Diary of Sarah Morgan: Sunday, June 8, 1862

These people mean to kill us with kindness. There is such a thing as being too kind. Yesterday General Williams sent a barrel of flour to mother, accompanied by a note begging her to accept it “in consideration of the present condition of the circulating currency,” and the intention was so kind, the way it was done so delicate, that there was no refusing it. I had to write her thanks, and got in a violent fit of the “trembles” at the idea of writing to a stranger. One consolation is, that I am not a very big fool, for it took only three lines to prove myself one. If I had been a thundering big one, I would have occupied two pages to show myself fully. And to think it is out of our power to prove them our appreciation of the kindness we have universally met with! Many officers were in church this morning, and as they passed us while we waited for the door to be opened, General Williams bowed profoundly, another followed his example; we returned the salute, of course. But by to-morrow, those he did not bow to will cry treason against us. Let them howl. I am tired of lies, scandal, and deceit. All the loudest gossips have been frightened into the country, but enough remain to keep them well supplied with town talk. ... It is such a consolation to turn to the dear good people of the world after coming in contact with such cattle. Here, for instance, is Mr. Bonnecase on whom we have not the slightest claims. Every day since we have been here, he has sent a great pitcher of milk, knowing our cow is out; one day he sent rice, the next sardines, yesterday two bottles of Port and Madeira, which cannot be purchased in the whole South. What a duck of an old man! That is only one instance.

SOURCE: Sarah Morgan Dawson, A Confederate Girl's Diary, p. 70-1

From a Friend in Providence, Rhode Island to Charlotte Cross Wigfall, May 13, 1861

May 13th, 1861.

. . . We are always delighted to hear from you — and indeed your letters and Louis's are the only comfort we have in this Yankee land surrounded by people who have no sympathy with us, and who only open their lips to revile the South and utter blood-thirsty threats. This morning an amiable lady wished she had Jeff Davis in front of a big cannon. This feminine wish was uttered in the cars when L. and F. were going in to Boston. We have now sufficient proof of how much stronger hate is than love of country. Where was the patriotism of Massachusetts when the country was at war with the English in 1812? I lived then at the South, and was ashamed of my countrymen who refused to assist in the war. Massachusetts, which was the leading state of New England, refused to let her militia leave the state and when the U. S. troops were withdrawn, to fight in other places, applied to the Federal Government to know whether the expenses of their own militia, who were summoned to defend their own State, would be reimbursed by the Government. When our capitol at Washington was burned with the President's House and Treasury buildings, and other public buildings, why did they not go to meet the British? On the contrary, they rejoiced at the English victories, and put every obstacle they could in the way of the government. Now they are subscribing millions, and urging every man to go and fight their own countrymen. It is not patriotism; it is hatred to the South and woe is me, that I must live here among such people. God grant you success. It is a righteous war and all the bloodshed will be upon the souls of those who brought it on.

. . . I think, however, that you at the South are wrong to undervalue the courage and resources of the Northern States. They are no doubt less accustomed to the use of firearms — there are very few who know how to ride, and they are less fiery in their impulses. They are less disposed to fight, but they are not cowardly where their interests are concerned; and will fight for their money. Where their property is at stake they will not hesitate to risk their lives, and at present there is no lack of money. The women are all roused, and are urging their relatives on; while some of the young ladies are exceedingly anxious to imitate Florence Nightingale, and distinguish themselves in the Army. The boys are parading about with red shirts and guns; and their wise mothers are admiring their military ardor.

I would not advise you of the South to trust too much in the idea that the Northerners will not fight; for I believe they will, and their numbers are overwhelming. You know an army of ants can kill a wounded horse. It is a mistake, too, for you to suppose that it is only the lower orders, who are enlisted. I have heard of a good many of the most respectable young men, who have enlisted for three years. I suppose there are a good many counter jumpers and Irish among them; but still there are many very decent persons who have gone to the wars. I hear that with Gov. Sprague no less persons than W. G. and M. J. have gone. Are you not alarmed? Think of M. Pray keep out of his way! I wonder what his Quaker progenitors would say, could they look out of their graves? He has not an ancestor, on either side, for as far back as they can be traced, who was not a broad brimmed Quaker. Little F. has had some skirmishes with the girls on Politics; but there has been no bloodshed; and the last I heard of it is, they said “anyhow” she was “a smart little thing and talks very well.” L. does not walk out alone: she always goes into Boston with F. or me. By the way — I hear it said they have got enough cotton at the North to supply their factories for a year? Can it be true? If so, I think there has been a great mistake somewhere. The only thing that will bring these people to their senses is to stop the importation. I was surprised to see the other day that a cargo of rice from Savannah was stopped, and the vessel was allowed to sail with a load of cotton!

SOURCE: Louise Wigfall Wright, A Southern Girl in ’61, p. 51-4

Diary of Salmon P. Chase: Wednesday, September 17, 1862

Bannister breakfasted with me. — At Department finished Proclamation declaring States in insurrection, without the exception formerly made, with view to taking exclusive control of all purchases of cotton, sugar, tobacco and rice in insurgent States.

Judge Hoadly came. Went to War Department with him. Stanton promised the Generals he wanted, but could promise nothing else. Went also to Genl. Halleck's. Found the President and Reverdy Johnson there, talked with a Union Captain who was at Harpers Ferry at the time of its surrender. Says Maryland Heights were surrendered to the surprise of every one; that Miles was struck by a shell after the surrender of the post, just as he had put the white flag in the hands of an orderly; that there was no necessity whatever for the surrender, and that the officers were very indignant.

Warrants to-day enormous — over $4,000,000 — and unpaid Requisitions still accumulating — now over $40,000,000. Where will this end?

Gen. Hunter came to dine with me. Expressed his decided opinion that if his Order had not been revoked, he would now have had the whole coast lined with disciplined loyal Southern men — black to be sure, but good soldiers and true.

SOURCE: Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 85-6

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: December 4, 1863

My husband bought yesterday at the Commissary's one barrel of flour, one bushel of potatoes, one peck of rice, five pounds of salt beef, and one peck of salt — all for sixty dollars. In the street a barrel of flour sells for one hundred and fifteen dollars.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 261

Lieutenant-Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes to Sophia Birchard Hayes, November 25, 1861

Camp Union, Fayetteville, Virginia,

November 25, 1861.

Dear Mother: — I have just read your letter written at Delaware, and am glad to know you are so happy with Arcena and the other kind friends. You may feel relieved of the anxiety you have had about me.

After several days of severe marching, camping on the ground without tents, once in the rain and once on the snow, we have returned from a fruitless chase after Floyd's Rebel army, and are now comfortably housed in the deserted dwellings of a beautiful village. We have no reports of any enemy near us and are preparing for winter. We should quarter here if the roads to the head of navigation would allow. As it is we shall probably go to a steamboat landing on the Kanawha. Snow is now three or four inches deep and still falling. We are on high ground — perhaps a thousand feet above the Kanawha River — and twelve miles from Gauley Mountain.

Our troops are very healthy. We have here in my regiment six hundred and sixty-two men of whom only three are seriously ill. Perhaps fifteen others are complaining so as to be excused from guard duty. The fever which took down so many of our men has almost disappeared. . . .

This is a rugged mountain region, with large rushing rivers of pure clear water (we drink it at Cincinnati polluted by the Olentangy and Scioto) and full of the grandest scenery I have ever beheld. I rode yesterday over Cotton Hill and along New River a distance of thirty miles. I was alone most of the day, and could enjoy scenes made still wilder by the wintry storm.

We do not yet hear of any murders by bushwhackers in this part of Virginia, and can go where we choose without apprehension of danger. We meet very few men. The poor women excite our sympathy constantly. A great share of the calamities of war fall on the women. I see women unused to hard labor gathering corn to keep starvation from the door. I am now in command of the post here, and a large part of my time is occupied in hearing tales of distress and trying to soften the ills the armies have brought into this country. Fortunately a very small amount of salt, sugar, coffee, rice, and bacon goes a great ways where all these things are luxuries no longer procurable in the ordinary way. We try to pay for the mischief we do in destroying corn, hay, etc., etc., in this way.

We are well supplied with everything. But clothes are worn out, lost, etc., very rapidly in these rough marches. People disposed to give can't go amiss in sending shoes, boots, stockings, thick shirts and drawers, mittens or gloves, and blankets. Other knickknacks are of small account.

Give my love to Arcena, Sophia, and to Mrs. Kilbourn.

Affectionately,

R. B. Hayes.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 146-7

Diary of Mary Boykin Chesnut: May 24, 1862

The enemy are landing at Georgetown. With a little more audacity where could they not land? But we have given them such a scare, they are cautious. If it be true, I hope some cool-headed white men will make the negroes save the rice for us. It is so much needed. They say it might have been done at Port Royal with a little more energy. South Carolinians have pluck enough, but they only work by fits and starts; there is no continuous effort; they can't be counted on for steady work. They will stop to play — or enjoy life in some shape.

Without let or hindrance Halleck is being reenforced. Beauregard, unmolested, was making some fine speeches — and issuing proclamations, while we were fatuously looking for him to make a tiger's spring on Huntsville. Why not? Hope springs eternal in the Southern breast.

My Hebrew friend, Mem Cohen, has a son in the war. He is in John Chesnut's company. Cohen is a high name among the Jews: it means Aaron. She has long fits of silence, and is absent-minded. If she is suddenly roused, she is apt to say, with overflowing eyes and clasped hands, “If it please God to spare his life.” Her daughter is the sweetest little thing. The son is the mother's idol. Mrs. Cohen was Miriam de Leon. I have known her intimately all my life.

Mrs. Bartow, the widow of Colonel Bartow, who was killed at Manassas, was Miss Berrien, daughter of Judge Berrien, of Georgia. She is now in one of the departments here, cutting bonds — Confederate bonds — for five hundred Confederate dollars a year, a penniless woman. Judge Carroll, her brother-in-law, has been urgent with her to come and live in his home. He has a large family and she will not be an added burden to him. In spite of all he can say, she will not forego her resolution. She will be independent. She is a resolute little woman, with the softest, silkiest voice and ways, and clever to the last point.

Columbia is the place for good living, pleasant people, pleasant dinners, pleasant drives. I feel that I have put the dinners in the wrong place. They are the climax of the good things here. This is the most hospitable place in the world, and the dinners are worthy of it.

In Washington, there was an endless succession of state dinners. I was kindly used. I do not remember ever being condemned to two dull neighbors: on one side or the other was a clever man; so I liked Washington dinners.

In Montgomery, there were a few dinners — Mrs. Pollard's, for instance, but the society was not smoothed down or in shape. Such as it was it was given over to balls and suppers. In Charleston, Mr. Chesnut went to gentlemen's dinners all the time; no ladies present. Flowers were sent to me, and I was taken to drive and asked to tea. There could not have been nicer suppers, more perfect of their kind than were to be found at the winding up of those festivities.

In Richmond, there were balls, which I did not attend — very few to which I was asked: the MacFarlands' and Lyons's, all I can remember. James Chesnut dined out nearly every day. But then the breakfasts — the Virginia breakfasts — where were always pleasant people. Indeed, I have had a good time everywhere — always clever people, and people I liked, and everybody so good to me.

Here in Columbia, family dinners are the specialty. You call, or they pick you up and drive home with you. “Oh, stay to dinner!” and you stay gladly. They send for your husband, and he comes willingly. Then comes a perfect dinner. You do not see how it could be improved; and yet they have not had time to alter things or add because of the unexpected guests. They have everything of the best — silver, glass, china, table linen, and damask, etc. And then the planters live “within themselves,” as they call it. From the plantations come mutton, beef, poultry, cream, butter, eggs, fruits, and vegetables.

It is easy to live here, with a cook who has been sent for training to the best eating-house in Charleston. Old Mrs. Chesnut's Romeo was apprenticed at Jones's. I do not know where Mrs. Preston's got his degree, but he deserves a medal.

At the Prestons', James Chesnut induced Buck to declaim something about Joan of Arc, which she does in a manner to touch all hearts. While she was speaking, my husband turned to a young gentleman who was listening to the chatter of several girls, and said: "Ecoutez!" The youth stared at him a moment in bewilderment; then, gravely rose and began turning down the gas. Isabella said: “Écoutez, then, means put out the lights.”

I recall a scene which took place during a ball given by Mrs. Preston while her husband was in Louisiana. Mrs. Preston was resplendent in diamonds, point lace, and velvet. There is a gentle dignity about her which is very attractive; her voice is low and sweet, and her will is iron. She is exceedingly well informed, but very quiet, retiring, and reserved. Indeed, her apparent gentleness almost amounts to timidity. She has chiseled regularity of features, a majestic figure, perfectly molded.

Governor Manning said to me: “Look at Sister Caroline. Does she look as if she had the pluck of a heroine?” Then he related how a little while ago William, the butler, came to tell her that John, the footman, was drunk in the cellar — mad with drink; that he had a carving-knife which he was brandishing in drunken fury, and he was keeping everybody from their business, threatening to kill any one who dared to go into the basement. They were like a flock of frightened sheep down there. She did not speak to one of us, but followed William down to the basement, holding up her skirts. She found the servants scurrying everywhere, screaming and shouting that John was crazy and going to kill them. John was bellowing like a bull of Bashan, knife in hand, chasing them at his pleasure.

Mrs. Preston walked up to him. “Give me that knife,” she demanded. He handed it to her. She laid it on the table. “Now come with me,” she said, putting her hand on his collar. She led him away to the empty smoke-house, and there she locked him in and put the key in her pocket. Then she returned to her guests, without a ripple on her placid face. “She told me of it, smiling and serene as you see her now,” the Governor concluded.

Before the war shut him in, General Preston sent to the lakes for his salmon, to Mississippi for his venison, to the mountains for his mutton and grouse. It is good enough, the best dish at all these houses, what the Spanish call “the hearty welcome.” Thackeray says at every American table he was first served with “grilled hostess.” At the head of the table sat a person, fiery-faced, anxious, nervous, inwardly murmuring, like Falstaff, “Would it were night, Hal, and all were well.”

At Mulberry the house is always filled to overflowing, and one day is curiously like another. People are coming and going, carriages driving up or driving off. It has the air of a watering-place, where one does not pay, and where there are no strangers. At Christmas the china closet gives up its treasures. The glass, china, silver, fine linen reserved for grand occasions come forth. As for the dinner itself, it is only a matter of greater quantity — more turkey, more mutton, more partridges, more fish, etc., and more solemn stiffness. Usually a half-dozen persons unexpectedly dropping in make no difference. The family let the housekeeper know; that is all.

People are beginning to come here from Richmond. One swallow does not make a summer, but it shows how the wind blows, these straws do — Mrs. “Constitution” Browne and Mrs. Wise. The Gibsons are at Doctor Gibbes's. It does look squally. We are drifting on the breakers.

SOURCE: Mary Boykin Chesnut, Edited by Isabella D. Martin and Myrta Lockett Avary, A Diary From Dixie, p. 165-9

Diary of Corporal Charles H. Lynch: June 29, 1864

Up very early this morning and on the march. A hot, muggy morn. After being under way about two hours, we could hear in the distance the popping of guns. Sounded like skirmishing firing. We thought there was music ahead for us. We kept pushing on. After a time the road rounded a curve on the mountains, where we could see ahead for a short distance. We could see the men leave the road and some running back. As we came near the point, saw that it was a cliff, a great overhanging rock. We learned that it was known as the Hawk's Nest, giving a grand view of the New River, the mountains and valleys. We were allowed a look and permission to shoot, and listen to the wonderful echo our old muskets made. The view was something grand and awful. Shall never forget that scene. We learned there was a legend connected with its history. Indian lovers jumped from the cliff because the father, a chief, would not let his daughter marry the man of her choice. The story was told us by people living near.

After a time we began to descend the mountains, which I learned were the Gauley Mountains. At the foot of the mountains we came to a halt at the Gauley River, the bridge having been destroyed at the breaking out of the war, when General Rosencrans drove the rebel General, Robert E. Lee, out of West Virginia. We went up the river a short distance, where we managed to cross. The New River and the Gauley meet at this point and form the Great Kanawah River. A short distance from the Gauley River, on the bank of the Kanawah River, an ideal spot, camp was located. At this point rations had been stored for Hunter's hungry army. Good bacon, salt beef, salt pork, rice, beans, coffee, sugar, hardtack. Good water. Fine place for bathing. The Kanawah River was as clear as crystal. Plenty to eat, a chance to bathe, wash our clothes, rest, made a great improvement in our condition in a very short time. This is a very interesting point here, as we learn its history from the old residents. They seem pleased to meet us and give us all the particulars about the location. Great lofty mountains on each side of the rivers. More inhabitants here than we have seen in any place for a long time.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 88-9

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: May 13, 1861

We traveled all night, and reached Wilmington, N. C, early in the morning. There I saw a Northern steamer which had been seized in retaliation for some of the seizures of the New Yorkers. And there was a considerable amount of ordnance and shot and shell on the bank of the river. The people every where on the road are for irremediable, eternal separation. Never were men more unanimous. And North Carolina has passed the ordinance, I understand, without a dissenting voice. Better still, it is not to be left to a useless vote of the people. The work is finished, and the State is out of the Union without contingency or qualification. I saw one man, though, at Goldsborough, who looked very much like a Yankee, and his enthusiasm seemed more simulated than real; and some of his words were equivocal. His name was Dibble.

To-day I saw rice and cotton growing, the latter only an inch or so high. The pine woods in some places have a desolate appearance; and whole forests are dead. I thought it was caused by the scarifications for turpentine; but was told by an intelligent traveler that the devastation was produced by an insect or worm that cut the inner bark.

The first part of South Carolina we touched was not inviting. Swamps, with cane, and cypress knees, and occasionally a plunging aligator met the vision. Here, I thought the Yankees, if they should carry the war into the far south, would fare worse than Napoleon's army of invasion in Russia.

But railroads seldom run through the fairest and richest portions of the country. They must take the route where there is the least grading. We soon emerged, however, from the marshy district, and then beheld the vast cotton-fields, now mostly planted in corn. A good idea. And the grain crops look well. The corn, in one day, seems to have grown ten inches.

In the afternoon we were whisked into Georgia, and the face of the country, as well as the color of the soil, reminded me of some parts of France between Dieppe and Rouen. No doubt the grape could be profitably cultivated here. The corn seems to have grown a foot since morning.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 34-5

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: June 24, 1863

Orders received from General Hooker to evacuate the Maryland Heights. All supplies and munitions that could be moved loaded on canal boats and taken to Washington by way of the Ohio & Chesapeake Canal. Great quantity of stores was left, salt beef, pork, beans, rice, coffee, and sugar. Some of it was gathered up by people from Harper's Ferry. A guard was sent with the boats but most of the troops were ordered to join the Army of the Potomac on its march up through Maryland to meet the Confederates who seem to be pushing on up into Pennsylvania. Our detachment was sent on guard with the canal boats. We left on the last two boats. There were about thirty in all. The rebels, under the cavalry leader J. E. B. Stuart, captured the first fifteen boats. After helping themselves to the supplies the boats were burned up. We passed the boats that had been destroyed. It took us two days and one night to complete the trip, a distance of sixty miles. Left the boats at Georgetown, then marched through the town to Tenallytown, going into camp. At the time our brigade consisted of the 12th West Virginia, the 5th Maryland, and our detachment. These regiments having been with us at Winchester and had lost many members.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 24

The Generals vs. the Politicians

It is a significant fact that all the volunteer Generals of our armies who have spoken on the [missing text] regard slavery as the vital point of [missing text]on, and insist on directing all our blows against it.  We have already published the views of a number of the Democratic Generals in the field to this effect.  We now give an extract from a recent speech of General Sickles, a thorough-going pro-slavery Democrat in the days of peace, to the same purport:

Now, I have a word or two to say to my fellow citizens, and especially to those who have hitherto done me the honor to concur with me in my views of public affairs. In the event of the result of the war terminating in emancipation I wish to say that men’s minds should at once be disabused of any false notions they may have conceived. The laboring men of the North need not suppose that the freed men of the South will ever interfere with or become competitors with them in the labor market of the North. It must be borne in mind that since this great convulsion of the country the South has not been able to produce enough of rice, cotton, tobacco, corn, sugar, and the other staples for which she is so famed. The demand of the world has been great, but she could not meet them. For more than a year not more than one-half of their usual crops have been produced. And remember the demand is always increasing for all the staples of the South produced by negro labor. Remember that there is more cotton land, and rice and sugar land now uncultivated in the South than there has been hitherto cultivated by all the planters who flourished there but a single year ago. Remember that [this demand must go on continually increasing, and the supply be greatly diminished for years to come, before capital can resume its former channels. Cannot every man see that when peace shall be restored, the demand for negro labor in the South will be so increased that all the blacks throughout the country will be drawn by attraction towards the South, and there be entirely absorbed? So that, so far from the labor of the blacks ceasing to be in demand on the cessation of war and the restoration of peace, the demand for the great staples of rice, tobacco, sugar and cotton — which will and must be scarce — will call the service of every black laborer into instantaneous and continuous requisition, and a new impulse will be given to every branch of productive industry. The prosperity of the North, meanwhile, is not to cease. Capital, enterprise, thrift are still here among us, and will be then as now; and we will not only have the same demand for labor with liberal wages, and the same reward for enterprise and industry, but, in my humble judgment, every branch of trade and commerce and domestic industry .will rise into new life when the Union and the constitution shall be vindicated and peace restored.]

– Published in The Union Sentinel, Osceola, Iowa, Saturday, October 17, 1862, p. 1.  The bottom of this page of the newspaper was torn diagonally from the lower left to the middle of the right.  I have used Friends’ Review: A Religious, Literary and Miscellaneous Journal, Volume 16, No. 1, September 6, 1862, p. 9-10, contained within the brackets, to complete this article.

Local Matters

THE WEEKLY GAZETTE is published this morning.  It contains all the matter of the Daily during the past week, including correspondence, etc.  Send it off to your friends that they may learn Iowa is in the field with her brave troops, fighting for the stars and stripes.

SOMETHING NEW. – Ladies’ seamless vomp gaiters, new style, never before offered in this city, to be found only at Ordway’s new store, no. 26 Le Claire Row.  dlw

An extensive fire occurred in the town of Alexandria, Mo., opposite Keokuk, on Sunday morning last, consuming property to the amount of $45,000.  The Keokukers went over and assisted to extinguish the flames.

RELEASED. – Frank Collins, arrested by Officer Teagarden on Monday evening, on a warrant issued by Coroner Tomson, was yesterday released, there being no legal evidence to sustain the charge against him.

ALMOST A FIRE. – An attempt at fire occurred in a shed in the rear of Mr. R. E. Sickels’ residence, corner of Thirteenth and Main streets, night before last.  It was discovered and extinguished before any great amount of harm was done.

WILD RICE. – We are indebted to Mr. Jas. D. Hogarty for a package of wild rice, the native product of Wisconsin.  We have eaten of this rice and found it almost equal to the Southern production, being darker, more substantial and of different favor.  It is preferred by some to the Southern article.

CHARITY NOT NEEDED. – We published a not the day before yesterday, stating that Mrs. Knoeke, of this city was in an actual suffering condition.  We are informed since, by the woman herself, that such is not the case, nor is she in condition to appeal to the public for charity.

PROMPT ADJUSTMENT. – We are informed that Messrs. A. Green & Co., and C. E. Converse, who were losers of grain by the recent fire which destroyed the Elevator, have received from the New England and Lorillard companies full satisfaction for the losses sustained at that fire.

BOOTS AND SHOES. – Neighbor Todd returned home yesterday, after a trip to the East, where he has purchased an extensive lot of boots and shoes, ladies’ slippers, gaiters, and everything in his line, which he is receiving and opening at his store, Todd’s well-known corner.

NEW GOODS constantly arriving at Ordway’s, manufactured expressly for the retail trade, which he is selling at prices that will defy competition.  Every one in want of boots and shoes should call upon him before purchasing, for people do say that he is selling a good quality of goods cheaper than any other house in the city.    dlw

ROYAL ARCH-MASONS. – At a regular convocation of Davenport Chapter No. 16, Royal Arch Masons, held in Masonic Hall, on the evening of the 20th inst., the following officers were elected for the ensuing year: O. H. Watson, High Priest; Geo. H. French, King; P. L. Cone; Scribe; Samuel Perry, Captain of the Host; F. H. Griggs, Principal Sojourner; W. W. Parker, Royal Arch Captain; E. Y. Lane, Treasure; A. P. Luse, Secretary; R. D. Myers, Grand Master of the Third Veil; W. A. Remington, do Second Veil; J. J. Burtis, do First Veil; G. G. Jones, Guard.

Insurance against fire and the perils of inland transportation, and life insurance, can be had of W. F. ROSS, general insurance agent, Metropolitan building, who will not represent any but the most reliable companies.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Thursday Morning, May 22, 1862, p. 1

Diary of Edward Bates, September 30, 1861

<Sept 30, 1861>⁵  The public spirit is beginning to quail under the depressing influence of our prolonged inaction. Our people are weary of being kept always and every where upon the defensive. The ardent spirit of our young men is checked and mortified because no scope is given to their enterprising boldness. We absolutely need some dashing expeditions — some victories, great or small, to stimulate the zeal of the Country, and, as I think, to keep up the credit of the Government.

I hear, on pretty good authority, that the enemy is so posted at several points along the Potomac, as to command, at pleasure, the navigation of that river.

Why is this allowed? Is it from sheer weakness on our part? It compromises our safety at home, and degrades our honor abroad. It isolates the Capital by closing its only outlet to the ocean, and

thus makes the impression upon both parties to the contest, and especially upon foreigners, that we are both weak and timid.

Are we to encounter no risk? Can war be conducted without any danger? I care not how cautious our commanders may be in securing certain important points (such as this city) which must, on no account, be put to hazard. But some gallant enterprizes are necessary to establish the prestige of the army and thus increase its positive strength. And I have no doubt that a few such enterprises — even at the hazard of some Regiments — some Brigades — would contribute largely to the general result, and accelerate our final success.⁶

It were easy to indicate several inviting theatres for such enterprises; and our army, both officers and men are eager for such active service.

I do trust that the naval expedition to the southern coast, will not be delayed much longer.

The whole coast, from Hat[t]eras to Fernandina,⁷ with the exception of some 2 or 3 points, lies absolutely, at our mercy. We should scour that coast—look into every bay and river — thread the passages among the islands, and make every planter along the coast feel that he is in our power.

The well-armed, light-draft, quick-moving steamers (of which we must by this time have a good supply) will be able to perform all this good service; while the larger ships can carry whatever troops may be needed to garrison the few places which we may desire to take and hold, and to make incursions into the country, when desirable, and at the same time may dominate the open sea.

I am credibly informed that along the coast — on the islands and on the main — between Charleston and Fernandina, there are from 3 to 4 millions dollars worth of Sea Island Cotton, now in course of harvest. To say nothing of the Rice plantations, which abound on the coast of Georgia — all this cotton is easily within our reach.  There are very few white people along that coast, but large plantations and many negro[e]s. The cotton already picked and ginned, is merchandize [sic], ready to our hand — and as to that still in the fields, there are plenty of negro[e]s there to pick and gin it for our use — and, with a little management by way of increased bonus for over work — they will do it quicker for us than for their masters.

I suppose it would not be hard for us to seise one or more of the Cotton Ports; and, in that case, we could easily get out enough cotton to make a full supply for home consumption, and some for

Europe.

A fair success in such an enterprise would, I think be attended by immediate and great results[.]

1.  It would, at least harras [sic] and alarm the enemy, weakening his resources, while it necessitates increased and more extensive action on his part.

2.  It would call back, for home defence, a large number of troops, now engaged at distant points, in aggressive operations against us.

3.  It would revive the spirit of the north, already beginning to droop under the depressing influence of our non action. That spirit will rise high, as soon as we shew that we have taken the affirmative, and mean henceforth to do something, and we have heretofore suffered all things.

4.  It Will restore and strengthen the public credit[.]

5.  It will satisfy foreign nations that we are in earnest, and willing and able to win success — and then, we will have little trouble about Blockade[.]⁸

___________

⁵ This whole entry was written on a double and a single letter sheet and inserted into the diary, with the date added later in pencil.

⁶ Bates, like Lincoln, had an early comprehension of the political side of military strategy.

⁷ i.e., from North Carolina to the northern boundary of Florida.

⁸ Bates, again like Lincoln, realized fully the importance of victories to the securing of

European confidence in Northern success and hence to the prevention of aid for the

South.

SOURCE: Howard K. Beale, Editor, The Diary of Edward Bates, published in The Annual Report Of The American Historical Association For The Year 1930 Volume 4, p. 194-195

Diary of Alexander G. Downing: Wednesday, November 19, 1862

I was detailed to help the general quartermaster draw supplies for the division. There were about one hundred men and we went with teams to La Grange, Tennessee. The supplies consisted of sugar, flour, pickled beef, pork, salt and vinegar, these all in barrels, with coffee and rice put up in sacks, and crackers or “hard-tack,” salt bacon, pepper, soap and candles in boxes. The feed for the animals consisted of oats and shelled corn in sacks, and hay in bales of four or five hundred pounds each. Loading these on the wagon was heavy work, especially the big bales of hay, which required the strength of all who could get hold to lift them. We got a taste of another phase of war.

Source: Alexander G. Downing, Edited by Olynthus B., Clark, Downing’s Civil War Diary, p. 83

From Washington

WASHINGTON, May 6.

The U. S. gunboat Huron captured, on the 19th ult., off Charleston, the schooner Glide, of Charleston, while attempting to run the blockade.  She was bound to Nassau, and was loaded with 1,000 bales of cotton and five tierces of rice.  Her papers and logbooks were thrown overboard during the chase.

A number of members of the committees on military affairs of both Senate and House, accompanied by Gen. Clark, executive clerk of the Senate, and Mr. Smith, clerk of the House’s military committee, have gone to Ft. Monroe and the headquarters of Gen. McClellan, to prosecute enquiries touching the charges against Gen. Smith, and other matters of importance in the prosecution of the war.

Senator Wade’s bill, in aid of agricultural colleges, provides that the public lands shall be donated to the States and Territories which may establish colleges to teach the science of agriculture and the mechanical arts, in proportion of 30,000 acres for each senator and Representative.  The funds acquired by the sale of the lands to be invested in government or other stocks yielding at least five per cent.  One college at least must be endowed and supported in the State or Territory which received the donation.

The Senate committee on Finance has reported about 260 amendments to the House tax bill, after having heard delegations representing various interests.  Among the amendments, they have stricken out the tax on ale, and mixed and increased that on distilled spirits to 20 cents per gallon, to be collected at distilleries, but not to operate on stock on and previous to the passage of this act.  The tax on domestic wines is stricken out.  Lager beer and other malt liquors remain undisturbed.  3 per ct. is proposed on the gross receipts of railroads, steamboats, &c.; 30 instead of 5 cts. on cattle, adding 5 cts. on calves; tobacco 20 cts. per lb.; cigars from 10 to 35 cts. according to quality.  The tax of 1 ct. per lb. on cotton is stricken out, and schedule A, taxing pianos.

An order from John M. Casson, assistant P. M. General, directs that all letters for New Orleans should be sent to New York for transmission by government steamers.

The associated press agent gives some additional particulars from our advance near Williamsburg, dated Monday evening:  In the fight there our loss was 17 killed, and about 40 wounded.  80 rebels were left dead on the field, and 40 wounded.  We took nearly 200 prisoners.  Their dead were buried by us on the field.  A stand of colors, belonging to rebel cavalry captured are now on the way to Washington.

Gen. McClellan and staff arrived on the field at 5 o’clock.  He rode to the front greeted by cheers from the troops.  He immediately assumed command.

The rain has poured down in torrents all day.

Jeff. Davis was at Richmond at last accounts.

The enemy’s works [at] Williamsburg were very formidable, extending across the peninsula.

Herald’s Dispatch.

The report of the finance committee of the Senate upon the tax bill is accompanied by an amendment, offered by Senator McDougal, one of the committee, as a substitute for the whole bill.  The bill proposes to raise revenue from the following sources:  1st, capital active and circulating, to be reached by a tax on receipts of business, as hotels, &c., one hundred and ten millions.  2nd, capital fixed, and realized income duties on interests, from interest paying bonds and securities, ten millions.  3d, excises on spirits, malt liquor and manufactured tobacco, forty millions.  4th, duties on legacies and inheritances, granted from one to eight per cent., seven millions.  The system of payment by ad valorem stamps is adopted throughout.  The officials employed to be, 1st, a commissioner of internal revenue at Washington to supervise all.  2nd, inspectors in the several districts with deputies to be appointed by them.  3d, a stamp agent in each district, or more than one if necessary, for the disposal of stamps.

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