Diary of Judith W. McGuire: May 27, 1862

General Jackson's career going on gloriously. After defeating Millroy, and Fremont's advance in the Valley, and driving them back in confusion, so that nothing was to be feared from his threatened union with Banks, he pursued the enemy as far as Franklin, Pendleton County. Then returning, he marched on rapidly, captured Front Royal on the 23d, chasing the enemy through it at more than double-quick. Still pressing hard upon Banks, he gave him no rest night nor day, piercing his main column while retreating from Strasburg to Winchester — the “rear part retreating towards Strasburg. On Sunday, 25th, the other part was routed at Winchester. At last accounts, Brigadier-General George H. Stuart was pursuing them with cavalry and artillery, and capturing many.” I quote from the General's own telegram, dated Winchester, May 26th. And now, notwithstanding our condition in Richmond, our hearts and voices are attuned to praise, and our pagans are more loud and bright in contrast to our late distressing trials.

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 117

Diary of Private Charles H. Lynch: January 31, 1864

The weather for the past few days has been very bad, making our duty very severe. Picket and guard must be done. These cold storms make the life of a soldier a bitter one. Wood must be brought to camp, trees cut down, then worked up into fire-wood. Must go out about five miles from camp for the wood. All must take a hand at the axe. Teams and woodchoppers must be kept well guarded. Each tent is provided with a small cylinder stove set on the ground, pipe up, out the top of the tent. Once in a while a tent takes fire, which makes lively work for the boys. We keep prepared for such an emergency. Manage to keep comfortable in our tents when off duty. Visit the town quite often when off duty.

Orders received that our old commander, General Robert H. Milroy, will visit our camp this afternoon and review our regiment. Much excitement getting everything in order. All are happy and pleased at the prospect of seeing the General, whom we have not seen since the battle of Winchester, June 13th, 14th, 15th, 1863. At 4 P. M. the General, with staff and escort, came into camp. The regiment being in line, received him with hearty cheers and a welcome and a salute. He addressed the regiment, which I copy.

Soldiers of the Eighteenth. Since I last saw you, you have suffered captivity in rebel prisons. We have been separated since then, but I have come to see you and to praise you for your gallantry.

I saw you in the second day's fight, as you charged the enemy from your rifle-pits and drove them back upon their reserves, holding them in check until night, when you fell back but with your face to the foe. Again I saw you the next morning facing as hot a fire as I ever witnessed. I looked in vain to see you waver. Boys, it was a hot place — a hot place. I saw you go where none but brave men dare to go, saw you make three successful charges, preserving your line as well as if on dress parade. I witnessed it all. I saw you as you broke the first line of rebel infantry, and charged up to their batteries, driving away their gunners, still pressing on and breaking their reserves. But a third line was too strong for you. I knew it was. Only then did you fall back, when your lines were broken, and many brave Connecticut men lay bleeding on the field. But you only fell back to re-form, and give them another taste of your steel. I knew it was madness to order you forward again, it was ordering you to death and annihilation. But I watched you with pride as you charged the third time, but when I saw your ranks withering, and your comrades falling, it made my heart grow sad within me, and I ordered you to fall back. You know the rest. You were surrounded and there was no escape.

But I miss your noble commander, Colonel Ely, may he soon return to you.

Boys, to your valor I owe my safety. You come from a state whose soldiers never disgrace themselves nor their flag. I am proud of you.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 37-9

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: June 16, 1863

Up very early this morning. All Major Peale could muster of the 18th Regiment was only thirty members. The rest of those who escaped were with Captain Matthewson, they taking a different route from Major Peale who followed the route taken by General Milroy.

After breakfast of hardtack and coffee, the Major marched us on through Harper's Ferry, crossing the Potomac River on a pontoon bridge. On, up Maryland Heights, halting under low pine trees, well up to the top of the Heights. Here we were allowed to remain for rest and sleep. General Dan Tyler, a Connecticut man, was in command of a large force at this point. From the top of the Heights we could see the enemy crossing the Potomac River at Williamsport into Maryland. Our detachment was detailed for headquarters guard at the quarters of General Tyler. The duty was easy and made very interesting about all the time.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 22-3

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: June 15, 1863

Last night we were under arms, ready for a call to duty at any moment. Prisoners report that Ewell has about forty thousand men with eighty cannon under his command. While in the fort waiting for orders we talked over the events that might happen when daylight came. About 2 A. M. we silently marched out of the Star Fort to the Martinsburg Pike. The movement was very slow which kept us guessing, wondering what was in store for us. When out on the road about four miles, just at break of day, at Carter's Farm, near Summit station on the Harper's Ferry & Winchester Railroad, the enemy opened a fierce fire upon us. The cavalry were to the right of us, marching in fours or parallel to the infantry lines. They broke and ran through our lines, causing much confusion. While we were re-forming, the enemy kept up a severe fire on us. They were well posted across a deep railroad cut. A case of ambush, waiting in the dark for us, having a good range of the pike. Our regiment soon had line formed, with the 5th Maryland on our left. Ordered to charge on the battery which the enemy had well posted and supported. Charging through the woods and the severe firing of the enemy, our lines became broken, when we were ordered to fall back and re-form. The second charge in the woods on the battery. We were again ordered to fall back and re-form. The 18th Connecticut was now the only regiment left on the field with General Milroy. After a short drill by our Colonel, under fire all the time, I heard him report to the General that he was now ready for orders. Our company, C, being center and color company, the Colonel's position was right in our rear, so that we heard all his orders, even in battle. The Lieutenant-Colonel and the Major were on the right and left of the regiment to repeat orders. The 18th Connecticut Regiment made the third and last charge un-supported, all others having left the field. We held the enemy in check until the General, his staff, and escort, left the field, guided by scouts through fields, on to Harper's Ferry. That was a hot fight in that early June morning. The cannon and musketry firing was a grand and awful sight to us young fellows, who were getting our first lessons in a real battle, a hard one and against great odds.

Coming out of the woods after the third and final charge, our Major Peale directed us to go to the right and get away. I followed his orders. For some reason, best known to himself, the Colonel ordered a halt and a surrender to the enemy, when he and between four and five hundred were made prisoners. Major Peale and between two and three hundred got away. I was one of those who followed the Major and reached Harper's Ferry after a long and tedious march. Tired and discouraged, we dropped to the ground for rest and sleep. Our regiment was badly broken up. Many killed, wounded, and prisoners. The trials of the past few days were something fearful to endure. It was wonderful that we came out as well as we did. Short of rations, sleeping on the ground. Cool nights follow the hot days. On the march through Charlestown. Saw the Confederate cavalry on the Berryville Pike. In case of an attack we are ready. While marching on to Halltown a force of cavalry came to meet us from Harper's Ferry. Stopped for the night on Bolivar Heights.

In the battle I lost my pocket-book, containing over five dollars with gold pen and silver pen-holder. We were obliged to fill our pockets with cartridges. As they were loose we used them first, so must have pulled my pocket-book out in the excitement.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 20-2

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: June 14, 1863

Last night our position was changed from the south to the east side of the town, on the Berryville road. The night was a very dark, stormy one, with severe lightning and thunder. We were wet through. Not allowed fires as it might draw the enemy's fire. Passed a very uncomfortable night. This morning, at daylight, our position was again changed, extending our lines further towards the north, under fire from the enemy as we attempted to enter the rifle pits. In the movement Lieutenant Merwin commanding our company was wounded in the foot.

The enemy had possession of a large brick house a short distance in front of our position in the pits. Their sharpshooters made it hot for us. A charge on the house was ordered. The enemy ran, but we captured a few prisoners. Later in the day the rebs again took possession of the house making it hot for us in the pits. We had to lie low or zip would come a bullet, and at times many of them. Colonel ordered a section of a battery. Two guns putting a few shells through the house, the enemy left it. No more trouble came from that point, the house was ruined. About 6 P. M. General Milroy called in all his forces and formed them around the Star Fort, the largest fort. A fierce battle came on. It was a hot place. The roaring of the big guns, explosion of shells, rattling of musketry, was something fearful. The charging of both sides was hot work. We drove the enemy back and they also forced our lines back. Darkness put an end to the carnage and I had passed through the battle unharmed. The end of the second day. The casualties were great as I could not help seeing. It gave me an opportunity to see what a horrible thing war really was. We were fighting Jackson's old corps, now commanded by General Ewell, reported to number forty thousand.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 19-20

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: May 25, 1863

Again on the march after an early breakfast. Marched in good order through the town, by music of the drum corps. The town is an old Virginia one. Many old buildings, some showing the effects of the war. Reaching the center of town, filed to the right, going west, on the Winchester Pike. On the march we were obliged to ford three small rivers, or creeks, as the natives called them. Passed a number of large mansions. Many small outhouses, the homes of slaves in prosperous times. We surely are now in the enemy's country. In conversation with the natives we would try and keep them talking, on account of their peculiar dialect. We never could find out how far it was to the next town, in miles. The answer would be “Right smart aways, I reckon.” After a tiresome march we reached the town of Winchester late in the afternoon. After a halt in the town for a while, until the Colonel could report to the Commander, General Milroy, we again were on the march, out the south side of the town, to locate camp about two miles from town.

On the Front Royal Pike at the Shawnee Springs. A fine supply of good cold water. The location was fine and the camp was known as Camp Shawnee. Severe duty began right away. Picket, scouting through the country, working on the fort and rifle pits, with axe, pick, and shovel. The large fort was known as the Star Fort. Many of the boys had never used or handled that kind of tools. It was hard work. After a hard day's work came the march back to camp, a distance of about four miles. Then clean up and get something to eat. Various duty came to us each day. Made out to get some pleasure out of the life of a soldier as the days passed by.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 17-8

Diary of Charles H. Lynch: May 20, 1863

We remained here until this date having the finest of times, when orders were received to pack up and report to the regiment at Fort Marshall. Orders having been received for the regiment to report to General Robert H. Milroy at Winchester, Virginia.

SOURCE: Charles H. Lynch, The Civil War Diary, 1862-1865, of Charles H. Lynch 18th Conn. Vol's, p. 15

From Fremont’s Army

STRASBURG, May 16.

Yesterday morning a band of guerillas made a dash on the railroad beyond Front Royal, and killed one man and took fourteen prisoners – all belonging to the 28th Pennsylvania.

The railroad bridge, 50 feet high and 850 feet long, over the north fork of the Shenandoah was completed to-night.  The track will be laid and trains will pass tomorrow.  The work was constructed in 48 hours, under the superintendence of G. D. Nagle, Government bridge builder.

All is quiet in front to-night.  It is currently reported that Milroy and Schenck are in occupation of Staunton.

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

Skirmish near the Shenandoah

NEW MARKET, Va., May 8.

Yesterday p. m. the rebel pickets above Columbia bridge, on the east side of the Shenandoah, were driven back by detachments under Col. Foster, who was subsequently abuscaded by two rebel regiments.  The action lasted an hour, when Col. Foster withdrew in good order.  The enemy did not pursue.  A company of Vermont cavalry was cut off and surrounded, but escaped by swimming the river.

The enemy’s loss is not stated, except seven prisoners belonging to the 6th VA and 7th La., which indicates that the enemy’s force was of Ewell’s brigade.  This morning twelve of our men were reported missing.

It is reported here that a skirmish occurred yesterday near Staunton, between Milroy’s advance and Edward Johnson’s command.  The latter was repulsed and retreated.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 2

From Western Virginia

Times’ Special.

HEADQUARTERS MOUNTAIN DEPARTMENT,

NEAR HARRISBURG, May 8.

A dispatch from Fayetteville, announcing the advance of Gen. Cox, composed of a part of the 33d, under Maj. Cawley, occupied Giles C. H., and Darrows, on New river, yesterday.  The rebels ran, and did not burn the town as intended.  Abundant commissary stores, a Lieut., Major and 20 privates were captured.  The citizens remained, and seemed loyal.

The defeat of the rebels at Camp Creek, was more important than at first supposed.

Gen. Milory is now fighting, and Gen. [Schenck] is advancing.  Particular[s] of this movement are forbidden.

HEADQUARTERS MOUNTAIN DEPARTMENT,

May 8, 1862.

To E. M. STANTON, Secretary of War:– Gen. Cox telegraphs that his advance, consisting of part of the 23d Ohio, occupied Giles Court House and the narrows of New River yesterday, driving away the rebels, who were taken by surprise.  A large quantity of commissary stores and 20 privates were captured.  Our surprise prevented the burning of that place as the rebels intended.  Most of the citizens seem loyally disposed.

Signed.

J. C. FREMONT.

WASHINGTON, May 8.

Information has been received here that a cavalry reconnoissance was recently made to Culpepper C. H.  Seven prisoners were captured as they were attempting to escape – they have been sent to Washington.  Our troops were favorably received by the people, and only temporarily occupied the town.

Minister Adams has presented a claim to the British Government for the restoration of the Emily St. Pierre, the Captain of which rose on the prize crew and conveyed her to Liverpool, after her capture by the United States fleet, for a violation of the blockade.

An order from the War Department says: “Upon requisitions made by commanders of the armies in the field, and authority will be given by the Department to the Governors of the respective States to recruit for regiments now in the service.”

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Saturday Morning, May 10, 1862, p. 1

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: Sunday, July 12, 1863

There is nothing additional this morning from Charleston, Mississippi, or Maryland. Telegraphic communication is still open to Jackson, where all was quiet again at the last accounts; but battle, then, must occur immediately. From Charleston we learn that Beauregard had repulsed every assault of the enemy. It is rumored that Lee's account of the battle of Gettysburg will be published to-morrow, showing that it was the “most brilliant and successful battle of the war.”  I hope he may say so — for then it will be so.

Our papers are publishing Milroy's papers captured at Winchester.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 377

From Virginia

HARRISONBURG, Va., April 29.

Three thousand rebels, under Edward Johnson, formerly of the Federal army, are posted a few miles from Stanton, but in a position easily accessible to escape in case of Gen. Milroy’s approach.

The most reliable news from Gordonsville, is that there are only four brigades there, not numbering 15,000.  Gen. Longstreet, with his command, has gone to Yorktown.  Should Johnson retire there he will probably reinforce Jackson on the Blue Ridge.

The Richmond Examiner, of the 22d, says, in effect that the destiny of the Confederacy is trembling on the result at Yorktown.  If successful, it will give us six months for carrying out the conscription act, arming and equipping a large army, and launching a fleet of Merrimacs; but if unsuccessful, Virginia is lost.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Friday Morning, May 2, 1862, p. 1

From the South

HARRISONBURG, April 30.

Through secession channels, it is learned that the Governor of North Carolina was arrested and imprisoned in Richmond two weeks ago on account of his Union sentiments.

It was observed to-day that Jackson had removed his wagon trains back some six miles since yesterday, indicating his intention to retire still further rearward, or else entertaining a dread of an attack on them by your forces.

A squadron of cavalry was the only rebel force discovered to-day on the right side of the Shenandoah.  There was one wagon entered the village of McGaugheystown where they remained till about dark.  They came by the Port Republic route.

We have noting confirmatory of the occupation of Staunton by Gen. Milroy.

The river is still too high to attempt a passage with safety.

A dense smoke was seen in that direction to-day, but the cause is unknown.

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

From Western Virginia

Special to N. Y. Times.

WHEELING, April 7.

A telegram just received here informs us that the rebels are retreating before our forces under Gen. Milroy, who has advanced from Cheat mountain and now holds camp Alleghany, lately evacuated by the Confederates.  The rebels have also fallen back from Monterey and Huntsville, and seem to be aiming for Staunton, where they will have railroad escape.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Tuesday Morning, April 8, 1862, p. 1

From Virginia

STRASBURGH, May 16. – Yesterday afternoon a band of guerrillas made a dash on the railroad and killed one and took fourteen prisoners all belonging to the 28^th Pennsylvania.

The Railroad Bridge, 50 feet high and 350 feet long, over the north fork of the Shenandoah was completed tonight.  The track will be laid and trains will pass to-morrow morning.  The work was constructed in forty hours under the superintendence of G. W. Nagle, Government Bridge Builder.

All is quiet in front to-night.

It is currently reported that Milroy and Schenck are in occupation of Staunton.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 24, 1862, p. 4

More Guerrilla Work – Proposed Retribution

Of the guerrilla attack upon the party of teamsters of Gen. Bank’s division, we have learned further particulars.  Twenty six wagons were out on a foraging expedition without sufficient guard; and having met but little success in the object of their movements and no signs of the foe, they imprudently wandered beyond the Shenandoah in the mountains, and were cut off from their camp by the sudden rising of several intermediate streams.  While in this dilemma they were attacked by a large guerrilla force, who killed several teamsters and horses, and destroyed sixteen of the wagons[,] the others escaping.

So soon as the intelligence of the mishap reached Gen. Fremont he ordered General Milroy to send a force into the district where the raid was committed to hold the people thereof responsible, to take as many wagons and as much forage as would make up the loss, and to scour the region for the depredators.  If any of the latter should be taken a summary disposition will be made of them undoubtedly.  A continued series of prompt and thorough acts of retribution for such depredations should be executed – and the guerrilla operations which so harass our troops and abuse and intimidate the loyal people of the country will cease. – {Wheeling, Va., Intelligencer.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3

Special to New York Papers

(Herald Dispatch.)

WASHINGTON, May 13. – Matters in the Department of the Rappahannock remain unchanged.  The enemy’s pickets are stationed about five miles beyond Fredericksburg, consisting principally of cavalry.  The only infantry pickets being on the Bowling Green road.  The great body of the enemy has fallen back and they are not now supported in this vicinity.

The railroad bridge across the Rappahannock under the supervision of Gen. Gibbons, is rapidly approaching completion, as are all the other necessary repairs to the road.

Several residents of Fredericksburgh have been arrested for treason and sent to Washington.

(Times Correspondence.)

FRANKLIN, Va., via Green Springs and Baltimore, May 13. – Gen. Fremont arrived here early to-day at the head of his army, having come by forced marches to the relief of Schenck and Millroy.  He immediately reviewed the regiments stationed here, and rode a little beyond the town.  The enemy decamped last night and are now retreating.

In the late battle at McDowell our loss was 80 killed and about 200 wounded – many but slightly.

The troops are all in high spirits and full of expectation.

(Special to Tribune.)

WASHINGTON, May 13. – The Judiciary Committee of the House have agreed to report in favor of the 3d member from California.

A delegation from Columbus, Ohio, urged the claims of that place as a site for a National Armory before the Military Committee of the House to-day.

Acting Provost Marshal, Col. Gats, yesterday took charge of the Post Office at Fredericksburgh, outing the rebel Postmaster, who has held the same office for twenty years under the Federal Government, and grown rich upon it. -   Horn had the effrontery to demand forty five dollars, which he said the U. S. Post Office Department owed him, and which he hoped would be paid in gold.

WASHINGTON, May 13. – F. Throop, of the Contract P. O. Department, left Washington to-day for Norfolk to open the Post Office at that place.  The mails will be sent by the old rout via Fortress Monroe.

Representative Lovejoy’s bill, which has passed both Houses, establishes a Department of Agriculture, with a Commissioner’s salary of $3,000 per annum, as chief executive officer. – It is separate and distinct from all other Departments and exclusively devoted to Agriculture.

The recent act of the Legislature of New York, placing its canals at the service of the Government, so far as to allow the enlargement of its canal locks to a size adequate to the passage of vessels, to add to defend the Lakes from hostile attacks, was place on the table of Congress this morning, accompanied by a letter from Capt. Ericsson, and also by evidence furnished by extracts from the London Times showing the defenceless condition of American commerce on the Lakes and the ability of England at any time to take immediate and complete control of them.

(Special to Tribune.)

NEW YORK, May. – Montery, Tenn., May 12 – To-day our troops took possession of an evacuated rebel camp 8 ½ miles from Corinth, and the rebel pickets were driven in.

The Mobile Register of the 6^th states that five Federal gunboats appeared off Dolphin Island.

The New Orleans Delta of the 4^th records and interview between Gen. Butler and the mayor and Council, and says they will continue their functions, except upon political and military offences.  No oath of [allegiance] has been required.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 17, 1862, p. 3

Report of a Scout

WHEELING, April 29. – A special to the Times says a trustworthy scout sent out by Gen. Milroy went within seven miles of Staunton, and found there a rebel cavalry company, and learned that Johnson shortly after leaving the Shenandoah mountains was ordered back, but replied that its occupation by 10,000 Yankees made it impossible. He was then ordered to join Jackson east of the Blue Ridge which was being rapidly done.

The same scout reports the loss of a foraging party twelve miles from McDowell while water bound; it was attacked by guerrillas and the wagon train destroyed, some men badly wounded and some killed. This is a bad loss in view of the limited transportation facilities.

Harper and Bennett, two notorious guerrillas, have been sent to Wheeling.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 4

From Banks’ Division

HARRISONBURGH, VA., April 28. – Through secession channels it is learned that the Governor of North Carolina, was arrested and imprisoned in Richmond two weeks ago on account of his Union sentiments.

It was observed to-day that Jackson had moved his wagon trains back some six miles since yesterday – indications of his intention to retire still further seaward or else entertaining a dread of an attack on him by our forces.

A squadron of cavalry was the only rebel force discovered to-day on the right side of the Shenandoah. They with one wagon entered the village of Mackguahequeston where they remained till about dark. They came by the Port Republic route.

We have news confirmatory of the occupation of Staunton by Gen. Milroy, Staunton is in Augusta county.

The river is still too high to attempt a passage with safety.

A dense smoke was seen in that direction to-day, but the cause is unknown.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 3

Gen. Bank’s [sic] Column

HARRISBURGH, Pa., April 29. – Three thousand rebels under Edward Johnson, formerly of the Federal army, are posted a few miles from Staunton, but in a position easily accessible to escape in case of Gen. Milroy’s approach.

The most reliable news from Gordonsville is that there is only four brigades there, not numbering 15,000.

Gen. Longstreet with his command has gone to Yorktown. Should Johnston retire he will probably reinforce Jackson on the Blue Ridge.

The Richmond Examiner of the 22d inst. says in effect: The destiny of the Confederacy is trembling on the result at Yorktown. If successful, it will give us six months for carrying out the conscript act, arming and equipping a large army and launching a fleet of Merrimac’s, but if unsuccessful, Virginia is lost.

– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, May 3, 1862, p. 3