Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Monday, June 9, 1862

This morning we still remain undisturbed in our bower camp. Troops are hourly passing us, moving southward.

The roads are very dusty; water is becoming scarcer; what we have is of an inferior quality; we need rain very much.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 79-80

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: March 13, 1864

A lovely spring day—bright, warm, and calm.

There is nothing new, only the burning of houses, mills, etc. on the York River by the Yankees, and that is nothing new.

Subsequently the day became very windy, but not cold. The roads will be dry again, and military operations will be resumed. The campaign will be an early one in Virginia, probably. Our people are impatient to meet the foe, for they are weary of the war. Blood will flow in torrents, unless the invaders avoid great battles; and in that event our armies may assume the offensive.

It is now thought that the Department Battalion will be kept here for the defense of the city; the clerks, or most of them, retaining their offices. Those having families may possibly live on their salaries; but those who live at boarding-houses cannot, for board is now from $200 to $300 per month. Relief must soon come from some quarter, else many in this community will famish. But they prefer death to submission to the terms offered by the Abolitionists at Washington. The government must provide for the destitute, and array every one capable of bearing arms in the field.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 170

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Monday, May 12, 1862

Pope still keeps thundering against the rebel defenses. Heavy details are made from the different companies to-day to help build roads through the swamps.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 70

Diary of Private Louis Leon: September 21, 1862

Left here at 6 P.M., marched nine miles, and halted for dinner. Our company being rear guard of the brigade, we had a hard time of it, as the roads are very muddy and we had to keep up all the stragglers. We reached Wakefield at 5 A.M., and laid in the woods and mud for the night.

SOURCE: Louis Leon, Diary of a Tar Heel Confederate Soldier, p. 11

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: February 20, 1864

Bright, calm, but still cold—slightly moderating. Roads firm and dusty. Trains of army wagons still go by our house laden with ice.

Brig.-Gen. Wm. Preston has been sent to Mexico, with authority to recognize and treat with the new Emperor Maximilian.

I see, by a "letter from Mr. Benjamin, that he is intrusted by the President with the custody of the “secret service " money.

Late papers from the United States show that they have a money panic, and that gold is rising in price. In Lowell not a spindle is turning, and 30,000 operatives are thrown out of employment

From England we learn that the mass of the population are memorializing government to put an end to the war!

I saw a ham sell to-day for $350; it weighed fifty pounds, at $7 per pound.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 153

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Tuesday, April 29, 1862

This morning we commence early to make preparations to move from our camp at Shiloh. 9 o'clock.—We are in line, waiting for the command “forward” to be given. Colonel Babcock having returned from the hospital, is now in command of the regiment, and we all feel that he will, as in days past, lead the regiment forth to victory. But we all regret that the gallant Rowett and Ring are not with us to aid in the coming campaign. At ten o'clock the Third Brigade, consisting of the Seventh, Fiftieth and Fifty-seventh Illinois, and Twenty-second Ohio, commanded by Colonel Baldwin, of the Fifty-seventh Illinois, move forward from Pittsburg Landing, marching in the direction of Corinth, Mississippi. Owing to the condition of the roads, and the jamming together of the artillery and the army trains, we only succeed in getting about five miles from the landing, when we go into camp for the night.

SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 66 

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: February 10, 1864

 Gen. Lee wrote to the Secretary of War, on the 22d of January, that his army was not fed well enough to fit them for the exertions of the spring campaign; and recommended the discontinuance of the rule of the Commissary-General allowing officers at Richmond, Petersburg, and many other towns, to purchase government meat, etc. etc. for the subsistence of their families, at schedule prices. He says the salaries of these officers ought to be sufficient compensation for their services; that such allowances deprived the officers and soldiers in the field of necessary subsistence, and encouraged able-bodied men to seek such easy positions; it offended the people who paid tithes, to see them consumed by these non-combating colonels, majors, etc., instead of going to feed the army; and it demoralized the officers and soldiers in the field.

This letter was referred to the Commissary-General, who, after the usual delay, returned it with a long argument to show that Gen. Lee was in “error,” and that the practice was necessary, etc.

To this the Secretary responded by a peremptory order, restricting the city officers in the item of meat.

Again the Commissary-General sends it back, recommending the suspension of the order until it be seen what Congress will do! Here are twenty days gone, and the Commissary-General has his own way still. He don't hesitate to bully the Secretary and the highest generals in the field. Meantime the Commissary-General's pet officers and clerks are living sumptuously while the soldiers are on hard fare. But, fortunately, Gen. Lee has captured 1200 beeves from the enemy since his letter was written.

And Gen. Cobb writes an encouraging letter from Georgia. He says there is more meat in that State than any one supposed; and men too. Many thousands of recruits can be sent forward, and meat enough to feed them.

The President has issued a stirring address to the army.

The weather is still clear, and the roads are not only good, but dusty—yet it is cold.

They say Gen. Butler, on the Peninsula, has given orders to his troops to respect private property—and not to molest noncombatants.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 146-7

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: February 5, 1864

Bright frosty morning, but warmer and hazy later in the day. From dispatches from North Carolina, it would seem that our generals are taking advantage of the fine roads, and improving the opportunity, while the enemy are considering the plan of the next campaign at Washington.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 2, p. 144

Diary of Private Louis Leon: June 4, 1862

Still raining, and the roads are very muddy.

SOURCE: Louis Leon, Diary of a Tar Heel Confederate Soldier, p. 6

Diary of Private Daniel L. Ambrose: Saturday, April 5, 1862

Nothing of note has occurred to relieve the monotony of camp life. There is now a large army concentrated here. Far away on the hills and in the ravines the tents and the soldiers are seen. Up to this time we have had consid[er]able rain. The roads and by-ways into the camps are cut up terribly. It is with difficulty that the Seventh keeps above mud and water. Vague rumors are afloat this evening to the effect that Albert Sidney Johnson is moving towards the Tennessee with his entire command; however, not much credit is attached to it. But we may anticipate days of desperate strife—days of fire and carnage in Tennessee, for no doubt there has been or is being a concentration of the rebel armies under Johnson and Beauregard, with headquarters at Corinth, Mississippi, twenty-five miles from Pittsburg Landing. Their hopes are no doubt beating high for revenge upon Grant's army, in consideration of the blow wielded against them, in those stormy days of battle around Fort Donelson.

SOURCES: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 47-8

Captain Charles Wright Wills: October 5, 1864

Six miles south of Marietta, October 5, 1864.

Had an awful day's march yesterday, full 20 miles and the road very muddy and slippery. County peculiarly Georgian, the like of which, I hope, is to be found nowhere else in Uncle Sam's domain. When we started the “spring or grapevine” dispatch said that Hardee's headquarters were in Marietta, and that he was living very high on sanitary stores, of which there is enough to feed an army for a time. We crossed the river on pontoons near the railroad bridge, a very fine work, considering it was built inside of a week.

We then heard that Marietta was not in Hardee's possession, but that lively skirmishing was going on along the lines, and that Hardee's army was before the place. About three miles from the river we met a wagon train just from Marietta; part of the guards had not heard that any Rebels were near the town. Others said that Hood's army was just the other side of Kenesaw, about two miles north of Marietta. Finally a cavalry man said part of our (guard's) cavalry occupied Kenesaw, from the top of which he had seen the Rebel army occupying an old line of works of ours just this side of Big Shanty. I just thought I would give you a sample of the “grape cuttings” that accompany a march. A body of Rebels is evidently above Marietta, on the railroad; how strong I don't know, and it is none of my business. “Pap” knows all about it. He never tells us anything. He has not issued a “battle order” during the whole campaign and hardly a congratulatory. If the Rebels are there in force, there will be a battle. It can have but one result, and cannot fail to be a disastrous one for them. We have at least 50 days’ full rations and I think 90, so the breaking of the railroad cannot affect us. Six p. m.—We took all kinds of roundabout roads to-day, and marched eight miles to make not over four. I have been really sick all day, but hope it will be over by morning. The Johnnies have left Big Shanty, moving north on the railroad, tearing it up as they travel. Go it, Rebels!

SOURCE: Charles Wright Wills, Army Life of an Illinois Soldier, p. 305-6

Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Sunday, May 15, 1864

Marched four miles from south of Salt Sulphur Springs to north of Union — a beautiful grazing country. Salt Sulphur a pleasure resort in good condition; Union a fine village. A bushwhacker killed by [the] Thirty-sixth. Slept last night on the ground; rained all night; roads still worse. Slept well. Greenbrier River reported unfordable. Starvation only to be kept off by energetic and systematic foraging. General Crook anxious; works himself like a Turk.

Four men of Company F, who went out foraging at Blacksburg, reported to have been seen dead on the road. They went out foolishly unarmed. Washed, shirted, and cleaned up.

MEMORANDA..

1. A better pioneer party.

2. A provost guard to look after stragglers, prevent plundering, etc.

3. A better arrangement for sick and wounded.

4. A guard to feed and keep prisoners.

We have now been fifteen days away from all news except of our own successful movements.

We have here two hundred and fifty Rebel prisoners of [the] Thirty-sixth, Forty-fifth, Sixtieth Virginia, etc. They are wellbehaved, civil fellows; have had very little to eat for some days. We are trying to feed them. A good Secesh mother is now feeding some of them.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 458-9

Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes: Thursday, May 12, 1864

A most disagreeable rainy day. Mud and roads horrible. Marched from Blacksburg to Salt Pond Mountain. My brigade had charge of the train. I acted as wagon-master; a long train to keep up. Rode all day in mud and rain back and forth. Met "Mudwall" Jackson and fifteen hundred [men]—a poor force that lit out rapidly from near Newport. Got to camp — no tents—[at] midnight. Mud; slept on wet ground without blankets. A horrible day, one of the worst of all my experience. Fifteen miles.

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 457-8

Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, April 3, 1862

Passed through Waynesborough; small Union flags on some houses; women ask to let the band play some old tunes—Yankee Doodle, &c. The music makes them weep for joy. March 15 miles and encamp. Very poor country, bad roads; land poor 5 miles after passing Mount Pleasant to this place.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 330

Diary of Colonel Jacob Ammen, April 4, 1862

Marched 10½ miles; rough, poor country, but little improvement; bad roads.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 1 (Serial No. 10), p. 330

Special Dispatch to the Republican, February 9, 1862

FORT HENRY, February 9.

Gen. GRANT has just returned, with his staff, from making an extensive reconnoissance.  He had with him Cols. WEBSTER and McPHERSON, Engineers in Chief.

All the roads were thoroughly examined, and found to be much better than anticipated.  It will be easy to move on the Dover Road, which leads to Fort Donelson, and artillery can be taken along with comparative ease.

Three large iron works are situated near here; the most extensive being the La Grange.

A body of the Second cavalry, under Major Mudd, have just returned from a scouting expedition.  They bring with them thirty secession solders, taken in the skirmish.  Five of the enemy were left dead and one of our men.  A good many fine horses were captured.  The prisoners refuse to reveal anything in regard to affairs at Fort Donelson, but other reports state the garrison there very strong; in a better position and more capable of resistance than those were at Fort Henry.

Reinforcments are constantly arriving and the rebels cannot be less than 12,000 in number.  They have two small forts and three camps, several hundred yards away from the main fortification.

The timber is felled for a mile around, and every exertion is being made to resist desperately.  A much greater battle than that at Fort Henry may be expected.

Gen. PILLOW, from Columbus, is reported in command, and some of the best artillerists from the latter place have just arrived there.

One of the prisoners said that BEAUREGARD has assured them they would be sufficiently assisted.

All the rebels thus far captured have been sometimes, but seldom, being cut in the military style.  They have an abundance of food.

The gunboats Conestoga and Lexington have not yet returned from their cruise up the Tennessee river.

Capt. LAGON, of Gen. GRANT’s staff, has just arrived from an expedition on the steamer B. Up the river, Bring a Southern mail and other important matter.  Also four wagons, some powder, mules, &c., found in a deserted camp.

The following dispatches, saying a great deal in a little, are to be sent to night to Washington, in regard to the confirmation of Gen. SMITH’s nomination as Brigadier General.

To. Hon. E. B. Washburne, Washington City:

By all means get the Senate to re consider Gen. SMITH’s confirmation—there is no doubt of his loyalty and efficiency.  We can’t spare him now

U. S. GRANT, Brig. Gen.

Having entire confidence in Gen. GRANT’S representation, I take great pleasure in cocuring in his recommendation.

JOHN A. McCLERNAND,  

Brig. Gen. Commanding First Division.

SOURCE:  “Special Dispatch to the Republican,” The Missouri Republican, St. Louis, Missouri, Tuesday Morning, February 11, 1862, p. 3.

Major-General Ulysses S. Grant to Major-General Henry W. Halleck, March 21, 1862

HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT OF WEST TENNESSEE,

Savannah, March 21, 1862.

Maj. Gen. H. W. HALLECK,

Saint Louis, Mo.:

I have just returned from Pittsburg. The roads back are next to impassable for artillery or baggage wagons. I have certain information that thirteen trains of cars arrived at Corinth on the 19th, with twenty cars to each train, all loaded with troops. This would indicate that Corinth cannot be taken without a general engagement, which, from your instructions, is to be avoided. This, taken in connection with the impassable state of the roads, has determined me not to move for the present without further orders.

The temper of the rebel troops is such that there is but little doubt but that Corinth will fall much more easily than Donelson did when we do move. All accounts agree in saying that the great mass of the rank and file are heartily tired. One thing I learn, however, is against us: Most of the impressed troops from this State are being sent to the sea-coast and older soldiers from there.

I do not think as yet any steps are being taken to interfere with the navigation of the river. Bands of cavalry are prowling all over West Tennessee collecting men who have been drafted into the service and such supplies as they can get.

Some 9 or 10 men made their escape from the cars at Bethel, and came in here yesterday. From them I learn there are about 400 men at Union City, two regiments of infantry and probably some cavalry at Humboldt, a force not estimated at Jackson, and small forces at various points on the road.

Paris and Bethel are deserted. They think the force at Union City is anxious to be captured.

I have just learned to-day that your dispatches to me after the taking of Fort Donelson reached Fort Henry—some of them, at least—but were never sent to me. What has become of the operator, then, at Fort Henry? I don't know. At present a soldier detailed from the ranks is filling the station. I have received no mail matter from below for several days, though boats are arriving constantly. My returns for the 20th will be ready to mail to-morrow.

U.S. GRANT,

Major-general.

SOURCE: The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 10, Part 2 (Serial No. 11), p. 55-6

Diary of Colonel Rutherford B. Hayes, January 26, 1864

Another large squad of veterans and the most of the remaining officers left for Ohio yesterday. Recruiting seems to be active in Ohio. I think we shall get our share.*

Plan of spring campaign from Kanawha Valley. — Ten or fifteen thousand men can move from the head of navigation on the Kanawha River (Loup Creek) via Fayette, Raleigh, Flat Top, and Princeton to the Virginia and Tennessee Railroad between New River and Wytheville, a distance of one hundred and thirty-nine miles, in a week or ten days; spend a week on the railroad destroying New River Bridge and the track for twenty-five miles; return to Loup Creek in one week more and be carried in steamers into the Ohio, and thence East or South for other operations. One week is time enough to convey such a force to Loup Creek from the Potomac or the West. The roads and weather will ordinarily allow such a column to move April 20. Supplies and transportation should be provided at Fayette during February and March. The utmost secrecy should be observed so that the first information the Rebels would have would be the approach of the force. Such a destruction of the railroad would effectually cut the communications of Longstreet and Jones in east Tennessee and compel him [the enemy] to abandon that country. The Rebels could not reconstruct the railroad during the next campaign. It would perhaps compel the evacuation of Richmond.

_______________

*A Columbus dispatch of February 14, in the Cincinnati Gazette, had this paragraph: — “It has been ascertained at the muster-in office, that the Twenty-third Ohio, Colonel R. B. Hayes, Department of West Virginia, was the first regiment from this State to enlist as veterans. Several regiments have claimed that honor.”

SOURCE: Charles Richard Williams, editor, Diary and Letters of Rutherford Birchard Hayes, Volume 2, p. 450-1

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: April 12, 1865

Marched at usual hour in rear of Division train. Bad roads and very tedious marching. Col. Nettleton met us near the Junction. Had a good visit with him. Line from home. How anxious I am to see dear mother and sisters. I love them more dearly than ever. Camped at B. New colors arrived. Rained. All begin to talk of home and peace. I do desire to be a true exemplary Christian during my remaining days.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 160

Diary of Captain Luman Harris Tenney: March 29, 1865

The whole night occupied in paying off the regt. Got very little money myself. Up early after a little nap. Boys sent their money home by Dr. Smith and Adj. Pike, who have mustered out of service. Went to Army Hdqrs. Moved out. Joined Div. near old picket line. Marched 4 miles beyond Reams and camped. Rained — awful roads.

SOURCE: Frances Andrews Tenney, War Diary Of Luman Harris Tenney, p. 149