Thomas R. R. Cobb to Howell Cobb, May 31st, 1848

Athens [ga.], May 31st, 1848.

Dear Brother, I return you the order which I negligently omitted to endorse.

We have the nominations. I am “reconciled,” not very much “delighted.” I am not a great admirer of Cass, although I think it a generous act on the part of Northern Democrats to nominate both anti-Wilmot Proviso men. I think a more judicious ticket could have been selected. Michigan and Kentucky are too close together to have both candidates. I don't see what strength Butler carried to Cass that any Southern man would not have carried, and more especially Quitman. And on the score of military glory, Scott or Taylor if nominated will overshadow that of either. King of Alabama would have been a much more judicious nomination, although I would vote for no man sooner than Gen. Butler. These are my first impressions. Every county in the district will be represented in the approaching Convention. You will be unanimously nominated, from all I can learn. There will be some difference of opinion as to the Elector. Most of the delegates are for Genl. Wofford if he wants it. McMillan, I think, is rather working to get it, and has friends in Elbert, Madison and Jackson. Hillyer is talked of also, and I would not be surprised if Griffin is looking at it . . .

SOURCE: Ulrich Bonnell Phillips, Editor, The Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1911, Volume 2: The Correspondence of Robert Toombs, Alexander H. Stephens, and Howell Cobb, p. 106-7

Hopkins Holsey* To Howell Cobb, December 3, 1847

Athens [ga.], Dec. 3rd, 1847.

Dr. Sir: I drop you a few hastily penn'd lines this morning in acknowledgement of your various favors since you left us. You are too well aware of the distraction of an editor's attention, and even sometimes of his brain, to hold me to strict accountability as a correspondent. I beg you to be assured once for all that your communications are not only at all times welcomed, but the contents duly garnered in my recollection, to be rendered available at the proper time and opportunity. From the many valuable extracts and suggestions so kindly furnished me, selections were made for publication, but the thronging intelligence of the war, elections, and legislative proceedings, to say nothing of the new and mighty questions which are springing upon us, unavoidably postponed them. But the day is not far distant when we shall have need of them in full sway. You will have perceived from the papers the exciting questions of domestic policy which have just arisen among us. Among them none are more prominent than granting “liberal charters” to manufacturing companies, and the election of judges by the people. I think you will regret with me to see our friends, particularly of the press, divided upon this question or remaining silent upon it. The Banner, you will perceive, is yet fighting the battles of radical Democracy against the conservative tendencies of Whiggery, and I regret to say a portion of the so-styled Democracy, with what effect remains to be seen. You will have seen that the Augusta Constitutionalist has unfortunately taken ground in favor of the “liberal charters” recommended by Mr. Crawford in his last Message, and also against the Democratic measure of electing the judges by the people. On the side of the Banner this controversy shall be conducted with unalterable firmness, whilst at the same time it will endeavor to avoid any asperities which may close the door to conciliation. A course of this kind, backed by the general voice of the Democracy, may eventually succeed in winning erring friends back to the fold. When they find they can not lead the party they must necessarily fall back upon the party grounds, unless prevented by the harshness which is too apt to spring up in a controversy among friends. I am persuaded that the suggestions of Mr. Crawford are parcel of a design to quench the growing spirit of Democracy everywhere manifested throughout the Union, and particularly in Georgia. The object is to ride us down by the Massachusetts policy of incorporated wealth, under the false plea of “developing our resources.” What may be the result of this question at Milledgeville I am not prepared to give you a satisfactory solution. Your brother (Thomas), who spent some time [there] in the early part of the session, is quite confident that the legislature will not grant the charters without the principle upon which we insist, of individual responsibility. I hope it may be so. You will have seen that a call has been made by the Banner upon the party to stand firm, and also upon the Governor to protect us by his veto. A letter has also been addressed to our friend Jackson (of Walton) requesting him to see the Governor upon the subject and state the necessity, in case the legislature should give countenance to the scheme, of his preserving the party by his firmness. We have a great many Democrats interested in giving way to it, and it is possible, at least, that our hopes may have, at last, to rest upon our Governor. This scheme once riveted upon us we are down, done, and I fear forever. We have no hopes of carry[ing] the popular election of judges at this session of the legislature — not more than half of our own party in the Senate being in favor of it. But the subject will be pressed until the public mind is properly enlightened, when there can be but little doubt of its success. There is but little local news among us. The picture of things in general being pretty much as you left it with the exception of change in the seasons. The winter has been mild until within a few days — some snow and sleet. The papers notify us of your arrival in Washington, where you will soon be a participant in the opening drama. The whole country looks upon the ensuing session as one of the most stormy in our annals, but the developments of popular sentiment in the late elections are too plain to permit us to despair of the country. The House is one way and the people the other. Excuse these generalities. As I am desirous of knowing everything which transpires in Congress, will you do me the favor to call at once upon the editor of the Union and request him to send me his daily paper, we paying the difference if necessary.

P. S. — Please write frequently, unreservedly.

_______________

* Editor of the Southern Banner, Athens, Ga.

SOURCE: Ulrich Bonnell Phillips, Editor, The Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1911, Volume 2: The Correspondence of Robert Toombs, Alexander H. Stephens, and Howell Cobb, p. 89-91

Thomas R. R. Cobb to Howell Cobb, June 23, 1847

Athens [ga.], June 23rd, [1847]

Dear Bro., I have today got the copy deed and send you a copy immediately. All are pretty well. No news from Taylor. News by the Caledonia just got here. For myself I want no mediation from England. She meddles too much in our affairs anyhow. I am opposed to this Government dismembering Mexico. Let us whip her decently and give her a good government, such as the people wish. If they afterwards wish to be annexed we can do it. I am for extending the area of freedom, but not by war. The odious doctrine upon which Britain acts of taking territory for the expenses of the war is anti-Democratic. Let the glory of our government be that not one citizen lives under its laws that is not there by choice. . . .

SOURCE: Ulrich Bonnell Phillips, Editor, The Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1911, Volume 2: The Correspondence of Robert Toombs, Alexander H. Stephens, and Howell Cobb, p. 88

Thomas R. R. Cobb * to Howell Cobb, May 12, 1846

Athens, Ga., May 12, 1846.

My Dear Brother, . . . Toombs misrepresented me on the Oregon question. The Senate's Resolutions as amended by Owen met my hearty approbation. I preferred that there should be embodied in the resolutions a willingness to negotiate during the 12 mos.

Nobody talks of Oregon now. It is Mexico and War. I never saw the people more excited. A volunteer company could be raised in every county in Georgia. Our government has permitted itself to be insulted long enough. The blood of her citizens has been spilt on her own soil. It appeals to us for vengeance. Can we hesitate to deal out a just retribution? It is the general opinion here that England is pulling the wires. The quicker we know it the better. Let Congress act and that quickly. . . .

_______________

* Brother of Howell Cobb, a lawyer and author of a digest of the laws of Georgia, 1851, and of a legal treatise on slavery, 1858. He was not active In politics until the secession crisis In 1860-61. He became a brigadier-general in the Confederate army, and was killed in the battle of Fredericksburg.

SOURCE: Ulrich Bonnell Phillips, Editor, The Annual Report of the American Historical Association for the Year 1911, Volume 2: The Correspondence of Robert Toombs, Alexander H. Stephens, and Howell Cobb, p. 76-7

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: December 15, 1862

Yesterday evening several trains laden with wounded arrived in the city. The remains of Brig.-Gen. T. R. R. Cobb, of Georgia, were brought down. Brig.-Gen. Gregg, of South Carolina, is said to be mortally wounded. It is now believed that Major-Gen. Hood, of Texas, did not fall. The number of our killed and wounded is estimated, by a surgeon who came with the wounded, to be not over a thousand.

To-day, stragglers from the battle-field say that our loss in killed and wounded is 3000. It is all conjecture.

There was heavy skirmishing all day yesterday, and until to day at noon, when the telegraph operator reports that the firing had ceased. We know not (yet) what this means. We are still sending artillery ammunition to Gen. Lee.

Gen. Evans dispatches from Kinston, N. C., that on the 14th, yesterday, he repulsed the enemy, 15,000 strong, and drove them back to their boats in Neuse River. A portion of Gen. R. A. Pryor's command, in Isle of Wight County, was engaged with the enemy's advance the same day. They have also landed at Gloucester Point. This is pronounced a simultaneous attack on our harbors and cities in Virginia and North Carolina. Perhaps we shall have more before night. Our people seem prepared for any event.

Another long train of negroes have just passed through the city, singing, to work on the fortifications.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 213-4

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: December 14, 1862

Yesterday was a bloody day. Gen. Lee telegraphs that the enemy attacked him at 9 A.M., and as the fog lifted, the fire ran along the whole line, and the conflict raged until darkness (6 P.M.) put an end to the battle. The enemy was repulsed at all points, he continued, thanks be to God! But we have to mourn, as usual, a heavy loss. Lee expects another blow at Buniside to-day.

It is understood that Gens. Hood, Texas, was wounded; T. R. R. Cobb, Georgia, and a brigadier from South Carolina were killed. A dispatch says that where our generals fell, the colonels could no longer restrain their regiments; and the men ran into the ranks of the enemy, and, animated with a spirit of desperation, slaughtered the foe in great numbers with their bayonets, pistols, and knives.

Preparations are being made here for the reception of the wounded. The request was to provide for a large number.

Last night, at nine o'clock, a number of regiments which had been encamped among the fortifications northwest of the city, were marched down to Drewry's Bluff. It is probable Gen. Smith has heard of the enemy's approach from that quarter. I hope he may prove the right man in the right place.

It is rumored that we were repulsed yesterday, this side of Suffolk.

At this critical moment the President is away.

A dispatch from Gen. Lee says Gen. Wade Hampton dashed into Dumfries, the other side of the Rappahannock, and in the rear of the enemy, capturing some wagons, and taking a few men. This seems most extraordinary. If he be not taken himself, the diversion must have a good effect; but if he be taken, it will be considered a wild and desperate sally, boding no good to the cause. But Lee knows what he is about.

From the dispositions of our troops (few in number) in the vicinity of Richmond, at this moment, it seems to me that Gen. Smith is putting the city to great hazard. There are not a thousand men to guard the approach from the head of York River; and if a dozen of the enemy's swift transports were to dash up that river, the city could be surprised by 5000 men 1

Ten o'clock A.M. No dispatches from Lee have come over the wires to-day. He may have interdicted others. We got no intelligence whatever. From this I infer the battle was resumed at early dawn, and the general deems it best to have no announcements but results. If this be so, it is a day big with events — and upon its issue may depend the fate of governments. And yet our people exhibited no trepidation. The foreign portion of the population may be seen grouped on the pavements indulging in speculation, and occasionally giving vent to loud laughter, when a Jew is asked what will be the price of his shoes, etc. to-morrow. They care not which side gains the day, so they gain the profits.

But our women and children are going to church as usual, to pray for the success of the cause, and not doubting but that our army will triumph as usual on the field of combat. It is a bright and lovely Sabbath morning, and as warm as May.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 212-3

Diary of Judith Brockenbrough McGuire: December 14, 1862

Firing in the direction of Fredericksburg renewed this morning, but at irregular intervals. Telegraph wires are cut. No news except from passengers in the trains. The cars are not allowed to go to the town, but stop at a point some miles below. They report that every thing goes on well for us, of which we were sure, from the receding sound of the cannon. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me praise His holy name! How can we be thankful enough for such men as General Lee, General Jackson, and our glorious army, rank and file!

Nine o'Clock at Night. — A sad, sad train passed down a short time ago, bearing the bodies of Generals Cobb, of Georgia, and Maxcy Gregg, of South Carolina. Two noble spirits have thus passed away from us. Peace to their honoured remains! The gentlemen report many wounded on the train, but not very severely. I fear it has been another bloody Sabbath. The host of wounded will pass to-morrow; we must be up early to prepare to administer to their comfort. The sound of cannon this evening was much more distant, and not constant enough for a regular fight. We are victorious again! Will they now go from our shores forever? We dread to hear of the casualties. Who may not be among the wounded to-morrow?

SOURCE: Judith W. McGuire, Diary of a Southern Refugee, During the War, p. 175-6

Diary of John Beauchamp Jones: July 9, 1861

Mr. Toombs is to be a brigadier-general. That is what I looked for. The two brothers Cobb are to be colonels; and Orr is to have a regiment.

Mr. Hunter succeeds Toombs in the State Department — and that disposes of him, if he will stay there. It is to be an obscure place; and if he were indolent, without ambition, it would be the very place for him. Wise is done for. He has had several fights, always drawing blood; but when he gets ready to make a great fight, he is ordered back for fear of his “rashness.” Exacting obedience in his own subordinates, of course he will obey the orders of Adjt.-Gen. Cooper. In this manner I apprehend that the three giants of Virginia, Wise, Hunter, and Floyd, will be neutralized and dwarfed at the behest of West Point. Napoleon's marshals were privates once — ours — but perhaps West Point may be killed off in the end, since they rush in so eagerly at the beginning of the war.

SOURCE: John Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate States Capital, Volume 1, p. 60

Major-General Thomas J. Jackson to Mary Anna Morrison Jackson, December 16, 1862

Yesterday, I regret to say, I did not send you a letter. I was on the front from before dawn until after sunset. The enemy, through God's blessing, was repulsed at all points on Saturday, and I trust that our Heavenly Father will continue to bless us. We have renewed reason for gratitude to Him for my preservation during the last engagement. We have to mourn the deaths of Generals Maxey Gregg and Thomas R. R. Cobb. The enemy has recrossed to the north side of the Rappahannock.  . . . I was made very happy at hearing through my baby daughter's last letter that she had entirely recovered, and that she “no longer saw the doctor’s gray whiskers.” 1 was much gratified to learn that she was beginning to notice and smile when caressed. I tell you, I would love to caress her and see her smile. Kiss the little darling for her father and give my grateful love to sister H–––.

SOURCE: Mary Anna Jackson, Life and Letters of General Thomas J. Jackson (Stonewall Jackson), p. 386

The Desperation of Rebellion --- Address to the People of Georgia

The Last Hours of the Rebel Provisional Government – A Quartette of Traitors speak – Georgia “Illustrated” – Compliments to Federal Energy – An Aggressive War Policy Recommended.

Fellow Citizens: In a few days the Provisional Government of the Confederate States will live only in history. With it we shall deliver up the trust we have endeavored to use for your benefit to those more directly selected by yourselves. The public record of our acts is familiar to you, and requires no further explanation at our hands. Of those matters which policy has required to be secret, it would be improper now to speak. This address, therefore, will have no personal reference. We are well assured that there exists no necessity for us to arouse your patriotism, nor to inspire your confidence. We rejoice with you in the unanimity of our State, in its resolution and its hopes. And we are proud with you that Georgia has been “illustrated,” and we doubt not will be illustrated again by her sons in our holy struggle.

The first campaign is over; each party rests in place, while the winter’s snow declares an [armistice] from on high. The results in the field are familiar to you, and we will not recount them. To some important facts we call your attention:

First – The moderation of our own Government and the fanatic madness of our enemies have dispersed all difference of opinion among our people, and united them forever in the war of independence. In a few border States a [waning] opposition is giving way before the stern logic of daily developing facts. The world’s history dos not give a parallel instance of a revolution based upon such unanimity among the people.

Second – Our enemy has exhibited an energy, a perseverance, and an amount of resources which we had hardly expected, and a disregard of constitution and laws which we can hardly credit. The result of both, however, is that power, which is the characteristic element of despotism, and renders it as formidable to its enemies as it is destructive to its subjects.

Third – An immense army has been organized for our destruction, which is being disciplined to the unthinking stolidity of regulars. With the exclusive possession of the seas, our enemy is enabled to throw upon the shores of every State the nucleus of an army. And the threat is made, and doubtless the attempt will follow in early spring to crush us with a giant’s grasp by the simultaneous movement along our entire borders.

Fourth – With whatever alacrity our people may rush to arms, and with whatever energy our Government may use its resources, we cannot expect to cope with our enemy either in numbers, equipments or munitions of war. To provide against these odds we must look to desperate courage, unflinching daring and universal sacrifice.

Fifth – The prospect of foreign interference is at least a remote one, and should not be relied on. If it comes, let it by only auxiliary to our own preparations for freedom. To our God and ourselves alone we should look. These are stern facts, perhaps some of them are unpalatable. But we are deceived in you if you would have us to conceal them in order to deceive you. The only question for us and for you is, as a nation and individuality, what have we to do? We answer:

First – As a nation we should be united forbearing to one another, frowning upon all factious opposition and censorious criticisms, and giving a trustful and generous confidence to those selected as leaders in the camp and in the council chamber.

Second – We should excite every nerve and strain every muscle of the body politic to maintain our financial and military healthfulness, and, by rapid aggressive action, make our enemies feel, at their own firesides, the horrors of a war brought on by themselves.

The most important matter for you, however, is your individual duty. What can you do?

The foot of the oppressor is on the soil of Georgia. He comes with lust in his eye, poverty in his purse and hell in his heart. He comes a robber and a murderer. How shall you meet him? With the sword, at the threshold! With death for him or for yourself! But more than this – let every woman have a torch, every child a firebrand – let the loved homes of our youth be mad ashes, and the fields of our heritage be made desolate. Let blackness and ruin mark your departing steps, if depart you must, and let a desert more terrible than Sahara welcome the vandals. Let every city be leveled by the flame, and every village be lost in ashes. Let your faithful slaves share your fortune and your crust. Trust wife and children to the sure protection of God – preferring even for these loved ones the charnel house as a home than loathsome vassalage to a nation already sunk below the contempt of the civilized world. This may be your terrible choice, and determine at once, and without dissent, as honor and patriotism and duty to God require.

Fellow Citizens: Lull not yourselves into a fatal security. Be prepared for every contingency. This is our only hope for a sure and honorable peace. If our enemy was to-day convinced that the feast herein indicated would welcome him in every quarter of this confederacy, we know his character well enough to feel assured he would never come. Let, then, the smoke of your homes, fired by women’s hands, tell the approaching foe that over sword and bayonet they will rush only to fire and ruin.

We have faith in God and faith in you. He is blind to every indication of Providence who has not seen an Almighty hand controlling the events of the year. The wind, the wave, the cloud, the mist, the sunshine and the storm have all ministered to our necessities, and frequently succored us in distresses. We deem it unnecessary to recount the numerous instances which have called forth our gratitude. We would join you in thanksgiving and praise. “If god be for us, who can be against us?”

Nor would we condemn your confident look to our armies, when they can meet with a foe not too greatly their superior in numbers. The year past tells us a story of [heroism] and success, of which our nation will never be ashamed. These Considerations, however, should only stimulate us to greatest deeds and nobler efforts. An occasional reverse we must expect – such as has depressed us with in the last few days. This is only temporary.

We have no fears of the result – the final issue. You may have to sacrifice your lives and fortunes in the holy cause; but our honor will be saved untarnished, and our children’s children will rise up to call us “blessed.”

HOWELL COBB,
R. TOOMBS,
M. J. CRAWFORD,
THOS. R. R. COBB.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Wednesday Morning, February 12, 1862, p. 2