to return to camp, for I would rather risk my life in a battle than to work another day on that break. An increasing number of men still lying in the boats are getting sick from drinking the poor river water; the new recruits just arriving from the North are especially affected.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 97

State Items

A number of persons have recently been expelled from the M. E. Church at Montezuma, for disloyalty to the Government, the charge having been sustained against them.  That’s right: a persistently disloyal man is unfit for membership in a Christian church.

The Dubuque Times says that 500 recruits have been obtained at the station in that city for the regular army.  Of this number, about ninety percent came from other counties beside Dubuque.

The Marshall county Times and Iowa Valley News, published at Marshalltown have been consolidated under the name of the Marshall Times and News.  Mr. E. N. Chapin, of the News, being editor and proprietor of the new paper.

The Dubuque Times says it is reported that letters found on the battle-field at Shiloh, criminating certain well known citizens of Dubuque.  It is not at all improbable.  When the accounts of this war are finally balanced, a tremendous weight of responsibility will be found to rest on the heads of those men in Dubuque who have urged on the conspirators in their mad rebellion.

Mr. J. C. Holbrook, Jesse Guernsey, and J. H. Nutting, are about starting a new monthly paper at Dubuque, to be called the Religious News Letter.  It is to be conducted by several Congregational ministers.

Miss Emily Murdick, of Iowa county, was committed to jail, last week, for cutting the throat of her infant child, to which she gave birth on the 18th ult.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 16, 1862, p. 2

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, November 13, 1862

The railroad is repaired now and the cars came through today to Grand Junction from Corinth, loaded with provisions. Our tents and knapsacks also arrived. We pitched our tents, drew rations this evening, and commenced to live again. It looks like home once more. Three new recruits for our company arrived today from Iowa.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 82

Ulysses S. Grant to Jesse Root Grant, May 6, 1861

Camp Yates, near Springfield,

May 6th. 1861.

Dear Father:

Your second letter, dated the first of May has just come to hand. I commenced writing you a letter three or four days ago but was interrupted so often that I did not finish it. I wrote one to Mary which no doubt was duly received, but do not remember whether it answers your questions or not.

At the time our first Galena company was raised I did not feel at liberty to engage in hot haste, but took an active interest in drilling them, and imparting all the instruction I could, and at the request of the members of the company, and of Mr. Washburn, I came here for the purpose of assisting for a short time in camp, and of offering, if necessary, my services for the war. The next two days after my arrival it was rainy and muddy so that the troops could not drill and I concluded to go home. Governor Yates heard it and requested me to remain. Since that I have been acting in that capacity, and for the last few days have been in command of this camp. The last of the six regiments called for from this State, will probably leave by tomorrow, or the day following, and then I shall be relieved from this command.

The Legislature of this State provided for the raising of eleven additional regiments and a battalion of artillery; a portion of these the Governor will appoint me to muster into the service of the State, when I presume my services may end. I might have obtained the colonelcy of a regiment possibly, but I was perfectly sickened at the political wire-pulling for all these commissions, and would not engage in it. I shall be in no ways backward in offering my services when and where they are required, but I feel that I have done more now than I could do serving as a captain under a green colonel, and if this thing continues they will want more men at a later day.

There have been fully 30,000 more volunteers who have offered their services, than can be accepted under the present call, without including the call made by the State; but I can go back to Galena and drill the three or four companies there, and render them efficient for any future call. My own opinion is that this war will be but of short duration. The Administration has acted most prudently and sagaciously so far in not bringing on a conflict before it had its forces fully marshalled.  When they do strike, our thoroughly loyal states will be fully protected, and a few decisive victories in some of the southern ports will send the secession army howling, and the leaders in the rebellion will flee the country. All the states will then be loyal for a generation to come. Negroes will depreciate so rapidly in value that nobody will want to own them, and their masters will be the loudest in their declamation against the institution from a political and economic point of view. The negro will never disturb this country again. The worst that is to be apprehended from him is now: he may revolt and cause more destruction than any Northern man, except it be the ultra-abolitionist, wants to see. A Northern army may be required in the next ninety days to go South to suppress a negro insurrection. As much as the South have vilified the North, that army would go on such a mission and with the purest motives.

I have just received a letter from Julia. All are well. Julia takes a very sensible view of our present difficulties. She would be sorry to have me go, but thinks the circumstances may warrant it and will not throw a single obstacle in the way.

There is no doubt but the valiant Pillow has been planning an attack on Cairo; but as he will learn that that point is well garrisoned and that they have their ditch on the outside, filled with water, he will probably desist. As, however, he would find it necessary to receive a wound, on the first discharge of firearms, he would not be a formidable enemy. I do not say he would shoot himself, ah no! I am not so uncharitable as many who served under him in Mexico. I think, however, he might report himself wounded on the receipt of a very slight scratch, received hastily in any way, and might irritate the sore until he convinced himself that he had been wounded by the enemy.

Tell Simpson that I hope he will be able to visit us this summer. I should like very much to have him stay with us and I want him to make my house his home.

Remember me to all.

ULYSSES.

SOURCE: Jesse Grant Cramer, Editor, Letters of Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister, 1857-78, p. 34-7

Ulysses S. Grant to Mary Frances Grant, April 29, 1861

Springfield, [Illinois]

April 29th, 1861.

DEAR SISTER:

I CAME to this place several days ago, fully expecting to find a letter here for me from father. As yet I have received none. It was my intention to have returned to Galena last evening, but the Governor detained me, and I presume will want me to remain with him until all the troops are called into service, or those to be so called, are fully mustered in and completely organized. The enthusiasm throughout this state surpasses anything that could have been imagined three weeks ago. Only six regiments are called for here, while at least thirty could be promptly raised. The Governor, and all others in authority, are harassed from morning until night with patriotic men, and such political influence as they can bring, to obtain first promises of acceptance of their companies, if there should be another call for troops. The eagerness to enter companies that were accepted by the Governor, was so great that it has been impossible for Commanders of companies to keep their numbers within the limits of the law, consequently companies that have arrived here have all had from ten to sixty men more than can be accepted. The Legislature on Saturday last passed a bill providing for the maintenance and discipline of these surplus troops for one month, unless sooner mustered into service of the United States under a second call. — I am convinced that if the South knew the entire unanimity of the North for the Union and maintenance of Law, and how freely men and money are offered to the cause, they would lay down their arms at once in humble submission. There is no disposition to compromise now. Nearly every one is anxious to see the Government fully tested as to its strength, and see if it is not worth preserving. The conduct of eastern Virginia has been so abominable through the whole contest that there would be a great deal of disappointment here if matters should be settled before she is thoroughly punished. This is my feeling, and I believe it universal. Great allowance should be made for South Carolinians, for the last generation have been educated, from their infancy, to look upon their Government as oppressive and tyrannical and only to be endured till such time as they might have sufficient strength to strike it down. Virginia, and other border states, have no such excuse and are therefore traitors at heart as well as in act. I should like very much to see the letter Aunt Rachel wrote Clara! or a copy of it. Can't you send it?

When I left Galena, Julia and the children were very well. Jesse had been very sick for a few days but was getting much better. I have been very anxious that you should spend the summer with us. You have never visited us and I don't see why you can't. Two of you often travel together, and you might do so again, and come out with Clara. I do not like to urge anything of the kind, lest you should think that I ignored entirely the question of economy, but I do not do so. The fact is I have had my doubts whether or not it would not be more prudent for all of you to lock up and leave, until the present excitement subsides. If father were younger and Simpson strong and healthy, I would not advise such a course. On the contrary, I would like to see every Union man in the border slave states remain firm at his post. Every such man is equal to an armed volunteer at this time in defence of his country. There is very little that I can tell you that you do not get from the papers.

Remember me to all at home and write to me at once, to this place.

BROTHER ULYSSES.

SOURCE: Jesse Grant Cramer, Editor, Letters of Ulysses S. Grant to His Father and His Youngest Sister, 1857-78, p. 27-30

Major General William T. Sherman to Senator John Sherman, August 3, 1863

CAMP ON BIG BLACK,

18 miles from Vicksburg,

 Aug. 3, 1863

Dear Brother:

You and I may differ in our premises, but will agree in our conclusions. A government resting immediately on the caprice of a people is too unstable to last. The will of the people is the ultimate appeal, but the Constitution, laws of Congress, and regulations of the executive departments subject to the decisions of the Supreme Court are the laws which all must obey without stopping to inquire why. All must obey. Government, that is, the executive, having no discretion but to execute the law, must be to that extent despotic. If this be our Government, it is the “best on earth” — but if the people of localities can bias and twist the law or execution of it to suit their local prejudices, then our Government is the worst on earth. If you look back only two years, you will see the application. There are about six millions of men in this country all thinking themselves sovereign and qualified to govern. Some thirty-four governors of States who feel like petty kings, and about ten thousand editors who presume to dictate to generals, presidents, and cabinets. I treat all these as nothing, but when a case arises I simply ask: Where is the law? Supposing the pilot of a ship should steer his vessel according to the opinion of every fellow who watched the clouds above or the currents below, where would his ship land? No, the pilot has before him a little needle; he watches that, and he never errs. So if we make that our simple code, the law of the land must and shall be executed; no matter what the consequences, we cannot err. Hundreds and thousands may honestly differ as to what the law should be, but it is rarely the case; but all men of ordinary understanding can tell what the law is. We have for years been drifting towards an unadulterated democracy or demagogism, and its signs were manifest in Mob Laws and Vigilance Committees all over our country. And States and towns and mere squads of men took upon themselves to set aside the Constitution and laws of Congress and substitute therefor their own opinions. I saw it, and tried to resist it in California, but always the General Government yielded to the pressure. I say that our Government, judged by its conduct as a whole, paved the way for rebellion. The South that lived on slavery saw the United States yield to abolition pressure at the North, to pro-slavery pressure at the South, to the miners of California, the rowdies of Baltimore, and to the people everywhere. They paved the way to this rebellion. The people of the South were assured that, so far from resisting an attempt to set up an independent Government of homogeneous interests, the United States would give in and yield. They appealed to precedents, and proved it, and I confess I had seen so much of it that I doubted whether our Government would not yield to the pressure, and die a natural death. But I confess my agreeable surprise. Though full of corruption and base materials, our country is a majestic one, full of natural wealth and good people. They have risen not in full majesty, but enough to give all hopes of vitality. Our progress has been as rapid as any philosopher could ask. The resources of the land in money, in men, in provisions, in forage, and in intelligence, has surprised us all, and we have had as much success as could be hoped for. The Mississippi is now ours, not by commission but by right, by the right of manly power. . . . No great interest in our land has risen superior to Government, and I deem it fortunate that no man has risen to dictate terms to all. Better as it is. Lincoln is but the last of the old school Presidents, the index (mathematically) of one stage of our national existence. . . . Our Government should become a machine, self-regulating, independent of the man. . . .

As to the press of America, it is a shame and a reproach to a civilized people. . . . I begin to feel a high opinion of myself that I am their butt; I shall begin to suspect myself of being in a decline when a compliment appears in type. I know in what estimation I am held by my press, — those who have been with me all the time, — and they are capable to judge, from private to major-generals. I saw a move to bring Grant and myself East. No they don't. . . .

We will be in Mobile in October and Georgia by Christmas if required. . . .

I see much of the people here — men of heretofore high repute. The fall of Vicksburg has had a powerful effect. They are subjugated. I even am amazed at the effect; we are actually feeding the people. . . .

Grant and wife visited me in camp yesterday. I have the handsomest camp I ever saw, and should really be glad to have visitors come down. I don't think a shot will be fired at a boat till Jeff Davis can call his friends about him and agree upon the next campaign. I want recruits and conscripts, and shall be all ready in October.

As ever, your brother,

W. T. SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 211-3

Senator John Sherman to Major General William T. Sherman, August 8, 1862

MANSFIELD, Aug. 8, 1862.

Dear Brother:

. . . The enlistment of recruits is now much more rapid than ever before. A regiment is organizing here and will be full in a few days. The new call for militia will also soon be filled up and I hope without a draft. Our people are beginning to feel a little more serious about the war, but the determination to wage it to a successful termination is stronger and firmer than ever. McClellan’s misfortunes have allayed the political feeling that was gathering about him. His friends have much to say in his favor and his opponents are very moderate in condemning or criticising him. If you have time, write to me. For this month I will stay here as much as possible. In September I suppose I will be on the stump. After that I mean to remain as quiet as possible.

Yours affectionately,

JOHN SHERMAN.

SOURCE: Rachel Sherman Thorndike, Editor, The Sherman letters: correspondence between General and Senator Sherman from 1837 to 1891, p. 156

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Saturday, October 12, 1861

A number of new recruits are arriving, and the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry is being made up. Drill this afternoon. Five of the boys of my company got passes to go home for two or three days.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 13

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Thursday, September 19, 1861

Nothing of importance today.  A few new recruits came in. There is no excitement in getting men to enlist; only plain facts are presented as to our duty to sustain the Government.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 9

Camp McClellan

There are now 160 recruits at Camp McClellan, and about twenty more are expected for the 18^th regiment. – These will complete the enlistments in this state for the present.  When they go Camp McClellan will be deserted and perhaps finally abandoned, as it is doubtful if another regiment will be organized during the war.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, April 10, 1862, p. 1

Returned

Lieut. Huntington, of Co. B, Sergeant Hall, of Co. C, and fifteen recruits for the army, left here yesterday on the Metropolitan for St. Louis.  Thence they will proceed to the Tennessee river to join their regiment, which is destined soon to participate (if it has not already done so) in one of the most terrific battles of the war, or one of the most extensive pursuits of a flying enemy.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, April 9, 1862, p. 1

Capt. Foster . . .

. . . of the 11^th regiment, called upon us yesterday.  He left his regiment on a short furlough last week, and arrived at his home in Leclaire last Friday.  Charlie looks finely and is in good health.  The 11^th is still in central Missouri, but will probably be in Tennessee before many weeks.  Capt. Foster will leave for Missouri next Monday.  Any recruits, desiring to join either the 6^th, 8^th, 11^th, or 13^th regiment, will have an opportunity to go with the Captain.  Letters or packages for either of these regiments may be left at this office, and the Captain will see that they reach their destination.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, February 18, 1862, p. 1

Sensible

Col. Revere, of the Seventh New Jersey regiment, has recently addressed a letter to Governor Ogden [sic], in which he points out the folly of forming new regiments when the old so greatly need filling up.  He says:

“With all due respect to the opinions of others, I am in favor of immediate drafting from the militia, en masse, and the filling up of our shattered regiments now in the field, so much reduced by the reverses of war, in preference to raising new regiments, which cannot be prepared for the field in less period than six months.

“It would be most unwise to send these raw regiments, without drill or discipline, even if they can be recruited in time to enable the armies now in the field to assume the offensive, to meet the rebel regiments of trained and valiant troops, who may be ranked among the best soldiers in the world, as all our army can testify who have met them in the recent great battles of the Peninsula.

“The best composition of a regiment, in the view of military men, is probably one-fourth of old soldiers, both by example and precept.  Thus constituted, the regiments of the army of the Potomac would be irresistible, and its force and power in war be far superior to any force the rebels can bring into the field.

“The officers of that army have now been educated in the best school – the field of war – and any lack of them can be easily supplied from the ranks of the volunteers, which contain a plentiful supply of active, intelligent and ambitious young soldiers, inured to the hardships of campaigning, and imbued, in a great measure, with the spirit of military institutions.  Besides, we have the traditions of the regiments already to excite the ambition and pride of the new recruits, who would much rather belong to a regiment which inscribes “Williamsburg,” “Fair Oaks,” “Malvern,” etc., to its [colors, than to a new one, entirely un]known to fame.

The superior advantages already acquired by drill and discipline are to apparent to be recommended, while the saving to the government in every way is something enormous, as one regiment of veterans filled up with recruits in the proportion of one in three [or] four of old soldiers, represents a military power of as one to two, as the least, when compared with a force composed entirely, as our new regiments cannot fail to be, of raw officers and soldiers, entirely uninured to war, and who have not received the baptism of fire.

“The saving of the number of officers is also to be taken into the account, unless the country is more plethoric of wealth than would seem to be the case at present.

The last is a point that does not seem to get proper consideration.  The regiments now in the field have in general a fair, if not full complement of officers, who draw pay whether they have men to command or not.  To fill up their commands would be to make use of these experienced and valuable officers; but instead of that, it seems to be preferred to create a new army list of inexperienced men, costing the government double what it ought, for half service.  The nation has a right to demand that no such waste of means shall be permitted.

Col. Revere says that to prepare a new army for the field will require six months. – Have we much time to throw away.  To recruit the armies now in the field is a work which could be done in one month, with proper efforts.  The 30,000 men already said to be enlisted, and most of whom are, we fear, waiting for new regiments to be completed, would be of great and lasting value if they could at once be sent down to Pope not as fresh and distrained regiments, but in the shape of recruits to join his veterans and be mixed with them.  Thirty thousand men, healthy and vigorous, in the hands of an enterprising general, might serve to turn the tide of victory again in our favor.  But if they are kept at home, if they enter the field a mass of undisciplined recruits, with officers as ignorant as themselves; if they must be painfully and tediously drilled for months before they can be taken into action – then the generals who want to push on the war must do so without counting on the new levies, and the brave fellows who have already born the brunt of the contest must bear it yet longer dissatisfied.

Every consideration of justice to those in the field, the encouragement of those about to enter, speedy reinforcements of our armies, economy in means as well as time – everything points to the necessity of using the new levies to fill up the regiments now in the field – and yet, though time is precious and the enemy presses, our State authorities do not seem to realize the necessity of the hour, but continue a mode of enlistment which wastes both time and money.

– Published in The Daily Rebel, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Saturday, August 9, 1862, p. 1