raney and very cool
indeed
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
raney and very cool
indeed
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
cloudy and cool but
no rain
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
cloudy and sum rain
And I was on gard and the counter sign was York Town
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
the Sabath was a
beautyfull spring day and I went to Frederksburg to preaching And the preachers
text was in St. John 3 chap and 18 virse
[2nd entry for the
23rd:]
day cool and cloudy
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
cool and cloudy
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
a beautyfull day
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
was also a nice day
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
warm and clear
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
a beautyfull spring
day and we have orders this eavning to cook 3 days rashers And I hird severl
cannons fyering this eavning but what is to be the result is more than I no
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
it raind and haild
and snowed and sleated and friezed and done a little of all that was bad And me
and James Colmond went to Fredreksburg and went down to the landing and went in
a steam boat for the first one we ever was in
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
a beautyfull day and
I was on gard and my post was befour the gard house door so nothing more.
SOURCE: Bartlett
Yancey Malone, The Diary of Bartlett Yancey Malone, p. 17
Clear and pleasant;
subsequently thawing and foggy. Gen. R. E. Lee has been appointed
General-in-Chief by the President, in response to the recent action of Congress
and the clamorous demands of the people. It is to be hoped he will,
nevertheless, remain in person at the head of the Army of Virginia, else the
change may be fraught with disaster, and then his popularity will vanish! He
has not been fortunate when not present with the troops under his command, as
evidenced by Early's defeat and Jones's disaster in the Valley last year. A
general must continue to reap successes if he retains his popularity.
Gen. Lee has called
upon the people everywhere to send in any cavalry arms and equipments in their
possession—the importation being stopped.
The report of a raid
yesterday, grew out of the return to the city of a small body of our own
cavalry that had been on detached service. Quite an alarm was raised!
The President was
better yesterday; it is neuralgia in the right shoulder, disabling his arm.
Our
"commissioners" were delayed until yesterday morning at Petersburg;
during which there was a sort of truce, and the troops of the opposing
fortifications ventured out, both sides cheering vociferously.
Gen. Lee writes that
his army is suffering for want of soap. The Secretary sends the letter to
Commissary-General Northrop (neither of their successors being inducted yet)
for "prompt attention." The Commissary-General sends it back, saying
800 barrels of soap are now, and have been for months, lying at Charlotte, N.
C., awaiting transportation! The speculators get from Charlotte that much
freight every week. The Commissary-General says 800 barrels of soap ought to last
Gen. Lee's army one month. It must be a large army to consume that amount of
soap in a month.
Yesterday Congress
passed another bill over the President's veto, to allow soldiers to receive
letters, etc. free. Thus the war progresses between the executive and the
legislative branches of the government.
In future
revolutions, never let a "permanent government" be established until
independence is achieved!
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 405-6
Bright and
beautiful, and pleasantly frosty. Gen. Sherman is advancing as usual in such
dubiety as to distract Gen. Hardee, who knows not whether Branchville or
Augusta is his objective point. I suppose Sherman will be successful in cutting
our communications with the South—and in depreciating Confederate States
Treasury notes still more, in spite of Mr. Trenholm's spasmodic efforts to
depreciate gold.
Yesterday the Senate
passed a bill dropping all commissaries and quartermasters not in the field,
and not in the bureaus in Richmond, and appointing agents instead, over 45
years of age. This will make a great fluttering, but the Richmond rascals will
probably escape.
Military men here
consider Augusta in danger; of course it is! How could it be otherwise?
Information from the
United States shows that an effort to obtain "peace" will certainly
be made. President Lincoln has appointed ex-Presidents Fillmore and Pierce and
Hon. S. P. Chase, commissioners, to treat with ours. The two first are avowed
"peace men;" and may God grant that their endeavors may prove
successful! Such is the newspaper information.
A kind Providence
watches over my family. The disbursing clerk is paying us "half salaries"
to-day, as suggested in a note I wrote the Secretary yesterday. And Mr. Price
informs me that the flour (Capt. Warner's) so long held at Greensborough has
arrived! I shall get my barrel. It cost originally $150; but subsequent
expenses may make it cost me, perhaps, $300. The market price is from $800 to
$1000. I bought also of Mr. Price one-half bushel of red or
"cow-peas" for $30; the market price being $80 per bushel. And Major
Maynard says I shall have a load of government wood in a few days!
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 406-7
Clear, but rained
last night.
From the South we
learn that Sherman is marching on Branchville, and that Beauregard is at
Augusta.
The great struggle
will be in Virginia, south of Richmond, and both sides will gather up their
forces for that event.
We can probably get
men enough, if we can feed them.
The City Council is
having green "old field pine" wood brought in on the Fredericksburg
railroad, to sell to citizens at $80 per cord a speculation.
The Quartermaster's
Department is also bringing in large quantities of wood, costing the government
about $40 per cord. Prior to the 1st inst., the Quartermaster's Department
commuted officer's (themselves) allowance of wood at $130 per cord!
The President still
suffers, but is said to be "better."
Yesterday much of
the day was consumed by Congress in displaying a new flag for the Confederacy—before
the old one is worn out! Idiots!
I have just seen on
file a characteristic letter from Major-Gen. Butler, of which this is a literal
copy:
HEADQUARTERS DEPT. VA. and N. C.,
ARMY OF THE JAMES IN THE FIELD,
FORTRESS MONROE, Oct. 9th, 1864.
HON.
ROBT. OULD-SIR:
An
attempt was made this morning by private Roucher, Co. B, 5th Penna. cavalry, to
commit a rape upon the persons of Mrs. Minzer and Mrs. Anderson, living on the
Darbytown Road.
On
the outrage being discovered, he broke through the picket line, and filed for
your lines. Our soldiers chased him, but were unable to overtake him.
I have therefore the honor to request that you will return him, that I may inflict the punishment which his dastardly offense merits. I cannot be responsible for the good conduct of my soldiers, if they are to find protection from punishment by entering your lines.
I have the honor to be, your obt. servt.,
(Signed)
B. F. BUTLER,
Major-Gen.
Comd'g and Com. for Exchange.
The ladies were
Virginians.
I got my barrel (2 bags) flour to-day; 1 bushel meal, ½ bushel peas, ½ bushel potatoes ($50 per bushel); and feel pretty well. Major Maynard, Quartermaster, has promised a load of wood... Will these last until ——? I believe I would make a good commissary.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 408-9
Cloudy and cold;
froze hard last night.
Yesterday a bill was
introduced into both houses of Congress authorizing the enlistment of 200,000
slaves, with consent of their owners, which will probably be amended. Mr.
Miles, as a test vote, moved the rejection of the bill; and the vote not to
reject it was more than two to one, an indication that it will pass.
The failure of the
peace conference seems to have been made the occasion of inspiring renewed zeal
and enthusiasm for the war in the United States, as well as here. So the
carnival of blood will be a "success."
The enemy claim an
advantage in the late battle on the south side of the James River.
Sherman's movements
are still shrouded in mystery, and our generals seem to be waiting for a
development of his intentions. Meantime he is getting nearer to Charleston, and
cutting railroad communications between that city and the interior. The city is
doomed, unless Hardee or Beauregard, or both, successfully take the initiative.
Here the price of
slaves, men, is about $5000 Confederate States notes, or $100 in specie. A great
depreciation. Before the war, they commanded ten times that price.
It is rumored that
hundreds of the enemy's transports have come into the James River. If it be
Thomas's army reinforcing Grant, Richmond is in immediate peril! Information of
our numbers, condition, etc. has been, doubtless, communicated to the enemy and
our slumbering government could not be awakened!
Wigfall, of Texas,
Graham, of North Carolina, Orr and Miles, of South Carolina, oppose the
employment of negro troops, and Gen. Wickham, of this department, openly
proclaims such a measure as the end of the Confederacy! We are upon stirring
times! Senator Wigfall demands a new cabinet, etc.
Two P.M. The sun has
come out; warmer. But it does not disperse the prevailing gloom. It is feared
Richmond must be abandoned, and our forces concentrated farther South, where
supplies may be more easily had, and where it will be a greater labor and
expense for the enemy to subsist his armies.
Assistant Secretary
of War, Judge Campbell, is still furloughing, detailing, and discharging men
from the army; and yet he thinks the country is pretty nearly exhausted of its fighting
population! His successor is not yet appointed; the sooner the better, perhaps.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 416-7
Coldest morning of
the winter.
My exposure to the
cold wind yesterday, when returning from the department, caused an attack of
indigestion, and I have sufferred much this morning from disordered stomach and
bowels.
From Northern papers
we learn that Gen. Grant's demonstration last week was a very formidable effort
to reach the South Side Railroad, and was, as yet, a decided failure. It seems
that his spies informed him that Gen. Lee was evacuating Richmond, and under
the supposition of Lee's great weakness, and of great consequent demoralization
in the army, the Federal general was induced to make an attempt to intercept
what he supposed might be a retreat of the Confederate army. There will be more
fighting yet before Richmond is abandoned, probably such a carnival of blood as
will make the world start in horror.
The New York Tribune
still affects to believe that good results may come from the recent peace
conference, on the basis of reunion, other basis being out of the question. The
new amnesty which it was said President Lincoln intended to proclaim has not appeared,
at least our papers make no mention of it.
Gen. Lee has
proclaimed a pardon for all soldiers, now absent without leave, who report for
duty within 20 days, and he appeals to their patriotism. I copy it.
HEADQUARTERS ARMIES OF THE CONFEDERATE STATES,
February 11th, 1865.
GENERAL
ORDERS NO. 2.
In
entering upon the campaign about to open, the general-in-chief feels assured
that the soldiers who have so long and so nobly borne the hardships and dangers
of the war require no exhortation to respond to the calls of honor and duty.
With
the liberty transmitted by their forefathers they have inherited the spirit to
defend it.
The
choice between war and abject submission is before them.
To
such a proposal brave men, with arms in their hands, can have but one answer.
They
cannot barter manhood for peace, nor the right of self-government for life or
property.
But
justice to them requires a sterner admonition to those who have abandoned their
comrades in the hour of peril[.]
A
last opportunity is offered them to wipe out the disgrace and escape the
punishment of their crimes.
By
authority of the President of the Confederate States, a pardon is announced to
such deserters and men improperly absent as shall return to the commands to
which they belong within the shortest possible time, not exceeding twenty days
from the publication of this order, at the headquarters of the department in
which they may be.
Those
who may be prevented by interruption of communications, may report within the
time specified to the nearest enrolling officer, or other officer on duty, to
be forwarded as soon as practicable; and upon presenting a certificate from
such officer, showing compliance with this requirement, will receive the pardon
hereby offered.
Those
who have deserted to the service of the enemy, or who have deserted after
having been once pardoned for the same offense, and those who shall desert, or
absent themselves without authority, after the publication of this order, are
excluded from its benefits. Nor does the offer of pardon extend to other
offenses than desertion and absence without permission.
By
the same authority, it is also declared that no general amnesty will again be
granted, and those who refuse to accept the pardon now offered, or who shall
hereafter desert or absent themselves without leave, shall suffer such
punishment as the courts may impose, and no application for clemency will be
entertained.
Taking
new resolution from the fate which our enemies intend for us, let every man
devote all his energies to the common defense.
Our
resources, wisely and vigorously employed, are ample, and with a brave army,
sustained by a determined and united people, success, with God's assistance,
cannot be doubtful.
The
advantages of the enemy will have but little value if we do not permit them to
impair our resolution. Let us, then, oppose constancy to adversity, fortitude
to suffering, and courage to danger, with the firm assurance that He who gave
freedom to our fathers will bless the efforts of their children to preserve it.
R. E. LEE, General.
The Senate did
nothing on Saturday but discuss the policy of abolishing the Bureau of
Conscription, the office of provost marshal outside of our military lines.
Gov. Smith's salary
is to be increased to $20,000, and he is still exempting young justices, deputy
sheriffs, deputy clerks, constables, etc.
SOURCE: John
Beauchamp Jones, A Rebel War Clerk's Diary at the Confederate
States Capital, Volume 2, p. 419-21
Capt. Tompkins very suddenly marched off to Harper's Ferry, with the right section. Thunder storm in the evening.
SOURCE: Theodore Reichardt, Diary of Battery A, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, p. 23
During the siege of Savannah Major Johnson was off on the flanks of the army with the mounted portion of the regiment, scouting, foraging, doing outpost duty, and gathering up stragglers from their commands. After the fall of the city General Corse sends a dispatch ordering him to join his regiment. On the evening of the twenty-second he halts on a plantation near the Ogeechee River, and after camping his men, accompanied by Lieutenant S. F. Flint, he wends his way to the planter's mansion. It is now dark and raining. The Major knocks at the door, and after an assurance of friendship, they are received into the household. Their sabres’ frightful clang grates harshly upon the ears of the inmates—an old man, woman and daughter and for a while they seem frightened, but the gentlemanly demeanor of the Major and Lieutenant soon wins their confidence, causing them to come to the conclusion that the Yankees were not the wild creatures they had been represented to be. The midnight hour approximating, they all retire, leaving the Major and Lieutenant the occupants of the parlor. In the morning, while all is quiet, they make their exit, leaving the following beautiful lines (written by the Lieutenant,) in the clock:
After our entrance into the city, we go into camp in the suburbs, where we remain during the night and the following day.
SOURCE: Daniel Leib Ambrose, History of the Seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, p. 288-90
We have had a week of comparative quiet since my last entry. The enemy have ceased shelling, and it is believed that they have abandoned the idea of taking this place at present. We have now some hope of being sent to reinforce General J. E. Johnston, who is in command of the army in Tennessee. Spring has fully opened here, and the woods and flowers are in full bloom. The weather has been oppressively warm for the last two weeks, until within a couple of days, when it has been rather cool.
SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 165
I have allowed a huge gap to occur in this Diary, for which I can offer a poor excuse. I have been sick with head-ache for about three weeks, until a few days ago, when it left me, and simultaneously with its departure disappeared also the feeling of lassitude with which I have been almost prostrated; but I again feel my usual flow of spirits and a desire to place on record the doings of the Forty-first. Since the bombardment of this place on the night of the 14th of March, our daily life has been somewhat interesting, compared with what it was before. The Yankee vessels remained below the point a week or ten days, occasionally throwing a shell into our midst, and finally disappeared entirely; but soon after our old acquaintance, the "Essex," hove in sight, evidently with the intention of paying us a protracted visit. During the last month, our regiment has been worked every day at the rate of two hundred and fifty men to the detail, and, when not on fatigue duty, we have drilled constantly. Our rations have improved greatly in quality, but not in quantity. We now draw bacon, meal, rice, sugar, molasses and peas, and fish are also very plentiful, but dear. For a while, after the poor Texas beef gave out, we drew spoilt pork, but it was preferable.
During the intervals between the appearance of the Yankee vessels, we have managed to pass off the time very well. The weather has been beautiful, and our minds have been kept about as busy as our hands, between hope and expectation—hope that we may get marching orders, while we have been anxiously expecting the re-appearance of the Yankee fleet. As yet no marching orders have come for us, but the gunboats have made their appearance above and below. The first intimation we had of their coming was from an order for the regiment to take position on the river bank, to act as sharpshooters during the engagement. The fleet above, after a stay of a few days, during which they sent up rockets and fired signal guns to the lower fleet, steamed up the river. After being gone over a week, they re-appeared a few days since. The situation now is: we are menaced above by three formidable vessels, while the fleet below is in plain view and very busy. The probability is that an attack may be made at any hour. We are ready for them.
SOURCE: Edwin L. Drake, Editor, The Annals of the Army of Tennessee and Early Western History, Vol. 1, p. 165-6